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gary from Halifax
10-24-2021
09:03 PM ET (US) IP: 108.175.132.12
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Derek M Was it perhaps Mario del Monaco in the photo. Cheers..Gary
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SAM MILLION
10-24-2021
07:42 PM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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HI DEREK. I AM HAVING A GREAT DEAL OF DIFFICULTY RECOGNIZING THAT TENOR TO THE RIGHT OF MR. WHITFIELD. WAS HIS NAME SOMETHING THAT IN ITALIAN MEANS SQUASH? WAS HIS NAME THE MASCULINE FORM OF MARIA? DOES HIS NAME RYYNE WITH BONANZA? AH, I GIVE UP. SOMEONE ELSE HERE WILL SURELY GIVE THE CORRECT ANSWER.....
HI KRISTINE. OLIVER OR "OLLIE" HARDY SANG IN A COUPLE OF THEIR MOVIES ( BOTH TWO REELERS AND FEATURES). MY FAVORITE LAUREL AND HARDY FEATURE IS "WAY OUT WEST". MOST CRITICS SAY THAT THIS MOVIE AND "SONS OF THE DESERT" ARE THE BEST THEY EVER MADE. IN "WAY OUT WEST" OLLIE SINGS "THE BLUE RIDGE MOUNTAINS OF VIRGINIA" IN A SWEET LIGHT TENOR VOICE. FOR COMEDY, STAN OR STANLEY SINGS THE VERSE WITH HIM IN A LOW REGISTER, THEN GETS CLUNKED OVER THE HEAD BY OLLIE, AND ENDS UP SINGING IN A VERY HIGH FALSETTO VOICE. INCIDENTALLY, "WAY OUT WEST" ALSO HAS WHAT I FEEL IS THE BEST EXTENDED LAUGHING SEQUENCE EVER PUT ON FILM. HOW STAN LAUREL LAUGHED SO MUCH AND FOR SO LONG IS NOTHING SHORT OF AMAZING! GO HERE TO SEE/HEAR IT:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZAfjgTc-t0U (NOTE THAT THIS WAS RECORDED "LIVE" WITH NO DUBBING.
ALSO, "WAY OUT WEST" FEATURES A DANCE SEQUENCE THE DUO MADE. IT IS ANOTHER CLASSIC. GO HERE:
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_que...+dance+way+out+west
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Kristine C
10-24-2021
07:33 PM ET (US) IP: 96.59.37.64
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Where do we send letters to Jeff ? I like Laurel and Hardy, too. Oliver Hardy had a singing voice. Tenor , Felix Knight was in their movie "March Of The Wooden Soldiers"(1934). Knight was good looking, had a good singing voice, but only made a few movies. You can hear him on You Tube, singing "Moon of Manakoora"(from the movie, "The Hurricane")and "Let One Flower Grow Alone In Your Garden"(from "The Desert Song"). Stan Laurel's son-in-law was Rand Brooks, who played Scarlett O'Hara's husband, in "Gone With The Wind" and was on "Rin Tin Tin" t.v. series. I belong to Sons Of The Desert Club, down here, in Florida.
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SAM MILLION
10-24-2021
07:25 PM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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KRISTINE: IT SOUNDS TO ME LIKE THE COMPANY THAT HAS HOSTED JEFF RENSE'S FORUM THAT WE ENJOY EVERY SINGLE DAY AND HAVE FOR MANY YEARS IS CLOSING DOWN.
WE NEED TO QUESTION JEFF TO SEE WHAT NEW COMPANY HE WILL BE USING FOR THE FORUM. I VERY MUCH DOUBT HE WILL CLOSE IT DOWN.
SO, GUYS, EVERYONE NEEDS TO WRITE TO JEFF AND FIND OUT WHAT HIS PLANS ARE. THIS IS MY LETTER. EVERYONE PLEASE ADD YOURS TO THE LIST WITHOUT DELAY!
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Kristine C
10-24-2021
03:38 PM ET (US) IP: 96.59.37.64
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Sam, I will send check to you in tomorrow's mail. I like Laurel and Hardy,too. Oliver Hardy had a singing voice. Tenor Felix Knight was in their movie "March Of The Wooden Soldiers". He was good looking and had a good singing voice, but only made a few movies. On You Tube, you can hear him sing "Moon Of Manakoora"(from the movie "The Hurricane")and "Let One Flower Grow Alone In Your Garden". I just read that Quick Topic is shutting down in December. Where will this forum go to ?
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Derek Mainwaring  10-24-2021
12:37 PM ET (US) IP: 24.13.214.89
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"Cara Mia" was a multi-million-seller for British tenor David Whitfield in 1954. He recorded it with the Mantovani orchestra, as did Joseph Calleja on a recent Mantovani tribute album. Both recordings can be found on YouTube and both are very fine. The song was over a decade old before Jay Black and the Americans recorded their up-tempo version in 1965.
Here's a charming photo of David Whitfield taken backstage at the London Palladium in November 1957. You'll probably recognize the artist in the suit and tie standing to his immediate left.
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SAM MILLION
10-24-2021
10:06 AM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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AND HERE IS JAY DOING THE SONG IN ITS INITIAL RELEASE:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1sFy5_kmEi4
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SAM MILLION
10-24-2021
10:05 AM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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YOUTUBE 2011 JAY BLACK "CARA MIA". I HAVEN'T HEARD IT YET. LET'S SEE HOW HE DOES MUCH OLDER:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9oFW6rmtUXY
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SAM MILLION
10-24-2021
09:57 AM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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HI KRISTINE. I AM DELIGHTED THAT YOU WANT A LANZA CARICATURE FOR YOUR COLLECTION. I GUARANTEE YOU WILL BE PLEASED. JUST SEND 15.00 TO SAM SAMUELIAN, 2305 WEST DEERFIELD DRIVE, MEDIA, PA. 19063.
INCIDENTALLY, I LOVE THE MUSIC OF JAY BLACK AND THE AMERICANS. JAY'S RANGE WAS INCREDIBLE. I KNOW SEVERAL SINGERS LOCALLY WHO HAVE TRIED SINGING "CARA MIA" AND THEY ALWAYS HAVE TROUBLE WITH THE HIGH NOTES. I MYSELF HAVE TRIED IT (IN A LOWER KEY) AND STILL IT IS HARD TO SING!!
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Kristine C
10-24-2021
01:16 AM ET (US) IP: 96.59.37.64
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I am a fan of Rocky and Bullwinkle.
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Kristine C
10-24-2021
01:15 AM ET (US) IP: 96.59.37.64
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Sam, I think I would like one of those caricatures. I am artistic and love caricatures. What's your address, again ?
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Kristine C
10-24-2021
01:12 AM ET (US) IP: 96.59.37.64
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Correction: Jay Black.
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SAM MILLION
10-23-2021
11:23 PM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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GOOD CATCH KRISTINE! I KNOW CLINT OFTEN LIKED TO CONTROL THE MUSIC IN HIS FILMS BUT NOT SURE WHY HE CHOSE MARIO'S BIT. THE FILM ITSELF IS EXCELLENT.
HEY FOLKS, I FORGOT TO MENTION THAT I HAVE A COUPLE OF THE KILGORE MARIO LANZA CARICATURES LEFT. IT IS APPROXIMATELY 11 BY 18 INCHES AND SUITABLE FOR FRAMING. IF ANYONE WANTS ONE, JUST ASK ME. FIFTEEN DOLLARS SHIPPED. AS I SAID EARLIER IT IS COLORFUL AND WELL DONE WITH MARIO WEARING THE COSTUME USED IN THE LAST SEQUENCE OF "THAT MIDNIGHT KISS" WITH DEEP BLUE COLOR AND GOLD ACCENTS. THE COPIES ARE INDISTINGUISHABLE FROM THE ORIGINAL THANKS TO AN EXCELLENT PRINTER HERE IN MEDIA.
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Kristine C
10-23-2021
11:19 PM ET (US) IP: 96.59.37.64
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Jay Blackton passed away. RIP. He was with Jay and The Americans, back in the '60's, though, he sang rock'n'roll type music, his voice had opera potential, especially, when they sang "Cara Mia".
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Kristine C
10-23-2021
10:29 PM ET (US) IP: 96.59.37.64
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I am watching the movie "Bird" on TCM. It's about jazz musician, Charlie Parker and was directed by Clint Eastwood. It starred Forrest Whittaker and is from 1989. There is a scene, in the movie, where Mario Lanza is heard, singing "Be My Love".
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Bill Ronayne
10-23-2021
10:04 PM ET (US) IP: 68.192.185.86
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 Nice review Sam. It was a very enjoyable afternoon and our 3rd luncheon since reopening. The Mario Lanza Institute would like to thank everyone that attended and also those that made donations. Sam can be seen wearing his Mario shirt. Best, Bill Edited 10-23-2021 10:06 PM
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SAM MILLION
10-23-2021
08:46 PM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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THE MARIO LANZA MUSEUM EVENT FOR TODAY, SATURDAY OCTOBER 23RD.
I PUT ON MY MARIO LANZA T-SHIRT WITH THE "PRIZEFIGHTER STANCE" (WHICH MANY ADMIRED) AND HEADED TO THE MUSUEM IN PHILADELPHIA. THE START TIME WAS TO BE 1:00 PM AND I ARRIVED 12:30 TO SEE PLENTY OF PEOPLE ALREAY THERE TALKING AND ENJOYING ALL THE WONDERFUL RARE PHOTOS BILL RONAYNE PUT UP ALL BY HIMSELF. HE HAS DONE A MARVELOUS JOB COVERING PRACTICALLY EVERY SQUARE INCH OF THE WALLS. MARIO IS EVEN IN THE BATHROOM!
MARIO'S FIRST COUSIN, CAROLE SHEA, CAME UP FROM NEW JERSEY TO BE THERE AND BILL TOLD ME THAT MOST ATTENDEES WERE PEOPLE WHO ARE LOCAL EITHER TO PHILLY OR NEW JERSEY. BEING A "FOODIE", I SURVEYED THE FOOD THAT WAS THE FIRST ORDER OF "BUSINESS" RIGHT AFTER WE DID A TOAST TO MARIO'S 100TH ANNIVERSARY.
THE FOOD CONSISTED OF THREE INCH HOAGIE PIECES EITHER ITALIAN OR TURKEY OR SALAMI, ETC. THEN THERE WERE DELICIOUS WRAPS STUFFED WITH CHICKEN AND PLENTY OF OTHER GOODIES. THESE WENT FAST. A MACARONI SALAD WAS NEXT ALONG WITH SWEET AND HOT PEPPERS. THE "STATION" TO THE RIGHT HAD A VARIETY OF CARBONATED DRINKS. LAST STOP WAS THE DESSERTS THAT WENT FASTER THAN ANYTHING ELSE. LANZA FOLKS MUST HAVE A SWEET TOOTH. I ENJOYED THE SOFT COOKIES WITH JELLY CENTERS, THE DOUBLE LAYER CHOCOLATE COOKIES, THE CANDIES LIKE HERSHEY'S AND CRAMY MINTS, AND SOME VERY SMALL SQUARE SOFT COOKIES.
BILL'S TIMING WAS IMPECCABLE. HE ALLOWED JUST ENOUGH TIME FOR EVERYONE TO FILL THEIR BELLIES AND THEN BY 2:00 HE STARTED RUNNING "BECAUSE YOU'RE MINE" ON THE BIG SCREEN TV. IT LOOKED EXCELLENT AND HE TURNED THE SOUND UP TO CONCERT LEVEL. NO MATTER HOW MANY TIMES YOU HAVE SEEN THIS FILM, IT ALWAYS IS BETTER WATCHING IT WITH PEOPLE WHO REACT TO IT, ESPECIALLY THE FUNNY SCENES. THERE WAS SILENCE WHENEVER MARIO SANG. THE MOVIE IS FILLED WITH GREAT MUSIC AND IT IS TIMED WELL THROUGHOUT. I HAVE SAID BEFORE THAT I FIND THIS FILM A VERY WATCHABLE ONE.
BILL TOLD EVERYONE THE STORY ABOUT LANZA SINGING "THE LORD'S PRAYER". HE WALKS INTO THE CHURCH A NICE SVELTE MARIO AND AFTER HE ENTERS HE GAINS ABOUT 40 POUNDS TO BECOME THE NOT SO SVELTE MARIO! HIS WEIGHT VARIES MORE IN THIS MOVIE THAN ANY OTHER. HE WASN'T SO HAPPY MAKING IT, BUT HE WAS PROFESSIONAL ENOUGH NOT TO LET IT SHOW. IT FOLLOWED "THE GREAT CARUSO" AND MARIO SAID "YOU CAN'T PUT CARUSO IN THE ARMY"! HE WANTED TO DO "THE STUDENT PRINCE" INSTEAD BUT THAT WASN'T TO BE. THE TITLE OF THE FILM WAS SUPPOSED TO BE DIFFERENT BUT SINCE THE SONG "BECAUSE YOU'RE MINE" HAD ALREADY BEEN WRITTEN IT BECAME THE FILM'S TITLE. INCIDENTALLY, I REMARKED TO ALL THAT THE FIRST SCENE WITH FRANCESCA LANDERS AND ROSSANO HOLDING EACH OTHER ON THE SOFA WAS "TOO LIGHT MARIO". HE IS CLOSE TO LOOKING EMACIATED.
I PASSED OUT MY SURPRISE GIFT TO EVERY PERSON THERE. IT IS A VERY LIMITED EDITION OF MARIO DONE IN CARICATURE BY MY THEN ARTIST FRIEND AL KILGORE. AL WAS FAMOUS FOR DRAWING BULLWINKLE FOR THE "ROCKY AND BULLWINKLE" TV SHOW. I TOLD ALL THE STORY BEHIND ITS MAKING. ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE CARICATURE (WHICH I THINK IS WONDERFUL) ARE WORDS THAT SAY "SAM, THIS IS THE CLOSEST I COULD COME TO THAT MIDNIGHT KISS". HE WAS REFERRING TO THE FACT THAT HE WAS SUPPOSED TO HAVE FOUND ME A 16MM PRINT OF THE FILM BUT IT FELL THROUGH, SO HE MADE THE ORIGINAL PAINTING INSTEAD. LOOKING AT THE CIRCUMSTANCES TODAY, I AM GLAD TO HAVE THIS OVER THE FILM SINCE DVDS OF IT ARE NOW COMMON. AL WAS A CLOSE FRIEND BUT DIED WAY TOO YOUNG AFTER A TRIP TO THE HOSPITAL FOR A PAIN HE WAS EXPERIENCING. WHEN HIS WIFE DOLORES CALLED TO TELL ME HE HAD PASSED, I DROPPED THE PHONE RECEIVER AND SIMPLY COULDN'T SAY A THING. LATER I CRIED HARD. HE AND I ALSO SHARED A LIFELONG LOVE OF LAUREL AND HARDY. AL WAS ONE OF THE FOUNDING MEMBERS OF THE LAUREL AND HARDY COMMEMORATIVE SOCIETY CALLED "THE SONS OF THE DESERT". I WENT UP TO NEW YORK FOR A FEW OF THEIR MEETINGS AND WAS THRILLED BY GUEST STARS THEY HAD INCLUDING MARGARET HAMILTON AND DICK VAN DYKE.
BACK TO TODAY. I TOOK A GOOD LOOK AT THE ATTENDEES SEEING THE MANY AND VARIED MARIO LANZA PHOTOS AND OTHER MEMORABILIA. VERY PROMINENT IS THE LARGE BUST OF HIM. THERE ARE TWO ARTICLES OF CLOTHING WHICH ARE NOT FROM A MOVIE SINCE THEY ARE CASUAL DRESS. I TOOK LOTS OF PHOTOS BUT UNFORTUNATELY DON'T KNOW HOW TO TRANSFER THEM HERE. POSSIBLY BILL CAN. ALSO, BILL IS TRAVELING BACK TO HIS HOME IN NEW YORK AS I WRITE THIS. I HOPE HE WILL ADD TO WHAT I AM TYPING AS WELL AS CORRECT ME IF I MAKE ANY MISTAKES.
HE SHOWED ME ABOUT FORTY COPIES OF A BOOK ABOUT ROSE PONSELLE WITH LOTS OF PICTURES AND FACTS. HE RETRIEVED THESE FROM THE ENRICO CARUSO MUSEUM WHICH HAS CLOSED ITS DOORS. THE CURATOR, ALDO MANCUSO, IS STILL LIVNG BUT RETIRED. THE BOOK IS AVAILABLE FROM THE MUSEUM (IT IS SIZABLE) FOR ONLY 15.00 WHILE YOU CAN FIND IT ON EBAY OR AMAZON FOR MANY TIMES THAT PRICE! I PURCHASED TWO OF THEM. BILL ALSO HAS AVAILABLE ALL OF THE SEPIA CDS, MARIO DINNER PLATES, AND MORE.
THE MOVIE WAS OVER BY NEARLY 4:00 AND PEOPLE HUNG AROUND AWHILE TALKING AND LOOKING AT THE MESMERIZING PHOTOS. I KNOW EVERYONE THERE HAD A WONDERFUL TIME. I HOPE THEY WILL BE ABLE TO ATTEND THE THREE NOVEMBER AFFAIRS. FIRST IS THE CAROLE SHEA DINNER PARTY SLATED FOR FRIDAY NOVEMBER 19TH. AS IN THE PAST, IT WILL BE HELD AT LA VIOLA. A THREE COURSE DINNER FOR 46.00 PER PERSON. I CAN VOUCH FOR THE HIGH QUALITY OF THE FOOD!
THE FOLLOWING DAY, NOVEMBER 2OTH, IS THE HIGHLIGHT OF THE WEEKEND: THE FORMAL MARIO LANZA BALL. IT IS BEING HELD AT A NEW LOCATION CALLED THEE "IATSE BALLROOM" AT 6 PM. THERE WILL BE A DJ TO PROVIDE DANCE AND BACKGROUND MUSIC. THERE WILL BE DIFFERENT "STATIONS". THE FIRST WILL HAVE THE APPETIZERS WHICH WILL ALSO BE BUTLERED. THEN COMES THE DINNER WITH THE FOLLOWING STATIONS: PASTA WITH SALAD AND ASSORTED BREAD, A CARVING STATION WITH POTATOES AND VEGETABLES, A SEAFOOD STATION, AND FINALLY A CHICKEN STATION. TUNE IN FOR THESE STATIONS (BAD JOKE!). THE LAST COURSE, OF COURSE, WILL BE DESSERT OF CHEESE CAKE WITH COFFEE AND TEA. NOTE THAT BEER, WINE, AND SOFT DRINKS ARE INCLUDED IN THE 125.00 PER PERSON PRICE OF ADMISSION. ALL OTHER DRINKS ARE AT THE CASH BAR THROUGHOUT THE EVENING (DARN IT, I LOVE APPLE MARTINIS BUT WILL LIKELY FOREGO THEM THIS YEAR--BESIDES I WILL BE DRIVING).
NATURALLY A FOCAL POINT OF THE AFFAIR WILL BE THE SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS PERFORMING. I UNDERSTAND THAT THIS YEAR A MEMBER OF THE METROPOLITAN OPERA COMPANY WILL BE A JUDGE! BILL WILL ALSO HAVE ONE OF HIS ALWAYS EXCELLENT VIDEO PRESENTATIONS. THERE WILL BE AN AUCTION TOO. PERSONALLY I WILL LIKELY SIT BACK AND ENJOY THIS PART SINCE A FEW YEARS AGO I HAD THE ENTIRE PLACE GASPING AS I CONTINUALLY OUTBID THE HUSBAND AND WIFE TEAM WHO HAVE THEIR OWN "LIGHTHOUSE" BED AND BREAKFAST. I SHOULD ALWAYS AVOID AUCTIONS SINCE I TEND TO BE STUBBORN. (THE SAME GOES FOR EBAY AUCTIONS. I FAR PREFER THE "BUY IT NOW" METHOD OF PURCHASING SOMETHING). I HOPE THERE WILL BE COLOR PROGRAMS, AS THEY ARE SUITABLE FOR KEEPING.
THERE WILL ALSO BE A THIRD EVENT FOR THE WEEKEND, WHICH WILL BE HELD ON SUNDAY NOVEMBER 21ST, A GATHERING AT THE MUSEUM WITH A LUNCHEON AND A SHOWING OF "SERENADE". THE SEATS ARE LIMITED TO A NUMBER IN THE TWENTIES AND ALREADY 17 HAVE BEEN BOOKED. THE COST IS 30.00 PER PERSON. NOTE THAT THE MUSEUM IS AT 1214 REED STREET IN PHILADELPHIA. THE OUTSIDE HAS VERY LARGE AND BOLD LETTERS ABOVE THE ENTRANCE. THE INSIDE IS QUITE INVITING IN ALL RESPECTS. I HOPE I CAN BE ONE OF THE PEOPLE ATTENDING, BUT I NEED TO WAIT AND SEE IF MY MENTAL HEALTH IS GOOD BY THEN. IF I AM THERE, YOU WON'T MISS ME WITH MY NEWLY PURCHASED VINTAGE BRIGHT RED JACKET AND MATCHING HAT!!
SO, THAT IS MY REPORT. I HOPE YOU ENJOYED READING IT.
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gary from Halifax
10-23-2021
05:12 PM ET (US) IP: 108.175.132.12
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Martino..please send me an e-m to myself: dgm56buick@outlook.com
I lost all my e-m addresses do to a pc problem. Many Thanks..Gary
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SAM MILLION
10-22-2021
11:28 PM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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TONIGHT'S MOVIE THAT I SCREENED MIGHT HAVE TO BE CENSORED. IT IS VERY, VERY NAUGHTY BUT AN EXTREMELY PROVOCATIVE AND THOUGHT PROVOKING FILM. THE TITLE IS "WILD THINGS" AND THAT IS A GREAT DESCRIPTION SINCE MOST OF THE CHARACTERS ARE WILD THINGS. STARS MATT DILLON, NEVE CAMPBELL, DENISE RICHARDS, CARRIE SNODGRESS,THERESA RUSSELL, KEVIN BACON, AND OTHERS. THERE IS A GOOD BIT OF NUDITY AND SOFT PORN. BUT THIS MOVIE IS SO INTERESTING THAT IT CAN BE WATCHED AGAIN AND AGAIN. EVEN AFTER "THE END" TITLES COME ON, THE STORY CONTINUES SHOWING BACK ELEMENTS THAT GOT THE CHARACTERS WHERE THEY END UP. NO ONE IS SAFE EXCEPT FOR ONE WHICH I WON'T POINT OUT IN CASE YOU GO TO AMAZON AND BUY A BLU RAY COPY FOR ONLY 6.99.
TOMORROW IS THE BIG DAY AT THE LANZA MUSEUM. I AM STOKED AND READY TO SEE 22 OTHER FANS THERE ENJOYING THE LUNCHEON AND BYM SHOWING. RIGHT BEFORE THAT I AM STOPPING IN AT OUR ROSE TREE PARK FOR THE BIG DOG FESTIVAL WHERE PEOPLE SHOW OFF THEIR DOGS, EAT, DRINK, AND SEE BOOTHS WITH BOTH COLLECTIBLES AND DOGGIE ITEMS FOR SALE YOU WON'T SEE ELSEWHERE.
HOW ABOUT A NEW QUIZ QUESTION BEFORE I GO. THIS IS CONCERNING MARIO'S LAST FILM "FOR THE FIRST TIME". WHEN MARIO AND JOHANNA ARE HAVING A DELECTABLE SPAGHETTI DINNER MARIO TAKES A SPOON AND PUTS SOME GRATED CHEESE ONTO RAFAELLA'S PLATE. WHAT DOES HE DO RIGHT AFTER THAT? HINT: IT IS VERY FUNNY!
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SAM MILLION
10-21-2021
11:18 PM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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HI KRIS,
I THINK YOU COVERED IT ALL WITH PIZAZZ! THANKS FOR THE ACCURACY OF YOUR COMMENTS. I BELIEVE IT WAS BOBBY VAN WHO LATER WENT ON TO A FINE DANCING CAREER IN FILM.
IT IS ONLY TWO MORE DAYS UNTIL 21 PLUS PEOPLE GATHER AT THE NEW MARIO LANZA MUSEUM FOR LUNCHEON AND SCREENING OF "BECAUSE YOU'RE MINE". I AM HAVING A SPECIAL AND UNIQUE GIFT MADE TO GIVE TO EACH ATTENDEE.
NOW ON A TOTALLY DIFFERENT SCORE: TONIGHT'S MOVIE FOR ME WAS SHEER ENTERTAINMENT. I SAW "SMOKEY AND THE BANDIT" WITH BURT REYNOLDS, SALLY FIELD, AND JACKIE GLEASON. IT IS A "ROAD" PICTURE WITH UNLIMITED ACTION AND FUN. YOU COULD TELL THE ENTIRE CAST WAS HAVING A GOOD TIME. I UNDERSTAND THAT MANY OF GLEASON'S SAYINGS WERE AD-LIB. MY FAVORITE IS THE NAME HE CALLS REYNOLDS "YOU TICK TURD". HILARIOUS! THERE IS A BONUS FEATURE SHOWING BURT MUCH OLDER DISCUSSING THE MOVIE. THEN ANOTHER BONUS FEATURE HAS PEOPLE LIKE RON HOWARD AND STEVEN SPIELBERG TALKING FONDLY OF THE UNIVERSAL LOT BEING THE GREATEST IN HOLLYWOOD. SHOWN ARE BUILDINGS USED FOR A FILM INTERCUT WITH THE ACTUAL MOVIE MADE. THE OLDEST STANDING SET IS ONE USED IN THE SILENT LON CHANEY "PHANTOM OF THE OPERA". ANOTHER IS "BACK TO THE FUTURE" AND YET ANOTHER IS BUTCH CASSIDY AND THE SUNDANCE KID". ONE OF THE MOST FAMOUS STRUCTURES IS THE HOUSE USED IN "PSYCHO". IT HAD ONLY TWO SIDES WHEN THE MOVIE WAS MADE BUT AFTER THE SUCCESS OF IT, THE OTHER TWO SIDES WERE MADE TO MAKE IT A COMPLETE HOUSE.
SPEAKING OF MOVIES, IT HAS BEEN AGES SINCE ANNA AND I WENT OUT TO SEE A NEW MOVIE IN THE THEATER. OUR LACK OF ATTENDANCE PRE-DATES COVID BY A COUPLE YEARS. WHAT A CHANGE FROM THE TIMES WE WOULD SEE TWO OR THREE MOVIES A WEEK! WELL, GOING OUT AGAIN IS ON OUR TO-DO LIST!
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Kristine C
10-21-2021
08:57 PM ET (US) IP: 96.59.37.64
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i read that a singer was dubbed for Christopher Plummer in "The Sound of Music" and that singer was also dubbed in for John Kerr in movie version of "South Pacific".
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Kris Cimmy
10-21-2021
06:59 PM ET (US) IP: 209.85.128.52
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Sam, according to Terry Robinson, the Army Base scenes were filmed at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. Marguerite Piazza was approached for "Because You're Mine", but she didn't want to leave television. Pier Angeli was considered for "The Seven Hills of Rome", and Mario wanted David Niven to be in "The Seven Hills of Rome". Was it Vince Edwards in "Too Late Blues" and "Serenade" ? I read,in Dore Schary's autobiography, that Mario wanted Lana Turner in "Because You're Mine" . MGM told him, she can't sing, though, she was in "Mr. Imperium" with Ezio Pinza and Fran Warren's voice was dubbed in for her. She wasn't happy working with Pinza. Now I have a question. What movie musical dancer made his film debut in "Because You're Mine" ?
On Thu, Oct 21, 2021, 1:27 PM QT - SAM MILLION <
qtopic-30-ECKcxtRbxUTNy@quicktopic.com> wrote:
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Kris Cimmy
10-21-2021
04:13 PM ET (US) IP: 209.85.128.41
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SAM MILLION
10-21-2021
01:27 PM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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KRIS: YOU GOT ME ON ALL OF YOUR QUESTIONS I AM SORRY TO REPORT! LET ME GO OVER THEM ONCE MORE:
Sam, here are my questions. What Army Base was used for "Because You're Mine" ? Jane Powell was first considered for "Because You're Mine", but had to withdraw from it, due to pregnancy. What soprano was considered for the movie, before Doretta Morrow was chosen ? What actress was first considered for "The Seven Hills of Rome" ? What British actor, did Mario want to be in "The Seven Hills Of Rome" ? By the way, Kurt Kasznar, who was in "For The First Time", was in the Broadway Cast of "The Sound of Music". I wonder if Julie Andrews was a fan of Mario Lanza ?
1-ARMY BASE: COULD IT BE WHERE HE WAS STAYING IN MARFA?
2-WHAT FEMAL WOULD HAVE BEEN CHOSEN FOR BECAUSE YOU'RE MINE: WELL, SOMEONE WITH A GOOD VOICE AND PREFERABLY AN OPERATIC QUALITY AND PRETTY WHO COULD ALSO ACT. MARIO'S FRIEND--I CAN'T THINK OF THE GIRL'S NAME BUT SHE WAS SUPPOSED TO MAKE AN ALBUM WITH MARIO AND NEVER DID.
3-BRITISH ACTOR FOR "SEVEN HILLS OF ROME". WHY BRITISH WHEN THE CAST WAS MOSTLY ITALIAN?
4-BOTH OF US SHOULD WONDER AND HOPE IF KASZNAR AND JULIE ANDREWS LIKED MARIO'S SINGING.
LET ME KNOW IF I CAME EVEN CLOSE TO AN ACCEPTABLE ANSWER. NO ONE ELSE HAS TRIED, SO I THINK IT IS TIME FOR YOU TO STOP THE SPECULATION.
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Ronald Sarbo
10-21-2021
12:22 PM ET (US) IP: 65.88.88.68
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Sam: Bellaver played Sgt Mazzioli. He worked in the office with Sgt Warden: Burt Lancaster. Of course Bellaver went on to star in the iconic TV series "Naked City" as Det. Arcaro.
I believe Mario wanted David Niven as they got on well in The Toast Of New Orleans. I also believe Lanza wanted Lana Turner For both "Because You're Mine" as well as The Seven Hills of Rome".
What actor was in both "Serenade" with Lanza and "Too Late Blues" with Bobby Darin?
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SAM MILLION
10-20-2021
11:49 PM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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GOOD ONE RON! HE IS HARRY BELLAVER, WHO PLAYED MARIO'S COUSIN IN SERENADE. I DON'T REMEMBER WHO HE PLAYED IN "FROM HERE TO ETERNITY".
COINCIDENTALLY, I WAS GOING TO WRITE ABOUT HIM TONIGHT BECAUSE HE APPEARED IN THE FILM I SHOWED IN OUR THEATER CALLED "LOVE ME OR LEAVE" ME WITH DORIS DAY AND JAMES CAGNEY. HE PLAYS CAGNEY'S "STOOGE". MARIO HIT HIM HARD IN THE SCENE FROM "SERENADE" WHERE HE CALLED JOAN FONTAINE A TRAMP. DORIS DAY'S SINGING IN THE MOVIE BIOGRAPHY OF VOCALIST RUTH ETTING IS SUPERB. HAS THERE EVER BEEN A MORE CRYSTAL CLEAR FEMALE VOICE IN THE MOVIES? IN THE FILM SHE STARTS OUT AS A DANCER BUT REALIZES SHE IS NO DANCER BUT RATHER A VOCALIST. IN REAL LIFE DORIS DAY STARTED AS A DANCER BUT AFTER AN ACCIDENT AFFECTING HER LEGS SHE BECAME A SINGER.
KRISTINE: IT IS ALMOST MIDNIGHT HERE AND I NEED SOME TIME TO ANSWER YOUR QUESTIONS---ESPECIALLY SINCE MOST LOOK DIFFICULT! WITHOUT A DOUBT MOST ARE THE TYPE THAT CANNOT BE LOOKED UP ON THE INTERNET. GEEZ!
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Kristine C
10-20-2021
09:58 PM ET (US) IP: 96.59.37.64
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Sam, here are my questions. What Army Base was used for "Because You're Mine" ? Jane Powell was first considered for "Because You're Mine", but had to withdraw from it, due to pregnancy. What soprano was considered for the movie, before Doretta Morrow was chosen ? What actress was first considered for "The Seven Hills of Rome" ? What British actor, did Mario want to be in "The Seven Hills Of Rome" ? By the way, Kurt Kasznar, who was in "For The First Time", was in the Broadway Cast of "The Sound of Music". I wonder if Julie Andrews was a fan of Mario Lanza ?
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gary from Halifax
10-20-2021
07:25 PM ET (US) IP: 108.175.132.12
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Hello Mike from LI. I had never known of Sissel and listened to a few of her songs. A lovely voice. I have listened to John Gary at various times over the years.Great singer. And as for Kiri I have enjoyed listening to her music over the years .. she is wonderful (retired now I believe) cheers Gary
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Ronald Sarbo
10-20-2021
05:07 PM ET (US) IP: 65.88.88.68
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Thanks Sam. Here's one for you. What actor was in both "From Here To Eternity" and "Serenade"?
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SAM MILLION
10-20-2021
02:40 PM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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WELL, THANK YOU RON FOR YOUR PERFECT SCORE IN ANSWERING MY QUIZ QUESTIONS. I HAVEN'T SEEN YOU POSTING IN YEARS. I BELIEVE YOU ARE ALSO A BIG FRANK SINATRA FAN.
HOW ABOUT SOMEONE ELSE POST SOME QUESTIONS THAT WILL CHALLENGE US?!
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Ronald Sarbo
10-20-2021
12:29 PM ET (US) IP: 170.170.57.205
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Gene Kelly played Pal Joey on Broadway.
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Ronald Sarbo
10-20-2021
12:27 PM ET (US) IP: 170.170.57.205
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There is a Spanish Blu-Ray of High Society but it is PAL. Not playable on US Blu-Ray players.
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Ronald Sarbo
10-20-2021
12:16 PM ET (US) IP: 170.170.57.195
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Louis Calhern was in The Student Prince & High Society.
Princess Grace would joke with Frank about her Gold Record for "True Love".
Angela Cartwright was in Make Room For Daddy.
Robert Wise directed The Sound Of Music
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Mike from L.I.
10-20-2021
09:28 AM ET (US) IP: 96.232.90.227
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Gary: my favorites other than Mario are Kiri te Kanawa (a wonderful crossover singer), John Gary, and a Norwegian singer named Sissel. Care to comment?
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SAM MILLION
10-20-2021
12:47 AM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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TONIGHT'S FILM FOR ME WAS "THE SOUND OF MUSIC". THIS IS PERHAPS THE GREATEST MUSICAL OF ALL TIME FROM THE GREAT CASTING TO THE WONDERFUL MUSICAL NUMBERS. JULIE ANDREWS IN HER PRIME ESSAYS THE ROLE OF MARIA WITH TENDERNESS AS WELL AS VERVE. HER SINGING IS LOVELY. IMAGINE "INHERITING" SEVEN CHILDREN ALL AT ONCE IN THIS STORY BASED ON THE REAL LIFE VON TRAPP FAMILY SINGERS. THE STUFFY CAPTAIN IS PLAYED BY CHRISTOPHER PLUMMER, WHO I BELIEVE DOES HIS OWN SINGING. THE CHILDREN ARE ALL EXCELLENT, AS IS ELEANOR PARKER AS THE BARONESS.
THIS WAS MY GRANDMOTHER'S FAVORITE MOVIE. SHE SAW IT THREE TIMES IN THE THEATER, AND THE BEST WAS WHEN WE COULD APPRECIATE THE FULL GRANDEUR OF TODD-AO WITH ITS SHARP 65MM FILM. FOR THE ROADSHOW VERSION WE TRAVELLED INTO CENTER CITY PHILADELPHIA TO SEE. IT WAS THRILLING.
YOU KNOW I CAN'T LEAVE WITHOUT A COUPLE OF QUIZ QUESTIONS. (BY THE WAY MOST OF MY PREVIOUS QUESTIONS REMAIN UNANSWERED).
1-ANGELA CARTWRIGHT PLAYED ONE OF THE CHILDREN. HER NAME WAS BRIGITTA. WHAT TV SHOW THAT SHE WAS IN FOR SEVEN YEARS MADE HER FAMOUS? SHE ALSO STARRED IN ANOTHER TV SHOW THAT RAN THREE YEARS. IT WAS "LOST IN SPACE", RUNNING FROM 1965 TO 1968.
2-WHO DIRECTED THE SOUND OF MUSIC?
ONE FINAL THOUGHT: CAN YOU IMAGINE MARIO SINGING "CLIMB EVERY MOUNTAIN"?!! A GREAT ROGERS AND HAMMERSTEIN PIECE.
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SAM MILLION
10-19-2021
05:43 PM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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THAT LAST QUESTION WAS A TRICK QUESTION! I HAVE TWO LEGITIMATE QUESTIONS REGARDING "HIGH SOCIETY". COLE PORTER WROTE 13 SONGS FOR THE MOVIE. NINE WERE USED. HE WAS IN GREAT PAIN FOR YEARS AFTER AN ACCIDENT RIDING A HORSE. LOUIS ARMSTRONG PLAYS AN IMPORTANT PART IN THE FILM AS HE "BRIDGES" THE DIFFERING STORY LINES FROM THE VERY BEGINNING IN THE BUS TO THE END WHEN HE SAYS "END OF STORY" AS THE END TITLES COME ON. HIS JAZZ DUET WITH BING AND LOUIS' ORCHESTRA IS EXCELLENT.
ALL THE ABOVE IS JUST INTERESTING TRIVIA. NOW THE QUESTIONS:
1-WHICH ACTOR APPEARED BOTH IN "HIGH SOCIETY" AND "THE STUDENT PRINCE"?
2-GRACE KELLY WOULD JOKE WITH FRANK SINATRA OVER WHAT THING SHE EARNED FOR HER SINGING IN THE 1956 MOVIE? IT WOULD BE YEARS BEFORE FRANK EARNED THE SAME THING FOR HIS SINGING.
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SAM MILLION
10-19-2021
11:13 AM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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LAST NIGHT I SCREENED "HIGH SOCIETY". THIS IS A FAVORITE MUSICAL WITH A STELLAR CAST INCLUDING FRANK SINATRA, GRACE KELLY, AND BING CROSBY. TOO BAD THEY DIDN'T EVER RELEASE IT ON THE BLU RAY IT DESERVES. MY PROJECTOR UPSCALES IT BUT IT STILL HAS SOME GRAIN. ANYWAY, IT IS LOADED WITH TOP COLE PORTER SONGS LIKE "TRUE LOVE" WHICH EARNED BOTH CROSBY AND KELLY AWARDS. I THEN WAS MOVED TO LOOK AT THE DVD BONUSES. ONE IS SAD. APPARENTLY GRACE TRIED TO DRIVE AT 16 AND WAS TERRIBLE AT IT. HER FATHER SAID SHE SHOULD NEVER DRIVE. HOW PROPHETIC. THE OTHER TOLD ME THAT HOWARD KEEL WAS SCHEDULED TO PLAY THE CROSBY PART BUT COULD NOT FINISH THE MOVIE HE WAS WORKING ON IN TIME. SO, BING GOT THE PART AND IT BECAME THE FIRST MUSICAL THE TWO APPEARED IN TOGETHER!
ONE QUICK QUIZ QUESTION: HAS A BLU RAY OF THE MOVIE EVER BEEN RELEASED?
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SAM MILLION
10-19-2021
11:07 AM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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WELL, WE ARE BACK UP AND RUNNING. I STILL HAVE SOME QUESTIONS I WROTE WHICH HAVE NEVER BEEN ASKED BEFORE, SO I HOPE SOMEONE WILL GIVE IT A SHOT.
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gary from Halifax
10-19-2021
10:26 AM ET (US) IP: 108.175.132.12
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tJS7nhCN_Gk
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gary from Halifax
10-19-2021
10:23 AM ET (US) IP: 108.175.132.12
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Speaking of favorite singers, I have a few after Mario.. Elvis,Jackie Wilson and a few others,some operatic tenors of course like Pippo,and Corelli. But I must add here Brenda Lee.
When I lived in Toronto she appeared at what was known as The Beverly Hills Motel in The Hook and Ladder Room..This was in 1971, and I caught her show 4 out of 5 nights. She came by my table in between acts and I spoke to her briefly. I asked if she would join me for dinner before she left her engagement. We met that Sat. night at the dining area and shared a meal and wonderful conversation. She was totally down to earth,friendly, and shared with me some aspects of her personal life. I shall never ever forget that evening.some 50 years ago.
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RenseWebmaster 10-19-2021
12:00 AM ET (US) IP: 99.147.157.102
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Test
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SAM MILLION
10-16-2021
10:24 PM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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MARIO LANZA IS MY ALL TIME FAVORITE SINGER. NO ARGUING THAT FACT! BUT BEFORE MARIO CAME INTO MY LIFE, MY FAVORITE SINGER WAS FRANK SINATRA. HE STILL IS NEAR THE TOP OF THE LIST. ACTUALLY NUMBER TWO.
TONIGHT I DECIDED TO GIVE MARIO A REST AND INSTEAD WATCHED FRANK IN ACTION IN MY FAVORITE SINATRA MUSICAL CALLED "PAL JOEY". I CAN WATCH THIS FILM ANYTIME AND NEVER GET BORED. IT FEATURES A GREAT SUPPORTING CAST IN RITA HAYWORTH AND KIM NOVAK, BOTH SCRUMPTIOUS ACTRESSES. THE RODGERS AND HART SCORE IS AMAZING. CLASSIC TUNES THROUGHOUT LIKE "THE LADY IS A TRAMP", "MY FUNNY VALENTINE", BEWITCHED, BOTHERED AND BEWILDERED, THERE'S A SMALL HOTEL, I DIDN'T KNOW WHAT TIME IT WAS, I COULD WRITE A BOOK, ARE ALL TOPS. THERE IS ALSO A TINY LITTLE DOG NAMED "SNUFFY" WHO STEALS EACH SCENE HE IS IN.
I WILL LEAVE WITH ONE QUIZ QUESTION RE PAL JOEY. THE FILM WAS RELEASED IN 1957, BUT WHO FIRST ESSAYED THE ROLE ON BROADWAY?
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SAM MILLION
10-16-2021
12:19 AM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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I FORGOT TO MENTION THAT MGM ALSO DYED MARIO'S BLACK HAIR BROWN WITH A REDDISH TINT. TOTALLY UNNECESSARY. MARIO DIDN'T LIVE TO SEE HIS HAIR GO GRAY, BUT THE MAKE UP PEOPLE IN "GREAT CARUSO" AGED HIM BY THE TIME OF THE CONCERT IN CHURCH WITH THE YOUNG BOY SOPRANO ADDING HIS VOICE. I THINK EVERYONE HERE KNOWS THAT THE VOICE WAS NOT THAT OF A BOY SOPRANO BUT RATHER THAT OF A TALENTED VOICE DOUBLE. I HAVE SPENT A MINIMUM OF 50.00 AT THE ARMENIAN STORE AND A MAXIMUM OF 200.00 FOR A TIME THAT A MALE PART WAS GIVEN TO HIM. IT HAS BECOME AN UNCOPIED FOCAL POINT OF "SEVEN HILLS OF ROME".
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SAM MILLION
10-16-2021
12:08 AM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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AS USUAL YOU ARE RIGHT KRIS. KUDOS! I MAY AS WELL TELL YOU THE SONG MR. DONETTI SINGS IS "THREE O'CLOCK IN THE MORNING". HE IS PROBABLY DUBBED BUT I CAN'T SAY FOR SURE AS NAISH HAD SUCH A WIDE RANGE OF CHARACTERS AND VOCAL VARIATION.
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SAM MILLION
10-16-2021
12:05 AM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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WHILE DRIVING AROUND TODAY IN OUR VAN I WAS PLAYING THE ROYAL ALBERT HALL CONCERT. I KNEW THE LAST NOTE OF "BECAUSE YOU'RE MINE" WAS PERFECT, RINGING THIS CONCERT. THE ONLY BAD NOTE WAS THE VERY LAST WITH "LA DONNA E MOBILE". THIS AND OTHER FLAWS WERE SURELY WHAT MADE LANZA KILL THE RELEASE OF THE SHOW. LUCKY FOR US THAT POSTHUMOUSLY RCA PUT IT OUT ON LP AND TODAY YOU CAN FIND IT ON CD AS WELL UNDER THE TITLE "LIVE FROM LONDON". OF COURSE WE ARE ALSO VERY FORTUNATE TO HAVE SOME VIDEO CLIPS OF LIVE SHOWS LIKE THE LONDON PALLADIUM WITH A SVELTE LOOKING MARIO SINGING PERFECTLY DESPITE THE PHLEBITIS THAT PUT HIM IN A GREAT DEAL OF PAIN, THE SECOND CHRYSLER SHOWER OF STARS SHOW, AND SELECTED HIGH NOTES SUNG LIVE IN A COUPLE OF HIS MOVIES. LIKE TONIGHT IN TMK I ENJOYED HIM THROWING A HIGH NOTE AT KATHRYN'S VOCAL COACH AND LATER TO ARTHUR TREACHER. HE SINGS A LIVE NOTE IN "THE GREAT CARUSO" AFTER THE SNUFF TO CLEAR THE NOSE, ETC., ROUTINE. IN "BECAUSE YOU'RE MINE" HE SINGS LIVE AFTER SIGNING HIS AUTOGRAPH FOR HIS REAL LIFE MOTHER AND FATHER. NOTE THAT BY THE TIME HE HEADS FOR THE TRUCK WITH ALL THE OTHERS PILED IN, THE TRACK SWITCHES TO A RECORDING HE LIP SYNCS. IN "TOAST OF NEW ORLEANS" HE SINGS LIVE DOING SCALES FOR THE MAESTRO. WHO CAN NAME SOME OTHER EXAMPLES, IF ANY? ALSO, A TENOR IS HEARD SINGING "BE MY LOVE" FOR "THE SEVEN HILLS OF ROME" SCENE AFTER HE HAS MADE A PITCH TO GET A JOB AT THE ULPIA CLUB. IT WAS MARIO PURPOSELY SINGING LIKE A POOR TENOR!!
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Kristine C
10-15-2021
11:15 PM ET (US) IP: 96.59.37.64
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Sam, Amparo was Jose' Iturbi's sister's first name, M-G-M straightened Mario's hair. I can't remember the song .
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SAM MILLION
10-15-2021
11:09 PM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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TONIGHT'S MOVIE WAS "THAT MIDNIGHT KISS". I KNOW I JUST SAW IT RECENTLY, BUT CAN ONE GET ENOUGH LANZA? OF COURSE NOT! I THOUGHT UP SOME QUESTIONS ABOUT THE MOVIE:
1-JOSE ITURBI HAS A REAL LIFE SISTER WHO APPEARS IN THE MOVIE. WHAT WAS HER NAME?
2-WHAT DID THE STUDIO DO TO MARIO'S HAIR BEFORE FILMING?
3-J. CARROLL NAISH SINGS (OR IS DUBBED FOR) A LOVELY BALLAD THAT IS A STANDARD AT THE PARTY GIVEN FOR HIS SON AND FUTURE DAUGHTER IN LAW. NAME IT.
WE ARE HAVING OUR FIRST GARAGE SALE SINCE WE MOVED INTO OUR HOUSE IN 1990, WHEN WE HAD ONE CIRCA 1997. I REMEMBER IT WELL BECAUSE PEOPLE THAT CAME DIDN'T DO MUCH BUYING. OUR NEIGHBORHOOD ISN'T THE GARAGE SALE TYPE SINCE THEY ARE RATHER "UPPITY". I ACTUALLY MADE MORE MONEY SELLING SNO CONES TO THE KIDS!! IT MAY BE HOT ENOUGH TO REPEAT THAT TOMORROW. THE SNO CONE MAKER WORKS WELL AND MAKES ICE THAT IS FINE AS SNOW. AND I HAVE GOOD FLAVORS LIKE LIME, CHERRY, STRAWBERRY, AND ORANGE. ORANGE YOU GLAD I TOLD YOU ALL THIS, LOL?!
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SAM MILLION
10-15-2021
12:00 AM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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AFTER A BIG MEAL I WANTED TO JUST RELAX, SO SHOWED A DOUBLE FEATURE IN OUR THEATER. FIRST WAS "JOLSON SINGS AGAIN", THE FOLLOW UP TO "THE JOLSON STORY". LIKE THE FIRST MOVIE, THIS IS LOADED WITH CLASSIC SONGS AND THE JOLSON VOICE IS AT ITS RICHEST AND DEEPEST. NEXT, "THE SEVEN HILLS OF ROME" AGAIN BECAUSE I WANTED TO SEE WHAT I ALWAYS THOUGHT ABOUT THE MOVIE--THAT IT IS RATHER EMPTY STORY WISE AND THE SONGS DON'T COME VERY QUICKLY. MY FEELINGS HAVEN'T CHANGED ABOUT THE STORY OR LACK OF IT, BUT THEY HAVE INDEED CHANGED ABOUT THE FLOW OF THE SONGS. THEY ARE VERY EVENLY PACED AND MAKE FOR A NICE FLOW FOR THE FILM.
I HAVE SOME QUIZ QUESTIONS REGARDING IT:
1-WHAT ITALIAN WORD DOES RAFAELLA TELL MARIO WHEN SHE FIRST MEETS HIM? IT HAS TO DO WITH A "QUE SERA SERA" FEELING.
2-MARIO HAD TWO SONS. WHICH OF THEM IS MARIO'S CHARACTER NAMED FOR?
3-MARIO SINGS A LOVELY MEZZA VOCE SONG WHILE ON THE BOAT WITH HIS GIRLFRIEND. THE SONG IS INCOMPLETE SINCE THE STORY GETS IN THE WAY! NAME THE SONG.
COME ON--TRY TO BEAT KRISTINE THIS TIME!!
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SAM MILLION
10-14-2021
04:53 PM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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YES INDEED, VINCE. THE RAH VERSION IS SUPERIOR. SO FAR AS "NESSUN DORMA" GOES, MARIO'S VERSION (BOTH THE ONE USED IN "SERENADE" AND THE ALTERNATE TAKE ARE EXCELLENT. YOU ALL KNOW (AND LOVE I HOPE) ANOTHER ONE WHO SINGS THIS ARIA:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kZq4REe8OSA
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Martino1 10-14-2021
11:58 AM ET (US) IP: 67.216.108.216
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Vince, you are correct. Of course we can nitpick, and this is true of every song or aria sung by any singer. Lanza (and Bjorling) did a fabulous job with the slightly slower than usual tempo. From these two I would have it no other way. Remember, we are only talking fractions here.
Most tenors sing this aria a little faster and only in the hands of the most capable artists such as Lanza and Bjorling does this slower tempo succeed. In lessor hands, it could get a little sluggish which this aria is anything but. Mario and Jussi knew how to negotiate the tempo of the conductor, and make it even better than usual. The conductors probably knew these two tenors were among the best ever and purposely slowed things down a bit to showcase the voices in a way the audience could "savor" them better.
So good are these renditions, that I believe the best three "Nessun Dorma" ever sung live (not studio) are these two and Corelli. Unlike Corelli, who sang the complete opera in every major venue in the world dozens of times (and has been considered the best Calaf ever to sing it on the stage), neither Lanza or Bjorling ever sang Turandot live. Bjorling did, however, learn the complete role of Calaf when he made one of his last recordings of this opera for RCA.
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Vince Di Placido 10-14-2021
11:44 AM ET (US) IP: 86.44.28.228
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A little something I was working on...
A simple song but as usual Mario sells it beautifully.
I always preferred his live performance of this at the Royal Albert Hall over his soundtrack recording.
https://youtu.be/KkMaZh5Rp7c
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Vince Di Placido 10-14-2021
11:14 AM ET (US) IP: 86.44.28.228
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Thanks Sam, Gary, Martino and Derek.
It is a glorious live performance!
Derek, I do think the tempo is a tiny wee bit too slow. ;-)
But I will agree with you that the tempo certainly does allow us to wallow and bask in Mario's brilliance.
Fair play to Mario for dealing magnificently with the demands, actually he seems to be savouring it.
I really wish Rózsa had at the very least injected a small bit of pace and extra excitement coming out of the orchestral bridge into, "Dilegua, o notte! Tramontate, stelle!", he is so rigid with his metre that he doesn't see the opportunity to find that extra thrill there.
How's that for nitpicking! ;-) :-)
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Derek Mainwaring 10-14-2021
10:08 AM ET (US) IP: 24.13.214.89
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Bravo once again, Vince, another fine video and a truly stunning performance by Lanza, the one that inspired the title "Singing to the Gods" for my second Lanza bio. It always makes me wish he had managed to summon up the elegance of that performance when it came time to record the aria for "Serenade." Rozsa has been criticized by some purists for his slower than usual tempo, but that's just nitpicking IMO. Besides, if nothing else, it gives you more time to bask in the glory of Lanza's fabulous singing.
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SAM MILLION
10-13-2021
05:01 PM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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MAGNIFICENT JOB DEAR VINCE. FROM THE STILLS TO THE CRISP SOUND TO THE CLEVER MATCHING OF VISUALS FROM FTFT TO THE HOLLYWOOD BOWL. OF COURSE WE HAVE COME TO THINK OF YOUR YOUTUBE OUTPUT AS NOTHING LESS THAN BRILLIANT!
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SAM MILLION
10-13-2021
04:50 PM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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HI KRIS,
GOOD JOB! YES, SHE SAW TWO DOCTORS AND IT WAS EITHER THE SECOND OR THIRD THAT SAID HE WOULD TAKE A CHANCE (SINCE THE OPERATION WAS NEW AND RISKY). JOHANNA SAID UNFAVORABLE ODDS DIDN'T SCARE HER AND SHE WANTED TO GET MARRIED BUT NOT UNTIL SHE COULD HEAR MARIO SPEAK/SING. THE GOAT'S NAME IS "MATILDA", WHICH YOU HEAR JOHANNA AND HER FATHER EXCLAIM SEVERAL TIMES WHERE THEY ARE "STUCK" AT THE NARROW ROADWAY LEADING TO THE BRUCKNER HOUSE. THE MAID WAS BEATING THE GOAT AND HIT MARIO A FEW TIMES AS HE TRIED TO SHIELD THE GOAT! VERY PERCEPTIVE OF YOU TO SINGLE OUT DIRECTOR RUDOLPH MATE' AS A CAMERAMAN TURNED DIRECTOR. WHEN HE SWITCHED JOBS, HIS KEEN SENSE OF PHOTOGRAPHY WENT WITH HIM--THERBY MAKING THE COUNTRYSIDE OF CAPRI AND OTHER LOCATIONS QUITE LOVELY.
MARISSA ALASIO STILL ALIVE? I THOUGHT FOR SURE PEOPLE HERE ON RENSE SAID THERE WERE NO SURVIVING CO-STARS OF MARIO'S EXCEPT JOHANNA. I AM GLAD THEY WERE WRONG AND THAT SHE IS 85 AND STILL WELL. MARISSA IN HER PRIME WAS KNOWN AS THE "SOPHIA LOREN" OF HER ERA. I WOULD LOVE TO SEE PHOTOS OF HER NOW.
INCIDENTALLY, CORELLI IN ANY LANZA FILM WOULD BE A BIG LETDOWN BECAUSE OF ACCENT LIKE YOU SAID. HE WOULD, HOWEVER, HAD A GOOD SCREEN PRESENCE WITH HIS HEIGHT, GOOD LOOKS, AND MANL Y DEMEANOR.
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Kristine C
10-13-2021
04:12 PM ET (US) IP: 96.59.37.64
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Sam, I will have to guess because I haven't seen "For The First Time" in awhile. I think she saw 2 doctors. I can't remember the goat's name. Rudolph Mate' was a director of photography-cinematography before he became a movie director. Marissa Allasio is still alive and she is 85. I heard that she married into royalty. I think, Johanna had a singing voice. I also read,they didn't know how Mario Lanza could pass the physical before filming "FTFT", due to health issues, so they were thinking of replacing him with tenor Franco Corelli. But Corelli had a heavy Italian accent and thought he wouldn't be understood, so they stayed with Lanza in the movie.
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gary from Halifax
10-13-2021
02:45 PM ET (US) IP: 108.175.132.12
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Great job Vince.. I shall be watching this clip many times over. Cheers..Gary.
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Martino1 10-13-2021
02:35 PM ET (US) IP: 67.216.108.216
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Vince, as usual, you have given us an excellent youtube clip for us to enjoy Mario Lanza. The sync of the audio to the video was especially well done. In my opinion, in his interpretation, rhythm and tempo, Mario was influenced by the radio concert performance of Jussi Bjorling, just a few years before in 1944. They sing the aria in a very similar tempo and style.
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Vince Di Placido 10-13-2021
10:11 AM ET (US) IP: 86.44.28.228
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One of my favourite Live Lanza performances, that I've finally put visuals to.
https://youtu.be/sJ6rX9yK9oE
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SAM MILLION
10-13-2021
08:33 AM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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THOSE QUESTIONS WERE FAIRLY EASY. HOW ABOUT TWO MORE WHICH ARE DIFFICULT? THEY WILL BASED ON "FOR THE FIRST TIME".
1-HOW MANY EAR DOCTORS DOES JOHANNA SEE BEFORE SHE FINDS THE ONE WHO WILL OPERATE?
2-THE BRUCKNER FAMILY GOAT IS CALLED WHAT NAME?
3-THE DIRECTOR OF THE MOVIE WAS RUDOLPH MATE. HIS WONDERFUL CAPTURING OF THE CAPRI SCENERY IS EXEMPLARY. WHY IS THIS SO?
THE LAST ONE IS PRETTY HARD BUT THE FIRST TWO WILL KNOW THE ANSWERS IF HE OR SHE HAS SEEN "FOR THE FIRST TIME" MULTIPLE TIMES. OKAY KRIS, GIVE THEM A DAY'S START AND THEN TRY TO ANSWER THEM!
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SAM MILLION
10-13-2021
01:02 AM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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I DID SOME RESEARCH AFTER SCREENING THE MUSICAL EXCERPTS OF FTFT. HERE IS WHAT I LEARNED: Mario’s costar was lovely Johanna Von Koczian who was born in 1933 in Germany. ThE FTFT movie titles curiously list her as VAN and not Von. She must still be alive as there is no notice of her death. More information about her can be found on the great movie website "IMDB" or Internet Movie Database Dot Com. All the other women are dead. This does not include Luisa Di Meo, the young street “urchin” who sang “Arrivederci Roma” with her mentor Mario Lanza. Edited 10-13-2021 01:05 AM
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SAM MILLION
10-13-2021
12:50 AM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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HI KRIS! ONCE AGAIN YOU ARE THE FIRST TO PARTICIPATE. KNOW THAT I REALLY, REALLY APPRECIATE THAT. YOU ARE CORRECT ABOUT THE VALET'S NAME BEING "FINCH". ON THE SECOND QUESTION YOU GOT TWO OUT OF FIVE. MARIO AS ENRICO NAMED HER: "GLORIA GRAZZIANA VITTORIA AMERICA CARUSO". HERE IS EXACTLY THE FULL DIALOGUE (WHICH OUR GOOD FRIEND VINCE DI PLACIDO MADE A VIDEO OF: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ocje8VKorQo
ON ANOTHER NOTE, I WATCHED PARTS OF FOR THE FIRST TIME YET AGAIN AND SKIPPED AROUND TO JUST THE MUSICAL NUMBERS. ALWAYS A THRILL. THEN I RAN WEST SIDE STORY IN THE SAME MANNER. WHAT A GREAT FILM. I CAN'T IMAGINE WHY OR HOW THEY WILL MAKE A NEW VERSION. IT WILL BE RELEASED DECEMBER 10TH TO THEATERS AND THEN WE CAN SEE FOR OURSELVES.....
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Kristine C
10-12-2021
07:54 PM ET (US) IP: 96.59.37.64
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Sam, I will take a guess in answering your questions, though, I haven't seen "The Great Caruso" in awhile. I will say Finch. Caruso's daughter names were Gloria America, but can't remember the other 3. I think he used his mother's name. "The Student Prince" was also a silent movie "The Student Prince of Heidelberg" with Ramon Novarro and Norma Shearer. There was no singing, due to no sound, though, Ramon Novarro had a singing voice. In fact, in one of Novarro's early 1930's movies, he sang "A Vucchella", which Mario Lanza sang in "The Great Caruso". Novarro introduced "Pagan Love Song". I watched the "American Masters" documentary about Rita Moreno, on PBS TV online(I didn't know it was on PBS TV on Oct. 5th). There were a few scenes from "The Toast of New Orleans", "Singin' In The Rain", and "Pagan Love Song"(Howard Keel and Esther Williams). She had a relationship with Marlon Brando, when they broke up, she almost committed suicide(he or anyone isn't worth that). She is a political activist, attended Dr. King, Jr.'s "I Have A Dream" Speech. She married a pyschiatrist or psychologist named Gordon and has a daughter. I think she lives near San Francisco. Congresswoman Jack Speier was with her, in one scene. Rita said after she received the Oscar for "West Side Story", she didn't receive many good movie offers. She looks great at 89 !
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SAM MILLION
10-12-2021
01:04 AM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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NO ANSWERS TO MY QUESTIONS YET?
I HAD ONE MORE LANZA FILM TO WATCH TO MAKE COMPLETE THE WEEK LONG SHOWS IN OUR THEATER. BUT THIS ISN'T REALLY A LANZA FILM BUT AN EDMUND PURDOM/ANN BLYTH MOVIE WITH MARIO'S VOICE BEING A HIGHLIGHT. WHO WOULDN'T BE MOVED BY "GOLDEN DAYS" AS PART OF THE ORIGINAL SCORE AND "I'LL WALK WITH GOD" AS PART OF THE WRITTEN FOR THE SCREEN SCORE.
I MUST RAVE ONCE MORE ABOUT THE NEW COSMOS MAX PROJECTOR. IT GAVE THE MOVIE A GREAT PICTURE POSTCARD LOOK THAT RAN FROM BEGINNING TO END OF THE FILM. THE MASKED BALL SCENE WAS PARTICULARLY EXCITING.
IN "I'LL WALK WITH GOD", NOTE PURDOM'S REVERENCE AND I LIKE HOW HE MOVES HIS HEAD DOWNWARD NEAR THE END OF THE SONG FOR A VERY FINE DRAMATIC EFFECT.
I DIDN'T THINK ORIGINALLY I WOULD LIKE ANN BLYTH AS A BLONDE BUT SHE LOOKS GREAT THAT WAY AND ANY OTHER WAY AS SHE IS A NATURAL BEAUTY.
"BELOVED" IS YET ANOTHER GREAT MOMENT. I AM GLAD THEY DECIDED TO USE THE RE-RECORDED VERSION AS IT IS THE BEST. THE OTHER ISN'T BAD BUT IT IS SOMEWHAT OVER THE TOP.
MORE DELIGHTS COME IN THE FORM OF CHARACTER ACTOR "CUDDLES" SAKALL (SHEESH!) AND THE VERY FINE EDMUND GWENN. LOUIS CALHERN MAKES A WONDERFUL KING. AND THE PICKLE PUSS "LUTZ" IS THE GUY YOU LOVE TO HATE.
GUESS THAT IS ABOUT ALL. I WROTE THIS IN A STREAM OF CONSCIOUSNESS MANNER.
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SAM MILLION
10-11-2021
12:13 AM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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I PROPOSE TWO NEW "QUIZ" QUESTIONS REGARDING "THE GREAT CARUSO". I DON'T THINK THEY ARE TOO HARD.
1-IN THE MOVIE, PARK BENJAMIN, DOROTHY'S FATHER, HAS A PERSONAL VALET. WAS HIS NAME FESTUS, FLETUS, FINCH, OR FERDY?
2-TELL US THE FULL NAME MARIO AS ENRICO CARUSO GIVES TO HIS NEWLY BORN DAUGHTER. REMEMBER THAT MARIO SAYS TO ANN BLYTH: "THE NAME IS THE MAMMA'S PRIVILEGE--YOU ARE THE STAR OF THIS OPERA". THE LITTLE BABY GIRL RECEIVED FIVE NAMES IN FULL.
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SAM MILLION
10-11-2021
12:06 AM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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I JUST FINISHED WATCHING THE "NEW" DVD OF "THE GREAT CARUSO". AND I THINK I CAN CALL IT NEW SINCE MY "NEW" PROJECTOR BROUGHT A QUALITY OF COLOR AND SHARPNESS TO IT THAT I HAD NOT WITNESSED BEFORE. NEEDLESS TO SAY I LOVED IT ALL OVER AGAIN.
I WASN'T EXACTLY READ TO GO TO BED AND SAW THAT THE 2005 DOCUMENTARY ON MARIO CALLED "SINGING TO THE GODS" WAS ON THE DISC. I WATCHED IT AND REALIZED HOW WONDERFUL A PRODUCTION THIS IS. IT COVERS SO MUCH OF MARIO'S LIFE AND DOES IT WELL. PLUS THERE IS HARDLY A MOMENT ON SCREEN WHERE THE LANZA VOICE ISN'T HEARD UNDERNEATH THE NARRATION OF THOSE INTERVIEWED--MOST NOTABLY OUR OWN DEREK MANNERING. ANOTHER PLUS IS THE SOUND QUALITY. WHETHER IN THE BACKGROUND OR IN SCENES FROM HIS MOVIES, THE SOUND IS BRILLIANT. LOUD AND CLEAR AS A BELL. GOSH, I'M SO GLAD I WASN'T SLEEPY TONIGHT!!
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Kristine C
10-10-2021
07:24 PM ET (US) IP: 96.59.37.64
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Sorry to hear someone was killed by falling scenery in opera "Sadko" in Russia. Years ago, I read that happened to Ann Sothern, when she was in a play, "Everybody Loves Opal" in Florida. It injured her back and she had to walk with a cane in her older years.
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Len (UK)
10-10-2021
04:54 PM ET (US) IP: 109.157.78.44
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I have just read that a performer has sadly been killed by falling scenery in a performance of Sadko at the Bolshoi Theatre in Moscow.Probably not unique but I have not heard of such a tragic incident previously.
Sadko is the Rimsky-Korsakov work from which 'Song of India' is derived; one of my favourite Lanza pieces. I would love to see the opera. All I have seen from it is the Jussi Bjorling exert on YouTube.
https://uk.yahoo.com/news/performer-dies-s...pera-084618766.html
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SAM MILLION
10-10-2021
12:41 AM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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I KNOW I ALEADY WROTE A LOT ABOUT THE COSMOS PROJECTOR BUT I LEFT OUT ONE OF ITS IMPORTANT FEATURES. YOU WILL HAVE ACCESS TO HUNDREDS OF APPS INCLUDING BEING ABLE TO CAPTURE SITES LIKE YOUTUBE AND HBO MAX. TELL ME IF I AM WRONG BUT I HAVE NOT SEEN OTHER PROJECTORS WITH THIS FEATURE. AND ONE LAST OBSERVATION, OUR LARSGE PROJECTORS CAN DO 3D WHILE THE COSMOS CANNOT. HOWEVER THE ENGINEERS ARE GOING TO RELEASE FIRMWARE SO YOU CAN ADD 3D AND THE MANY APPS TO YOUR MACHINE! Edited 10-10-2021 12:43 AM
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SAM MILLION
10-09-2021
11:32 PM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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HI MARTINO. I KNOW EXACTLY WHAT KIND OF PICTURE YOU GET AS I HAVE THE EPSON 5040USB. IT IS ABOUT THREE YEARS OLD. IT IS ONE NOTCH BELOW YOURS. I OFTEN RAVED ABOUT THIS LCD MACHINE TO MY FRIENDS AND STILL DO AS YOU CAN PURCHASE ONE NOT FOR MY ORIGINAL COST OF 3,500.00 BUT REFURBISHED OR LIGHTLY USED ON EBAY FOR 1,700.00. IT IS THE ONLY PROJECTOR I HAVE EVER HAD THAT FADES TO BLACK. IT IS TRULY THE BEST PROJECTOR I EVER HAD. THE NEW ONE WHICH IS 4K HAS SOME DISTINCT ADVANTAGES WHICH I HAVE POINTED OUT. IT IS A DLP SYSTEM AND THE COLOR IS NOTICEABLY BETTER THAN THE EPSON TO THE POINT WHERE YOU ARE BLOWN AWAY WITH THE TECHNICOLOR LIKE QUALITY.
SO FAR AS USING WITH AMBIENT LIGHT, I SEE YOUR POINT. PEOPLE OUR AGE COULD TRIP AND GET HURT JUST GOING TO THE BATHROOM. BUT THERE ISN'T A PROJECTOR MADE THAT DOESN'T LOOK BETTER IN TOTAL DARKNESS. THERE IS ANOTHER 4K MACHINE CALLED THE "VAVA" (SILLY NAME!) WHICH HAS ENOUGH BRIGHTNESS TO RUN IN A ROOM WITH SOME LIGHT COMING IN. MY NEW ONE CAN DO THIS TOO BUT IT HAS LESS LIGHT OUTPUT THAN ANY OF THE FOUR MACHINES WE ARE DISCUSSING.
INCIDENTALLY, SINCE THE COSMOS UPSCALES SO WELL IT IS PROVIDING ME THE URGE TO RUN DVDS BESIDES JUST THE BLU RAYS THAT I FAVOR. AND, THE 4K DVD PLAYER (MINE IS AN LG I GOT A GOOD BUY ON FOR 79.99) ALSO UPSCALES. YOU CAN LOOK AT THE SKY OR BACKGROUNDS IN SCENES AND YOU SEE NO DISTRACTING VIDEO "NOISE". THE IMAGES ONSCREN ARE LIKE GLASS. CLEAR AND WITHOUT ARTIFACTS.
I HAVE NOW RE-RUN EVERY LANZA FILM IN THE LAST WEEK WITH BYM BEING THE LAST ONE. IT IS ALSO THE FILM BILL RONAYNE CHOSE TO SCREEN AT THE MUSEUM LUNCHEON OCTOBER 23RD. HE USES A VERY GOOD FLAT SCREEN TV, WHICH IF I HAD TO GUESS IS ABOUT 60 INCHES IN SIZE. THE GREAT CARUSO BLU RAY TAKEN FROM THE ORIGINAL TECHNICOLOR NEGATIVES IS GREAT. NO COMPARISON TO THE OLD STANDARD DVD VERSION.
INCIDENTALLY, I AM TOYING WITH THE IDEA TO APPLY FOR A JOB AT OUR LOCAL BEST BUY. I WOULD FEEL TOTALLY AT HOME SURROUNDED BY DOZENS OF TVS, LOTS OF AUDIO EQUIPMENT, ETC. MY ONLY FEAR IS WHAT MIGHT HAPPEN TO THE JOB WHEN I GO BACK INTO THE INEVITABLE DEPRESSION....
I WAS GOING TO SAY A FEW WORDS ABOUT BYM. I FIND IT A DELIGHT TO WATCH. IT FLOWS VERY WELL, HAS GOOD MUSIC THROUGHOUT, AND MARIO'S SINGING IS TOP NOTCH. THE ADDIO ALLA MADRE IN THE BEGINNING WOULD STAND UP TO ANY OTHER TENOR'S VERSION HANDS DOWN. I ALSO LIKE THE COMEDY ELEMENTS. I LIKE MARIO'S ACTING. HIS LIP SYNCHING IS VERY GOOD. NICE TO SEE HIS MOM AND DAD IN IT ASKING FOR HIS AUTOGRAPH. AND IF YOU LOOK CLOSELY YOU WILL SEE GLIMPSES OF TERRY ROBINSON DRESSED LIKE A SOLDIER. IT INCLUDES ONE OF THE BEST "LORD'S PRAYER", A HIGHLIGHT AND ALSO THE SCENE WHERE MARIO IS NICE AND FIT GOING INTO THE CHURCH TO SING AND GAINS 40 POUNDS ONCE HE COMES INSIDE IS HYSTERICAL. THE WARDROBE DEPARTMENT LIKELY HATED LANZA BUT THEY DID A GREAT JOB OF HIDING HIS WEIGHT (LIKE THEY DO FOR PREGNANT WOMEN--YOU WOULD NEVER KNOW THAT SHIRLEY JONES IN "THE MUSIC MAN" WAS PREGNANT DURING FILMING.) ANOTHER HIGHLIGHT IS GRANADA, NOT ONLY FOR HIS GREAT SINGING BUT FOR HIS USE OF HIS BODY AND HANDS (THE LANZA TRADEMARK FOR HIS "FIGHTER'S STANCE".) THE LAST NOTE MARIO SINGS IN THE FILM IS GLORIOUS AND FORTUNATELY HE HAS MORE VOLUME THAN DORETTA MORROW WHICH MAKES FOR AN EXCITING FINALE.
TOTALLY SHIFTING GEARS: I HEARD "CAVALCADE OF SHOW TUNES" WHILE DRIVING IN MY VAN ANTIQUING. THERE ARE THREE SONGS WHICH HAVE HIGH NOTES LIKE A BELL. AMONG THE BEST HE HAS EVER SUNG. ONE IS THE END OF "ROSE MARIE", THE OTHER IS THE END OF "ALL THE THINGS YOU ARE". AND THIRD IS THE END OF "ONLY A ROSE" "CHILLS RUN UP AND DOWN MY SPINE" TO QUOTE QNOTHR LANZA SONG. NAME THAT TUNE!!
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Martino1 10-09-2021
10:57 AM ET (US) IP: 67.216.108.216
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Hi Sam, I have an Epson Pro Cinema 6050UB and it is a little over a year old. These must be ordered and installed by authorized Epson dealers. I think it was about $5,000 or so, which is a bargain for the quality of this machine.
What is important is that the picture you enjoy is how you have set up the various modes and settings of your display. You are right, it does not have to be spot on as to ISF calibration specs. Calibrators usually take six hours or more to fully set up a projector. They use very expensive equipment, such as $40,000 image cameras and calibrate for various viewing options. I always have my equipment calibrated at two settings at least - for night viewing and day time viewing. Although I have light control in the room, I sometimes let some ambient light in so if I have guests they can see what they are doing and don't trip and fall. I use to have a third calibration for 3D, but I don't use that much anymore. In its place I have UHD/4K calibration. Even after all that, I tell the calibrator to enrich the greens just a bit because I watch a lot of golf tournaments. A green "push" so to speak, so even my system is altered somewhat in pure accuracy to accommodate my personal taste.
Enjoying Mario Lanza movies is just as important, maybe more so, than enjoying all the new (especially Sepia) audio CDs. The equipment we use to hear and see Lanza in all his glory is critical to obtain the full potential of the source material. Again, the important thing is that you are happy with your picture and sound. That is all that matters. Could you be happier with professional calibration both on your projector, and a professional calibration of your audio equipment? I don't know the answer to that question.
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SAM MILLION
10-09-2021
03:27 AM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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HI AGAIN MARTINO.I FORGOT TO ASK YOU THE NAME AND MODEL NUMBER OF YOUR VIDEO PROJECTOR AND HOW OLD IT IS. ONE OF THE BIG DRAWS OF MY PROJECTOR (WHOSE FULL NAME IS THE "ANKER NEBULA COSMOS MAX 4K PROJECTOR) IS IT BEING TRUE 4K. THAT IS THE TOP RESOLUTION AVAILABLE TO DATE AS FAR AS I KNOW. DUE TO THIS, IT WILL UPSCALE STANDARD AND EVEN BLU RAY DVDS. ADD TO THAT A 4K DVD PLAYER (I BOUGHT ONE FOR ONLY 79.99) AND THIS WILL UPGRADE YOUR DISC EVEN FURTHER. I BOUGHT THE COSMOS STRICTLY ON A TRIAL BASIS. THE ONE EBAY OUTLET IS A DEALER THAT WORKS WITH THE FACTORY PRODUCING THE MACHINES (ANKER). YOU HAVE UP TO 30 DAYS TO RETURN IT. SHIPPING TO YOU IS FREE WHILE SHIPPING BACK YOU PAY. ALSO NOTE THAT THEIR SOUND SYSTEM IS TOUTED AS 3D WHICH MEANS THAT IT HAS AN AUDIO DISPERSION OF 360 DEGREES, SO NO MATTER WHERE YOU SIT FROM THE PROJECTOR THE SOUND QUALITY WILL BE THE SAME. IT HAS THE MOST UNUSUAL CASE EVER WITH ITS OVAL SHAPE. THE TOP OF THE MACHINE GLOWS IN RED THE NAME "NEBULA" ALONG WITH TINY SPECS OF WHITE LIGHT THAT LOOK LIKE A CONSTELLATION. A VERY "SEXY" FEATURE. LAST, IT HAS ENOUGH OUTPUTS AND INPUTS TO PLEASE EVERYONE. THE ONLY THING IT WILL NOT DO IS SHOW 3D DVDS. BUT THAT IS SOON TO BE ADDED WITH A FIRMWARE UPDATE THEY PLAN TO INTRODUCE BY THE END OF THE YEAR. TWO MORE SPECIFICS AND I AM DONE FOR NOW. IT PRODUCES UP TO A 150 INCH PICTURE (WHICH IS ABOUT MY SIZE OF OUR HOME THEATER SCREEN THAT IS 8FT BY 14 FT IMAGES. MY PROJECTOR SITS 18 FEET AWAY TO GET THE FULL SIZE. IT HAS A NEAT AUTO FOCUS FEATURE THAT TAKES ONLY A FEW SECONDS TO ACCOMPLISH. THE UNIT RUNS VERY QUIET AND I CANNOT HEAR THE FAN NOISE. IT DOESN'T GET HOT LIKE BULB MACHINES DO AS IT USED LEDS. LAST, THE REMOTE CONTROL IS SMALL AND VERY EASY TO USE WITH ITS SENSIBLE LAYOUT. ONE BUTTON ALLOWS TALKING INTO IT TO SELECT CHOICES OF APPS. MY EPSON HAS NO APPS BUT THIS COMES EQUIPPED WITH HBO MAX, YOUTUBE, AND MANY MORE OR YOU CAN GET WHAT YOU WANT BY ORDERING MORE.
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SAM MILLION
10-08-2021
11:35 PM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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HI MARTINO. LET ME ADDRESS SOME OF THE POINTS YOU MADE. 1-PICTURE FROM MY COSMOS MAX PROJECTOR IS TOO SATURATED WITH REDS. IN PERSON THESE REDS "POP" AND LOOK JUST LIKE THE OLD 16MM PRINTS I USED TO COLLECT OF MUSICAL MOVIES. 2-I CAN ADJUST IT DOWN. FOR PROJECTORS I HAVE PURCHASED IN THE PAST I HAVE USED "WHITE CHRISTMAS" DVD AS MY REFERENCE DVD. THANKS TO VISTA VISION IT IS VERY SHARP AND HAS BEAUTIFUL COLOR THROUGHOUT. THE COSMOS HAS PLENTY OF LEEWAY REGARDING SETTINGS. SOME I DON'T EVEN KNOW PUPOSE WISE. AN EXAMPLE IS "GAMMA". THE FACTORY SETTINGS ARE ALWAYS 50 (OUT OF 100)SO I ADJUST UP AND DOWN FROM THERE. THE SIMPLEST ADJUSTMENTS ARE BRIGHTNESS (100 PERCENT) AND CONTRAST ( I USE ABOUT 65 PERCENT SINCE MORE MAKES THE PICTURE LOOK HARSH). ALL OF THE MORE SOPHISTICATED SETTINGS ARE FOUND IN "ADVANCE SETTINGS" AND INCLUDE COLOR INTENSITY, SATURATION, PICTURE MODES WHICH INCLUDE THREE--NORMAL, MOVIE, AND OFFICE. THEN THERE IS COLOR GAIN, COLOR TEMPERATURE,HUE, AND MORE THAT INCLUDE SETTING FOR THE THREE PRIMARY COLORS AND THE SECONDARY COLORS. WHEW! THAT IS QUITE A TASK.
I HAVE NEVER HAD A PROJECTOR CUSTOM CALIBRATED SINCE I CALIBRATE TO MY OWN REQUIREMENTS. THEY MAY NOT BE "TEXT BOOK" SETTINGS BUT THEY MAKE ME HAPPY. FOR EXAMPLE, I JUST STARTED SCREENING "BECAUSE YOU'RE MINE", THE LAST OF MARIO'S MOVIES I HAVE SCREENED IN THE PAST WEEK. FRANCESCA IN THE BEGINNING WEARS AN OUTFIT THAT "SCREAMS" WITH EXCITING COLOR. THEN THE SEGUE TO THE "ADDIO ALLA MADRE" BEGINS WITH THE SAME PICTURE "PUNCH". EVEN THE BUILT IN SOUND IS FULL AND HIGH ENOUGH TO SATISFY ANYONE.
I HAVE ASKED VINCE DIPLACIDO TO INCLUDE ONE MORE SCREEN SHOT WHICH SOMES FROM "THAT MIDNIGHT KISS". I THINK YOU WILL SEE THE COLOR IS MUCH MORE NATURAL WHEN HE POSTS IT. I THINK BACK TO THE DAYS WHEN "BEST BUY" WAS LIKE A SECOND HOME SINCE I LOVED COMPARING FLAT SCREEN TVS FROM 30 INCH TO 90 INCH SIZES. COLOR IS SO VARIABLE THAT IT WAS RARE TO SEE TWO SETS WITH THE SAME EXACT LOOK. EVEN WHEN THEY USE AN "IN HOUSE" FEED TO ELIMINATE WIDE VARIATIONS. I BOUGHT MY CURRENT 75 INCH SAMSUNG AFTER SEEING ANNA STAND BESIDE AN IMAGE OF A MODEL. THE MODEL LOOKED MORE LIFE LIKE THAN MY WIFE, LOL! TO MY EYES THE BEST COLOR IS FOUND ON THE LG "OLED" SYSTEM THAT HAS THE RICHEST BLACK LEVELS AND SHARPNESS. WE HAVE A 55 INCH LG OLED IN OUR KITCHEN NEXT TO THE TABLE. WE CAN SIT AS CLOSE AS THREE FEET AWAY AND BE VERY SATISFIED. MY NEW IPHONE 11 PRO HAS AN OLED SCREEN FOR BEST PICTURE I HAVE EVER HAD IN A CELL PHONE.
I THINK THE FACT THAT I AM USING THE "CHEAP" NEW 7 LB. PROJECTOR (COST FROM THE FACTORY FOR REFURBISHED UNITS IS 1,299.99.) OVER MY 25 LB. EPSON SAYS A LOT. I CAN RUN THE SOUND FROM THE COSMOS THROUGH MY SURROUND SOUND SYSTEM USING AN OPTICAL CABLE. THERE IS ONLY ONE AREA WHERE THE EPSON LCD BEATS THE COSMOS DLP IS FADE OUTS. THE EPSON FADES TO TRUE BLACK (THE FIRST PROJECTOR I HAVE OWNED THAT WILL DO THIS. DIGITAL PROJECTORS OFTEN HAVE A HARD TIME WITH FADES) WHILE THE COSMOS FADES TO A SUBDUED WHITE SCREEN.
OKAY, I HOPE I HAVE MADE MYSELF CLEAR. TIME TO GO BACK DOWN TO THE THEATER AND ENJOY "BECAUSE YOU'RE MINE" WHILE ANNA AND THE DOGS ARE IN BED. THEY CAN'T HANDLE THE VOLUME LEVELS I ENJOY!!
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Martino1 10-08-2021
08:04 AM ET (US) IP: 67.216.108.216
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Sam, you have a pretty good picture from your new projector and although it is difficult to make a judgement from just a screen shot by a hand held camera, when I click on the picture to enlarge it, I can tell you have way too much of what is known as "red push", probably from an inaccurate gamma adjustment. Your reds are too saturated and that causes not only your reds, but faces as well, to look less natural.
Take a look at this clip posted by Vince on youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DtHtChyCw0c. Watch the clip in its entirety. Then open two tabs, one with the youtub clip above, and one with an enlargement of the photo Vince posted for you. Then go back and forth in an A/B test. You will find that the youtube clip is certainly not perfect either (too high a contrast setting for one thing) but put the youtube setting on HD or Auto and you will see the colors a little closer to what they should be, both in the reds (which are vibrant but not saturated) and the faces, giving a more natural look to the entire scene. Look closely too at Lanza's face and all the colors of his costume and neck piece and I am sure you will see the difference. In your shot, Mario's face seems almost two tone, with the upper part being lighter and getting darker as you go down to the chin area where it becomes lighter again. The youtube clip shows no such progression in facial tone, seamless from the head to the neck. The color processing used by the studio was superb and does not need as much enhancement as you seem to have adjusted in your settings. The one quibble I have with the studio is that in this scene they did not pay much attention to depth of field photography. The people in the background, behind Lanza, are all too blurry. I know they focused on Lanza, but they could have sharpened the background a little better.
Since you have a new and high quality projector, I would suggest doing what I have done for years - hire a professional ISF certified calibrator to adjust your settings for accuracy. It is the best investment you can make and most people will notice the difference in natural color and overall picture quality right away. Even the highest quality projectors are helped with calibration. When everything is said and done you might not find the difference overly significant, but with professional calibration, you know you have unlocked the full potential of your display.
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SAM MILLION
10-08-2021
07:23 AM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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THANKS SO MUCH FOR UPLOADING THE SCREEN SHOT, VINCE. MAKE SURE ALL OF YOU HERE WHO ARE INTERESTED CLICK ON THE PHOTO TO SEE IT MUCH LARGER. THE GREAT COLOR IS THE RESULT OF THE 1,299.99 COSMOS MAX VIDEO PROJECTOR I HAVE BEEN SO TAKEN BY. HAVE A GREAT FRIDAY AND GREAT WEEKEND!
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Vince Di Placido 10-08-2021
02:54 AM ET (US) IP: 86.44.28.228
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Sam asked me to upload this screenshot from his home cinema.
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SAM MILLION
10-08-2021
12:41 AM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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ENJOYABLE POSTS PRECEDING MINE HERE. I WAS WATCHING AN AWFUL MOVIE THIS EVENING WITH JENIFER JASON LEIGH CALLED "RUSH", WHEN SUDDENLY I STOPPED IT AND SAID TO MYSELF "YOU SHOULD BE WATCHING THAT MIDNIGHT KISS", WHICH IS EXACTLY WHAT I DID. THE COLOR AND QUALITY WITH MY NEW COSMOS MAX PROJECTOR WAS STUNNING. SOME OBSERVATIONS ABOUT THE MOVIE. ONE, I THINK MARIO IS AT HIS PERFECT WEIGHT IN THE MOVIE. NOT TOO THIN (AS IN THE OPENING SHOTS OF HIM WITH FRANCESA IN BYM) AND CERTAINLY NOT HEAVY AT ALL. DESPITE WHAT HE LIKED TO TELL PEOPLE (THAT HIS VOICE IS BETTER WHEN HE HAS SOME WEIGHT ON), I FIND THAT NEGLIGIBLE. HIS VOICE HERE IS RICH AND EXCITING. ALSO, I AM AMAZED HOW J. CARROLL NAISH CAN TRANSFORM HIMSELF FROM MARIO'S FATHER IN TMK TO UNCLE NICKY IN TONO. THAT IS A REAL CHARACTER ACTOR FOR YOU. THOMAS GOMEZ PLAYED MANY HEAVIES IN FILMS, SO TO SEE HIM IN THE COMEDIC ROLE OF "THE GREAT BETELLI" IS A NICE CHANGE. HE PRACTICALLY STEALS THE SHOW WITH HIS ANTICS. I AM SURE SOME "LIGHTWEIGHT TENOR" DUBBED HIS VOICE. AND LET US NOT FORGET THE FAMOUS GRAYSON 44D BUST FELLOWS!! THE SINGING THROUGHOUT IS CONSISTENTLY EXCELLENT WITH NO GOING SHARP. I HAVE ALWAYS LIKED HOW MARIO IS INTRODUCED TO HIS AUDIENCE IN THIS, WITH HIS BACK TURNED, AND THEN YOU SEE HIS FACE. HIS ACTING IS SURPRISINGLY GOOD--ESPECIALLY CONSIDERING THIS WAS HIS FIRST TIME AT BAT. AND WHO CAN FORGET HIS HITTING HIGH NOTES IN THE FACES OF THE ACCOMPANIST AND ARTHUR TREACHER?! ITURBI IS GIVEN SEVERAL NUMBERS AND I FIND HIS PLAYING EXCELLENT. JUST THE OTHER DAY I WAS TALKING ABOUT HOW GOOD AN ACCOMPANIST CALLINICOS WAS. IN THE ROYAL ALBERT HALL PERFORMANCE LISTEN TO THE COLORING HE USES AND THE DYNAMICS. HE MAY NOT HAVE BEEN A GREAT PIANIST BUT CERTAINLY ONE WORTHY OF MARIO. MARIO KNEW THAT TOO AND KEPT HIM ON THE PAYROLL A LONG, LONG TIME DURING HIS CAREER. LAST FOR TONIGHT, I WANT TO SAY THE COMEDY IN TMK IS QUITE GOOD. I HAVE TO LAUGH EVERY TIME I SEE "PEMBERTON" HELPING GOMEZ BREAK UP THE DRESSING ROOM AND THROWING HEAVY OBJECTS OUT OF THE WINDOW. OH YES, THE ACCURACY IN KEEPING THE SETTING LOOK LIKE PHILADELPHIA IS SHOWN BY THEM USING THE THREE NEWSPAPERS WE USED TO HAVE HERE. THE PHILADELPHIA BULLETIN, THE PHILADELPHIA INQUIRER, AND THE PHILADELPHIA DAILY NEWS. ALL GONE AS FAR AS I KNOW.
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Kristine C
10-07-2021
07:37 PM ET (US) IP: 96.59.37.64
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I didn't know about Rita Moreno Documentary being on PBS TV, the other night. I knew, sometime, it would be on PBS TV. I read that a number of her scenes in "Singin' In The Rain" were cut. I read her autobiography, though. I know she was involved with Marlon Brando and Elvis. Dorothy Dandridge was offered the part of Tuptim in movie version of "The King and I" , but turned it down, Rita Moreno got the part. By the way, Doretta Morrow played Tuptim in Broadway's "The King and I" and Linda Darnell played Tuptim in the movie "Anna and The King of Siam" with Irene Dunne and Rex Harrison(as the King).
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Kristine C
10-07-2021
07:30 PM ET (US) IP: 96.59.37.64
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Remembering Mario Lanza, anniversary of his passing. Jan. 31, 1921-Oct. 7, 1959).
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Jim Thompson
10-07-2021
06:35 PM ET (US) IP: 24.38.229.151
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It never leaves the mind when this day comes. I had gone to sleep after a late shift at the radio station in Johnstown, Pennsylvania. My wife woke me saying she had just heard something about Mario. Sure enough I got the headlines, got dressed and drove back to the station. I tore everything on the Associated Press and other news wires and requested to follow every national press story with a few minutes of my own. A day to remember. I will treasure spending time with Maria Coccoza, Damon Lanza, Colleen Lanza and a long friendship with Elissa and her husband Bob as well as time with Terry Robinson. May God bless those not with us and those who are.
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Julie Page
10-07-2021
03:53 PM ET (US) IP: 74.79.51.67
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Thinking of Mario on this day that we lost him, now and always. The bio of Rita Moreno was interesting and surprisingly showed scenes from TONO which hardly ever happens. She was talking about the parts that she wasn't happy to be relegated to, so probably didn't care for that one either, so didn't make much of it. If anyone saw Tony Bennett on 60 mins. it was pretty amazing that he's so unaware ,yet when on stage he was the same Tony in mannerisms and his voice nearly the same. I've heard that music stays in one's memory in spite of everything else that's lost. Amazing!
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SAM MILLION
10-07-2021
01:00 AM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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I ENJOYED A VERY UNSUAL FILM TONIGHT CALLED "SIMONE" WITH AL PACINO IN A ROLE AS A GUY WHO USES A SEXY BLONDE TO BETTER HIS FAILING FILM CAREER AS A DIRECTOR. WHAT NO ONE KNOWS UNTIL THE END IS THAT SHE IS TOTALLY COMPUTER GENERATED AND WHAT COMES OUT OF PACINO'S MOUTH IS WHAT COMES OUT OF THE GIRL'S MOUTH. IT IS UNUSUAL AND HOLDS YOUR INTEREST.
ON ANOTHER NOTE I TREATED MYSELF TO EXCERPTS FROM "THE TOAST OF NEW ORLEANS" AND REALIZED SOMETHING I HAD NEVER THOUGHT ABOUT--THE HIGH PRODUCTION QUALITIES OF THE FILM. MGM DIDN'T HOLD BACK IN THEIR SPENDING FOR THIS MOVIE. I WOULD GUESS THAT "THAT MIDNIGHT KISS" WAS SO POPULAR THAT THEY WANTED TO KEEP THE MOMENTUM GOING. MANY SCENES ARE FILLED WITH BIG CROWDS! AND THE "TINA LINA" PRODUCTION NUMBER HAS NEVER BEEN EQUALED IN A LANZA FILM. FOR ONE THING, IT IT ONE OF THE FEW TIMES MARIO DANCES. IN "TINA LINA" I HAVE TO CHUCKLE AT HOW HE IS ALWAYS SEEN IN BETWEEN RITA MORENO AND HER LOVER. YOU SEE HIS FACE IN MOST OF THE NUMBER DESPITE HIM BEING IN THE BACKGROUND. IT WAS ALSO A GOOD OPPORTUNITY TO HEAR SOME GREAT HIGH NOTES. HIS ACTING, CONSIDERING THIS WAS ONLY HIS SECOND FILM, HAS NUANCES THAT SHOW HIS NATURAL ACTING TALENT. FOR EXAMPLE, WHEN HE ASKS KATHRYN GRAYSON TO DANCE FOR THE FIRST TIME AND SHE GIVES IN, HIS FACE LIGHTS UP AND HE SAYS "FINE, FINE"--- DELIVERING THAT LINE WITH A SUBTLE INNUENDO THAT DELIGHTS. LATER IN THE FILM, WHEN HE AND UNCLE NICKY AS PLAYED BY J.CARROLL NAISH, ARE BATTLING THE STORM THAT TEARS APART THEIR BOAT, YOU FEEL A REAL SENSE OF DREAD---ALSO SOMETHING NOT FOUND IN MOST LANZA FILMS. LIKE VINCENT PRICE IN SERENADE, NAISH DELIVERS PLENTY OF GOOD QUIPS. ONE OF THE BEST EXAMPLES IS WHEN NAISH IS SEATED NEXT TO VINCENT PRICE. HE SEES THE ROTUND SINGER ONSTAGE PERFORMING WITH GRAYSON. MY NEXT SENTENCE IS NOT VERY ACCURATE BUT I KNOW Y'ALL WILL GET THE POINT. I BELIEVE DAVID NIVEN TELLS NAISH SOMETHING ABOUT THE SINGER ABOUT TO DIE IN TERMS OF THE OPERA'S STORY. NAISH SAYS "HE SHOULD"! ANOTHER GREAT EXAMPLE COMES RIGHT AFTER MARIO SINGS THE SCALES WITH THE MAESTRO TO DETERMINE HIS VOCAL RANGE. HE HITS A VERY HIGH NOTE AND THE CHANDELIER SHAKES. NAISH TRIES TO HIT A HIGH NOTE (WITH A TOTALLY UGLY SOUND) AND NOTHING HAPPENS--TO HIS DISMAY!
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SAM MILLION
10-06-2021
06:51 PM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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I ALSO FOUND RITA MORENO'S BIOGRAPHY OFFBEAT. SHE SPEND THE FIRST THIRD OF THE BOOK TALKING ABOUT HER MAMMA AND PUERTO RICO. IT IMPROVED SOMEWHAT WHEN SHE GOT TO THE UNITED STATES.
HEY, I THINK I AM THE FIRST ONE TO CALL THIS: TOMORROW IS MARIO'S DEATH DAY--OCTOBER 7TH. TCM SHOULD HAVE SOMETHING LINED UP, BUT JUDGING FROM THE PAST COUPLE YEARS THAT DOESN'T AMOUNT TO ANYTHING SIGNIFICANT. WE FANS WOULD LIKE TO SEE HIS MEMORY PRESERVED, BUT IN ACTUALITY WE HAVE ALL HIS FILMS WHETHER ON VHS OR DVD. MY FIRST EXPOSURE TO THE GREAT CARUSO CAME VIA AN AUDIO TAPE MY FRIEND RON (WHO AT THE TIME WAS STATIONED IN GERMANY) SENT ME ON A REEL TO REEL TAPE. THE MOVIE IS GREAT EVEN THAT WAY. I WAS IMPRESSED HOW IT MOVES SO WELL AND HOW MUCH GREAT SINGING IS IN THE MOVIE!IF ANYONE DOES SEE A FILM OF HIS SHOWN LOCALLY OR NATIONALLY, DO LET US HERE KNOW....
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Stephen of Las Vegas
10-06-2021
06:02 PM ET (US) IP: 68.229.43.168
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Of course, she could have spoken of that movie and Mario, but it could have been left on the cutting room floor! I remember looking at her autobiography a few years ago and I don't believe she had anything substantial to say about him. I think I found two or three pages where she mentioned him and I probably found them in the index.
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Martino1 10-06-2021
05:33 PM ET (US) IP: 67.216.108.216
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Stephen, thanks for alerting us to the Moreno special. I have PBS as an app and I dug it out and watching her special now. So far it has been very interesting and well done. I also noticed those clips from TONO. I was surprised that they showed at least half a dozen or more clips with Mario, considering how inconsequential her role and appearance in this picture was. I'm not surprised, however, that she did not mention Mario during her interview. In Moreno's long and distinguished career, having worked with the greatest stars over the course of two or three generations, she probably considers her early work in TONO as merely a blip on the radar of her incredible career and of no particular significance.
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Stephen of Las Vegas
10-06-2021
04:39 PM ET (US) IP: 68.229.43.168
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I don't know if anyone else posted about this, but last night PBS American Masters had a 90-minute special on Rita Moreno. I think it was the first run for this. Extremely interesting. There were 3 or 4 very brief shots from The Toast of New Orleans with Mario, but she didn't make any mention of him. You may be able to see it on your PBS station's site if it's not repeated soon on TV. Perhaps someone will post it on Youtube. Oops, it is on the PBS site. Better watch it while it's available...sometimes these disappear after a few days: https://www.pbs.org/video/rita-moreno-just...o-go-for-it-zv0jcq/Edited 10-06-2021 04:46 PM
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SAM MILLION
10-05-2021
11:41 PM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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IT JUST SO HAPPENS THAT TONIGHT I DO HAVE SOMETHING MARIO TO DISCUSS. I WENT DOWNSTAIRS AND PUT ON THE GREAT NEW PROJECTOR I HAVE BEEN TOUTING FOR WEEKS HERE. I COULDN'T BELIEVE MY EYES. "FOR THE FIRST TIME" ON MY OLD STANDARD DVD LOOKED LIKE BLU RAY. AS GOOD AS OR BETTER THAN THE NEW "GREAT CARUSO". THE IMAGES WERE SATURATED WITH RICH COLOR, THE SOUND WAS EXCELLENT, AND THE MOVING IMAGES LOOKED LIKE "GLASS" ON THE SCREEN WITH NO VIDEO NOISE, SPECS, OR OTHER ARTIFACTS AFFECTING THE ENJOYMENT OF THE LAST LANZA FEATURE. HIS SINGING IS SUPERB IN THIS FILM, SAVE FOR THE STRAINED "LA DONNA E MOBILE" IN THE RAIN. I WISH I KNEW HOW TO ADD A PHOTO TO THIS POST TO SHOW OFF WHAT I AM ADDRESSING. IF ANYONE IS INTERESTED TO SEE A STILL OF FTFT AS I SAW IT TONIGHT, JUST EMAIL ME AND I WILL SEND IT TO YOU. I AM SMS5565@GMAIL.COM. FOR EXAMPLE, ZSA ZSA GABOR'S RED DRESS SEEMED TO HAVE A LIFE OF ITS OWN IN INTENSITY. THE COLORS OF THE RAINBOW COULD BE ENJOYED IN OTHER SCENES FROM "COME PRIMA" TO "VESTI LA GIUBBA". I HAVE ALWAYS FOUND THE FILM TO BE EASY TO WATCH AND VERY EASY ON THE EARS WITH EACH GREAT ARIA OR SONG. DOES ANYONE KNOW IF MARIO'S CO-STAR JOHANNA IS STILL ALIVE AND IF SO HOW OLD SHE IS? I AM FLOORED BY RITA MORENO, WHOSE FIRST MOVIE WAS "THE TOAST OF NEW ORLEANS". SHE IS 89 AND WILL BE APPEARING IN THE UPDATED "WEST SIDE STORY". INTERVIEWS OF HER ARE AMAZING. SHE DOESN'T LOOK HER AGE AT ALL. IF ONLY MARIO COULD HAVE LIVED EVEN HALF AS LONG AS SHE....
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SAM MILLION
10-05-2021
07:52 AM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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HI GUYS! I HAVE COME UP EMPTY THE LAST TWO DAYS IN FINDING SOMETHING TO POST ABOUT OUR MARIO. SO, I THOUGHT I WOULD SHIFT GEARS AND TELL YOU ABOUT AN EIGHTIES MOVIE I JUST SCREENED AND HOW MUCH I ENJOYED IT. YOU MAY KNOW IT SINCE I THINK IT WAS PRETTY POPULAR WHEN RELEASED. THE TITLE IS "THE BUTCHER'S WIFE" STARRING DEMI MOORE AND JEFF DANIELS. MOORE NEVER LOOKED SO LOVELY AND HER ACTING WAS RIGHT ON. THE FILM IS A LOVE STORY/FANTASY ABOUT DEMI, A GIRL WHO LIVED IN A LITTLE TOWN AND HAD SPECIAL "POWERS". SHE MEETS THE GUY WHO HER POWER TOLD HER WOULD BE THE IDEAL MATE AND SHE MARRIES HIM! THE BUTCHER LOVES HER BUT STARTS NOTICING ALL THE "WITCHCRAFT" SHE STARTS PRACTICING BEING CLAIRVOYANT AND AIMING AT HIS MEAT CUSTOMERS. HE SHRUGS IT OFF BAT FIRST BUT LATER THINGS GET SO COMPLICATED THAT HE CANNOT HOLD BACK AND ACTUALLY HAS AN AFFAIR WITH ONE OF HIS CUSTOMERS--WHO JUST HAPPENS TO SING EXACTLY LIKE HIS FAVORITE SINGER--BESSIE SMITH. HE LOVES THE BLUES BOTH WOMEN SANG. I WON'T GO FURTHER AND SPOIL IT IF YOU HAVEN'T SEEN IT. IF SO, LET ME KNOW WHAT YOU THINK OF IT. THE DVD WAS IN MY PILE OF DISCS TO DONATE TO THE LIBRARY. BUT NOW I AM PUTTING IT BACK INTO MY COLLECTION OF 4,000 DVDS. CRAZY NUMBER, HUH? ANNA SAYS SHE COULD HAVE ADDED A WING TO OUR HOUSE WITH WHAT I SPENT ON DVDS, LOL.
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Bill Ronayne
10-03-2021
04:28 PM ET (US) IP: 68.192.188.165
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Thanks Sam. I neglected to post about the upcoming event at the Mario Lanza Museum.
October 23, 2021 1pm-4pm
Mario Lanza Institute & Museum
1214 Reed Street
Philadelphia, PA 19147
Come enjoy a delicious lunch and watch a complete showing of "Because You're Mine" starring Mario Lanza, Doretta Morrow and James Whitmore.
$30 per person. 50/50 raffle. Seating is limited and on a first come first paid basis. Street parking is available.
Checks should be mailed to the museum address above. Credit card payments can be made over the phone by calling call 215-238-9691. Please note that there is a fee for credit card payments.
Best, Bill
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Dennis1 10-03-2021
01:40 AM ET (US) IP: 76.126.57.19
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Good one, Sam! You were a Mario booster from the beginning!
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SAM MILLION
10-02-2021
11:47 PM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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TONIGHT'S FILM FOR ME IN OUR HOME THEATER WAS "YES, GIORGIO" WITH GOOD OLD RELIABLE LUCIANO PAVAROTTI. DESPITE A PLOT WEAKER THAN MOST OF MARIO'S MOVIES, I had forgotten how much comedy it has—-like near the beginning a nun who has a flat tire is picked up by Pav and all the way to the airport she keeps denying it is actually him, and he keeps singing as proof. But by the end of the ride she says she knew it was him all along and all she wanted was a free concert!
The film is also in my favorite ratio of 1:85 which means it fills the entire screen while a film like Seven Hills of Rome Is 2:35 and has black bars top and bottom.
THE FILM IS LOADED WITH MUSIC AND SPACED EVENLY THROUGHOUT. HE DOES AT LEAST 7 ARIAS (ALL FAMOUS LIKE "NESSUM DORMA", 6 SONGS LIKE "FUNICULI, FUNICULA, AND A SONG WRITTEN JUST FOR THE MOVIE. IT TAKES PLACE BOTH IN ITALY AND NEW YORK. KATHRYN HARROLD IS HIS CO-STAR AND SHE IS A STUNNINGLY BEAUTIFUL, BUXOM, GAL.AND HAVING EDDIE ALBERT AS GIORGIO'S MANAGER ADDS A TOUCH OF CLASS. LIKE SEVEN HILLS OF ROME, THERE ARE FREQUENT SCENES OF THE COUNTRYSIDE. PAV AND HIS "NEAR LOVE" KATHRYN EVEN TAKE AN EXCITING HOT AIR BALOON RIDE. ALSO NOTEWORTHY IS HOW GOOD PAVAROTTI'S LIP SYNCHING IS. TRUE, HE IS VERY HEAVY BUT CARRIES IT WELL.
THIS FILM HAS SPECIAL MEANING TO ME. I WENT WITH MY VERY DEAR UNCLE BILL IN 1982 TO SEE IT AND WHEN THE REPORTERS OUTSIDE THIS PREMIERE LEARNED I WORKED IN THE TEMPLE UNIVERSITY FILM LIBRARY, THEY CAME OVER TO INTERVIEW ME. I HAVE THE INTERVIEW SOMEWHERE ON VHS TAPE, WHICH I RECORDED LATER IN THE EVENING AT HOME. I REMEMBER WHAT I SAID: "HE'S NO MARIO LANZA, BUT HE DOES A COMPETENT JOB". AND WITH THAT I WILL SAY GOODNIGHT MY FRIENDS.....
Sent from my iPhone
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SAM MILLION
10-02-2021
12:29 AM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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KRISTINE, I REMEMBER "THAT'S HOLLYWOOD" BUT OF COURSE NOTHING SURVIVES FROM THAT SHOW AS FAR AS I KNOW. HOWEVER YOU CAN ORDER "HIDDEN HOLLYWOOD", WHICH I STRONGLY RECOMMEND BY GOING TO AMAZON WITH A SEARCH. YOU CAN GET IT USED FOR ONLY $5.60! HERE IS THEIR DESCRIPTION:D
Product Description
Take an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at rare and exciting musical and dance sequences deleted from classic Fox films! Vital to an age devoted to film preservation and restoration, this collection of rarities offers behind-the-scenes stories about the cutting of major footage from movies and shows these outtakes as they would have originally been seen. Includes: "Hop, Skip and Jump" performed by Shirley Temple (deleted from "Little Miss Broadway"); a dance number performed by Betty Grable (deleted from "Footlight Serenade"); "The Woof Song" performed by Bert Lahr (deleted from "Love and Hisses"); two dance sequences featuring Bill "Bojangles" Robinson, cut from the film "Cafe Metropole," including the original opening sequence; "Anything You Can Do, I Can Do Better" performed by Ethel Merman and Dan Dailey (deleted from "There's No Business Like Show Business"); Katherine Hepburn's first appearance on film in an early screen test made in 1932, in which she performs a scene from "The Animal Kingdom."
Amazon.com
The proper title isn't so much Hidden Hollywood as Cool Stuff We Found in the Vault at Twentieth Century Fox. This grab bag consists of segments snipped from Fox pictures for reasons of length or content, and the results are uneven but fascinating. Musical numbers abound and provide some fun, but Fox wasn't exactly MGM (and remember, this is the material deemed expendable). The jewels in the first volume include two routines from Café Metropole, starring the graceful dancer Bill "Bojangles" Robinson, and a bizarre patter song by Bert Lahr that qualifies as authentic American surrealism (as host Joan Collins admits, the studio cut the song because they were completely bewildered by it). There's also an entire, self-contained sequence from the omnibus film We're Not Married, featuring an irascible Walter Brennan in an amusing Tobacco Road-style vignette. Plus, Edward Everett Horton does a pantomime of Gypsy Rose Lee: a golden 10 seconds. --Robert Horton
BY THE WAY, THE LUNCHEON AND MOVIE AT THE WONDERFUL NEW LANZA MUSEUM WILL BE HERE BEFORE YOU KNOW IT. IT IS OCTOBER 23RD STARTING AT 1 PM. I SO LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING OLD FRIENDS AND ENJOYING ALL THE MUSEUM HAS TO OFFER!
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Kristine C
10-01-2021
11:34 PM ET (US) IP: 96.59.37.64
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Sam, it sounds familiar. Years ago, there was a show called "That's Hollywood", narrated by Tom Bosley. It would show scenes from movies at 20th Century Fox. For instance, they showed the film footage that Tyrone Power made for "Solomon and Sheba" with Gina Lollobrigida and a sword fight scene with George Sanders, up until, Power complained he didn't feel well and retreated to his dressing room, when he had the heart attack. If you remember, 20th Century Fox had to scrap all the scenes, so far, that were filmed, start over with Yul Brynner replacing Tyrone Power after he passed away. In the case of Jean Harlow, she filmed most of her scenes for "Saratoga", when she became ill , passed away. The remaining scenes were filmed with her stand in. One segment, they had, was censored scenes. In the movie "Cafe' Metropole"(starring Tyrone Power), there was a scene, where a white woman wanted to meet Bill Robibson's character and he danced with a white woman in dark make up. The studio said these scenes won't pass the censor, so they were deleted.
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SAM MILLION
10-01-2021
10:30 PM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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I JUST WATCHED PART OF A DVD AND IMMEDIATELY THOUGHT ABOUT KRISTINE AND HER GREAT DETAIL TO INTERESTING FILM FACTS. THE DVD IS CALLED "HIDDEN HOLLYWOOD" AND IS ABOUT SCENES CUT FROM WELL KNOWN 20TH CENTURY FOX FILMS. FOR EXAMPLE, THERE IS A RARE DANCE SHIRLEY TEMPLE DOES WITH BILL BOJANGLES ROBINSON FROM THE 1938 "LITTLE MISS BROADWAY". THE DVD IS NARRATED BY JOAN COLLINS AND INCLUDES COLOR AS WELL AS BLACK AND WHITE FOOTAGE. THEY SAID IT IS ESTIMATED THAT 75 PERCENT (!) OF ALL SILENT MOVIES ARE LOST AND THAT 50 PERCENT OF FILMS MADE UP TO 1950 ARE GONE BY HALF. I HAVE ONLY SEEN ABOUT 40 PERCENT OR LESS OF THE DVD AS I HAD RUN THE FEATURE "FLASHDANCE" AND I WAS GETTING PAST MY USUAL BEDTIME. INCIDENTALLY, I HAD FORGOTTEN HOW GOOD FLASHDANCE IS. GREAT SCREEN MOMENTS LIKE JENNIFER BEALS DATING MICHAEL NOURI (HER BOSS) AND ON ONE DATE IN A RESTAURANT SHE IS EATING LOBSTER IN SUCH A SEXY WAY (CHEWING AND SWALLOWING) THAT IT TURNS HER BOSS ON. BUT EVEN BETTER IS WHEN SHE TAKES OFF ONE OF HER SHOES AND SLIPS HER FOOT INTO HIS CROTCH AND RUBS. THE LOOK ON HIS FACE IS PRICELESSDF!
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Diane Cox
09-30-2021
12:17 PM ET (US) IP: 23.127.59.195
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Ms. Netrebko turned 50 recently.
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Martino1 09-29-2021
05:25 PM ET (US) IP: 67.216.108.216
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Yes, Gary, that is a beautiful duet and Alvarez/Netrebko sang it just like it should be sung. They were marvelous. Both were at the height of their careers at this time and Netrebko never looked or sounded more beautiful. I love it when the tenor goes for the high C at the end, and although Alvarez did not, he sang with great effect.
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gary from Halifax
09-29-2021
04:50 PM ET (US) IP: 108.175.132.12
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gary from Halifax
09-29-2021
04:42 PM ET (US) IP: 108.175.132.12
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Regarding Alvarez..yes Martino he possessed a beautiful voice at his finest..Here is a quick excerpt from none other than Pippo who had this to say.. Re. Alvarez (circa 1994) He had several unsuccessful auditions at the Teatro Colón in Buenos Aires. By fortunate coincidence, the legendary tenor Giuseppe di Stefano heard him at one of those auditions and urged him to go to Italy. "You have good instincts; you remind me of myself when I was a young man", di Stefano told him. Turning to the other people present, di Stefano commented, "this young man sings with his heart, he will have a great career!" Edited 09-29-2021 04:44 PM
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SAM MILLION
09-28-2021
08:54 PM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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I WANTED TO ADD TO MY POST BELOW ONE WORD THAT SUMS UP THE LANZA MAGIC. THIS IS A WORD I READ IN THE CALLINICOS BIOGRAPHY ON MARIO. IT IS: OROTUND! THAT MEANS FULL, ROUND, AND IMPOSING. DO WE NEED ANY MORE THAN THAT FROM A GREAT SINGER?!
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SAM MILLION
09-28-2021
05:59 PM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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TRAVELING IN THE VAN TODAY I LISTENED TO MARIO'S "CAVALCADE OF SHOW TUNES". I CAME TO AN INTERESTING CONCLUSION BESIDES SAYING THIS IS AN EXCELLENT ALBUM. MARIO'S VOICE IS NOT ONLY EXCITING ON THE HIGH NOTES, BUT HE HAS RESONANCE AND EVEN SOME SQUILLO IN THE MEDIUM RANGE. ONLY THE LOWEST RANGE DOESN'T HAVE THE IMPACT. I HAVE HEARD OVER THE YEARS PEOPLE SAYING HE HAD AN EXCELLENT LOW RANGE BUT I THINK IT IS ONLY "GOOD". LICITRA AND ALVAREZ HAD VERY LITTLE RINGING TO THEIR VOICES BUT THEY WERE VERY ENTERTAINING, PROFESSIONAL, LIKABLE, AND TALENTED. BUT THERE IS ONLY ONE MARIO LANZA!
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Martino1 09-28-2021
08:53 AM ET (US) IP: 67.216.108.216
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I have seen that video, Sam. It is rather old but wears well. Licitra died ten years ago in a scooter accident. Both singers were at their prime when this video was shot (beautifully I might add) and they gave a pretty good concert overall.
Alvarez, at his best, possessed an incredibly beautiful voice, especially in the more lyric roles than the dramatic ones he has sung for the last dozen years or so. Those roles have taken a toll on his voice, as has age (I think he is 60). I've not heard of him for some time and if he is still singing opera at all it may be in the smaller venues and giving concerts now and then. But back when this video with Licitra was made his voice was still radiant. I consider Alvarez to have been the better of the two singers but Licitra still had potential to improve at the time of his death.
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SAM MILLION
09-28-2021
02:12 AM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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I WATCHED A DVD CALLED "DUETTO"TONIGHT SINCE ANNA HAS THE STANDARD DVD SOLD TO A CUSTOMER. SHE IS GETTING A SURPRISING $22.00. THEN I WENT TO AMAZON AND SEE THEY SELL IT FOR $55.00!! I LIKED BOTH TENORS---LICITRA (ITALIAN) AND ALAVAREZ (ARGENTINIAN). ONE HAS GREY HAIR AND THE OTHER IS BLACK. BOTH HAVE GOOD STAGE PRESENCE AND BOTH SMILE TO THEMSELVES AND TO THE AUDIENCE OFTEN. IT IS SET IN THE ROMAN COLISEUM OUTDOORS. THE ORCHESTRA IS LARGE AND PLAY FOUR OF THE TRACKS INCLUDING "INTERMEZZO FROM CAVELARIA RUSTICANNA". THE ONLY RECOGNIZABLE ARIAS ARE "E LUCEVAN LE STELLE" AND "LAMENTO DI FEDERICO". THEY DO "MARIA" BUT IT IS NOT THE ONE FROM WEST SIDE STORY! MOST OF THE OTHER SONGS ARE ITALIAN AND I DIDN'T RECOGNIZE ANY. THERE IS ALSO A CD OF IT WHICH IS MUCH CHEAPER AND LIKELY JUST AS ENTERTAINING. HAVE ANY OF YOU SEEN OR HEARD IT?
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Bill Ronayne
09-27-2021
09:34 AM ET (US) IP: 68.192.184.213
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Thanks Linz for your kind words about the newsletter.
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Deleted by author 09-27-2021 09:33 AM
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Bill Ronayne
09-27-2021
09:28 AM ET (US) IP: 68.192.184.213
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Hi: Just so there's no confusion about the Ball Weekend in Philadelphia. Here's the information as there are a few typos in Sam's post: Mario Lanza Ball Saturday, November 20, 2021 at 6:00pm. IATSE Ballroom $125 per person. Scholarship winner performances, video presentation, auction and dinner and dancing to Over the Top Entertainment. Wine, beer and soft drinks are included in the admission price. All other drinks are cash bar. This is in effect for the entire event. Coat check is complimentary and free onsite parking is available. Mario Lanza Museum Sunday, November 21, 2021 at 1:00pm. A special luncheon, which will include a complete showing of Serenade, will take place at the Lanza Museum on Sunday the 21st. $30 per person. Lunch will be from 1:00pm – 1:45pm and the movie will start promptly at 2:00pm. Seating is limited to 30 people and on a first come first paid basis. No refunds or credits. No exceptions. Street parking. Please RSVP ASAP as events at the museum sell out fast. Hotel accommodations for out of towners are available at the DoubleTree Hotel in Center City at $189+ tax per night. Reservations must be made by October 15th to get the special price. For more information about the weekend, email info@mariolanzainstitute.org or call 215-238-9691. For those that cannot attend and would like to make a contribution, online donations can be made on our website www.mariolanzainstitute.org or sent to Mario Lanza Institute 1214 Reed Street Philadelphia, PA 19147. Best, Bill Edited 09-27-2021 09:30 AM
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SAM MILLION
09-27-2021
08:54 AM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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SO HAPPY THAT PEACE HAS RETURNED TO OUR FORUM. IT SHOWS THAT WE DO HAVE STRENGTH TO SETTLE PROBLEMS IN A NON VIOLENT MANNER. LINZ, I AGREE THAT SERENADE WOULD BE A FINE CHOICE FOR WB HOME VIDEO TO GIVE THE SAME TREATMENT IT GAVE TO PROCESS THE GREAT CARUSO. AS TO WHICH IS BETTER?---SERENADE OR GREAT CARUSO, I JUMP BACK AND FORTH BETWEEN EACH FILM AS TO WHICH IS MARIO'S GREATEST. PERHAPS A BETTER APPROACH WOULD BE HOW THEY FIT LANZA. HE WASN'T PLAYING HIMSELF IN GC AND HE WAS YOUTHFUL AND IN BETTER PHYSICAL SHAPE OVER ANY OTHER FEATURE. DURING THIS PERIOD GC WAS THE BEST. WITH SERENADE HE HAD ALREADY SHIFTED INTO THE LATER, OLDER, MARIO--ONE WHOSE VOICE WAS DEEPER IN TONE . HAVE YOU EVER NOTICED HIS SPEAKING VOICE DURING THE MOVIE WAS LOWER AS WELL? AND HIS ACTING THE BEST? WELL IT SURELY WAS. THE FILM IS FULL OF GREAT ARIAS AS IS GC AS WELL AS NEAPOLITAN SONGS. HE NEVER LOOKED MORE UNLIKE HIMSELF WITH THAT UNBELIEVABLY HIGH POMPADOUR AND HIS VERY NOTICEABLE WEIGHT CHANGES (THINK THE SCENE OF HIM IN BED AFTER HE FIRST AWAKENS FROM THE SLEEP THAT LASTED DAYS). THIS HAPPENED NOTABLY IN BECAUSE YOU'RE MINE TOO. YET HE WAS MUCH SLIMMER IN SEVEN HILLS OR ROME AND FOR THE FIRST TIME AS HE HELD HIS WEIGHT THE SAME IN MOST SCENES. BILL ALWAYS DOES A GREAT JOB WITH HIS LANZA NEWSLETTERS. I HAVEN'T BEEN SIGNED UP FOR THEM BUT I THINK I SHOULD TALK WITH BILL SOON.
CARMEL: I AM HAPPY KNOWING YOU REMEMBER ME, ANNA, AND RON. BACK THEN I HAD A HARD TIME KEEPING MY EYES OF OF YOU AS YOU WERE A TRUE "CUPCAKE".(ANY SEXIST REMARKS WILL BE MADE ONLY BY DIRTY OLD MEN, LOL). THESE DAYS THE CUPCAKE HAS TRANSFORMED INTO A MATURE LADY WITH PLENTY OF GLAMOUR. PLEASE DO POST HERE AS OTHERS HAVE SUGGESTED. YOU MAY NOT KNOW AS MUCH AS YOUR HUSBAND ARMANDO ABOUT MARIO, BUT READING HERE WILL ASSIST IN YOUR LEARNING. PLUS WE NEED MORE WOMEN ON THIS FORUM!
SPEAKING OF BILL, I JUST RECEIVED THE INVITATION TO THIS YEAR'S MARIO LANZA BALL. IT IS A TOTALLY REVISED LETTER THAT I WOULD LIKE SHARING WITH THE LIKELY FEW OF YOU WHO WILL MAKE IT THERE. FOR ME IT IS A 40 MINUTE DRIVE AND AN AFFAIR TO LOOK FORWARD TO. SINCE MARY PAPPOLA RAN THE INSTITUTE AND THEN HANDED THE REIGNS DOWN TO A VERY WILLING MR. RONAYNE, I THOUGHT OF THE DOUBLE TREE AS THE PERFECT LOCATION FOR THE BALLS. GOD, THEY EVEN HAD AN ICE CARVING OF MARIO IN THEIR BEST DAYS. THAT HAS HAD TO BE CHANGED. FOR THE UPCOMING NOVEMBER 29TH EVENT, HERE ARE THE SPECIFICS: IT IS THE 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF MARIO'S BIRTH AND THE 59TH (!) ANNUAL LANZA BALL. BILL HAS CHOSEN AN ENTIRELY NEW VENUE, SOMETHING DEAR OLD JOHN LUCIANI WOULD HAVE ROOTED FOR. JOHN OFTEN ASSISTED JEANETTE TO RUN THE MUSEUM AND BE A TOUR GUIDE. HE HAD GREAT VISION FOR CHANGE AND IMPROVEMENT RE MARIO FANS.
THE VENUE IS A PLACE I HAVE NEVER HEARD OF CALLED THE IATSE BALLROOM IN PHILLY. IT STARTS AT 6 WHILE IN THE DOUBLE TREE DAYS IT STARTED AT 5 WITH A HAPPY HOUR WHERE ATTENDEES COULD MINGLE AND GET "HAPPY"! "FORGET YOUR TROUBLES, COME ON GET HAPPY" IS THE SONG CUE HERE. BEFORE THE BALL ROOM DOORS OPENED, I ORDERED THREE APPLE MARTINI'S THE BEST MIXED DRINK I HAVE EVER HAD). AND ONE FOR GOOD MEASURE TO TAKE INTO THE BALLROOM. PLUS TWO COKES FOR THE SAME PURPOSE. FUNNY STORY: I REMEMBER SOME YEARS AGO THAT ONE OF THE OLDER LADIES AT THE HAPPY HOUR JUMPED RIGHT IN TO MY FUNNY PHRASE REGARDING A NEW DRINK I DISCOVERED IN MY IPHONE CALLED "SEX ON THE BEACH". WE WOULD BOTH HOWL AT THE MENTION OF THAT. SHE WOULD SAY: "SAM, SHOULD WE HAVE MORE SEX ON THE BEACH?". LOL.
THE EVENING WILL FEATURE THE ALWAYS CORE ASPECT OF THE BALL: TO CHOOSE AND HONOR SCHOLARSHIP WINNING VOCALISTS. SCHOLARSHIPS LIKE THIS ARE SOMETHING MARIO ENVISIONED DOING TO SHARE HIS DREAM OF FINDING NEW TALENT WITH THE WORLD. IN ADDITION TO THAT THERE WILL BE DINNER AND DANCING TO NOT THE LIVE MUSIC OF THE QUARTET. (IN A SENIOR MOMENT I CAN'T RECALL THE GROUP NAMED AFTER THEIR LEADER, A MAN I KNEW AND ACTUALLY SANG WITH YEARS BEFORE THEIR HIRING FOR THE BALL.) NOW WE WILL HAVE THE "CANNED"MUSIC OF A DJ. HOPEFULLY THIS DJ FROM "OVER THE TOP ENTERTAINMENT" WILL BRING ALONG SOME LANZA MUSIC.
THERE WILL ALSO BE AN AUCTION OF LANZA MEMORABILIA THAT CAN BE EXCITING IF YOU LIKE BIDDING. I HAVE A QUICK STORY TO TELL. SOME YEARS AGO THE AUCTION WAS FOR A GORGEOUS FRAMED COLOR PICTURE OF MARIO AND KATHRYN GRAYSON FROM THE TOAST OF NEW ORLEANS. IT CAME FROM MARY PAPPOLA'S PRIVATE COLLECTION. THAT FACT AND THE BEAUTY OF THE PIECED HAD ME DETERMINED TO WIN IT. AFTER THE MAJORITY OF BIDDERS HAD DWINDLED, IT WAS DOWN TO ME AND THE LADY AND HER HUSBAND WHO RAN A BED AND BREAKFAST AT A LIGHTHOUSE (THEIR NAMES?). WE BID THE VALUE WAY UP AND EACH OF US HAD "DUG IN THEIR HELLS" TO WIN. I SENSED THEY WERE AGGRAVATED BY MY CONTINUING TO DRIVE THE PRICE UP. I REALLY DIDN'T WANT TO PAY THAT MUCH AND ANNA SUGGESTED I STOP. I MADE ONE MORE BID WHILE ANNOUNCING TO THEM THAT I WOULD KEEP BIDDING NO MATTER WHAT (THE UNYIELDING ARMENIAN IN ME). AH HA! THEY STOPPED AND I WALKED AWAY WITH IT TO THE TUNE OF 250.00 IF MEMORY SERVES. THE AUDIENCE WAS ACTUALLY GASPING. I HAVE THE PIECE ON A FAVORED SPOT IN WHAT I CALL MY MUSIC ROOM.
SO, THE BALL WILL BE A SATURDAY--AND IN KEEPING WITH TRADITION OF HAVING A LANZA WEEKEND BILL HAS ARRANGED TO OPEN THE WONDERFUL NEW LANZA MUSEUM ON SUNDAY FOR A TASTY LUNCHEON AND COMPLETE SHOWING OF "SERENADE" ON THE BIG FLATSCREEN TV WITH RICH SOUND COMING FROM THE CEILING SPEAKERS.YOU CAN'T MAKE IT LOUD ENOUGH TO SUIT ME!IT IS ONLY 30.00 PER PERSON AND STREET PARKING IS AVAILABLE FOR THE EVENT THAT STARTS AT 1 PM. WHICH REMINDS ME THAT THE BALL WILL COST A REASONABLE !25.OO DOLLARS WITH FREE COAT CHECKING AND FREE PARKING ON THE PREMISES.
AND WE ARE NOT COMPLETELY SEVERING RELATIONS WITH THE DOUBLE TREE HOTEL, AS THIS WILL BE THE CHOSEN PLACE FOR OUT OF TOWN AND LOCAL PEOPLE WANTING A PLACE TO SLEEP. DON'T WORRY ABOUT SLEEP--THE EXCITEMENT WILL KEEP YOU WIDE AWAKE! I PREFER DRIVING FROM HOME AND THE FEW TIMES I COULDN'T DRIVE CAROLE SHEA'S BROTHER AL GAGLIARDI AND SISTER IN LAW, THE STUNNING LYNN, PICKED ME UP AT MY HOME. WE "HANG" OUT TOGETHER EVEN THOUGH WE WEREN'T SEATED AT THE SAME TABLE. DURING ONE PRE-BALL WE ALSO HAPPILY "HUNG OUT". I KEPT SUGGESTING THAT WE HAVE MORE APPLE MARTINIS UNTIL HER HUSBAND "CUT HER OFF". DUNNO IF SHE HAS A DRINKING PROBLEM--BUT THAT IS PERSONAL. NOTE THAT THERE WILL BE NO CONFIRMATION CARDS SENT OUT. YOUR PERSONAL CHECK IS YOUR CONFIRMATION AND RECEIPT.
LAST, ONE OF MY FAVORITE ASPECTS IS THE DINING AS YOU PROBABLY KNOW I LIVE TO EAT! APPETIZER COURSE WILL CONSIST OF BUTLERED FOOD AND A CRUDITE STATION. DINNER WILL NO LONGER BE SIT DOWN. THERE WILL BE A BUFFET PASTA STATION WITH SALAD AND ITALIAN BREADS. THEN A CARVING STATION WITH VEGETABLES AND POTATOES. WHY, WE ALSO GET A SEAFOOD STATION AND A CHICKEN STATION. WOW! CALL ME IN HEAVEN TO BE ABLE TO EAT AS MUCH AS I CAN. THEN IT ALL ENDS WITH CHEESECAKE SERVED WITH COFFEE AND TEA. AND GUESS WHAT? BEER, WINE, AND SOFT DRINKS ARE INCLUDED IN THE PRICE. YIPEE! ALL OTHER DRINKS WILL BE AT AN EVENING LONG OPEN CASH BAR.
WELL, THERE YOU HAVE IT. ANOTHER OF SAM'S LONG, LONG POSTS. I HAVE FUN WRITING THEM HOWEVER. I WILL BE PAYING FOR THE EVENT LAST MINUTE AS I CAN NEVER PREDICT THAT I WILL BE IN MENTALLY GOOD SHAPE. PRAY FOR ME THAT WILL BE SO...
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linz1
09-27-2021
05:06 AM ET (US) IP: 125.239.120.191
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And the new Legacy of Mario Lanza does not disappoint. A celebration of Mario's greatest movie, Serenade. Oh, for that to come out in Sting-Ray or whatever that new-fangled nonsense is called.
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linz1
09-26-2021
07:31 PM ET (US) IP: 125.239.120.191
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Given that these are such touchy times, it occurs to me I should make clear that of course I don't seriously consider Armando "old and wizened." That, too, was a tease. As anyone can see from his recent appearance with Derek and Vince, he is as handsome and vibrant as ever.
After Damon died, Aaron Caruso told me that he and Damon used to ring each other up for the express purpose of insulting each other, competing to see who could come up with the most colourful put-down of the other, both laughing uproariously the entire time. I think Mario would have enjoyed that, and participated too. Probably would have enjoyed Rory's allusions as well!
Looking forward to opening the latest Lanza Legacy later today!
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Martino1 09-26-2021
09:17 AM ET (US) IP: 67.216.108.216
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Thank you Carmel, hope to hear more thoughts from you about Mario Lanza. I sense you could be a valuable member of this forum if you wanted to be.
Linz, I see you have found a new go to word - Wokeness. Well, it is better than mental pygmies. If you use it correctly it can be a good thing, at least if you adhere to "urban" definitions.
I remember Rory and he provided some good information, especially about what made Lanza unique from a singer's point of view. I was never offended by the information he provided. You must recall what I was "offended" by and that was what I thought to be the uncalled for use of sexual acts, oral sex acts to be exact, that I hardly see has a place here where many women lurk. They would be the ones offended, not so much me. He could have used numerous analogies to highlight his point (and in an even more persuasive way). Why he chose the one he did is a mystery but I only pointed out to him that because of the number of women here, he might want to use different language. He might not have known this being so new to the forum and I pointed it out, not to scold him which I did not do, but to inform him in a respectful manner. There is a difference but once again, I am sorry if he thought I was scolding him.
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linz1
09-26-2021
03:01 AM ET (US) IP: 125.239.120.191
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Dear Martino, I fear you just became a victim of your own Wokeness. The ultra-unwoke Armando I first met would have enjoyed with hilarity your banter and teasing, but at some point became Woke and "sensitive" (of course, he's far too old and wizened to attract such a lovely, young—but seemingly humourless—woman). As did I. Alas, that went out of fashion 20 or more years ago, and now everyone (especially someone with a now-worthless PhD before his or her name) wakes up with the intent of finding something to be "offended" by. As you were "offended" by my friend Rory's post here which might otherwise have led to an upsurge of postings by young voice students. I suppose it's good that Carmel has forgiven you—but really, there was nothing to forgive you for. Edited 09-26-2021 03:01 AM
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Carmel to Sam
09-25-2021
11:32 PM ET (US) IP: 194.193.171.200
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Dear Sam, I have fond memories of you, your wife and Ron. We had some great times! It’s so good of you to come to the aid of your friend Martino, it has helped to clarify the matter, and we can now move on. Take care!
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Carmel to Martino
09-25-2021
11:16 PM ET (US) IP: 194.193.171.200
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Dear Martino, apology accepted –thank you for your explanation. I’m humbled by your compliments, but you must understand that since you posted your remarks not once, but twice, I saw them as a clear indication that, for some unknown reason, you were targeting Armando. All good, let's start again.
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gary from Halifax
09-25-2021
09:21 PM ET (US) IP: 108.175.132.12
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Hello Carmel.. I post here on occasion, but have been posting here off and on for years.
During these years I have learned a great deal concerning Lanza and a great deal concerning opera through the words posted by Martino. I consider Martino a friend. I have never espied anything written here by Martino to be hurtful or demeaning to anyone. Martino is a stalwart
member of this forum and his writings help keep this forum a terrific site to visit and take part.
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Martino1 09-25-2021
06:11 AM ET (US) IP: 67.216.108.216
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My dear Carmel, if I offended you I am sorry. As Sam said, I was joking and my words meant something entirely different than what you thought. I have a great deal of respect for your husband and consider his work on Lanza's life one of the best and his knowledge about Mario second to none. I meant the comments to be taking as a compliment to you directly as the lovely lady you are, and indirectly to Armando as well who is fortunate to have you. I'm sorry it did not turn out that way and I extend my apologies to you and also to Armando if he also felt slighted.
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SAM MILLION
09-25-2021
04:51 AM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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DEAREST CARMEL, I AM PRETTY SURE MARTINO DIDN'T MEAN TO SAY HURTFUL THINGS (EXCEPT HIS SAYING YOU ARE TOO YOUNG AND PRETTY FOR ARMANDO, WHICH I BELIEVE WAS A JOKE). HE IS VERY RESPECTED ON THE RENSE FORUM FOR HIS KNOWLEDGE AND OFTEN PERCEPTIVE POSTS. JUST AS ARMANDO IS RESPECTED FOR HIS GREAT BIO ON MARIO. (I OFTEN THINK BACK TO THE NIGHT WHEN ARMANDO, MY FRIEND RON FROM ST. LOUIS, AND I GOT TOGETHER AFTER A LANZA BALL AND LET LOOSE IN SOME NIGHT SPOT WHERE WE SANG AT THE TOP OF OUR LUNGS!! I WILL ALWAYS REMEMBER MEETING YOU SINCE YOU WERE SO SINCERE AND AS MARIO'S COKE SHOW ANNOUNCER ONCE SAID "RICH, YOUNG, AND PRETTY" WHICH MAY OR MAY NOT DESCRIBE YOU. I FOR ONE WISH YOU GUYS LIVED A LOT CLOSER THAN ITALY!
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Carmel to Martino
09-24-2021
11:44 PM ET (US) IP: 194.193.171.200
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Your repeated personal attacks on my husband, Armando, are both nasty and insulting.
Who are you?
You don’t know either me or Armando but your venomous remarks certainly reveal much about the kind of person that you are.
You are no different to the harsh, uncaring Hollywood people and the cynical press Mario had to endure.
Your comments are thoughtless with no regard to people's feelings and totally uncalled for!
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Bill Ronayne
09-24-2021
03:54 PM ET (US) IP: 68.192.177.63
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The October 2021 issue of "The Legacy of Mario Lanza" newsletter has just been published and mailed out. It features coverage of several recent events at the Lanza Museum, a look at Mario's various recordings of "La Danza," and a variety of articles and photos concluding our commemoration of the 65th anniversary of the release of "Serenade" plus the regular features. Best, Bill
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Martino1 09-24-2021
08:33 AM ET (US) IP: 67.216.108.216
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Gary, yes it was a very nice chat with Vince, Armando, Carmel and Derek. (I still say Carmel is way too good for an old goat like Armando)!! It is always a treat to hear Lanza experts talk about him and his art. A few years ago Perigo and Rense had a series of "chats" that were most informative, as was the discussion Perigo had with Roland Bessette, which was included in the book, "The One Tenor". It is always a pleasure to hear people who know what they are talking about discuss Mario Lanza. Maybe we will have more "chats" in the future. Edited 09-24-2021 08:33 AM
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gary from Halifax
09-23-2021
10:07 PM ET (US) IP: 108.175.132.12
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Martino..many thanks for posting the youtube link re. Vince's "Chat" with Armando,Carmela and Derek. A tremendous "chat" indeed. Thank so much Vince as well. Cheers..Gary//
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SAM MILLION
09-22-2021
11:28 PM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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HEY THERE JIM! I DIDN'T KNOW YOU ARE A VOCALIST. WELL FROM ONE VOCALIST TO ANOTHER, I AM CURIOUS TO KNOW IF YOU HAVE ANY EXAMPLES OF YOUR SINGING ON YOUTUBE OR PRIVATELY. I WOULD VERY MUCH LIKE TO HEAR YOU. DO LET ME KNOW. REGARDS, SAM PS. HOW IMPRESSIVE THAT YOU SHARED A STAGE WITH THE GREAT CAROL BURNETT!!
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Jim Thompson
09-22-2021
02:15 PM ET (US) IP: 24.38.229.151
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Sorry to read about the passing of Jane Powell. I met her and we had pictures taken together when we lived in Westport, CT. She would also attend the yearly Blesssing of the Animals at lovely June Havoc's place. Kristine I am so glad you posted about the passing of Peter Palmer. We were in the Army at the same time. He sang and won in our Army Entertainment Contest at Ft. Dix, NJ in 1957. I won the contest the next year and we sang On the Ed Sullivan Show, when Carol Burnett made her first appearance on TV. I won the Army contest singing "Granada" ! May they rest in Peace. Edited 09-22-2021 02:29 PM
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Kristine C
09-22-2021
10:18 AM ET (US) IP: 96.59.37.64
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On Oct. 16th, TCM will have a tribute to Jane Powell and will show some of her movies.
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Kristine C
09-22-2021
10:16 AM ET (US) IP: 96.59.37.64
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Peter Palmer passed away at age 90. RIP. He was in Broadway Musical "Li'l Abner"(1956)with Edie Adams as Daisy Mae, Stubby Kaye as Marryin' Sam, and Charlotte Rae as Mammy Yoakum. He was in the movie version in 1959, but Edie Adams was pregnant, couldn't be in the movie, Leslie Parrish played Daisy Mae. Valerie Harper was in the chorus and Donna Douglas had a part in it, along with Julie Newmar. Originally, the producers of Broadway's "Lil Abner" had Dick Shawn in mind to portray Abner, but saw Peter on "Ed Sullivan Show", decided to choose him. It was said, Palmer sang "Granada" on the show. After, the movie version of "Li'l Abner", he struggled to have a movie career. That's sad, because he had a good singing voice, good looks and built. Back in 1980's, late Tom Hatten showed the movie "Li'l Abner" on KTLA Channel 5, Los Angeles and had Peter Palmer as guest co-host. Palmer mentioned that Mario Lanza also recorded "Love In A Home" from "Li'l Abner". In recent years, The Lennon Sisters also recorded it. Sam, again, thanks for kind words.
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SAM MILLION
09-22-2021
09:29 AM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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HERE IS A COPY OF A LETTER I JUST SENT TO OUR OWN BILL RONAYNE LAST NIGHT:
I WAS SITTING HERE AT THE COMPUTER AND SUDDENLY REALIZED I DIDN'T KNOW IF THERE WAS GOING TO BE A BALL, OR EVEN A PRE-BALL. THEN I SAW YOUR FACEBOOK PAGE, WHICH LOOKS GREAT. I ADORE THAT DONATED PAINTING!
SO I THINK THE PARTY FROM 1-4 ON OCTOBER WILL BE A GOOD FIT FOR ME. IT IS FROM 1-4 AT THE MUSEUM AND FEATURES A TASTSY LUNCH AS WELL AS A SHOWING ON THEIR BIG FLAT SCREEN TV. AS I CAN NOW DRIVE AGAIN AFTER PROVING TO ANNA THAT I CAN DO SO VERY WELL. (DON'T TELL HER BUT I DRIVE BETTER THAN HER...SHE RIDES THE BRAKES TOO MUCH). I MAY HAVE SENT YOU MY BULK EMAIL ABOUT HOW I ENJOYED THE KUTZTOWN RADIO MEET SATURDAY PAST AT RENINGER'S AND THE 12 HOUR VISIT TO RENNINGER'S ADAMSTOWN THE NEXT DAY, SUNDAY OCTOBER 19TH. I BOUGHT SOME GREAT COLLECTIBLES THAT ARE SURE TO BE GOOD SELLERS. I ALWAYS USE MY IPHONE BEFORE PURCHASING THESE DAYS. THE COMPLETED PRICES REALIZED SHOW ME HOW MUCH I SHOULD PAY IN ORDER TO MAKE A DECENT PROFIT.
NOW REGARDING THE BALL, WHICH IS APPROXIMATELY ONE MONTH FROM THE PARTY, I CAN'T PLAN THAT FAR IN ADVANCE BECAUSE OF MY BIPOLAR DISORDERED. I HAVE EVERY HOPE I WILL STAY IN A GOOD PLACE BUT HAVE TO PLAY IT BY EAR AS I DID THE LAST TIME WE WERE AT THE DOUBLETREE--WHICH I ENJOYED IMMENSELY.
I WANT TO VOLUNTEER MYSELF IF YOU NEED RECORDINGS MADE OF THE SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS, MY IPHONE CAN MAKE EXCELLENT RECORDINGS.I KNOW IN THE RECENT PAST THAT YOU, BILL, HAVE DONE THESE RECORDINGS BUT I AM PRETTY SURE YOU WOULD LIKE TO CONCENTRATE ON YOUR JOB AS THE PRESIDENT OF THE LANZA INSTITUTE. I CAN TAKE VIDEO WHICH COULD BE TRANSFERRED TO A DVD IF WANTED. I AM NOT SURE WHAT ELSE YOU MIGHT LIKE, BUT AM UP FOR SUGGESTIONS. I WISH WE COULD GET A LARGER SCREEN TO INCREASE THE THRILL OF SEEING WHAT PROGRAMS AND CLIPS, ETC. YOU HAVE PLANNED. MY NEW PROJECTOR IS TOTALLY PORTABLE AND SHOWS THE BEST QUALITY SHARPNESS AND COLOR I HAVE SEEN SO FAR. OF COURSE IT IS 4K, THE HIGHEST RESOLUTION WE HAVE TO DATE. THE ONLY THING I CAN'T DO IS PLUG THE SOUND CABLE INTO THE ROOM'S SYSTEM. HOWEVER, PUTTING A MICROPHONE IN FRONT OF THE PROJECTOR'S SPEAKERS WOULD FILL THE ROOM WITH BIG SOUND. TO CUT AWAY A BIT, I HAVE ADDED SOME EXCITING NEW WARNER HOME VIDEO RELEASES THAT HAVE QUALITY AS GOOD AS OR BETTER THAN GC. TWO EXAMPLES ARE SINATRA-KELLY-WILLIAMS IN "TAKE ME OUT TO THE BALLGAME". AND THE MUSICAL AND COMEDY TREAT THAT IS STAR STUDDED FROM KENAN WYNN TO JUDY GARLAND AND THAT IS CALLED "THE ZIEGFELD FOLLIES" WHICH IS NARRATED BY WILLIAM POWELL..
I HAVE ONE QUESTION. IF THE BALL IS 6 TO 1O, DOES THAT MEAN NO COCKTAIL HOUR? I ALWAYS LIKED THAT SINCE YOU CAN TALK TO PEOPLE AND GET AROUND RATHER THAN BE SEATED AT A TABLE. (OF COURSE YOU CAN STILL GET UP AND TALK AT THE BALL IN MOMENTS WHERE NOTHING IS GOING ON OR THE DANCING TAKES PLACE. (QUICK ASIDE---PERHAPS WE SHOULD HAVE A SEGMENT TO HONOR FRANK TENAGLIA...) OR PERHAPS I JUST ENJOY THOSE "FREE" APPLE MARTINIS, LOL. AND SOMETIMES THE APPETIZERS ARE TASTIER THAN THE MAIN MEAL!
WELL, BEFORE I START RAMBLING I SHOULD SAY GOOD BYE FOR NOW.
MY BEST ALWAYS,
SAM
PS. I HOPE YOU HAVE HEARD/SEEN THE ZOOM MEETING BETWEEN DEREK MCGOVERN, ARMANDO CESARI AND WIFE CARMEL, AND VINCE DIPLACIDO. IT IS HIGHLY ENTERTAINING AND VERY INFORMATIVE. ARMANDO'S RECALL OF THINGS, HIS MANY INTERVIEWS WITH PEOPLE ASSOCIATED WITH MARIO, ETC. IS WORTH THE PRICE OF ADMISSION ALONE. I HAVE SEEN IT TWICE SO FAR.
PPS. GOOD TO HEAR THE MUSUEM IS NOT SELLING HE LATEST SEPIA CD RELEASE. IT IS ONE OF THE BEST DEREK HAS DONE SO FAR IN MY OPINION.
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Vince Di Placido 09-20-2021
05:06 AM ET (US) IP: 86.44.28.228
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Thanks for watching and enjoying our chat. Sam, that is a very good observation, "sheer joy", I have to say to be able to talk with with these two greats was definitely sheer joy. To share in Armando's experiences and hear about the people he has talked to is a privilege, I wish I had not interrupted as much and listened to him even more, you can never get too much Armando! I must stress this was a very informal zoom chat but of course we got talking about Mario and I got excited afterward and pulled that video together. Derek and Armando's understanding cannot be stressed enough for allowing me to put it out there as informal as it was. Martino, I agree we could have done with a lot more Carmel, but she's such a legend she just let us waffle on... Although I think her observation that the warm loving upbringing Mario grew up with, made the harsh uncaring Hollywood and the cynical Press treatment, an even more difficult problem for him to deal with. That is so true, and so perceptive, he just wasn't prepared for the treatment he got. Mario had not gone through a tough upbringing or school of hard knocks to case harden him. Edited 09-20-2021 02:28 PM
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SAM MILLION
09-20-2021
03:51 AM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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HI MARTINO! I WAS SO HAPPY TO SEE THE NEW ZOOM VIDEO STARRING OUR FRIENDS VINCE, DEREK, AND ARMANDO. THE THREE OF THEM (MAKE THAT FOUR WITH ARMANDO'S WIFE!) SPOKE COPIOUS WORDS THAT WILL EDUCATE ANY LANZA FANS. WHAT THEY IMPART ON THE SCREEN IS SHEER JOY. I HAD THE PLEASURE OF MEETING ARMANDO AT A LANZA BALL AND BUYING HIS EXCELLENT BOOK WHICH HE SIGNED. LATER THAT NIGHT ALL OF US, INCLUDING MY FRIEND RON WHO ALSO BOUGHT THE BIOGRAPHY, WENT FOR A FEW DRINKS AND ENDED THE NIGHT SINGING AT THE TOP OF OUR LUNGS!! FYI: ARMANDO'S WIFE'S NAME IS NOT CARMELA BUT JUST CARMEL. SHE WAS A JOY TO TALK TO AND I THOUGHT SHE WAS QUITE A "CUPCAKE".
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Martino1 09-19-2021
01:38 PM ET (US) IP: 67.216.108.216
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It is rare indeed to have an informal discussion about Mario Lanza, recorded by three of the foremost Lanza experts in the world. But yesterday, that is exactly what happened. Vince DiPlacido edited a zoom video between himself, Lanza Biographer Armando Cesari, and Derek McGovern and posted it yesterday on youtube.
They spoke about Mario in general terms for the most part, with reference to everything from the Lanza children, to Mario's costumes, the TSP fiasco and musical supervision and other subjects. Don't expect to hear Lanza's voice but listen to these men talk about him with such enthusiasm and genuine admiration and you will learn something for sure. Armando was even joined by his lovely and very Italian wife, Carmela (BTW, she is far too young and pretty for Armando but that is another matter entirely!). In fact, I would have liked to have heard from Carmela but typical of all Italians, myself included, you needed duct tape to keep Armando from talking). I recommend everyone listen in to this interesting, nearly hour long conversation, which is linked below:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qnDRi-zxsvQ
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SAM MILLION
09-17-2021
07:21 AM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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YOU WONDER HOW SOMEONE LIKE THE LAST POSTER BREAKS INTO OUR "LITTLE CIRCLE". ALL TO OFTEN THESE DAYS PEOPLE BOTHER US. NOT SURE ABOUT YOU GUYS BUT WE GET FIVE TO 7 ROBOCALLS A DAY AND IT IS LIKE GETTING JUNK MAIL. SO WHO AMONG US NEEDS AN "AFFORDABLE TRUCKING COMPANY"? LOL, LOL!
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Deleted by topic administrator 09-20-2021 09:09 AM
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SAM MILLION
09-17-2021
02:11 AM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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MY GOODNESS KRISTINE! YOU SURE YOU KNOW INSIDE HOLLYWOOD. I WAS SO PLEASED YOU SENT ME THE DETAILS SINCE I NEEDED THE KNOWLEDGE YOU SHARED!HEY, WHY DON'T YOU WRITE A BOOK?! I AM SERIOUS. IT COULD BE "DESK TOP" PUBLISHED....
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Kristine C
09-16-2021
09:58 PM ET (US) IP: 96.59.37.64
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Sam, Janis Paige was in some movie musicals in the 1940's. She was in "Bathing Beauty"(Esther Williams). Then, she went to Warner Bros., was in movies with Dennis Morgan, Jack Carson, Cuddles Sakall. She was in Broadway Musical , "The Pajama Game" with John Raitt and was in "Romance On The High Seas"(Doris Day's film debut). In 1957, she had a part in movie version of "Silk Stockings" with Fred Astaire and Cyd Charisse. Marsha Hunt was a model, in the 1930's, which led her to be in movies, in 1930's. She played the oldest sister in movie "Seven Sweethearts" with Van Heflin, Kathryn Grayson. She was in "Cry Havoc" with Margaret Sullivan, Ann Sothern, Joan Blondell(about the nurses on Bataan). Marsha Hunt was also a political activist, which , sadly, caused her to be blacklisted, for awhile. Originally, she had been cast to play James Dean's character's mother in "Rebel Without A Cause", but withdrew, Ann Doran replaced her. There is a group of fans who would like Marsha Hunt be awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom and there is a documentary about her "Marsha Hunt: Sweet Adversity" that has been on TCM.
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SAM MILLION
09-16-2021
08:56 PM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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HI KRISTINE. EXCEPT FOR THE NEWS ABOUT JANE POWELL, THESE ARE AMAZING AGES FOR THE FAMOUS PEOPLE YOU LISTED! JANE POWELL WAS AT THE METROPOLITAN TRIBE TO MARIO IN 2005 (AND I HAVE ONE MORE SET OF TWO CDS WHICH ARE AUDIO OF THE SHOW'S HIGHLIGHTS). JANIS PAIGE (99 YRS OLD) I AM NOT TOO FAMILIAR WITH. MITZI GAYNOR (90)I HAVE LOVED EVER SINCE SOUTH PACIFIC. RITA MORENO (89) OF COURSE IS FAMOUS FOR WEST SIDE STORY BUT TOAST OF NEW ORLEANS WAS EITHER HER FIRST OR SECOND FILM EVER. AGAIN, MARSHA HUNT(103 GOD BLESS HER)I CANNOT EVEN PICTURE. BUT LESLIE CARON (UPPER 80'S)I HAVE ENJOYED IN MANY MUSICALS, ESPECIALLY "AN AMERICAN IN PARIS", A CLASSIC. AND OUR OWN ANN BLYTH(NOT SURE OF HER AGE). IN 2005 AT THE MET AFFAIR I SWEAR TO YOU SHE LOOKED EXACTLY LIKE SHE DID IN THE GREAT CARUSO. IT WAS LIKE TIME STOOD STILL FOR HER. THE MOST RECENT PHOTOS I HAVE SEEN (MAYBE TWO YEARS OLD) HAVE HER STILL LOOKING LOVELY.
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Kristine C
09-16-2021
08:13 PM ET (US) IP: 96.59.37.64
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Jane Powell passed away at 92. RIP. I think, originally, she was supposed to be in "Because You're Mine", but became pregnant, had to withdraw from the movie. Janis Paige turned 99. Mitzi Gaynor turned 90. Rita Moreno is 89, Marsha Hunt is 103, Leslie Caron is in her upper 80's, Ann Blyth is still with us.
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SAM MILLION
09-16-2021
12:36 AM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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I FORGOT TO ADD TO MY COSMOS PROJECTOR REVIEW A TRULY GREAT FEATURE THAT IS WORTH A LOT. THAT IS THAT IT COMES WITH APPS ALREADY IN IT AND YOU CAN SEARCH FOR OTHERS WITH A SIMPLE MENU. SOME OF THE CHOICES INCLUDE YOUTUBE, NETFLIX, AND SO ON. WHEN YOU ARE ON THE OPENING PAGE, YOU SEE MANY PROGRAMMING CHOICES THAT ARE LISTED IN ROWS. I OPTED FOR HBO MAX AND CLICKED ON AN EXCELLENT TOM HANKS FEATURE CALLED
THE TERMINAL. IN IT TOM IS A FOREIGN GUY WHO HAS JUST RUDIMENTARY ENGLISH AS THIS COMMAND. HE COMES TO OUR COUNTRY TO VISIT NEW YORK CITY BUT HE ISNS'T ALLOWED ENTRY SINCE HIS COUNTRY IS AT WAR. HE HAS A HEART OF GOLD AND HELPS PEOPLE LIKE LOVELY CATHERINE ZETA-JONES, ZOE SALDANA, AND OTHER FAMILIAR FACES. IT IS VERY ENTERTAINING AND HOLDS YOUR INTEREST THROUGHOUT. OKAY, I AM DONE WITH MY PROJECTOR TALK. I HOPE THIS WASN'T BORING FOR YOU GUYS.
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SAM MILLION
09-15-2021
06:45 PM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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HELLO VERNA. MARTINO IS HIS REAL NAME JUST AS MINE IS SAM.YOUR POST CONFUSED THE HELL OUT OF ME. I DON'T KNOW WHAT YOU ARE TRYING TO SAY. MARTINO IS A SCHOLAR. PERHAPS HE CAN DUMB IT DOWN SO I CAN GET IT, LOL.
I HAVE AN UPDATE ON THE 1,299.00 NEW PROJECTOR (CALLED THE NEBULA 4K COSMOS MAX) WITH THE LED LAMP THAT LASTSA 30,000 HOURS. I A-B COMPARED IT TO MY GREAT 5040 EPSON AND I WAS HARD TO TELL THE DIFFERENCE!IN FACT IS HAD REDS THAT WERE SO SATURATED IT MAKES THE VIEWER DROOL. IT IS AS SHARP AS MY EPSON (WHICH IS ONLY 4K "READY" AND NOT TRUE 4K. BUT I LEARNED SOMETHING ELSE TONIGHT. 4K BLU RAY DISCS DON'T LOOK ANY BETTER THAN STANDARD BLU RAY BUT THEY COST MORE TO BUY. WHAT STUNNED ME WERE THE TWO NEW FEATURES THAT, LIKE GREAT CARUSO, WERE TAKEN DIRECTLY FROM THE ORIGINAL TECHNICOLOR NEGATIVES. THE TWO MUSICALS ARE "TAKE ME OUT TO THE BALLGAME" WITH SINATRA, G. KELLY, AND ESTHER WILLIAMS. THE OTHER IS EVEN MORE STUNNING AND IS STAR STUDDED FROM FRED ASTAIRE TO JUDY GARLAND. THE TITLE IS "THE GREAT ZIEGFELD"
OTHER FEATURES OF THE COSMOS PROJECTOR IS THAT IT HAD BUILT IN AMP AND SPEAKERS THAT ARE VERY NICE SOUNDING CONSIDERING THE SMALL SIZE. TURN UP THE VOLUME TOO LOUD AND IT WILL DISTORT. THE PROJECTOR CAN MAKE EXCELLENT IMAGES UP TO 150 INCH INSIDE, WHICH IS LIKE HAVING FOUR STANDARD FLAT SCREEN TV'S. I GREAT FEATURE IS ITS ABILITY TO DOWNLOAD FREE FROM THE INTERNET YOUTUBE, NETFLIX, TV SHOWS, MOVIES, ETC. WHAT A GREAT DEAL THAT IS. THE PROJECTOR IS ABOUT 10 BY 7 BY 4 INCHES AND WEIGHS ABOUT 10 POUNDS. THE PICTURE IT PRODUCES IS VERY SHARP AND HAS AUTO FOCUS. I CONSIDER IT A REAL BARGAIN AND A TECHNOLOGICAL ADVANCEMENT. I EVEN THINK IT COMPARES FAVORABLY TO THE VAVA 4K PROJECTOR I SAW AT A FRIEND'S HOUSE MONDAY. THIS ONE COSTS ABOUT 1,850.00 AND HAS LASER LIGHT INSTEAD. LASERS WILL PRODUCE BRIGHTER IMAGE BUT I FOUND NOTHING DULL ABOUT THE IMAGE OF THE COSMOS. EVEN WITH THE LIGHTS ON YOU CAN SEE THE PICTURE, ALTHOUGH IT IS MUCH NICER WHEN TOTALLY DARK. FINALLY, ONE 'CUTE' FEATURE IT HAS IS THAT WHEN TURNED ON THE TOP BLACK INSERT GLOWS RED WITH THE PRODUCER NAME NEBULA, AND THE COOL PART IS THAT BENEATH IT ARE TINY DOTS OF LIGHT WHICH LOOK LIKE A CONSTELLATION.
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Verna_A
09-15-2021
06:27 PM ET (US) IP: 49.179.23.48
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Hi Martino1 (sorry I don't know your real name). Thank you for fulfilling my prophecy about the outrage! I hope at least some ML connoisseurs don't take your view and will be willing to participate in the production of possible new songs, as they would be able to make a real difference. We're obviously talking a different kind of animal to the authentic recordings, although it's worth remembering that all recorded artists are to some extent at the mercy of technology, and technology tinkerers, so it's a puzzle to know where to draw the line. When I was thinking of new songs, I was thinking of simple romantic songs, like the example I gave, which shouldn't be too problematic in terms of expression. Recording a complex aria would I imagine be difficult without significant input from another singer, which may or may not be acceptable to the ear. Can I say again, I will judge by results - what my ear hears, not preconceived attitudes. I think there is a large audience out there who would do the same (not opera aficionados, I'd agree there). I am not necessarily advocating for the deepfake technology, just predicting that it is likely to be coming. Change does tend to shock people, but it happens, nevertheless. Would this group ban any discussion of such releases, if and when they happen?
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Martino1 09-15-2021
05:14 PM ET (US) IP: 67.216.108.216
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Well Verna, you certainly entered the forum with something conceptually new - and yes, outrageous. What you suggest is the antithesis of all opera lovers and lovers of classical singing in general, be it opera or the classical style "pop" music of Lanza, Bocelli, Grigolo, etc. I think I speak for the majority of people not only at this forum but throughout the classical music world: First and foremost in preference is live performance with a distant second being studio recordings. What you are talking about would be an affront to all we hold dear. You said, "Obviously you can never know exactly how Mario would have expressed each note...", and therein lies the heart of the matter. It is EXACTLY how Mario would have expressed each note that means everything.
All kinds of tricks through technology can change the sound of voices but not the interpretation - NEVER can technology create an interpretation. And interpretation is one of the most important factors that set Mario Lanza apart. A new song "sung" by Lanza through electronic note enhancement/splicing, or whatever gimmickry, would, by definition, deny us of what made Lanza so unique. Your suggestion may have merit in some circles and with some popular music genres, but not in opera and certainly not in the world of Mario Lanza.
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Verna_A
09-15-2021
04:00 PM ET (US) IP: 49.179.23.48
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(My first message so please be nice)
I have to smile a bit when people say of Mario compilations on disk "nothing new". Being dead for 60 years is a bit of a problem when it comes to issuing new recordings. However now I've said it, I take it back... I haven't seen any comment in ML circles about the advances in deepfakery (think Abba). Synthetic versions of performers are within the scope of today's computer programs and although the focus today is on video simulations, I think audio simulations are about to hit us. i.e. feed into the computer program every note Mario ever recorded and generate a new song. Obviously you can never know exactly how Mario would have expressed each note, but someone with taste and knowledge can be on hand to choose between options. I'm ready for the purists (no offence) to express their horror and outrage, but I'm open to it and will judge by results. I'd really like ML to knock off say Bocelli with a song like "Time to Say Goodbye"
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Martino1 09-15-2021
08:59 AM ET (US) IP: 67.216.108.216
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I'm a collector, therefore I purchase albums and CDs of singers that interest me, especially if there are tracks I do not have or if sound quality is enhanced. I collect for the sake of collecting, not necessarily to have a different version of something I already have. But the criteria remains the same - something I do not already have or better sound. Sepia recordings are among the best sounding reproductions of Mario Lanza's voice I have ever heard. I have reviewed and commented on virtually all of them.
The current CD, "Immortal Voice", has been delayed for some reason but it is on the way and I am sure I will be very pleased with it, both as a collector and as a critical listener of one of the greatest voices of all time. I also find the notes and booklets to be of value and are collectible items in and of themselves, same as an LP jacket.
Some time ago, someone wrote here that certain songs recorded by Lanza should never be issued because they were "not up to par". I disagreed with this and said so. I want everything Lanza ever recorded and I want it in the best sound possible and I then I will be the judge of what I think is "up to par". Sepia, McGovern, DiPlacido, etc. seem to be doing just that and I have always appreciated their effort.
Valeria's position is understandable although I have different thoughts, as mentioned above. Clearly, she is a great fan of Mario Lanza, but she does not think as a collector thinks and that is her right. Enhanced sound is not a necessary criteria alone for her to purchase a new disk containing selections she already has. She is also Italian and therefore more practical than most people and this is precisely the position she takes. In Italy, pragmatism is simply the nature of the beast.
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SAM MILLION
09-15-2021
07:46 AM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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SUCH CONTENTION EARLY IN THE MORNING. SO BETTY IS ACTUALLY VALERIA. VALERIA DOESN'T LIKE TO MINCE WORDS, AS I FOUND OUT ONCE SOME TIME AGO. LINZ IS MAKING A GOOD ARGUMENT TO THE "NOTHING NEW" SYNDROME WITH HIS EXAMPE OF WHERE TO FIND THE SOME DAY REHEARSAL. I HAVE LITERALLY HUNDREDS OF LANZA LPS. LOVE HAVING SO MANY DIFFERENT IMAGES OF MARIO (THESE COULD ALSO BE CALLED NOTHING NEW). THEN I HAVE HUNDREDS OF HIS CDS. HAVE DOZENS OF HIS CASSETTE TAPES (MOST RECORDED BY ME OFF THE RADIO), AND GOOD NUMBER OF THE SINGLE 10 INCH LPS AND A , A GOOD NUMBER OF THE 45 RPMS ANAD THE 45 ALBUMS , AND FINALLY 78 SINGLES AND 78 ALBUMS. LAST, THERE ARE RECORDINGS I COPIED FORM DEREK'SITE WHICH ARE RAR.I THINK THAT JUST ABOUT COVERS IT.
SO, WHY DID YOU CHOOSE TO POST UNDER A FAKE ID? (THANKS DEREK).
THANK YOU LINZ FOR THE LEAD TO LOOK UP THE DAMON LANZA PRODUCTIONS CDS!
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linz1
09-15-2021
03:23 AM ET (US) IP: 125.239.127.153
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Sam: Not just the Damon Coke CDs, but the several other single CDs from DLP over the years. It's on one of those you can find the Some Day rehearsal, if I'm not mistaken.
I agree entirely with D. McG: how cowardly to denigrate the Sepia CDs under a false name. And how risible the "content" of the denigration.
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Derek McG to Betty67
09-15-2021
02:14 AM ET (US) IP: 220.92.65.19
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Valeria: You are perfectly entitled to criticize the Sepia CDs, but I wish you would at least have the courage to post under your real name.
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Betty67 09-15-2021
01:41 AM ET (US) IP: 93.42.98.163
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Sam, if you are a true fan, you have all the LPs that ever came out, plus the CD that through the years were produced. Therefore, this particular CD is redundant. Yes, the sound quality is great, BUT there are no new tracks. Frankly, they could have done much better for Mario's 100th anniversary.
I do not understand why you get so excited for something you already have. They just changed the cover and remastered the songs. No big deal. I have some of the other Sepia CDs, but, again, beside the 'great sound', they do not add to our knowledge of Mario's repertoire.
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SAM MILLION
09-14-2021
01:43 PM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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LINZ: I HAVE THE DAMON LANZA SET OF COKE SHOWS. I WILL LOOK FOR THE PIECES YOU POINED OUT. THANKS FOR WRITING.
DID YOU PAY ATTENTION TO MY VIDEO PROJECTOR REVIEW? DO YOU HAVE ANYTHING APPROACHING A 150 INCH SCREEN?
HOW WOULD YOU RATE THE LANZA FILMS IN ORDER OF LIKE?
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SAM MILLION
09-14-2021
01:34 PM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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HI BETTY. FIRST OF ALL THE SEPIA CDS HAVE GREAT SOUND, SO THAT WOULD BE AN IMPROVEMENT. THE FOUR BONUS TRACKS ARE NOT NEW BUT ARE ALL OTHERWISE HARD TO FIND ON OTHER CDS. THE REHEARSAL OF "SOME DAY" IS BRAND NEW AND INTERESTING COMPARISON TO THE VERSION HE SANG LIVE SOME HOURS LATER. THE SONGS ARE PROGRAMMED AND HAVE A "FLOW". I HOPE YOU HAVE THE OTHER TEN SEPIA CDS ONLY TOO HAVE THE BEST SOUND AVAILABLE.
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Betty67 09-14-2021
11:41 AM ET (US) IP: 93.42.98.163
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I was actually disappointed by the last Sepia CD. Nothing REALLY new.
As Shakespeare would put it: Much ado about nothing...
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linz1
09-14-2021
02:39 AM ET (US) IP: 125.239.127.153
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Sam: I think if we could get all the music from The Great Caruso reproduced with the same quality as E Luvevan on Immortal, that would be a huge advance. Remember, this E Lucevan, like the Some Day rehearsal, was first released on the Damon Lanza CDs on which we heard a wealth of new material that was lost on pretty well everyone at the time. I recall having to point out to folk, including Damon himself: Holy Moley, that's a different take of Love Is the Sweetest Thing, or Santa Lucia Luntana, etc. In many cases, these alternates were better than those officially released. (I think there was a different Grieg's I Love Thee as well.) But they were not reproduced with the same production values that Sepia has brought to bear on them. It's true that there is an abundance of material still waiting to come out. I hope Sepia keep going! Edited 09-14-2021 02:42 AM
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SAM MILLION
09-14-2021
01:17 AM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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TONIGHT I SAW THE 1,849.00 DOLLAR VAVA 4K PROJECTOR FOR THE FIRST TIME AT A FRIEND'S HOME THEATER. I WAS VERY, VERY IMPRESSED. THE BRIGHTNESS WAS AMAZING, THE CONTRAST EXCELLENT AND THE COLORS RICH. IT HAS BUILT IN SOUND USING HARMON KARDON AMP AND SPEAKERS. WHAT HAD ME MOST AMAZED WAS HOW THE UNIT SITS ON THE FLOOR ONLY 7 INCHES AWAAY FROM A 150 INCH SCREEN AND PROJECTS UP IN PERFECT PROPORTION. THE UNIT WON THE TOP TEN PROJECTORS OF 2021 UNDER 3,000 DOLLARS WHICH WERE TESTED BY PROJECTOR CENTRAL, WHOSE STAFF KNOW THESE UNITS INSIDE AND OUT.
BUT I WANTED TO MAKE A MARIO LANZA POST AFTER SCREENING TOAST OF NEW ORLEANS TONIGHT. I HAD FORGOTTEN HOW GOOD THE TWO FILM SET (WITH TMK) IS. THE PICTURE QUALITY IS FLAWLESS AND MUCH CLEANER THAN ALL THE OTHER NON BLU RAY DVDS OF MARIO'S FILMS. THE COLORS WERE VERY RICH AND THE SOUND LOW BUT EXCELLENT AND CLEAR AS A BELL WHEN VOLUME IS TURNED UP. THIS IS BECOMING MORE OF A FAVORITE FILM. IN FACT, I DECIDED TO TAKE A CRACK AT LISTING HIS FILMS IN ORDER OF GREATNESS. I WOULD LIKE TO HEAR YOUR OPINIONS OF THE FOLLOWING. NUMBER ONE HAS TO BE THE GREAT CARUSO, NUMBER TWO IS SERENADE, NUMBER THREE IS TOAST OF NEW ORLEANS, NUMBER FOUR IS A TOSS UP BETWEEN BECAUSE YOU'RE MINE AND FOR THE FIRST TIME, THAT MIDNIGHT KISS IS FIFTH, AND SEVEN HILLS OF ROME IS AT THE BOTTOM. THE STUDENT PRINCE I AM NOT INCLUDING BUT I FIND IT A VERY ENTERTAINING AND WELL MADE MOVIE. THE DVD OF IT IS VERY FINE THOUGH NOT BLU RAY.
LINZ: SO GLAD TO HEAR YOU HAVE ALL THE SEPIA CATALOGUE. I HOPE MORE COME OUT AS THERE ARE A GOOD MANY TITLES WHICH HAVE NOT BEEN COVERED. I SUGGESTED TO DEREK THAT THEY RELEASE GREAT CARUSO IN ITS ENTIRETY BUT HE FELT THAT WASN'T SUCH A GOOD IDEA. BESIDES THERE IS A NICE SOUNDING CD ON THE FILM THAT COVERS EVER ARIA AND SONG AND EVEN THE BEGINNING AND END MUSIC. NOT SURE IT IS STILL AVAILABLE BUT I RECOMMEND IT. I JUST CHECKED AND SEE IT IS NO LONGER AVAILABLE. IT WAS MADE IN SPAIN. I COULD PROBABLY COPY IT WITH MY CD RECORDER THAT MAKES FIVE COPIES AT ONCE FROM A MASTER CD OR DVD. BUT IT TAKES TIME AND SOME MONEY FOR DISCS AND CASES.
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linz1
09-13-2021
11:37 PM ET (US) IP: 125.239.127.153
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Sam: I do indeed have all the Sepia Mario CDs. I should imagine I did reviews of all of them. They are all gold, but this last one is gold-plus! An ideal centenary release.
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SAM MILLION
09-13-2021
01:00 PM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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I JUST TRIED POSTING AN ARTICLE ABOUT A BRAND NEW PROJECTOR CALLED SIMPLY "THE VAVA 4K PROJECTOR WITH A LINK TO EBAY FOR THE SPECS. SELLS THERE FOR ONLY 1,849.99. IT IS USES A LASER LIGHT SYSTEM. PLEASE EMAIL ME FOR MORE INFORMATION. IMAGINE SEEING MARIO ON A SCREEN OR EVEN WHITE BED SHEET LARGER THAN LIFE. IT NEEDS ONLY 7 INCHES FROM THE SCREEN TO GIVE A 100 INCH PICTURE AND CAN GO UP TO 150 INCH.ACCORDING TO REVIEWS IT BLOWS AWAY THE COMPETITION OF MACHINES MUCH HIGHER PRICED.
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SAM MILLION
09-13-2021
12:47 PM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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I AM HAPPY TO SAY THAT THE IN DEPTH REVIEW I POSTED HERE A FEW DAYS AGO IS NOW ON AMAZON AND WILL ENCORAGE BUYERS TO GO FOR IT. MY REVIEW SITS RIGHT BELOW LINZ'S REVIEW OF SAME. MINE DISCUSSES EACH TRACK FULLY WHILE LINZ DOES A LEARNED REVIEW IN GENERAL.
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SAM MILLION
09-13-2021
08:41 AM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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LINZ, I WILL LISTEN AGAIN. I HAVE ALREADY RUN THE CD SEVERAL TIMES AND WAS IN A SORT OF HEAVEN! YOU DIDN'T SAY IF YOU HAD THE ENTIRE SEPIA LANZA LIBRARY...
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Linz1
09-13-2021
05:19 AM ET (US) IP: 125.239.127.153
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Sam: the cringe-moment in Long Ago is the reprise of fhe words "that all I longed for." Badly off-pitch, in a rendering where much of the rest of the intonation is suspect as well. No biggie. I squirm, but don't skip. There is no other CD of which I can say that!!
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SAM MILLION
09-12-2021
01:54 PM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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VINCE: IF YOU DIDN'T GET MY PRIVATE EMAIL,I AM POSTING HERE TO REMIND YOU OF THE VIDEOS I WOULD SO MUCH LIKE TO HAVE (WITH NO WORRY ON YOUR PART OF THEIR BEING SHARED). THANKS.
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SAM MILLION
09-12-2021
11:58 AM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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LINZ, I JUST TOLD DEREK (WHO ALSO LOVES IF I LOVED YOU) THAT I HAVE DONE A 180 ON IT AND NOW ENJOY IT. THERE WAS SOME OTHER "MYSTERY SONGG" I DIDN'T LIKE BUT I HAVE YET TO FIND IT. I THINK IT WAS ONE OF THE COKE SHOW LIBRARY.
I AM VERY PLEASED TO HEAR YOU LIKED MY REVIEW. BETWEEN PLAYING THE CD, MAKING NOTES, AND WRITING THE FINANL DRAFT I PUT IN THREE HOURS. IT IS DISAPPOINTING THAT NOT ONE PERSON RESPONDED TO IT. IN FACT, I DON'T THINK MANY EVEN ORDRED ONE SINCE THEY FEEL IT IS THE SAME OLD SAME OLD. IT CERTAINLY IS NOT. PLUS WHAT ABOUT THE NEVER RELEASED ON CD TRACKS AND BONUS TRACKS THAT ARE NEW LIKE THE REHEARSAL FOR "SOME DAY"?
YOU WILL HAVE TO TELL ME WHY YOU OBJECT TO LONG AGO AND FAR AWAY....
AMAZON SAID MY REVIEW WOULD PROBABLY TAKE A FEW DAYS TO APPEAR.
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linz1
09-12-2021
03:08 AM ET (US) IP: 125.239.127.153
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Sam: Thank you for alerting folk to the fake versions of my book on Amazon. At the same time, I must say I'm impressed by the title chosen by one of the fakers: "Heroic Soul." He or she understands more about my book and Mario than most professed Lanza fans!!
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linz1
09-12-2021
02:37 AM ET (US) IP: 125.239.127.153
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Sam: I saw your review, and enjoyed it immensely. I was dismayed, but not surprised, at the lack of response to it. There are few in the world-at-large, and here as well, for whom anything is about Mario and not about themselves. This chronic Woke Narcissism is destroying the world. I disagree with you about If I Loved You, and love the fact that Mario mentions Brahms in his introduction. But what would be the point of responding to you thus here?! The one cringe-moment I have with the latest Sepia CD is in Long Ago. But again, what would be the point of elaborating?
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SAM MILLION
09-11-2021
11:16 PM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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I AM POSTING THIS FOR A FRIEND:
Should anyone be tempted to order a supposedly new book on Mario entitled "Heroic Soul" by one Deanne Ludvigson, be aware that this is a word-for-word knock-off of Linz's own book "The One Tenor: A Salute to Mario Lanza." Incredibly, Amazon is enabling this theft.
A keen-eyed member of the Lanza Google forum has just alerted members to this outrage, and as she notes, this is not the first time that a Lanza book has been targeted by thieves. Only a few months back, fraudsters were also selling a clumsily disguised version of Armando Cesari's biography of Mario on Amazon.
So caveat emptor!!
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SAM MILLION
09-11-2021
10:57 PM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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HI LINZ. THANK YOU FOR POSTING YOUR REVIEW AGAIN. YOU ARE FERVENT IN THE INTENSE TONE OF IT. MY REVIEW IS AMONG THE PREVIOUS PAGES AND I JUST ADDED IT TO AMAZON. I WOULD STILL LIKE TO HEAR FROM YOU PRIVATELY. MANY THANKS.
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Kristine C
09-11-2021
10:52 PM ET (US) IP: 96.59.37.64
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Sam,I asked which one of Mario's movies was Pier Angeli considered for. The answer is "Seven Hills of Rome".
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SAM MILLION
09-11-2021
10:39 PM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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GLAD TO SEE YOU ARE STILL PLUGGING AWAY AT IT. FIRST ANSWER CORRECT. SECOND ANSWER IS WRONG. IT WAS TWO TIMES. THIRD ANSWER IS INCORRECT. THE NUMBER IS SEVEN. FOURTH ANSWER IS INCORRECT. TOAST OF NEW ORLEANS AND FOT THE FIRST TIME. FIFTH ANSWER IS CORRECT. SO THIS TIME YOU GOT TWO RIGHT AND THREE WRONG. HOWEVER, YOU ARE STILL DOING BETTER THAN I DID! I MUST HAVE MISSED THE QUESTION YOU PROPOSED. WHAT WAS THE QUESTION ANS ANSWER AGAIN?
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linz1
09-11-2021
09:16 PM ET (US) IP: 125.239.127.153
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Sam: here's my review. It's on SOLO, which I have of-line for now, and it's also on Amazon:
The only thing extraordinarily ordinary about the extraordinarily extraordinary new CD from Sepia is the title: The Immortal Voice of Mario Lanza—A Centennial Celebration. The rapturous musical fare served up here is far better suited to the Wine, Women and Song title I long ago urged upon the master-mind of Sepia's Lanza CDs, Derek McGovern. I acknowledge, however, that in 2021 such nomenclature might well "trigger" the Church of Woke and cause the CD to be "cancelled," so perhaps something innocuously prosaic is indeed called for. In any event, this CD, hands down, wins the prize for the cleverest Mario Lanza compendium ever: a position occupied for decades by RCA's You Do Something to Me LP/CD which Dr McGovern and Team Sepia—Richard Tay, Robin Cherry, Ray Leaning, Vincent di Placido, Carmel Parisi and Armando Cesari—have now decisively knocked off its perch. This is easily the most intelligent and imaginative Lanza compilation to date, by Sepia, RCA/Sony or anyone—not, as one might fear with a commemorative release, a parochial, predictable re-hash (yet again) of "greatest hits"; not Be My Love for the millionth time; rather, a uniquely loving, thoughtful (and thought-provoking) selection of rare and precious jewels, four of which have never before been commercially released. <!--break-->
The Immortal Voice begins with wine and ends with song, or more precisely, Without a Song. Many women get to be sung about or to along the way, with trees, wine, cities, wine, villages, wine and God making it into this divine mix as well. Every track sounds better than it ever has (the genius of Mr Cherry), and I am going unashamedly to use a much over-used adjective, "stunning," to describe the end effect. It happens to be the best word I can think of because playing the whole CD three times in quick succession left me .... stunned. The surging top notes in If I Loved You never surged quite like this before; the baritonal quality in Mario's later recordings never sounded so positively bassal as it does here; Vesti la Giubba and E Lucevan le Stelle never wrenched my gut quite this much; Mario's trademark naughty sharpness on occasional high notes never sounded so deliciously thrilling as in his re-entry in Neapolitan Love Song; and so lustily (and often) did he toast the joys of Bacchus that I confess I was left not just stunned but deliriously intoxicated.
If wine did not exist Mario Lanza would have found it necessary to invent it. Born to drink as well as sing, he might well have altered Oscar Wilde's witticism to: "Drink is the nurse of the singing classes."
Devout alcoholists may be thankful that Mario abjured the strictures of the morbidly sober, and that their modern-day counterparts, from the aforementioned Church of Woke, are currently too preoccupied with infantile pronouns to think of cancelling adult libations.
"For if I die as I hope to die/then I'll never be sober again not I" Mario exclaims in the uproariously Unwoke Drinking Song from The Vagabond King. ("A flagon of wine, a gallon of wine, a barrel of wine will doooooooooo ... an OCEAN of wine will do!")
To all intents and purposes he got his wish, leaving a legacy of uninhibitedly joyous singing with a style and voice that made him indubitably, as someone has called him, The One Tenor. Never has that legacy been so well honoured as on Sepia's latest CD, replete with erudite and heartfelt commentary in Derek McGovern's accompanying booklet.
A toast to all concerned. Beviam!!
Dedicated to Lillian Young, 1923-2019, who, were she here, would understand.
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Kristine C
09-11-2021
06:43 PM ET (US) IP: 96.59.37.64
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Sam, I will take guesses on the answers. "Serenade", Three times, Four, "Seven Hills of Rome" and "For The First Time", Hi Jinx" with Jinx Falkenburg(1949). By the way, the answer to my trivia question about Pier Angeli is "Seven Hills of Rome", the movie, she was considered for. I wonder what part David Niven would have played, if he had been cast ? I read ,the script for "Seven Hills of Rome" was so many pages, it had to be edited. On a sad note, screenplay writer, Art Cohn, who wrote the screenplay for "Seven Hills of Rome", was killed with Mike Todd, in that horrible plane crash. Cohn had also written the screenplay for "Ten Thousand Bedrooms" with Dean Martin and Anna Maria Alberghetti. Kirk Douglas was invited to go with Mike Todd, on the plane, but Kirk's wife, Anne persuaded him not to go and Elizabeth Taylor was planning to go, too, but caught the flu or a cold, had to cancel it. I am reading the book, Kirk Douglas and his wife, Anne wrote, now.
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SAM MILLION
09-11-2021
08:14 AM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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THE SECOND DEREK MCGOVERN QUIZ OF FIVE QUESTIONS FOLLOWS:
When the then-Vice President of RCA, the celebrated Emanuel ("Manie") Sacks, once heard the recordings for a new Lanza album, he declared: "Throw out everything else and stick to this. The man is a musical phenomenon." What album was he referring to?
The Student Prince (soundtrack)
Serenade (soundtrack album)
Mario! (RCA)
For the First Time (soundtrack album)
How many times did Lanza perform live on British TV?
Once
Twice
Three times
Four times
Of the conductors with whom Lanza worked, how many of these men's *original* song compositions (not adaptations) did he record?
Four
Five
Six
Seven
Which two Lanza films have the shortest running time at just under 97 minutes apiece?
"That Midnight Kiss" and "The Toast of New Orleans"
"That Midnight Kiss" and "Because You're Mine"
"The Toast of New Orleans" and "For the First Time"
"Seven Hills of Rome" and "For the First Time"
On which recorded interview did Lanza state: "I sing each word as though it were my last on earth"?
"Hi Jinx," with Jinx Falkenburg (September 1949), a promotional interview for "That Midnight Kiss"
"Today in Hollywood," with Betty Smyser (March 1950), an interview on the occasion of Lanza's visit to Honolulu
"Magic Mario," with conductor Ray Heindorf (February 1956), a promotional interview for "Serenade"
BBC interview with Wilfrid Thomas (March 1958) during Lanza's final recital tour.
OKAY, HAVE FUN SOLVING THESE. I GOT ALL THE ANSWERS WRONG WHEN FIRST TAKING THE ORIGINAL QUIZ. SURELY SOME ONE OF YOU CAN BEAT THAT!
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SAM MILLION
09-10-2021
11:05 PM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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KRIS, I JUST FOUND ALL OF THE FIVE ANSWERS. LA VITA IS CORRECT. NUMBER TWO ANSWER IS INCORRECT. IT IS BLANCH THEBOM. YOU ARE ALSO CORRECT FOR NUMBER THREE YOU ARE CORRECT. NUMBER FOUR IS INCORRECT. THE ANSWER IS SERENADE. AND YOU ARE RIGHT ON WITH NUMBER FIVE. WELL, YOU GOT THREE RIGHT AND TWO WRONG, WHICH IS STILL MUCH BETTER THAN I DID (I HAD ALL FIVE WRONG!). I HOPE T0 GET ANOTHER FIVE TOMORROW AND HOPE OTHERS PARTICIPATE TOO.
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SAM MIULLION
09-10-2021
10:49 PM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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KRIS, I AM ASHAMED TO ADMIT THAT I CANNOT FIND THE ANSWERS TO THE QUESTIONS. ALL ARE ONES I BLEW IN TAKING DEREK'S ORIGINAL QUIZ. BUT TOMORROW I WILL HUNT AND GET BACK TO YOU. I AM SURE YOU HAVE SOME RIGHT. RIGHT NOW I AM ANXIOUSLY AWAITING THE PROJECTOR I POSTED ABOUT. IT IS ONE THIRD THE PRICE OF OTHER MACHINES WITH SUCH GREAT FEATURES. JUST NEVER HAVING TO CHANGE BULBS IS A BIG ADVANTAGE AS THEY USUALLY COST 175.00 OR MORE. THE LEDS USED IN THE NEW UNIT HAVE A LIFE OF 30,000 HOURS OR THE EQUIVALENT OF 30 YEARS. WE'LL LIKELY BE LONG GONE BY THEN!!
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Kristine C
09-10-2021
06:22 PM ET (US) IP: 96.59.37.64
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Sam, I am going to guess on most of the questions, except for one, where I know the correct answer. "La Mia Vita per il Canto", Licia Albanese, Seven Hills of Rome, The Student Prince", and "Giovanni Mario". Now I have a trivia question: Which one of Mario's movies, was Pier Angeli considered to star in ? "Seven Hills of Rome" or "For The First Time" ? Trivia questions are fun and good mental exercise !
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Kristine C
09-10-2021
06:14 PM ET (US) IP: 96.59.37.64
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Happy Birthday, Anna !
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SAM MILLION
09-10-2021
02:31 PM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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LINZ: I WOULD LOVE TO READ YOUR REVIEW OF THE LATEST SEPIA CD "THE IMMORTAL VOICE OF MARIO LANZA. I WROTE ONE AND POSTED IT TWO DAYS AGO. WHEN I CLICK ON THE LINK IN YOUR POST I GET TAKEN TO A BLANK PAGE. THANKS IN ADVANCE, SAM
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SAM MILLION
09-10-2021
02:18 PM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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DEREK MCGOVERN SITE INCLUDES FIVE QUIZZES WITH 30 QUESTIONS EACH. HE HAS KINDLY ALLOWED ME TO PICK RANDOM QUESTIONS AND PROPOSE THEM TO OUR RENSE MEMBERS. KEEP IN MIND THESE ARE DIFFICULT. MINE ARE GRADE SCHOOL LEVEL WHILE HIS ARE COLLEGE LEVEL AND THEN SOME. NO FAIR LOOKING ANSWERS UP. I ADMIT THAT I ONLY SCORED 30 POINTS OUT OF 100 IN ONE QUIZ AND 40 POINTS IN THE FOUR OTHERS. SO, PUT ON YOUR THINKING HATS AND LET US GET STARTED. ALL QUESTIONS ARE MULTIPLE CHOICE (WHICH YOU'D THINK WOULD MAKE ANSWERING EASIER!
What was the name of the Italian radio show on which Lanza was heard in his final broadcast just three days before his death?
"La Mia Vita per il Canto"
"La Vita è Breve"
"Storia della Mia Vita"
"La Musica della Mia Vita"
Who wrote the following in 1999? "[Mario Lanza's] voice was of first class operatically speaking and of very large scale. . . . My own personal memories are tinged with the deep and sincere regrets that Mario was never a colleague at the Met as his talent warranted."
Blanche Thebom, mezzo-soprano
Lucine Amara, soprano
Licia Albanese, soprano
In which film was David Niven originally scheduled to co-star with Lanza for a second time?
Because You're Mine
Serenade
Seven Hills of Rome
For the First Time
17 When the then-Vice President of RCA, the celebrated Emanuel ("Manie") Sacks, once heard the recordings for a new Lanza album, he declared: "Throw out everything else and stick to this. The man is a musical phenomenon." What album was he referring to?
The Student Prince (soundtrack)
Serenade (soundtrack album)
Mario! (RCA)
For the First Time (soundtrack
In November 1951, the Los Angeles Times reported that Lanza had purchased a screenplay entitled "Mario, the Great." Who was the subject of the screenplay?
Himself: Mario Lanza
Giovanni Mario, a celebrated 19th century tenor
A fictionalized swashbuckler named Mario
Mario Silva, a real-life vocal coach
SO, THOSE ARE FIVE QUESTIONS. WE WILL USE THAT AS THE NUMBER EACH TIME.
GOOD LUCK!
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Martino1 09-10-2021
02:09 PM ET (US) IP: 67.216.108.216
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I wish your dear Anna a wonderful birthday and many more. Having lost my Judi a couple months ago, I know how irreplaceable these wonderful ladies are. Never take them for granted because once they are gone you will realize how precious they really are.
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SAM MILLION
09-10-2021
09:41 AM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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HI GUYS. TODAY IS MY WIFE ANNA'S 69TH BIRTHDAY (SLIGHTLY NAUGHTY YEAR!). IT WOULD BE GREAT IF SOME OF YOU COULD POST HER NICE BIRTHDAY WISHES. THANKS IN ADVANCE, SAM
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SAM MILLION
09-09-2021
02:34 PM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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LAST ONE. I HAVE ONE SET OF TWO CDS OF THE METROPOLITAN OPERA TRIBUTE TO MARIO LANZA FROM 2005. POST OR EMAIL ME AT SMS5565@GMAIL.COM IF INTERESTED. EXC AUDIO QUALITY. 15.00 SHIPPED. Edited 09-09-2021 02:35 PM
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SAM MILLION
09-09-2021
11:55 AM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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HI GUYS. TODAY I HAVE SOME EXCITING NEWS ABOUT A NEW VIDEO PROJECTOR WHICH YOU CAN PLACE IN ANY ROOM ON A SHELF OR STAND, PLUG IN A BLU RAY DVD PLAYER AND EXPERIENCE A 4K (HIGHEST RESOLUTION AVAILABLE TODAY) BRIGHT, SHARP, COLORFUL PICTURE. IT COMES WITH BUILT IN SPEAKERS WHICH DISPERSE SOUND 360 DEGREES ALLOWING BEST SOUND ANYWHERE YOU SIT. IT HAS ALL THE FEATURES OF MACHINES COSTING THREE TIMES AS MUCH. THIS IS VERY AFFORDABLE AT ONLY 1,299. IMAGINE HAVING MARIO ENTERTAINING YOU WITH A LARGER THAN LIFE SPEAKER. IT WILL BE LIKE HAVING YOUR OWN LITTLE IMAX THEATER. OH, YES, YOU CAN EVEN PLUG YOUR CELLPHONE INTO IT TO SEE YOUR PHOTOS AND MOVIES. I TRIED TO POST A FULLY DETAILED DESCRIPTION THREE TIMES BUT THE SITE WON'T LET ME IN. LET ME GIVE YOU AMAZON (WHERE THE PRICE IS HIGHER, EBAY IS THE PRICE I QUOTED) AND ALL THE SPECS ARE THERE:https://www.amazon.com/Nebula-Cosmos-Anker...0TG9nQ2xpY2s9dHJ1ZQ==
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Kristine C
09-08-2021
08:46 AM ET (US) IP: 96.59.37.64
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Sam, I was trying to decide if it had been Enrico Rosati, Arturo Toscanini, and didn't think of Peter Herman Adler. I remember, Adler was in "The Great Caruso". As far as I know, The National Registry of Film and Recordings, The Library of Congress, still don't have any of Mario Lanza's films and recordings. Hope they will add them, someday. Prayers for Louisiana , Northeast Coast(Hurricane Ida), hope Mario Lanza Museum, Philadelphia, is allright. Prayers for California, with the fires ! I was thinking, I wonder if " What's My Line ?" ever approached Mario Lanza to be on it ? Celebrities appeared on there. Imagine, if Mario had lived, maybe he would have been a guest on "The Tonight Show" with Johnny Carson, or "The Merv Griffin Show".
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SAM MILLION
09-08-2021
01:46 AM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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SAM'S REVIEW OF THE "IMMORTAL VOICE OF MARIO LANZA" CD FOLLOWS.... I PUT THE NEW SEPIA RELEASE ENTITLED "THE IMMORTAL VOICE OF MARIO LANZA" ON THE HI-FI AROUND MIDNIGHT AND MY REWARD WAS HAVING "A MIDNIGHT KISS", ALMOST LITERALLY AS IT EXCITED ME LIKE THE GENTLE KISS OF A SEXY GIRL!HAVING SAID THAT, THIS CD ISN'T VERY GOOD. NO IT IS NOT, IT IS FREAKING FANTASTIC!!!! I AM NOT GOING INTO IN LONG DESCRIPTIONS OF EACH TRACK SINCE I DON'T KNOW HOW TO SAY "GREAT" 23 TIMES (THAT IS THE NUMBER OF TRACKS ON THE DISC).THIS CD IS BOUND TO BE ONE BUYERS WILL PLAY AGAIN AND AGAIN WITHOUT LOSS OF INTEREST. DEFINITELY ON THE TOP OF THE LIST OF SEPIA RECORDS RELEASES. OKAY, HERE I GO: 1-BRINDISI FROM CAVALLARIA RUSTICANA: A NEAT WAY TO START OFF THIS CD AS IT IS SPRIGHTLY AND VERY SHORT AT 45 SECONDS. A CRAFTY CHOICE BY PRODUCER OF THIS CD (THE INCOMPARABLE DEREK MCGOVERN). IT IS HIS QUICK "TEASE" TO GET US WANTING TO HEAR MORE. 2-ERGO BIBAMUS: VERY FAMILIAR TO US SINCE IT IS RIGHT OFF THE STUDENT PRINCE SOUNDTRACK. SHORT AND NICE. NOT NICE AND SHORT! 3-JUST WE TWO: VERY RICH VOCAL QUALITY, WITH DEPTH TO THE VOICE AND WITH NO DISTORTION AS WE HAVE ON AN LP OR OTHER CD. THIS WAS 1959 SO MARIO IS MORE BARITONAL. 4-IF I LOVED YOU: THE ONLY TRACK ON THIS CD THAT I AM NOT FOND OF. THIS IS A GREAT CLASSIC SONG AND MARIO SINGS IT PRETTY WELL AND PEPPY BUT I TRULY FEEL THIS IS NOT A SONG FOR HIM. THINK BARITONE GORDON MACRAE AS A BETTER CHOICE TO PERFORM IT. 5-LONG AGO AND FAR AWAY: TYPICAL OF HIS MOST BRILLIANT YEAR OF SINGING ON THE COKE SHOWS. HE WAS ON TOP OF THE WORLD. SADLY HIS DEATH WAS ANYTHING BUT LONG AGO AND FAR AWAY. NEVERTHELESS, THE VOICE IS LYRICAL, SWEET AND COMPELLING. 6-SOME DAY: THIS IS THE SONG HE SANG ON TV FOR THE SECOND "CHRYSLER SHOWER OF STARS". THE RECORDING OF IT WE HAVE ENJOYED FOR YEARS ON DVD IS FABULOUS DESPITE HIS OBVIOUS NERVOUSNESS. HOWEVER, THIS TRACK IS THE REHEARSAL FOR THE SHOW AND IS ENTIRELY DIFFERENT FROM THE ONE THAT WENT OUT OVER THE AIR. SOMETIMES IT IS SLOWER, SOMETIMES FASTER. HE WAS IN EXCELLENT VOICE THAT DAY. GREAT ENDING NOTE. I THINK THIS VERSION MIGHT BE A BIT MORE POWERFUL THAN THE OTHER BUT OVERALL LESSER. 7-TREES: THIS IS ONE OF THE SONGS THAT WOULD BE MY CHOICE TO HEAR IF I WERE STRANDED ON A DEEP SEA ISLAND. WITH ONLY A WIND UP VICTROLA. IT IS GORGEOUS IN EVERY WAY,THE SINGING TENDER AND DELICATE. YOU CAN ALMOST FEEL THE FRAGILE LEAVES FALLING ON YOUR FACE ON THE ISLAND. AS SINGING GOES, THIS IS FLAWLESS.(SPECIAL NOTE: I USED THIS SONG FOR MY COLLEGE RADIO SHOW COURSE, ABOUT TWO PAGES LONG AND ENTITLED "A SONG OF DISQUIET". IT EARNED ME AN "A" GRADE!) 8-THE VIRGIN'S SLUMBER SONG: A LOVELY SONG DONE BY A LOVELY VOICE WHOSE OWNER GIVES US SOME VERY TENDER FALSETTO MOMENTS. 9-NEAPOLITAN LOVE SONG: THIS PIECE APPARENTLY DOES NOT SHOW UP MUCH IN RECORDINGS WE WOULD HAVE PURCHASED SINCE I DIDN'T REMEMBER IT (AND YOU KNOW I HAVE PLAYED AND HEARD EVERYTHING MARIO EVER SANG MANY TIMES OVER). THAT HAVING BEEN SAID, THIS IS SIMPLY A VERY NICE RECORDING. 10-LA SPAGNOLA: AH, THIS SONG LIFTS THE SPIRIT USING THE FLAIR MARIO PUTS INTO IT. PEPPY AND EXCELLENT. 11-CORE N' GRATO: A VERY POPULAR SONG FOR NEAPOLITAN SONG FANS. MARIO IS EXUBERANT, IN GREAT VOICE, AND OPEN THROATED SOUND. OH, AND DON'T FORGET PASSION TOO. 12-MARECHIARE: NOT BAD AT ALL. ACTUALLY VERY GOOD. I FEEL HE HAS DONE IT BETTER IN OTHER RECORDED VERSIONS. THIS ONE IS NO SLOUCH HOWEVER. 13-TORNA A SURRIENTO: FROM THE SOUNDTRACK OF ARGUABLY MY FAVORITE LANZA MOVIE "SERENADE". SIMPLE PIANO ACCOMPANIMENT THAT MARIO MAGIC SINGING LEADS US TO FEEL HE HAS A SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA THAT RESTAURANT OWNER LARDELLI WAS HIDING IN THE NEXT ROOM. NEAR PERFECTION, WONDERFUL SINGING, TOO MUCH ECHO, (FORGIVABLE). THE END HIGH NOTE IS SUPERB, SOMETHING I CANNOT SAY WHEN HEARING THE MOVIE SOUND TRACK. 14-SANTA LUCIA LUNTANA: THIS IS A 1958 RECORDING SO WE ANTICIPATE A DEEPER LANZA VOICE AND THAT IS EXACTLY WHAT WE GET HERE. HE SINGS IT WITH EASE AND AVOIDS HIGH NOTES AT THE END THAT GIVES THE PIECE THE "CLASS" THAT IT DESERVES. FOR THE COKE SHOW REHEARSAL HE SANG IT WILDLY AND PUT IN AN UNNECESSARY HIGH END NOTE). A FINE RENDITION. 15-L'ALBA SEPARA DALLA LUCE L'OMBRA: THIS SONG WAS RELEASED ON THE "CARUSO FAVORITES" LP WHICH MANY PEOPLE I HAVE TALKED TO PUT DOWN WHILE INSISTING THE WHOLE ALBUM HAS FORCED, STRAINED, INFERIOR SINGING. WELL, THOSE FOLKS CAN LISTEN TO WHAT THE GENIUSES AT SEPIA RECORDS HAVE DONE HERE. EXCITING WITH A DRIVING PACE AND EQUAL TO CARUSO'S GREAT RENDITION. 16-VESTI LA GIUBBA: MARIO'S "LUCKY ARIA". HIS LUCK HOLDS OUT FOR THIS EXCELLENT RENDITION. NOT QUITE AS GOOD AS THE "FOR THE FIRST TIME" SOUNDTRACK RECORDING, YET STILL GREAT. 17-IMPROVISO: ANOTHER RECORDING MADE WHILE MARIO WAS WITHIN HIS FINEST YEARS OF SINGING (WHICH WAS ABOUT THE TIME OF THE COKE SHOWS.) EXCELLENT ALL THE WAY WITH ONLY A FEW SHARP NOTES THAT DON'T REALLY MAKE IT LESSER. 18-E LUCEVAN LE STELLE: SIMPLY PUT, POWERFUL, MOVING, AND WONDERFUL. THE EXCERPT OF THIS ARIA IN THE "GREAT CARUSO" FILM MONTAGE SEQUENCE BEATS THIS ONE A BIT EVEN THOUGH IT IS ONLY AN EXCERPT. 19-GIA NELLA NOTTE DENSA: AN OTHELLO DUET. IGNORE JEAN TENNYSON'S SINGING AS IT IS ONLY FAIR AT BEST (ALTHOUGH THERE IS A NICE PHOTO OF MARIO AND HER INCLUDED IN THE CD BOOKLET). WHILE I AM ON THAT SUBJECT LET ME SAY THE BOOKLET IS TERRIFIC IN ITS LOOK AND CONTENT. IT IS DESIRABLE ALL ON ITS OWN! BACK TO THE PERFORMANCE. THIS WAS DONE LIVE ON RADIO AND EARLY AT 1945. SOME MIGHT SAY MARIO WAS TOO YOUNG FOR THE ROLE, AND I DO HEAR SOME OF THAT IN HIS SINGING, BUT SINCE THIS PRECEDED SOME OF THE VOCAL TRAINING HE GOT, IT IS DARN GOOD. LONG AT 8 MINUTES BUT IF YOU CUT OUT JEAN TENNYSON (LOL) IT IS ONLY 4 MINUTES, THE EXCERPT OF THIS ARIA WE HEAR IN "FOR THE FIRST TIME" IS CLASSIC. 20-GOLDEN DAYS: THIS IS A DUET AND THE FIRST OF THE FOUR BONUS TRACKS ON THE CD. THE RECORDING WAS DONE LIVE ON RADIO IN 1946. MARIO'S SINGING FRIEND ROBERT WEEDE ADDED A CAPABLE BARITONE TO THE LANZA VOICE. VERY GOOD. 21-SUMMERTIME IN HEIDELBERG: THIS IS FROM THE 1959 "STUDENT PRINCE" ALBUM WHICH HARDLY EVER BEATS THE 1954 LP, BUT IT NEVER SOUNDED AS GOOD AS THIS TRACK WHICH IS RESTORED AND IS REMARKABLE AND A STAND OUT PIECE OF THE OPERETTA. 22-DRINKING SONG FROM "THE VAGABOND KING": RECORDED ONLY MONTHS BEFORE HIS DEATH, THIS IS YET ANOTHER TRACK WHICH ON THE LP SOUNDS MORE LETHARGIC AND DULL. GET READY FOR THIS BECAUSE IT IS EXCELLENT. AND MARIO SHOWS YOUTHFUL PASSION DURING A TIME WHEN HE DRANK A LOT AND WAS DEPRESSED SOMEWHAT. 23-WITHOUT A SONG: A FAVORITE PIECE WHICH I ENJOY SINGING AND HAVE USED TO OPEN SOME SHOWS ANNA AND I PERFORMED IN YEARS AGO. THIS IS FROM THE COKE SHOW LIBRARY SO YOU CAN MAKE A GOOD GUESS THAT IT WOULD BE EXCELLENT. IT IS TRULY EXCELLENT, VIBRANT, SUNG PERFECTLY, AND A TREMENDOUS WAY TO END A GREAT CD. THAT'S ALL FOLKS. NOTE THAT I STARTED PLAYING THE CD AT MIDNIGHT AND NOW IT IS 1:45 AM. AS YOU SEE IT ISN'T EASY BEING A "MUSIC CRITIC" BUT I HAVE FOUND THAT IT PAYS OFF IN MANY WELL DESERVED WAYS. GOOD NIGHT FOLKS. Edited 09-08-2021 01:50 AM
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SAM MILLION
09-08-2021
01:43 AM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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KRISTINE: YOU ARE HALF RIGHT. THE SECOND QUIZ ITEM ANSWER IS PETER HERMAN ADLER.
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Bill Ronayne
09-07-2021
09:44 PM ET (US) IP: 69.122.146.212
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This oil painting is a recent addition to the Mario Lanza Museum. It was originally commissioned by a fan in the 1960's and after her passing, her family donated it to the museum. It's now on display and is even more striking in person. Mario's eyes follow you everywhere!
By the Way, the Lanza Museum now carries all of the Mario Lanza Sepia CD's. https://www.mariolanzainstitute.org/store/cds/
Best, Bill
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Kristine C
09-07-2021
08:59 PM ET (US) IP: 96.59.37.64
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sam, thank you for kind words and I liked the DVD's you sent to me.
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Kristine C
09-07-2021
08:58 PM ET (US) IP: 96.59.37.64
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Sam, I am going to guess it was Enrico Rosati and there are 10 Sepia CD's of Mario Lanza.
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SAM MILLION
09-07-2021
02:22 PM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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GEEZ, I THOUGHT MY QUIZZ QUESTIONS WOULD REQUIRE SOME THOUGHT DEREK MCGOVERN WROTE UP A LENGTHY QUIZZ THAT IS NOT ONLY FUN, MIND STIMULATING, WELL THOUGHT OUT, BUT ALSO VERY, VERY DIFFICULT. I ONLY GOT A SCORE OF 40 PERCENT (AND I CALL MYSELF A LANZA EXPERT, L0L?
GO HERE AND TRY IT:
https://derekmcg.survey.fm/the-life-times-of-mario-lanza
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SAM MILLION
09-07-2021
07:34 AM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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AH, I SEE THAT KRISTINE ANSWERED THE TMK QUESTION. NOT SURPRISING AS SHE IS A VERITABLE STOREHOUSE OF GREAT INFORMATION. HERE ARE TWO OTHER QUIZZES:1-WHO SAID THAT AT AGE 20 MARIO HAD SIMILAR QUALITIES AS CARUSO?
2-HOW MANY LANZA SEPRIA CDS HAVE BEEN RELEASED?
BYE FOR NOW!
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SAM MILLION
09-07-2021
06:51 AM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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I CAN EASILY TELL YOU THE CHARACTER NAMES MARIO HAD FOR ALL HIS FILMS (LIKE TONY COSTA IN FTFT). BUT I WAS STUMPED ON HIS NAME FOR TMK. FINALLY DID A SEARCH TO FIND IT IS JOHNNY DONNETTI!
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Kristine C
09-06-2021
10:56 PM ET (US) IP: 96.59.37.64
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Correction: Brigette Bardot.
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Kristine C
09-06-2021
10:54 PM ET (US) IP: 96.59.37.64
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Sam, I answered your questions: Johnny Donnetti, The Hollywood Bowl, and Ida Koverman. Tonight, on TCM, they honored movie music composer, Ennio Morricone. If you remember, he arranged the music for "The Vagabond King" recording, Mario Lanza did. Ennio passed away, last year. They showed "Cinema Paradiso"(1988)about a movie theater, in a town, in Sicily, where a little boy is fascinated by the movies, shown there. I think his uncle is a projectionist, there. It is in Italian with English subtitles. This movie won an Oscar. There were still photos of Marilyn Monroe, Clark Gable, etc. Silent movies were shown. When the priest attended the movie, by himself, he would ring a bell, when the kissing scenes showed up . LOL ! Sadly, there is a fire in the movie theater, the boy's uncle is blinded , permanently, from the fire. The boy grows up, is a teen-ager, falls in love, but doesn't end up with the girl. At the end, he is middle aged, goes back to the town for his uncle's funeral and sadly, Cinema Paradiso is demolished, due to no one attending movies, anymore, because of tv, videos, etc. I was thinking, it would have been great, if a scene from a movie of Mario lanza, or still photo , of him, had been in the movie. There was a scene from Bridget Bardot's movie. Rudolph Valentino and Charlie Chaplin were shown.
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SAM MILLION
09-06-2021
02:07 PM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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HAS ANYONE BEEN ABLE TO ANSWER MY QUIZ QUESTIONS? ALSO, DO YOU THINK YOU WOULD LIKE TO KEEP THIS THREAD GOING AND PARTICIPATE?
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SAM MILLION
09-06-2021
08:04 AM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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THIS MAY BE A DOUBLE POST AS I AM NOT SURE MY FIRST ONE CAME THROUGH. A POSTER HERE STATED SHE WOULD LIKE TO SEE AN AUTO BIOGRAPHY ABOUT LANZA CO-STAR ANN BLYTH. WELL, THERE IS AN EXCELLENT BIOGRAPHY ON HER THAT CAME OUT A COUPLE YEARS AGO. IT IS ALMOST AS THICK AS A PHONE BOOK. THIS ALSO MADE ME THINK OF THE LITTLE "STREET URCHIN"WHO MARIO PUT INTO SEVEN HILLS OF ROME. NAMELY LUISA DI MEO. JUST SEARCH HER NAME AND YOU WILL READ HERE SHORT MEMOIR.
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SAM MILLION
09-06-2021
03:06 AM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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ARE YOU ALL AWARE OF THE SEPIA RECORDS CDS THAT FEATURE MARIO? THEY ARE GREAT AND HAVE THE ABSOLUTE BEST SOUND AVAILABLE ON LANZA RECORDINGS. THERE ARE TEN TOTAL. YOU CAN SEE THE TITLES AT SEPIARECORDS.COM
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SAM MILLION
09-06-2021
01:46 AM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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IS THERE ANY UPDATE RE THE MYSTERY ABOUT FRED DAY?
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SAM MILLION
09-05-2021
06:18 PM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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A GOOD FRIEND OF MINE WHO IS ALSO A BIG LANZA FAN AND I HAVE BEEN PLAYING LANZA QUIZ GAMES. I THOUGHT PERHAPS WE COULD DO THE SAME HERE ON RENSE. 1-WHAT WAS MARIO'S STAGE NAME FOR "THAT MIDNIGHT KISS"? AND 2-WHERE DID MAYER FIRST HEAR MARIO AND WHAT WAS THE NAME OF HIS SECRETARY WHO ARRANGED IT?
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Bill Ronayne
09-02-2021
01:39 PM ET (US) IP: 68.192.182.58
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Thanks, I'm OK. As far as I know the museum is OK as well. I haven't heard anything to the contrary. Best Bill
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Julie Page
09-02-2021
11:40 AM ET (US) IP: 74.79.51.67
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Praying for all those affected by this latest catastrophe. Bill, you OK? Worried about the museum as well. Unbelievable.
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Bill Ronayne
09-01-2021
12:24 PM ET (US) IP: 68.192.178.54
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Thanks Martino for your kind words. Thanks also to Suzanne. Toast of New Orleans was filmed at the studio so far as I know. Best, Bill
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Martino1 08-31-2021
06:28 PM ET (US) IP: 67.216.108.216
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I agree with Julie. The museum looks great and many thanks to Bill for all his efforts over the years in perpetuating the legacy of Mario Lanza. I doubt there is anyone in the world today that works harder and is more dedicated in advancing awareness of Lanza's life and art than Bill Ronayne. All Mario Lanza fans owe Bill much gratitude for his unbending dedication to never let the name of Mario Lanza be forgotten.
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Julie Page
08-31-2021
03:10 PM ET (US) IP: 74.79.51.67
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HI BILL. GREAT PUBLICITY FOR THE MUSEUM. Just wondering, watching the devastation in New Orleans, don't suppose that any of "Toast" was filmed there? Probably all studio. Thanks.
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Bill Ronayne
08-28-2021
09:49 PM ET (US) IP: 68.192.184.148
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The Mario Lanza Institute & Museum recently had a segment on the PBS show "You Oughta Know."
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YbSbB4XNXy0
Best, Bill
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Kristine C
08-28-2021
12:33 PM ET (US) IP: 96.59.37.64
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Happy Belated Birthday, Ann Blyth ! I hope she writes an autobiography. Sorry to read Don Everly(The Everly Brothers)passed away. His brother, Phil passed away about 2 years ago. They had a unique harmony. Don's son, Edan performed with Frankie Avalon and Frankie, Jr. is the drummer for the act. Also, actor Mike Nader passed away. He was on "Dynasty" and in the "Beach Party" movies. His late uncle was movie star, George Nader(back in the '50's), known for beefcake photos. In September, TCM's Star Of The Month will be opera singer-movie actor, Paul Robeson. Prayers for Louisiana, in particular, New Orleans, Hurricane Ida is expected to hit there ! New Orleans has been the locale for movies such as "The Toast of New Orleans"(Mario Lanza, Kathryn Grayson)and "King Creole"(Elvis Presley).
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Gary from Halifax
08-21-2021
02:01 PM ET (US) IP: 108.175.132.12
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Many thanks Martino..I shall check it out as written.
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Martino1 08-21-2021
08:43 AM ET (US) IP: 67.216.108.216
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Gary, it has been a while since I downloaded youtube videos and the youtube downloader software I used is no longer available. I did a search on google "how to download youtube videos" and there are many new ways, including some that are step by step on various youtube clips. PC Magazine seems to have an easy method and it is shown on youtube. I suggest you do the same search I did and see which method is best for your PC and operating system. I use Chrome OS rather than Windows which limits me so you'll have to determine the software that is compatible with your system. One change I noticed is that HD quality downloads usually come at a cost, although you may find some freeware that will allow HD.
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Gary from Halifax
08-20-2021
04:57 PM ET (US) IP: 108.175.132.12
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Hi Martino.. It has been years since I downloaded a song from youtube in order to copy it to cd disc. My old brain won't recall how the procedure is done. Hope you are well..Cheers..Gary from Halifax. e-m if needed: dgm56buick@gmail.com Edited 08-20-2021 04:57 PM
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Alex Valiansky
08-16-2021
10:39 AM ET (US) IP: 107.77.213.127
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Happy ninety-third birthday to Ann Blyth, Mario Lanza’s last surviving American leading lady.
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Kristine C
08-14-2021
06:50 PM ET (US) IP: 96.59.37.64
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Correction: Leo Durocher.
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Kristine C
08-14-2021
06:48 PM ET (US) IP: 96.59.37.64
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The Mac/Eddy Fan Club posted a tv pilot for a sitcom, with Nelson Eddy, called "Nelson Eddy's Backyard", on facebook. It co-starred Jan Clayton, Chick Chandler, and child actors, Sammy Ogg and Richard Eyer. Nelson plays himself. Jan Clayton plays a widow with two sons and I think, Nelson's love interest. I liked it. But for some reason, it didn't sell. Nelson sang "Wish You Were Here"(from Broadway Musical "Wish You Were Here". Eddie Fisher sang it, in the Broadway Cast, Jack Cassidy sang it). Nelson Eddy and Jan Clayton sang "Wunderbar" from Broadway Musical " Kiss Me, Kate". It may be on You Tube. Some think there shouldn't have been children in the cast. Jeanette MacDonald tried a tv pilot on "Producer's Playhouse", co-starring Laraine Day and her husband, Leo Dorucher. It didn't sell. Jeanette was offered a variety tv series, like Dinah Shore had, but turned it down, preferring a Broadway Show. Some say, Nelson Eddy and Jeanette MacDonald should have hosted musical variety shows with comedians and comediennes, as guests, doing skits, like "The Carol Burnett Show", years later. It's interesting to watch lost tv pilots. Sorry to hear, Jane Withers and Markie Post passed away. RIP.
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Mike M.
08-11-2021
04:31 PM ET (US) IP: 96.232.90.227
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DVR alert. That Midnight Kiss and Toast of New Orleans both on Turner Classics late tonight.
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Martino1 08-05-2021
04:39 PM ET (US) IP: 67.216.108.216
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The great Enrico Caruso died a hundred years ago on the 2nd of August. There has not been a lot said about it around the internet which shows you how the decline of classical music, especially opera has accelerated over the past few years. However, the NY City Opera did dedicate a program to Caruso to commemorate the event. It can be seen on youtube at this link:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=axLWiRb0u2c
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Betty67 08-05-2021
05:38 AM ET (US) IP: 93.42.98.163
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Thank you, Derek.
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Derek Mainwaring 08-02-2021
11:35 PM ET (US) IP: 24.13.64.27
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Hello to all. If you have the popular video conferencing software Zoom on your computer, you might be interested in two upcoming Lanza tributes.
This coming Friday, August 6, I will be presenting a one-hour 70th anniversary program titled MARIO LANZA & THE GREAT CARUSO. Mather Lifeways will be hosting the presentation at 12:30 p.m. PT / 2:30 p.m. CT / 3:30 p.m. ET, so be sure to check your time zone if you plan to tune in. It's free but you must register beforehand and I would recommend that you do a trial run with one of the other Zoom presentations to familiarize yourself with the process.
Here's the link to Mather's calendar for August. Just clink on the WATCH ON ZOOM link for the Lanza tribute on August 6, type in the requested information, then confirm your booking by clicking on ADD TO CART. Mather will send you the invite to access the presentation on the day.
https://matherlifeways.eventsair.com/MLCEP...=Telephone%20Topics
Another hour-long Lanza tribute on Zoom, THE INCOMPARABLE MARIO LANZA, will be presented by Sachem Library in Holbrook, NY on October 6th:
https://sachem.librarycalendar.com/events/...le-mario-lanza-zoom
I have no involvement with this one but I'm certainly looking forward to hearing what they have to say about our favorite tenor. Sign up now and don't forget to check your own time zone on the day.
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Kristine C
08-01-2021
08:42 PM ET (US) IP: 96.59.37.64
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I don't know how to transfer You Tube to this site. There is the You Tube of Billy Eckstine singing "Enchanted Land" which is the tune of "Song of India". There is also, Tommy Dorsey's Big Band version of "Song of India". I think there was a movie called "Song of India" with Sabu and Merle Oberon and there is the movie "Song of Scherezade" starring Jean Pierre Aumont, Yvonne DeCarlo, Eve Arden. It was about Rimsky-Korsakov and "Song of India" was sung in the movie, but I can't remember who the singer was.
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Gary from Halifax
08-01-2021
10:49 AM ET (US) IP: 108.175.132.12
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8-hwvh58a20
Thank you Martino..a wonderful version sung by Bjorling..as you mentioned.
Cheers..Gary
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Martino1 07-31-2021
12:03 PM ET (US) IP: 67.216.108.216
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I agree, Gary. Song of India is a lovely piece based loosely on a tenor aria from the exotic opera, "Sadko", by Rimsky-Korsakov. Lanza sings Song of India not as the aria, but as re-worked by Johnny Mercer. Although the Mercer re-do arrangement looses most of the haunting quality of the original aria (listen to Bjorling to hear what the original aria sounds like), it fitted Mario to a tee and he sang it beautifully. "Sadko's" aria is pretty much forgotten these days but Lanza's "Song of India" will live on as one of Mario's finest achievements.
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Gary from Halifax
07-30-2021
07:46 PM ET (US) IP: 108.175.132.12
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To quote you Martino from your post "a beautiful voice coupled with beautiful singing"
Indeed that is so, and I just finished listening to Song Of India sung by Mario. As a kid of 10 or 12 years of age I would play this song over and over again;I was captured as a lover of his voice. I am sure all my family members knew all the words as I played it non stop. I am so grateful that as a young lad I was totally enamored by Mario's singing.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0kpBge6lCu4
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Martino1 07-30-2021
09:21 AM ET (US) IP: 67.216.108.216
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Thanks, Jim. You are so lucky to have heard Jussi Bjorling. I have often said my three great regrets were not hearing Lanza, Callas and Bjorling. What I wouldn't give to go back to those days.
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Jim Thompson
07-29-2021
05:22 PM ET (US) IP: 24.38.229.151
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As usual, Martino, excellent in every way. Jose in his youth was astonishing. Had the pleasure of hearing him twice. Once at Carnegie Hall and the other time at Radio City in his tribute to Lanza show. With Mario, my love is for the artistry of Jussi Bjorling. Heard him in person at the Academy of Music in Philadelphia. The excitement, the Wow factor, for me are not there with any of the current "names".
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Martino1 07-28-2021
10:04 AM ET (US) IP: 67.216.108.216
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Mario Lanza had many great qualities and vocal characteristics that made him the wonderful singer that he was. We have touched upon them all at one time or another. I suppose it can all be summarized down to two things - beautiful voice coupled with beautiful singing. There are many examples of this and one of the best is Lanza's famous 1949 RCA recording of "Che Gelida Manina". We have often talked about this recording and how truly great it is. In my opinion, it is the definitive recording, live or studio, of this aria ever sung and one of Lanza's best performances.
I think most of us will acknowledge Lanza takes the Gold medal here, but who wins the silver? Since we are in the midst of the Olympic Games, I thought I would try to answer that question, at least for myself although others will surely have their own favorites. So, the other day I decided to listen to a compilation of tenors singing this great aria, one right after the other. I must have listened to a couple dozen different renditions and I was quite pleased with all of them. It is one of the most popular of all arias and virtually every tenor has sung it at one time or another.
Some tenors stood out above others, such as Pavarotti, DiStefano and Bjorling. I expected these super tenors to make the cut and they did not disappoint in this very demanding aria. But only one could take home the silver medal and although it was close, I awarded it to Jose Carreras. My main judging criteria was the same that made Lanza's rendition so great - beautiful voice coupled with beautiful singing. In this regard, Jose was magnificent.
Listen to the aria in the youtube link below, which is a recording made early in Jose's career when his voice was at its most ravishing. I awarded extra points of course because this was a performance of a complete opera before a live audience. You may not give him the silver medal and select another, but the greatness of this singing and the exquisite beauty of his voice cannot be denied.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1nNpDgb_NzE
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Dennis1 07-26-2021
03:35 PM ET (US) IP: 76.126.57.19
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Mike, I never thought of it before but I think you are correct as to similarities between Kaufman and Domingo. I have never been enamored of Kaufman's baritone voice (just as I prefer the earlier Mario to the later voice), but I have often admired his acting skills in a role. I didn't think of Domingo as a good actor when I first listened to him, but he has done a very credible job in some of his films. Two excellent tenors, but I agree with Martino that 50 years from now Domingo will still be a familiar name as Caruso is today, but Kaufman will likely be an Aureliano Pertile by that time.
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Deleted by topic administrator 08-06-2021 12:19 PM
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Diane Cox
07-26-2021
12:21 AM ET (US) IP: 23.127.59.195
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Agree totally, Martino. But with the current batch of tenors, Kaufmann, is one of the best. I have to give best to Piotr Bezcala at the moment. There have been about three younger tenors that I had hopes for, but they reached a certain peak, and did not exceed that. No goosebumps.
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Martino1 07-25-2021
04:10 PM ET (US) IP: 67.216.108.216
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Mike, I think Jonas Kaufmann is one of the better tenors on the scene over the past decade or so. He has a distinct baritone quality to his voice, which seemed to develop after his first few years as a professional. Domingo also had that quality although not as pronounced. Domingo was the better tenor as far as I am concerned for a couple reasons: he was a much better musician and linguist for one thing. He also had a very broad range of suitable roles whereas Kaufmann seems a bit out of his element in some of the roles he sings. I remember seeing a theater broadcast of his "Faust" several years ago and I thought I was listening to Siegfried rather than a French lyrical singer. Domingo could sing most anything and made it sound good. Domingo also had a more Italiante sound to his voice, as do most Latino singers, unlike Kaufmann who clearly is from the Teutonic school.
As far as top notes are concerned, I don't think anyone would confuse the high Cs of Pavarotti, Corelli or Gedda with Domingo. He never really had an explosive top like those others, nor does Kaufmann for that matter. Up to Bb it is a draw but beyond that I give the edge to Kaufmann.
Both these singers have had great, international careers and have given many marvelous performances and in 50 years Domingo will still be remembered without a doubt. I can't say that with as much certainty about Kaufmann.
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Mike M.
07-25-2021
03:48 PM ET (US) IP: 96.232.90.227
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Anyone see the great performances on PBS recently from Vienna? Jonas Kaufmann was guest soloist and I noticed his similarities to Placido Domingo in mannerisms, facial expressions and even hairstyle.I thought he was very good, but Domingo had a richer voice. Comments, anyone? The young Domingo had a more secure top notes, if that is the right adjective.. Please discuss.
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Diane Cox
07-24-2021
12:51 PM ET (US) IP: 23.127.59.195
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1951 The Great Caruso premiere
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Kristine C
07-24-2021
01:07 AM ET (US) IP: 96.59.37.64
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Some of the stars, who attended the premiere of "The Great Caruso" were Clark Gable, James Stewart, Tyrone Power, Barbara Stanwyck, Esther Williams, Jane Powell. I wonder if there is film footage of the premiere ?
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Kristine C
07-24-2021
01:01 AM ET (US) IP: 96.59.37.64
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The film biography of Aretha Franklin is coming out, called "Respect"(which is one of her hit songs). Maybe there's hope of a Lanza film biography. By the way, she was a fan of Mario Lanza. I just read, not only, TCM didn't honor Mario Lanza on his 100th Birthday, neither did they honor Leo Gorcey on his 100th Birthday. Leo was in "The Dead End Kids", "The Eastside Kids", and "The Bowery Boys" movies. Back in 2014, Tyrone Power's fans wanted him honored on his 100th Birthday, on TCM, it didn't happen. Maybe they didn't have his movies in their film library. But in August, Tyrone Power will be one of the honorees for Summer Under The Stars on TCM. Kathryn Grayson will be honored, again, too, so her movies, with Mario, should be aired.
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Martino1 07-21-2021
07:53 PM ET (US) IP: 67.216.108.216
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Good luck with your situation Ron, and yes, we have missed you. Thank you for the kind words.
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Ron Stevens
07-21-2021
05:10 PM ET (US) IP: 94.8.15.234
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Hi all, I haven't posted on here for so long, apologies. Firstly, I'm so very sorry to hear of your loss, Martino. Secondly, thanks Linz, your review is outstanding. I'll try and post more often, going through a difficult relationship break-up at the moment. Take care and stay safe everyone, always x
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linz1
07-20-2021
02:18 AM ET (US) IP: 125.238.168.113
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My review of the fabulous new Sepia CD: http://www.solopassion.com/node/11272
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Kristine C
07-19-2021
07:50 PM ET (US) IP: 96.59.37.64
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Bill, I received the CD The Immortal Voice-Mario Lanza, today, in the mail. Sam, I watched the DVD of the tv show, from Philadelphia, about Mario Lanza, with Terry Robinson being interviewed about his book, "Lanza:His Tragic Life". Then, I watched the Reunion Concert of Peter, Paul, and Mary. In August, on TCM, it will be Summer Under The Stars, with 24 hours of a movie star's movies, each day. Kathryn Grayson, again, will be one of them, so, I think, Mario Lanza's movies , with her, will be seen. There are some newcomers to the honorees, this year, such as Abbott &Costello, Ramon Novarro, Eve Arden, Richard Burton, and others. Novarro sang "A Vucchella" in one of his early 1930's movies, by the way. I just finished reading George Chakiris's autobiography, "My West Side Story". When he was dancing, in the chorus, at M-G-M, he wrote that he and 15 year old Elizabeth Taylor were invited to visit Mario Lanza's movie set, to hear him sing. George wanted to ask Elizabeth, for a date, but was shy. Films Of The Golden Age Magazine had a story about the Mauch (pronounced Mawk)Twins, who were in "The Prince and The Pauper" with Errol Flynn. It mentioned they both were in "Winged Victory" with Mario Lanza and other celebrities, movie stars, also, including Red Buttons.
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Bill Ronayne
07-19-2021
02:31 PM ET (US) IP: 68.192.182.24
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Yes Suzanne I knew Frank for about 10+ years. He passed away in December of 2010.
Suzanne and Kristine: Your CD is scheduled to be delivered today according to the tracking.
Best, Bill
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Deleted by topic administrator 07-19-2021 05:49 PM
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Julie Page (Suzanne)
07-18-2021
06:06 PM ET (US) IP: 74.79.51.67
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Looking over some notes I had written in 2006, found this. I hadn't been able to get to the ball that year. Called the museum for a program. Frank Briatico answered. He was minding the museum that day and we had a nice conversation. Frank told me he'd known Mario, had gone to the gym with him. Frank said don't believe what you read about him. He was a great guy, kind, caring.If you were out with him, he'd pick up the check. No one knew he could sing never talked about it. Frank said eating and drinking didn't kill Mario, Hollywood did. Don't suppose Frank is with us now but I'll never forget our talk. Bill, did you know Frank? Looking forward to the CD. Thanks.
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Gary from Halifax
07-17-2021
07:13 PM ET (US) IP: 108.175.132.12
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Hi Kristine C. Freddie Mercury was such an amazing talent. Here is a clip of him singing operatic. I have no idea what Freddie thought of Mario. Cheers..Gary https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bijmJTlqsNwEdited 07-17-2021 07:18 PM
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Deleted by topic administrator 07-19-2021 05:49 PM
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Kristine C
07-16-2021
11:01 PM ET (US) IP: 96.59.37.64
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Did you know late Freddy Mercury had an operatic voice ? I just found that out on You Tube. I know he was a fan of opera singer , Montserrat Caballe. I wonder if he liked Mario Lanza ? I know, Linda Ronstadt liked Maria Callas and Mary, of Peter, Paul, and Mary, liked opera.
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Ross Mills
07-16-2021
04:53 PM ET (US) IP: 80.5.210.229
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Diane, Thanks for the link it was interesting as you said. Wonder how (providing he could sing English fairly cleanly) Shi would sound doing Be My Love? If you consider his ease with the long top note in the 2020 (O Sole Mio) "4 Tenors"clip perhaps he would sing it well. At least he would not balk at the top note as so many professional, distinguished Tenors have done in the past? Edited 07-16-2021 04:55 PM
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Deleted by author 07-16-2021 01:21 PM
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Diane Cox
07-16-2021
01:19 PM ET (US) IP: 23.127.59.195
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Ross, he has a good voice. Here's a selection from 2021. In 10 years his voice has darkened some, his breath control is better, control is good, but that youthful sound is missing. Good reception from the audience. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QGLib9YOiVk
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Ross Mills
07-16-2021
12:34 PM ET (US) IP: 80.5.210.229
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Just a suggestion to Diane of a great "younger" Tenor by the name Yijie Shi.
He is the best Chinese Tenor I have heard. He exibits passion and a mastery of Italian...This shows him singing "che gelida manina"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qmig4oWkpxA
and this a sense of humour with the FOUR tenors.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_0IjIupBsKU
Hope you enjoy .all the best to old friend Sam.
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Bill Ronayne
07-14-2021
02:47 PM ET (US) IP: 68.192.179.5
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The Mario Lanza Museum now has the new Sepia CD "The Immortal Voice of Mario Lanza A Centennial Celebration" in stock. It will be available at the museum starting this Saturday July 17th. Kristine and Suzanne your copies will go out in the mail this week. If anyone is interested in purchasing a copy from the Lanza Museum, you can send a $15 check made out to Mario Lanza Institute to Mario Lanza Institute 1214 Reed Street Philadelphia, PA 19147. For those wishing to pay by card, call the museum at 215-238-9691. Please note that there's an additional $1 fee for card orders. USA orders only
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Kristine C
07-12-2021
07:46 PM ET (US) IP: 96.59.37.64
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Sam, I watched your CD of Mario Lanza , hosted by Constantine Callinicos, showing "The Shower of Stars", "The Christophers", the interview with Maria Cocozza(who was interviewing her ?), and the home movies of Mario Lanza, which I never saw, before. It showed Mario, Terry, etc. I saw the excerpt from "The Ed Sullivan Show", when Mario Lanza was promoting "The Seven Hills of Rome", showing Luisa DeMeo singing with Mario, Ed Sullivan with Mario, and when Marissa Allasio appeared. She was wearing a mink stole or fur piece. I think it was because she was showing too much cleavage. Ed Sullivan and Lawrence Welk were strict about cleavage, though, tv had censorship, at that time. Wasn't it Faye Emerson who was showing cleavage, back then ? "The Ed Sullivan Show" is in reruns on MeTV, Sunday Nights, at 9:30 PM(Eastern Time Zone). It was cut in half hour shows, though. About 2 weeks ago, they showed Elvis, from 1956 or 1957. I wonder if the Mario Lanza segments will be shown ? Sam, the DVD is interesting. Thanks, again.
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Deleted by topic administrator 07-19-2021 05:49 PM
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Diane Cox
07-11-2021
01:26 PM ET (US) IP: 23.127.59.195
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Agree about Bocelli - have never been a fan. There are many such tenors, and several that are better. Kaufmann and Bezcala are the two best at this time and neither is in the "great" category - sadly no up and coming voices that are outstanding. I keep looking for the next great one.
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Pamela Latham
07-11-2021
10:58 AM ET (US) IP: 90.220.181.25
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Hi Betty, many thanks for you prompt reply. Here is a typo erroneous my previous post it should read. Covent Garden not Coventry Garden, thanks to word suggestion on my. iPad which I missed!
I too saw him in Traviata in Venice, and also. went to Turin for the premier of the first part of “Caruso La Voce D’amore” with Gianluca and.Stefano Reali the director . GianLuca did a tremendous job in the tv mini series, which i have on DVD
I first heard GianLuca in the Mario Lanza Festivalin Filignano in 2001 where he was acccompanied by Katie Ricciarelli and was. Immediately impressed with his voice and persona.
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Betty67 07-11-2021
07:44 AM ET (US) IP: 93.42.98.163
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Pamela, I saw Terranova in 'La Traviata', in Venice. And I saw his series about Enrico Caruso's life. I really like his voice, and his passion. Bocelli on the other hand, has not much of a voice, and no passion. He is a 'technician', not an artist. That is my opionion, of course. Mario Lanza will always be number 1, and I doubt there will ever be another tenor like him. I think it is unfair to compare other tenors to him, but there are a number of good ones around, like Terranova. Edited 07-11-2021 07:45 AM
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Len (UK)
07-11-2021
07:31 AM ET (US) IP: 81.153.19.179
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Regarding Bocelli; I have to agree. A couple of years ago a local opera-trained soprano helped me rehearse ‘Song of India’ and praised Lanza. However, she said that another pupil adored Bocelli which she could not agree with because she felt that the voice lacked drama and passion – unlike Lanza.
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Pamela Latham
07-11-2021
07:12 AM ET (US) IP: 90.220.181.25
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Betty, I concur wholeheartedly with you. I have never rated Bocelli, always thought his voice lacked c9lour and passion, I notice you mention GianLuca Terranova, I have known him for over 20 years and followed his career avidly. I am eagerly awaiting his debut at Coventry Garden next year as Pinkerton in Madama Butterfly, the same part he should have performed there in 2020 but of course it was not to be. I am interested where and when you heard of him, and if you have ever seen him live ? I have heard him perform in many opera houses since 2008, La Scala, Fenice in Venice, Naples, Rome, Florence, Arena di Verona and Düsseldorf, plus Grange Park and Wigmore Hall in the UK. He actually attended three of our Get together (BMLS) and sang for our members which was a great honor and pleasure for us. We sincerely hope that the future will be bright for him and all in the performing arts after the last 18 months of hardship.
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Betty67 07-11-2021
04:55 AM ET (US) IP: 93.42.98.163
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I have always considered Bocelli a very overrated tenor. I could never understand why people liked him so much. Gianluca Terranova, for example, is MUCH better.
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Kristine C
07-10-2021
08:13 PM ET (US) IP: 96.59.37.64
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Jimmy Lennon was a fan of Mario Lanza. Jimmy was the ring announcer, at the fights held at Olympic Auditorium, Los Angeles. He also played ring announcers in movies "Rocky IV", "Raging Bull" and sang in the night club scene in movie "Tough Guys"(Kirk Douglas and Burt Lancaster). He was uncle of The Lennon Sisters. Mario Lanza and Terry Robinson would see and talk to him, at those fights.
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Kristine C
07-10-2021
07:54 PM ET (US) IP: 96.59.37.64
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Besides Jackie Wilson liking Mario Lanza, here are a few other singers who liked him. Mel Carter(who sang "Hold Me, Thrill Me", "Kiss Me"), Aretha Franklin, Julius LaRosa, Robert Goulet, John Raitt, Martin &Lewis, Renee' Fleming, I think, Maria Callas(she wished she could have sung with him), Joe Feeney("The Lawrence Welk Show"), Sammy Davis, Jr., Lawrence Tibbett, Walter Pidgeon(who sang in his young days), Frankie Avalon mentioned Mario's name, when he was on "You Bet Your Life" with Groucho, James Darren, Al Martino, Frank Sinatra, Perry Como. Shirley Jones said there will always be one Mario Lanza, when she hosted "Serenade" on AMC Channel, back in the 1990's.
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Diane Cox
07-10-2021
05:53 PM ET (US) IP: 23.127.59.195
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Dennis, I thought it was a cut above many of his performances. He's not that young anymore also.
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Dennis1 07-10-2021
04:49 PM ET (US) IP: 76.126.57.19
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Hello Diane, thanks for the reference to Bocelli. When I started listening, I thought "same old Bocelli—pleasant voice, nicely done, still no squillo with the top note at the end of Nessun Dorma". I have always been impressed with his drive to be a good singer, especially in light of the stage limitations due to his blindness. But I was impressed with his finish on this rendition. Who knew that he had such breath control! Well done, Andrea.
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Gary from Halifax
07-10-2021
02:20 PM ET (US) IP: 108.175.132.12
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Mentioning Jackie Wilson and his love of Mario, got me thinking about other singers from the Pop music world.
Naturally my thoughts turned to Elvis..I recall reading some time ago that Pricilla stated her and Elvis shared their love for Mario.”
“ it was their shared love of Mario Lanza, she added, “that was really the link between the two of us”. Lanza’s hugely popular “bel canto” classical tenor approach fused with the roots styles surrounding Elvis created the core of his singing style.”
Cheers...Gary
ps.. Diane I checked that recent performance by Bocelli you posted. Indeed a very fine performance.
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Gary from Halifax
07-09-2021
08:56 PM ET (US) IP: 108.175.132.12
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Thinking today of the old days, back in the fifties and sixties, I thought of one of my favourite singers outside of the operatic tenors often seen here.. Jackie Wilson was and still is a favourite...https://www.pinterest.com.au/pin/553590979181580444/ How wonderful that Jackie loved Mario.
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Diane Cox
07-09-2021
01:34 PM ET (US) IP: 23.127.59.195
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Very good recent performance by Bocelli
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j0sTVZMFUfY
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Martino1 07-08-2021
08:01 AM ET (US) IP: 67.216.108.216
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Thank you Gary, I remember those old days when youtube first started. What a treasure that has become. I too have spent many hours watching videos of things that I not only never saw before, but did not even know existed. Thanks again for thinking of me.
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Gary from Halifax
07-07-2021
06:10 PM ET (US) IP: 108.175.132.12
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Martino,, I have been thinking much about you the last couple of days. I know that you will get through this difficult time as I did some years back. Years ago you posted the first "youtube" video I had ever seen. It must have related to Mario but I just can't recall the video today. Needless to say, I have since spent untold hours watching various tenors and other singers on youtube with great delight thanks to yourself. Best..Gary.
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Martino1 07-06-2021
04:21 PM ET (US) IP: 67.216.108.216
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Julie, thank you so very much. I'm coming to this board and other sites ten times a day now. Amazing how you gravitate to a computer when your partner dies. I've heard other people say the same thing. Maybe it is true that computers are replacing people, but in ways no one imagined. Anyway, I hope someone gives a good review of the new Sepia CD. I'd like to order it but gosh, I have so much stuff around here already I can't hardly walk in and out!!
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Julie Page
07-06-2021
11:11 AM ET (US) IP: 74.79.51.67
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I just saw this . I'm so sorry for your loss,Martino. a lovely lady.
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Martino1 07-06-2021
08:11 AM ET (US) IP: 67.216.108.216
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Thank you so much Diane and Dennis. Yes, I am a man of faith although it has been tested a few times. There is certainly a higher wisdom that no one can explain or understand that guides us through life and eventually death. Judi was a woman of faith too and understood this completely. It was hard yesterday to lay her to rest but all agreed it was a beautiful service - I'll be fine. Thank you again for the kind words.
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Dennis1 07-05-2021
10:25 PM ET (US) IP: 76.126.57.19
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Martino, what sad news. We are almost the same age and I know what a blow it would be to lose my life partner. My prayers and condolences are with you. From your interest over the years in certain music, I have always thought of you to be a man of faith. I hope your faith can sustain and strengthen you now.
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Diane Cox
07-05-2021
12:21 PM ET (US) IP: 23.127.59.195
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Martino - thinking of you today. Gather your family and friends around you.
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Martino1 07-04-2021
07:54 AM ET (US) IP: 67.216.108.216
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Thank you ladies. I truly appreciate it.
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Betty67 07-04-2021
04:08 AM ET (US) IP: 93.42.98.163
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Dear Martino, my condolences. I know how you feel. I lost my beloved husband years ago, and not a day goes by without thinking about him. You will see her again, 'on the other side'. Be sure of that.
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Kristine C
07-03-2021
08:25 PM ET (US) IP: 96.59.37.64
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Martino , My sympathy and condolences to you and family.
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Martino1 07-03-2021
06:52 PM ET (US) IP: 67.216.108.216
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Thank you my friends, your kind words warm my heart.
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Gary from Halifax
07-03-2021
03:29 PM ET (US) IP: 108.175.132.12
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Dear Martino I am so very sorry to read here that your Judi has passed. She and you are in my prayers.
Gary
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Jim Thompson
07-03-2021
12:57 PM ET (US) IP: 24.38.229.151
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Dear Martino,
I am sorry to learn of the passing of your Judi. Words never fill the void or the emotions of such sadness. She will be in my prayers.
Jim
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Bill Ronayne
07-03-2021
09:55 AM ET (US) IP: 68.192.181.94
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Sorry for your loss Martino. May she always walk with God. Best, Bill
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Martino1 07-03-2021
09:22 AM ET (US) IP: 67.216.108.216
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Yes, a very Happy 4th to everyone. For me, however, it will be a sad holiday weekend as my beloved Judi passed away last Tuesday and will be laid to rest Monday. A little Mario Lanza has helped me but I know the hole I feel in my heart will never go away.
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Kristine C
07-03-2021
12:45 AM ET (US) IP: 96.59.37.64
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Happy 4th of July !
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Kristine C
07-03-2021
12:44 AM ET (US) IP: 96.59.37.64
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I only know what everybody else has been saying about Fred Day, that letters being sent to him, are being returned to senders, no one from his family has said what happened to Fred. TCM is releasing "The African Queen" to movie theaters, this month. It's in conjunction with its 70th Anniversary of its release. It is one of my favorite movies and Bogart won the Oscar for Best Actor. Katharine Hepburn wrote a book about the filming of it. It was a lot of hardships, the film crew got sick and it's not easy filming in Africa. Edwina Booth, was in "Trader Horn"(1930's) with Duncan Renaldo and Harry Carey. That was filmed in Africa and it was said she caught a disease, there, never fully recovered. Hepburn wrote, one day, she entered a porta potty type thing and a mamba snake was in it. Getting back to its 70th Anniversary release, why didn't TCM release "The Great Caruso" to movie theaters, in conjunction with its 70th Anniversary release and Mario Lanza's 100th Birthday ? On another subject, Bobby Rydell is planning a Broadway Musical of his life. He is from South Philadelphia, too.
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Betty67 07-02-2021
11:17 AM ET (US) IP: 93.42.98.163
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I have 12 autographs of Mario.... I think I have enough :-D
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Diane Cox
07-02-2021
11:05 AM ET (US) IP: 23.127.59.195
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I'll have to dig out my two autographs from the early 50s. I wrote off and got them. One for sure is addressed to Diane, can't remember about the other. Jim: I've searched repeatedly for an obit under both names, but been unable to find anything at all. Even checked the social sec. death index. Edited 07-02-2021 11:07 AM
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Jim Thompson
07-02-2021
10:52 AM ET (US) IP: 24.38.229.151
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Kristine C,
What have you found out about Fred Day? Is there an obituary somewhere? Please let us know. Thank you.
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DMC
07-02-2021
05:50 AM ET (US) IP: 71.204.165.229
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Betty 67, that is truly a historic autograph that you bought there. I saw that on EBay, ran out of money and then the price doubled! It's nice to see that ML's signature can still bring a handsome chunk of dough.
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Kristine C
07-01-2021
07:32 PM ET (US) IP: 96.59.37.64
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Bill, thanks. My sympathy and condolences to Fred Day's family. Was Mario Lanza ever contacted by Ralph Edwards and "This Is Your Life" to be a subject ? I wonder if "What's My Line ?" ever contacted him ? Celebrities like Lucille Ball, Desi Arnaz, Ann Sothern, I think, Debbie Reynolds and Eddie Fisher appeared on "What's My Line ?" Happy 4th of July week end !
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Bill Ronayne
07-01-2021
09:36 AM ET (US) IP: 69.122.146.242
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Kristine and Suzanne: Just to let you both know that the MLI received your orders for the new CD from Sepia. As soon as the US distributor gets them in and over to us, they will go out to you. Best, Bill
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Bill Ronayne
07-01-2021
09:29 AM ET (US) IP: 69.122.146.242
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TEST
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Gary from Halifax
06-30-2021
03:50 PM ET (US) IP: 108.175.132.12
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Vince... the sound of Mario's voice on the digitally extracted video is as if he is singing in person.. simply amazing..cheers..Gary from Halifax. Edited 06-30-2021 03:51 PM
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Kristine C
06-29-2021
08:16 PM ET (US) IP: 96.59.37.64
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Does anyone know if Cole Porter liked Mario Lanza's rendition of "Begin The Beguine" ? Carlos Ramirez sang it in "Night and Day" starring Cary Grant, a film bio about Porter. "Begin The Beguine" was written by Cole Porter for a Broadway Musical called "Jubilee" in 1935. I think it was about a coronation. The musical didn't have a long run, but "Begin The Beguine" was a hit ! There is a disco version, sung by Johnny Mathis, a few years ago, and it sounds great in a disco beat ! Terry Robinson knew Cole Porter.
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Vince Di Placido 06-29-2021
06:15 PM ET (US) IP: 86.44.28.228
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A revelation!
https://youtu.be/OVhLx7xyntM
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Gary from Halifax
06-27-2021
01:06 PM ET (US) IP: 108.175.132.12
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I have not been a regular poster on this site for a number of years. However on seeing that Fred Day has passed is very sad indeed. He always gave his all,and passed on to everyone here such nuggets of of his astute knowledge. Cheers to all..Gary from Halifax. Edited 06-27-2021 01:08 PM
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Martino1 06-27-2021
08:31 AM ET (US) IP: 67.216.108.216
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Betty, too bad "Janet" wanted to stay anonymous. Very few people are left who would have had this kind of connection to the Lanzas, and are able to tell the story today. It would have been interesting to hear I'm sure. If she is in her 80s, she was a kid or young girl at the time, depending when the autographs were actually given. The photo is from "Toast of New Orleans" so I would assume the autographs were given late '40s or early '50s. It is highly unusual for a star and also his wife to autograph a photo for a fan with such personal notes. I suspect there is something more to this than just an autograph to a fan, especially since "Janet" was so young and probably did not really understand the extent of the talent she was listening to. Maybe she just liked the way Mario looked LOL!! Too bad we will never know the real "Janet" story. Nonetheless, you have a true souvenir and keepsake, and I know you are proud to now own it.
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Betty67 06-27-2021
07:54 AM ET (US) IP: 93.42.98.163
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Janet was a little girl when she got the autographs. I bought this picture from a guy who was selling it on behalf of Janet who now is in her 80s. I asked if I could write to her directly, but the seller answered she preferred to stay anonymous. I wish I could have ask her more details... I paid a very high price for this picture, but, as Mario would say, 'it's only money'. :-)
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Martino1 06-27-2021
06:09 AM ET (US) IP: 67.216.108.216
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Betty, that is one of my favorite Lanza photos. You're lucky to have it. I wonder who Janet was? Obviously a fan and Lanza certainly paid her a huge compliment when he called her the prettiest girl he has ever seen. Even Betty Lanza wrote that she was a "sweet little doll". I wonder if this "Janet" was a young girl or an adult? From the writings, my guess is she was a kid or teenager but, although it is difficult to make out, I think Betty also wrote that her boy was sweet too, if I'm reading it correctly. I just don't know who this "Janet" might be.
Betty, did you purchase this from someone named "Janet"? If so, it would be wonderful if you could contact her again and ask her for the history of this autograph and her connection with the Lanza's.
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Kristine C
06-26-2021
06:48 PM ET (US) IP: 96.59.37.64
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Bill, I just received the latest Legacy of Mario Lanza newsletter, as always, well written and interesting. I didn't know movie stars like James Stewart, Barbara Stanwyck, Tyrone Power, Jane Powell, Esther Williams attended the premiere of "The Great Caruso" at The Egyptian Theater, Hollywood. I assume, Ann Blyth attended it and I wonder if Burt Lancaster attended it ? He was an avid opera fan. He and his friend, fellow circus acrobat, Nick Cravat , would listen to Enrico Caruso's recordings and Burt Lancaster once said he saw Rosa Ponselle perform at the Met. Is there any film footage of "The Great Caruso" premiere ? Speaking of Rosa Ponselle, I wonder if she ever met Mario Lanza ? She was married to the son of a former Mayor of Baltimore, Maryland, I think. I heard there's a town, Lily Pons, Maryland, named after Lily Pons.
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Betty67 06-26-2021
01:45 PM ET (US) IP: 93.42.98.163
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I just wanted to share with you what I have just bought on Ebay. On this picture there are the autographs of both Mario and Betty.
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Kristine C
06-25-2021
08:28 PM ET (US) IP: 96.59.37.64
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I just read, Elvis Presley will be Star Of The Month on TCM, in July.
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Kristine C
06-25-2021
08:22 PM ET (US) IP: 96.59.37.64
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Another way for a new generation to learn about Mario Lanza, is film studies teachers, in high schools and colleges, can show his movies to their students. This month, on Wednesdays, TCM has focused on film studies teachers, who choose the movies, they have shown to their students. On Wednesday, about 2 weeks ago, a film studies teacher showed "Singin' In The Rain" and for some students, it was the first time, they saw it and liked it. This past Wednesday night, a teacher named Schwab, from Astoria, Long Island, chose "Showboat"(Keel, Grayson, Gardner)and "Rhapsody In Blue"(about George Gershwin with Robert Alda). The movie musicals, of today, like "La La Land" and "In The Heights" owe their movie roots to past movie musicals. The July 2021 issue of Classic Images(a publication for vintage movie-tv shows fans)had a story about author James Cain. It mentioned the books, he wrote, that were made into movies("Mildred Pierce", "Double Indemnity", "The Postman Always Rings Twice"). "Serenade" was mentioned that Warner Bros. bought the rights to it, back in the 1930's, but knew it would be difficult to film, due to film censorship. In 1956, it was watered down, starring Mario Lanza.
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Diane Cox
06-24-2021
02:53 PM ET (US) IP: 23.127.59.195
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Well, Julie, at least that's a factual piece of evidence. Fred Day is not living at that address. It's sad if he died and no one thought to let his media people know. Or maybe there was no one to do that. I've made arrangements to have this board notified, along with several others that I frequent. You all should do the same.
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JULIE PAGE(SUZANNE)
06-24-2021
02:23 PM ET (US) IP: 74.79.51.67
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THE CARD I SENT TO FRED'S ADDRESS WEEKS AGO WAS RETURNED TO ME TODAY, SADLY.
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Bill Ronayne
06-23-2021
03:01 PM ET (US) IP: 68.192.188.27
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The July 2021 issue of "The Legacy of Mario Lanza" newsletter has just been published. It features coverage of the recent events at the Lanza Museum, articles on the 70th anniversary of the premieres of "The Mario Lanza Show" and "The Great Caruso," a look at Lanza's multiple recordings of "Addio alla madre," a promo for the new Sepia CD release and assorted photos and an article commemorating the 65th anniversary of the premiere of "Serenade."
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Bill Ronayne
06-23-2021
07:55 AM ET (US) IP: 68.192.188.27
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Thanks Suzanne and Martino. Sepia has been releasing excerpts from that album on their various Lanza compilations. Right now I don't think they have any plans to release the entire album on one CD. Best, Bill Edited 06-23-2021 07:57 AM
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Kristine C
06-22-2021
11:01 PM ET (US) IP: 96.59.37.64
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One of my favorite Tyrone Power movies is "Son Of Fury:Benjamin Blake" with a beautiful music score by Alfred Newman. Gene Tierney played the island native girl in it(originally, Maureen O'Hara was cast, but had to withdraw, due to surgery in the hospital).
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Kristine C
06-22-2021
10:59 PM ET (US) IP: 96.59.37.64
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Correction: Tyrone Power is a first for Summer Under The Stars.
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Kristine C
06-22-2021
10:57 PM ET (US) IP: 96.59.37.64
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Are there any plans for Sepia Records to release "The Vagabond King" record album, Mario Lanza did with Judith Raskin ? Ennio Morricone lead the orchestra on that recording. He passed away, a few months ago. Someone, on facebook, posted who the Stars will be on TCM's Summer Under The Stars" in August. That's when a movie star is honored 24 hours a day, each day, in August. Kathryn Grayson will be one of those Stars. A few years ago, she was one of the Stars, too. Probably, the movies, she made with Mario Lanza , will be on. Other Stars will be Robert Young, Kay Francis, Ramon Novarro(in one of his early 1930's movies, he sang "A Vucchella"), Tyrone Power(a first for Star Of The Month), Bette Davis, and others. This week's Closer Magazine had a look back at Gavin MacCleod and the friendship between Jimmy Stewart and Henry Fonda.
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Martino1 06-20-2021
04:27 PM ET (US) IP: 67.216.108.216
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Congratulations, Bill, a fine honor indeed. Kudos to you and the museum.
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Julie(Suzanne)
06-20-2021
03:54 PM ET (US) IP: 74.79.51.67
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Bill, wonderful things are happening . Thanks to you and all you do. Kristine, thanks for the wishes. Appreciate it.
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Bill Ronayne
06-20-2021
12:19 AM ET (US) IP: 68.192.188.27
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On Saturday June 19th, the Save Our Sites organization held their 15th annual event at the Mario Lanza Museum in Philadelphia. They were our second outside organization to book the museum for a special event. Following a lecture which included clips of Mario in his films and on TV and a tour of the museum, I accepted the 2021 Save Our Sites Award for Excellence in Historic Preservation for the new Mario Lanza Museum on behalf of the Mario Lanza Institute. A reception featuring wine, cheese and fruit concluded the afternoon. The Mario Lanza Institute would like to thank the Save Our Sites organization for this prestigious honor. Best, Bill
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Julie Page (Suzanne
06-19-2021
12:30 PM ET (US) IP: 74.79.51.67
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Thanks Bill. Diane, I watched Anna on Great Performances last eve. She's just spectacular. To hear , as well as see. The female counterpart of Mario.
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Diane Cox
06-19-2021
12:08 PM ET (US) IP: 23.127.59.195
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For you Anna Netrebko fans - St. Petersburg
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Bill Ronayne
06-17-2021
03:25 PM ET (US) IP: 68.192.179.77
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The contents of the new CD from Sepia:
1. Cavalleria Rusticana Brindisi (The Great Caruso 1950)
2. Ergo Bibamus (The Student Prince 1952)
3. Just We Two with Giusti (The Student Prince RCA 1959)
4. If I Loved You (Coke Show 1952)
5. Long Ago and Far Away (Coke Show 1951)
6. Some Day (Rehearsal CBS TV 1954)
7. Trees (Coke Show 1951)
8. The Virgin Slumber Song (RCA 1950)
9. Neapolitan Love Song (Coke Show 1951)
10. La Spagnola (Coke Show 1952)
11. Core ‘ngrato (RCA 1949)
12. Marechiare (The Great Caruso 1950)
13. Torna a Surriento (Serenade 1955)
14. Santa Lucia Luntana (RCA 1958)
15. L’alba Separa dalla Luce Lombra (RCA 1959)
16. Vesti la giubba (For The First Time 1958)
17. Improviso (RCA 1950)
18. E lucevan le stelle (The Great Caruso 1950)
19. Otello duet with Tennyson (Radio 1945)
Bonus tracks
20. Golden Days with Weede (Radio 1946)
21. Summertime in Heidelberg (The Student Prince RCA 1959)
22. The Vagabond King Drinking Song (RCA 1959)
23. Without a Song (Coke Show 1951)
Best, Bill
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Julie Page(Suzanne)
06-17-2021
02:18 PM ET (US) IP: 74.79.51.67
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wonderful cover photo, Bill. What are the contents?
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Kristine C
06-16-2021
10:44 PM ET (US) IP: 96.59.37.64
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Sam, you are welcome. Sepia Records, which has released the current Mario Lanza CD's, now is releasing CD's of the songs from the 20th Century Fox Movie Musicals, from the 1930's and 1940's. They include Alice Faye, Betty Grable, Tony Martin(who was married to Alice Faye, back then), Joan Davis, Shirley Temple, Jane Withers, Don Ameche, etc. If Fred Day is no longer with us, that is sad. There is a biography about Ann Blyth, written by Jacqueline Lynch. Bear Manor Media publishes books about movie stars, screenplay writers, character actors, actresses. I just bought Maggie McCormack's book, Vol. 1 about Jeanette MacDonald's and Gene Raymond's letters to each other, during World War II. Paul Frees, who has been a character actor and voices of cartoons characters, wrote some books, and there is a book about Don Ameche, all published by Bear Manor Media. Tisha Sterling has a book out , a tribute to her mother, Ann Sothern, also, from Bear Manor Media.
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Bill Ronayne
06-16-2021
10:48 AM ET (US) IP: 68.192.179.77
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 We are now accepting pre-orders for this new CD from Sepia Records. Send your check for $15 ($12 + $3 S & H) made out to Mario Lanza Institute to Mario Lanza Institute 1214 Reed St Philadelphia, PA 19147. For more information email info@mariolanzainstitute.org or call 215-238-9691. USA orders only. Best Bill Edited 06-16-2021 10:53 AM
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SAM MILLION
06-15-2021
10:34 AM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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DEAR KRIS, THANKS SO MUCH FOR THE SURPRISE YOU SENT!
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Julie Page(Suzanne)
06-12-2021
05:35 PM ET (US) IP: 74.79.51.67
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I have The Best of Everything story of Mario but apparently not a separate version containing "Lonely Heart". I do have "The Magic Mario" 2 45rpm set as well, but if there is a new one out, don't have it. Have to locate it as I choose not to play the 45's.
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Diane Cox
06-12-2021
02:23 PM ET (US) IP: 23.127.59.195
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Andrea Bocelli's performance at the opening ceremony of UEFA EURO 2020 at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome.was quite good. You tube.
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Julie Page(Suzanne)
06-12-2021
12:48 PM ET (US) IP: 74.79.51.67
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Thank you everyone.
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Bill Ronayne
06-11-2021
10:11 AM ET (US) IP: 68.192.190.73
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Our next luncheon will be on Saturday July 31st from 1pm-4pm at the Mario Lanza Museum (1214 Reed St) in Philadelphia. We will commemorate the 100th anniversary of the passing of Enrico Caruso and there will be a complete showing of "The Great Caruso" with Mario Lanza and Ann Blyth. Admission is $30 per person which includes lunch and a tour of the museum. Street Parking is available. Seating is limited to 30 people and on a first come first paid basis. For more information call 215-238-9691 or email info@mariolanzainstitute.org. For those that cannot attend but would like to make a donation you can contribute online on our site www.mariolanzainstitute.org or by mailing a check to Mario Lanza Institute 1214 Reed Street Philadelphia, PA 19147. Thanks Kristine and Suzanne. Best, Bill Edited 06-11-2021 01:01 PM
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Derek Mainwaring 06-10-2021
09:07 PM ET (US) IP: 24.13.64.27
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Hello Julie/Suzanne, You can find "None But The Lonely Heart" on the recent 2-disc "Mario Lanza: The Best of Everything":
https://www.amazon.com/Mario-Lanza-Best-Ev...%2Caps%2C214&sr=1-7
It was a last minute addition to the track list. I had planned to include an unreleased take of "Hills of Home" but we couldn't locate a copy in time and I felt that "Lonely Heart" was a fine substitute. The collection also has Mario's spoken introduction to his version of "Danny Boy" which I think is just beautiful.
I hope you're feeling better soon.
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Mike M.
06-10-2021
03:37 PM ET (US) IP: 96.232.90.227
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Julie. That would be "The Magic Mario" LP>
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Kristine C
06-09-2021
09:17 PM ET (US) IP: 96.59.37.64
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Bill, I like the photos of Mario Lanza Museum. Great looking museum !
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Kristine C
06-09-2021
08:25 PM ET (US) IP: 96.59.37.64
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Julie, I hope you feel better.
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Julie Page(Suzanne)
06-09-2021
02:15 PM ET (US) IP: 74.79.51.67
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Nice photos and article, Bill . Bravo. listening to None but the Lonely Heart on Youtube. Someone know what CD includes that beautiful Tchaikowsky melody sung by Mario? Too ill to search my collection, but hope I have it. If not, perhaps I can purchase it. Anyone? Thank you.
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Kristine C
06-06-2021
07:07 PM ET (US) IP: 96.59.37.64
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Last week's Closer Magazine had a story about Mary Tyler Moore(she resembled Betty Lanza, a little bit), Glenn Ford being in love with Rita Hayworth. There is another nostalgia type magazine out called Remind. On their cover, last week, Rick Nelson was on it and it showed '50's teen idols, Paul Anka, Frankie Avalon, Annette Funicello. It also has the monthly schedule of TCM(Cyd Charisse is Star Of The Month, for June). These are the magazines who should have stories about Mario Lanza. Does anyone know if Mario Lanza was approached to perform at Carnegie Hall ?
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Bill Ronayne
06-02-2021
09:50 AM ET (US) IP: 68.192.190.73
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Julie Page (Suzanne)
05-31-2021
03:24 PM ET (US) IP: 74.79.51.67
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It seems we're assuming that we've lost Fred. I'd like to believe it isn't so. The card and note I sent were not returned.So maybe-.Didn't really know Fred, but reading his posts made me fond of him. I'd asked him about his life and career and he graciously told me about himself. He is missed by many of us, as my friend Ed McManus still is. So many good people here.
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Jim Thompson
05-30-2021
11:30 AM ET (US) IP: 24.38.229.151
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As always, Martino you come through beautifully with your writings. At 88 I think my mind is still good but now and then I find myself trying to remember a special thing or person or incident. I am fortunate that my wife, Dima, is very adept at the computer on which she works every day. I told her that a note about my passing would be nice on this site!
You are right about Fred. I remember all the times he came to my home as we went through music and then I would turn the recorder on and we would begin. He and I drove in my red Fiat sports car from Massachussets to Philadelphia for our first Lanza ball. He took the snap I have of Maria Lanza and me. When she and TerryRobinson drove from Boston in a snow storm to Springfield, MA Fred was with me as I interviewed them about Mario's latest album. With a grand piano in the room we sang for Maria! Memories...so needed. Thank you again, Martino for your words. All the best to you as we remember Fred.
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Martino1 05-29-2021
05:47 PM ET (US) IP: 67.216.108.216
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Jim, I recall Matt Minzer from the "old days" and I am sure he is well informed about Fred's situation. I checked local obits, as have others, and found nothing. Nor did he respond to my emails. His name is Desjarlais (if I have it spelled correctly), although here he went by the name, Day.
If his passing is true it is a blow not only to this forum but as you said, the entire Lanza world. He was not only a devoted fan but was very knowledgeable about all things Lanza. Fred had an encyclopedic mind, and could rattle off the most subtle details, not only on Mario Lanza, but many singers, opera and even popular music and films.
I'm not sure how old the Rense forum is, probably between 20-25 years. Fred and I have been here almost from the start and we respected each other a great deal. We would often trade music and I filled many requests he had of making duplicates of recordings I had in my collection. Our disagreements over the years were rare but when they happened they were always debated respectfully.
This sort of makes me think of others over the years that have passed away unbeknown to us until long after their death. If I were to die tomorrow, no one here would know. My Judi is aware I visit this forum but she does not use a computer and would
never get into it. Like Fred, who would know? Sort of makes you think. Anyway, I will never forget Fred and the wonderful years we had in private correspondence but especially the pleasurable and informative interaction we had at this forum. I will miss him greatly.
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Jim Thompson
05-29-2021
02:39 PM ET (US) IP: 24.38.229.151
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Folks, after chatting back and forth with Steff Waltzinger of the Mario Lanza, Tenor site, we have come to the conclusion that Fred Day has pased away. One of the names she gave me was Matt Minzer, a Florida resident
who evidently had a lot of contact with Fred. Matt told me in our phone conversation that Fred had been hosptalized many times over the past years and was evidently in financial straits.
The Lanza family has lost a devoted fan. I have to pull out those old cassettes and have some fun listening to our sessions.
Happy Memorial Day to all of you.
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Kristine C
05-29-2021
12:52 PM ET (US) IP: 96.59.37.64
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I, too, hope, we hear from Fred Day. Bill, will The Mario Lanza Museum be selling "The Great Caruso" Blu-ray DVD's, too ? Any news if Mario Lanza's other movies will be in blu-ray DVD's ?
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Diane Cox
05-29-2021
11:48 AM ET (US) IP: 23.127.59.195
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Did another search under the real name of Fred Day. No obit or any info other than that same address and phone. He was born in 1943, so is 78. Perhaps he is in care - very hard to find people that way.
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Bill Ronayne
05-29-2021
09:16 AM ET (US) IP: 68.192.187.21
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I too hope that Fred is OK. He is greatly missed here. Best, Bill
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Bill Ronayne
05-29-2021
09:15 AM ET (US) IP: 68.192.187.21
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Just so there's no confusion, the recent PBS shoot at the Lanza Museum was for a 3-4 minute segment on the "You Oughta Know" show. It will not be the whole show and be more like a story you would see on your local news. Not sure if this show is carried nationally. It's basically about the Philadelphia region and may just be local.
By the way, the new CD from Sepia, "The Immortal Voice of Mario Lanza," will be available from the Mario Lanza Museum when it comes out shortly. You can preorder it by sending a check for $15 ($12 + $3 S & H) to Mario Lanza Institute 1214 Reed St Philadelphia, PA 19147. We now have the other 8 Mario Lanza CD releases from Sepia and they will be available for purchase in the museum starting June 5th or immediately by mail order. Each is $12 plus $3 S & H. Email info@mariolanzainstitute.org or call 215-238-9691 if you're ordering more than 1 CD to get the correct shipping charges. Best, Bill
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Kristine C
05-28-2021
11:25 PM ET (US) IP: 96.59.37.64
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I just listened to Polly Bergen's version of Come Prima from 1958, on You Tube. She sang it, partially, in Italian and it had a doo wop beat.
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Kristine C
05-28-2021
11:14 PM ET (US) IP: 96.59.37.64
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Bill, I hope other PBS TV Stations will show Mario Lanza Museum, across the country. This week's Closer Magazine had stories about Doris Day and her troubled marriages. Her second husband was brother of child actress, Virginia Weidler("The Philadelphia Story"). The other stories were about Greta Garbo, Hope &Crosby. I sent them a letter asking if they will have a story on Mario Lanza. By the way, Billy Eckstine sang a version of Song of India, called Enchanted Land. It's on You Tube. Have a good Memorial Day Holiday week end !
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Jim Thompson
05-28-2021
03:34 PM ET (US) IP: 24.38.229.151
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For over a month I have called Fred's number from his card but nothing has happened. I'm afraid he may have passed away. Fred and I connected in Massachussets and he accompanied me for years. I have many of our tapes and they were always fun to hear in later years. I pray that we can find out what happened to him and that somehow he is still with us. Best to you all.
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SAM MILLION
05-28-2021
09:06 AM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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THIS IS INFORMATION ABOUT FRED FROM DEREK MCGOVERN: Yes, it does seem that Fred Day is either seriously ill or has passed away. If I remember correctly, he lives with his younger brother, Peter, in a trailer park in Orlando, Florida, so perhaps one of the Rense forum regulars could simply call his phone number? His phone number is listed here, and it also states that a Racine Desjarlais lives at the same address as well: https://homemetry.com/house/6611+HORSE+SHOE+BND,+Orlando+FLEdited 05-28-2021 09:07 AM
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Betty67
05-23-2021
04:18 AM ET (US) IP: 93.42.98.163
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Hello! I have been reading the autobiography of Mike Tomkies. It is called 'My wicked first life before the wilderness'. On pages 124-126, he talks about interviewing Mario in 1957. Pretty funny, I should say!Mario was as 'wicked' as ever. :-D
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Dennis1 05-23-2021
01:15 AM ET (US) IP: 76.126.57.19
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Still no word on Fred Day?
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Julie Page (Suzanne)
05-22-2021
05:00 PM ET (US) IP: 74.79.51.67
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Everything sounds great, Bill.Love to see it.Thanks for all you do!
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Bill Ronayne
05-20-2021
08:05 AM ET (US) IP: 68.192.181.74
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Yesterday the WHYY PBS Show "You Oughta Know" came to the Mario Lanza Museum to do a story on the Mario Lanza Institute. Mario Lanza's cousin Carole Shea, singer/screenwriter Greg Farnese and I made comments and shots of the museum were taken. No date has been announced as yet for the airing of the piece but we will keep you posted. Best Bill
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Jeffrey Campbell
05-19-2021
09:57 PM ET (US) IP: 71.228.150.13
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Hi everyone, Kristine, great detective work in discovering the new Sepia CD on Amazon! It will undoubtedly soon be announced on the Sepia site, and by Derek McGovern, who along with his dedicated colleagues, has brought each of these outstanding Sepia CD's to fruition over the past years. Here is the Amazon link for those who wish to pre-order: https://www.amazon.com/Immortal-Voice-Mari...2Caps%2C231&sr=8-20. Let's all help make this centennial tribute CD a best-seller!
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Kristine C
05-19-2021
12:12 AM ET (US) IP: 96.59.37.64
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Sam, I have seen "The Gay Desperado" with Nino Martini. A young Ida Lupino and Leo Carrillo were in the movie, too. When my late parents and I lived in California, we met realtor Ottie Carrillo, brother of Leo Carrillo. Nino made a movie with Joan Fontaine, too. I read when Dean Martin's name was changed from Dino Crocetti, he was first called Dino Martini, after Nino Martini, then, it became Dean Martin. This week's Closer Magazine had stories "I Love Lucy" 70th Anniversary and an article about Marlene Dietrich. I sent a letter , to them, asking if they will do a story about Mario Lanza, who would have been 100, this year. If you would like to write, to them, too, here is their address: Closer Weekly Magazine, Editor, a 360 Media, LLC, 4 New York Plaza, 2nd Floor, New York, N.Y. 10004. Their subscription rate for 52 issues is $119.00 +. It is on magazine stands, in some supermarkets. I just read, Sepia Records is releasing another Mario Lanza CD -The Immortal Voice of Mario Lanza- A Centennial Celebration, in July and it will be available on Amazon.com. That's great !
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SAM MILLION
05-18-2021
08:58 AM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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WE SAW A MOVIE DIRECTED BY ROUBEN MAMOULIAN CALLED "THE GAY DESPERADO" FROM 1936. IT FEATURED TENOR NINO MARTINI AND THE SONG MARIO SANG "THE WORLD IS MINE TONIGHT".
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Kristine C
05-17-2021
07:33 PM ET (US) IP: 96.59.37.64
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Bill, excellent photos of the Mario Lanza Museum, great looking museum ! Sam, I received your package of the Metropolitan Opera Tribute to Mario Lanza CD's. Thanks, again. This morning I watched a rerun of "Bonanza" on TV Land. It was the episode about Thomas Bowers, an African-American opera singer, played by baritone, William Marshall. He is, at first, thought to be a run away slave. When he first arrives in Virginia City, he is met with bigotry, hostility. Then, the slave is headed to Canada, not anywhere, in Virginia City. He does sing, at the end, for a charity to help Native Americans . Marshall had a great voice and was in "Demetrius And The Gladiators" (sequel to "The Robe") and later would appear on "Pee Wee's Playhouse(Pee Wee Herman). I think, Marshall was in an African-American version of Dracula called "Blacula". Can you imagine that ? Closer Weekly Magazine, last week, had stories about Grace Kelly , Gable and Lombard. Hoping there will be a story about Mario Lanza, someday. Happy Belated Mother's Day !
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Bill Ronayne
05-15-2021
09:49 PM ET (US) IP: 68.192.176.74
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 Today we had our first outside group private party. Members of the Sons of Italy Mario Lanza Lodge #2308 booked the Mario Lanza Museum for the afternoon which included a delicious lunch of hoagies, antipasto, pastries and cookies. After lunch, the group received a lecture on Mario Lanza from me, as well as a tour, and enjoyed Mario Lanza's recordings on the sound system and film and TV appearances on the large screen TV. It was a very fine afternoon with a great and fun group of people. Remember if you would like to book the Lanza Museum for a party or event please contact us at 215-238-9691 or info@mariolanzainstitute.org. Best, Bill Edited 05-15-2021 09:50 PM
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Derek Mainwaring 05-13-2021
06:19 PM ET (US) IP: 24.13.64.27
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Outstanding, Bill!
And here's a special salute to another Bill, one of my most cherished friends and an inspiration to us all:
https://www.worthingherald.co.uk/news/peop...with-family-3236000
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Bill Ronayne
05-13-2021
01:21 PM ET (US) IP: 68.192.185.160
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Thanks Derek.
In addition to being available for fans and the curious to visit, the Mario Lanza Institute will also be offering the museum space for rental as you will see from the promo below. We already have a few groups doing that this and next month.
Hold Your Next Event or Meeting at the Mario Lanza Museum!
The Mario Lanza Museum is the perfect place to hold your next organizational or club meeting or to host an anniversary, birthday or cocktail party. The spacious room, with amenities including large screen TV, state of the art audio system, couches, café tables and chairs, is decorated with assorted memorabilia from the life and career of the celebrated tenor from South Philadelphia. Its extraordinary ambience and atmosphere will make your special event one that will long be remembered by your attendees.
The Mario Lanza Museum is located at 1214 Reed Street in the heart of South Philadelphia. Please call the Mario Lanza Institute at 215-238-9691 or email info@mariolanzainstitute.org for more information and to make a booking.
Best, Bill
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Derek Mainwaring 05-11-2021
08:53 AM ET (US) IP: 24.13.64.27
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Congratulations, Bill. The new museum looks marvelous, a wealth of information especially for people discovering Lanza for the first time.
I look forward very much to seeing it first hand on my next visit to the East Coast.
And bravo to Vince for those outstanding videos. The opening clip from "Serpico" as a lead-in to the Pippo tribute was absolutely brilliant. Di Stefano was "some tenor" indeed.
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Bill Ronayne
05-10-2021
02:17 PM ET (US) IP: 69.116.81.143
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The Mario Lanza Institute's website has been updated with a slide show of photos of the new Mario Lanza Museum. Just click on the black arrows on either side of the middle of the photos. The link below will take you to our home page. Just scroll down a little to get to the slide show. In addition, below the slide show, is an updated photo of one of the Mario Lanza Way signs which was corrected so that the word way is spelled out.
https://www.mariolanzainstitute.org/
Best Bill
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Vince Di Placido 05-07-2021
03:10 AM ET (US) IP: 86.44.28.228
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Aw! Thanks Martino, very nice of you to say that. It’s a wee gem of a song isn’t it!?
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Martino1 05-06-2021
05:04 PM ET (US) IP: 67.216.108.216
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I forgot to mention Vince, I found your new recording of a favorite song of yours (and mine), "I'Te Vurria Vasa!" I'm glad you came back to it after all these years and my compliments on a beautiful song beautifully sung.
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Martino1 05-06-2021
03:31 PM ET (US) IP: 67.216.108.216
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Vince, I am happy that the problems have been worked out and everyone in America can see and hear your DI Stefano Centenary tribute. And it gave me another chance to watch it again!
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Vince Di Placido 05-06-2021
10:22 AM ET (US) IP: 86.44.28.228
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All copyright issues now resolved, available worldwide.
https://youtu.be/aPyVPLRO83g
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Julie Page (Suzanne)
05-05-2021
03:23 PM ET (US) IP: 74.79.51.67
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Stephen, I have located his nice home in Orlando. Others listed there as well. Sent a card with a note. It hasn't been returned yet. Don't want to overstep. Hope to hear some good news. Fred's a favorite.
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Stephen of Las Vegas
05-05-2021
12:53 PM ET (US) IP: 72.193.49.37
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With regard to Fred Day, has anyone contacted the Orlando missing persons police section? Someone with information on the last time he posted here, and what is known about his address, and phone number? Searching his address might get some information on his home ownership. There may be online data in the county government property records on whether he owned his residence and if it's been sold or otherwise changed ownership recently, or if there is another owner listed. Just doing a Google search on the address will probably bring up information from the various real estate sites if there is an active listing.
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Mike from L.I. 05-05-2021
09:04 AM ET (US) IP: 73.1.181.206
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If memory serves, the club was called "La Concha"
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Mike from L.I. 05-05-2021
09:02 AM ET (US) IP: 73.1.181.206
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Kristine: Back in the late 1960's we stayed at a resort hotel in Puerto Rico and Johnny Johnston was the lead performer in their nite club. Much like the style of Vaughn Monroe, he had a small orchestra and was the lead singer. Very pleasant light baritone voice and gave a very satisfying performance.
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Martino1 05-05-2021
08:00 AM ET (US) IP: 67.216.108.216
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Thank you, Kristine. I appreciate you getting back to me.
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Kristine C
05-04-2021
10:32 PM ET (US) IP: 96.59.37.64
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Martino, thank you for kind words. I know the information, you found about Johnnie Johnston. He was in "Star Spangled Rhythm", sang "That Old Black Magic" in the movie. He is the father of Patty Kate Johnston, whose daughter is Kristin Towers Rowles. I am facebook friends with Kristin and she mentions her grandmother, Kathryn Graysson, now and then. Kristin also sings, performs in stage plays. I remember reading that, also, in Esther Williams's book. He had a good singing voice and later appeared in one of those 1950's rock'n'roll movies. He and Kathryn Grayson did sing together in the movie "Till The Clouds Roll By", but the scene was cut. I think it's on You Tube. By the way, today, when I was at the supermarket, I saw a magazine called Remind. It has stories about past stars and the monthly TCM Schedule. This issue had Where Are They Now ? It showed Ann-Margret, Frankie Avalon, Chubby Checker, Jon Provost("Lassie'), Jerry Mathers, Tony Dow, Angela Cartwright, Melissa Gilbert, Butch Patrick(Eddie Munster), Nancy Sinatra, Jr. This week's issue of Closer Magazine had a look back at Elizabeth Taylor-Montgomery Clift, the short life of Jean Harlow. These are the kinds of magazines that should stories about Mario Lanza.
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Martino1 05-04-2021
07:47 PM ET (US) IP: 67.216.108.216
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Kristine, you know all about these old movie stars so is there anything you can tell me about Johnnie Johnston? The reason I ask is that I watched an old movie today called "This Time For Keeps", starring Jimmy Johnston, Esther Williams, Jimmy Durante, Xavier Cugat and Lauritz Melchoir. A star cast for sure but I watched it primarily for Melchoir. It certainly was not a great movie but I got interested in Johnston, who I knew virtually nothing about.
I did a little research and found out he was married about half a dozen times and one of his wives was Kathryn Grayson, who he courted and married around the same time she was making movies with Mario Lanza. Williams, in a book she wrote, said that during the filming of "This Time For Keeps", Johnston showed female groupies love letters written by Grayson that were quite explicit in detail. Clearly, Johnston was a rascal. Grayson was granted a divorce based on lack of privacy in their married life and I can see why it was readily granted. This is the first time I really came across this actor and I still don't know much about him. Do you have any other details on his life/career?
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Kristine C
05-03-2021
07:10 PM ET (US) IP: 96.59.37.64
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Sam, it's allright. We all forget something, sometime. I understand.
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Bill Ronayne
05-03-2021
09:16 AM ET (US) IP: 69.116.81.98
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Had a nice time at Sam's house yesterday enjoying lunch with him and his wife Anna and Carole Shea and then watching the excellent Blu-ray of The Great Caruso on his state of the art system. Sam also proudly showed us some of his wonderful collectibles. Thanks again Sam. Best, Bill
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Bill Ronayne
05-03-2021
07:35 AM ET (US) IP: 69.116.81.98
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Seating is filling up for this event. Please contact the MLI at 215-238-9691 or info@mariolanzainstitute.org to reserve your place.
Mario Lanza, The Man & His Music Audiovisual Lecture Presentation.
Saturday June 12, 2021 2pm-3pm
Mario Lanza Museum
1214 Reed Street
Philadelphia, PA 19147
$20 per person includes a complimentary tour of the museum.
A one-hour audiovisual presentation and lecture on the life and career of the legendary tenor from Philadelphia by noted Lanza authority and MLI President Bill Ronayne. The presentation features rare early private recordings and radio appearances, a photo slide show, clips from his films plus a rare live appearance on British television.
Seating is limited to 20 people and on a first come first paid basis. All attendees must wear a mask. Please RSVP by June 5, 2021. Checks or money orders payable to Mario Lanza Institute should be mailed to Mario Lanza Institute 1214 Reed Street Philadelphia, PA 19147. For more information, call 215-238-9691 or email info@mariolanzainstitute.org.
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Bill Ronayne
05-02-2021
09:37 PM ET (US) IP: 69.116.81.98
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The Mario Lanza Institute would like to thank everyone that attended our luncheon at the museum yesterday. It was our first event there and a very successful and enjoyable one. Thanks also to those that made donations. Pictured are Carole Shea and Giovanna Cavaliere getting the food ready for everyone to enjoy.
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SAM MILLION
05-02-2021
10:11 AM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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DEAR VINCE AND KRISTINE. YOUR MET LANZA CDS UNFORTUNATELY DID NOT GO OUT YET BECAUSE ANNA DOES ALL THE SHIPPING AND EVEN THOUGH I HAD YOUR ADDRESSES AND CDS READY, SHE MISTAKENLY PUT THEM ON A SHELF AND THEN DIDN'T REMEMBER TO SHIP THEM. I AM SO SORRY. WE WILL RECTIFY THIS ASAP.
MIKE: YOU WERE THE THIRD ORDER AND WE DID NOT GET PAYMENT YET.
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SAM MILLION
05-02-2021
09:32 AM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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INTERESTING TIDBIT: WE SAW AN OLD THIRTIES "PASSING PARADE" ON TCM LAST NIGHT AND THE ORCHESTRAL MUSIC WAS THE SAME AS THE "FAKE" OPERATIC DUET THE END OF TMK.
WE ARE HOSTING BILL RONAYNE AND CAROL SHEA TODAY TO SHOW THEM THE NEWLY RELEASED "GREAT CARUSO".
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Deleted by topic administrator 05-13-2021 12:22 AM
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Kristine C
04-29-2021
05:41 PM ET (US) IP: 96.59.37.64
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Sam, you are welcome and I look forward to the CD's.
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SAM MILLION
04-29-2021
11:12 AM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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KRISTINE: I RECEIVED YOUR CHECK FOR THE MET LANZA TRIBUTE. THANK YOU. ALSO, YOUR WONDERFUL LETTER LOADED WITH FACTS ABOUT SINGERS AND YOU RELATIONSHIP TO SOME WAS GREAT AS YOUR POSTS HERE ALWAYS ARE. WILL GET YOUR TWO CDS OUT THE NEXT TIME WE GO TO THE POST OFFICE. ALSO, THANKS FOR THE MAGAZINE YOU INCLUDED.
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Vince Di Placido 04-29-2021
07:16 AM ET (US) IP: 86.44.28.228
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Martino, what a great post and I am so glad you enjoyed the “Pippo” tribute.
You make a very good point about my influences. We are a mix of everything we hear aren’t we? Hopefully you bring enough of yourself and your own sensibilities to hopefully come out a wee bit fresh.
No one could come near to Mario or Pippo’s voices, musicality and phrasing. I did love what they did and as you say Pippo’s lyric sound and mezzavoce influence definitely suited me and my music making.
Gigli’s technique was solid, like Mario’s, Rosati knew what he was doing obviously, Gigli’s longevity vocally is impressive and Di Stefano could have benefited from this solid technique but his natural production is what was so refreshing about him. I do think that he left part of his vocal resources behind him early on in performances like that I Puritani with Callas. It’s blistering!
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walter marquart
04-28-2021
04:11 PM ET (US) IP: 73.27.253.43
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More about the life of Mario Lanza
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Martino1 04-28-2021
03:27 PM ET (US) IP: 67.216.108.216
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Vince, thanks to you I have just spent one of the most enjoyable half hours any fan of Giuseppi Di Stefano could possibly have. Thank you so much for taking the time to make your wonderful anthology available to me. I hope the glitches work out so that everyone in America can also enjoy this excellent tribute to one of the great tenors of the last century.
As usual, your commentary was spot on and your examples could not have been better. Has there ever been better singing of "I Puritani" than we heard from "Pippo" and Callas? Nope. And there never will be. Yes, there is Pavarotti and Kraus and Sutherland and Gedda, etc. but no two voices blended like Di Stefano and Callas. As usual, I had to go back two or three times and play that ravishing diminuendo from the Faust romance simply because as many times as I have heard it, I still don't believe it.
Every once in a while I play a selection or two from your personal disk and there is no mistaking that you were greatly influenced by Di Stefano, perhaps more than you were by Lanza, who I know is still your favorite tenor. This is to be expected since your voice is more in line with Di Stefano's voice than it is with Mario Lanza's voice. And you could not have picked a better muse.
I was particularly taken by the photos. Many of those included in your clip were unknown to me and I enjoyed seeing them, particularly those of the very young "Pippo". Di Stefano's career was beginning as another iconic, Italian tenor's career was coming to a close - Beniamino Gigli. The two are often compared because they had essentially the same kind of voice with many of the same attributes. It might be a good time to talk about these two extraordinary tenors and compare them.
Gigli and Di Stefano had almost the same vocal weight, both essentially lyric tenors but Gigli's superior technique allowed him to delve a bit more successfully than did Di Stefano in the heavier, spinto roles. Because of this command of technique, Gigli was able to have a very long career, even while singing many of the more demanding and heroic operas. Di Stefano, bright though his candle was while it lasted, burnt out quickly (about 10-12 years) trying to sing those same roles. He continued singing for many years of course but it was heartbreakingly clear he was past his prime while still relatively young.
Both these singers were the definition of the true Italian tenor, a model which we lack today. Both sang with incredible feeling and heart and both used mezza voce effectively, perhaps better than any tenors before or since. They were both experts at interpreting Italian songs. I do not mean to place Di Stefano below Gigli and actually give Di Stefano higher marks on several important counts: better actor (they both made Italian movies) and much better looking with a more commanding stage presence making his roles more convincing to the audience. With Gigli, the audience only needed to close their eyes and listen. Both had perfect diction but the more perfect (if that is possible) belonged to Di Stefano, who also possessed the more naturally beautiful tone and more splendid high notes. I also had the pleasure of seeing Di Stefano perform live on stage, I was too young and never saw Gigli perform.
I am glad I don't have to choose between these two! I am more than content to have them both!! Again, thank you Vince, for going to the trouble to let me see your wonderful video.
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Julie Page (Suzanne)
04-28-2021
02:34 PM ET (US) IP: 74.79.51.67
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Jim, I'm sorry to hear about your medical problems as well. I had hoped you'd know something about Fred. I sent him a card at the address I found for him, no response as yet. Hope you're doing well and the Doctors are helping you to feel better. I wish you the best.
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Diane Cox
04-28-2021
12:32 PM ET (US) IP: 23.127.59.195
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Jim - thanks for the info on Fred. Sorry to hear about your medical problems - I'm sure many healing thoughts and prayers will come from your friends here. Mario has gotten me through some bad times - and celebrated some good times.
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Martino1 04-28-2021
08:13 AM ET (US) IP: 67.216.108.216
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Email is on the way to you Vince. Thanks.
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Vince Di Placido 04-28-2021
02:36 AM ET (US) IP: 86.44.28.228
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Sorry Martino, it seems that at the moment it’s all blocked on your side, here is my email, contact me and I’ll give you the link that way...
vincent.diplacido@gmail.com
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Martino1 04-27-2021
05:29 PM ET (US) IP: 67.216.108.216
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I just went to check the comments section but it won't let you post your link because comments have been turned off. A glitch I'd say.
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Martino1 04-27-2021
05:27 PM ET (US) IP: 67.216.108.216
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Thanks Vince and Jim. I too hope for good news from Fred.
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Jim Thompson
04-27-2021
05:22 PM ET (US) IP: 24.38.229.151
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My best wishes to all those who have been around this particular block for many years. I have stayed away from postings over the last year or so. I have tried to get in touch with my dear friend and accompanist, Fred Day but to no avail.When I check things out now and then; it is good to see your name, Martino and Diane and some others. For the past year I have been under the influence of doctors and nurses ayYale New Haven Hospital as they are helping me with with leukemia.Not very much vocalizing going on but Mario and so many others keep me going. My wife is, God bless her, Unbelievable. I'd appreciate your prayers and let us hope we will get good news about Fred. Una Voce dal Cielo remains!!
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Vince Di Placido 04-27-2021
04:52 PM ET (US) IP: 86.44.28.228
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It’s done, Martino! Just click on the original YouTube link in comment 58958 and look in comments for the Google drive link. 👍🏻
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Martino1 04-27-2021
04:21 PM ET (US) IP: 67.216.108.216
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Diane, I don't have Thompson's email address or any other way to contact him. Does anyone here have it?
Let us know when you post the link, Vince. I'm sure it will be a treat as are all your other youtube projects.
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Diane Cox
04-27-2021
02:06 PM ET (US) IP: 23.127.59.195
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Martino - perhaps contacting Jim Thompson might bring results on the Fred Day mystery. (My T is stuck) Edited 04-27-2021 02:07 PM
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Vince Di Placido 04-27-2021
09:35 AM ET (US) IP: 86.44.28.228
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There are a couple of copyright sticking points that I am still trying to sort out, these are blocking viewing in the States.
In the meantime, I’ll post a Google drive link in the comments on the YouTube link and you can watch it that way.
I can’t seem to post the link here as it’s seen as spam.
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Martino1 04-27-2021
09:11 AM ET (US) IP: 67.216.108.216
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Vince, your Di Stefano video is unavailable on Youtube in America. You must have used for European viewers only by mistake.
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SAM MILLION
04-27-2021
08:03 AM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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HERE IS A LITTLE TIDBIT. RUDOLPH MATE DIRECTED MARIO'S LAST FILM AND ALSO DIRECTED THE 1935 LAWRENCE TIBBETT FILM "METROPOLITAN".
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Vince Di Placido 04-27-2021
05:38 AM ET (US) IP: 86.44.28.228
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Giuseppe Di Stefano is one of my favourite singers.
This is a wee film I made to celebrate his centenary year, which he shares with Mario of course.
https://youtu.be/aPyVPLRO83g
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Martino1 04-26-2021
04:48 PM ET (US) IP: 67.216.108.216
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Has anyone solved the Fred Day disappearance? Messages here and personal emails have done me no good. Jim Thompson was Fred's personal friend but he has not posted here either in quite some time. I hope Fred is okay.
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Kristine C
04-25-2021
04:18 PM ET (US) IP: 96.59.37.64
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Before he passed away, Sergio Franchi was in the Broadway Musical "9" a musical version of the movie "8 1/2", which was about an Italian film director.
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Kristine C
04-25-2021
04:17 PM ET (US) IP: 96.59.37.64
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Sam, also, "The Secret of Santa Vittoria" would be the only movie, tenor Sergio Franchi would make. He was in a Broadway Musical "Do I Hear A Waltz ?" , a musical version of "Summertime"(the movie, Katharine Hepburn and Rossano Brazzi made.). A side note about "Summertime", Katharine Hepburn did her own stunt and fell backwards in the polluted water of Venice, Italy. For years, she would have effects of that in her eye. By the way, Rossano Brazzi attended Mario Lanza's funeral in Hollywood. I remember, Renato Rascel was in "The Secret of Santa Vittoria". I read, Marissa Allasio later married into royalty and is 85 now.
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SAM MILLION
04-25-2021
09:46 AM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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I SAW A VERY ENTERTAINING MOVIE LAST NIGHT CALLED "THE SECRET OF SANTA VITTORIO" STARRING ANTHONY QUINN. IT WAS MADE IN 1969. QUINN'S SIDEKICK IN THE MOVIE CAUGHT MY EYE AND IT WASN'T UNTIL I SAW THE CREDITS THAT I REALIZED THE MAN WAS NONE OTHER THAN RENATO RASCEL, WHO PLAYED MARIO'S COUSIN PEPE IN 1957'S "THE SEVEN HILLS OF ROME". OF COURSE HE LOOKED OLDER BUT THERE WAS NO MISTAKING HIS VOICE. JUST A LITTLE TIDBIT OF INFORMATION FOR YOU ALL.
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SAM MILLION
04-23-2021
11:56 PM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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SOME THOUGHTS ABOUT "THAT MIDNIGHT KISS". THE FILM WHOSE OPENING TITLES SAY "INTRODUCING MARIO LANZA" STARTED MARIO'S FILM CAREER IN 1949. I RAN THE FILM TONIGHT AND THOROUGHLY ENJOYED IT. IT IS LIGHT HEARTED AND FUN WITH EXCELLENT LANZA SINGING THROUGHOUT. I HAVE ALWAYS BEEN IMPRESSED HOW NATURAL MARIO IS AS AN ACTOR, ESPECIALLY CONSIDERING THIS WAS HIS FIRST TIME AT BAT. HIS HAIR WAS TRULY TAME COMPARED TO ALL HIS OTHER FEATURES. WHY THEY GAVE IT A RED TINT IS ANYONE'S GUESS! PHYSICALLY HE LOOKS GREAT AND HIS WEIGHT NEVER VARIES MUCH LIKE IT DID IN MOST OF THE OTHER FILMS HE MADE. KATHRYN GRAYSON, WHILE NOT UP TO MARIO'S VOICE QUALITY IN TIMBRE, USES HER COLORATURA VOICE WELL. AND SHE IS AN EXCELLENT ACTRESS. SHE ALSO HAS AN AMAZING FIGURE WITH EITHER A 40 OR 44 DOUBLE D CHEST (I READ THIS FACT SOMEWHERE LONG AGO!) AND A VERY THIN WAISTLINE. EYE CANDY AS THEY SAY!
THE FILM IS WELL PACED AND FEATURES VERY GOOD SONGS AND ARIAS THROUGHOUT. ONE SEQUENCE THAT CAUGHT MY ATTENTION TONIGHT WAS THE REHEARSAL BY THE TWO LEADS WHERE MUSICAL NOTES ARE SUPERIMPOSED ON THEM AS THEY PERFORM. A FOOTNOTE: THE BEST DVD RELEASE WHICH SHOWS OFF TMK AND TONO TO BEST ADVANTAGE IS THE DOUBLE FEATURE SET WHICH WAS RELEASED YEARS BACK. IT ALMOST APPROACHES BLU RAY QUALITY WITH CLEAR, SHARP PICTURE AND SOUND WITH NO VIDEO "NOISE" OR FLECKS TO MAR THE FILM. THIS CONCLUDES THE MINI LANZA FILM FESTIVAL I STARTED AFTER MY TRIP TO THE NEW MUSEUM.
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Bill Ronayne
04-23-2021
11:43 PM ET (US) IP: 68.192.185.33
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Mario Lanza, The Man & His Music Audiovisual Lecture Presentation. Saturday June 12, 2021 2pm-3pm Mario Lanza Museum 1214 Reed Street Philadelphia, PA 19147 $20 per person includes a complimentary tour of the museum. A one-hour audiovisual presentation and lecture on the life and career of the legendary tenor from Philadelphia by noted Lanza authority and MLI President Bill Ronayne. The presentation features rare early private recordings and radio appearances, a photo slide show, clips from his films plus a rare live appearance on British television. Seating is limited to 20 people and on a first come first paid basis. All attendees must wear a mask. Please RSVP by June 5, 2021. Checks or money orders payable to Mario Lanza Institute should be mailed to Mario Lanza Institute 1214 Reed Street Philadelphia, PA 19147. Edited 04-23-2021 11:43 PM
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SAM MILLION
04-22-2021
10:42 PM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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TO VINCE: I JUST LISTENED FOR THE FIRST TIME YOUR PRODUCTION OF "LANZA AND ROSATI". IN A WORD, TERRIFIC. YOUR MATERIAL IS OF SUCH HIGH CALIBER AND VERY, VERY ENTICING AND THOUGHT PROVOKING. CONGRATS!
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SAM MILLION
04-22-2021
04:58 PM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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THAT WAS A GREAT NIGHT, WE BOTH AGREE ON THAT MARK! SEND 20.00 POSTPAID FOR THE TWO CDS IN JEWEL CASES TO: SAM SAMUELIAN, 2305 WEST DEERFIELD DRIVE, MEDIA, PA. 19063 AND THANKS!
DO YOU AGREE THAT ANN BLYTH LOOKED EXACTLY LIKE SHE DID IN "GREAT CARUSO"?! I WONDER IF YOU PAID FOR THE "EXTRA" PARTY THAT FOLLOWED THE MAIN EVENT. UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL WITH ALL THE STARS PLUS DAMON AND ELISSA.
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Mark Lane
04-22-2021
04:52 PM ET (US) IP: 24.185.100.217
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Hi Sam;
I was at the met gala. Where can I send a check for a cd of the event. Thank you for keeping Mario's name alive.
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SAM MILLION
04-20-2021
11:57 PM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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I WANTED TO ADD ONE MORE INTERESTING NOTE REGARDING "BECAUSE YOU'RE MINE". I LOVE, AND ALWAYS LOOK FOR, INSTANCES WHERE MARIO SINGS LIVE IN A MOVIE SCENE (AS OPPOSED TO PRE-RECORDING). IN BYM, HE SINGS QUESTA O QUELLA UNACCOMPANIED AFTER THE SURLY ARMY SERGEANT ORDERS HIM TO SING. HE STARTS OUT PERFORMING IT LIVE (RIGHT AFTER HE SIGNS AN AUTOGRAPH FOR HIS REAL LIFE MOTHER AND FATHER) AND IF YOU LISTEN CLOSELY YOU CAN HEAR THE TRACK SWITCH OVER TO PRE-RECORDING OF THE SAME ARIA. IT STARTS JUST AS HE IS STEPPING UP TO GET INTO THE TRUCK. AS THE TRUCK DRIVES AWAY, MARIO'S LIP SYNCING IS HORRIBLE! FOR ANOTHER EXAMPLE, GO TO THE GREAT CARUSO AND WATCH THE "WHISKEY, SNUFF, ETC" SCENE. HE HITS A FANTASTIC HIGH NOTE DONE LIVE. IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING HE MOVES HIS HANDS AND FACIAL EXPRESSION AS IF TO CONVEY "NOT BAD". NOT BAD INDEED!!
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SAM MILLION
04-20-2021
11:18 PM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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GLAD TO BE OF SERVICE KRISTINE! I LIKE WRITING AND I HAVE LEARNED OVER THE YEARS TO WRITE SO THAT THE READER FEELS JUST AS IF HE OR SHE HAD BEEN AT THE EVENT PERSONALLY.
I HAPPILY SCREENED "BECAUSE YOU'RE MINE" TONIGHT, AS IT IS THE LAST FILM OF MY RECENT WEEK OF WATCHING ONE LANZA MOVIE PER NIGHT. I SAW SOMETHING THAT SUBCONSCIOUSLY I KNEW, WHICH IS THAT OUR BOY HAS VERY LARGE HANDS. THIS SHOULD BE NO REVELATION SINCE HE PUTS THOSE HANDS AND ARMS RIGHT IN FRONT OF OUR FACES IN ALL HIS FILMS. (I WILL MAKE THE OBVIOUS JOKE HERE ABOUT LARGE HANDS ALSO DENOTING OTHER LARGE PARTS IN A MAN!)
BUT GETTING BACK TO BYM. THE DVD HAS MUCH RICHER COLOR THAN MOST OF THE STANDARD LANZA DVDS. THE COLOR IS VERY INTENSE AND NOTICEABLE PARTICULARLY IN SCENES APART FROM THE DRAB ARMY WEAR SECTIONS.THE PICTURE QUALITY IS ALSO NICE AND SHARP. HIS VOICE IS GREAT THROUGHOUT THE MOVIE. I HAVE NOTHING TO CRITICIZE IN THIS REGARD. ALL HIGH NOTES ARE FLAWLESS AND NEVER FORCED OR STRAINED. YET THERE ARE VERY TENDER MOMENTS LIKE THE SWEETNESS IN "THE SONG ANGELS SING". I WANT TO SINGLE OUT "ADDIO ALLA MADRE". LANZA'S VOCAL PRODUCTION OF THIS PIECE IS THE RICHEST SINGING HE DOES IN THE MOVIE. HIS TONES ARE WELL SUPPORTED AND SOMEWHAT DARKER THAN HIS SINGING WAS DURING THIS TIME. KEEP IN MIND MARIO WAS "ON THE TOP" IN 1952, SINCE HE HAD ANOTHER HIT SINGLE WITH THE SONG BECAUSE YOU'RE MINE, HE HAD HIS RADIO SHOW FILLING THE AIRWAVES, AND HE MADE THIS MOVIE WHICH WAS VERY POPULAR. I AM ALSO SENTIMENTAL ABOUT THIS TITLE SINCE MY FATHER WAS IN THE ARMY AND WE WATCHED BYM TOGETHER MORE OFTEN THAN ANY OTHER LANZA FILM. WE WOULD SIT TOGETHER WATCHING THE MOVIE AND HE'D BE MAKING COMMENTS ABOUT HOW GREAT THE LANZA VOICE WAS. ANNA HAD TO PUT UP WITH THE "CONCERT" VOLUME LEVELS I USED. MY ANSWER WAS ALWAYS "WELL, DAD DOESN'T HEAR THAT WELL THESE DAYS". THAT WAS ACTUALLY TRUE. WE BOUGHT HIM TINY HEARING AIDS THAT HE HATED WEARING. ONE DOCTOR ADVISED US TO HAVE HIS EARS CLEANED. WE DID, AND SO MUCH WAX BUILD UP CAME OUT THAT HE WAS ABLE TO HEAR JUST ABOUT AS GOOD AS ME! ANOTHER COMMENT I WANT TO MAKE ABOUT BYM FOR TONIGHT IS THAT I HAVE ALWAYS FOUND THIS FILM TO BE A DELIGHT TO WATCH AS IT IS SHEER FUN--AND DESPITE MARIO'S AVERSION TO "PUTTING CARUSO IN THE ARMY", THE FILM STANDS TALL AS FINE ENTERTAINMENT. IT REMAINS MY "GO TO" MOVIE WHENEVER I NEED A PICK ME UP.
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Kristine C
04-20-2021
08:08 PM ET (US) IP: 96.59.37.64
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Sam, you are an interesting tour guide ! I enjoyed reading about the museum and hope it will be publicized on t.v. or in Classic Images(a publication for vintage movie and tv shows fans).
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Kristine C
04-20-2021
07:56 PM ET (US) IP: 96.59.37.64
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Pamela, thank you for information. Henry Winkler was friends with John Ritter and Terry Robinson knew John Ritter. Imagine if Zoe had married Nick. It would have been Fonzie's daughter marrying Mario Lanza's grandson and a new generation would have learned about Mario. I wish "Happy Days", "Laverne &Shirley", and "MASH" would have mentioned Mario Lanza in their stories, since all 3 t.v. shows took place in the '50's. Sam, I'll be sending my check to you.
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SAM MILLION
04-20-2021
05:26 PM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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JULIE: I ONLY MET HIM IN PASSING AND DIDN'T GET HIS NAME. I AM SURE BILL RONAYNE WILL ANSWER YOUR QUESTION AS SOON AS HE SEES THIS POST.
PAM: THE WINKLERS SOUND LIKE LOVELY PEOPLE. AND I AM SURE ELISSA'S KIDS ARE TERRIFIC AS WELL. SHE DOES SO MUCH TO PROMOTE HER DAD, OUR BOY, MARIO. I WISH I COULD HAVE SPENT MORE TIME WITH HER AT THE METROPOLITAN TRIBUTE TO MARIO, BUT SO MANY PEOPLE WERE THERE SEEKING HER ATTENTION. I DID MEET HER HUSBAND BOBBY BREGMAN AND MARIO'S TWO GRANDCHILDREN AT THE OLD MUSEUM YEARS BACK.
I HAVE TWO ORDERS SO FAR FOR THE TWO CD SET OF THE FULL METROPOLITAN PROGRAM WE ALL ENJOYED SO MUCH WAY BACK WHEN. I HOPE MORE FOLKS WILL GET THEM AS THEY ARE SO WORTHWHILE.
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Julie Page
04-20-2021
02:48 PM ET (US) IP: 74.79.51.67
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The museum sounds wonderful. How sorry I am to have to miss seeing it. Illness etc. Thanks to Bill and all who made it possible.Who is the vice-president,Sam?
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Pamela 7 Latham
04-20-2021
02:13 PM ET (US) IP: 94.0.174.69
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Kristine, Henry Winklers daughter Zoe dated Ellisa’s son Nick for some while . They both attended a function in 2004 in LA when we launched Derek Mannering’s book ‘A Life in Pictures’. She was very nice as I remember, as is her dad Henry Winkler who I met after he appeared in panto as Capt Hook in Peter Pan in London.
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SAM MILLION
04-19-2021
11:29 PM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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I PROMISED TO TELL YOU ALL MORE ABOUT OUR TRIP TO THE NEW MARIO LANZA MUSEUM, SO HERE GOES:
IT IS LOCATED IN A VERY NICE NEIGHBORHOOD IN SOUTH PHILADELPHIA. IT IS SURELY A MOSTLY ITALIAN NEIGHBORHOOD AS THE HOUSES ARE ALL WELL KEPT, SO INDICATIVE OF ITALIAN FAMILIES. VERY BOLD LETTERS ABOVE THE DOOR MARK THE "MARIO LANZA MUSEUM". YOU WALK INTO A LOVELY AND LARGE ROOM WITH MARBLE FLOORS. THERE ARE MANY TABLES FOR TWO IN THE CENTER OF THE ROOM WHICH ARE COMFY. THE WALLS, PRACTICALLY FROM FLOOR TO CEILING ARE DECORATED WITH AN INCREDIBLE AMOUNT OF MARIO LANZA MEMORABILIA. MANY PAINTINGS OF MARIO DONE BY VARIOUS ARTISTS. MANY, MANY PHOTOS BOTH POSED AND NOT. ARTICLES AND NEWSPAPER CLIPPINGS, AND MUCH MORE. EVERY PIECE IS FRAMED NICELY. THERE ARE TWO LARGE FIXTURES OF WOOD AND GLASS WHICH HOLD MARIO'S CLOTHING/COSTUMES). YOUR EYES GO RIGHT TO THEM AS THEY ARE SO PROMINENT. A LARGE SCREEN TV (ABOUT 75 INCH IN SIZE) IS CENTRAL TO THE ROOM AND CAN PLAY MANY VIDEOS OF MARIO FROM YOUTUBE OR VIDEOS PLAYED ON THE IN HOUSE DVD PLAYER. WE SAW QUITE A NUMBER OF THEM LAST SATURDAY FROM THE SECOND SHOWER OF STARS SHOW TO THE PALLADIUM TV SHOW TO MOVIE CLIPS. THE SOUND SYSTEM IS EXCELLENT THANKS TO A GROUP OF SPEAKERS MOUNTED IN THE CEILING. I SUGGESTED TO BILL THAT A SUB WOOFER ADDITION WOULD GIVE MORE DEPTH TO THE SOUND. THERE ARE PLANS TO INSTALL A VIDEO PROJECTOR AND HAVE THE SCREEN PLACED IN AN AREA WHICH HAS NO MEMORABILIA AND SITS TO THE LEFT OF THE DOORWAY. THERE ARE LOVELY LIGHTING FIXTURES WHICH ARE SOMEWHAT ART DECO IN APPEARANCE. A MODERN POWDER ROOM IS IN THE REAR. THERE IS A SECTION WHICH HOLDS CDS FOR SALE AND ALSO BOOKS OF SINGERS FOR SALE. I BOUGHT TWO: 1-JEROME HINES ON GREAT SINGERS AND SINGING (THE FIRST OF FORTY OPERA SINGERS DISCUSSED IS NONE OTHER THAN OUR DEAR LICIA ALBANESE. 2-A THICK BIOGRAPHY OF RUFFO, MY FAVORITE OF THE "GOLDEN AGE" BARITONES. BILL PULLED OUT A GORGEOUS NINETY INCH (!) POSTER FROM BECAUSE YOU'RE MINE THAT WILL EVENTUALLY BE FRAMED. IT WILL BE VERY COSTLY. AND THE CASH REGISTER SITS ON A HANDSOME TABLE WITH A DONATION BOX NEARBY. ADMISSION IS TEN DOLLARS. WHILE WE WERE THERE WE HAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO MEET THE VICE PRESIDENT OF THE ML INSTITUTE. HE ATE SOME OF OUR POTATO CHIPS, PART OF THE LUNCH I BROUGHT FOR ALL OF US THAT CONSISTED OF PRIMO ITALIAN HOAGIES (SECOND TO NONE AS THEY ARE PACKED WITH FRESH LUNCH MEATS IN A SEEDED ROLL WHICH HAS A CRUST ON THE OUTSIDE AND IS SOFT ON THE INSIDE). ADD TO THAT THE BEST OATMEAL RAISIN COOKIES I KNOW OF, AND ALSO A BOX OF CHEWY BROWNIES, AND SODA TO WASH IT ALL DOWN.
I ASKED BILL IF THERE ARE ANY RESTAURANTS IN THE AREA AND HE SAID THERE ARE, AND ONLY A COUPLE BLOCKS AWAY (THEY MIGHT BE GOOD FOR PRE-BALL AFFAIRS). PARKING IS ALL STREET PARKING. WHEN WE ARRIVED IT WAS TIGHT BUT BY THE TIME WE LEFT THERE WERE MANY OPEN SPACES. (INCIDENTALLY WE ARRIVED AT 12:45 AND LEFT BY 3:30. ALL AGREED WE HAD A WONDERFUL AND MEMORABLE TIME.
NOW MY TRIBUTE TO BILL RONAYNE, PRESIDENT OF THE ML INSTITUTE. HE TRAVELS ALL THE WAY FROM NEW YORK TO OPEN THE MUSEUM TO FANS AND TO THE GENERAL PUBLIC. MAKE NO MISTAKE--THIS VENTURE IS STRICTLY HIS "BABY". HE HAS LOVINGLY TAKEN A LARGE EMPTY SPACE AND TURNED IT INTO A SHRINE TO LANZA. HE HAS PUT IN COUNTLESS HOURS OF WORK TO ACHIEVE THIS. WITHOUT HIM, I KNOW WE WOULD NOT HAVE SUCH A PLACE TO VISIT. (YOU KNOW THAT MAY 1ST WILL BE THE FIRST LUNCHEON/MOVIE AFFAIR HELD THERE). YOU DON'T KNOW THAT ON MAY 2ND, BOTH BILL AND CAROLE SHEA WILL BE COMING TO OUR HOME TO SEE THE NEW BLU RAY "GREAT CARUSO" ON OUR GIANT HOME THEATER SCREEN AND SURROUND SOUND. I SO LOOK FORWARD TO THIS AS NEITHER HAS SEEN THE NEW DVD YET AND THEY WILL BE IN FOR A TREAT. OKAY, I THINK I HAVE COVERED A LOT. ANY QUESTIONS, FEEL FREE TO ASK.
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SAM MILLION
04-19-2021
11:00 PM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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HI KRISTINE,
I WILL HAVE TO GO SEE THAT WEDDING VIDEO FOR SURE. I AM NOT ABOUT WINKLER'S DAUGHTER DATING ONE OF MARIO'S GRANDSONS. PERHAPS DEREK MANNERING CAN ANSWER THAT.
I WILL HAVE A SET OF THE CDS MADE FOR YOU ASAP. JUST SEND $20.00 TO ME AT: SAM SAMUELIAN, 2305 WEST DEERFIELD DRIVE, MEDIA, PA. 19063. THANKS!
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John in Indiana
04-19-2021
07:56 PM ET (US) IP: 50.90.97.118
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The voice lessons continue...I mentioned Mario to my voice teacher. He was only vaguely familiar with him. I will continue teaching him about Mario just as he is teaching me music!!
Take care,
John
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Kristine C
04-19-2021
07:55 PM ET (US) IP: 96.59.37.64
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Sam, I am interested in the CD's of Met's Tribute to Mario Lanza. Ann Blyth's brother-in-law was tenor, Dennis Day. His brother, Dr. McNulty married Ann Blyth. There is a film of her wedding on You Tube and Jack Benny attended it. Jane Powell's husband, former child actor, Dickie Moore was with her, too. Sam, did Henry Winkler's daughter date one of Mario Lanza's grandsons ?
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Deleted by topic administrator 04-24-2021 12:18 AM
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SAM MILLLION
04-19-2021
09:47 AM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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THE METROPOLITAN OPERA GUILD TRIBUTE TO MARIO LANZA WAS SPONSORED BY OPERA NEWS MAGAZINE. TWO HUGE POSTERS OF MARIO ADORNED THE OUTSIDE FOR PEOPLE WHO HAD TICKETS AND FOR WALK INS. IT TOOK PLACE IN THE ALICE TULLY HALL OF LINCOLN CENTER WHICH SEATS 1,100 PEOPLE AND WAS FAIRLY FULL.THE DATE WAS JANUARY 13, 2005 (NEAR MARIO'S BIRTH DATE OF JANUARYN 31ST. THE SHOW WAS FITTINGLY CALLED "BE MY LOVE". THE MODERATOR WAS F. PAUL DRISCOLL, WHILE THE INTERVIEWER WAS BRIAN KELLOW.
IN THE AUDIENCE WERE LICIA ALBANESE, RAFAELA FASANO'S MOTHER, ROBERT OSBORN OF TURNER CLASSIC MOVIES, AND MORE.
IT STARTED WITH A GLORIOUS "LOVELIEST NIGHT OF THE YEAR", WHICH COMING THROUGH THEIR LARGE AND LOUD SPEAKERS WAS THRILLING. THE MODERATOR COVERED MARIO'S HISTORY FROM BIRTH, HIS SCHOOLING, AND BEING A "PIANO MOVER". HE SPOKE ABOUT MARIO'S MEETING SERGE KOUSEVITSKY, WHO INVITED MARIO TO THE BERKSHIRES TO STUDY. MARIO SANG HIS FIRST FULL LENGTH OPERA THERE AND WAS IN GOOD COMPANY, LIKE LEONARD BERNSTEIN.LATER AT THE HOLLYWOOD BOWL HE SANG HIS SECOND COMPLETE OPERA. IN THE AUDIENCE SAT LOUIS B. MAYER, WHOSE APPETITE WAS WHET BY THE POSSIBILITY OF SIGNING LANZA TO MGM.
MANY MUSICAL CLIPS WERE PLAYED FEATURING HIS BEST SONGS AND ARIAS. THEN VIDEOS WERE SHOWN IN ORDER, STARTING WITH HIS FIRST SONG SUNG IN THE BUDELL HOME WITH HIS BACK TURNED TO THE AUDIENCE FOR DRAMATIC EFFECT. TOAST OF NEW ORLEANS WAS NEXT, AND THEN BECAUSE YOU'RE MINE. THE STUDENT PRINCE FOLLOWED. WHENEVER POSSIBLE OPERATIC ARIAS WERE USED.
MARIO'S TWO GRANDCHILDREN WERE ACKNOWLEDGED, FOLLOWED BY DAMON LANZA AND ELLISA LANZA BREGMAN. THEY BOTH SPOKE OF THEIR FATHER'S ADORATION OF THEM AND THEIR MOTHER.AND HOW HE PUT THEM BEFORE ANY PROFESSIONAL WORK. LATER I SAW DAMON AND ELLISA HUGGING. THEY HAD NOT BEEN TOGETHER FOR YEARS (SOMETHING BOB DOLFI HAD A HAND IN). ELLISA SAID THEY WERE THE FIRST KIDS WHO LOOKED FORWARD TO GOING TO BED AS MARIO TOLD STORIES HE MADE UP RATHER THAN READ. ALSO, HE SANG THEM THE BEAUTIFUL "GUARDIAN ANGELS". I SAW THEM HUGGING EARLIER WHEN THEY FIRST ARRIVED.
NOTEWORTHY PEOPLE WERE ON STAGE, HAVING WALKED UP WHILE LOVELIEST NIGHT OF THE YEAR WAS PLAYING. PEOPLE WHO WERE ASKED TO TAKE A BOW INCLUDED LICIA ALBANESE (WHO ALWAYS PRAISED MARIO. A NICE COMPLIMENT SINCE HER CAREER STARTED BACK WHEN CARUSO WAS SINGINGAND SHE HEARD ENRICO LIVE!
PEOPLE HAD A CHOICE OF HEARING THE MAIN PROGRAM AND ALSO ATTENDING FOR A FEE THE "PRIVATE" PART OF THE EVENING WITH SNACKS AND CHAMPAGNE SERVED. YOU COULD MEET IN PERSON AND UP CLOSE THE LIKES OF LUCINE AMARA, ANN BLYTH (WHO AMAZINGLY LOOKED GOOD AS SHE DID FOR "THE GREAT CARUSO" AND WAS ACCOMPANIED BY HER HUSBAND, ELAINE MALBIN, JANE POWELL, AND MORE.I TOLD ANN HOW MANY YEARS I HAD WAITED TO MEET HER IN PARTICULAR AND MY WIFE ANNA TOOK PHOTOS OF US TOGETHER.
BUT I AM GETTING AHEAD OF MYSELF. THE MAIN PROGRAM CONTINUED WITH MANY AUDIO CLIPS OF MARIO SINGING SONGS AND ESPECIALLY ARIAS FROM THAT MIDNIGHT KISS, WHICH INCLUDED MARIO'S HIGH NOTES SUNG INTO ARTHUR TREACHER'S EARS, SONGS FROM BECAUSE YOU'RE MINE, THE STUDENT PRINCE, AND THE GREAT CARUSO. WHAT FOLLOWED WAS HIS ONLY WARNER BROTHERS APPEARANCE IN "SERENADE". ELISSA SPOKE OF MARIO'S BEING DISCOURAGED BY PEOPLE LIKE DORY SCHARY AND HOW HE EVENTUALLY LEFT THE UNITED STATES TO LIVE IN ROME FOR TWO YEARS. ARIAS FROM SEVEN HILLS OF ROME, AND ESPECIALLY FOR THE FIRST TIME WERE SHOWN. HIS LAST MOVIE FEATURED AMOR TI VIETA, DI QUELLA PIRA, O SOLE MIO, AND VESTI LA GIUBBA. THERE WAS SOME MENTION OF HOW HIS WEIGHT FLUCTUATED.
THE SHOW CLOSED WITH TENOR RICHARD LEECH SINGING FOUR SONGS/ARIAS PREVIOUSLY PERFORMED BY MARIO. IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING, THE PEOPLE WHO PAID EXTRA TO BE PART OF THE CLOSE UP VISITING OF THE STARS BEGAN AND CONTINUED FOR HOURS. IT WAS A THRILLING AND MEMORABLE EVENT. HOW GLAD I AM THAT I THOUGHT TO BRING A TAPE RECORDER TO CAPTURE THE EVENING.
UNFORTUNATELY THERE WILL LIKELY NEVER BE AN EVENT LIKE THIS AGAIN AS MANY OF THE ACTORS AND ACTRESSES WHO APPEARED ARE NO LONGER LIVING.
I HAVE ARRANGED A DEAL WITH A CD COPY SPECIALIST TO PRODUCE THE TWO CDS FOR SALE. HE WILL TAKE BOTH (THE FIRST IS 72 MINUTES AND THE SECOND IS 60 MINUTES) AND THEN OFFER THEM IN JEWEL CASES FOR $20.00 INCLUDING SHIPPING.
PLEASE LET ME KNOW IF YOU ARE INTERESTED OR IF YOU KNOW OTHER WHO WOULD BE. THERE IS NO MINIMUM REQUIRED BUT I WOULD LIKE TO SEE AT LEAST A DOZEN ORDERED.
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Kristine C
04-18-2021
12:26 AM ET (US) IP: 96.59.37.64
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Sam, thank you. It was reported that Damon died from a heart attack.
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SAM MILLION
04-17-2021
10:18 PM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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DOLFI DID A LOT OF HARM IN HIS "REIGN OF TERROR". HE ALSO KEPT IMPORTANT SECRETS, THE WORST OF WHICH WAS NOT TELLING WE FANS THAT DAMON HAD DIED UNTIL AFTER THE FACT AND TO THIS DAY I AM UNCERTAIN AS TO THE CAUSE OF HIS DEATH. DOLFI HIMSELF DIED OF CAUSES I DO NOT KNOW ABOUT. MARLENE KEPT THE LANZA LEGEND SITE GOING IN HONOR OF HER "TWO BOYS" AS SHE CALLED THEM BUT IT SLOWLY PETERED OUT. FORTUNATELY WE HAVE THIS SITE AND DEREK MCGOVERN'S SITE TO PARTICIPATE IN. BOTH DAMON AND ELISSA CALLED TERRY ROBINSON "UNCLE TERRY", FITTING SINCE HE TOOK CARE OF THEM FOR SOME YEARS. ELISSA STILL REFERS TO HIM THAT WAY! KRIS, YOU WILL GET TO SEE THE MET TRIBUTE THROUGH MY TWO CDS--EVEN IF YOU ARE THE ONLY ONE WHO WANTS THE SET. I PROMISE!
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Kristine C
04-17-2021
10:00 PM ET (US) IP: 96.59.37.64
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I heard that Damon Lanza and Terry Robinson no longer spoke to each other and Bob Dolfi was blamed for that. That is sad. I wish that Met Tribute had been televised on PBS TV.
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SAM MILLION
04-17-2021
04:19 PM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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MIKE: DAMON MOST CERTAINLY WAS THERE. IT WAS ESPECIALLY POIGNANT SINCE HE AND ELISSA HAD NOT SEEN EACH OTHER IN YEARS (DUE IN PART TO BOB DOLFI KEEPING THEM APART). THEY WERE CORDIAL TO EACH OTHER AND HUGGED.
ANNA AND I JUST RETURNED FROM OUR PRIVATE TOUR OF THE NEW LANZA MUSEUM. IT IS MUCH NICER THAN THE OLD ONE. AFTER I RECOVER FROM ALL THE FOOD WE ATE, I WILL WRITE MORE ABOUT IT. I TOOK PLENTY OF PHOTOS THAT UNFORTUNATELY I CANNOT SHARE HERE.
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Mike from L.I. 04-17-2021
03:01 PM ET (US) IP: 73.1.181.206
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Kristine, I was there. It was wonderful. Damon was not there. Tenor Richard Leech was there and closed the ceremony with a concert of four Mario songs. Alice Tully hall was filled to capacity {I believe about 1100 people}
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SAM MILLION
04-17-2021
07:18 AM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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HI KRISTINE. YOU HAVE THE RIGHT SHOW! LET'S HOPE WE CAN GET MORE PEOPLE INTERESTED. OTHERWISE IT WOULD NOT PRACTICAL. I WILL REPORT FURTHER ABOUT THE CONTENTS OF THE SHOW.
CORRECTION: ELISSA LANZA BREGMAN. THE FIFTH TIME IS THE CHARM. LOL.
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Kristine C
04-17-2021
06:03 AM ET (US) IP: 96.59.37.64
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Correction: Ellisa Lanza Bregman.
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Kristine C
04-17-2021
06:02 AM ET (US) IP: 96.59.37.64
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Correction: Ellisa Lanza Bergman.
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Kristine C
04-17-2021
06:01 AM ET (US) IP: 96.59.37.64
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Correction: Ellora Lanza Bergman.
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Kristine C
04-17-2021
06:00 AM ET (US) IP: 96.59.37.64
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Sam, I'd be interested in a CD of the Met's Tribute to Mario Lanza. Is that the one with Jane Powell, her late husband, Dickie Moore, Ann Blyth, Ellisa Lanza Bergman, Damon Lanza. ? Closer Weekly Magazine had stories on Bette Davis and Charlton Heston,last week. It would be great if they would have a story about Mario Lanza on what would have been his 100th Birthday. I just read that The Library of Congress National Film Registry has added "The Battle Of The Century"-Laurel and Hardy to its list. Long overdue for one of Mario Lanza's movies to be added to it, also, one of Mario Lanza's recordings should be added to its recordings registry. The videos of the tenors was interesting.
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SAM MILLION
04-16-2021
11:51 PM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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TO GET MYSELF MORE "IN THE MOOD" FOR TOMORROW'S MUSEUM TRIP, I TREATED MYSELF TO A SCREENING OF "TOAST OF NEW ORLEANS" TONIGHT. I USED THE ONE WHICH IS IN THE TWO CD SET. I WAS SURPRISED HOW GOOD THE QUALITY IS FOR THE FILM. IT ISN'T QUITE AS GOOD AS A BLU RAY BUT FOR A STANDARD DVD IT IS REMARKABLE. THE RICH COLORS, THE SHARPNESS, THE SOUND QUALITY ALL ARE EXCELLENT BY ANY STANDARDS. AND I LOVE HOW MUCH "FUN" THIS MOVIE IT. MARIO LOOKS TO BE HAVING A BALL AS HE DELIVERS HIS OFTEN VERY COMEDIC LINES. I LOVE WHEN HE PICKS UP UNCLE NICKY AS SAYS "UNCLE NICKY, I LOVE YOU" RIGHT BEFORE HE GOES ONSTAGE TO DO THE ENDING DUET. ALSO, I NOTICED AFTER VERY CAREFUL WATCHING, THAT THE SCALES MARIO SINGS WITH THE MAESTRO WHEN FIRST MEETING HIM ARE DONE LIVE. THE NOTE HE HITS THAT HAS THE CHANDELIER SHAKING IS SUCH THAT HE IS A BIT RED IN THE FACE AFTER HOLDING IT SO LONG. WHEN J. CARROLL NAISH TRIES TO HIT A HIGH NOTE AND LOOKS UP AT THE SAME CHANDELIER, I ALWAYS LAUGH OUT LOUD.
I AM GOING TO TELL YOU SOMETHING THAT IS ONLY IN THE "IDEA" STAGE. I HAVE BEEN LISTENING MORE TO THE METROPOLITAN OPERA TRIBUTE TO MARIO CIRCA 2005. IT HAS SO MANY FINE MOMENTS AND SO MANY INTERESTING STARS WHO KNEW MARIO BACK WHEN. I FEEL IT IS VERY WORTHY OF COPYING AND I THINK MANY LANZA LOVERS WOULD ENJOY HAVING IT. I KNOW A GUY WHOSE BUSINESS IS TO COPY CDS AND DVDS AND HE SAID A TWO CD SET, WHICH IS WHAT I HAVE, COULD BE COPIED FOR ABOUT 15.00. ADD 5.00 FOR SHIPPING AND IT JUST MIGHT BE A GOOD IDEA TO PUT IN GEAR. WE WILL SEE....
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SAM MILLION
04-16-2021
07:44 PM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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OUR LANZA BONANZA. SINCE ANNA AND I COULDN'T MAKE THE MAY 1ST LUNCHEON AND MOVIE AT THE NEW MUSEUM, WE ARE GOING TO HAVE A "PRIVATE" TOUR. BILL RONAYNE IS COMING DOWN FROM NEW YORK TO GREET US AROUND 1 PM WHILE WE ARE BRINGING GREAT PRIMO HOAGIES AND SODAS. THE TIME WILL PASS BY FAST AS WE TAKE IN ALL THE SIGHTS AND SEE THE HARD WORK BILL HAS PRACTICALLY SINGLE HANDEDLY DONE.
OUR FRIEND BILL CASCADEN IS DRIVING US THERE SINCE WE AREN'T TOO COMFORTABLE DRIVING INTO PHILLY THESE DAYS. I AM GOING DRESSED IN THE WONDERFUL BLACK T-SHIRT WITH MARIO IN HIS FAMOUS POSE WITH ARMS AND HANDS OUTSTRETCHED THAT DEREK MANNERING SO GENEROUSLY GAVE ME. ON ONE WRIST I WILL BE WEARING MY MARIO LANZA WATCH WHILE THE OTHER WRIST WILL HAVE MY NEWLY ACQUIRED ZENITH LIGHTED RADIO DIAL WATCH. CAN'T WAIT!!
JULIE: I AM SO HAPPY YOU LIKED THE VIDEOS. THE TENORS REPRESENTED ARE WONDERFUL TO SAY THE LEAST. I FOUND ANOTHER INTERESTING VIDEO ON YOUTUBE. THIS ONE FEATURES 20 GREAT TENORS SINGING ONLY "NESSUN DORMA". MARIO IS ON THE LIST. ENJOY: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kg3aiEiK_PU . NOTE THAT I ONCE HAD A RECORD FEATURING 80 HIGH C'S WITH THE FORTY FAMOUS TENORS SINGING THE ARIA DI QUELLA PIRA, THE ARIA WHICH HAS TWO HIGH C'S. I SURE WISH I COULD FIND IT AGAIN.
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Julie Page
04-16-2021
02:30 PM ET (US) IP: 74.79.51.67
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Sam, The great tenors video was a delight to watch. I do wonder ,though, why Mario was not shown singing an Aria. Albert Hall was a thrill to see, but would have loved more, of course. Wonder why more of it isn't available..thanks.
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SAM MILLION
04-15-2021
06:45 PM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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MANY OF US HERE GREW UP WITH ROCK SONGS FROM THE MID FIFTIES TO LATE FIFTIES. HERE IS A YOUTUBE VIDEO OF BILLBOARD NUMBER ONE HITS FROM THAT TIME. ALL ARE ONLY PARTIALS:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Of7fehNsIkQ
ENJOY
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SAM MILLION
04-14-2021
10:12 PM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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HERE ARE TWO MORE GREAT TREATS FOR THE EYE AND EAR. FIRST IS A YOUTUBE PIECE CALLED "GREAT TENORS OF THE TWENTIETH CENTURY". BELIEVE IT OR NOT, I HAD NOT HEARD RECORDED OR LIVE ABOUT 40 PERCENT OF THEM. MARIO IS SOMEWHERE IN THE MIDDLE. THERE ARE MANY TENORS REPRESENTED LIVING OR DEAD.
NEXT I HEARD MARIO AT ROYAL ALBERT HALL DOING "LAMENTO DI FEDERICO", WHICH OF COURSE I HAVE HEARD MANY TIMES. BUT THE SOUND ON THIS IS THE BEST YET AND THERE ARE SOME GREAT LONG SHOTS OF THE HALL WITH MARIO CENTER STAGE WHILE PART OF HIS AUDIENCE IS BEHIND HIM.
LINKS: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DZhMYBk3WUw
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UJ1aIqEoPFU
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SAM MILLION
04-14-2021
07:28 PM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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HERE IS A VERY ENTERTAINING YOUTUBE VIDEO CALLED "THE TWENTY GREATEST MUSICALS". WHAT AMAZED ME IS THE COLOR AND QUALITY. THE CLIPS LOOK LIKE THE RESTORED DVDS WHICH CAME STRAIGHT FROM THE ORIGINAL TECHNICOLOR NEGATIVES. FROM SHOWS LIKE "MARY POPPINS" TO "THE WIZARD OF OZ". ENJOY: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=97iWhv3Iw_Q
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Martino1 04-14-2021
09:09 AM ET (US) IP: 67.216.108.216
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Thanks for that Corelli clip, Sam. I had seen it before but not in some time. This is Franco at his most beguiling. The "Brindisi" from Cavalleria Rusticana, showed a Turiddu that was more brazen than usual and not at all shy about displaying his affection for Lola. That she was married made no difference to him at all (or to her), until it cost him his life at the hands of her jealous husband.
I' Te Vurria Vasa, a beautiful Neapolitan song, was sung with just the right amount of longing and melancholy and of course the high note at the end was to die for. The other selections were wonderful as well. Both the Voice of Firestone and The Bell Telephone Hour preserved for us some of the best singing to be had during the '50s and '60s. I wish we had more programs like that today.
Speaking of that, the arts in general have taken a back seat to all the insanity going on in the world today and it reminds me of a time when we had real men for leaders in this country. Men who understood culture and its important place in building a nation. I remember well the wonderful speech by President Kennedy, about the importance of the arts to a nation's signature, and its importance in a civilized society. I doubt we will hear anything like this anytime soon. It is worth hearing again at this link:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-RYiL-7V7IY
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Wendy Stilwell 04-14-2021
08:30 AM ET (US) IP: 90.210.3.180
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Sam - Ellisa is 70.
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SAM MILLION
04-13-2021
11:29 PM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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MARTINO, SINCE YOU EXPRESSED LOVE FOR FRANCO CORELLI, THIS IS JUST FOR YOU! FRANCO CORELLI IN COLOR ON THE "VOICE OF FIRESTONE" TV SHOW. HERE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oNKyGDiqQcw I DON'T KNOW IF THIS WAS COLORIZED OR ORIGINALLY BROADCAST THIS WAY.
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SAM MILLION
04-13-2021
10:58 PM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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HERE IS A TREAT I JUST FOUND. MARIO "LIVE AT LONDON PALLADIUM" TV SHOW IN FULL COLOR. IT IS ON YOUTUBE HERE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i2syhCxPPZo ENJOY!
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SAM MILLION
04-13-2021
08:24 PM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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I KNOW THERE ARE SOME SINATRA FANS HERE AS WELL AS PAVAROTTI FANS, SO LET'S HEAR THE TWO OLD MASTERS SING FRANK'S BIG HIT "MY WAY" TOGETHER! HERE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4s2bUtWYVdI
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SAM MILLION
04-13-2021
07:06 PM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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HERE IS ANOTHER LANZA SONG WORTH HEARING. THIS IS NOT THE SEVEN HILLS OF ROME VERSION OF "COME DANCE WITH ME", BUT RATHER THE COMMERCIAL RELEASE IN STEREO. VERY NICE:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bnpAPM2CJB...GVDrl8OFAvE&index=2
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Julie Page
04-13-2021
01:31 PM ET (US) IP: 74.79.51.67
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Located photo of Fred Day's home and names of others who appear to be living there but nothing new about Fred.Will send a note and try to find out something. Bill, glad to hear the luncheon is sold out. How I wish it were possible for me to attend.
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Julie Page
04-12-2021
02:49 PM ET (US) IP: 74.79.51.67
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I've seen them Martino, but watched again. They're so much fun to see, but sad, as well. Feeling even more concerned about Fred than before. Jim Thompson, anyone know? Thanks, Martino.
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Martino1 04-12-2021
12:41 PM ET (US) IP: 67.216.108.216
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Has anyone seen these German clips of Mario with his co-stars on the set of "For The First Time"? I don't recall ever seeing them before.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GVDrl8OFAvE
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MOiF0oemDn...GVDrl8OFAvE&index=2
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Diane Cox
04-11-2021
11:40 AM ET (US) IP: 23.127.59.195
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Also did that obit search, Martino. I could not find 6611 on google maps - not to say it's not there, just not available.
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Martino1 04-11-2021
09:07 AM ET (US) IP: 67.216.108.216
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Still no word from Fred. I did a search of the obituaries for Orlando for the last six months just in case and he was not shown so I assume he is alive but he may not be well. Fred, please check in as soon as you can.
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SAM MILLION
04-11-2021
05:44 AM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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THANKS TO BILL RONANYNE, I HAVE AN ADDITION TO MY LAST POST WHERE I SPOKE OF MARIO'S RELATIVES WHO ARE STILL LIVING. BILL SAID: Carole and Al have a sister and there are a few other children of Mario's aunts and uncles on his mother's side.
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Bill Ronayne
04-10-2021
10:20 PM ET (US) IP: 68.192.185.162
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The May 1st Mario Lanza Museum Luncheon is now sold out. We look forward to seeing our good friends and supporters again and enjoying a fun filled afternoon watching a great Lanza film. Best, Bill Edited 04-10-2021 10:30 PM
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SAM MILLION
04-10-2021
07:16 PM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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I HAVE A NICE UPDATE FOR YOU FOLKS ABOUT MARIO'S COUSIN CAROLE SHEA. SHE IS DOING WELL PHYSICALLY AND IS IN THE PROCESS OF MOVING TO OCEAN CITY, NEW JERSEY. SHE WILL BE MAKING THE LONG TREK BACK FOR THE LUNCHEON AND TONO SCREENING THAT BILL RONAYNE HAS PLANNED FOR THE NEW MUSEUM. THE ONLY FOLKS LEFT FROM MARIO'S ORIGINAL FAMILY ARE CAROLE, HER BROTHER AL GAGLIARDI, AND OF COURSE ELISSA LANZA BREGMAN. ELISSA MUST BE IN HER MID TO LATE SIXTIES AND CAROLE AND AL ARE LIKELY IN THEIR MID SEVENTIES. DON'T ASK FOR NEW BLOOD....IT CAN NEVER BE, EXCEPT OF COURSE FOR FANS WHO HEAR MARIO FOR THE FIRST TIME AND GET "HOOKED" LIKE ALL OF US HERE DID. LONG LIVE MARIO LANZA!!
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SAM MILLION
04-10-2021
07:09 PM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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FRED'S EMAILS BEING RETURNED IS ONE MORE NOTCH IN THE WORRY CATEGORY. SOMEONE PLEASE SNAIL MAIL HIM ASAP. I FOUND A TRACE OF FRED HIDDEN AMONG MY OLD CASSETTES. THAT IS THE ITEM I WROTE TO HIM ABOUT ON THE FORUM AND OFFERED TO PAY FOR ANOTHER COPY. THIS TAPE IS WILD, AS IT NOT ONLY HAS THE COMPLETE "BLUE SHOW" BUT MANY OTHER LANZA FLUBS AND CORRESPONDING CURSING. BING CROSBY SINGS AND THEN MAKES UP DIRTY WORDS TO HIS SONGS. AND OLD EZIO PINZA CROONS "THE SHIT SONG". (I WILL SPARE YOU THE CLEVER WORDS!).
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Diane Cox
04-10-2021
02:03 PM ET (US) IP: 23.127.59.195
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My email to Fred Day was returned as undeliverable. Worrisome.
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Diane Cox
04-10-2021
01:50 PM ET (US) IP: 23.127.59.195
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I emailed Fred Day just now.
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Julie Page
04-10-2021
11:48 AM ET (US) IP: 74.79.51.67
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Thanks, Sam. We also have not heard from Jim Thompson in some time. He and Fred were friends I believe. I know he was annoyed by all the troll posts. He might know.
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SAM MILLION
04-10-2021
07:56 AM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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JULIE--I WILL BE WRITING TO FRED TODAY BUT IT WOULD BE NICE IF YOU AND ALSO OTHERS WOULD REACH OUT TO HIM. ADDRESS: 6611 HORSE SHOE BEND, ORLANDO, FLORIDA, 32822.
IF ANY OF YOU HAVE IPHONES AND ARE ELIGIBLE FOR NEW CELL PHONES, I URGE YOU TO GET EITHER THE IPHONE 11 OR BETTER YET THE IPHONE 11 PRO.(THERE IS ALSO A PRO MAX WHICH HAS A LARGER SCREEN). THE SCREENS ARE MUCH IMPROVED REGARDING SHARPNESS, COLOR, AND RICHNESS. THE SOUND IS STEREO AND RECORDINGS PLAY BETTER.THEY USE THREE MICROPHONES, SOMETHING THAT ALLOWS FOR CLEARER SPEAKING/LISTENING. ALSO, BOTH PHONES HAVE THREE CAMERAS. THIS ALLOWS FOR THE BEST PHOTOGRAPHY EVER. YOU CAN TAKE INTIMATE AND VERY CLOSE PORTRAITS, YOU CAN ZOOM OUT FOR A VERY WIDE EXPANSE, AND YOU CAN TAKE PHOTOS IN DARK CONDITIONS THAT FORMERLY WOULD NOT SHOW UP. THE SIGNALS COMING IN ARE VERY STRONG, THE RECORDINGS YOU MAY HAVE MADE SOUND GREAT, AND NOW THERE ARE THOUSANDS AND THOUSANDS OF NEW APPS YOU CAN DOWNLOAD. I GOT THE "MIDNIGHT GREEN", ONE OF THE ONLY COLORS BESIDES SILVER LEFT TO BUY. AND THE IPHONE 11 CAN BE GOTTEN ONLY IN BLACK. WELL, NOW YOU PROBABLY KNOW MORE THAN YOU WANTED TO! BY THE WAY, THE IPHONES WERE RATED ABOVE ANY ANDROID PHONES IN CONSUMER REPORTS. YOU COULD ALSO GET AN IPHONE 12 IN THREE VARIETIES, BUT FOR ME THEY WERE TOO MUCH MONEY. A BIG ADVANTAGE THE 12 PHONES HAVE IS THAT THEY ARE CAPABLE OF 5D RECEPTION. NO OTHER PHONES HAVE THAT. THEY ALSO HAVE A CHIP THAT IS FASTER THAN ANYTHING BROUGHT OUT TO DATE. WE SWITCHED FROM AT&T TO T-MOBILE. ANNA AND I TOGETHER PAID 101.00 MONTHLY. WITH THE SWITCH WE GOT THE PRICE DOWN TO 87.00, A SIGNIFICANT SAVINGS. NO, I DO NOT WORK FOR APPLE!!
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SAM MILLION
04-09-2021
10:40 PM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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I AM ON MY FOURTH SCREENING OF THE WONDERFUL NEW BLU RAY OF "THE GREAT CARUSO". BESIDES FRED DAY, I ALSO CANNOT REACH MARIO'S COUSIN CAROLE SHEA. I HEARD SHE MAY HAVE MOVED TO FLORIDA. I WANTED TO UPDATE HER ON THE BLU RAY AND OTHER THINGS SHE MAY NOT BE AWARE OF.
ANNA AND I GET OUR SECOND VACCINATION SUNDAY AND THEN WILL TREAT OURSELVES TO THE WONDERFUL PHILLY CHEESESTEAKS MADE BY THE TOP NOTCH RESTAURANT CALLED "NIFTY FIFTIES". I HADN'T EATEN ONE IN TWO YEARS! I AM ALSO GOING THROUGH THE OVERFLOW OF MY 4,000 DVDS AND PRICING THEM FOR SALE. I AM SURPRISED AT HOW MUCH MANY ARE BRINGING ON EBAY. FOR EXAMPLE, THE "SPICE GIRLS" MOVIE IS WORTH FIFTY BUCKS!
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Julie Page
04-09-2021
02:54 PM ET (US) IP: 74.79.51.67
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I, too, am concerned about Fred Day. If you have his address Sam, maybe you will share.......
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SAM MILLION
04-08-2021
05:56 PM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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THERE IS A VERY INTERESTING NEW VIDEO ON YOUTUBE I HAPPENED TO SEE BY CHANCE. REMEMBER THE INTERVIEW ED SULLIVAN DID OF MARIO WHEN HE WAS IN ROME? NOW THEY HAVE RESTORED IT TO COLOR AND MARIO SINGS "ARRIVEDERCI ROMA" WITH LUISA DIMEO AND LATER ED INTERVIEWS MARISSA ALLASIO, MARIO'S CO-STAR IN SEVEN HILLS OF ROME. AT THE END MARIO AND ED ARE STANDING SIDE BY SIDE AND MARIO TELLS OF BEING HOMESICK AND THEN SAYS HE WOULD LOVE TO SEE ROCKY MARCIANO. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A7p4EvZpYzI
AND THERE IS ANOTHER VIDEO WHICH SHOWS THE PRINCIPALS OF SHOR WALKING AROUND THE SET AT A BREAK. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bnpAPM2CJBQ
IT SURE IS NEAT TO SEARCH AROUND AND FIND THESE LITTLE TIDBITS THAT HAVE NOT BEEN SEEN IN MANY YEARS!
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SAM MILLION
04-08-2021
04:39 PM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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BILL RONAYNE JUST FILLED ME IN ON SOMETHING I FOUND VERY, VERY SAD. THOSE OF YOU WHO HAVE VISITED THE OLD MARIO LANZA MUSEUM IN SOUTH PHILLY KNOW THAT JOHN LUCIANI WORKED TOGETHER WITH JEANETTE FRESE (SHE HAS PASSED AWAY) DONATING HIS TIME TO BE A "TOURIST GUIDE" FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT. HE HAD VERY GOOD IDEAS THAT HE INSTITUTED. FOR THE LANZA BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS HE ALWAYS BROUGHT AN INCREDIBLY TASTY BAKERY CAKE TO SHARE.THE CRIME IS THAT HE PASSED AWAY DUE TO THE HORRIBLE COVID VIRUS, WHEN IN FACT HE HAD ALREADY REACHED APPROXIMATELY 95 YEARS OF AGE IN HIS EVERYDAY LIFE. HE WAS SPRY AND ATTENDED MOST OF THE LANZA BALLS. MY WIFE ANNA DANCED WITH HIM A FEW YEARS BACK! I SHARED MANY A NICE CALL WITH HIM AND WE TALKED ABOUT HIS VAST COLLECTION OF LANZA MEMORABILIA. HE GAVE ME THE IDEA OF CUTTING OUT MARIO'S FACE FROM OLD LPS AND FRAMING THEM TO HANG UP. I HAVE ABOUT EIGHT OF THESE IN MY DVD ROOM. JOHN, GOD BLESS YOU. THEY DON'T MAKE THEM LIKE YOU ANYMORE. YOU WILL BE MISSED.
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SAM MILLION
04-08-2021
04:31 PM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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HI GUYS. WELL, NOW I AM WORRIED FRED DAY (DESJARLIS) TOO. HE ALWAYS RESPONDED DAILY. I ONLY HAVE HIS ADDRESS, SO WILL SNAIL MAIL HIM. MY GOODNESS I HOPE HE IS OKAY. I AM ALSO TRYING TO REACH MARIO'S COUSIN CAROLE SHEA WITHOUT ANY LUCK. FORTUNATELY I HAVE HER BROTHER AND SISTER IN LAW'S PHONE NUMBER AND LEFT A MESSAGE. I LIKE SEEING VINCE AND ANYONE OR ANYTHING BLOWN UP ON A BIG SCREEN TV. OURS IS 75 INCHES AND VINCE "WINCED" WHEN I TOLD HIM THAT. THE PICTURE QUALITY ON PRODUCTIONS LIKE HIS LAST ONE ON HIGH NOTES I EXCELLENT AS WELL AS THE SOUND IS YOU HAVE A GOOD SOUND BAR AND SUB WOOFER.
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Martino1 04-08-2021
09:16 AM ET (US) IP: 67.216.108.216
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Vince, I had your face on a 110" screen!! Imagine that if you will! Oh, the horror!!
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Martino1 04-08-2021
09:08 AM ET (US) IP: 67.216.108.216
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I am worried about Fred Day. We have not heard from him for over a month. Fred has been a constant contributor to this forum for over 20 years and he has never been away for this long before. Sam even asked a question of him specifically and received no response. I sent him a private email and also received no response. Fred, please chime in and let us know all is well.
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Martino1 04-08-2021
09:06 AM ET (US) IP: 67.216.108.216
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As I mentioned a couple days ago, today marks the 100th anniversary of the birth of Franco Corelli, one of the greatest tenors of the last century. We have spoken of him many, many times here so there is no reason to repeat the accolades. But if you have a chance, go to youtube and listen to a couple clips. You will know immediately why we will not hear a voice like that again.
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Martino1 04-08-2021
08:58 AM ET (US) IP: 67.216.108.216
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You are so right about that excellent "Dio Mi Potevi". I have always considered it some of the best singing Mario (or anyone else) has ever done. I am always in awe when I hear it, especially the final O' Gioia exclamation. The note is hit squarely but then takes on a bloom as it extends to the finish. Even DelMonaco could not manage to give it that extra thrust.
I also agree Lanza could have played Karl Franz in TSP, and I wish he had. It was not that difficult an acting role. I think he would have done a pretty good job of it but I do not believe he would have been dramatically or physically as convincing as was Edmund Purdom playing a Prussian Prince. I look at it this way: Lanza was a boxer, in your face type, rather than an aristocratic romantic, both in demeanor and looks. Purdom was more of a European swashbuckler type. The role calls for more of the swashbuckler than the boxer. Of course, we'll never know how Lanza would have made out if he could have acted the role. If Mario could not do it then my first choice as Karl Franz would have been Stewart Granger, another European swashbuckler type who was himself a popular star at the time. However, Edmund Purdom was more than adequate and I enjoyed his performance.
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Vince Di Placido 04-08-2021
05:00 AM ET (US) IP: 86.44.28.228
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Sam, it makes me shudder to think of my face blown up on a 75” screen! 😳😜
But I’m sure some of the photos of Mario looked impressive Oh! and that Blu-ray footage from “Carousel”, That’s a great remastering.
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SAM MILLION
04-08-2021
12:36 AM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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MARTINO: THEY "SCREWED" MARIO THIS YEAR SINCE THEY DID NOTHING FOR HIS BIRTHDAY, WHICH THEY HAVE DONE FOR YEARS IN THE PAST. THIS METHOD OF SELECTING MOVIES BY ALPHABETICAL ORDER IS A LITTLE SILLY!
ON ANOTHER NOTE, WE HAVE DISCUSSED BEFORE WHETHER MARIO COULD HAVE PLAYED THE EARLY PART OF THE STUDENT PRINCE WHERE HE WAS TO BE "A PRUSSIAN PICKLE", MEANING STIFF AND HAUGHTY. WELL, I TREATED MYSELF TO A SCREENING OF "SERENADE" TONIGHT AND NOW THERE IS NO DOUBT IN MY MIND THAT HE EASILY COULD HAVE ESSAYED THE ROLE OF THE PRINCE. IN SERENADE, YOU SEE HIM SUFFERING SO MUCH WHEN HE BLOWS THE "IL MIO TESORO" AND COVERS HIS FACE SOBBING. THEN THERE IS THE SEQUENCE WHERE HE IS SICK AND NEEDS A DOCTOR. THIS IS VERY DRAMATIC AS WELL AS HE SHOWS HOW SICK HE IS AND HIS ACTING IS EXCELLENT. HE ALSO HAS SOME MINOR MOMENTS WHERE HIS DESPAIR IS EVIDENT. FOR EXAMPLE, WHEN HE PICKS UP THE GUITAR TO PLAY IT, HE STARTS PLAYING FINE BUT THEN THE TORMENT INSIDE HIM RETURNS AND HIS FACE IS CONTORTED. SO FAR AS THE SINGING GOES, SERENADE SPORTS AN EXCELLENT SCORE AND TOP NOTCH SINGING WHETHER ARIAS OR SONGS. THERE MAY BE ONE OR TWO NOTES WITH A LITTLE STRAIN BUT THAT'S IT. DEREK MCGOVERN WILL ARGUE THIS (AND WHY NOT?!) BUT THE HIGH C THAT ENDS THE FILM IS AN EXCELLENT NOTE, RINGING, AND CLEAR. HOWEVER, IT DOES WAVER A BIT AND COULD HAVE BEEN RE-DONE. FINALLY, THE FILM CONTAINS THE BEST SINGING LANZA EVER DID ANYWHERE, ANYTIME. THAT IS THE FABULOUS "DIO MI POTEVI". IT IS FLAWLESS, BRILLIANT, AND MOVING. PLUS THE DIRECTOR HAD THE GREAT IDEA OF FILMING HIM IN PART WITH THE CAMERA UNDER HIS FACE WHICH MAKES HIM LOOK ALL THE MORE MENACING.
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Martino1 04-07-2021
05:53 PM ET (US) IP: 67.216.108.216
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Anyone notice that the movies presented on TCM are being shown this month in alphabetical order? I have never seen that before, or at least I never noticed it. They go in this order until May but no Lanza movies that I could find.
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Bill Ronayne
04-07-2021
05:14 PM ET (US) IP: 68.192.181.10
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The April 2021 issue of "The Legacy of Mario Lanza" has just been published. It features coverage of the "Mario Lanza Way" sign installation, part 2 of Armando Cesari's article "The Path Not Taken," a look at Lanza's multiple recordings of Celeste Aida and commemorations in articles and photos of the 70th anniversary of the release of The Great Caruso" and the 65th anniversary of the release of "Serenade." For subscription information, contact wjronayne@optonline.net.
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SAM MILLION
04-07-2021
07:19 AM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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HI VINCE! I SAW YOUR WONDERFUL PRODUCTION AGAIN LAST NIGHT. THIS TIME I USED OUR 75 INCH SAMSUNG AND IT WAS EVEN BETTER. YOU WERE "LARGER THAN LIFE" AND IT WAS JUST LIKE YOU WERE IN THE ROOM. I AM SO GRATEFUL TO THE FRIEND WE HAVE IN CALIFORNIA WHO SET UP OUR TV TO ENABLE US TO SEE ANYTHING ON YOUTUBE THIS WAY. THERE IS NO CHARGE, SO I RECOMMEND DOING THIS TO EVERYONE HERE. THE ONLY REQUIREMENT IS THAT YOU MUST HAVE A SMART TV. I ALSO WATCHED GROUCHO MARX'S OLD TV SHOW "YOU BET YOUR LIFE". HE WAS SO GOOD AT MAKING AD-LIB CRACKS. ONE OF THE MOST FAMOUS STATEMENTS FROM HIM REGARDED A LADY WHO WAS GOING ON AND ON ABOUT HOW MUCH SHE LOVED HER HUSBAND. AFTER NEARLY BEING BORED TO TEARS, GROUCHO'S KEEN REMARK WAS "LADY, I LOVE MY CIGAR TOO BUT I TAKE IT OUT OF MY MOUTH ONCE IN AWHILE"!!
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Deleted by topic administrator 04-08-2021 05:54 PM
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SAM MILLION
04-06-2021
10:17 PM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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MY JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL MUSIC TEACHER AND I USED TO DEBATE CORELLI VS. LANZA. HE LIKED CORELLI. I THINK HE WAS GREAT BUT HAVE ALWAYS FOUND HIS VOICE TO HAVE NO SWEETNESS. THAT IS WHAT MARIO HAD IN SPADES. I WAS TOLD HE HAD BAD STAGE FRIGHT. I WONDER IF HE EVER DID ANY POPULAR SONGS. SERGIO FRANCHI COULD DO BOTH OPERA AND POP. BUT HE WAS A CHEAPSKATE WITH HIS HIGH NOTES. I REMEMBER BUYING AN LP IN WHICH HE HIT MAYBE FOUR HIGH NOTES IN THE WHOLE RECORD. HIS SISTER DANA VALERY WAS ALSO A SINGER.
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Martino1 04-06-2021
04:32 PM ET (US) IP: 67.216.108.216
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Thanks Vince. I thought it was from Serenade but was not sure where in the film the clip came from. You're right, no one has the Lanza charisma. Someone once said that charisma is the fragrance of the soul. Mario must have smelled pretty darn good!!
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Vince Di Placido 04-06-2021
04:17 PM ET (US) IP: 86.44.28.228
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Aw! Thanks Martino. I haven't listened to Corelli in quite a while, but I always found he lacked Mario's versatility and charisma (most singers do). But I might give him a listen again.
The high C footage at the end is the last shot in "Serenade", Mario is actually singing "of love" on screen but it matches up quite well with "alone".
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Martino1 04-06-2021
02:15 PM ET (US) IP: 67.216.108.216
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Vince, your Lanza "fireworks" clip is one of the best things I've seen on youtube in some time. It is well produced and instructive, while at the same time telling an interesting story about Lanza's method of singing that stood him apart from so many other singers. Through both your narrative, as well as the excellent examples you selected, you clearly made the case as to why Mario sang as he did - thrillingly in vocal terms, and convincingly through his masterful use of the text.
I had been listening to another of my favorite tenors, Franco Corelli, because he would have celebrated his 100th birthday in a couple days. Youtube has several videos showcasing Corelli's formidable high notes. Much of what you said about Mario could also be applied to Corelli, another of the most thrilling tenors ever to have sung. The difference I notice is that although both had tremendous and powerful voices, Lanza thrilled you with a natural, totally aplomb approach while Corelli's fireworks were more technique driven. Both were incredible but in their own way and their own individual style. Corelli would never succumb to some of the famous "Marioisms" that made Lanza so unique and incomparable, his particular technique would not permit it. He simply was not that kind of singer. In other words, Franco was more controlled with his fireworks, brilliant though they were, shooting them off in sequence according to a well thought out and pre-ordained pattern. He could be passionate but never as passionate as was Mario Lanza. Mario on the other hand was shooting off the grand finale of his fireworks display every step of the way. There is also the question of versatility. Corelli was pretty much exclusively an opera singer and therein lies his fame and legacy. Lanza could thrill you no matter what he sang, as you so aptly showed. When they defined "versatility" in the dictionary, they placed a photo of Mario Lanza next to it as the example.
I also loved your ending with one of my favorite Lanza "fireworks" notes, the high C final in Giannina Mia, one of his best recorded high notes ever. In fact, I place this high "C" second only to the one in his Che Gelida Manina. In your video, you superimposed a film clip of Mario singing at that very moment that matched this high note perfectly. Where was that clip from? Which movie? I can't seem to place it.
Another superb job, Vince. Keep it up!!!
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Julie Page (Suzanne)
04-06-2021
02:06 PM ET (US) IP: 74.79.51.67
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Wonderful as usual Vincent. Don't ever stop. Thank you so much.
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Vince Di Placido 04-06-2021
11:45 AM ET (US) IP: 86.44.28.228
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Thank you Sam and Jytte M. Ye are too kind. Edited 04-06-2021 11:45 AM
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Jytte M 04-06-2021
10:25 AM ET (US) IP: 92.232.144.13
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Well done Vincent, another fantastic video honouring the majestic Mario. Obviously a labour of love, keep them coming. Best wishes to you all on this Forum. Thank you for your many interesting contibutions, I visit nearly every day. Keep fit and well. AKA Brian Harrison in England
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SAM MILLION
04-06-2021
12:02 AM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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"VDP PRODUCTIONS" HAS DONE IT AGAIN. HERE OUR OWN VINCE PRESENTS US WITH A COMPENDIUM OF SOME OF MARIO'S MOST THRILLING MOMENTS IN HIS OUTSTANDING HIGH RANGE. HIS NARRATION IS PERSONAL, INSIGHTFUL, AND COMPELLING. EXCELLENT VISUALS ACCOMPANY THE PIECE. A GREAT OFFERING FROM A GREAT FAN!
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Vince Di Placido 04-05-2021
07:18 PM ET (US) IP: 86.44.28.228
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https://youtu.be/5SsMSrNCwOY
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Bill Ronayne
04-05-2021
08:52 AM ET (US) IP: 68.192.178.42
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Mario Lanza Museum Luncheon Saturday May 1, 2021 1pm-4pm $30 per person. 50/50 raffle. Enjoy a delicious lunch and a complete showing of "The Toast of New Orleans" starring Kathryn Grayson, Mario Lanza and David Niven in the memorabilia filled Mario Lanza Museum. Seating is limited to 20 people and on a first come first paid basis. All attendees must wear a mask. Lunch will be served from 1:00pm – 1:45pm. Movie starts promptly at 2:00pm. The museum is located at 1214 Reed Street in Philadelphia. Mail checks or money orders payable to Mario Lanza Institute to Mario Lanza Institute 1214 Reed Street Philadelphia, PA 19147. No refunds or credits. No exceptions. Street parking. Please RSVP by April 24, 2021. For information call 215-238-9691 or e-mail info@mariolanzainstitute.org. For those that cannot attend that would like to make a contribution, online donations can be made at www.mariolanzainstitute.org or by sending a check to the address above. Edited 04-05-2021 08:56 AM
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Deleted by author 04-05-2021 08:47 AM
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SAM MILLION
04-04-2021
07:10 PM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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SORRY, BUT THE LINK FOR THE LEADING PANELIST DOES NOT WORK. THE ADDRESS APPEARS AT THE BOTTOM OF YOUR SCREEN AT THE VERY END OF THE SHOW. I MAY HAVE COPIED IT WRONG. ANYWAY, THIS IS A GOOD OPPORTUNITY TO WISH ALL OF YOU HERE A HAPPY EASTER!
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SAM MILLION
04-04-2021
07:03 PM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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HELLO ALL,
I HAPPENED UPON THIS GREAT NINETY MINUTE SHOW THAT HAS AN EXPERT AND TWO PANELISTS HEARING AND JUDGING THE SURPRISING NUMBER OF STARS WHO 1-HAVE BEEN DUBBED 2-HAVE DONE THEIR OWN SINGING 3-WHO HAVE DONE PART OF THE SINGING AND A DUBBER DOES THE REST AND MORE. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS TO ANY LOVER OF MUSIC IN THE MOVIES. ONE OF THE MOST AMAZING REVEALS AT THE END OF THE SHOW IS THAT JUDY GARLAND IN "A STAR IS BORN" EVEN HAD SOUNDS OF THE CANE SHE SLAPS BACK AND FORTH DUBBED. AND YOU HEAR EARLY TAKES OF THE "BORN IN A TRUNK" NUMBER WHERE SHE IS CURSING AT NOT GETTING THE SONG RIGHT AFTER MANY TAKES!
SO, ON THIS EASTER, TURN ON YOUTUBE AND USE THE TITLE OF THE EMAIL TO SEARCH IT. OR USE THIS LINK:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rtw60GJB0Oc
ALSO, THE LEADING PANELIST HAS HIS OWN YOUTUBE CHANNEL WITH MANY MORE REVELATIONS AT: YOUTUBE.COM/LOSTVOCALS8
HAPPY LISTENING!
SAM
PS. THANKS TO FRIENDS OF OURS, WE CAN NOW WATCH YOUTUBE ON OUR 70 INCH TV SET FOR BIGGER THRILLS.
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SAM MILLION
04-03-2021
10:55 PM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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A FRIEND OF MINE IS RE-READING THE CALLINICOS BOOK AND SAID HE WROTE ABOUT SOME OF THE LIVE CONCERTS MARIO GAVE WHEN HE WAS TOURING (AROUND THE SAME TIME AS THE ROYAL ALBERT HALL CONCERT). COSTA SAID HE SANG INCREDIBLY WELL IN THESE CONCERTS BUT ALAS WE HAVE NO RECORDINGS TO SHOW IT. DOES ANYONE KNOW WHERE AND WHEN THESE SUPERIOR CONCERTS WERE HELD?
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Deleted by topic administrator 04-08-2021 05:55 PM
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SAM MILLION
03-30-2021
12:35 PM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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FRED:
MY ADDRESS IS:
SAM SAMUELIAN
2305 WEST DEERFIELD DRIVE
MEDIA, PA 19082
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SAM MILLION
03-29-2021
10:39 PM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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HI FRED. I DON'T WANT TO BUG YOU BUT DID YOU SEE MY POST REQUESTING A COPY OF THE TAPE YOU HAVE? I WOULD BE GLAD TO COVER YOUR EXPENSES.
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SAM MILLION
03-28-2021
11:37 PM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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MIKE, KRISTINE IS RIGHT. I HAD THE WRONG TITLE. IT WAS ONE OF THE OTHER BIG, WELL KNOWN NUMBERS THAT WASN'T INCLUDED. I MUST BE BRAIN DEAD TONIGHT BECAUSE I CANNOT THINK OF THE TITLE BUT IT IS ONE YOU WOULD KNOW.
I ONLY HAVE ONE MORE OF THE WONDERFULLY RESTORED MUSICALS LEFT TO REPORT ON AND THAT IS THE MAURICE CHEVALIER CLASSIC MUSICAL "LOVE ME TONIGHT".
ALSO, I TRIED SENDING THE FILE FOR A SECOND COKE SHOW IN THE BEST SOUND I HAVE HEARD BUT IT WOULD NOT "TAKE".
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Kristine C
03-28-2021
04:56 PM ET (US) IP: 96.59.37.64
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There is a facebook group , The Russ Columbo Society, run by Damon Leigh(who met Damon Lanza, years ago). Singer , Herb Jeffreys was active in it , until he passed away and Gina Eckstine(daughter of Billy Eckstine)is in it. Some of Russ Columbo's family members are in it. It's been said, they never told Russ Columbo's mother of his death, for years and years, she didn't know. Jeffreys was known as the Bronze Buckaroo, was in African-American western movies and had quite a singing voice, especially, when he sang "Flamingo".
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Kristine C
03-28-2021
04:49 PM ET (US) IP: 96.59.37.64
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Mike, yes, Allan Jones and Irene Dunne sang "You Are Love" in the movie. I read, that 1930's crooner, Russ Columbo was considered for the part of Gaylord, but sadly, tragically, Russ died from an accidental gunshot wound from his friend, photographer, Lansing Brown's derringer gun. Brown was playing around with it and it went off, unbeknownst, to Brown, there was a bullet in the gun. They rushed Columbo to the hospital, but couldn't save him. It happened in 1934 and he was only 26 years old. He was in the midst of a budding recording, movie career, was handsome, had a good voice, was dating Carole Lombard. He was known as the Radio Romeo and sang in the style of Bing Crosby. Russ Columbo started as a violinist with Gus Arnheim's Orchestra or Band. He had made about 4 movies. Getting back to "Showboat"(1936) it was closer to Edna Ferber's novel. There was a "Showboat" filmed in 1929 with Laura LaPlante. In the M-G-M version, there was no Queenie, but there was a reference to her. The Cotton Blossom Showboat was again used in "Raintree County", I think.
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Mike from L.I. 03-28-2021
04:18 PM ET (US) IP: 73.1.181.206
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Sam, I must be getting old! I could swear I remember Jones and Dunne singing "You are Love". in showboat. But maybe not!!~
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SAM MILLION
03-28-2021
01:32 PM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0?ui=2&ik=c...alattid=f_kmtcnjh00
THE ABOVE LINK IS FOR MARIO'S VERY FIRST COKE SHOW. THE SOUND QUALITY IS BETTER THAN ANYTHING I HAVE HEARD. THE PROGRAM IS 1-GRANADA, THE BEST VERSION HE HAS EVER SUNG. VERY LONG HELD HIGH NOTES, RICH SUPPORTED VOICE. MUCH BETTER THAN THE BYM VERSION. 2-RAY SINATRA ORCHESTRA PLAYS "LADY BE GOOD" 3-MARIO IN "TOSELLI SERENADE, EXCELLENT 4-GISELL MCKENZIE ENDS THE SHOW WITH A FINE HELLO YOUNG LOVERS.
HOPE YOU ALL ENJOY THIS.
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SAM MILLION
03-27-2021
11:06 PM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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I BELIEVE THIS IS THE OTHER LINK FOR MARIO'S DESERT SONG NUMBER: https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0?ui=2&ik=c...alattid=f_kmrtdkd30
IT SHOULD WORK, JUST AS "MY MARGO" DID.
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SAM MILLION
03-27-2021
10:36 PM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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HERE I AM WITH THE BAD NEWS (TO ME) ABOUT THE TOP QUALITY RESTORATION BLU RAY OF THE 1936 "SHOW BOAT".
WOW, WOW, WOW. I WAS DUMBFOUNDED AT HOW BAD THE 1936 VERSION WAS AND ANNA HATED IT EVEN MORE. SHE HAS HAD SOME EXPERIENCE WITH IT AS A PLAY SINCE IN HER EARLIER YEARS SHE WAS IN A STAGE PLAY OF IT. BUT THAT ONLY CONFUSES THE ISSUES MORE SINCE THE PLAY HAD SOME DIFFERENCES. HERE IS WHAT MY FRIEND RON, WHO LOVED THE MOVIE, WROTE TO ME: "SHOWBOAT GREAT HELEN MORGAN ROBESON ALAN JONES IRENE DUNN BETTER THAN GRAYSON NOTICE HAIRDUES 36 NOT IN 1800S SOUND GOOD NOT LIKE CARUSO BUT SHOW BOAT"
MY FEELING IS THAT ALAN JONES HAD A GOOD VOICE, IRENE DUNNE HAD A GOOD VOICE, PAUL ROBESON HAD A GOOD VOICE (THOUGH TO MY EARS ROUGH AROUND THE EDGES), EVEN HATTIE MCDANIEL HAD A GOOD VOICE. BUT ALL OF THEIR VOICES WERE FAIRLY STILTED IN STYLE. THEIR ACTING AND DANCING WAS THE SAME. FOR EXAMPLE, DUNNE DOES THIS CRAZY DANCE IN ONE SPOT WHERE SHE IS SASHAYING AROUND LIKE A NEGRO! THEY ADDED MANY SONGS I NEVER HEARD OF. AND THEY TOOK AWAY GREAT ONES LIKE "YOU ARE LOVE" AND ANOTHER I DON'T REMEMBER. YES, THE HAIRDOS WERE WAY OUT OF THE TIME PERIOD. THIS WAS SUPPOSED TO TAKE PLACE ABOUT 15 YEARS AFTER THE CIVIL WAR (AND THE SLAVES WERE FREE), BUT THERE WAS A 1915 ERA GAS CAR IN A SCENE OF GAYLORD AND MAGNOLIA DRIVING AROUND BEFORE HE LOST SO MUCH OF HIS MONEY! THIS FILM HAS HIS DAUGHTER FULLY GROWN AT THE END, WHILE IN 1951 HOWARD KEEL SEES HIS THREE YEAR OLD DAUGHTER RIGHT BEFORE GRAYSON AND HE REUNITE. I THINK THE BEST PART WENT TO THE "WICKED WITCH" WHO WAS CAPTAIN ANDY'S WIFE PARTHY. SHE WAS NASTINESS PERSONIFIED. I HAVE SEEN HER PLAY NASTY WOMEN BEFORE, AS IN ONE SHIRLEY TEMPLE MOVIE WHERE SHE WAS SHIRLEY'S LEGAL GUARDIAN WHO TAKES SHIRLEY AWAY FROM HER FATHER. ANYWAY, I COULD GO ON AND ON BUT I THINK I HAVE SAID ENOUGH WITH ONE EXCEPTION: THIS WAS SUPPOSED TO BE ANOTHER OF THE TOP RESTORATION BLU RAYS BUT SOME SCENES LOOKED VERY GRAINY AND POORLY LIT WHILE OTHERS WERE RAZOR SHARP WITH EXCELLENT CONTRAST. I HAVE NO IDEA WHY THE DVD VARIED SO MUCH.I KNOW ONE THING, THIS IS ONE DVD WHICH WILL NOT GET PLAYED ANY TIME SOON AT OUR HOUSE.
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SAM MILLION
03-27-2021
07:20 PM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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EUREKA! THE LINK IN MY LAST POST DOES WORK! IT IS MARIO DOING "MY MARGO". TURN UP YOUR VOLUME AND ENJOY THIS PIECE, WHICH TO MY EARS, HAS THE BEST SOUND I HAVE HEARD ON IT.
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SAM MILLION
03-27-2021
06:09 PM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0?ui=2&ik=c...alattid=f_kmrtg6ie1
THIS MIGHT BE ONE LINK. NOT SURE IT WILL WORK BUT LET'S SEE......
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SAM MILLION
03-27-2021
02:54 PM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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I WAS JUST LOOKING THROUGH MY OLD PHONE BOOK AND CAME ACROSS THE NAMES OF GARY AND CINDY OWENS. DOES ANYONE HERE REMEMBER HIM AND DOES ANYONE KNOW IF HE IS STILL AROUND?
A GREAT GUY WHO LIVES IN THE UK AND I JUST MET AND WE HAVE A LOT IN COMMON MARIO LANZA-WISE. HE SENT ME SOME RECORDINGS FROM VAGABOND KING AND DESERT SONG WHICH SOUNDED SO MUCH BETTER THAN WHAT I AM USED TO HEARING. IF I CAN FIND A WAY TO PUT THEM ON HERE I WILL. BUT SO FAR I DON'T KNOW HOW TO TRANSFER THEM.
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SAM MILLION
03-27-2021
07:45 AM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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HI FRED. BELIEVE IT OR NOT, THE LANZA BLUE SHOW IS ON YOUTUBE! I GUESS THEIR STANDARDS ARE LOWER THAN BEFORE SINCE THIS IS A PRETTY DIRTY PIECE.
I WOULD STILL LIKE THE CASSETTE LIKE THE ONE YOU SENT ME YEARS AGO. PLEASE LET ME KNOW.
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SAM MILLION
03-27-2021
07:39 AM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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THANKS FOR THAT INFORMATION. I FOUND HIM SINGING AN ARIA FROM "LA JUIVE". HE IS AN EXCELLENT WELL TRAINED LYRIC TENOR. THERE IS NOTHING SPECIAL ABOUT HIS VOICE IN MY OPINION. BUT IT WAS NICE TO HEAR HIM.
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Kristine C
03-27-2021
06:16 AM ET (US) IP: 96.59.37.64
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Vahan is from Syracuse, N.Y.
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Kristine C
03-27-2021
02:13 AM ET (US) IP: 96.59.37.64
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Sam, there is a You Tube Video of Vahan singing, from a few years ago. He now has white hair and beard.
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SAM MILLION
03-26-2021
11:32 PM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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HEY KRISTINE, WITH A NAME LIKE VAHAN KANZADIAN HE IS AN ARMENIAN LIKE ME! I WONDER WHAT HIS VOICE SOUNDED LIKE? IF HE BELONG TO THE LANZA SOCIETY OF NEW YORK, PERHAPS BILL RONAYNE CAN TELL US.
ON ANOTHER NOTE, HERE IS ANOTHER MOVIE REVIEW. I JUST CAME UP FROM OUR THEATER AND SAW ANOTHER GREATLY RESTORED MOVIE IN BLU RAY. IT WAS "SWEET CHARITY." IT LOOKED AND SOUNDED FABULOUS (POSSIBLY STEREO). BUT I MUST ADMIT I AM NOT A BIG FAN OF IT AS A FILM. FIRST, IT RAN TOO LONG AT AROUND 2 1/2 HOURS SO NEEDED SOME SERIOUS EDITING. AND THERE WERE TOO MANY TALKY PARTS. HOWEVER IT HAS PLENTY OF SONGS AND DANCE NUMBERS. IT ALSO HAS AN EXCELLENT CAST WITH SHIRLEY MACLAINE, STUBBY KAYE, CHITA RIVERA, SAMMY DAVIS, JR. DOES A SPECIALTY NUMBER. BOB FOSSE DIRECTED AND IT HAD HIS "USUAL UNUSUAL" CHOREOGRAPHY. I HAVE LEFT TO SCREEN ONLY TWO MORE OF THESE RESTORED MOVIES. ONE IS THE 1936 "SHOW BOAT" AND THE OTHER IS "LOVE ME TONIGHT" WITH MAURICE CHEVALIER.
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Kristine C
03-26-2021
04:53 PM ET (US) IP: 96.59.37.64
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When my late parents and I met the Cocozzas and Lanzas, back in the '60's,in California, we had heard about Art Perri. He was a singer, who stayed with the Lanzas and Cocozzas. Maria Cocozza thought he resembled Mario. Then,we heard,he left them, got married. I think he later sang hymns. Then, tenor , Marco Vahn, whom we met, stayed with them. He was good looking, had a good voice. Then,he was drafted into the Army. After discharge,he sang in opera,went back to his real name,Vahan Khanzadian. He is about 82 now and is a vocal teacher. I think he belongs to Mario Lanza Society of New York. His sister was married to Nicholas Georgiades, who was on "The Untouchables" with Robert Stack, Paul Picerni, and Abel Fernandez.
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SAM MILLION
03-26-2021
10:54 AM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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TO DEREK MANNERING: I SAW THE LATEST EPISODE OF "THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS" AND TRACEY BREGMAN WALKED INTO A SCENE WEARING A GORGEOUS RED DRESS. I STILL CANNOT BELIEVE MY EYES WHEN I SEE HER. SHE JUST DOESN'T AGE. SHE IS A VERY GOOD ACTRESS AND I PERK UP IN EACH SCENE SHE IS IN. JUST WANTED TO SAY THAT. ALSO, I THINK ANN BLYTH WAS VERY YOUTHFUL FOR A VERY LONG TIME. SHE SAID IN HER BIOGRAPHY THAT IF SHE HADN'T CHOSEN ACTING SHE WOULD HAVE PURSUED A SINGING CAREER. WHILE NO OPERATIC SINGER, SHE ABSOLUTELY HAD A LOVELY VOICE. WHEN SHE SINGS "LOVELIEST NIGHT OF THE YEAR" IN GC, IT IS A WINSOME PERFORMANCE.
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Pat Hood
03-26-2021
09:58 AM ET (US) IP: 173.17.200.236
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I just learned that my neighbor (who just turned 90) has a connection with Elissa Lanza Bregman through her grandmother who raised her and Art Perri who was present in Elissa's life (and the other children). IF you have contact with Elissa, and if she remembers the names Robert and Lillian Watters, I would really like a contact. Mr. Watters weeps when he tells of Mrs. Lanza and his wife having a conversation about the children.
Thank you.
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SAM MILLION
03-25-2021
10:51 PM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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DID I MISS SOMETHING MIKE? I AM NOT SURE WHAT YOU ARE REFERRING TO.
IN ANY EVENT, I HAVE ANOTHER VERY POSITIVE REVIEW FOR YOUR FOLKS HERE. I JUST FINISHED SCREENING THE GREAT NEW TOP RESTORATION BLU RAY OF "THE HARVEY GIRLS". IT WAS SIMPLY THRILLING FIRST, WITH ALL THE INCREDIBLE AND COLORFUL COSTUMES TO DAZZLE THE EYES. THE ART DIRECTION IN THIS MOVIE WAS FIRST CLASS. JUDY GARLAND WAS IN HER PRIME, CIRCA 1945, AND HER ALWAYS SUPER FINE ACTING WAS EVIDENT AS WELL AS HER SINGING. RAY BOLGER STOLE SEVERAL SCENES WITH HIS UNIQUE STYLE OF "HOOFING". ANGELA LANSBURY PLAYED A REAL BITCH, ALBEIT ONE WHOSE SKIN LOOKED LIKE A CHINA DOLL'S. THERE IS ONLY ONE BIG SONG--"ON THE ATCHISON, TOPEKA, AND THE SANTA FE". YET ALL THE TUNES WERE NICELY WRITTEN AND THE TYPE YOU CAN HUM TO. MY LAST REVIEW WILL BE THE 1936 SHOW BOAT AS I HAVE NO MORE DVDS COMING IN AND I BELIEVE I HAVE EXHAUSTED ALL THE MUSICALS WB ARCHIVE HAS RELEASED.
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Mike from L.I. 03-25-2021
04:59 PM ET (US) IP: 73.1.181.206
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Sam guess you are not going to reply. The pirate was not Gene Kelly. it was Walter Slezak.
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SAM MILLION
03-25-2021
04:16 PM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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TO FRED: HELLO MY GOOD OLE FRIEND! I HAVE BEEN GETTING MORE RESPONSE TO THE HAVE THE MARIO BLUE TAPE THAN EXPECTED.(ONE FROM ENGLAND!) DO YOU THINK YOU COULD SEND ME THE CASSETTE(OR DVD IF YOU HAVE ONE) OF THE OTHER FAMOUS PEOPLE WHO DID BLUE MATERIAL? I WOULD BE HAPPY TO PAY FOR THE SHIPPING AND YOUR TIME. THANKS IN ADVANCE, SAM
JULIE: HATE TO DISAGREE WITH YOU BUT IT IS MATURE TO ACCEPT THAT MARIO WAS A MAN AND NOT A GOD.
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JULIE PAGE
03-25-2021
04:09 PM ET (US) IP: 74.79.51.67
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I had hoped we'd escape the 'BLUE" tape this time around, Sam but guess not. You're on a roll..
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SAM MILLION
03-24-2021
10:59 PM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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HERE I AM AS PROMISED WITH A QUICKIE REVIEW OF "DAMN YANKEES", YET ANOTHER TOP RESTORATION BLU RAY. DAMN YANKEES WAS MUCH BETTER THAN I THOUGHT. I AM NO BASEBALL FAN BUT THIS HAD EXCELLENT SONGS AND DANCE WITH CHOREOGRAPHY BY BOB FOSSE. RAY WALSTON MAKES A GREAT DEVIL AND GWEN VERDUN HAS DANCING CHOPS. THE COLOR WAS STUNNING LIKE ALL THE TOP RESTORATION DVDS. ONLY ONE OR TWO SHOTS IN IT WENT FUZZY FOR A FEW SECONDS AND I KNOW THEY WERE STOCK FOOTAGE SHOTS OF TWO STADIUMS. BEST SONGS ARE "YOU GOTTA HAVE HEART" AND "WHATEVER LOLA WANTS". HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
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SAM MILLION
03-24-2021
07:34 PM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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I AM POSTING THIS TWICE AS I AM NOT SURE IT WENT THROUGH THE FIRST TIME. I WANTED TO INFORM ALL HERE THAT JOHN DURSO, SON OF EDDIE DURSO WHO YOU MIGHT KNOW WAS MARIO'S CHILDHOOD BEST FRIEND, HAS BEEN HOSPITALIZED DUE TO A BAD FALL SINCE FEBRUARY 22ND! WE ALL NEED TO PRAY FOR HIS RECOVERY AND TRIP BACK HOME. HE NOT ONLY HAS BEEN A FAITHFUL LANZA FAN BUT MANAGER OF DEAR DEPARTED FRANK TENAGLIA WHO LIKE HIS IDOL MARIO DIED MUCH TOO YOUNG.
ON ANOTHER NOTE, I AM GOING TO RUN ANOTHER TOP RESTORATION BLU RAY DVD TONIGHT, NAMELY "DAMN YANKEES" AND WILL DO A QUICKIE REVIEW LATER ON.
I ALSO WANTED TO SHARE A RECORDING I'M RATHER PLEASED WITH. IT IS THE SOLILOQUY FROM CAROUSEL SUNG BY YOURS TRULY. I KNOW I WILL NEVER BE ABLE TO SING IT AS I DID AGAIN. (I ALREADY TRIED AND IT WAS ONLY SO-SO). I HOPE YOU CAN ACCESS THIS LINK IF INTERESTED: https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0?ui=2&ik=c...78646d8b67b253ec4e1 IF THE LINK DOESN'T WORK, THEN I AM SORRY...
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SAM MILLION
03-24-2021
11:33 AM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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IN MY SPARE TIME I HAVE BEEN LOOKING FOR AUDIO FILES I HAVE RECORDED GONG BACK AS FAR AS 1992. ONE I HAPPENED UPON WAS WHAT IS COMMONLY KNOWN AS "THE MARIO LANZA BLUE TAPE". I KNOW SOME OF YOU HAVE HEARD THIS. I WARN YOU THAT IT IS PRETTY RAW AND DON'T WANT TO DENIGRATE OUR MARIO. HOWEVER HE IS WAS A REGULAR GUY AND MANY OF US HAVE USED THE FOUL LANGUAGE HE DID AS HE RELAXED IN BETWEEN TAKES OF TAPING FOR HIS FIFTEEN MINUTE COCA COLA SHOW. THE PRODUCTION WAS MEANT TO BE A PRIVATE GIFT FOR HIM FROM THE STAFF OF THE RADIO PROGRAM. I AM SURE HE LOVED IT. IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO HEAR IT, I CAN SEND IT TO YOU VIA EMAIL AT MY ADDRESS OF SMS5565@GMAIL.COM. EVERYONE HAVE A GOOD DAY.
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SAM MILLION
03-24-2021
10:43 AM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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I WILL BET YOU FOLKS DON'T REALIZE THAT THERE WAS ACTUALLY A BLU RAY OF FOR THE FIRST TIME A COUPLE YEARS AGO! I WILL SAY UP FRONT IT IS NOT EVEN CLOSE TO THE TOP RESTORATIONS THAT ARE SPOILING US. BUT IT HAS SOME MERITS. THE CONTRAST IS DEEP. IT HAS A VERY GOOD SOUND TRACK. IT IS A FOREIGN ALL REGION DVD. DEREK MCGOVERN RECOMMENDED IT AT THE TIME AND I WAS HAPPY TO TRY IT OUT. WE ALSO BOUGHT A SPECIAL ALL REGION LG D VD PLAYER THAT CAN PLAY ANY DVD DISC OR ANY KIND EVER RELEASED. IT IS VERY PRECISE, DOES COMMANDS QUICKLY, AND UPSCALES ANY DADS VERY WELL. MY OLD ONE WAS HAVING PROBLEMS SO ORDERING THIS WAS A NO BRAINER.
LAUGHINGLY, I WAS UNABLE TO TURN OFF THE GERMAN DIALOGUE LAST NIGHT, SO SKIPPED FORWARD TO ALL MARIO'S SONGS/ARIAS. SOME OF THE CAST DID THEIR OWN DUBBING. NOTABLY JOHANNA.
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Mike from L.I. 03-24-2021
10:42 AM ET (US) IP: 73.1.181.206
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Welcome, John in Indiana! Hope you enjoy this site and keep posting. Hey Sam, trivia question. Who was the Pirate. Careful ,trick question.
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SAM MILLION
03-23-2021
09:15 AM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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LSOHEY KRISTINE, I ONLY SAW AN ADVERTISEMENT FOR THOSE PAPER DOLLS. NO ONE IS SELLING THEM. IN THE MEANTIME, THE NEXT TOP RESTORATION BLU RAY DVD IS DUE IN SOON. IT IS "THE HARVEY GIRLS". I ALSO EXPECT "DAMN YANKEES" TO ARRIVE SHORTLY.ALSO, "SWEET CHARITY" IS DUE.AND WITH THOSE THREE BLU RAYS, I THINK WE ARE DONE SO FAR AS MUSICAL RELEASES GO.ONE EXCEPTION, WHICH MAKES FOUR TITLES IS THE BLACK AND WHITE 1936 "SHOW BOAT" THAT I EXPECT WILL ALSO BE STUNNING. BILL RONAYNE, I BELIEVE, SCANS EBAY REGULARLY TO SEE IF THERE IS ANYTHING MARIO LANZA RELATED THAT HE CAN BUY FOR HIS OWN COLLECTION OR FOR THE MUSEUM. THAT LEADS ME TO THIS QUESTION FOR BILL: ARE THERE GOING TO BE ITEMS FOR SALE AT THE MUSEUM? ALSO, DOES PARKING COST YOU?, AND IS THE ADMISSION THE SAME FOR ALL OR DISCOUNTED FOR SENIORS AND KIDS?. WE NEVER HAD AN ADMISSION POLICY BEFORE. DOES THIS CHARGE GO TOWARD PAYING THE PERSON OR PEOPLE WHO WILL RUN THE PLACE WHEN IT OPENS? ALSO, CAN YOU SEND A LINK SHOWING PHOTOS OF THE NEW PLACE? LAST, IS THERE INTEREST IN HAVING PEOPLE DONATE THEIR COLLECTION OF LANZA ITEMS FROM LPS TO CDS TO SHIRTS AND JACKETS, ETC. THE ITEMS CAN THEN BE SOLD IN THE MUSEUM STORE. I ASSUME IF THIS IS GOING TO HAPPEN, IT WILL BE TAX DEDUCTIBLE. Edited 03-23-2021 09:58 AM
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Kristine C
03-22-2021
11:30 PM ET (US) IP: 96.59.37.64
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Thank you for kind words, Sam. I wonder if the Mario Lanza Museum would like the paper dolls of Mario Lanza and Kathryn Grayson ? "Showboat" with Irene Dunne and Allan Jones is out on DVD. Paul Robeson sang "Ol Man River" in the movie. Irene Dunne did a blackface act, but remember, that was then.
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SAM MILLION
03-22-2021
11:22 PM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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A QUICKIE: MY FRIEND BRIAN BEACOCK FROM ENGLAND (HE HAS ATTENDED PAST MARIO LANZA BALLS WITH ME) HAS POSTED ON FACEBOOK AN ADVERTISEMENT FOR PAPER DOLLS OF MARIO AND KATHRYN FROM THAT MIDNIGHT KISS. HERE IS THE LINK: https://www.facebook.com/brianjohn.beacock/posts/1753144508200323 THAT IS A COLLECTIBLE THE LIKES OF WHICH I HAVE NEVER SEEN AVAILABLE.
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SAM MILLION
03-22-2021
11:09 PM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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HI KRISTINE, AS ALWAYS YOU HAVE COME UP WITH SOME VERY INFORMATIVE DATA. I WOULD LIKE TO SEE THE 1936 VERSION IN COMPARISON. ONE OF MY BUDDIES IS ORDERING IT (IT WON'T BE SHIPPED FOR ABOUT A WEEK). THE RESTAURANT DOESN'T HAVE ANY POSTERS, BUT INSTEAD HAS LOTS OF NEON SIGNS, RED SHINY CHAIRS AT THE COUNTER AND RED BOOTHS. I LOOK FORWARD TO THE SECOND VACCINATION SINCE THEN ANNA AND I CAN RETURN AND ORDER SOME MORE GREAT FOOD!
I HAVE ANOTHER MOVIE REVIEW TONIGHT. I JUST WATCHED "GOOD NEWS". IT IS A WINNER. EXC CAST. GORGEOUS RESTORATION AND A PEPPY FILM WITH LOTS OF ACTION AND DANCING AND SINGING. JUNE ALLYSON, PETER LAWFORD, AND MEL TORME. IT HAS EXTRAS TOO INCLUDING CLIPS FROM THE MGM 1930 FILM OF THE SAME STORY. TWO BIGGEST NUMBERS ARE "VARSITY DRAG" AND THE SONG MARIO TAUGHT US "THE BEST THINGS IN LIFE ARE FREE".
ON THAT NOTE, I WANT TO SAY SOMETHING I HAVE MEANT TO SAY FOR YEARS. THAT IS HOW GRATEFUL AND LUCKY I HAVE BEEN HAVING MARIO IN MY LIFE SINCE 1964. NOT JUST BECAUSE I HAVE BEEN INSPIRED AND THRILLED BY HIS VOICE SINCE THEN, BUT BECAUSE I HAVE LEARNED SO MUCH FROM HIM MUSICALLY. LOOK AT THE WEALTH OF AMERICAN POPULAR SONGS AND CLASSIC ARIAS HE TAUGHT ME AND YOU. THANKS, MARIO!!
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Kristine C
03-22-2021
07:50 PM ET (US) IP: 96.59.37.64
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Lena Horne wanted to play Julie in M-G-M's "Showboat", but at that time, it was still a no-no. Dore Schary was thinking of casting Dinah Shore. Ava Gardner was cast, instead. The Irene Dunne-Allan Jones version of "Showboat"(1936)had a different ending, closer to Edna Ferber's novel. It showed Gaylord's and Magnolia's daughter, Kim, grow up and become a singer, entertainer and her parents re-unite at the end of Kim's performance. They are in their older years, by then.
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Kristine C
03-22-2021
07:45 PM ET (US) IP: 96.59.37.64
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Sam, glad you are getting covid vaccinations. I just got my second covid vaccination. You mentioned that restaurant has a '50's theme. Do they play songs from the '50's ? Maybe they would like to play Mario Lanza's recordings or CD's. Do they have movie posters from 1950's movies ? Maybe they would like to display movie posters from Mario Lanza's movies. Hello to Anna. Stay well.
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SAM MILLION
03-22-2021
12:03 PM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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I "DISCOVERED"RECORDINGS I THOUGHT WERE LOST. THEY WERE ON MY IPHONE. IT GOES BACK TO 2015 BUT THE ACTUAL MUSIC IS AS FAR BACK AS THE SIXTIES! FIRST, I NEVER PUT ANNA ON THIS SITE. I HAVE HER DOING THE SENTIMENTAL AND MOVING "THE END OF THE WORLD.
THEN A FAVORITE SONG FROM "HIGH SOCIETY" WITH FRANK AND BING IN A GREAT DUET. FRANK IS DRUNK IN THIS. YOU CAN HEAR IT ON YOUTUBE.
THEN A RECORDING OF A SUMMER SCHOOL CHORUS I JOINED.
THEN A RECORDING ROSEMARY CLOONEY DID JUST FOR ME. EVERY CHRISTMAS SHE WOULD RECORD A NEW SONG AND THEN AT THE BRIDGE SPEAK A PERSONAL MESSAGE TO YOU. SHE BECAME A GOOD FRIEND OF MINE.
THEN THE HILARIOUS SONG FROM FLOWER DRUM SONG CALLED "I ENJOY BEING A GIRL" SUNG BY THE PRETTIEST AND SMARTEST GIRL IN MY HIGH SCHOOL WITH GREAT COMEDY EFFECT.
THEN OUR GREAT UPPER DARBY HIGH SCHOOL CHOIR, WHOSE SINGING I WOULD PUT UP WITH ANY CHOIR PAST OR PRESENT. I WAS HONORED TO BE PRESIDENT OF THE GROUP.
THEN A VERY FUNNY AD-LIB PIECE OF MY FRIEND RON AND I SANG ABOUT OUR FAVORITE GOODWILL LIKE PLACE WHRE I WOULD BUY 78 CARUSO RECORDS FOR A DIME AND I HAVE A RECEIPT FOR AN UPRIGHT VICTOR VICTROLA FOR 3.95!
THEN MY TEMPLE UNIVERSITY CLASS PROJECT WHERE OUR INSTRUCTOR GAVE US ONE WORD TO USE WHICH WAS "WORDS". I SURROUNDED MYSELF WITH TAPE RECORDERS, RECORDS, ETC. AND DID AN APPROX TEN MINUTE VERY FUNNY PIECE. IT INCLUDED A COMMERCIAL AND THE THEME IS A MYSTERY OF "FAIRY MASON", BASED ON TV DRAMA "PERRY MASON".
THEN YOURS TRULY PLAYING THE ONLY PIANO PIECE I EVER LEARNED. THE FIRST TWO MOVEMENTS OF BEETHOVEN'S "MOONLIGHT SONATA". MY TEACHER CRIED WHEN HE HEARD THE FINAL RESULTS BUT THEN MOVED AWAY AND I NEVER TOOK ANOTHER LESSON.
THEN AN OUTSTANDING RECORDING OF A BOYS' CHOIR I WAS IN FOR MANY YEARS AS A BOY SOPRANO AND THEN A BASS. IT WAS CALLED "THE SONG OF MAN" AND IS A WONDERFUL PIECE WITH SOLOS AND CHORUS..
THEN A RECORDING OF MY DEAR DEPARTED UNCLE BILL PLAYING HIS JAZZ PIANO IN HIS UNIQUE STYLE. ONE OF MY FAVORITES HE DID WAS "CLAIR DE LUNE" WHICH I HOPE IS ON THE RECORDING.
THEN A FAMILY FILM RECORDED AT CHRISTMAS FEATURING DEAR DEPARTED ONES SPEAKING OF XMAS AND THEIR GIFTS.
THEN A RARITY WHICH IS MY UNCLE GEORGE COMING TO OUR HOUSE FOR A VISIT. AS FAR AS I KNOW NOTHING ELSE OF HIM EXISTS AND I AM ANXIOUS TO SEND THE TAPE TO MY COUSINS, WHOSE FATHER UNCLE GEORGE WAS. HE DIED FAIRLY YOUNG.
THERE IS MORE BUT I DON'T WANT TO BORE YOU, ESPECIALLY BECAUSE I CANNOT GIVE LINKS TO THESE. I TRIED BUT THEY WON'T COPY FOR SOME REASON.
EVERYONE HAVE A NICE DEAR AND LET US LOOK FORWARD TO A GRAND EASTER!
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SAM MILLION
03-21-2021
10:54 PM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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TONIGHT'S ENTERTAINMENT WAS THE NEW TOP RESTORATION BLU RAY DVD OF "THE PIRATE" WITH JUDY GARLAND AND GENE KELLY. THE PICTURE IS STUNNING, AS GOOD AS THE NEW RUN OF DVDS THAT ARE ULTIMATELY SPOILING US. THE FILM ITSELF WAS DISAPPOINTING. I FOUND IT RATHER ODD. IT HAS A COLE PORTER SCORE BUT NOT ONE RECOGNIZABLE MELODY EXCEPT FOR A REHASH OF "BE A CLOWN". WE HAD ENOUGH TIME TO WATCH SOME MORE FILM AND I CHOSE TO SHOW ANNA THE NEW "GREAT CARUSO" FOR THE FIRST TIME. SHE ABSOLUTELY LOVED IT. WHAT I DID WAS CONDENSE IT TO 45 MINUTES BY SKIPPING FORWARD. IT MADE FOR A VERY ENTERTAINING EXPERIENCE.
MORE RESTORED BLU RAYS ARE STILL EXPECTED VIA MAIL INCLUDING "HARVEY GIRLS" AND "DAMN YANKEES".
BY THE WAY, WE GOT OUR FIRST PFIZER VACCINES TODAY AND GET OUR SECOND IN TWENTY ONE DAYS. GLAD TO HAVE FINALLY GOTTEN THEM AT A LARGE CVS PHARMACY. THE REWARD AT NOON WAS TO GO TO A GREAT RESTAURANT RIGHT ACROSS THE STREET CALLED "NIFTY FIFTIES". IT HAS A DINER LOOK BUT HAS FOOD TO EQUAL TOP RESTAURANTS. I STARTED WITH A STRAWBERRY SODA MADE FROM ACTUAL STRAWBERRIES. FOLLOWED THAT WITH THEIR FRIES MADE FROM FRESH POTATOES WITH SPICY "PETAL" SAUCE FOR DIPPING. THEN THE HIGHLIGHT--A GREAT CHEESESTEAK WITH LOADS OF WELL FRIED ONIONS. TOPPED IT OFF WITH A TEN INCH TAKE HOME CUP OF CHOCOLATE MALTED MILKSHAKE. YUMMY!
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John in Indiana
03-21-2021
08:13 PM ET (US) IP: 50.90.97.118
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Good evening, everyone. After years of listening to Mario, Tucker, Del Monanco, Kraus, etc., I decided to take voice lessons. Singing is much tougher than I thought. Right now, my teacher has me working on "Stars" from Les Miserables. I'm making progress with that. I'm also working on "Caro Mio Ben," but that's giving me much more grief. Overall, it's a lot of fun!!! Take care!!
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SAM MILLION
03-20-2021
07:33 PM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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HI MARTINO. I LIKED HOW YOU SUGGESTED A NUMBER OF POSSIBLE WAYS TO UPCONVERT MOVIES TO HIGHER QUALITY. I DO BELIEVE SOME WILL GIVE RESULTS BUT NOWHERE NEAR WHAT WE ARE SEEING WITH THESE "4K TAKEN FROM CAMERA ORIGINAL NEGATIVE" TOP QUALITY DVDS. SO, IT SEEMS LIKE A LOT OF FUSS FOR VERY LITTLE. I JUST SIT BACK AND SEE WHAT NEW ONES ARE COMING OUT--AND I AM SURE THERE ARE MANY I DON'T KNOW ABOUT SINCE MY INTEREST IS ONLY IN MUSICALS. THE LATEST I JUST ORDERED IS "DAMN YANKESS". I HAVE YET TO SCREEN "GOOD NEWS" WITH JUNE ALLYSON AND PETER LAWFORD AND ALSO "THERE'S NO BUSINESS LIKE SHOW BUSINESS" WITH AN EXCELLENT CAST AND MARILYN MONROE ON THE TOP OF THE LIST.
I WILL KEEP REPORTING ON WHAT DVDS ARE THE BEST,WHICH IS EASY NOW THAT I HAVE A CONTACT IN THE KNOW.
I MAY HAVE BEEN NAIEVE THINKING WE COULD FUND SOME OF MARIO'S MOVIES TO SEE THEM GET THE "CLASS TREATMENT". BUT MY HEART WAS IN THE RIGHT PLACE. I REALLY, REALLY WOULD LIKE TO KNOW THE COST WB FACES WITH EACH TITLE. SOMEONE IS GOING TO GIVE ME THE ANSWER. COPYRIGHTS AND ALL THE OTHER ENTANGLEMENTS ARE NOT WHAT I AM MOST CONCERNED WITH. HAPPY TRAILS!
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Martino1 03-20-2021
09:15 AM ET (US) IP: 67.216.108.216
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Sam, there are many, many software programs available that allow you to convert regular dvd disks to blu-ray. I don't know how much up-quality these programs actually produce, if any, and they certainly won't bring you the quality like Warner studios is capable of, but do a search and you will find many of these programs that you can try. I suppose it is not much different than taking a music file you have on your computer and converting it to mp3 via mp3 converter software. Keep in mind this is nothing more than upconverting a dvd disk, not the actual, original film reels which you are not going to ever get your hands on.
I think there is upconversion software to make dvds to even UHD but I can't believe that kind of consumer software is anything more than a cheap gimmick for individual use, although the extreme high dollar processes used by professional movie studios who have the original films (like Warner) can indeed do miracles. For people like you and me it would be like trying to pour a five gallon bucket of water (in this case, digital information) into a ten gallon bucket in hopes you will get ten gallons. It is still going to be five gallons of water and no more, no matter how big a bucket you pour it into.
As far as your idea of using the actual movie reels to upconvert the originals yourself, as I said before, that won't happen. I think there would be legal problems involved with ownership rights, copyrights, royalties, etc. Anyway, I really don't know a thing about this process but do a search and it should point you in the right direction.
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SAM MILLION
03-20-2021
09:05 AM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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OH, I BROKE DOWN AND ORDERED SWEET CHARITY AT A COMPANY FOR ONLY 9.99 BLU RAY. ALSO MY FAIR LADY. BOTH ARE AMONG THE TOP RESTORATIONS ONCE MORE. THAT IS IT FOR AWHILE...
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SAM MILLION
03-20-2021
07:59 AM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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MY MOVIE LOVING FRIEND JUST GAVE ME A FEW MORE BLU RAY MUSICALS THAT GOT THE FIRST CLASS RESTORATION TREATMENT. ONE IS SWEET CHARITY, A FILM THAT IS NOT A FAVORITE. IF I WANT TO SEE A MACLAINE MUSICAL I PULL OUT "CAN-CAN" AND ALSO BENEFIT FROM HAVING FRANK SINATRA IN IT. THE REST HE SENT ME INFORMATION ABOUT ARE NON-MUSICALS. I ONLY BUY MUSICALS THESE DAYS. HAVE MANY, MANY HUNDREDS OF DVDS BOTH REGULAR AND BLU RAY THAT ARE NON-MUSICALS.
I KNOW ALL OF US HERE WOULD LIKE TO HAVE EVERY SINGLE LANZA FILM GET THE GREAT CARUSO RESTORATION TREATMENT BUT AS I HAVE SAID BEFORE HERE, IT IS ALL ABOUT MONEY/PROFITS. I WISH SOMEONE COULD TELL ME WHAT IT COSTS TO TAKE A MOVIE AND MAKE IT INTO DVD BLU RAY FORMAT....
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SAM MILLION
03-19-2021
10:40 PM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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PLEASE GIVE THE ADDRESS OF YOUR WEBSITE. ONE OF THE SPECIALS ON THE SHOW BOAT BLU RAY IS FROM 1946, A MOVIE EXCERPT FROM JEROME KERN AND OSCAR HAMMERSTEIN CALLED "TIL THE CLOUDS ROLL BY". K. GRAYSON VERY YOUNG, TONY MARTIN PLAYED THE KEEL ROLE, AND LENA HORNE DID AN ABSOLUTELY GREAT RENDITION OF "CAN'T HELP LOVING THAT MAN".THERE IS ALSO TWO TRACKS OF AVA GARDNER DOING HER OWN VOCALS FOR "BILL" AND CAN'T HELP LOVING. SHE HAS A VERY PLEASANT VOICE. QUITE LISTENABLE. OF COURSE THE LADY WHO DUBBED HER FOR SHOW BOAT WAS MUCH RICHER AND HAD BETTER CONTROL.
AFTER SEEING THESE CLIPS, MY WIFE ANNA MADE US A MOUTH WATERING CORNED BEEF AND CABBAGE DINNER ALONG WITH AN ARMENIAN DELICACY CALLED SOUBEREG, WHICH IS LAYERS OF PAPER THIN DOUGH, BUTTER, AND MEUNSTER CHEESE IN BETWEEN. FOR DESSERT WE HAD RICH CHEESECAKE WITH WHIPPED CREAM.
WE RETIRED TO MY BASEMENT HOME THEATER AND SHOWED A BLU RAY OUR FRIEND BILL BROUGHT. IT WAS A VERY UNUSUAL AND SOMEWHAT SAD FILM BURT LANCASTER MADE IN THE SEVENTIES. IT IS CALLED "THE SWIMMER". EXCELLENT DIRECTION, ACTING, AND A VERY RECOGNIZABLE CAST OF PEOPLE WHOSE NAMES YOU DON'T KNOW!
TIME FOR BED NOW. SUNDAY WE GET OUR PFIZER VACCINE AT A LARGE CVS AND AFTER THAT WE WILL HAVE LUNCH AT AN EXCELLENT RESTAURANT WITH GREAT DISHES AND THE ONLY PLACE I KNOW THAT HAS 100 DIFFERENT FLAVORS OF SODA!
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Deleted by topic administrator 03-24-2021 05:15 PM
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SAM MILLION
03-19-2021
09:05 AM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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I HAVE A TOP RESTORATION BLU RAY UPDATE. THIS IS FROM A FILM ENTHUSIAST AND COLLECTOR FRIEND I HAVE KNOWN A VERY LONG TIME. "MUST HAVES" INCLUDE 1-THE PIRATE 2-ANNIE GET YOUR GUN (CURRENTLY NOT AVAILABLE) 3-MY FAIR LADY FROM 70 MM AND 4-DR. DOOLITTLE (NOT VERY GOOD AS A MOVIE IN MY OPINION)AND EASTER PARADE. SO FAR THAT IS ALL. I ASKED HIM IF HE KNEW THE COST OF RESTORING FROM TECHNICOLOR NEGATIVES AND HE DIDN'T KNOW. HE DID SAY THAT WB ARCHIVE GETS LOADS OF MAIL DAILY FROM PEOPLE WHO WANT THEM TO RELEASE THIS FILM OR THAT.
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SAM MILLION
03-18-2021
10:25 PM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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OKAY BLU RAY MUSICAL LOVERS, HERE IS NUMBER THREE ON MY LIST OF SCREENING THESE GEMS. THIS TIME IT IS "THE PAJAMA GAME" WITH THE EFFERVESCENT DORIS DAY AND THE SWEET VOICE OF JOHN RAITT. THIS IS EVERY BIT AS GOOD AS SHOW BOAT IN COLOR AND LUSHNESS. THE SOUND OF SHOW BOAT IS BETTER DUE TO THE STEREO, BUT PAJAMA GAME IS NO AUDIO SLOUCH. THE ONE THING THAT SETS THIS APART FROM GREAT CARUSO AND SHOWBOAT IS ITS RATIO. PAJAMA GAME IS 1:85, WHICH MEANS IT IS TRUE WIDESCREEN AND FILLS THE SCREEN FROM LEFT TO RIGHT AND FROM TOP TO BOTTOM. I LOVE THIS FORMAT SINCE YOU HAVE NO BLACK "BARS" ANYWHERE.
AS A MOVIE PAJAMA GAME IS A WINNER. YET ANOTHER GREAT CAST (EDDIE FOY, BARBARA NICHOLS, CAROL HANEY, (AND OTHER WELL KNOWN FACES I HAVE NO NAMES FOR), AN EXCELLENT MUSICAL SCORE, AND BRILLIANT BOB FOSSE CHOREOGRAPHY. I ALWAYS PREFER MUSICALS THAT HAVE MELODIES THAT ARE CATCHY OR HAVE BECOME STANDARDS. THIS FILM HAS PLENTY OF SONGS WHICH HAVE BECOME STANDARDS. THE MOST MEMORABLE ARE "HEY THERE", "STEAM HEAT", AND "HERNANDO'S HIDEAWAY".
IT MOVES VERY WELL WITH NO LULLS AND IS A TIGHT ONE HOUR AND 46 MINUTES LONG. ANNA AND I WATCHED IT TOGETHER AND SHE RECOGNIZED AT LEAST THREE OTHER SONGS I DIDN'T KNOW BUT IMMEDIATELY LIKED. IN ANOTHER LIFE, I MAY HAVE KNOWN THESE SONGS, LOL.
SO, I RECOMMEND THIS TO ANYONE INTERESTED. SIMPLY FORK OVER 17.99 TO AMAZON AND OWN ANOTHER CLASSIC. IT IS VERY NEAT TO KNOW THAT YOU WILL BE SEEING BETTER PICTURE AND SOUND QUALITY THAN THE FOLKS WHO SAW THIS IN THE THEATERS IN 1957.
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Martino1 03-18-2021
08:39 PM ET (US) IP: 67.216.108.216
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This clip has a little better video quality than the one I previously posted:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xwdKTz6vdmQ
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Martino1 03-18-2021
08:19 PM ET (US) IP: 67.216.108.216
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Showboat was always one of my favorites. As you said Sam, it does indeed have a perfect cast. And in my opinion, this movie contains the greatest performance of "Ol' Man River" ever filmed or recorded. William Warfield, the excellent American bass-baritone, in his interpretation sang the essence of what some people believe to be the greatest of all American songs. Personally, this performance is in my top ten greatest male singing performances of all time. Warfield had quite a distinguished life even beyond his musical career. He was married to the soprano Leontyne Price and won many awards. His performance of "Ol' Man River" (although in what amounted to be nothing but a small cameo role), is alone reason enough for seeing this movie. You can find it at this link:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pSzYRo9j7YM
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Vince Di Placido 03-18-2021
06:38 PM ET (US) IP: 86.44.28.228
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Sam, "The Great Caruso" would have been recorded the same way by MGM as Show Boat was, that is from many different angles that were then used to make a well balanced mono mix. But if you use these many angles now you can simulate a stereo mix, that is what was done by Rhino on their "Mario Lanza Greatest Performances at MGM" cd and other "At MGM" releases. They used these many angles to make stereo mixes.
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SAM MILLION
03-18-2021
05:23 PM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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HI VINCE! THE ONLY THING THAT MAKES SENSE IS THAT GREAT CARUSO WAS NOT RECORDED IN STEREO. THIS IS A GUESS ON MY PART. INTERESTING IS THE FACT THAT ONE OF THE NEW HIGH LEVEL BLU RAY FEATURES WAS THE FIRST TO BE RECORDED MAGNETICALLY. MY BRAIN IS NOT IN GEAR OR OTHERWISE I COULD TELL YOU WHICH ONE. I HAVE ALL THE NEW RELEASES SO WILL LET EVERYONE HERE KNOW WHEN I DO.
ISN'T SHOW BOAT EXCITING?!! IT IS LOADED WITH GREAT MUSIC, HAS A PERFECT CAST, AND "BIG" SEQUENCES WHERE THERE ARE CROWDS OF PEOPLE COSTUMED IN MANY BEAUTIFUL COLORS. THE COLOR IS SOMEWHAT RICHER THAN GREAT CARUSO, YET IS STILL HAS THAT GLEAMING BRIGHTNESS THAT MAKES IT SO ALIVE. I THINK WE ARE SO FORTUNATE FOR RELEASES LIKE THIS, AS THEY ARE ABSOLUTELY BETTER THAN WHAT PEOPLE SAW IN 35MM IN THE THEATERS WHEN FIRST RELEASED. TECHNOLOGY, TECHNOLOGY, TECHNOLOGY!!
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Vince Di Placido 03-18-2021
01:49 PM ET (US) IP: 86.44.28.228
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Sam, I have just watched the fantastic "Show Boat" Blu-ray remastering and it baffles me why we couldn't have had a stereo soundtrack for "The Great Caruso", the same movie studio in the same production year. Why not the effort to create a stereo soundtrack? If it's because the elements weren't still available that is heartbreaking, Oh! What could have been... Edited 03-18-2021 03:12 PM
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SAM MILLION
03-17-2021
10:01 PM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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WELL, KRIS I WILL ALWAYS HOPE FOR THE BEST. SO NICE YOU KNOW MEMBERS OF THE HOLLYWOOD ROYALTY! NOW I HAVE A BIG SURPRISE FOR ALL WHO LOVE MUSIC.
I JUST SCREENED THE NEW BLU RAY OF "SHOW BOAT" AND MUST TOTALLY RAVE ABOUT IT. TO GIVE YOU SOME IDEA, IT IS EVEN GREATER IN QUALITY AND COLOR THAN "THE GREAT CARUSO". AND IT IS IN EXCITING STEREO SOUND. THE COSTUMES IN CROWD SCENES ARE SO COLORFUL IT BLOWS THE MIND. IT HAS GOOD EXTRAS TOO, INCLUDING AVA GARDNER (I NEVER SAW HER LOOK MORE BEAUTIFUL, HER HAIR UP MOST OF THE TIME), WHOSE REAL VOICE IS FEATURED IN THE "BILL" NEVER USED IN THE FILM.
THE ARE A COUPLE MORE FEATURES THAT WERE GIVEN THIS TREATMENT AND THEY INCLUDE "GOOD NEWS" AND I BELIEVE "PAJAMA GAME".
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Kristine C
03-17-2021
06:21 PM ET (US) IP: 96.59.37.64
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Sam, it sounds like a good idea if that is how Warner Bros. Collection does Blu-Ray DVD's. Hoping Lanza's other movies will be released in Blu-Ray DVD's. By the way, TCM is planning their annual Classic Movie Festival in May. Due to the pandemic, they canceled it, last year, and showed past Classic Movie Festivals on TCM. This year, they will honor the 60th Anniversary of the release of movie version of "West Side Story" with guests, Rita Moreno, George Chakiris, and Russ Tamblyn. Both Rita and George mentioned Mario Lanza in their autobiographies. Chakiris's autobiography is "My West Side Story" which will be available on Amazon.com. I don't know if Russ Tamblyn is planning an autobiography, but he must remember Mario at M-G-M. I am facebook friends with George Chakiris and Larry Tamblyn, brother of Russ Tamblyn. Larry was with the rock band , The Standells, in the '60's and they had a hit song, "Dirty Water". As a reminder, starting on Sunday, March 21st, MeTV will rerun "The Ed Sullivan Show" at 9:30 P.M. (Eastern Time Zone).
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SAM MILLION
03-17-2021
10:26 AM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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UPON WATCHING "THE GREAT CARUSO" LAST NIGHT I HAD AN OVERWHELMING DESIRE TO HAVE MORE OF MARIO'S FILMS GIVEN THE SAME TOP NOTCH BLU RAY TREATMENT FROM THE ORIGINAL TECHNICOLOR NEGATIVES.
I HAVE AN IDEA. WE NEED TO FIND OUT WHAT IT COSTS TO DO A BLU RAY LIKE GC. THEN FIND LANZA FANS WITH DEEP POCKETS WHO HOPEFULLY CAN BANKROLL THE PROJECTS. IN ADDITION WE COULD CONTACT ALL THE COLLECTORS WE KNOW AND ALL THEIR FRIENDS WHO LOVE MARIO TO KICK IN AS MUCH MONEY AS THEY CAN AFFORD. ADVERTISING IN TRADE NEWSPAPERS LIKE VARIETY SHOULD ALSO HELP. PIE IN THE SKY, PERHAPS BUT WHO KNOWS?!! I AM TALKING THESE FEATURES IN ORDER OF THEIR RELEASE: THAT MIDNIGHT KISS, TOAST OF NEW ORLEANS, BECAUSE YOU'RE MINE, THE STUDENT PRINCE, SERENADE, SEVEN HILLS OF ROME, AND FOR THE FIRST TIME.
IF ANY OF YOU HAVE A "FEEL FOR THIS", AS PERHAPS DEREK MANNERNG MIGHT, PLEASE LEE'S START A DISCUSSION HERE.
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SAM MILLLION
03-17-2021
12:22 AM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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WELL MY FRIENDS, I JUST TREATED MYSELF TO YET ANOTHER SCREENING OF THE FABULOUS BLU RAY OF "THE GREAT CARUSO". THIS TIME I WANT TO TALK ABOUT THE FILM AS A PICTURE RATHER THAN A FORMAT. I HAVE ANALYZED SEVERAL POINTS OF INTEREST, SOME NEW REVELATIONS AND SOME LONG KNOWN ONES.
1-MARIO'S ITALIAN ACCENT COMES AND GOES THROUGHOUT THE FILM. NOT A BIG DEAL AND CERTAINLY NOTHING THAT BOTHERS ME.
2-THE DIRECTOR (OR MARIO) HAD A GREAT INSPIRATION DURING THE "VESTI LA GIUBBA" WHEN LANZA GRABS HIS LAPELS AND THUS ADDS TO THE IMPACT OF THE ARIA.
3-THE ARIAS AND SONGS ARE VERY WELL PACED FROM BEGINNING TO END. I ACTUALLY HAD A REEL TO REEL TAPE OF GREAT CARUSO LONG BEFORE I FIRST SAW THE FILM AND STILL FEEL IT CAN BE ENJOYED THAT WAY AS IT IS SO SEAMLESS.
4-THE VOCAL CHOICES FIT THE PLOT. CONSIDER THESE EXAMPLES: WHEN SINGING "A VUCHELLA", MARIO FOCUSES ON THOSE "RUBY RED LIPS" MUSETTA SPORTS. WHEN SINGING "VESTI LA GIUBBA" MARIO IS SAD LIKE CANIO THE CLOWN AS HE DOES NOT KNOW WHAT HAS HAPPENED TO DOROTHY.WHEN HE PERFORMS "BECAUSE" IT IS FOR HIS NEWLY BORN DAUGHTER AND THE WORDS FIT A NEW FATHER'S FEELINGS. WHEN HE IS DYING AT THE FILM'S END THE ARIA IS THE LAST ROSE OF SUMMER, WHICH IS SELF EXPLANATORY. PERHAPS YOU FOLKS CAN THINK OF A COUPLE MORE......
5-FINALLY, FOR THIS POST, THE VICTOR PHONOGRAPH WHICH PLAYS "BECAUSE" HAS ITS TURNTABLE REVOLVING, BUT THE RECORD ON IT IS NOT A 78 CONCURRENT WITH THE TIME PERIOD. INSTEAD IT IS AN LP WITH THE RCA VICTOR RED SEAL!
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Deleted by topic administrator 03-17-2021 03:16 PM
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SAM MILLION
03-16-2021
08:59 AM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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HERE IS A NEAT TRUE STORY:
SENT DEREK MCGOVERN SOME MUSIC TRACKS OF SONGS DONE IN MY SENIOR YEAR. WITHOUT EXAGGERATING, OUR CHOIR WAS GREAT AND I WOULD TO THIS DAY PUT THEM UP AGAINST OTHER CHOIRS. I WAS HAPPY TRACKS THAT HE ENJOYED THE MUSIC THAT WENT FROM THE VERY FUNNY "I ENJOY BEING A GIRL" TO A BACH CLASSIC. WE WERE LUCKY TO HAVE A BRILLIANT DIRECTOR WHO WAS AS MUCH A FRIEND AS AN INSTRUCTOR. LONG AFTER OUR GRADUATING, HE CAME TO EVERY SINGLE CLASS REUNION UNTIL HIS DEATH.
CUTE STORY: IN MY SENIOR YEAR YOURS TRULY, ALWAYS AN "A" STUDENT, FLUNKED PHYSICS. THE ONLY WAY TO KEEP MY GRADE AVERAGE HIGH AND IN THE SUMMA CUM LAUDE CATEGORY WAS TO DROP THE CLASS AND ALSO SAY GOOD BYE TO THE VERY GRUMPY INSTRUCTOR. THAT OPEN HOUR IN MY SCHEDULE TURNED INTO A BORING STUDY HALL. I TOOK A CHANCE AND FOUND MY DEAR MUSIC TEACHER AND ASKED HIM IF THE TWO OF US COULD SPEND TIME TOGETHER. FORTUNATELY FOR ME, HE LIKED THE IDEA AND WE DROVE HIS FOREIGN CAR WHICH WOULD NOT MOVE ON ANY STANDARD GAS. HE LOVED POINTING OUT THAT AROUND THE KEY WAS WRITTEN "FAHRT". FART IN GERMAN MEANS START! BUT THE BEST WAS YET TO COME. THE SCHOOL HAD JUST PURCHASED A WONDERFUL RCA TWO PIECE STEREO THAT HAD GREAT SOUND. I TOOK MY COPY OF "CAVALCADE OF SHOW TUNES" TO HIM, WE SHUT THE DOOR AND PLAYED THE ENTIRE LP AT CONCERT LEVEL VOLUME. YOU COULD FEEL HIS ENJOYMENT AS HE SHOOK HIS HEAD FAVORABLY AT THE GREAT LANZA VOICE. MR. DENGLER HAPPENED TO BE A TENOR HIMSELF, SO THIS INCREASED HIS ENJOYMENT. I WILL NEVER, NEVER FORGET WHAT HE SAID AS THE RECORD ENDED: "SAM, I'M EMOTIONALLY DRAINED OUT". YOU GOT THAT RIGHT, MR. D.!!
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SAM MILLION
03-16-2021
08:33 AM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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WHAT AN INCREDIBLE SURPRISE! THE FAMOUS MINI FIAT 500 IMPORTED CAR THAT YOU SEE ON THE ROAD A LOT PRODUCED A GREAT AD A COUPLE YEARS AGO THAT FEATURES ACTOR ADRIEN BRODY. IT ALSO FEATURES A MINI LOVE STORY WHILE YOU SEE SHOTS OF THE CAR TRAVELING AND AT REST. NOW THE GOOD PART: NEAR THE START YOU SEE A LITTLE PHONOGRAPH AND ADRIEN PUTS THE TONE ARM ON THE RECORD AND MARIO BEGINS SINGING COME PRIMA".THEN THROUGHOUT THE COMMERCIAL MARIO IS HEARD AS MORE EXCERPTS OF HIS SINGING ARE PLAYED. IN FACT ADRIEN AND A GIRL HE MEETS AT A FLEA MARKET AND WHO PUTS HIM IN HER GREEN (!)FIAT START TRAVELING TOGETHER.DOES THIS MAKE YOU WANT TO BUY THE CAR? WELL, ONLY IF YOU DON'T ALREADY HAVE A MERCEDES (AND PERHAPS A GORGEOUS GIRLFRIEND!) OH, BY THE WAY, YOU SEE ADRIEN WAKING UP ON HIS COUCH AS THE LOVELY GIRL APPEARS AT HIS DOOR BRINGING HIM COFFEE. HE THINKS HE HAD BEEN DREAMING BUT WAKES AND UPON GETTING A KISS ON THE CHEEK HE SAYS "SO IT WASN'T A DREAM"! LONG LIVE MARIO--AND THAT'S NO DREAM!!
SEE HERE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=56FN6OKzukM
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Messages 58812-58811 deleted by author 03-17-2021 03:16 PM |
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SAM MILLION
03-15-2021
06:29 PM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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HEY KRISTINE: I LOVE KALEY CUOCO. SHE AND THE CHARACTER SHELDON ARE MY FAVORITES. I HAVE SEEN EVERY EPISODE AND MANY SEVERAL TIMES AS OUR LOCAL STATION KEEPS RECYCLING THEM.I WOULD DEFINITELY LIKE TO SEE HER IN THAT BIOGRAPHY OF DORIS DAY, AS THAT WOULD BE A DOUBLE DELIGHT AS I LOVE DORIS VERY MUCH. AN ANGELIC VOICE IF EVER THERE WAS ONE. I AM GLAD TO HEAR DORIS' OWN VOICE WILL BE USED.DO YOU HAVE ANY IDEA WHEN IT WILL AIR AND ON WHAT CHANNEL? BY THE WAY, I WOULD ALSO LOVE A BIO OF ARETHA AND BILLIE!
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Deleted by author 03-15-2021 08:51 AM
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Kristine C
03-14-2021
10:03 PM ET (US) IP: 96.59.37.64
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Correction: Kaley Cuoco.
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Martino1 03-14-2021
07:56 PM ET (US) IP: 67.216.108.216
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Kristine, I think they could make up Aaron Caruso to look very similar to Mario Lanza, so I agree with you there. The problem is he would want to sing, just like Lanza sang when he portrayed Caruso. Any bio-pic of Mario Lanza would be lacking a great deal if Lanza's own voice was not used in the movie.
The difference between a bio pic of Lanza and The Great Caruso movie was that the sound reproduction of the Caruso voice was not of a high enough standard to use in a motion picture. The technology of the time was not sufficient to do the Caruso voice justice and it would sound very strange in a modern motion picture. The Lanza voice however, was captured very well and could be inserted in a modern day picture. No tenor, such as Aaron Caruso, would want to just act the part and not sing. That is not how tenors are built.
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Kristine C
03-14-2021
07:37 PM ET (US) IP: 96.59.37.64
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There is a film biography mini-series being planned about Doris Day, with actress, Kelly Cuoco portraying her. I don't know if Doris Day's voice will be dubbed in. There is a movie about Aretha Franklin(who, by the way, was a fan of Mario Lanza)out called "Respect", and another movie about Billie Holiday , "The U.S. vs Billie Holiday" is out. Maybe one day, there will be that film biography about Mario Lanza. Aaron Caruso would be perfect to portray Lanza, especially, having the similar physical stature.
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SAM MILLION
03-14-2021
06:52 PM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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GREAT COMPARISON VINCE. IF THE SAYING "A PICTURE IS WORTH A THOUSAND WORDS"IS VALID, THEN YOUR A-B WORK HERE SHINES!
I HAVE SOMETHING UNUSUAL TO TELL YOU FOLKS. I CAN TAKE THE NEW GREAT CARUSO ONE STEP FURTHR AND SHOW IT IN SIMULATED 3D WITH MY VERSATILE PROJECTOR. WITH THE QUALITY ALREADY SO HIGH, THE ADDED DEPTH IS SOMETHING ELSE!!!
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Vince Di Placido 03-14-2021
05:22 PM ET (US) IP: 86.44.28.228
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Aw! Thanks so much Martino, tricky wee video to do but I am really proud of this one.
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Martino1 03-14-2021
05:16 PM ET (US) IP: 67.216.108.216
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This is terrific, Vince. No review, where we just write an opinion, can match what you have done in this true A/B comparison. Watching your youtube clip is all anyone needs to see to understand the improvement of the new disk over all others.
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Vince Di Placido 03-14-2021
04:12 PM ET (US) IP: 51.171.44.180
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Sam Million 03-14-2021
12:37 AM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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TO DEREK MANNERING: WOULD YOU PLEASE PASS THE FOLLOWING ON TO ELISSA. "DEAR ELISSA, I WANT TO PERSONALLY CONGRATULATE YOU ON FINALLY GETTING WHAT HAD LONG BEEN PROMISED TO YOU, WHICH IS A FIRST CLASS BLU RAY OF YOUR FATHER IN "THE GREAT CARUSO". I HOPE IT SELLS WELL SO OTHERS MIGHT GET THE SAME CLASS TREATMENT. I WROTE A LONG REVIEW HERE ON RENSE AND HAVE BEEN PROMOTING THE DVD TO EVERYONE I KNOW. SINCE THE BOTTOM LINE TO PRODUCERS OF THESE DVDS IS FINANCIAL PROFIT, SALES HERE AND ABROAD ARE MUCH NEEDED. YOU ARE A SHINING BEACON THAT KEEPS OUR MARIO'S LIGHT BURNING AND I KNOW AS LONG AS YOU ARE WITH US, WE WILL ALWAYS HAVE LOVE AND SUPPORT. THANK YOU AGAIN, SAM"
PS. I LOST YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS. WOULD YOU PLEASE SEND IT TO ME AT MY NEW ADDRESS OF SMS5565@GMAIL.COM. THANKS.
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Martino1 03-13-2021
08:43 PM ET (US) IP: 67.216.108.216
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Excellent review, Sam. As usual you detect all the subtleties and leave nothing out. As you say, I hope everyone buys this disk as it is the best representation of the high water mark in the career of Mario Lanza.
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Kristine C
03-13-2021
08:30 PM ET (US) IP: 96.59.37.64
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Sam, very interesting and informative review. I just bought it, by mail order. Douglas Shearer(brother of Norma Shearer)won Oscar for his sound recording of "The Great Caruso".
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Sam Million 03-13-2021
05:22 PM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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THE SAM SAMUELIAN REVIEW OF THE NEW BLU RAY DISC OF MARIO'S "THE GREAT CARUSO". I RECEIVED THE PACKAGE THREE HOURS AGO AND IMMEDIATELY WENT DOWN AND FIRED UP MY PROJECTOR, TURNED UP THE SURROUND SOUND AS FAR AS MY EARS WOULD LET ME, AND OPENED THE DVD PLAYER TRAY AND INSIDE WENT "MARIO".
LET ME SAY RIGHT UP FRONT THAT HAVING ONE OF MARIO'S MOVIES GIVEN FIRST CLASS TREATMENT IS A GIFT WE SHOULD ALL CHERISH. THERE MAY NEVER BE ANOTHER OF HIS FEATURES GIVEN THIS TREATMENT. HE IS NOT AS POPULAR AS HE WAS YEARS AGO AND THE BOTTOM LINE WITH RELEASING COMPANIES IS PROFIT. THAT IS ONE REASON I URGE EVERYONE HERE TO BUY THIS (UNLESS OF COURSE YOU DON'T HAVE A BLU RAY PLAYER. ON THAT SCORE, YOU WILL STILL COME OUT AHEAD GETTING THIS TYPE PLAYER BECAUSE BLU RAY PLAYERS "UPSCALE" EVEN STANDARD DVDS AND MAKE THEM LOOK NOTICEABLY BETTER.
GOING BACK TO THE ORIGINAL TECHNICOLOR NEGATIVES IS A MUCH COSTLIER PROCESS THAN TAKING A 35MM PRINT OF A TITLE AND GIVING IT NEW PIZAAZ BY GIVING IT THE BLU RAY TREATMENT. TO THE BEST OF MY KNOWLEDGE AND JUDGING WHAT A 16MM FILM DEALER TOLD ME, THERE ARE ONLY THREE OTHER TITLES THAT GOT THE GREAT CARUSO TREATMENT. THEY ARE HELLO DOLLY, GOOD NEWS, AND SHOWBOAT. MOST OF THESE TITLE ARE ON AMAZON RIGHT NOW AND ARE READY TO BE SHIPPED. THE AVERAGE PRICE IS 17.99 PLUS SHIPPING.
AFTER LEO ROARED,THE OPENING TITLES CAME UP AND FOR WHATEVER REASON I EXPECTED THE TITLES TO BE DEEP RED, SINCE THAT TYPE OF COLOR IS A TRADEMARK OF TECHNICOLOR. INSTEAD THE TITLE CARD AND CREDITS WERE AN ORANGISH RED. INTERESTINGLY, THOUGH, THEY HAD A NOTICEABLE SPARKLE TO THEM. TECHNICOLOR AND MANY OTHER PROCESS FILMS HAVE DEEP JET BLACKS. CARUSO HAS THESE.
A BIG SHOCK WAS THE OPENING SCENE OF NAPLES THAT IN THE STANDARD DVD LOOKS SO AWFUL, GRAINY, AND FULL OF SCRATCHES AND DIRT. PRESTO CHANGE-O, THIS SCENE IS FLAWLESS! THE EARLY SCENE WITH ENRICO'S MOTHER HOLDING HER BABY FOR THE FIRST TIME IS RATHER BRIGHT. THIS IS SOMETHING THE FILM BOASTS ALL THE WAY THROUGH. EVEN NIGHT SCENES SEEM TO HAVE A BULB BEHIND GIVING THEM SPARKLE. MOST OF TODAY'S FLAT SCEEN TVS HAVE WHAT IS CALLED "BACKLIGHTING" AND PRODUCE THIS EFFECT.
WHAT IS NOTICEABLE IMMEDIATELY IS THAT THERE ARE LITTLE COLOR SWATCHES ALL OVER THE MOVIE FRAMES THAT STAND OUT AS NEVER BEFORE. FOR EXAMPLE, A RED ROSE, BRICKS, FOLIAGE. WATCHING THE FILM IS INCREDIBLY PLEASANT SINCE THERE IS NOT ONE SCRATCH, DIRT, OR SPECS IN THE PICTURE. IT IS AS PURE AS CAN BE. PLUS THERE IS NO GRAININESS AT ALL. A GUY I KNOW USED TO SAY "IT LOOKS LIKE GLASS ON THE SCREEN".
ONE SHORTCOMING OF QUITE A FEW DVDS (AND MY COLLECTION OF MOSTLY STANDARD DVDS AND POSSIBLY 20 PERCENT BLU RAYS) IS THAT THERE IS VERY OFTEN "NOISE" IN THE PICTURE. NOISE IS WHEN YOU SEE A MAN'S JACKET, FOR EXAMPLE, AND THERE IS FRINGING OR MOVEMENT WHICH YOU SEE THAT AT TIMES IS QUITE ANNOYING. THIS IS NOT THE CASE IN THE BLU RAY GREAT CARUSO. THERE IS ABSOLUTELY NONE OF THAT.
LET'S SHIFT OVER TO THE SOUND QUALITY. MARIO IS A TENOR, AND THAT RANGE BEING HIGHER THAN A BARITONE NEEDS A SHARP, RICH QUALITY. AND THAT IS WHAT YOU GET! HIS VOICE RINGS OUT BETTER THAN EVER. HIS SPEAKING VOICE HAS BETTER CLARITY TOO. IN ADDITION TO THIS ANY MUSIC, ORCHESTRAL OR OTHERWISE HAS A DEEP END THAT IS A FIRST FOR THE GREAT CARUSO. AND YOU CAN CRANK UP YOUR SOUND WITH AS MUCH VOLUME THAT YOUR EARS CAN TAKE AND THERE IS NOT A SPECK OF DISTORTION. THINK "TOAST OF NEW ORLEANS" WHEN MARIO AND KATHRYN DO THE FIRST "BE MY LOVE" DUET. THE TOP NOTES HAVE DISTORTION WHICH CANNOT BE REMOVED.
I AM GOING TO MAKE A STATEMENT THAT MIGHT SURPRISE YOU. THIS GREAT CARUSO HAS A NEAR 3D (THREE DIMENSIONAL) QUALITY THAT SETS THE ACTORS APART TO SOME DEGREE FROM THEIR BACKGROUNDS. IT IS ALMOST LIKE WHAT A GRAPHIC ARTIST DOES WHEN HE CUTS OUT FIGURES USING A PRECISE XACTO KNIFE. FOR SOME REASON, THE NEWSPAPER ARTICLES ARE HARD TO READ AND ON THE WASHED OUT SIDE. ALSO, AS MARTINO POINTED OUT, COLOR WOULD BE MORE SATURATED WHEN VIEWED ON A 50 INCH PLUS SCREEN. BEST OF ALL FLAT SCREENS ARE THE LG MODELS THAT HAVE THEIR UNIQUE COLOR THAT PEOPLE IN THE BUSINESS RATE AS NEVER BEING SURPASSED.
ANOTHR VERY APPEALING AND NOTICEABLE FEATURE IS THAT CROWD SCENES WOW US WITH THE MYRIAD OF COLOR IN COSTUMES WORN. AND MUCH MORE SUBTLE AND INGRATIATING IS THE COLOR IN THE COSTUMES WORN BY THE PRINCIPAL ACTORS. MEN'S JACKETS LIKE MARIO'S IN THIS SCENE OR THAT ARE TRULY DIFFERNT COLORS THAN WE ALWAYS EXPECTED. A JET BLACK DRESS JACKET COULD EASILY BE DEEP BLUE. WHEN ANN BLYTH IS SITTING IN THE RED PLUSH BALCONY OF THE MET SHE IS WEARING A LIGHT PURPLE DRESS. NOT THE WHITE DRESS WE ARE USED TO. WHEN MARIO HAS A VEST UNDER HIS JACKET IT IS PINK. NOT HOT PINK, BUT PASTEL.
ANOTHER WONDERFUL FEATURE IS THE SHEEN ON MANY OF THE PROPS. FURNITURE LOOKS NEW, A PIANO LOOKS LIKE IT HAS JUST HAD A COAT OF LACQUER ON IT FOR A SHINE. MARTINO MENTIONED THE GLEAM IN MARIO'S EYES. SO TRUE. AND THE BEST SCENE TO SHOW THIS, AND AN EMOTIONAL ONE, IS AFTER THE LUCIA SEXTETTS IS FINISHED AND MARIO FIRST SEES HE HAS A NEW LITTLE GIRL. HE LIFTS HIS HEAD UP FROM THE BOW HE IS TAKING AND YOU SEE THE SPARKLE AND ENTHUSIASM IN HIS EYES, ONLY ONE STEP AWAY FROM WATERY EYES. I ADMIT WITHOUT EMBARASSMENT THAT MY EYES WERE SELDOM DRY DURING THE MOVIE. I WAS UNABASHEDLY BAWLING FROM THE EMOTION BEING RELEASED. THANKFULLY, THIS CALMED DOWN AFTER AWHILE OR ELSE I WOULD HAVE NEEDED A HANDKERCHIEF.
I WONDERED WHY THEY RELEASED THE BLU RAY WITH THE SAME PHOTO OF MARIO THAT THE STANDARD DVD HAS. AH-HA, THOUGH, THERE IS A DIFFERENCE. LIKE THE RICH REDS IN THE MOVIE, THE COVER IS NOTICEABLY MUCH DEEPER RED. UNFORTUNATELY THE DESCRIPTION OF THE DVD IS THE SAME ON THE BACK COVER. THEY DIDN'T CHANGE A WORD. THE PRINT IS SO SMALL I DIDN'T NOTICE IF THEY MENTIONED EXTRAS.
HERE IS A GOOD TIME TO MENTION THAT THE THEATRICAL TRAILER, WHICH ARE ONLY FAIR TO GOOD ON MOST STANDARD OR BLU RAY DVDS, IS WONDERFUL IN THIS GREAT CARUSO. NOT QUITE AS CLEAR AS THE MOVIE BUT VERY, VERY GOOD. AND THE OTHER EXTRA IS MARK KIDEL'S WONDERFUL DOCUMENTARY ON THE ALL TOO SHORT CAREER OF LANZA. IT HAS VERY SUITABLE MUSIC THROUGHOUT. IN THE 1949 THAT MIDNIGHT KISS MARIO IS SEEN SINGING WHILE ACCOMPANYING HIMSELF ON THE PIANO. I ONLY GOT INTO IT BY TWENTY MINUTES AS WE HAD FRIENDS COMING OVER. THE DOCUMENTARY IS CALLED "SINGING TO THE GODS". IT STARTS WITH OUR OWN JEFF RENSE DESCRIBING MARIO'S VOICE. HE IS AS PERCEPTIVE AS CAN BE AS HE SAYS IT IS HARD TO DESCRIBE THIS VOICE. IT IS LIKE A BLIND MAN SEEING FOR THE FIRST TIME. THERE ARE MANY PEOPLE INTERVIEWED FOR THIS EXCELLENT DOCUMENTARY. OUR OWN DEREK MANNERING IS ONE WHO IS PREVALENT. ELLISSA LANZA BREGMAN IS ANOTHER, AND MARIO'S BEST FRIEND TERRY ROBINSON (LOOKING OLDER THAN YOU MIGHT REMEMBER) ARE FEATURED. PROBABLY MORE.
ONE PERSON SAID HE OR SHE WAS DISAPPOINTED THAT THEY COULD NOT SHOW GREAT CARUSO IN WIDESCREEN. WELL, IT WOULD LOOK RIDICULOUS THAT WAY WITH THE ACTORS LOOKING VERY WIDE. THAT BEING SAID, THE DOCUMENARY IS FULL WIDESCREEN. IT HAS NICE COLOR AND CLEAN PICUTURE AND BEST OF ALL PURE, EXCELLENT SOUND. SO MUCH GREAT LANZA SINGING.
SO, IN SUMMATION LET ME SAY THIS IS ONE OF THE MOST GLORIOUS, FAITHFUL TO THE LOOK AS SHOWN IN THE THEATERS (ACTUALLY BETTER THAN 35 MM DUE TO HOW CLEAN ITS PICTURE IS), EXCITING, AND ENDEARING. IT TUGS AT THE SENSES AND IS AS MUCH AS YOU COULD WISH FOR IN A WISTFUL DREAM. PARAPHRASING JIMINY CRICKET IN THE DISNEY "PINOCCHO", I SING TO YOU "WHEN YOU WISH UPON A STAR, THE BLU RAY CARUSO IS UP TO PAR". PRETTY CORNY, I KNOW, BUT Y'ALL KNOW HOW MUCH I LOVE TO SING!
I LIFT MY GLASS AND DRINK TO HAVING DREAMS FOR MORE MOVIE ADVENTURES IN THE FUTURE. ONE IN PARTICULAR WHICH SHOULD GET THE TOP BLU RAY TREATMENT IS "THE STUDENT PRINCE" AS IT FEATURES WONDERFUL LANZA SINGING, BIG PRODUCTION VALUES, AND A STRIKINGLY PRETTY AND BLOND ANN BLYTH. I READ HER BIOGRAPHY (SHE IS STILL WITH US AND WROTE IT A COUPLE YEARS AGO). IN IT SHE REVEALS THAT SHE LOVES SINGING AND WOULD LIKELY HAVE SOUGHT OUT A CAREER USING HER VOICE TO BEST ADVANTAGE. WHY, SOME OF HER HIGH NOTES SOUND NEAR OPERATIC. AND THE STUDENT PRINCE HAS A VERY IMPORTANT ATTRIBUTE IN THAT IT IS ARGUABLY THE MOST COMMERCIAL OF FILMS BEARING THE LANZA NAME.
AS ALWAYS, I WELCOME ANY COMMENTS OR ADDITIONS TO MY REVIEW. IF YOU DON'T GET AN ANSWER RIGHT AWAY, KNOW THAT I WILL BE WATCHING THE GREAT CARUSO YET AGAIN!!!
PS. KUDOS TO ELISSA LANZA BREGMAN ON FINALLY SEEING HER DREAM OF A BLU RAY GREAT CARUSO COME TRUE. YOUR FATHER IN HEAVEN IS SMILING DOWN ON YOU HONEY.
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Messages 58797-58796 deleted by author between 03-14-2021 10:58 PM and 03-13-2021 12:54 AM |
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SAM MILLION
03-13-2021
12:52 AM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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I JUST HEARD FROM AMAZON THAT MY BLU RAY GREAT CARUSO WILL BE HERE TOMORROW (SATURDAY). YOU BETTER BELIEVE I WILL WASTE NO TIME BETWEEN RECEIVING IT AND PLAYING IT ON MY PROJECTOR.
A NICE LITTLE PLUS IS THAT AMAZON REFUNDED ME 4.00 OFF THE 21.99 PRICE SINCE THE SELLING PRICE WENT DOWN SINCE I ORDERED IT. YOU TOO MAY NOW ORDER IT AT THE 17.99 PRICE!
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Martino1 03-12-2021
11:26 AM ET (US) IP: 67.216.108.216
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Well, I cheated on a couple things I had to do and decided to watch the new TGC Blu-Ray disk yesterday, twice in fact! It was a long night!! The first viewing was with a home theater system which upconverted the 1080P disk resolution to 2160, or what is commonly referred to as "4K". The sound was routed through my audio/video receiver to my speakers in two channel sound without surround sound or other enhancements. The audio track on this dvd is in HD-Master Audio. This kind of processing is far more suited to action and si-fy films, in my opinion. I prefer two speaker systems (as long as they are high quality) for music and that is how I listened to this video. This is especially true when the original soundtrack was recorded in mono, not even stereo, as were some later Lanza soundtracks. But we can forget all that stuff and just speak of the sound of Lanza's voice and the dialouge. In this regard you really can't ask for better overall sound. Lanza's voice burst through with clarity to nearly match modern recordings. Speech was crisp and easily understandable. I did not do an A/B comparison with other TGC disks because clearly this is the best sound to be heard on a Lanza issue since the SACD "Mario!" cd.
The picture quality was terrific and again, clearly better than anything else we have on disk. The movie was shot with Technicolor which even today was a wonderful process that emphasized vivid color saturation, sometimes to a fault but not in this case. The technicians had a wonderful film to work with right from the start. The blacks were especially rewarding. Look behind Lanza singing the Quartet from Rigoletto. You will see dark background only with a regular 480i disk, at least that is how I remember it. But now you can see the outline of the stones themselves, stacked one atop the other. Also, look at Lanza's eyes. They have a sparkle to them that I do not remember seeing before, at least not to this extent. At times they look like jewels. The transfer inputs at a normal Blu-Ray resolution of 1080p. No doubt the upconversion to "4K" performed by the projector helped the vibrancy of the picture. Of course, there is occasional drawbacks. Whites particularly are somewhat too vibrant, resulting in a "pixel" effect. See Mario's collar in the Martha aria and his shirt during Ave Maria for examples of this grainy "white push". It should be noted my projector has been calibrated to ISF standards by a professional calibrator, one of the best in the business.
Because of the precision calibration of this display, as well as the 110" size, I decided to view the film once again, this time on a regular tv, a 2020 Sony Bravia 49", from a distance of about five or six feet. This tv also upconverts to "4K". I listened through the regular tv speakers. This set up is much closer to what most people who do not have dedicated home theater systems will use to watch the film. The calibration of this tv was not done professionally but I think I came fairly close myself with Netflix standards. The first thing I noticed was how saturated some colors in some scenes looked. For example, the beginning of the La Boheme scene. The red in the stage curtains and the box seat trims made the whole scene set look cartoonish. I know you can adjust your set's color, tint, temperature, etc. but then you would have to adjust back and forth and that would be out of the question. These problems are not often noticed on this disk and it all depends on your display and your color/tint settings. Individual tv adjustments not withstanding, you will find the disk itself to be very forgiving. I think you will enjoy both audio and video no matter what display you watch. Of course, if you add a soundbar or stand alone speakers the sound will be infinitely better than what you get through the tv speakers. I strongly recommend you try to get a Blu-Ray player or tv that upconverts to "4K", to take full advantage of the processing Warner Bros. used.
Bottom line is that this disk finally does justice to Lanza's greatest motion picture and serves him faithfully. Yes, I wish it were in 16:9 rather than 4:3 aspect ratio but you can't have everything. Nonetheless, if I had to introduce someone new to Mario Lanza, it is this disk I would reach for first. And finally, it goes without saying that, as with anything, the better your equipment the more you will enjoy this new dvd.
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Julie Page
03-11-2021
07:41 PM ET (US) IP: 74.79.51.67
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Wonderful as always, Vincent. Thank you so much.Every extra scene is so exciting to see.
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Martino1 03-11-2021
02:16 PM ET (US) IP: 67.216.108.216
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I just received the new Great Caruso Blu-Ray disk. With a little luck I will find some time to watch it this weekend and then post my impressions. I will not critique the movie itself or Mario Lanza, which has been done a million times before, but the audio/video quality of the new transfer and what impact those improvements, if any, have on viewing the film. I hope everyone who buys this disk will post their impressions here.
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Diane Cox
03-11-2021
12:10 PM ET (US) IP: 23.127.59.195
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Watched this video yesterday and it is great!
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Vince Di Placido 03-10-2021
04:47 PM ET (US) IP: 86.44.28.228
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https://youtu.be/pO0g5oWHyY8
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Jeffrey
03-10-2021
09:03 AM ET (US) IP: 71.228.150.13
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Hi Sam and everyone! I was thrilled to receive the Blu-Ray on the day of release! Haven't had a chance to watch as yet, but hopefully on the weekend. Not only that, but I found this morning that Amazon has refunded me the difference between the original posted coat, and their lowest price, so another kudo to Amazon Prime.
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Martino1 03-10-2021
07:59 AM ET (US) IP: 67.216.108.216
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Sam, I indicated in an earlier post that my copy should be here the 11th or 12th.
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SAM MILLION
03-10-2021
07:16 AM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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I HAVE NOW HEARD FROM THREE FRIENDS WHO GOT THEIR NEW GREAT CARUSO DVD. WITHOUT EXCEPTION ALL HAD NOTHING BUT RAVES. THE RAVES VARY REGARDING TO WHAT EACH PERSON FOUND THE MOST IMPORTANT. PS. I ASKED WHO HERE ON THE FORUM HAVE ORDERED THE DVD BUT NO ONE RESPONDED. CURIOUS....
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SAM MILLION
03-10-2021
07:12 AM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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HI KRISTINE! THE SHOW YOU SPEAK OF MAY NOT EXIST. I SAY THAT BECAUSE THE ONLY SULLIVAN SHOW EXCERPT ON MARIO I HAVE SEEN IS ED'S VERY BRIEF CONVERSATION WITH MARIO ABOUT HIM BEING HOMESICK. AFTER THAT I BELIEVE SULLIVAN AIRED THAT INTERVIEW AGAIN RIGHT AFTER MARIO HAD DIED.
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Kristine C
03-09-2021
11:25 PM ET (US) IP: 96.59.37.64
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On March 21, 2021, MeTV will show "The Ed Sullivan Show", at 9:30 P.M.(Eastern Time Zone). You'll see his shows which had The Beatles, Elvis, Topo Gigio, etc. I wonder if "The Ed Sullivan Show" which had Mario Lanza, as guest, will be seen ? I think it will be weekly, Sunday nights. That was the show, where Mario Lanza promoted "The Seven Hills Of Rome" and Marissa Allasio was seen. MeTV is a cable t.v. channel which shows old t.v. shows.
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Alex Valiansky
03-09-2021
07:47 PM ET (US) IP: 166.216.158.63
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I received my copy of the blue ray “The Great Caruso” today, and immediately watched it. It is a vast, vast improvement over the DVD version that was released ten years ago. The picture is so sharp that it looks like the actors are going to walk right off the screen and into one’s living room. However, inexplicably the word “palatable” is still missing from the sound track.
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Derek Mainwaring 03-09-2021
06:27 PM ET (US) IP: 24.13.64.27
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No need to go anywhere, Sam. I was referring to the excellent review link you posted earlier.
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Am million
03-09-2021
05:45 PM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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HI DEREK, YOU MENTIONED STEFF REGARDING A REVIEW OF BLU RAY GREAT CARUSO. I DID NOT SEE THIS HERE. WOULD YOU PLEASE TELL ME WHERE TO GO? (BOY THAT SOUNDS AWFUL--"TELL ME WHERE TO GO"
LOL.
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SAM MILLION
03-09-2021
05:42 PM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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WELL THIS IS A FINE HOW DO YOU DO! MY FRIEND RON IN ST. LOUIS SAID AN AMAZON TRUCK JUST DELIVERED HIS GREAT CFDRUSO BLU RAY AROUND 4 PM. SO, I ASSUMED MINE WOULD BE HERE BEFORE 6 PM SINCE THEY SAID "TUESDAY DELIVERY" WHICH I SAW THIS MORNING. DARN IT, I JUST LOOKED AGAIN AND NOW THEY ARE SAYING MARCH 16TH, A WHOLE WEEK MORE. I AM SO BUMMED OUT NOW. WELL, AT LEAST RON CAN GIVE ME HIS OPINION WHEN IT GETS DARK ENOUGH FOR HIM TO RUN IT.
I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW IF ANYONE HERE HAS GOTTEN IT. ALSO, I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW WHOM AMONG YOU ORDERED IT....
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Derek Mainwaring 03-09-2021
09:54 AM ET (US) IP: 24.13.64.27
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An excellent review indeed, and kudos to Steff Walzinger for sourcing the original online. You can understand now why I was thrilled by the quality of the upgrade.
And the complete DVD cover looks splendid, Sam. No need to consult the fine print at all. The blue case alone tells you it's a Blu-ray disc.
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SAM MILLION
03-09-2021
09:53 AM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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MARTINO:
AS THE COWARDLY LION SAID IN THE WIZARD OF OZ:"AINT'T IT THE TRUTH, AIN'T IT THE TRUTH. TODAY IS RELEASE DAY AND DEPENDING WHERE AMAZON IS SHIPPING FROM WILL BE THE FACTOR AS TO WHO GETS IT FIRST. I AM RAISING MY HAND SAYING "TAKE ME, TAKE ME", LOL.
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Martino1 03-09-2021
08:17 AM ET (US) IP: 67.216.108.216
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That is indeed good news Sam. Exactly the kind of information I was looking for. My copy should arrive on the 11th or 12th and since we both have 4k projectors, dvd players and big screens, it will be interesting to compare notes.
If this disk turns out to be a good seller, we may see future releases of Lanza movies re-mastered using this same process. We have seen and heard just about everything Mario Lanza did in his career, but it is the technological advances that are applied to his works that keeps the Lanza legacy alive, interesting and relative in the modern era. Younger audiences who have grown up expecting nothing but the best in sound and video entertainment need not accept "ancient" technology used in films and recordings, which often turns them off. They can now see and hear Lanza in all his glory and that in turn will keep them interested.
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SAM MILLION
03-09-2021
07:49 AM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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DEAR FELLOW LANZA FANS, DEREK MCGOVERN FOUND THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION ABOUT THE NEW BLU RAY "GREAT CARUSO" WHICH IS SO DARN EXCITING THAT I HAD TO SHARE IT HERE:
This was posted on the Google forum today and should get you excited. It's a review of the new Blu-ray from the following link:
https://geekvibesnation.com/the-great-caru...crowd-pleasing-hit/
Video Quality:
Warner Archive presents The Great Caruso with an eye-popping new 1080p master transfer in 1.37:1 sourced from a 4K scan of the original Technicolor negatives. Having Warner Archive work with Technicolor films is like a dream come true for Blu-Ray enthusiasts. The level of minute detail and clarity is stunning with a lovely amount of natural film grain intact. The film features some splendid colors within the costumes and settings that pop off the screen with a great vibrancy. The film is practically pristine with no noticeable instances of damage or dirt detected here. The black levels are incredibly deep with a pleasing stability throughout. Compression artifacts, banding and other such issues do not pop up as an issue in this transfer. This presentation is another instance of Warner Archive showing why they are one of the best labels around.
Audio Quality:
Warner Archive has served up a DTS-HD 2.0 Master Audio presentation that is a show stopper. Music is the lifeblood of this picture, and this track handles it beautifully with nothing ever sounding blown out or unstable. Lanza’s voice has never sounded better than on this disc. Dialogue comes through clearly from beginning to end without ever being overshadowed by competing elements. Every element seems to present with a nice fidelity, as all sounds are clearly defined and in balance. This is a track that thankfully does not exhibit any glaring signs of age-related wear-and-tear. Warner Archive has knocked it out of the park. The disc comes with optional English (SDH) subtitles.
Cheers,
Derek
NOW HOW IS THAT FOR EXCITEMENT?!!!!!
SAM
PS. NOTE THE LINK INCLUDED. IT WILL FILL IN INFORMATION ABOUT THE GREAT CARUSO AS A WORK OF ART.
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Sam Million 03-07-2021
12:13 PM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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ONLY TWO DAYS LEFT BEFORE AMAZON SHIPS THE GREAT CARUSO. ESTIMATING SHIPPING TIME, IT COULD BE IN BY SATURDAY OF THIS WEEK OR FIRST THING NEXT WEEK. HURRAH!
I FIND THE COVER OF THE NEW BLU RAY TO BE REDUNDANT. IT IS THE SAME COVER USED FOR THE STANDARD DISC. IMAGINE A BUYER SEEING THIS AND NOT READING THE FINE PRINT ASSUMING IT IS THE SAME STANDARD DVD.
WELL, I DECIDED TO TAKE A GREAT PHOTO FROM ONE OF THE LANZA CDS AND HAVE IT BLOWN UP A BIT IN COLOR AND PASTE IT ON WITH LOVING CARE.....
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Kristine C
03-06-2021
09:18 PM ET (US) IP: 96.59.37.64
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I watched the video of Musical Comedy 1979 with Sylvia Fine Kaye. When did she mention Mario ? I didn't hear it.
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Deleted by topic administrator 03-07-2021 02:39 PM
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Julie Page
03-06-2021
03:14 PM ET (US) IP: 74.79.51.67
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Good news, Sam, Stay well. Sylvia Kaye was Danny Kaye's wife, Hope to see the Blue Ray TGC. Let us know about the sound.
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Sam Million 03-06-2021
09:55 AM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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ON YOUTUBE I FOUND THIS 42 MINUTE PRESENTATION ON MARIO NARRATE BY SOME LADY. IN CASE YOU HAVEN'T SEEN IT, GO HERE:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_7Z30RWK5l4
I HAVE NOT WATCHED IT YET.
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Deleted by topic administrator 03-07-2021 02:39 PM
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Sam Million 03-05-2021
07:29 PM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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HI MARTINO AND THANKS FOR THE GOOD WISHES. DOWN THE FORUM LIST SOME PAGES AGO DEKEK MANNERING GAVE HIS REVIEW OF THE BLU RAY GREAT CARUSO SINCE HE GOT AN ADVANCE COPY. HE SAID IT WAS LIKE SEEING A NEW MOVIE WITH INCREDIBLY RICH COLORS. I ASKED ABOUT THE SOUND AND HE SAID HE'D LEAVE THAT TO MY JUDGEMENT. I CAN WRITE A MORE SPECIFIC REVIEW AROUND MARCH 15, WHEN I EXPECT IT IN FROM AMAZON. DEREK MCGOVERN SAID I WILL GET IT BEFORE HIM.
I DID A MARIO LANZA SCENE TONIGHT. ANNA MADE ME HER SPECIAL SPAGHETTI WITH CLAM SAUCE BASED ON LOUIS PRIMA'S RECIPE. I TOLD HER I LOVE THE SCENE IN FOR THE FIRST TIME WHERE MARIO AND CHRISTA ARE EATING SPAGHETTI AND A WAITER COMES OVER TO GIVE THEM GRATED CHEESE. WHEN THE WAITER WALKS AWAY MARIO POURS THE ENTIRE BOWL OF CHEESE ON HIS PASTA. SO TONIGHT I DID THE SAME THING AS I LOVE LOTS OF CHEESE WITH MY CLAM SAUCE.
I THINK I WILL FIND THAT SCENE AND SHOW IT IN OUR THEATER TONIGHT ALONG WITH QUITE A FEW HOME VIDEOS I PUT ON DVD, WHICH LOOK AND SOUND GREAT IN 8 BY 14 SIZE.
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Kristine C
03-05-2021
06:23 PM ET (US) IP: 96.59.37.64
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Sam,
It's great news you feel better ! Thank you for kind words and you are welcome. I just finished reading a book about Elvis called Elvis Presley:American Idol by Susan Doll. In the book , it's written that Elvis liked Dean Martin and Mario Lanza, along with gospel music, rhythm and blues.
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Martino1 03-05-2021
02:18 PM ET (US) IP: 67.216.108.216
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Sam, I am glad to hear things are looking on the bright side for you. Keep it up! You will probably be one of the first of us (besides Derek) to get the new TGC dvd. Please give your usual, thorough review when received. I will be looking forward to hearing your thoughts. Edited 03-05-2021 02:19 PM
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Deleted by topic administrator 03-07-2021 02:39 PM
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Sam Million 03-05-2021
01:06 AM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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MY DEAR FRIENDS OF THIS MARIO LANZA FORUM. I DON'T WANT TO JINX ANYTHING BY SAYING THIS TOO SOON, BUT I BELIEVE I HAVE LEFT THE DARK SIDE AND HAVE COME BACK INTO THE LIGHT!! ALL THAT I HAVE BEEN UNABLE TO DO OR RELISH HAVE BEEN STAGNANT SINCE LATE DECEMBER.
TO ALL OF YOU WHO WISHED ME BETTER HEALTH AND WHO WROTE TO ME NOT EXPECTING AN ANSWER, I AM VERY GRATEFUL.
I DON'T WANT TO LEAVE ANYONE OUT BUT SPECIAL REGARDS AND THANKS TO: DEREK MCGOVERN (WHO KEPT ME UP TO DATE FROM TIME TO TIME), DEREK MANNERING (WHO GIFTED ME WITH A GORGEOUS MARIO LANZA T-SHIRT WITH A GREAT LANZA GRAPHIC OF HIM SINGING IN THE "FIGHTER'S POSE", FRED DAY WHO ALWAYS KEPT ME ON THE BALL WITH FACTS, TO DENNIS WHO WROTE ME PRIVATELY DURING MY BAD HEALTH PERIOD, TO KRISTINE WHO COMES UP WITH MORE GREAT CELEBRITY FACTS THAN ANYONE ELSE, VINCE DI PLACIDO WHO WORKS SO HARD TO BRING THE WORLD THE BEST OF ALL THINGS MARIO, BILL RONAYNE MY FRIEND FOR LONGER THAN ANYONE AND WHO KEEPS THE MUSEUM AND INSTITUTE ALIVE FOR US, MARTINO WHO IS AMONG THE MOST LITERATE LONGTIME POSTERS, AND VALERIA WHO HOOKED ME UP TO HER ITALIAN LANZA SITE. THERE ARE MORE AND PLEASE FORGIVE ME FOR THE LANZA FANS I HAVE LEFT OUT. WRITE TO ME MORE OFTEN AND I'LL BE SURE TO DO THE SAME. LIFE IS GOOD AGAIN. DEAR GOD PLEASE LET ME ENJOY THIS STATE FOR AS LONG AS POSSIBLE.
NOTE: FOUR MORE DAYS TO THE SHIPPING OF THE BLU RAY DVD OF "THE GREAT CARUSO" . NOW I CAN WATCH IT WITH MUCH MORE PLEASURE AND DOWN IN OUR HOME THEATER WITH THE GIANT SCREEN AND SURROUND SOUND I HAVE TALKED ABOUT BEORE.
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Sam Million 03-05-2021
12:46 AM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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FYI:
The Metropolitan Opera
ARIA CODE
Aria Code Returns March 10
The Met’s acclaimed podcast collaboration with WQXR is back for Season Three, once again hosted by Grammy Award–winning musician Rhiannon Giddens. The new Aria Code season will feature 18 episodes, starting on Wednesday, March 10, with Met Music Director Yannick Nézet-Séguin discussing “Nessun dorma” from Puccini’s Turandot, featuring a classic performance of the aria by legendary tenor Franco Corelli.
The podcast, which The New Yorker hails as “elegantly constructed and effortlessly listenable,” explores the human experience at the heart of opera’s greatest arias and their powerful relevance to contemporary issues. The extraordinary lineup of artists for Season Three includes Renée Fleming, Joyce DiDonato, Deborah Voigt, Gerald Finley, Nina Stemme, Pretty Yende, René Pape, and other remarkable artists.
LEARN MORE
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Sam Million 03-04-2021
07:34 PM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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MIKE: YOU MIGHT BENEFIT FROM BUYING ONE OF THREE CARUSO CDS THAT HAVE MODERN ORCHESTRAS WHICH PLAY WITH ENHANCED CARUSO SINGING. I HAVE ALL THREE AND THE EXPERIENCE IS THE BEST YOU CAN HEAR CONSIDERING THE RATHER CRUDE QUALITY OF ORIGINAL CARUSO 78S.
I STILL ENJOY PLAYING CARUSO 78S ON MY HORN VICTOR PLAYER. THE SOUND EMANATING FROM A GOOD SIZED HORN IS RATHER EXCITING AND "RINGING"
SIMPLY LOOK UP "CARUSO 2000" AND YOU CAN BY ONE ON AMAZON FOR AS LITTLE AS 2.58 (USED, EXC.)
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Mike from L.I. 03-04-2021
01:40 PM ET (US) IP: 73.1.181.206
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Due to poor recording capabilities, I have never appreciated Caruso's greatness, and believe me, I have tried. I wonder if others can hear what I don't or are they just taking other peoples word for it. Care to comment?
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Deleted by topic administrator 03-07-2021 02:40 PM
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Sam Million 03-03-2021
09:53 AM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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THANKS KRISTINE FOR THE GOOD WISHES.
THERE IS ALREADY A BLU RAY OF FOR THE FIRST TIME BUT IT IS VERY HARSH LOOKING. AND YOU NEED AN ALL ZONE PLAYER FOR IT (WHICH I SPENT THE MONEY FORJUST TO SEE IT. YES, I AM A CRAZY FAN. AS TO THE REST OF MARIO'S MOVIES COMING OUT ON BLU RAY, KEEP WISHING FOR IT. BUT BASED ON THE PAST, WE PROBABLY WON'T SEE ANY.
BY THE WAY I KEEP READING BIOGRAPHIES WITH PEOPLE THAT IN SOME WAY TOUCHED MARIO'S LIFE. SO FAR THE MOST WAS WRITTEN BY HOWARD KEEL. MARIO HAD A GREAT TALENT FOR IMITATING VOICES AND ONCE EZIO PINZA HEARD HIMSELF BEING IMITATED HE YELLED "LANZA YOU SON OF A BITCH, WHERE ARE YOU"!!
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Deleted by topic administrator 03-07-2021 02:40 PM
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Kristine C
03-02-2021
07:54 PM ET (US) IP: 96.59.37.64
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Sam, I hope you feel better.
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Kristine C
03-02-2021
07:45 PM ET (US) IP: 96.59.37.64
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Sam, I also read John Considine's autobiography. He mentioned a vocal coach, he was studying with, and mentioned Mario Lanza, in reference to this coach. John is brother of Tim Considine("My Three Sons"). Their father, John Considine was a producer at M-G-M, back in the 1930's. Their mother was a Pantages, related to Pantages Theater owner. John did some acting and co-wrote screenplay for movie "A Wedding" back in 1977. I am facebook friends with John. By the way, Ned Wynn passed away a month ago. He was son of Keenan Wynn and grandson of Ed Wynn. RIP. I am happy "The Great Caruso" will be in Blu-Ray and hope the other Lanza movies, eventually, will be in Blu-Ray.
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Sam Million 03-02-2021
07:02 PM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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IN EXACTLY ONE WEEK THE NEW BLU RAY DVDS OF "THE GREAT CARUSO" WILL START BEING SHIPPED (MARCH 9TH). IN THE USA, THEY SHOULD BE RECEIVED WITHIN A WEEK AFTER THAT. I HOPE THOSE WHO HAVE THE PROPER PLAYERS WILL BE HAPPY. I KNOW I WILL AND I KNOW ELISSA WILL BE SINCE THE HAS WAITED YEARS FOR THIS TO HAPPEN. DEREK MANNGERING HAS ALREADY COMMENTED ON HOW GOOD IT IS. I WILL TRY TO GIVE MY OPINIONS AS WELL.
ON AN UNRELATED SUBJECT. A FRIEND OF MINE RECENTLY COMMENTED ON LANZA VS. CARUSO. WHAT MARIO HAD OVER ENRICO WAS 1-HE WAS MUCH MORE HANDSOME 2-HE COULD ACT 3-HIS VOICE HAD MUCH MORE SWEETNESS TO IT 4-HE WAS A CROSSOVER ARTIST (TO BE FAIR CARUSO DID SING A FEW NON-OPERATIC PIECES AND 5-MARIO BENEFITTED FROM RECORDINGS WHICH HAD A GREAT DEAL MORE FIDELITY. IF I LEFT ANYTHING OUT, DO COMMENT.
MOST OF YOU KNOW I AM STILL BATTLING YET ANOTHER DEPRESSION, BUT AS THERAPY I RECENTLY STARTED RECORDING EIGHT TO TEN SONGS EACH DAY. IT IS GRATIFYING. I ESPECIALLY ENJOY SPLIT SCREEN VIDEO DUETS. A YOUNG LADY WHO IS VERY ATTRACTIVE AND HAS A LOVELY VOICE WAS MY PARTNER SINGING A DUET OF "OVER THE RAINBOS" WITH I AD-LIB HARMONY AS IT COMES TO ME WITH NO REHEARSAL IT DOESN'T ALWAYS TURN OUT PERFECT, BUT HERE IT IS:
https://www.singsnap.com/#/d/listen/9567016
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Deleted by topic administrator 03-07-2021 02:40 PM
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Kristine C
03-01-2021
09:19 PM ET (US) IP: 96.59.37.64
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Sam, in Harry Belafonte 's autobiography, he wrote one night, after a stage performance , his mother went backstage and told him if he had studied music , seriously, he could sing like Mario Lanza. George Chakiris's autobiography is coming out, on Amazon.com. He wrote that when he was first at M-G-M , he and 15 year old Elizabeth Taylor were invited to listen to Mario Lanza sing.
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Sam Million 03-01-2021
02:58 PM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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I LOVE READING CELEBRITY BIOGRAPHIES AND AUTOBIOGRAPHIES. RECENTLY I READ RITA MORENO'S AUTOBIOGRAPHY AND SHE STATED THAT SHE ACTUALLY SAW MARIO EAT TWO AND A HALF CHICKENS IN ONE SETTING. SHE WONDERED WHY HE DIDN'T JUST EAT THREE! THE SAID SHE LOVED HIS VOICE AND THAT IT WAS GREAT IN PERSON.
THEN I READ DAVID NIVEN'S BIOGRAPHY. THE WRITER SAID NIVEN NEVER MADE IT AS BIG AS HE COULD HAVE. HE MENTIONED THAT MARIO HAD "GREAT TONSILS". AND JUST MENTIONED TONO IN PASSING. THEN LATER HE WROTE THAT LANZA WAS UNIQUE IN THAT HE SANG POP AND CLASSICAL EQUALLY WELL. I ALWAYS FELT NIVEN DID A GREAT JOB IN TONO. JUST JUDGING FROM THAT EXCELLENT PERFORMANCE I THINK HE COULD HAVE BEEN A MORE PROMINENT HOLLYWOOD PERSONA GIVEN THE RIGHT BREAKS..
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Sam Million 03-01-2021
02:52 PM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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THANKS FOR THAT INFORMATION VINCE. I HAVE BOTH CDS, SO IT GOES TO SHOW YOU I HAVEN'T PLAYED THEM IN YEARS. THE VIDEO YOU ADDED IS SUPERB.
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Vince Di Placido 03-01-2021
11:02 AM ET (US) IP: 86.44.28.228
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Hi! Sam, I’m glad you enjoyed it, I’ve had those selections for quite a while, they are on Damon Lanza’s “If You Were Mine” cd which I think I ordered about 14 years ago. The Cavalleria Rusticana and Il Trovatore selections can be found remastered on Sepia Records CD “Greatest Operatic Performances volume 2”. Edited 03-01-2021 01:14 PM
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Mike from L.I. 02-28-2021
10:44 PM ET (US) IP: 73.1.181.206
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VCR alert: "Toast of New Orleans" tomorrow morning 8:00 am on Turner Classics.
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Sam Million 02-28-2021
12:44 PM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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VINCE: I JUST HEARD THE DELETED AND EXTENDED SEQUENCES OF MARIO FROM GREAT CARUSO. GREAT! AMAZING! WHERE DID YOU FIND THIS MATERIAL? JUST WHEN WE THINK THERE ARE NO MORE RECORDINGS NEW WE WILL EVER HEAR FROM "THE VAULTS", SOMETHING LIKE THIS COMES ALONG. BRAVO! ALSO, THE PIC AND SOUND QUALITY IS EXCELLENT. BEST WISHES, SAM
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Diane Cox
02-28-2021
11:42 AM ET (US) IP: 23.127.59.195
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Julie, I believe the explanation has to do with not having the deluxe web page. Moderators are deleting posts regularly.
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Messages 58748-58747 deleted by author 03-07-2021 02:41 PM |
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Julie Page
02-27-2021
03:43 PM ET (US) IP: 74.79.51.67
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What is happening here? No supervision. Who are these people and where are our faithful posters? Bill, glad to hear about the opening, though I wouldn't be able to attend. Hope it's a success.
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Messages 58745-58744 deleted by author between 03-07-2021 02:41 PM and 03-07-2021 02:42 PM |
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Bill Ronayne
02-26-2021
05:07 PM ET (US) IP: 68.192.186.93
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MARIO LANZA MUSEUM REOPENING IN MARCH!
The Mario Lanza Museum will be open on Saturdays starting March 6, 2021 from 1pm - 4pm. Admission is $10 per person and reservations are required. Current Covid-19 restrictions allow 9 visitors and 1 staff person at a time. All attendees must wear a mask and observe social distancing regulations at all times. Please call 215-238-9691 or email info@mariolanzainstitute.org to make a reservation. Please note that the museum will only be open on Saturdays for now. Sorry for any inconvenience. The museum is located at 1214 Reed Street in Philadelphia.
Best, Bill
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Messages 58742-58738 deleted by author 03-07-2021 02:43 PM |
Derek Mainwaring 02-26-2021
11:52 AM ET (US) IP: 24.13.64.27
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Hi Sam, I made reference to the audio quality on my post 58701 but with less than two weeks to go before you receive your DVD, I think it best that you wait till then and form your own opinion. You are one of those passionate fans who will scrutinize every aspect of the upgrade and I don't want to color your opinion too much beforehand.
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Messages 58736-58735 deleted by author 03-07-2021 02:44 PM |
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SAM
02-25-2021
05:42 PM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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GREAT NEWS ABOUT GREAT CARUSO DEREK. MY ADVANCE ORDER IS IN! DID YOU BY ANY CHANCE NOTICE IF THE SOUND WAS IMPROVED TOO?
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Messages 58733-58730 deleted by author 03-07-2021 02:45 PM |
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Kristine C
02-22-2021
09:39 AM ET (US) IP: 96.59.37.64
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Vince, very interesting scenes. I always like to watch deleted scenes. Terry Robinson once said he was in a scene in "The Great Caruso", where he played a news reporter interviewing Caruso. It ended up on the cutting room floor. The aria from "Il Trovatore" "Misere"was sung by Allan Jones and Kitty Carlisle in "A Night At The Opera"(1935).
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Vince Di Placido 02-22-2021
12:08 AM ET (US) IP: 86.44.28.228
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https://youtu.be/PMBxeqW90Aw
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Messages 58727-58723 deleted by author between 03-07-2021 02:46 PM and 02-20-2021 01:33 PM |
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Stephen of Las Vegas
02-19-2021
11:03 AM ET (US) IP: 70.180.168.11
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Vince: Wow! Thanks for this additional detailed information and links. I must have missed your original posts back in October. I'll have to check for them. You must have quite a collection of electronics to be able to create these masterpieces. And a very nice voice yourself. Thanks again.
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Messages 58721-58720 deleted by author 02-20-2021 01:34 PM |
Vince Di Placido 02-19-2021
08:13 AM ET (US) IP: 86.44.28.228
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Stephen as an example, here is Mario's vocal track which I was able to isolate from the SACD release (there is slight bleed over to Mario's mic of course from the orchestra & chorus being recorded live along with Mario)
Firstly Voce 'e Notte - https://youtu.be/oADvo6CpUuI
And Funiculì Funiculà - https://youtu.be/Ji_DMpBZm5w
By the same token I can also listen to the orchestrations without Mario, it allows you to hear orchestral details but of course you miss Mario! :-)
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Vince Di Placido 02-19-2021
08:06 AM ET (US) IP: 86.44.28.228
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Honestly Stephen, you are not really losing anything playing just the cd layer of the 2006 SACD. As regards Mario's vocals there is no difference other than he has that dedicated center speaker on SACD playback, which thankfully in my case is a beautiful Mission speaker so he sounds magnificent.
Those Living Stereo master recordings were 3 track, that is why they are perfect for multichannel SACD but they were mixed down to 2 channel master tapes, that is what was used for the 1995 cd release. Now when Sony worked on the 2006 SACD release they went back to the original 3 track masters and created a new and for me superior stereo mix, they even corrected mixing/mastering errors from 1959.
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Deleted by topic administrator 02-20-2021 01:34 PM
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Stephen of Las Vegas
02-18-2021
08:48 PM ET (US) IP: 70.180.168.11
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Vince: Is there any difference in the qualities of Mario's voice on the SACD playback compared to the CD? How did they get 3 channels from the original 2 channel source? Was Mario recorded on one channel and both the orchestra and chorus together on the second channel? Then, are what you're getting on your left and right speakers identical? The specs for SACD are much greater than for CD, so I had hoped that if the original tapes had been digitized on equipment with a much higher bit rate than an ordinary CD, then a SACD made from it would carry more information from the original tapes...hence, better sound. Or is this much higher bit rate just to provide the extra channels?
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Kristine C
02-18-2021
07:27 PM ET (US) IP: 96.59.37.64
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"The Girl Of The Golden West" was made into a movie with Jeanette MacDonald, Nelson Eddy, Buddy Ebsen, Walter Pidegon. Was it the same story as the opera ? Good compilation, Vince. Do you think there will be a DVD's collection of Mario Lanza's movies in one package ? I look forward to the Blu-Ray of "The Great Caruso". Prayers for the people of Texas. Were those photos , from the video, from the time, Mario and Betty stayed at Ginger Rogers's ranch , near Rogue River, Oregon ? I remember Terry Robinson said Mario Lanza loved horses and would have had a horse ranch, had he lived. You know, Vaughn Monroe was in a western movie "Singing Guns" and appeared on an episode of "Bonanza", where Pernell Roberts sang, too. Can you imagine if Mario had appeared on "Bonanza" ? Opera singer, William Marshall appeared on it as a famous opera singer, who was mistaken for a runaway slave.
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Vince Di Placido 02-18-2021
07:03 PM ET (US) IP: 86.44.28.228
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Hi! Stephen, Thank you! I'm glad you enjoyed it. The 2006 SACD is far superior to the 1995 CD release. There seemed to be no effort in restoration & remastering on the 1995 release. The 2006 SACD release is definitely the best I have ever heard this album. The difference with SACD listening is that it is multi-track, 3 tracks in this case, so Mario is on his own channel, center speaker on my set-up. The orchestra & chorus are on my left & right speakers. Of course thee is a certain amount of bleed over to other tracks but the separation is fascinating. It does sound impressive but ultimately those classic Living Stereo releases were mixed for a 2 speaker set-up so the CD playback is just as impressive. Edited 02-18-2021 07:37 PM
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Vince Di Placido 02-18-2021
06:50 PM ET (US) IP: 86.44.28.228
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Mario Lanza aged 19 "Ch'ella mi creda" private recording with orchestra, lyrics & translation.
https://youtu.be/s6xBbj4A3kc
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Stephen of Las Vegas
02-18-2021
05:53 PM ET (US) IP: 70.180.168.11
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To Vincent: Your Mario! tribute on Youtube is fantastic. Thank you. Have you been able to play the 2006 SACD on a suitable player to hear the higher quality SACD tracks? If so, can you describe how much better they sound than the normal CD tracks? Also, how do the normal CD tracks on this disc compare to the original 1995 Mario! CD? It's incredible that they were able to fit the SACD tracks and the ordinary CD tracks on the same disc.
Thank you.
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Messages 58711-58709 deleted by author 02-20-2021 01:35 PM |
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08:42 AM ET (US) IP: 193.228.58.164
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Bill Ronayne
02-17-2021
08:40 AM ET (US) IP: 68.192.186.93
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Thanks Suzanne and Derek. I agree Martino regarding The Student Prince. It's a first rate film and I always enjoy watching it. Naturally I would prefer that Mario was physically in it but at least we have his glorious singing to enjoy. He owned that music! Looking forward to the Blu-ray Great Caruso release. Diane: It depends on what you have. The Lanza Museum has all of the LP's etc. Email me at info@mariolanzainstitute.org and we can discuss the other items. Best, Bill Edited 02-17-2021 09:14 AM
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Vince Di Placido 02-17-2021
07:37 AM ET (US) IP: 86.44.28.228
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Oh! Derek, I’m actually finding it impossible to pre-order the Blu-ray.
I was hoping to feature it on a YouTube review/ profile & try raise it’s profile, my videos seem to be reaching quite a large amount of people, but I have no contact with Warner Archive.
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Vince Di Placido 02-17-2021
07:21 AM ET (US) IP: 86.44.28.228
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Thanks for checking Derek. I’m sorry if I seem to being picky, that’s not the case, I was just wondering if the remastering was to such a standard that this wee glitch was caught & tidied, I’d say it has been if they used original elements. 👍🏻
Just to clear it up it happens on this exchange as I got the word wrong in the earlier comment:
Enrico - “ “for the diamond horseshoe, used to the delicate polish of Jean de Reszke, Caruso was too bourgeois to be...
Alfredo - “palatable”.
He then lists the positive reactions from other countries.
When Alfredo cuts in helping Enrico read the word “Palatable” this is when the cut/dropout happens on the soundtrack, on the Warner Archive dvd “palatable” is missing completely, the soundtrack usually fixes itself on versions I’ve seen over the years by the line “in Covent Garden even the King cheered.”
Again I’m not being silly or picky, I’ve just always found this soundtrack glitch odd, it actually seems to have got worse since I first saw the film on the BBC in the late 70s.
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Derek Mainwaring 02-16-2021
10:28 PM ET (US) IP: 24.13.64.27
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I compared that newspaper review scene on both DVDs, Vince, and found nothing unusual about it. You'll be the best judge on this when you get your copy of the new Blu-ray.
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Julie Page
02-16-2021
03:06 PM ET (US) IP: 74.79.51.67
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I presume "no Outtakes" means there are no extras at all. I still want to see it. Wondering where our friends Fred and Jim are these days. They're missed, and needed. Sam, glad you're back.
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Derek Mainwaring 02-16-2021
10:08 AM ET (US) IP: 24.13.64.27
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Hi Vince,
Yes, it is a true remastering. Warners worked on this for months and I think you'll be very pleased when you see how it turned out. I took a quick look at the scene you mentioned and didn't notice any awkward edit, though Donath says something that I couldn't quite catch. I'll compare it with the previous DVD and report back later. You have an editor's eye for these things that most of us wouldn't particularly notice.
It's part of the Warner Archive series which means it's a bare bones release, with none of the bells and whistle that were included on the beautifully produced German "Blu-ray" edition of "For the First Time" (Der Sanger Von Capri). The critical difference, of course, is TGC is a true remastering, whereas FTFT – blazingly bright though it is – is not.
I know for a fact that Warners put time, money and a real commitment into the restoration, but like that brief scene you mentioned, committed folks like you will still catch things that might have been done better. You can still hear the slight audio edit at the end of "Celeste Aida," for example, but that's the way it was shown in the cinema and I suspect the restorers might argue against tinkering too much with the original.
The same thinking applies to the audio overall. The soundtrack recordings for Mario's first three movies were captured on optical film and there are limits to what can be done with that. No surround sound, for one thing, unless some doctoring is carried out, and purists inevitably object to that
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Vince Di Placido 02-16-2021
07:16 AM ET (US) IP: 86.44.28.228
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Great to hear Derek! So it's a true remastering? Can I ask you a quick question, a silly wee thing actually, on I think every broadcast, VHS and DVD release I have seen so far there is a cut on the dialogue (and sometimes picture) when Ludwig Donath reads the newspaper review over Mario's shoulder after the Met debut, the cut is usually on or around the word "comparable". If anything this awkward cut got even worse (audibly) by the time of the Warner Archive DVD release. As I said its a silly wee thing, but has that cut/dropout been restored? I suppose this would kind of demonstrate to me there was some effort put in with this remastering. Your descriptions definitely make it sound like a job well done. Edited 02-16-2021 07:27 AM
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Patsy
02-16-2021
05:18 AM ET (US) IP: 168.90.199.52
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Derek Mainwaring 02-15-2021
11:19 PM ET (US) IP: 24.13.64.27
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Congratulations again, Bill, another great accomplishment! Ellisa was thrilled when she heard the news.
And I agree with you wholeheartedly, Martino: "The Student Prince" is a delightful movie. Great cast, top notch production values, a good script, fine direction by Richard Thorpe (I love the way he staged the "Beloved" scene), and to top it all (IMHO), Mario Lanza's most beautiful singing ever.
In other happy news, I received an advance copy of the "The Great Caruso" on Blu-ray from Warner Bros. last week and I am delighted to report that the visual quality of the remastered edition is stunning. The colors are so vivid that there were times I felt I was seeing the movie for the very first time. It's that good.
A menu bar on the disc allows you to jump directly to every musical track in the film and it was thrilling to hear Mario's voice ring out from such a pristine print. No outtakes are included and I'm not even sure they still exist in the vaults.
The important extra is Mark Kidel's excellent documentary, "Mario Lanza: Singing to the Gods" (my title, but all Mark's work). I hadn't watched it in years and it holds up really well, a first-class introduction to Mario for viewers wanting to know more about the man and his incredible voice. It serves as a reminder, too, of one very dear friend, Terry Robinson, who is no longer with us.
All in all, an absolute must-have for everyone with a Blu-ray player.
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Diane Cox
02-15-2021
04:57 PM ET (US) IP: 23.127.59.195
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Bill, anything you need at the institute? I'm going to divest myself of my Lanza collection. Some magazines, vinyl, etc.
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Julie Page(Suzanne)
02-15-2021
03:58 PM ET (US) IP: 74.79.51.67
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Great letter Bill, due to your efforts.
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Martino1 02-15-2021
11:22 AM ET (US) IP: 67.216.108.216
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Bill, I've always thought that the people who did not want to watch TSP because Mario was not in it as an actor were missing out on a pretty good movie overall. Lanza's singing was tops of course and worth the price of admission alone, but Edmund Purdom did a very good job in an almost impossible situation. In fact, I believe that in acting, physical characteristics and demeanor, he was at least as good as Mario could have been in the role, probably even better. Ann Blyth, as I have often said, is always a delight in everything she does and the scene sets and costumes were first rate. The picture and sound was also very good with Mario's voice unrestrained by "special effects" the way "Serenade" for example was cursed.
I like this movie a lot not just because it is Romberg at his finest, but for many reasons. Yes, it could have been better with the real singer appearing in the movie but under the circumstances they did the best they could. I think everyone should give this film a chance - they may be pleasantly surprised.
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Bill Ronayne
02-15-2021
10:05 AM ET (US) IP: 68.192.186.93
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Thanks Kristine and Martino. It's already in the past Kristine so they wouldn't cover it now. Even with advance notice I don't feel that they would have done a story on it. TCM didn't even show his films on January 31st and the MLI sent a request in early October. By the way, Mario's films are starting to be shown on TCM. The Student Prince is on this Wednesday the 17th at 4pm ET. I know that some won't watch this film but at least his voice is on the airwaves. The Toast of New Orleans is on TCM on March 1st at 8am as part of a salute to David Niven. Also of interest would be the first sound version of New Moon from 1930 with Grace Moore and Lawrence Tibbett on Thursday the 18th at 7:45am. Some great singing in all 3 films! Best, Bill Edited 02-15-2021 10:06 AM
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Martino1 02-14-2021
05:54 PM ET (US) IP: 67.216.108.216
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Very nice, Bill. Mario receives too few of these accolades and recognitions. Every honor he receives is well earned and I hope more and more are issued to salute the greatest voice of all time.
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Kristine C
02-14-2021
05:11 PM ET (US) IP: 96.59.37.64
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Bill, congratulations and thanks to Governor Tom Wolf(Pennsylvania). Is there any chance of having this on "Sunday Morning" t.v. show, CBS TV(before "Face The Nation") or on PBS TV ? How about on TCM ? There is another cable movie channel called MovieTV Network which shows a mixture of old and current movies. Sometimes, they show old M-G-M movies, Astaire-Rogers, "Rebel Without A Cause", etc. I don't know if they have Mario's movies. They did some trivia about Astaire-Rogers, when they aired their movies, a few months back. There is the publication, Closer Weekly Magazine, which has stories about past movie stars. Happy Valentine's Day , Everybody ! Stay well.
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Bill Ronayne
02-14-2021
05:00 PM ET (US) IP: 68.192.186.93
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Just arrived yesterday! The request went in a little too late to get this sooner but better late than never. Viva Mario! Best, Bill.
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Milford
02-14-2021
10:28 AM ET (US) IP: 45.158.185.178
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09:01 AM ET (US) IP: 168.90.197.112
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Messages 58683-58681 deleted by author between 02-13-2021 12:20 AM and 02-13-2021 12:21 AM |
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Kristine C
02-10-2021
06:20 PM ET (US) IP: 96.59.37.64
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Barbara, thank you for information and it's the first time I heard, "The Great Caruso" was nominated in three categories for Oscars. I think, Helen Rose handled the costumes and wardrobe for M-G-M and Giles Steele handled the wardrobe for the actors. Hopefully, there should be an exhibit about "The Great Caruso" at The Academy of Motion Pictures -Arts and Sciences' new Museum, which just opened, in Beverly Hills.
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Kristine C
02-10-2021
06:14 PM ET (US) IP: 96.59.37.64
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Sam, yes, that was when Hollywood Soprano, Irene Manning brought Mario to Warner Bros. At the time, Jack Warner wasn't impressed with Mario's heavy stature, thought he wouldn't be an appealing leading man. Then, of course, when he saw the changed appearance of Mario in "That Midnight Kiss", is when he had regrets not signing him. You know, sometimes that happens. At first, Hollywood didn't think Fred Astaire would have appeal on the screen. By the way, TCM honored Lana Turner on what would have been her 100th Birthday, yesterday, yet, no honoring Mario Lanza on his 100th Birthday.
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Sam Million 02-10-2021
03:12 PM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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INTERESTING TIDBIT: JACK WARNER TURNED MARIO DOWN IN THE LATE FORTIES WHEN LANZA WANTEDTO JOIN WB. OF COURSE AFTER MARIO SUCCESSFULLY JOINED MGM, WARNER FULLY REGRETTED THAT DECISION. IN 1956, MARIO DID ONE FILM FOR WB, WHCH WAS "SERENADE".
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Deleted by topic administrator 02-13-2021 12:21 AM
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Julie Page
02-09-2021
02:07 PM ET (US) IP: 74.79.51.67
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Hi Valeria. Interesting. I've been wondering where you've been. Best wishes.
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Valeria Pugiotto 02-09-2021
11:15 AM ET (US) IP: 93.42.98.163
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Hello, everybody! So, today, I received the February 1951 copy of ‘Screen Stars’. In it, there is an article written by Mario entitled ‘When a man loves’. It is a very sweet article in which Mario talks about Betty, how they met, how much he loved her. Well, in the article, he says he proposed to her in her sister-in-law’s apartment, while the two of them were having dinner alone. So, contrary to what it is written on some of the biographies published so far, Mario did not propose in a restaurant. Mario was a family man, so it makes much more sense, and, since he is writing it, it must be the truth. That just proves the fact that the Media should not be trusted 100%, and a story it is true only if it is related by those who experienced it in the first place. Something I learned when I was in academia, long time ago. 🙂
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Messages 58674-58673 deleted by author 02-09-2021 01:28 PM |
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Suzanne (Julie Page)
02-08-2021
03:33 PM ET (US) IP: 74.79.51.67
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Why should anyone want to search for a new Mario. There was only one Mario and never will there be another. As it should be.
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Messages 58671-58669 deleted by author between 02-09-2021 01:28 PM and 02-06-2021 05:17 PM |
Dennis1 02-05-2021
10:02 PM ET (US) IP: 76.126.57.19
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I wrote here recently praising the administrator for his diligence and work in removing trolls. However, I must admit, that I read everything on this site, including troll-talk. I never click on their links, but I find some of them humorous. For example, "Junko" wants to "donate" to our site. Sssurrrre. The link has the intriguing address of "medical debt" Hello? Any clue on what he/she wants? And "Lorenzo" thinks that Jeff Rense visited his site and he wants us to also visit. Of course.
Anyhow, still glad that Mario's 100th birthday has sparked some media interest and celebrations. Wasn't sure that anything like that would happen. Viva Mario!
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Messages 58667-58666 deleted by author 02-06-2021 05:18 PM |
Barbara Clifton 02-05-2021
01:10 PM ET (US) IP: 23.127.59.195
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(aka) Diane Cox
The film was nominated for three Academy Awards; at the 24th Academy Awards ceremony, Douglas Shearer and the MGM Studio Sound Department won for Best Sound.[5] The film was also Oscar-nominated for its costume design and its score.
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Kristine C
02-03-2021
09:40 PM ET (US) IP: 96.59.37.64
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It said "The Great Caruso" was nominated for Oscars. I know, Douglas Shearer(brother of Norma Shearer)won it for the sound recording of "The Great Caruso". What were the other Oscar categories , it was nominated for ? I am glad it will be in Blu-Ray. Hoping his other movies will be, too. Cicely Tyson, Cloris Leachman, Larry King(RIP). Terry Robinson was supposed to be on Larry King's Radio Show, to promote his Lanza Book, then, it was cancelled.
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Kristine C
02-03-2021
09:34 PM ET (US) IP: 96.59.37.64
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Mike, L.I., yes, I know who Oreste Kirkop was. He was in "The Vagabond King" with Kathryn Grayson(her last movie)and Rita Moreno. Some thought he would be the new Lanza, even Bing Crosby promoted him. That would be his only movie. He was Maltese and I think he passed away a few years ago. Kathryn Grayson said she and he had mutual friends in London. Whatever happened to tenors, Saverio Saradis, Tony Dalli , Ken Corday(Ed Ames thought Corday would be another Mario Lanza). Back in the 1980's, when I lived in my home state, New York, the radio show host, in Utica, N.Y., played a recording of a tenor, named Gianni Costa. It was said Sammy Cahn discovered him. I thought he sounded like a mixture of Lanza and Dennis Day. I don't know what happened to him. Enzo Stuarti just went so far. Does anyone remember tenor , Jimmy Carroll ? He appeared on Arthur Godfrey. There's a recording of him, on You Tube, singing "Let One Flower Grow Alone In Your Garden".
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Mike from L.I. 02-03-2021
08:23 PM ET (US) IP: 73.1.181.206
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Anyone ever heard Oreste Kirkop, the tenor from Malta? Closest to Mario's tone I ever heard.But his English was quite poor.
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Mike from L.I. 02-03-2021
08:20 PM ET (US) IP: 73.1.181.206
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Kind of enjoyed the Costello tribute, but the search for the next Mario continues. Pulled the plug when he didn't go for the high-C in "Be my love". Maybe someday! We can only hope!!
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Deleted by topic administrator 02-06-2021 05:19 PM
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Martino1 02-03-2021
01:54 PM ET (US) IP: 67.216.108.216
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I find this rather new technology fascinating and did a little research on it. It is a complicated process. There are several Western pictures that were released around the time of TGC, which have had this same kind of transfer made. Some of these Westerns include Trigger, Jr., released in 1950 (Roy Rogers) and Singing Guns, also released in 1950, staring Vaughn Monroe.
The reviews for this "re-mastering" of the Western films are quite good. The enhancement of TGC should be gorgeous given the excellent quality of the original negatives, which were reproduced beautifully in MGMs wonderful Technicolor processing. I still marvel at how vibrant Technicolor films look, even to this day. Hopefully, more Lanza films will follow using this technology.
Apparently, the higher resolution technique is used in the scan to get the best image possible but it has nothing to do with playback since it is an enhancement of the film negatives. Then, the enhanced negatives are transferred to HD capability (Blu-Ray), which can be played without the equipment requirements of UHD (4K). I don't completely grasp this but it is starting to make sense to me. I'm sure this disk will be by far the best of all of Mario Lanza's dvds.
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Vince Di Placido 02-03-2021
09:55 AM ET (US) IP: 86.44.28.228
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1080p HD Master Sourced from 4K scan of original nitrate Technicolor negatives!
https://www.hometheaterforum.com/community...u-ray.370911/?amp=1
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Martino1 02-03-2021
09:48 AM ET (US) IP: 67.216.108.216
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Good guess, that is probably what happened. Still, they make it confusing by not fully explaining it although it won't make much difference to most people. Thanks.
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Vince Di Placido 02-03-2021
09:38 AM ET (US) IP: 86.44.28.228
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Martino, I’ll make a guess (just a guess) that the restoration & remastering is done to 4K standards but that the ultimate viewing will be perfectly compatible with normal Blu-ray players & TVs (2K).
If these companies are going to the trouble of working on original Technicolor negatives it makes sense to do it to the best resolution at that stage, possibly the only time they will put the work in on this release.
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Deleted by topic administrator 02-06-2021 05:18 PM
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Martino1 02-03-2021
09:00 AM ET (US) IP: 67.216.108.216
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That is wonderful news Vince. But where does it say this has been restored to 4K? The website shows resolution of 1080p, which is HD Blu-Ray. 4K resolution is double that at 2160p and requires special cables, dvd player and display in order to play the video in true 4k. If it is only HD, then any modern dvd player and tv will reproduce the movie. However, if it is 4k, the special equipment I listed above has to be used. Even if the reproduction is indeed 4K, unless you have a very large display such as a projector screen over 100", the chances are you won't be able to tell much difference.
I went to another site: https://bluray.highdefdigest.com/92305/thegreatcaruso.html
and it shows the film restored in 4K but still identifies the resolution as only 1080p, which is not 4K. So I really don't know what the story is. It becomes a very important question because of the necessity of having the right equipment to play the disk. I'm just not familiar enough to understand why they would restore the film to 4K and then issue the disk in only HD.
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Vince Di Placido 02-03-2021
04:07 AM ET (US) IP: 86.44.28.228
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So very excited about this, The Great Caruso finally released on Blu-ray, 4K restoration of original Technicolor negative. Released March 9th, 2021.
https://www.blu-ray.com/movies/The-Great-Caruso-Blu-ray/285421/
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Len (UK) 02-02-2021
03:37 AM ET (US) IP: 109.157.81.125
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Thanks Wendy; I have now ordered a physical copy of that edition. Re Harmony Nights - I got Bill Rennolls to play 'Song of India' to mark the 60th anniversary of Mario's death in 2018. The problem I have with Classic FM is that they rarely stray from their play list although I do listen quite often. Sky Arts ran 'The Best of Everything' about two weeks ago early one morning. I had hoped that TCM would have run a Lanza season but perhaps they lack the broadcasting rights.
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Deleted by topic administrator 02-02-2021 12:56 AM
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Wendy Stilwell 02-01-2021
02:35 PM ET (US) IP: 90.208.94.180
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Message to Len. There is a wonderful four page spread in the Jan/Feb edition of Opera Now magazine. He was mentioned on Classic FM, and in my area, Radio Kent, Harmony Night requests.
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Sam Million 02-01-2021
09:21 AM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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I POSTED THE WRONG LINK FOR THE LANZA 100TH ANNIVERSAY SPECIAL. 26 MIN LONG ON THE WEBSITE THAT SHOULD REMAIN A GOOD WHILE.
https://www.pbssocal.org/shows/articulate/...io-lanza-100-rhmsld
HAPPY BIRTHDAY DEAREST MARIO! OTHERS CAN TRY BUT THEY WILL NEVER EQUAL YOUR GREATNESS!
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Kristine C
01-31-2021
07:23 PM ET (US) IP: 96.59.37.64
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Happy Heavenly Birthday, Mario Lanza.
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Jeff
01-31-2021
04:39 PM ET (US) IP: 209.180.237.137
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Yes, indeed. Happy Birthday to the greatest ever. My most sincere thanks to all of you loyal friends who have supported this site and Mario for so many years. There are some nice things in the works that I will be posting soon...I just need the physical time. It will happen. Wishing each of you happiness and joy in these troubled times. Listening to the voice makes this writer feel free of it all...as is flying high above the madness. The 'awe' is 100% still there and always will be. I knew a doctor years ago who told me that his favorite patient, a woman in her late 80s, was actually staying alive just so she could continue to hear the Lanza voice every day. He was serious and I had no problem believing him. All good wishes to everyone.
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Martino1 01-31-2021
12:32 PM ET (US) IP: 67.216.108.216
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Tenor Brian Cheney will be singing a concert today and broadcast on youtube, celebrating the 100th anniversary of Mario Lanza's birth. The show is titled, "Because You're Mine". Perhaps not the most beautiful voice in the world but he sure has the high notes! His high Cs in the Faust romance and in Che Gelida Manina are quite impressive. Search youtube with his name and you will find a number of arias and songs sung by Cheney. The link for the tribute is below for anyone interested:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lfNFwDQLQg...channel=BrianCheney
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Julie Page
01-31-2021
11:32 AM ET (US) IP: 74.79.51.67
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100 years ago today Jan.31,1921 the greatest tenor voice was born, Alfredo Cocozza, in Philadelphia in a room over his grandfather's grocery store. Little mention of it in newspapers, no films shown, except for those of us who never forget the magnificent Mario Lanza, can we keep it alive? The new museum should help. Thanks to all here who try so hard .Martino you're so right. Why is Caruso not forgotten, I wonder. HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MARIO.
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Martino1 01-31-2021
10:30 AM ET (US) IP: 67.216.108.216
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I agree Len. It is really up to Mario's fan base to keep his legacy alive, we can't rely on much help. A few people should be singled out for special mention, especially today: Derek Mannering and Derek McGovern, with their work in books, forums, information sources and media issues; Bill Ronyane with his newsletter and museum dedication, along with putting together and sponsoring various Lanza events throughout the year - year after year; and Vince DiPlacido with the great exposure he gives Lanza on social media. Last I looked, his latest "100" tribute on youtube, posted just a couple days ago, has already attracted over 13,000 viewers. A wonderful and important accomplishment. We owe these people, along with our own Jeff Rense who keeps this forum alive, a great deal of credit for keeping Mario Lanza in touch and relevant with modern audiences.
The media has long forgotten Mario except for an occasional article in a music magazine or the airing of one of his movies now and then. That TCM completely ignored Lanza day is surprising but not totally unexpected. The truth of the matter is that Lanza's audience is dying out, slowly but surely. It won't be long and that audience will consist of only singers (like Costello) who understand what a great voice is all about, and fan groups like ours. Such a shame but such is life, even for the most blessed and talented of us.
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Len (UK) 01-31-2021
09:10 AM ET (US) IP: 109.157.81.125
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Here in the UK the centenary has gone completely unremarked by the broadcast and print media.
I think that we have to accept that Mario Lanza is a very niche interest that has no value to those who run the media. It's up to us to keep the name alive.
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Bill Ronayne
01-31-2021
09:07 AM ET (US) IP: 68.192.179.137
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Happy 100th birthday in Heaven dear Mario! May you always walk with God. The Mario Lanza Way signs were installed on the 1200 block of Reed St in Philadelphia where the Mario Lanza Museum is now located this past Friday just in time for Mario's 100th! Viva Mario!
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Deleted by topic administrator 01-31-2021 04:39 PM
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Julie Page (Suzanne)
01-30-2021
01:07 PM ET (US) IP: 74.79.51.67
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Wonderful tributes to our beloved tenor. Enjoyed every bit of it. Thank you all.100 yrs. Can it be possible! Glimpse of the new museum was so welcome.
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Deleted by topic administrator 01-30-2021 02:12 PM
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Vince Di Placido 01-30-2021
11:35 AM ET (US) IP: 86.44.28.228
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Thank you Derek, Martino & Dennis.
Nice tribute from Stephen Costello, I especially appreciate the effort under these pandemic conditions.
It is sad news Derek that the Dublin centenary concert is being pushed back but it is something to look forward to...
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Messages 58637-58636 deleted by author 01-30-2021 02:12 PM |
Dennis1 01-30-2021
03:09 AM ET (US) IP: 76.126.57.19
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Derek, thanks for the link to Articulate. A very nice tribute by tenor Stephen Costello, with some insights of his own. Good to see Elissa again. Costello has a pleasant tenor voice and I enjoyed the singing and the backing of piano and string section. But for a centenary overview, there was too little Lanza in my opinion, especially with all the source material to draw from. Costello sang the songs correctly I thought, but had no squillo compared to Lanza and despite Stephen's fervent renditions of the music, Mario somehow had more heart in them. I hope we will see more tributes in this year similar to this.
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Deleted by topic administrator 01-30-2021 02:12 PM
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Derek Mainwaring 01-29-2021
01:31 PM ET (US) IP: 24.13.64.27
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Amen to those sentiments, Jim.
And bravo, Vince, on another beautifully compiled tribute to Lanza on YouTube. Your editing throughout was first rate, especially on all those clips of "Be My Love." I also learned recently that the Dublin concert tribute to Mario has now been rescheduled to 2022, which is probably just as well given the current Covid situation. Performance date has yet to be determined, but I suspect it will be sometime in the fall.
And finally, I'm pleased to inform you that the latest salute to Mario, this time as part of the ARTICULATE series, is now available to view on their website. I know that Bill Ronayne played a part in this project as well, so kudos to everyone involved here.
https://articulateshow.org/videos/mario-lanza-at-100/
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Jim Thompson
01-29-2021
09:15 AM ET (US) IP: 24.38.229.151
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When all is heard, said and done, the voice of Mario Lanza stands out as a beacon of solid beauty. The greatest stars of opera have spoken glowingly of him. The voice, timbre, breath control, his diction and feelings for every word were beyond compare, all together magnificent! Some names who greatly admired Mario: Sutherland, Di Stefano, Bjorling, Pavarotti, Domingo, Carreras, Leech, Tucker, Merrill, Callas, Moffo, Farrell, Hvorostovsky and the Queen, his friend, Licia Albanese. There are many more names of course. Countless superb recordings are released for the world's enjoyment. There are the movies but it all comes down to Mario Lanza, soul singer, presenter of absolute joy with his God-given talent. Rest in Peace, my friend. Grazie per tutti, Mario! Edited 01-29-2021 09:16 AM
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Deleted by topic administrator 01-30-2021 02:12 PM
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Billie
01-29-2021
02:48 AM ET (US) IP: 108.177.248.244
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This sharing plus positive voting of your respective website link, can send a tremendous amount of traffic to your website. Give it your personal voice rather than copy - you need fresh, original content, not really a boring sales pitch. With the information on online marketing the significance of social media in addition has gained. Here is my webpage - SEO manager MidwayEdited 01-29-2021 02:48 AM
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Spam messages 58629-58628 deleted by QuickTopic between 01-28-2021 11:37 PM and 01-28-2021 09:29 PM |
Martino1 01-28-2021
10:06 AM ET (US) IP: 67.216.108.216
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Another wonderful tribute. Good job, Vince.
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Vince Di Placido 01-28-2021
05:53 AM ET (US) IP: 86.44.28.228
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Mario's 8 title cards. 1949-1959
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Deleted by topic administrator 01-29-2021 01:32 AM
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Dennis1 01-27-2021
09:40 PM ET (US) IP: 76.126.57.19
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Vince, what a wonderful tribute to Mario! Listened to it straight through and enjoyed every second.
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Alex Valiansky
01-27-2021
09:17 PM ET (US) IP: 107.77.214.127
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For quite some time now, I’ve been under the distinct impression that the powers that be at TCM are by no stretch of the imagination Mario Lanza enthusiasts.
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Vince Di Placido 01-27-2021
07:31 PM ET (US) IP: 86.44.28.228
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 To celebrate Mario's centenary, here is a collection of recordings, movie & TV appearances & montages. I've a few nice editing touches in here, I hope you enjoy. This is not a "best of" but more of an editing free-flow, a kind of stream of consciousness. I also wanted to feature moments I maybe haven't focused on as much in my other videos so far. Viva Mario! https://youtu.be/hSr_GdQzROYEdited 01-28-2021 04:51 AM
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Spam messages 58621-58616 deleted by QuickTopic between 01-28-2021 11:35 PM and 01-24-2021 08:37 PM |
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JULIE PAGE
01-23-2021
02:33 PM ET (US) IP: 74.79.51.67
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Thank you Sam. thinking of you. Be well.(Suzanne)
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Sam Million 01-23-2021
09:35 AM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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FYI:
On Friday night January 29 at 7:30 they will be doing a half hour program or Mario Lanza in honor of his one hundredth birthday. It'll be on PBS with a program called Articulate.
I AM STILL DEPRESSED SO WILL NOT BE READING OR POSTING. HOPE ALL ARE WELL....
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Spam deleted by QuickTopic 01-24-2021 08:37 PM
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Dennis1 01-22-2021
11:44 PM ET (US) IP: 76.126.57.19
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Bill, thanks for your commitment and dedication to this annual event. If I were on the East Coast I would be severely tempted to attend. I admire your faithful support of all things Lanza over the years.
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Bill Ronayne
01-22-2021
09:18 AM ET (US) IP: 68.192.186.150
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New Date for Mario Lanza Ball!
Due to the Covid-19 restrictions in place and our concern for the well-being and safety of those planning on attending our annual event, we have moved the Mario Lanza Ball once again to a new date: November 20, 2021 from 6:00 pm – 10:00 pm. More information will be posted as we get closer.
In addition, the Mario Lanza Scholarship auditions will now take place in October of 2021 date and place to be announced.
Best, Bill
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Julie Page
01-20-2021
01:34 PM ET (US) IP: 74.79.51.67
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Thanks, Derek.
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Julie Page
01-19-2021
03:22 PM ET (US) IP: 74.79.51.67
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Typical. Donna and Elvis, but no Mario. What a surprise.
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Deleted by topic administrator 01-22-2021 04:49 PM
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Barbara Clifton 01-18-2021
03:35 PM ET (US) IP: 23.127.59.195
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(aka Diane Cox) Contacted TCM about Lanza's 100 birthday, and received two automated responses.
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Kristine
01-17-2021
12:47 AM ET (US) IP: 96.59.37.64
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TCM will show Donna Reed's movies for her 100th Birthday. So far, there are no Mario Lanza movies , on TCM, for his 100th Birthday. On January 8th, they showed Elvis Presley's movies on what would have been his 86th Birthday. Maybe Derek Mannering could contact Closer Weekly Magazine, for a Lanza Story. They have stories about past movie stars.
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RenseWebmaster 01-16-2021
07:42 PM ET (US) IP: 99.147.157.102
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Kristine, I inadvertently deleted your last message while trying to delete a string of spam. Please repost.
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Messages 58604-58597 deleted by author 01-16-2021 07:41 PM |
Vince Di Placido 01-10-2021
05:33 AM ET (US) IP: 86.44.28.228
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Hi! Everybody, here is a bit of fun & joy.
https://youtu.be/lb3AYVvw-0I
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Deleted by author 01-10-2021 05:32 AM
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Kristine C
01-06-2021
08:29 PM ET (US) IP: 96.59.37.64
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There is another cable tv network called MovieTV Network. They show a mixture of old movies and current movies, similar, to TCM, only MovieTV Network has t.v. commercials. TCM's commercials are only for their merchandise. I wonder if MovieTV Network has Mario Lanza's movies, too ? They have shown a number of M-G-M movies, Astaire-Rogers movies, too.
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Derek Mainwaring 01-06-2021
08:17 PM ET (US) IP: 24.13.64.27
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The article is now online, Suzanne. You can find it here:
https://www.operanews.com/Opera_News_Magaz...s/Lanza_at_100.html
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Julie Page(Suzanne)
01-06-2021
02:11 PM ET (US) IP: 74.79.51.67
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We Looked for Opera News at the only source here that I thought carried it, Barnes and Noble, but they didn't have it. any suggestions?Thanks.
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Deleted by topic administrator 01-09-2021 04:04 PM
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Derek Mainwaring 01-05-2021
10:43 AM ET (US) IP: 24.13.64.27
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Thank you for those kind words, Martino, and I'm glad you enjoyed the Opera News article. (You too, Kristine.) Given the sort of audience the magazine reaches, I was especially pleased at the opportunity to remind music lovers of Mario's exceptional talent. His legacy is imperishable.
As Bill mentioned in his excellent newsletter, Mario will also be celebrated with a half-hour tribute on the arts show ARTICULATE. It's scheduled to air on Friday, Jan 29, 2021 on WLVT PBS39 and will also be available of the show's website (articulateshow.org) and on PBS's website on that date. It's hosted by tenor Stephen Costello who sings Lanza favorites throughout, Ellisa is featured talking about her dad, and there is brief glimpse of Bill and the new Lanza Museum included as well. More was planned for the tribute but Covid-19 pandemic restrictions put paid to that.
I have also been invited by the Mather organization to present a one-hour tribute to Mario on Zoom, a first for me, and this will go out live on Thursday, January 21 at 2:30 pm Central Time. If you have Zoom on your computer and would like to watch the program, you can register for free on Mather's website, mather.com. The link to sign up can be found under Programs – then Telephone Topics – Choose Your Topics – and Register. Try a dry run by signing up for one of the other Zoom presentations if it helps.
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Deleted by topic administrator 01-09-2021 04:04 PM
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Dennis1 01-04-2021
04:26 PM ET (US) IP: 76.126.57.19
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Before the administrator deletes the two recent trolls, take a look and see that their blog post sites are almost identical (except for two characters) and in a strange format. Sadly, it is likely that these two were suckered into believing that people would respond if praised and the author's blog post traffic would increase...or, more horribly, something maleficent would happen to anyone who responded.
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Deleted by topic administrator 01-09-2021 04:04 PM
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Martino1 01-04-2021
11:43 AM ET (US) IP: 67.216.108.216
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To Derek Mannering: I just got an opportunity to read your Mario Lanza article in the current issue of Opera News. As to be expected from you, it was an exceptional tribute to one of the greatest voices of all time. In this current period of insanity, your article brought a nostalgic reminder of how things were in a more orderly and peaceful time. A time when giants such as Lanza walked the earth and could inspire people around the world with the mere singing of a simple tune. Such was the power of his voice and singing. We won't see another like him.
In the same issue, I also enjoyed the Opera News remembrance of the 60th anniversary of the dual MET debuts of Leontyne Price and Franco Corelli in "Il Trovatore". Again, a period when giants walked the earth. I doubt we will ever hear singers like them again either.
In so many ways society seems to be regressing, not only in matters of character, integrity and humanity but talent as well. It is fortunate for us that we have recordings and videos to hear and see what greatness really looks and sounds like. And Mario Lanza is a perfect example.
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Messages 58585-58583 deleted by author between 01-09-2021 04:04 PM and 01-01-2021 10:33 PM |
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Kristine C
12-31-2020
09:43 PM ET (US) IP: 96.59.37.64
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Thanks to Phildaelphia City Council for voting approval of Mario Lanza Way, too !
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Kristine C
12-31-2020
09:42 PM ET (US) IP: 96.59.37.64
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Happy New Year, Everybody ! Stay well and hope 2021 will be joy, good health, peace ! I read the Opera News issue, Jan. 2021 which had the Mario Lanza at 100 story. I liked it. The issue also has the anniversary of Leontyne Price's and Franco Corelli's debuts in "Il Trovatore" at the Met, in 1961. Time for a stamp honoring Lanza and hope, TCM will show his movies, in January. Congrats, Bill, for Mario Lanza Way namesake and it would be great to have that story on the news, nationally, maybe on "Sunday Morning"(before "Face The Nation", on CBS TV) or PBS TV. Someone suggested, TCM should contact Ellisa Lanza Bregman to talk about her father on TCM, and say, "This is Ellisa Lanza Bregman for TCM". Take care, everybody.
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Deleted by topic administrator 01-01-2021 10:32 PM
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Dennis1 12-31-2020
02:46 AM ET (US) IP: 76.126.57.19
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Len, I envy your world of live music. I can't carry a tune so the thought of actually being in a choir, and singing at the Tower of London! is pretty exciting. I must be an older gentleman than you. I am still playing my vinyl record. In fact, I bought a new turntable in 2019, partly so I could play my Lanza vinyls with some integrity. Stay safe—looks like the UK is having a time of it with this pandemic.
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Deleted by topic administrator 01-01-2021 10:32 PM
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Bill Ronayne
12-29-2020
03:47 PM ET (US) IP: 68.192.185.73
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The January 2021 issue of "The Legacy of Mario Lanza" newsletter has just been published. It's a special 20 page edition commemorating the 100th anniversary of Lanza's birth as well as the beginning of a commemoration of the 70th anniversary of the release of "The Great Caruso." There are guest articles by Derek Mannering, Armando Cesari and Vince Di Placido as well as some of the regular features and an assortment of photos of Mario Lanza. For subscription information contact wjronayne@optonline.net.
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Messages 58576-58571 deleted by author 12-30-2020 09:15 PM |
Len (UK) 12-26-2020
05:50 AM ET (US) IP: 109.157.81.90
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Dennis, I’m feeling the same loss as you. Christmas to me has also been about singing.
For most of the last 15 years I have had the privilege of singing in a Civil Service choir each year at the Tower of London in the Royal Chapel. Our village choir often ask me to sing a concert solo, so in the past I have regaled them with a couple of Mario favourites; Guardian Angels and Song of India. Last year I joined a newly formed classical choir which performed a charity Christmas concert. Only virtual singing this year thanks to Covid.
We didn’t play the Mario Christmas CD this year. We broke with tradition by getting our Amazon Alexa to stream Lanza.
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Martino1 12-25-2020
09:23 PM ET (US) IP: 67.216.108.216
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 A great message, Dennis. Judi and I spent Christmas Eve alone as well but we had a great time of it and truly enjoyed being alone with each other. Thanks for reminding us that sacrifices are not really all that bad when they are shared with the person you love. Merry Christmas and a Happy and safe New Year to all. Edited 12-25-2020 09:24 PM
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John
12-25-2020
05:40 PM ET (US) IP: 47.227.11.80
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Thank you for the inspiring message, Dennis. I needed to hear that!!
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Dennis1 12-25-2020
12:43 PM ET (US) IP: 76.126.57.19
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Traditions and rituals are important in human living. Especially during the winter holidays, when a tradition cannot be kept, we feel its loss keenly. But when a tradition can be attempted or kept, we rejoice in rescuing it.
For the first time in 62 years, my wife and I were alone at Christmas Eve, the time my Austrian spouse serves traditional dishes and other accompanying traditions are carried out. We felt the loss deeply in this Covid-shut-down state.
Our church has had a tradition for 43 years of a Christmas Eve service at 11:00 pm which closes with the congregation gathering in the parking lot, singing a cappella carols, and forming a circle of light with each holding a small candle. Impossible under current Covid restrictions.
This year, my wife still prepared a great meal, we still listened to timeless music, we still contacted distant family, we still rejoiced in the meaning of Christmas. My church recorded a candlelit mini-service and played it on Zoom at 11:45 which ended with Silent Night, a collage of willing families with each holding a candle and singing the carol, from 3-year-olds to great-grandparents. It all worked to lift our spirits.
And as I have every Christmas morning for more than 50 years, I welcomed the day by playing Mario’s Christmas album, beginning with the first carol, Joy To The World!
Merry Christmas, friends, though none personally met by me. Keep strong!
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Messages 58566-58560 deleted by author between 12-26-2020 12:17 PM and 12-17-2020 11:27 PM |
RenseWebmaster 12-17-2020
08:47 PM ET (US) IP: 99.147.157.102
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Congratulations to Bill and the board of the Mario Lanza Institute on the naming of Mario Lanza Way.
More recognition for Mario and his centennial: the January issue of OPERA NEWS features a two-page article with photos entitled LANZA AT 100. The article is by Lanza biographer Derek Mannering, who speaks of Mario's enduring influence on opera and opera singers.
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Dennis1 12-17-2020
12:17 AM ET (US) IP: 76.126.57.19
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Bill, Great work. I am a little familiar with how city councils work and I know it takes a lot of effort to be known to one or more council members. What an exciting address for the museum in the future!
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Barbara Clifton 12-16-2020
11:55 PM ET (US) IP: 23.127.59.195
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I was feeling kinda sad tonight, so I watched TONO and now I'm happy again. So many good moments, and a wonderful passionate ending. Never fails to make me feel good.
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Julie PageL
12-16-2020
08:22 PM ET (US) IP: 74.79.51.67
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Loved the Video. Thanks, Vince, Again and again.
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Julie Page
12-16-2020
08:15 PM ET (US) IP: 74.79.51.67
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Wonderful news, Bill. Hope it all works out. Anyone see Jeopardy this evening? Mario was actually mentioned. The question was the Opera from which he sang "Nessun Dorma" {Turandot) . So rare to hear him mentioned it nearly blew me away! Keep us posted, Bill. Thanks for your great work. May you all stay well this year and next.
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Bill Ronayne
12-16-2020
10:10 AM ET (US) IP: 68.192.188.106
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I am very happy and proud to announce that the City Council of Philadelphia adopted a resolution on December 10, 2020 also naming the 1200 block of Reed St, on which the Mario Lanza Museum is now located, Mario Lanza Way in honor of the 100th anniversary of Mario Lanza's birth!
The Mario Lanza Institute worked along with the local councilman and civic association president and of course with the cooperation of residents of the block to bring this to fruition.
No date has been set for the unveiling ceremony but we're hoping to do this as close as possible to January 31, 2021 weather and covid restrictions permitting. Once the date is confirmed, I will make an announcement. If the restrictions are lifted in time for the unveiling of the sign, then there will be a public reception at the museum. We'll see what happens.
Stay safe everyone and be well and all the best for a happy holiday season and New Year.
Bill
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Deleted by topic administrator 12-16-2020 01:32 PM
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Vince Di Placido 12-15-2020
04:01 PM ET (US) IP: 86.44.28.228
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A new video.
https://youtu.be/pr_Z2qffkcE
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Dennis1 12-14-2020
04:50 PM ET (US) IP: 76.126.57.19
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Hello John, that was a new clip for me as well. Notice that it is funny and seems so in touch for fans on this site, but likely it would be completely opaque for viewers today who have no experience with Mario. If you find more like that, post again. It's nice to discover something new about our man.
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Julie Page
12-14-2020
03:58 PM ET (US) IP: 74.79.51.67
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Hi John! That was pretty amusing. Hadn't seen it. Thanks. Stay well.
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Deleted by topic administrator 12-14-2020 10:59 PM
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John in Indiana
12-13-2020
09:22 PM ET (US) IP: 47.227.11.80
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Good evening. Here's some Mario Lanza humor... :-)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NawVQxh6sBo
Peace,
John
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Kristine C
12-11-2020
07:45 PM ET (US) IP: 96.59.37.64
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George Chakiris's autobiography will be out in March. It's called "My West Side Story-A Memoir" and it will be available, pre-order on Amazon. com. I read some of the pages on the website. He mentions Mario Lanza, in the book. When he was at M-G-M, dancing in the chorus, he mentioned meeting Elizabeth Taylor, who was 15, at the time, and they were invited to watch, hear Mario Lanza sing a song for one of his movies. George also mentions Gene Kelly, Cyd Charisse, Debbie Reynolds, Rosemary Clooney, Marilyn Monroe(he was in the male chorus, surrounding Marilyn, when she sang "Diamonds Are A Girl's Best Friend" in "Gentlemen Prefer Blondes". It should be an interesting book. I am facebook friends with him.
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Messages 58546-58545 deleted by author 12-12-2020 10:59 AM |
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Julie Page
12-07-2020
04:39 PM ET (US) IP: 74.79.51.67
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We were talking about the fact that the U.S.Post office has never issued a Mario Lanza stamp, and searching, found that a stamp was issued in Haifa, Israel in 2014 in a series called Opera Greats. Some are listed on Ebay now. Perfect time for it on the 100th anniversary of his birth,in January. With the post office in such disarray. more doubtful than ever. How sad.
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Vince Di Placido 12-07-2020
04:54 AM ET (US) IP: 86.44.28.228
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Thanks Mike! Yes! I was going to throw in that wee fact about Ravenscroft, even as a onscreen text but I just let the Nativity footage run as it worked so well over We 3 Kings. What a great voice Ravenscroft had.
I didn’t have a 45rpm album version to show on screen but I must track one down for the collection, I am an awful obsessive completist as regards my record collection.
Buon Natale!
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Mike from L.I. 12-05-2020
03:31 PM ET (US) IP: 108.74.19.115
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Vincent, thanks for the compilation. Christmas 1951, the album was under the tree but mine was 45 EP instead of 78 SP. I was eleven.Same album. Note may be of interest to you. We three kings basso was named Thurl Ravenscroft (sp.)? He also did "Tramp! Tramp! Tramp!" with Mario. What is interesting is he was best known as the voice of Tony the Tiger for Frosted Flakes!
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Messages 58541-58537 deleted by author 12-05-2020 02:30 PM |
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Kristine C
12-02-2020
07:40 PM ET (US) IP: 96.59.1.174
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"Because You're Mine" will be on TCM, Friday, Dec. 4th, at 6:00 AM , Eastern Time Zone. I wonder if Funko Pop ! Figurines will ever have a Mario Lanza Figurine ? They have Burt Reynolds, Marilyn Monroe, Babe Ruth, Tom Selleck, Elvis, cartoon characters, John Travolta, Olivia Newton-John(from "Grease"), Patrick Swayze and Jennifer Grey("Dirty Dancing), Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet("Titanic"), Leonardo daVinci, and Vincent Van Gogh, Tom Hanks("Forrest Gump"). Stay well, everybody.
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Deleted by topic administrator 12-03-2020 12:39 AM
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Dennis1 11-29-2020
11:55 PM ET (US) IP: 76.126.57.19
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Whoever is the topic administrator at this point, you are doing a great job erasing these bothersome trolls. I applaud you for your commitment.
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Deleted by topic administrator 11-29-2020 10:43 PM
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Bill Ronayne
11-29-2020
11:16 AM ET (US) IP: 68.192.188.106
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December 1, 2020 has been designated as Giving Tuesday this year throughout the world. This is a special day for all people to donate to organizations that have meaning to them and hold a warm place in their hearts.
The Covid-19 pandemic is continuing to take its toll in many ways and arts organizations, like the Mario Lanza Institute, are really struggling. Social distancing restrictions in Philadelphia are preventing us from holding in person fundraisers in restaurants etc. and, as of November 20th, the Mario Lanza Museum, which recently reopened on October 7th, must now remained closed through January 1, 2021 as it is considered nonessential.
So, we are appealing for a donation to offset our expenses. Your contribution will make an impact no matter what amount you can afford to give as every little bit helps. Contributions can be made online on our web site at www.mariolanzainstitute.org by clicking on the donate button. If you prefer to donate by check, please make it out to Mario Lanza Institute and mail it to Mario Lanza Institute 1214 Reed Street Philadelphia, PA 19147.
Thanks in advance your support. We look forward to welcoming everyone at the museum again in 2021 as we celebrate the 100th anniversary of the birth of Mario Lanza. Please follow the guidelines, stay safe and all the best for the coming holidays.
Bill
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Deleted by topic administrator 11-29-2020 10:43 PM
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Vince Di Placido 11-28-2020
10:43 AM ET (US) IP: 86.44.28.228
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Yes! Suzanne, that’s my wee darling Sofia decorating our Christmas tree with her Mammy in Christmas 2018 & 2019
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Deleted by topic administrator 11-28-2020 02:00 PM
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Suzanne(Julie Page)
11-27-2020
05:16 PM ET (US) IP: 74.79.51.67
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Masterful as always , Vince. Never hear enough. Thanks so much. Can That be your little girl,so grown up? Blessings to you and yours.
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Vince Di Placido 11-27-2020
03:34 PM ET (US) IP: 51.171.44.180
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Thanks a million, Derek!
I love doing them and the reactions make it so worthwhile, there have been some lovely messages from all parts of the world.
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Derek Mainwaring 11-27-2020
11:31 AM ET (US) IP: 24.13.64.27
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Beautifully done, Vince, and one to share with Ellisa. You have a real talent for compiling these YouTube Lanza tributes.
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Deleted by topic administrator 11-28-2020 02:01 PM
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Vince Di Placido 11-26-2020
07:12 PM ET (US) IP: 86.44.28.228
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A new film.
A Mario Lanza Christmas Celebration!
https://youtu.be/AE3OlL5Kh9I
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Fred Day 11-25-2020
09:19 AM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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I used to sing these songs in my heyday, years ago. In lower keys, as I was a bass baritone. The good old days - wonderful memories. Ciao.
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Len (UK) 11-25-2020
08:38 AM ET (US) IP: 86.172.111.94
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I have today been able to add a copy of 'Lygia' to my small collection of Lanza sheet music. It occurs to me that perhaps the Lanza museum ought to house a repository of music that Mario performed. Lygia is never(?) performed these days and I have copies of Guardian Angels and also Song of India. These are forgotten gems from the middle of the last century. Being out of print there should not be significant copyright issues.
Perhaps this is already in hand. I cannot imagine that I am the first to think of this.
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Kristine C
11-24-2020
05:44 PM ET (US) IP: 96.59.1.174
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Happy Thanksgiving to all and stay well ! Since Mario would have been 100 in January, I hope he would be honored on stamps. Long overdue.
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Messages 58520-58519 deleted by author between 11-24-2020 10:22 AM and 11-24-2020 10:21 AM |
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John
11-23-2020
10:23 PM ET (US) IP: 47.227.11.80
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Good evening, everyone. Good to see the old format back. I thought I'd post a picture as well (my favorite).
Peace,
John
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Messages 58517-58514 deleted by author between 11-23-2020 09:52 PM and 11-22-2020 02:21 PM |
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Bill Ronayne
11-21-2020
05:51 PM ET (US) IP: 68.192.188.106
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Good to have the old format back, thanks. Best, Bill
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Fred Day 11-21-2020
05:36 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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I am glad to see the format is now back to normal. I hope everything remains in good order. LLL - Long live Lanza!! Ciao.
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Dennis1 11-21-2020
02:48 PM ET (US) IP: 76.126.57.19
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Changed website! Hooray! What a wonderful Thanksgiving present! I hope we can continue to be thankful that spammers stay away.
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Julie Page
11-21-2020
02:25 PM ET (US) IP: 74.79.51.67
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Good. Hope it lasts. Thanks.
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Martino1 11-21-2020
11:15 AM ET (US) IP: 67.216.108.216
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 Excellent news. This is a test with a photo to see if all has returned to normal. Yep, all is well. Thanks Jeff. Edited 11-21-2020 11:16 AM
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RenseWebmaster 11-21-2020
10:43 AM ET (US) IP: 99.147.157.102
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The PRO format has been renewed, and in recognition of the problems the site experienced for over a month, QuickTopic has added a complimentary year on to the subscription for Jeff. Now messages will again be easier to read, and photos and links can be uploaded. Also, we have switched off the sign-in requirement, which made it necessary for people to create profiles, often having to create names other than their own. As you may recall, we went to that option a few years ago only after the site had been basically been taken over by spammers, and the flood of junk mail and "visit my site" posts far outweighed legit posts about Mario Lanza. We know many have not been happy with having to sign in with fictitious names - but were equally unhappy with spam. So we'll try once again with not signing up or signing in. If the site gets taken over again by junk mail - and you saw how much junk came in the past month when it was the old format - we'll have to return to signing in. Thanks to everyone for hanging in there. Edited 11-21-2020 10:44 AM
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Fred Day 11-21-2020
10:11 AM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Dear Jeff Rense: Hopefully, the problems will be resolved soon. Please keep us informed. Thanks. Ciao.
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Deleted by author 11-25-2020 08:32 AM
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RenseWebmaster 11-20-2020
11:44 AM ET (US) IP: 99.147.157.102
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Hello all, the problems with the forum were reported a month ago to QuickTopic. The issue is that the subscription to QuickTopic Pro - a $49 annual fee which Jeff has paid - expired. The person who formally handled all this for Jeff no longer is able to, and Jeff's efforts to take care of it himself have been stymied, with Jeff getting messages that his name is not recognized, even though he has been a QuickTopic customer for over 20 years. Without the Pro subscription, spammers are able to get back online and we are unable to delete them. And posters cannot upload pictures. Jeff continues working on it, and his goal is to have it resolved as soon as possible.
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Messages 58504-58503 deleted by author 11-21-2020 10:20 AM |
Fred Day 11-18-2020
05:29 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Jim Thompson: I also ask you not to leave. Dear Jeff Rense: Please reply to the issues that have been raised below. Thank you. Ciao.
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Julie Page
11-18-2020
03:59 PM ET (US) IP: 74.79.51.67
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Len, Please don't go away. You're missed. Glad you're well, Jim.
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Len (Jim) Thompson
11-18-2020
02:47 PM ET (US) IP: 24.38.229.151
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I have stayed away from this post and from posting as the entire take over of this site is disgusting. If you do not care, Mr. Rense, close it down, It has been over a year since posters have not been able to use our real names. Mario lovers have other places to go to read, to learn and to enjoy. May all of you stay safe and healthy.
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Dennis1 11-17-2020
03:46 PM ET (US) IP: 76.126.57.19
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It has been about a month since the format change and the arrival of the trolls and the inability to post pictures. Any chance of a return to the former format? Anyone working on that?
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Deleted by topic administrator 11-21-2020 10:20 AM
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Julie Page
11-16-2020
04:24 PM ET (US) IP: 74.79.51.67
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Sorry to hear it, Bill. This is affecting us all so much.But as long as we stay well, it's ok. Best to everyone. I suppose a "virtual" opening wouldn't be feasible.Just a thought.
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Barbara Clifton 11-16-2020
04:16 PM ET (US) IP: 23.127.59.195
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(aka Diane Cox) sorry about the mandatory closing, Bill. Staying in is best for all us folks in the high risk category. i've been basically home sine March - tiresome at times, but do not want to take chances as Fla is a hot zone. As long as I have my computer to communicate with the world I'm ok.
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Bill Ronayne
11-16-2020
01:45 PM ET (US) IP: 68.192.188.106
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Due to the new covid-19 restrictions set to go into place in Philadelphia starting Friday November 20th, the December 5th scheduled opening has been canceled. In addition as the museum is considered non essential, it will be closed from November 20, 2020 through January 1, 2021. Please follow all social distancing guidelines and stay safe everyone. We hope to welcome you in the New Year.
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Deleted by topic administrator 11-21-2020 10:20 AM
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Bill Ronayne 11-12-2020
11:17 AM ET (US) IP: 68.192.188.106
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The Mario Lanza Museum will have its next scheduled opening on Saturday December 5, 2020 from noon-3:00pm. Admission is $10 for this day only and all visitors must wear a face mask and follow social distancing rules and regulations. The museum is located at 1214 Reed Street in Philadelphia. Street parking is available. For more information please call 215-238-9691 or email info@mariolanzainstitute.org. Best, Bill
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Fred Day 11-12-2020
06:07 AM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Julie: The Colliers article is dated 1949, when That Midnight Kiss was released. Lanza became a superstar over night. I got a zerox copy from my local public library around 1970. Ciao.
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Kristine C
11-10-2020
08:29 PM ET (US) IP: 96.59.1.174
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Ethel Waters sang the song in "Cabin In The Sky" which was directed by Vincente Minnelli. I think that was his first movie at M-G-M. The latest issue of Closer Magazine has a story about Irene Dunne. She wanted to be an opera singer, but, instead, ended up in some movie musicals. I hope, Closer Magazine will have a story about Mario Lanza. There are other CD's out , which have Mario Lanza on them, such as CD's of singers from 1950's, Leading Men Singing From The Movies, Glorious Voices singing, including Lanza, Howard Keel, Kathryn Grayson, etc.
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Julie Page
11-10-2020
01:37 PM ET (US) IP: 74.79.51.67
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That would have been a complicated film to make. Hollywood romanticized it as usual but did bring Opera and Mario's exquisite voice to those who probably thought they wouldn't like it........Couldn't ask for much more. I've been looking for the Collier's issue for a long time , but do have some amusing photos of Mario and Kathryn from Life magazine I believe.
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Fred Day 11-10-2020
03:35 AM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Yes, it is a pity that Life Magazine and Look Magazine did not have a major article on Lanza. However, Colliers Magazine did have a major Lanza article, entitled Celluloid Caruso. Good article, nice photos. Ciao.
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Kristine C
11-09-2020
08:10 PM ET (US) IP: 96.59.1.174
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Alex Trebek and Sean Connery , RIP. When Mario and Betty visited Lana Turner , in England, I think she was making a movie with Sean Connery. Maybe, at the time, when "The Great Caruso" was filmed, they didn't want the movie to be sordid, why the children , Caruso had, with other women, was not included. Just like when "Night and Day", the film bio of Cole Porter, was made, with Cary Grant, the personal life of Cole Porter, was deleted, due to film censorship. It was said he was gay. Also, the same thing with movie "Words and Music" about lyricist, Lorenz Hart, it was deleted about his personal life. I wonder why Life Magazine never had a story-photo layout about Mario Lanza or have him on their magazine cover ? Ricardo Montalban was on their magazine cover, in the late '40's.
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Fred Day 11-09-2020
01:12 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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I am sad to read of the death of Alex Trebek at the age of 80. Rest in Peace. Ciao.
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Fred Day 11-09-2020
12:54 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Julie: The reason is that in the film "The Great Caruso", no mention is made of Caruso's 2 sons from his union with soprano Ada Giachetti. And later, Caruso also had an affair with Ada's sister, soprano Rina Giachetti. So be it. C'est la vie. Ciao.
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Julie Page
11-07-2020
03:53 PM ET (US) IP: 74.79.51.67
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Thank you Ray and Fred. Right you both are. I hope to pick up Cher's version. She's not too shabby either.Best. Fred., finally finishing the Caruso bio. an interesting read. Delighted to read what was said about Mario, though the family wasn't happy with the film itself.
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Fred Day 11-05-2020
11:00 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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I think they both recorded it. Ethel Waters was first. Lena Horne soon after. Did Barbra Streisand also record it?? Perhaps. Ciao.
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Ray Reeves
11-05-2020
03:33 PM ET (US) IP: 146.198.9.67
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Hi Julie. Ethel Waters.
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Julie Page
11-05-2020
01:33 PM ET (US) IP: 74.79.51.67
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Hi Fred. The song is from the 1943 film "Cabin in the Sky"where I first saw wonderful Lena Horne. Can't recall if she sang it or maybe Ethel Waters.
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Fred Day 11-04-2020
07:21 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Julie: Yes, Happiness Is Just A Thing Called Joe is a wonderful song. Tony Bennett also made a nice record of it, in the mid 1950's, with just piano accompaniment. Ciao.
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JULIE PAGE(SUZANNE)
11-03-2020
03:15 PM ET (US) IP: 74.79.51.67
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REGARDLESS of your politics... I hope you'll catch CHER's campaign version of "Happiness is a thing called Joe". What a beautiful song. Also hear Judy Garland with original lyrics. Know you'll love it.Written by Harold Arlen.
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Deleted by topic administrator 11-21-2020 10:21 AM
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Sam Million 10-29-2020
10:22 PM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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GOOD CATCH RAY! I MADE A MISTAKE. THE "FLOWER SONG" DOES NOT APPEAR IN THE GREAT CAARUO. IT IS IN "TOAST OF NEW ORLEANS" AND IS A PARTIAL OF THE ARIA. IT IS IN THE REHEARSAL SEQUENCE THAT SHOWS BOTH MARIO AND KATHRYN SINGING WHILE MUSICAL NOTES ARE SUPERIMPOSED ON THEM.
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Fred Day 10-29-2020
01:15 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Lygia is also the title of one of the tales of Edgar Allen Poe. Ciao.
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Fred Day 10-29-2020
01:10 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Lanza sings the Flower Aria from Carmen in Toast Of New Orleans, not in The Great Caruso. Ciao.
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Sam Million 10-29-2020
10:11 AM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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HI GUYS,
I AM OFFER THIS GREAT MARIO LANZA SMALL POSTER ART. IT IS A CARICATURE OF MARIO IN A SINGING POSE DRESSED IN HIS COSTUME FROM THE MOVIE "THAT MIDNIGHT KISS". I HAD THESE MADE BY A PROFESSIONAL COPIER. IT IS A PERFECT PRINT COPIED FROM MY ORIGINAL. IT WAS HAND DRAWN FROM MY FRIEND ARTIST AL KILGORE (WHO IS LONG DECEASED AND USED TO DRAW THE FAMOUS "BULLWINKLE" CHARACTER. THE PRINT IS THE VERY LAST ONE FROM A LIMITED EDITION OF ONE HUNDRED MADE QUITE A FEW YEARS AGO. THE SIZE IS APPROXIMATELY 12 INCHES BT 14 INCHES. THE PRICE IS $49.99 SHIPPED. NOTE: IF I GET NO RESPONSE HERE I WILL THEN BE PUTTING IT ON EBAY.
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Ray Reeves
10-29-2020
09:51 AM ET (US) IP: 146.198.9.67
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Sam: In respect of your review of Lanza's "You Do Somthimg To Me" LP. Where in The Great Caruso movie does The Flower Song from Carmen appear?
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Sam Million 10-28-2020
10:08 PM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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HI KRIS,
AS USUAL YOU ARE EDUCATING ALL OF US! IT IS A SHAME MARIO DIDN'T SING THE TITLE SONG TO "QUO VADIS"--ESPECIALLY BECAUSE HE WORKED FOR THE SAME STUDIO WHERE THE FILM WAS MADE.
SO, WE HAVE OUR "LYGIA", NOW WHERE DO WE FIND A "SYLVIA"? THAT IS A MUCH MORE COMMON NAME SO WE PROBABLY WON'T HAVE TO LOOK TOO FAR. HMMMM. LET'S SEE....I GOT IT....MOVIE STAR SYLVIA SIDNEY, WHO DIED IN 1999.
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Kristine C
10-28-2020
07:21 PM ET (US) IP: 96.59.1.174
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Lygia was Deborah Kerr's character's name in "Quo Vadis".
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Kristine C
10-28-2020
07:19 PM ET (US) IP: 96.59.1.174
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Sam, "Lygia" was from movie "Quo Vadis" starring Robert Taylor and Deborah Kerr, also, Buddy Baer(Max Baer's brother). I wonder why M-G-M didn't have Mario sing this song as title song for the movie ? The movie was about a Roman Centurion, who falls in love with a Christian girl, in Ancient Rome, after the crucifixion. I read the novel . I read, originally, M-G-M was thinking of casting Stewart Granger(who knew Mario)and Elizabeth Taylor(I saw a photo of Mario with Elizabeth Taylor, Ann Blyth, and Vic Damone). Robert Taylor and Barbara Stanwyck divorced, after this movie was made, because she thought or heard, he was having an affair with some woman, in the movie. It's a well acted movie. Peter Ustinov was Nero, in the movie.
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Sam Million 10-28-2020
04:07 PM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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DOES ANYONE HERE WANT TWO FABULOUS SEPIA RECORDS MARIO LANZA CDS? BY MISTAKE I COULDN'T FIND MY ORIGINAL COPIES AND ORDERED TWO MORE. THEY REGULARLY SELL FOR 13.00. I WOULD LIKE ONLY $9.00 EACH PLUS $4.00 FOR MEDIA MAIL SHIPPING. BELOW IS ALL THE INFO ABOUT THEM:
MARIO LANZA - CLASSICS
1 GRANADA
2 BE MY LOVE
3 BECAUSE
4 THE LOVELIEST NIGHT OF THE YEAR
5 SOME DAY
6 THE LORD'S PRAYER
7 BECAUSE YOU'RE MINE
8 SERENADE
9 DRINK! DRINK! DRINK!
10 BELOVED
11 MAMMA MIA, CHE VO SAPE?
12 VOCE 'E NOTTE
13 CANTA PE' MME!
14 'NA SERA 'E MAGGIO
15 SADKO (ADAPTED): SONG OF INDIA
16 TOSCA: RECONDITA ARMONIA
17 LA BOHEME: CHE GELIDA MANINA
18 MARTHA: M'APPARI
19 TOSCA: E LUCEVAN LE STELLE
20 AVE MARIA
21 SERENADE
22 TELL ME, OH BLUE BLUE SKY Live from the Royal Albert Hall
23 PASSIONE
Title: Classics
Artist: Mario Lanza
Catalogue No.: SEPIA 1348
Barcode: 5055122113485
Release Date: February 2020
This CD brings together Lanza's most popular recordings, including his 3 million-selling singles, his Top 20 chart successes in both the USA and the UK, and highlights from his 2 best-selling albums, The Great Caruso and The Student Prince. It also includes a representative sampling of the tenor at his vocal and stylistic zenith in multiple genres, with definitive renditions from an Edwardian parlour song ("Because") to five Neapolitan classics. As such, this CD serves as the perfect introduction to the art and voice of Mario Lanza.
MARIO LANZA: GREATEST OPERATIC RECORDINGS (SEPIA 1274)
1. Von Flotow: Martha. M'appar�
2. Mozart: Cos� fan tutte. E voi ridete
3. R. Strauss: Der Rosenkavalier. Di rigori armato
4. Puccini: La boh�me. Che gelida manina
5. Puccini: Tosca. Recondita armonia
6. Puccini: Tosca. E lucevan le stelle
7. Puccini: Madama Butterfly. Vogliatemi bene (Live)
8. Puccini: Turandot. Nessun dorma (Live)
9. Cilea: L'Arlesiana. � la solita storia (Lamento di Federico) (Live)
10. Verdi: Rigoletto. � il sol dell'anima�Addio! Addio! (Live)
11. Mascagni: Cavalleria rusticana. Mamma, quel vino � generoso (Addio alla Madre)
12. Leoncavallo: Pagliacci. Vesti la giubba
13. Giordano: Andrea Chénier. Un d� all'azzurro spazio (Improvviso)
14. Giordano: Andrea Chénier. Come un bel d� di maggio
15. Giordano: Fedora. Amor ti vieta
16. Meyerbeer: L'Africana. O paradiso
17. Verdi: Otello. Dio ti giocondi
18. Verdi: Otello. Dio! Mi potevi scagliar (Monologue)
19. Verdi: Otello. Niun mi tema (Death of Otello)
Title: Greatest Operatic Recordings
Artists: Mario Lanza
Catalogue No.: SEPIA 1274
Barcode: 5055122112747
Release Date: February 2015
This CD brings together for the first time arguably the best of Lanza's live and studio operatic recordings, beginning with the tenor's forays into lighter, lyric parts, then moving gradually into heavier spinto territory and, finally, dramatic roles. As such, it should be a revelation to many. For the tenor presented here is not the sometimes-erratic artist one hears on numerous lightweight compilations, but an opera singer�and a potentially great one at that. Previously unissued tracks include "Dio ti giocondi" from Verdi's Otello and "E voi ridete" from Mozart's Cosi Fan Tutte, plus "live" recordings such as "Nessun Dorma" and "Vogliatemi bene" from Madama Butterfly.
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Sam Million 10-28-2020
03:41 PM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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DOES ANYONE KNOW WHERE ROLAND BESSETTE, AUTHOR OF"LANZA: TENOR IN EXILE", CAN BE FOUND? IF YOU DO PLEASE LET ME KNOW. THANKS, SAM
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Barbara Clifton 10-28-2020
01:17 PM ET (US) IP: 23.127.59.195
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(aka Diane Cox) Re: Coke chow. Living in Nashville Tn I was able to get The Mario Lanza Show on two radio stations, one in Nashville and one in Chicago. One was on at 10 pm. I can remember laying on the couch in the dark, everyone else gone to bed listening to that voice that brought strong emotions to a 14 yr old. Sometimes the tears came, it was so beautiful.
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Deleted by topic administrator 11-21-2020 10:21 AM
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Martino1 10-28-2020
12:21 PM ET (US) IP: 67.216.108.216
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I agree with you Sam. The Camden label was a budget RCA offering back then. This album is one of the best RCA put together, regardless of price. The aria from "La Forza Del Destino" (although a little quick) and "Song of India" are among his very best recordings of all time.
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Sam Million 10-28-2020
12:11 PM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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THIS WILL BE MY LAST LP RECORD REVIEW FOR AWHILE. THE RECORD FROM 1958 IS QUITE A NICE COMPILATION. IT WAS RELEASED BY THE "CAMDEN" RCA BLUE SEAL DIVISION. (THE CITY OF CAMDEN IS WHERE CARUSO MADE SOME OF HIS RECORDINGS). IT IS IN ELECTRONICALLY REPROCESSED STEREO BUT IT DOESN'T HAVE THE ECHO THAT MANY RECORDS RELEASED THIS WAY HAVE. THE COVER FEATURES A NICELY DRAWN PICTURE OF MARIO. SINCE THIS WAS CONSIDERED RCA'S CHEAPEST OF RELEASES, IS EVIDENT BY THE FACT THAT IT HAS NO EDGE TITLES AND NO INSIDE PROTECTIVE SLEEVE! YET THIS RECORD HAS SEVERAL TRACKS THAT APPEAR ON NO OTHER RCA RECORD. FOR INSTANCE THE GREAT "SONG OF INDIA"
SIDE ONE:
1-"YOU DO SOMETHING TO ME". THE TITLE SONG GETS THE PROGRAM STARTED WITH A WELL SUNG SONG WHICH VARIES FROM SOFT AND SWEET TO LOUDER AND EXCITING. A LONG HELD FINAL HIGH NOTE..
2-"SYLVIA": AN UNUSUAL SONG WHICH MARIO MAKEES HIS OWN. IT IS A LOVE SONG SUNG TO A SPECIFIC WOMAN. IT IS A TENDER READING.
3-"SOME DAY": AGAIN, HIS RANGE IS WIDE AS HE GOES FROM SOFT TO LOUD. REVERENTLY SUNG. HE SANG THIS ON THE SECON CHRYSLER "SHOWER OF STARS" TV SHOW, WHICH BETTERS THIS ONE.
4-"BELOVED": THIS IS FROM THE SOUNDTRACK OF "THE STUDENT PRINCE" AND IS THE SECOND TIME HE DID IT. THE FIRST FOR THE MOVIE WAS OVER THE TOP AND STARTED THE TANGLED MESS WHICH ENDED IN THE FIRING OF MARIO FROM THE FILM
5-"SONG OF INDIA". THIS IS ARGUABLY THE FINEST POPULAR SONG LANZA EVER SANG. FOR A CHANGE, IT IS NOT A LOVE SONG TO A GIRL BUT RATHER AN HOMAGE TO A COUNTRY! THE PERFORMANCE IS PERFECTION.
6-"LOLITA": ANOTHER SONG SUNG TO A SPECIFIC WOMAN'S NAME. THIS WAS USED FOR THE SOUNDTRACK OF "SEVEN HILLS OR ROME" THE MOVIE. THE MOVIE WAS RELEASED IN 1957 WHILE THIS VERSION IS A GOOD BIT EARLIER. IT ENDS WITH A SATISFYING HIGH NOTE.
SIDE TWO:
1-"YOU ARE MY LOVE": THIS SONG WAS WRITTEN BY CALLINICOS AND WEBSTER. RECORDED IN 1953, COSTA HAD A LONG WAIT BEFORE MARIO CONSENTED TO SING IT. COSTA ALSO CONDUCTS THE ORCHESTRA. A BIT "MARIO LITE", IT IS SUNG WITH GUSTO.
2-"LYGIA": THE SECOND SONG ON THIS RECORD THAT IS SUNG TO A SPECIFIC WOMAN'S NAME (THE FIRST BEING SYLVIA). I WONDER IF ANYONE HAS HAD A LYGIA IN THEIR LIVES. I WOULD CALL HIS STYLE HER FERVENT.
3-"THE FLOWER SONG": FROM THE OPERA CARMEN BY BIZET AND SUNG IN FRENCH. AN EXCELLENT READING BY MARIO IN GREAT FORM. THIS SAME ARIA ALSO APPEARS IN "THE GREAT CARUSO".
4-"CHE GELIDA MANINA": THE TRANSLATION IS "YOUR TINY HAND IS FROZEN. FROM THE OPERA LA BOHEME BY PUCCINI. IT IS ALSO SUNG IN "THE GREAT CARUSO". BOTH RECORDINGS ARE BEAUTIFUL.
5-"O TU CHE IN SENGLIO AGLI ANGELI": I HOPE I SPELLED THIS ARIA RIGHT! FROM THE OPERA "LA FORZA DEL DESTINO" BY VERDI. HAS A RATHER LONG RECITATIVE. VERY WELL SUNG BY OUR MARIO WITH PANACHE. IT US A FINE ENDING TO THIS ALBUM.
I WILL END BY SAYING THIS IS QUITE A CONSISTENTLY WELL SUNG ALBUM. BRAVO MARIO!
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Sam Million 10-28-2020
07:34 AM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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YES, FRED, THE FOUR HAND ROLLS ARE VERY IMPRESSIVE WITH THE FULLER SOUND THEY PROVIDE. THE CLASSICAL ROLLS, OF COURSE, DON'T HAVE FOUR HAND ARRANGEMENTS BUT MANY OF THE "POPULALR" ROLLS DO. WHEN I SIT IN FRONT OF THE PLAYING PIANO, I WATCH AS THE ROLLS PASS BY THE "TRACKER BAR" AND SEE THE MANY HOLE PUNCHINGS. THEN, TOO, THERE WERE THOUSANDS OF "WORD ROLLS" WHICH ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE ROLL HAVE THE LYRICS PRINTED. JUST WHEN THE NEXT WORD APPROACHES THE TRACKER BAR IS WHEN YOU ARE SUPPOSED TO SING THAT WORD AND ON AND ON.
I ALSO WISH THAT HENRI RENE HAD DONE A BROADWAY SONG ALBUM. BUT WE HAVE TO MAKE DO WITH WHAT IS AVAILABLE. THANKS TO THE COKE SHOWS WE HAVE SO MANY GREAT SONGS TO ENJOY. MY OPINION IS THAT HIS OUTPUT FROM THOSE SHOWS ARE UNEQUALED. PLUS THE RECORDED SOUND IS TOPS.
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Fred Day 10-28-2020
05:51 AM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Note: Many piano rolls were made by 2 pianists (4 hands) for a fuller sound. Ciao.
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Fred Day 10-28-2020
05:44 AM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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I have often wished that, after completing the Cavalcade album with Henri Rene, that Lanza and Rene had gone back and re-recorded the On Broadway album. It would have been a huge improvement. Sadly, that did not happen. Ciao.
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Deleted by topic administrator 11-21-2020 10:22 AM
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Sam Million 10-27-2020
11:46 PM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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I KNOW IT SEEMS LIKE I AM HOGGING THE POSTS HERE BUT I HAVE JUST ONE MORE AND THAT WILL BE IT FOR AWHILE. MY WIFE ANNA SAID I NEED TO DO SOME "REAL WORK" WHICH MAKES ME MONEY. AND SHE WOULD BE RIGHT!
THIS IS MY REVIEW OF THE RECORD "LANZA ON BROADWAY", THE ALBUM MOST CONSIDER HIS WORST. THIS LP IS FROM 1956. THE COPY I USED TO PLAY IS MONAURAL AND IN MINT CONDITION. PURE SOUND AND NO NOISE WHICH HELPED ME TO ENJOY IT BETTER.
THIS ALBUM SOLD WELL IN IT'S DAY AND MANY PEOPLE BOUGHT IT THANKS TO THE VERY POPULAR MELODIES IT CONTAINS AND ALSO BECAUSE MARIO LANZA WAS SINGING THEM. WE FANS WHO DIG DEEPER IN OUR PURSUIT OF ALL THINGS LANZA FEEL WE KNOW BETTER. YES, THIS ALBUM COULD HAVE BEEN MUCH, MUCH BETTER. BUT IT ISN'T CRAP. I USED TO THINK MARIO WAS DRUNK WHEN HE RECORDED IT. BUT NO. HE WAS JUST VERY, VERY INTENSE AND OVER THE TOP. "MANIC" MIGHT ALSO DESCRIBE IT.
MARIO WAS LUCKY TO HAVE A TOP NOTCH ORCHESTRA, DECENT ARRRANGEMENTS, SOME UNUSUAL, AND A WONDERFUL CHORUS.
BASICALLY, HIS VOCAL QUALITY IS SOMEWHERE BETWEEN HOW HE SOUNDED ON "THE SEVEN HILLS OR ROME" SOUNDTRACK AND THE "SERENADE" SOUNDTRACK. I'M TALKING JUST VOCAL QUALITY, NOT PERFORMANCE.
SIDE ONE:
1-"ON THE STREET WHERE YOU LIVE":. A GOOD WAY TO OPEN THIS ALBUM SINCE IT IS NICEY SUNG. IT IS ADMITTEDLY ON THE "HEAVY" SIDE. BUT OVERALL IT IS EASY LISTENING UNTIL MARIO PUNCHES KEY WORDS JUST LIKE A BOXER GOING AGAINST AN OPPONENT.
2-"YOUNGER THAN SPRINGTIME": A DEGREE OF ECHO IS UNDESIRABLE BUT SOMETHING THAT THE LISTENER CAN LIVE WITH. HE SINGS THIS SONG LIKE IT IS AN ARIA, IN OTHER WORDS WITH AN OPERATIC BENT. ONE OF MARIO'S STRENGTHS IS THAT HE WAS A GREAT CROSSOVER ARTIST. NOT HERE. YOU CAN IMAGINE A TENOR LIKE PAVOROTTI ATTEMPTING TO SING A BROADWAY HIT AND SOUNDING THIS WAY. OF COURSE WITH PAVAROTTI YOU WOULD ALSO GET A HEAVY ACCENT YOU DON'T GET WITH M. LANZA.
3-"SPEAK LOW": AGAIN TOO MUCH ECHO. BUT THE ECHO IS ONLY IN MARIO'S VOICE, THE CHORUS SOUNDS NORMAL. HE NEVER SOUNDS TIRED IN THIS ALBUM, LIKE SOME OF THE 1959 TRACKS DO. HE LEAVES US WITH AN EXCELLENT, RINGING FINAL HIGH NOTE WHICH IS HELD A LONG TIME.
4-"MORE THAN YOU KNOW": AGAIN, TOO MUCH ECHO. THIS TRACK IS BADLY MARRED WITH PITCH PROBLEMS. WHAT THEY TODAY CALL "PITCHY". IT IS WELL BELOW PAR. HE SINGS LIKE HE IS IN A SALOON TRYING TO RISE ABOVE THE ROAR OF THE BEER DRINKERS. THANKFULLY HE INTRODUCES SOME "SOFT PEDAL" TO RELIEVE OUR EARS.
5-"FALLING IN LOVE WITH LOVE": THE SINGING IS, TO BORROW A PHRASE A FRIEND OF MINE USES, JUST "OKAYISH". HE IS DEFINITELY PUSHING HERE AND IT MARS THE PERFORMANCE.
6-"WHY WAS I BORN": NOT THAT BAD. I LIKE HOW RICH HIS LOWEST REGISTER SOUNDS. IT IS DARK AND FULL. NOT MY FAVORITE COMPOSITION.
SIDE TWO:
1-"AND THIS IS MY BELOVED". THE BEST TRACK ON THE ALBUM. HE STARTS OUT SOFTLY WITH SWEETNESS AND MOSTLY KEEPS HIS SINGING IN THIS MODE. HE USES HIS SOFT PEDAL AGAIN.
2-"SO IN LOVE": AN ACCEPTABLE PERFORMANCE. NOT AS OVER THE TOP AS SOME TRACKS IN THIS COLLECTION. HE SOUNDS A BIT "WEAPY". ON THE LAST NOTE HE THUNDERS WHEN HE SHOULD HAVE PURRED.
3-"SEPTEMBER SONG": IF YOU WANT TO HEAR THIS DONE RIGHT, LISTEN TO FRANK SINATRA SING IT! MARIO SLIDES AROUND IN THIS ONE AND IT IS NOT TASTEFUL. NOTE: IF ALL THE SONGS HERE HAD BEEN RECORDED IN 1951 FOR THE COKE SHOW, IMAGINE HOW MANY WONDERFUL SONGS WE WOULD BE ENJOYING......
4-"MY ROMANCE": HIS EARLIER RECORDING OF THIS IS MILES BETTER. THANKFULLY, HOWEVER, HE USES SOME RESTRAINT. THE SONG HAS A BEAUTIFUL MELODY WHICH MARIO SINGS WITH A DELIBERATE STYLE. IT BECOMES VERY "HEAVY" AT THE END.
5-"THIS NEARLY WAS MINE". A FINE SONG FROM "SOUTH PACIFIC" WHICH WAS SUNG HAUNTINGLY BY BRIAN STOKES MITCHELL IN A CONCERT VERSION OF THE HIT SHOW AND MOVIE. MARIO'S IS A SO-SO PERFORMANCE. THE ENDING IS POOR AND THE TONE IS VARIABLE.
6-"YOU'LL NEVER WALK ALONE": I HAVE ALWAYS FELT HIS EARLY FIFTIES RECORDING OF THIS SONG ISN'T AS GOOD AS IT SHOULD HAVE BEEN. PEOPLE WHO WISH HE HAD SUNG SONGS LIKE "THE IMPOSSIBLE DREAM" HAVE HERE A SONG WITH AS MUCH APPEAL. BUT MARIO DOESN'T DELIVER THE GOODS. HE RUSHES THE PACE. THIS COULD HAVE BEEN A GOOD SONG WITH WHICH TO END THE ALBUM.
FINALLY, AFTER HEARING THE ENTIRE ALBUM IN ONE SITTING, I FEEL EMOTIONALLY WRUNG OUT! THE INTENSITY IS SO PONDEROUS. BUT I LIKED IT BETTER THAN I THOUGHT I WOULD AFTER NOT HAVING HEARD IT IN YEARS. TRY IT ON FOR SIZE SOMETIME SOON.
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Sam Million 10-27-2020
06:45 PM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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HI KRIS, THE ARRANEMENT IS FINE. THE NEGATIVE IS THAT THE TRACK HAS AN UNWELCOME AMOUNT OF ECHO THAT IS NOT AT ALL NECESSARY. MARIO NEVER NEEDED ECHO. ECHO IS USUALLY RESERVED FOR THOSE WITH WEAK VOICES. FOR INSTANCE, LOVELY ANNETTE FUNICELLO USED IT REGULARLY AS DID MANY YOUNG ROCK N' ROLL SINGERS. CLASSICALLY TRAINED VOCALISTS WOULD WINCE AT THE USE OF IT FOR THEIR RECORDINGS. ENNIO MORICONE WAS AN EXCELLENT COMPOSER. HIS TUNES WERE THE TYPE YOU COULD WHISTLE ALONG WITH. I DIDN'T KNOW HE HAD DIED.
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Kristine C
10-27-2020
05:49 PM ET (US) IP: 96.59.1.174
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Sam, I like the arrangement of "Someday" with the chorus, on "The Vagabond King" recording. By the way, Ennio Morricone , who directed the orchestra, on "The Vagabond King" recording, would later compose, conduct the music for Clint Eastwood's Spaghetti Westerns and I think he wrote the song "More". Morricone passed away about 2 months ago. RIP.
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Sam Million 10-27-2020
05:36 PM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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EVERY TIME I VISIT DEREK MCGOVERN'S SITE DEDICATED COMPLETELY TO MARIO LANZA, I FEEL AS I AM WALKING INTO A CLASSY RESTAURANT THAT HAS GREAT MENU CHOICES. IT IS EASY TO NAVIGATE AND CHOCK FULL OF WELL WRITTEN AND DOCUMENTED INFORMATION. ALSO, THE POSTERS ARE SINCERE AND WRITE WELL. KUDOS DEREK! GO HERE:
https://www.mariolanzatenor.com
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Sam Million 10-27-2020
05:30 PM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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I THOUGHT ALL YOU CLASSICAL MUSIC LOVERS WOULD ENJOY A CHANGE OF PACE. I PRESENT MY 1918 STEINWAY DUO-ART PIANO, A ROLL OPERATED INSTRUMENT WHICH REPRODUCES FAITHFULLY THE PLAYING ARTIST'S ORIGINAL PERFORMANCE WITH ALL THE NUANCES. THE PIANO WAS FULLY REBUILT IN 1972 AND STILL PLAYS GREAT. AT TIMES I THOUGHT PERHAPS THAT ONE PERSON COULD NOT HAVE PLAYED ALL THE NOTES HEARD!
THIS SITE WON'T LET ME LOAD IT. SO, IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO HEAR AN EXCITING "WALTZ OF THE FLOWERS" BY TSCHAIKOVSKY, JUST EMAIL ME AT SMS@BEE.NET AND I WILL SEND IT TO YOU.
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Fred Day 10-27-2020
04:57 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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All in all, Bessette made only a few errors, not many. Ciao.
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Sam Million 10-27-2020
04:49 PM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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THIS IS MY REVIEW OF THE RCA STEREO RECORD BY MARIO LANZA CALLED "THE VAGABOND KING". I HAD NOT HEARD THIS RECORD IN YEARS AND IT PROVED TO BE A REAL TREAT! FIRST, THERE IS NO PROGRAM, UNUSUAL IN AN LP. THE FRONT COVER HAS A SKETCH OF MARIO WHILE THE BACK GIVES CREDIT TO COMPOSER RUDOLPH FRIML AND FOCUSES ON TWO SONGS MARIO SINGS. NOTE THAT MY COPY OF THIS IS PRISTINE. NO POPS, CLICKS, OR NOISE OF ANY KIND. THE RECORD WAS ALSO RELEASED IN MONAURAL, SEEMINGLY A WASTE SINCE IN 1959 ALL HIS ALBUMS WERE IN STEREO TO SHOW OFF THE FAIRLY NEW TECHNOLOGY. I BELIEVE THIS WAS MARIO'S FIRST VENTURE TO SING THIS CLASSIC OPERETTA.
SIDE ONE:
1-OVERTURE: VERY NICELY DONE WITH A FULL ORCHESTRA AND WE EXPERIENCE A COMPLETE AUDIO RANGE. THE CHORUS COMES IN AT THE 2/3RDS POINT AND GOES TO THE END.
2-"THE DRINKING SONG": MARIO'S VOICE IS VERY CLEAR AND PARTICULARLY DARK IN TIMBRE. VERY ENJOYABLE ARE THE TWO VERSES OF "A FLAGON OF WINE, A BARREL OF WINE, AN OCEAN OF WINE WILL DO"
3-"SOMEDAY": USING JUDITH RASKIN FOR AN EXCELLENT VERSE, SHE IS THEN JOINED BY MARIO TO THE END. THIS IS THE ONLY TRACK WHERE THERE IS AN AGGRAVATING ECHO. IT MAKES NO SENSE OTHER THAN BLAIMING THE RECORDING ENGINEERS. THE SOUND IS SIMILAR TO WHAT YOU MIGHT HEAR ON A "REPROCESSED STEREO" RECORD. OTHERWISE NO ECHO FOR CHORUS OR JUDITH, STRANGE! THE LANZA VOICE IS CLEAR AND HIS SINGING IS FINE.
4-A HIGHLIGHT OF THE SHOW: "LOVE ME TONIGHT". A BEAUTIFUL SONG BEAUTIFULLY PERFORMED BY MARIO. HIS VOICE HAS PLENTY OF FERVOR AND RING.
5-"ONLY A ROSE": PROBABLY THE BEST AND MOST FAMOUS SONG IN THIS WORK. RASKIN STARTS OFF WITH THE VERSE AND THEN IS JOINED BY MARIO WHO STARTS WITH THE LINE "ONLY A ROSE". HE SOUNDS A BIT TIRED HERE. THEY SING BOTH IN UNISON AND A PLEASANT HARMONY. THE ENDING IS NOT "BIGS AS IT IS FOR THE REPRISE.
SIDE TWO:
1-"TOMORROW". MARIO IS IN EXCELLENT FORM AND SINGS WITH FERVOR. HIS PITCH THROUGHOUT THIS SHOWPIECE IS EVEN AND HE NEVER GOES SHARP OR FLAT. JUDITH ENTERS WITH THE SAME STARTING PASSAGE. I WANT TO MENTION HERE THAT RASKIN SINGS MANY WORD ENDINGS WITH AN "UH" AS IN "ONLY A ROSE-UH". MARIO USED THIS IN SONGS LIKE THE 1951 "LORD'S PRAYER".
2-"LOVE FOR SALE" BY RASKIN. WELL DONE AND IT INCLUDES THE CHORUS.
3-THE CHORUS PERFORMS ALONE THE SONG "HUNTING". THEY ARE A FINE SOUNDING CHORUS THROUGHOUT.
4-MARIO DOES "NOCTURN" VERY WELL , A PLEASURE TO HEAR.
5-RASKIN PERFORMS THE "HUGUETTE WALTZ WITH EXCELLENCE OF VOICE AND A PURE SOPRANO TONE.
6-MARIO GRABS US WITH HIS HEROIC "SONG OF THE VAGABONDS". HE HAS PLENTY OF ENERGY HERE AND DOES WHAT HE DID FOR THE "DRINKING SONG" IN "THE STUDENT PRINCE", WHICH IS TO USE THE NON VERBAL "AH-AH-AH" TWICE. EXCITING. OVERALL, THIS COMPOSITION IS AN EVEN AND FINE SING. MORE EVEN THAN THE LATER "DESERT SONG". THE FINAL LANZA NOTE IS SOMEWHAT PUSHED AND EVER SO SLIGHTLY FLAT.
8-FINALE: "ONLY A ROSE" IN REPRISE IS A DUET THAT MOVES ALONG SWIFTLY AND WITH EASE. THE FINAL LANZA HIGH NOTE WILL LIFT YOU OUT OF YOUR SEAT!!
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Sam Million 10-27-2020
04:02 PM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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DEAR FRED: THANKS SO MUCH FOR YOUR ACCURATE UPDATES. BESSETTE BIO HAS SOME GLARING ERRORS AND HE NEEDED YOU TO CORRECT THEM! I MUST LISTEN TO QUESTA O QUELLA AGAIN AS I THOUGHT IT HAD THE SAME FAMILIAR SOUND THAT SHOR HAS THROUGHOUT.
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Fred Day 10-27-2020
12:14 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Sam: One more addition: Shortly before high school graduation, Lanza was expelled, because a teacher called Lanza a dago, and Lanza socked the teacher in the jaw, breaking his jaw. Ciao.
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Fred Day 10-27-2020
11:51 AM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Sam: A few corrections: Lanza sang only six Celanese broadcasts, not seven. Caruso seldom sang a high C. Lanza sang many high C's. It is true that Lanza never saw his film of Because You're Mine nor the film The Student Prince. He refused to see them. In 1920, Gigli was called the second Caruso. Gigli disliked this, saying "I want to be the first Gigli". Many years later, Lanza said the same thing - "I want to be the first Lanza". As far as is known, Toscanini never heard Lanza sing in person, but Toscanini heard Lanza records and radio broadcasts. On the RCA Victor LP of Seven Hills of Rome, RCA felt the soundtrack Questa O Quella was not good, so they used Lanza's 1950 recording instead. Ciao.
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Sam Million 10-27-2020
08:47 AM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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I GIVE YOU MY LENGTHY REVIEW OF ROLAND BESSETTE'S LANZA BIOGRAPHY CALLED "LANZA: TENOR IN EXILE". COPYRIGHT 1999, THIS BIO IS LOADED WITH SPECIFIC FACTS LIKE "WINGED VICTORY" (THE SHOW MARIO WAS IN DURING HIS ARMY TIME) MADE 600,000 DOLLARS FOR THE ARMY RELIEF FUND. ALSO, THIS BOOK HAS PAGES OF FOOTNOTES WHICH HELP TO SUBSTANTIATE WHAT THE AUTHOR IS WRITING.
HERE GOES: AND PLEASE NOTE THAT I AM GOING TO HIGHLIGHT TO THE BEST OF MY ABILITY WHAT MAKES THIS BOOK STAND OUT FROM THE OTHERS. AN EXAMPLE IS ROLAND'S THEORY THAT MARIO WAS BIPOLAR, WHICH WILL BE DISCUSSED AT THE END.
1-ROLAND GREW UP WITH MUSIC SURROUNDING HIM AS HIS DAD PLAYED LANZA RECORDS AND THE RECORDS OF OTHER TENORS LIKE GIGLI AND GEDDA. BUT EVEN WHEN YOUNGER ROLAND PREFERRED LANZA.
2-YOUNG "FREDDIE" WAS FOND OF BOXING AND BASEBALL AND HAD A LIFELONG LOVE OF DOGS AND HORSES.HE ALSO LIFTED WEIGHTS AT HOME.
3-IN HIS SUMMER PLACE (OWNED BY HIS GRANDFATHER SALVATORE LANZA) AT WILDWOOD HE TOOK A JOB AS A STREETCAR CONDUCTOR, BUT LET CUTE YOUNG GIRLS RIDE FOR FREE!
4-HE ACTED BOISTEROUS IN HIGH SCHOOL AND EVEN THREATENED TEACHERS, ONE OF WHOM CALLED HIM A BUM.
5-HIS FIRST RECORDING WAS DONE IN 1940 TO HONOR HIS PARENTS' 20TH WEDDING ANNIVERSARY. IT WAS HIS "LUCKY" ARIA "VESTI LA GIUBBA".
6-IN THE ARMY HIS WEIGHT BALLOONED UP TO 240 POUNDS. HE WAS RATHER MISERABLE DURING THAT TIME AND ATE FOR COMFORT. (NOTE: MY COMFORT FOOD IS PASTA OF ANY KIND!)
7-BETTY'S WEDDING RING COST ONLY 6.95. (QUESTION: WHERE DOES ROLAND GET "FACTS" LIKE THIS?)
8-MARIO'S FIRST PROFESSIONAL ENGAGEMENT WAS TO REPLACE TENOR JAN PEERCE ON THE "CELANESE HOUR" RADIO SHOW, EARNING 300 TO 400 DOLLARS PER EPISODE. NOT BAD. HE APPEARED IN SEVEN EDITIONS. ALL SHOWS WERE LIVE AND LEFT MARIO VERY NERVOUS.
9-AFTER SAM WEILER HEARD MARIO SING, HE STOPPED HIS OWN VOICE LESSONS SINCE HE KNEW HE WOULD NEVER EVEN COME CLOSE TO SINGING LIKE MARIO DID. HE ALSO CLAIMED THAT HE PAID OFF THE LANZAS' DEBT OF OVER 90,000.OO, WHICH WAS A RIDICULOUS CLAIM SINCE MARIO HAD EARNED 130,000.00 FROM EARLY CONCERT APPEARANCES.
10-WEILER CLAIMED TO BE A MILLIONAIRE WHEN, IN FACT, HE WAS A REALTOR WORKING FOR HIS BROTHER.
11-MARIO WAS PAYING HIS OWN WAY AS IN 1951 ALONE AND WEILER MADE 250,000.00 IN COMMISSIONS OFF OF HIM. AND HE STILL COLLECTED HANDSOME FEES AFTER MARIO DIED.
12-FEAR WAS ONE OF MARIO'S WEAKNESSES DESPITE HIS OUTWARD APPEARANCE TO FANS. HE MISSED AN AUDITION WITH CONDUCTOR ARTURO TOSCANINI GIVING POOR EXCUSES. MARIO NEVER SANG FOR HIM. (I HAVE READ IN OTHER BIOGRPHIES THAT TOSCANINI DID HEAR HIM AND PRAISED HIS SINGING HIGHLY)
13-MARIO WAS 26 YEARS OLD WHEN HE MET CONSTANTINE CALLINICOS, WHO WAS DUMBSTRUCK BY MARIO'S TALENT. THE TWO GAVE FINE CONCERTS WITH LITTLE REHEARSING AS MARIO TOLD HIM "I HAVE MORE IMPORTANT THINGS TO DO" AND ASSURED HIM "YOU HAVEN'T HEARD ANYTHING YET".
14-TENOR TAGLIAVINI WAS SUPPOSED TO APPEAR AT THE HOLLYWOOD BOWL BUT WAS NOT AVAILABLE. MARIO WAS. THE "LANZA LUCK" PREVAILED.
15-JOE PASTERNAK WAS A PRODUCER AT MGM AND WAS DELIGHTED BY MARIO'S TALENT. L.B. MAYER TOLD HIM: "HE'S ALL YOURS", AND SAID MARIO WAS TO BE THE SINGING CLARK GABLE.
(ALLOW ME TO PAUSE HERE AND MAKE AN OBSERVATION ABOUT BESSETTE'S WRITING STYLE. HE OFTEN WRITES AS IF HE WERE DOING A NOVEL RATHER THAN A BIOGRPHY. FOR EXAMPLE, THIS SENTENCE ENDING A CHAPTER. HE WROTE: "THE FRONT GATES AT MGM WERE WIDE OPEN AND AS LANZA ENTERED, THE DOORS OF THE METROPOLITAN AND EVERY OTHER LEGITMATE OPERA HOUSE SLAMMED SHUT BEHIND HIM".
16-MARIO OFTEN SAID HE FELT RUSHED AND THAT HE NEEDED MORE TIME. HE SENSED HE WASN'T READY YET FOR ALL THAT WAS HAPPENING TO HIM SO QUICKLY. YET HE STILL WOULD BRAG THAT "AM I THE SECOND CARUSO? NO. I AM THE FIRST LANZA".
17-BY 1947 THE TENOR'S HEAVY DRINKING HABIT HAD ALREADY STARTED.
18-MARIO RESUMED HIS BOYHOOD PRACTICE OF SHOPLIFTING GOURMET ITEMS, CANDY, LIQUOR, ETC. THIS WAS BEHAVIOR HE REGARDED AS BOYISHLY REBELLIOUS. HE ALSO BROKE OFF CHIPS OF 78 RPM RECORDS OF SINGERS HE DISLIKED.
19-WHEN FRANCES YEEND WAS PERFORMING ALONE ON STAGE DURING A "BEL CANTO TRIO" GIG, MARIO THOUGHT NOTHING OF URINATING INTO A BUCKET IN THE WINGS OF THE STAGE WHERE HE MADE SURE SHE COULD SEE HIM. (NOTE: I TRULY BELIEVE THAT AS HE MATURED THESE CHILDISH PRANKS LIKE THIS DIMINISHED GREATLY).
20-HIS ONE AND ONLY FULL LENGHT OPERA APPEARANCE WAS "MADAME BUTTERFLY", WHICH DREW RAVE REVIEWS FOR HIM. WITH MORE WORK AND DEDICATION HE COULD HAVE BECOME A GREAT OPERA STAR. HOWEVER, LOOKING AT HIS DECISION TO GO INTO MOVIE MAKING. THESE MOVIES ARE ALWAYS HERE TO ENTERAIN US, AND OF COURSE THEY PAID MUCH BETTER.
21-THE DIRECTOR OF THE NEW ORLEANS OPERA COMPANY OFFERED LANZA THE CHANCE TO BE IN TWO PERFORMANCES OF "LA TRAVIATA" FOR THE 1948/49 SEASON. WEILER HAD THE CONTRACTS DRAWN UP AND SIGNED BUT PRESSURE FROM MGM AND THE LURE OF MOVIES AND CONCERTS AND RECORDING PREVENTED IT. THIS PATTERN WAS THE SAME RIGHT UP UNTIL HIS DEATH. (REMEMBER THAT HIS MGM CONTRACT OFFERED HIM SIX MONTHS OFF EACH YEAR TO PURSUE HIS OPERATIC CAREER. WHAT CAREER?)
22-AFTER A LIVE PERFORMANCE BY THE BEL CANTO TRIO, MARIO SAID TO ALBERT ROBINSON OF COLUMBIA ARTISTS "DO YOU KNOW WHAT I DID TONIGHT? I SANG FIVE HIGH C'S. CARUSO NEVER SANG MORE THAN TWO IN ONE EVENING" (DOES ANYONE KNOW IF THIS IS TRUE?)
23-DURING THE MAKING OF "THAT MIDNIGHT KISS" HE WAS WELL BEHAVED AND GAVE A HIGH DEGREE OF EFFORT. OF JUST ABOUT ANY OTHER OF HIS FOLLOWING FILMS THIS COULD NOT BE SAID.
24-AUGUSTIN LARA. THE COMPOSER OF "GRANADA", HEARD MARIO SING HIS SONG AND CRIED THAT THIS WAS A GREATER RENDITION THAN HE COULD HAVE IMAGINED. THE BYM PERFORMANCE AND ANOTHER BEAR THIS OUT.
25-COMPOSER SAMMY KAHN DECLARED THAT IF YOU HEARD MARIO VIA RECORDS, YOU HAVEN'T REALLY HEARD HIM AT ALL. HE FELT NO MECHANICAL REPRODUCTION COULD CAPTURE HIS VOICE. HE SAID: "WHEN LIVE, IT COULD SCARE THE HELL OUT OF YOU!"
26-AS THE YEARS WENT BY AFTER "THE GREAT CARUSO", HIS GOLD RECORD HIT "BE MY LOVE" WAS SELDOM SUNG BY LANZA. AND HE STARTED IMPROVISING WORDS FOR IT LIKE "BE MY LUNCH". LOL.
27-MARIO FREQUENTLY LISTENED TO HIS OWN RECORDS. THIS IS A PRACTICE I CONDONE AS IT GIVES ONE THE CHANCE TO HEAR AND THEN IMPROVE ON IT.
28-MARIO BRAGGED TO HIS MANY SPONGERS THAT THEY SHOULD "SEE HIM HAVE SEX LIVE AND LEARN SOMETHING".
29-MARIO WAS A STRONG CONTENDER FOR THE MOST TRUCULENT, MOROSE, DEMANDING STAR IN THE HISTORY OF HOLLYWOOD. IF TRUE, THIS WAS A SHAME.
30-DEREK MCGOVERN TOLD ME SOMETHING I FOUND HARD TO BELIEVE--THAT NO PHOTOS OF MARIO FROM 1959 EXIST. I LOOKED THROUGH DEREK MANNERING'S "LANZA: HIS LIFE IN PICTURES" AND OTHER BOOKS WITH PHOTOGRAPHS AND THIS IS ABSOLUTELY TRUE. THE ONLY 1959 PHOTO OF MARIO IS THE AWFUL ONE OF HIM SQUEEZED INTO HIS CASKET LOOKING BLOATED.
31-QUOTE FROM MARIO: "WHO THE HELL DO THEY THINK CAN PORTRAY CARUSO--NELSON EDDY?". "NOBODY BUT ME CAN PLAY THAT ROLE". "I AM CARUSO!"
32-AS WE KNOW, WEIGHT WAS A REAL PROBLEM FOR THE SINGER. BESSETTE OFFERS:"E LOOKED HIS BEST AT 170 POUNDS, COULD SOAR TO A CHUBBY YET HANDSOME 210, A FRANKLY ENORMOUS 240, AND A NEARLY UNRECOGNIZABLE 270.
33-IN 1951 HIS RECORD ROYALTIES WERE IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD OF ONE MILLION DOLLARS, AN AWESOME AMOUNT FOR HIS DAY OR FOR THE PRESENT.
34-WAS MARIO LAZY AND AVERSE TO TRYING DIFFERENT SONGS FOR HIS CONCERTS? I ASK THIS BECAUSE HIS 1951 PROGRAMS DIFFERED LITTLE FROM HIS 1958 PROGRAMS.
35-HE MADE 5,300.00 A WEEK FOR HIS 1951/52 COKE RADIO SHOWS. THE SONGS HE SANG WERE TO BECOME A GREAT SOURSE OF INCOME FOR YEARS TO COME AND EVEN AFTER HIS DEATH.
37-HIS FAVORITE OFF MIC PHRASE WAS "VIVA LA FICA" OR "LONG LIVE THE VAGINA", A PHRASE HE REPEATED OFTEN!
38-THE PRODUCERS OF THE COKE SHOW PUSHED HIM TO END AS MANY SONGS WITH HIGH NOTES AS HE COULD. EVEN IF ARTISTICSLLY THIS WASN'T PROPER.
39-HE MADE 163 SONGS FOR THE COKE SHOW (WHICH WERE NEVER INTENDED FOR GENERAL RELEASE) WHILE HIS WHOLE CAREER OF SONGS (NOT COUNTING COKE SONGS) ONLY AMOUNTED TO 203 SONGS/ARIAS. MGM CLOSED DOWN THE COKE SHOW WHEN MARIO DIDN'T APPEAR FOR THE MAKING OF "THE STUDENT PRINCE
40-CRITICS HAD THREE TIRED THINGS TO SAY ABOUT MARIO'S SINGING: 1-HE HAD A SMALL VOICE 2-THE VOICE WAS DOCTORED AND AMPLIFIED ELECTRONICALY AND 3-HE MADE HIS RECORDS IN BITS AND PIECES AND PATCHED THEM TOGETHER. BULLSHIT FOR ALL THREE THINGS I SAY!
41-HE SHOWED CRUDE BEHVIOR ON THE SET OF "BECAUSE YOU'RE MINE". HIS HATRED OF DORETTA MORROW (WHO NEVER MADE ANOTHER MOVIE) WAS SUCH THAT HE WANTED HIS CO-STAR TO BE MORE SENSUAL. HE WANTED HER TO PRESS HER VAGINA AGAINST INTO HIS GROIN. POOR MORROR WAS IN TEARS OVER THIS.
42-WHEN DEPRESSED MARIO COULD STARE DOWN AT THE FLOOR IMOBILE FOR HOURS. IT WAS DURING THIS BLEAKEST OF TIMES THAT AL TEITELBAUM APPEARED IN HIS LIFE AND PAID OFF SOME OF HIS DEBTS AND AND BECAME HIS MANAGER FOR 10 PERCENT OF HIS TAKE AND SAM WEILER WAS BOUGHT OFF WITH 5 PERCENT OF HIS CAREER LONG EARNINGS.
43-LANZA REFUSED A MILLION DOLLAR RCA RECORDS OFFER TO RECORD 100 SONGS/ARIAS BECAUSE DINAH SHORE ACCEPTED THE SAME DEAL AND LANZA FELT HE WAS WORTH TWICE AS MUCH. AT THAT TIME, WITH NOTHING IN THEIR VAULTS TO RELEASE, THEY WERE GIVEN ACCESS TO ALL HIS COKE SHOW MATERIAL. AND LATER MARIO GAVE IT ALL AWAY TO TEITELBAUM AND HIS HEIRS FOLLOWING.
44-MARIO NEVER SAW THE FINISHED "STUDENT PRINCE" OR "BECAUSE YOU'RE MINE". I FIND THIS VERY HARD TO BELIEVE SINCE HE DIDN'T LIVE IN A VACUUM.
45-MARIO, WHEN A DEPRESSION LIFTED, WANTED TO MAKE "THE VAGABOND KING" WITH KATHRYN GRAYSON BUT THE PART WENT TO MALTESE TENOR NAMED SIMPLY ORESTE. HIS THICK ACCENT RESULTED IN THE STUDIO HAVING TO DUB HIS SPEAKING PARTS. AND THIS WAS KATHRYN'S FINAL MOVIE.
46-AFTER THE FIRST TV "SHOWER OF STARS" SHOW DEBACLE (USING OLD RECORDINGS OF HIS AND SAYING THEY WERE NEWLY MADE), HE DID A SECOND SHOW LIVE SINGING ONE ARIA, "E LUCEVAN LE STELLE", AND ONE SONG "SOMEDAY".
47-WHEN THE FILMING OF "SERENADE" WAS STALLED, HE AGREED TO SING IN LAS VEGAS FOR TWO WEEKS AND 100,000.00. THIS WAS YET ANOTHER DEBACLE AS HE STARTED DRINKING HEAVILY AND WAS ALL BUT THROWN OUT OF THE HOTEL HE WAS IN AND THE TOWN.
48-MARIO WAS TO REALIZE 50 PERCENT OF THE GROSS FOR "SERENADE" BUT THE FILM AND MARIO DID NOT FARE VERY WELL. LOOKING AT THE MOVIE TODAY, IT AND "THE GREAT CARUSO" ARE ARGUABLY HIS BEST PICTURES.
49-THE RCA ALBUM "LANZA ON BROADWAY" WAS HIS WORST ONE. YET, SURPRISINGLY, IT SOLD WELL. HE SOUNDS DRUNK FOR A NUMBER OF CUTS. ONE OF THE FEW GOOD SONGS IS "AND THIS IS MY BELOVED".
50-NOT LONG AFTER THE ABOVE WAS RELEASED HE RECORDED "CAVALCADE OF SHOW TUNES" WHICH WAS EXCELLENT. IT ALL DEPENDED ON HIS MOOD AND DEGREE OF INTOXICATION.
51-A FILM EXECUTIVE FROM TITANUS FILMS OF ITALY CAME TO THE UNITED STATES IN 1957 TO LURE MARIO TO EUROPE. THE TENOR THOUGHT THIS WAS GREAT TIMING SINCE HE COULD ESCAPE FROM ALL HIS ILLS AT HOME. BEFORE LEAVING FOR ROME MARIO THREW A BIG PARTY FOR ALL HIS RELATIVES--AUNTS, UNCLES, COUSINS. OUR OWN CAROLE SHEA, MARIO'S COUSIN. WAS AT THE EVENT.(NOTE: I PROUDLY HAVE AN ORIGINAL LANZA JACKET WHICH WAS MADE AROUND THIS TIME AND COULD VERY WELL HAVE BEEN WORN BY HIM BEFORE OR AFTER HIS VOYAGE.)
52-ONCE IN ROME, HE WAS GREETED BY THOUSANDS OF CHEERING FANS WHICH LED HIM TO BELIEVE HE HAD MADE THE RIGHT DECISION BY LEAVING THE U.S.A.
53-DURING THE MAKING OF "THE SEVEN HILLS OF ROME" HE WORKED WELL AND CURBED HIS EATING AND DRINKING. BY HOLLYWOOD STANDARDS, THIS MOVIE WAS A "B" PRODUCTION. HE WASN'T PLEASED WITH THE SCRIPT OR OTHER ASPECTS BUT THE FILM DID WELL UPON ITS RELEASE. LANZA FANS MOSTLY FEEL THIS WAS HIS WEAKEST FILM. IT NEEDED MORE GOOD SONGS AND ARIAS. (NOTE: BESSETTE CLAIMS THAT HIS "QUESTA O QUELLA" USED FOR SHOR WAS A 1951 RECORDING. I HIGHLY DOUBT THIS SINCE THE ARIA HAD THE SAME "SOUND" OF THE 1957 LANZA VOICE.
54-DESPITE HEAVY DRINKING, COSTA TRIED TO HELP HIM PREPARE FOR THE ROYAL COMMAND PERFORMANCE AND CALLINICOS LEFT BEHIND A GOOD PAYING JOB IN AMERICA. THE DRINKING SUDDENLY STOPPED AND BY THE NIGHT OF THE SHOW HE SANG WELL AND DELIVERED THREE NOTEWORTHY ARIAS/SONGS. THE ONLY REAL PROBLEM THATA COULD BE SEEN WAS MARIO'S SHIFTING HIS WEIGHT FROM ONE LEG TO ANOTHER. THIS WAS HIS PHLEBITIS ACTING UP. DESPITE THIS PROBLEM, THE QUEEN STATED THAT SHE NEVER KNEW A HUMAN VOICE COULD PRODUCE SUCH EXTRAORDINGARY SOUNDS. MARIO REPEATED THE EXACT PROGRAM FOR THE TV SHOW "LIVE AT LONDON PALLADIUM. HIS SINGING WAS GREAT, HE LOOKED TRIM, AND THE APPLAUSE WAS HEAVY.
55-PLANS TO PRODUCE A "GRAND" CONCERT TOUR HAD BEGUN BEFORE LANZA HAD EVER PUT FOOT ON EUROPEAN SOIL. AFTER ALL, MARIO WAS LOVED IN MOST OF THE COUNTRIES THERE.
56-IN THE MEANTIME, BETTY WAS ACTING WORSE THAN EVER. MARIO HAD CARPETS PLACED ALL OVER THE FLOORS OF HIS 1,000.00 A MONTH "VILLA BADOGLIO". SHE WAS FALLING ALL THE TIME FROM DRUG ABUSE AND HE FEARED SHE WOULD BE INJURED.
57-MARIO HAD CONCERTS SCHEDULED IN ENGLAND, GERMANY, SCOTLAND, PARIS AND PERHAPS OTHER COUNTRIES. THIS WAS A HARD TOUR CONSIDERING THE RATHER POOR HEALTH WAS EXPERIENCING. HIS FEES AVERAGED 4,000.00 PER SHOW--AN ENORMOUS AMOUNT BY EUROPEAN STANDARDS,
58-IN HIS HOTEL SUITE, MR. COAST AND MR. TENNANT (HIS AGENTS) FOUND MARIO WITH A PRETTY AND YOUNG GIRL. MARIO WAS IN AN ALCOHOLIC RAGE AND STARTED SHOUTING FOUL EXPLETIVES. TENNANT RESIGNED ON THE SPOTAND HANDED BACK TO LANZA THE 1,000.00 GOLD WATCH THE TENOR HAD GIVEN HIM. LANZA SMASHED IT AGAINST THE WALL. HE CALLED THE GIRL A WHORE AND THREW A 100 DOLLAR BILL AT HER. IN TEARS, SHE SAID "SO YOU ARE MARIO LANZA. TO THINK THAT THIS IS THE GREAT MARIO LANZA. I AM SORRY FOR YOU".
59-IN MAY OF 1958, HE AGREED WITH CORONA FILMS (CORONA---A BAD CONNOTATION FOR THE FUTURE) TO STAR IN A MOVIE TO BE CALLED "FOR THE FIRST TIME". WE ALL KNOW IT WAS MORE LIKE "FOR THE LAST TIME" UNFORTUNATELY. TO GET INTO SHAPE QUICKLY HE TOOK HIMSELF TO WALCHENSEE, A PLACE THAT OFFFERED THE QUESTIONABLE "TWILIGHT SLEEP" PROCEDURE WHICH ALLOWS ONE TO LOSE WEIGHT RAPIDLY.
60-WHEN HE WAS RELEASED, HE DID THE PRE-RECORDING AT THE ROME OPERA HOUSE FOR "FOR THE FIRST TIME" AND ALL THE FINE SINGERS THERE WERE ENTHRALLED BY HIS VOICE. BESSETTE CALLED MARIO'S CLASSIC "O SOLE MIO" DREADFUL. HE MUST NOT HAVE HEARD IT, SINCE MOST OF US FEEL THIS IS THE FINEST "O SOLE MIO" EVER SUNG BY ANY TENOR AT ANY TIME! NOW, HE RIGHTLY ASSESSED "PINEAPPLE PICKERS" AS HIS WORST SONG EVER. BUT LET'S SAY IT IS WORTH LISTENING TO JUST TO HEAR THE GOLDEN FINAL HIGH NOTE.
61-THE FILMING WENT WELL AND LANZA'S FLAIR FOR LIGHT COMEDY WAS BACK. UNLIKE SHOR, FTFT WAS NOT A HIT. TODAY WE RATE THIS PICTURE FAR BETTER THAN SHOR.
62-THE LAST CHAPTER FOR MARIO WAS HIS RETURN TO THE RECORDING STUDIO, WHICH SPANNED FROM NOVEMBER OF 1958 TO SEPTEMBER OF 1959. HE WAS VERY PRODUCTIVE DURING THIS PERIOD WITH MORE THAN FIVE DOZEN SONGS RECORDED. ONE OF THE BEST IS THE "MARIO!" ALBUM WITH ITS MANY WONDERFUL NEAPOLITAN SONGS. THIS MARKED HIS FIRST STUDIO ALBUM IN TWO YEARS!
63-THE EXCITING NEW STEREOPHONIC SOUND PROVIDED A REASON TO RE-RECORD ALBUMS MARIO HAD DONE YEARS BEFORE IN MONAURAL SOUND. PLUS HIS VOICE HAD DARKENED--TO SOME A GOOD THING AND TO SOME A BAD THING.
64-THE FIRST TO APPEAR WAS "THE STUDENT PRINCE". THE COMPARISON BETWEEN THIS AND HIS EARLY "CLASSIC" RECORDING OF SAME IS LIKE COMPARING A LOVELY BIRD TO AN UGLY DUCKLING.
65-NEXT HE DID A NEW ALBUM OF CHRISTMAS CAROLS. I EXPECT A REEL TO REEL TAPE AT HIGH SPEED TO ARRIVE IN A COUPLE OF DAYS. PERFORMANCE WISE I KNOW WHAT TO EXPECT. HIS SINGING JUST ISN'T AS GOOD AS THE EARLIER CHRISTMAS ALBUM. (THE FABULOUS "LORD'S PRAYER" ALONE MAKES IT DESIRABLE.
66-HE RETURNED TO RECORDING WITH THE "CARUSO FAVORITES" ALBUM. IT IS COMPOSED OF NEAPOLITAN SONGS TOO. I ENJOY HIS SINGING IN MOST OF THE SONGS. THE SLIGHT DOWNFALL IS THE POOR ENGINEERING DONE IN ROME. HOWEVER, SEPIA RECORDS HAS VASTLY IMPROVED THE SOUND OF MARIO'S VOICE. ALSO, THE REEL TO REEL DOES THE SAME OR BETTER. WOULD YOU BELIEVE IT OUTSOLD CONCURRENT ELVIS RELEASES?!
67-"THE VAGABOND KING" FOLLOWED. IT WAS RECORDED BY HIS FAMILY CHEERING HIM ON. (MARIA, GRANDAD, HIS AUNT, AND BETTY'S MOM HAD COME TO VISIT HIM IN JULY OF 1959). HIS SINGING IS RICH AND DARK. HE PERFORMED WELL, ESPECIALLY CONSIDERING HIS HEALTH ISSUES. HIS TRACKS WERE "LAID DOWN" IN ROME WHILE LATER THE MASTER TAPES WERE SENT TO NEW YORK WHERE COMPETENT JUDITH RASKIN ADDED HER VOICE. THE RESULTS WERE VERY GOOD. THE HAUNTING "LOVE ME TONIGHT" IS A FAVORITE OF MINE.
68-HIS VERY LAST ALBUM WAS "THE DESERT SONG". HIS SESSIONS WERE BAD AND HAD TO BE POSTPONED NEARLY ONE WEEK, BUT AFTER THAT HE KNOCKED OUT SOME VERY FINE SONGS. ALL THE "MARIOISMS" ARE INTACT. LIKE EMPHASIS ON KEY WORDS, GREAT PHRASING, GOOD BREATH CONTROL, ETC. AND OF COURSE IT INCLUDES THE IRONIC SOUNDING TRACK "ONE GOOD BOY GONE WRONG".
69-THE QUESTIONABLE SEPTEMBER 10, 1959 "THE LORD'S PRAYER" RECORDING WAS EITHER LOST OR NEVER MADE. CALLINICOS SAID "IT GAVE HIM CHILLS". MAYBE SOMEDAY....
70- THE LAST GREAT PARTY AT THE VILLA WAS HELD SEPTEMBER 29TH, ONLY A WEEK BEFORE MARIO PASSED AWAY.
71-LANZA ADMITTED HIMSELF TO THE VALLE GIULLIA CLINIC ONE DAY LATER--SEPTEMBER 30TH. FROM THIS PLACE, ON OCTOBER 6TH, HE AND BETTY HAD SOME FIERCE ARGUMENTS. THAT EVENING HE SANG TO THE NURSES AND WAS PLANNING TO LEAVE FOR HOME THE NEXT MORNING. HE NEVER MADE IT SINCE THE BLOOD CLOT IN HIS LEG BROKE OFF AND TRAVELLED TO HIS PULMONARY ARTERY WHERE IT COULD NOT PASS THROUGH. DEAR MARIO LOST CONSCIOUSNESS AND WAS DISCOVERED BARELY BREATHING AROUND NOON. THE STAFF WORKED HARD TRYING TO SAVE HIM BUT HE WAS GONE. HE DIED IN ROOM 404 FROM A HEART ATTACK. (NOTE: BOB DOLFI AND DAMON LANZA DID RESEARCH INTO HIS MEDICAL HISTORY AND DISCOVERED THAT HE HAD HAD TWO PREVIOUS HEART ATTACKS. THIS SLOWLY BUT SURELY PUT TO REST THE MAFIA HIT THEORY, THE NURSE WHO WAS NEVER FOUND, WHO MIGHT HAVE INTRODUCED AN AIR BUBBLE INTRAVENIOUSLY THEORY, AND ALL THE OTHER IRRATIONAL THEORIES.
72-BETTY DIED WITHIN SIX MONTHS OF MARIO'S DEATH. SHE LOST HER WILL TO LIVE ONCE HE WAS GONE. HER DEATH WAS ATTRIBUTED TO AN OVERDOSE OF PILLS. SHE WAS ONLY 36 YEARS OLD.
73-TERRY ROBINSON DID MORE THAN JUST ABOUT ANY OTHER PERSON FOR THE FOUR LANZA OFFSPRING. MARIA DID AS MUCH AS WELL. (PREMATURE DEATH RUNS STRONG IN THE LANZA FAMILY). MARIA DIED AT AGE 65 (COMPARATIVELY YOUNG) OF A STROKE ON MAY 27TH, 1970. TONY DIED ON MAY 22ND, 1975 AT THE AGE OF 81. EXCEPT FOR ELLISA, THE MOST "NORMAL" OF THE LANZA CHILDDREN, HER SISTER AND TWO BROTHERS ALL DIED YOUNG. THE SAME FATE BEFELL BOB DOLFI, WHO WAS PROMINENT IN THE "LANZA WORLD".
POSTSCRIPT: A RETROSPECTIVE DIAGNOSIS BY ROLAND BESSETTE MAINTAINS THAT MARIO'S MANY UPS AND DOWNS THROUGHOUT HIS LIFE ARE A RESULT OF BIPOLAR DISORDER, WHICH WAS FORMERLY CALLED MANIC DEPRESSIVE DISORDER. THE MOOD SWINGS GO BETWEEN MANIA AND DEPRESSION. ( I AM NO STRANGER TO THIS DISEASE AS I HAVE HAD TO LVE WITH IT SINCE BEING DIAGNOSED IN 2007. THIS DISORDER WAS RARELY RECOGNIZED INTHE FIFTIES. BY THE SIXTIES MORE WAS KNOWN AND THE DRUG TREATMENT BY LITHIUM APPEARED IN THE SIXTIES. IT CONTINUES TO BE ONE OF THE MOST UNFORTUNATE MENTAL PROBLEMS DESPITE THE MANY DRUGS WHICH HAVE BEEN INTRODUCED. SOME FEEL THAT THEY HAVE RELIED HEAVILY BY USING DRUGS THAT TREAT OTHER PROBLEMS LIKE EPILEPSY. SOME OF THE MOST BRILLIANT PEOPLE WERE BIPOLAR, INCLUDING THE GREAT DOCTOR ALBERT SCHWEITZER.
FINALLY. I LEAVE YOUWITH THIS QUOTE: "HE HAD THE BEST CAREER HE COULD HAVE HAD. HE DERSERVES TO BE REMEMBERED WITH LOVE AND AFFECTION". AND ISN'T THAT WHY WE ARE HERE POSTING EVERY DAY......
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Fred Day 10-26-2020
11:10 AM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Sam: I think one of the British Lanza societies translated the German book. I hope they will reply. Ciao.
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Deleted by topic administrator 11-21-2020 10:22 AM
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Sam Million 10-26-2020
10:15 AM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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I HAVE A QUESTION: HAS THE LANZA "GERMAN" BIOGRAPHY EVER BEEN TRANSLATED? IT CONTAINS TWO OF THE SADDEST PHOTOS OF LANZA. ONE, THE SHOT OF HIM LOOKING MOROSE AND HEAVY PLAYING CHECKERS WITH HIS HEAD RESTING ON HIS HANDS. AND TWO, THE GROSS PHOTO OF LANZA IN HIS COFFIN LOOKING VERY BLOATED.
IF NO TRANSLATION EXISTS, I BET STEFF WALTINGER COULD DO IT JUSTICE.
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Deleted by topic administrator 11-21-2020 10:23 AM
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John W 10-24-2020
10:03 PM ET (US) IP: 47.227.11.80
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Good evening. I recently received my copy of the Lanza newsletter in the mail. I was humbled to see my name mentioned on page 2. I'm glad to be part of MLS of New York (and Jeff Rense's forum). Mario (and Richard Tucker) have inspired me to start voice lessons. Singing is much harder than I thought it would be but also a lot of fun! Please keep in touch: johnwiley2009@yahoo.com
John
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Sam Million 10-24-2020
10:59 AM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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MY REVIEW OF THE TERRY ROBINSONE MARIO LANZA BIOGRAPHY.
TERRY WROTE THIS IN COLABORATION WITH WRITER RAYMOND STRAIT. THE TITLE IS LANZA: HIS TRAGIC LIFE. THIS IS A SALACIOUS WORK. JEFF RENSE HAS SAID THAT A GOOD THIRD OF THE BOOK WAS REJECTED BY THE PUBLISHER AS BEING TOO HARSH.
1-WHEN "FREDDIE" WAS JUST A BOY HE WITNESSED HIS UNCLE VINCENT LANZA BEING MURDERED IN A GANG SLAYING.
2-TERRY ASKED MARIO HOW HE SANG AS HE DID. THE REPLY WAS "IT'S ALL SEX. WHEN I'M SINGING I AM SCORING. THAT'S ME. IT COMES RIGHT OUT OF MY BALLS"
3-HE WAS BADLY SPOILED BY HIS MOTHER MARIA. SHE WANTED HIM TO BECOME A LAWYER, BUT HE HAD DECIDED HE WANTED TO BE A SINGER. SHE PROMPTLY HIRED ANTONIO SCARUZZO TO START THE PROCESS.
4-THIS BOOK SAYS HE MASTERED SIGHT SEEING BUT THE CALLINICOS BOOK SAYS HE NEVER CAUGHT ON TO SOLFEGGIO.
5-LATER THEY HIRED IRENE WILLIAMS WHO WOULD EVENTUALLY CHEAT HIM BY CLAIMING A PORTION OF ALL HIS EARNINGS.
6-HE BEFRIENDED MARIA MARGELLI, AN OLDER WOMAN WHO OFFERED TO PAY FOR HIS SINGING LESSONS. HIS RECORDING OF HIS "PRIVATE" SINGING FOR HER EXISTS.
7-WHEN MARIO SANG FOR FRANK SINATRA, FRANK WHILE MAKING A MOVIE SAID "GIRLS ALWAYS SWOONED OVER ME BUT MARIO MADE ME SWOON"
8-ORIGINALLY SAM WEILER TOOK OVER AS HIS MANAGER AND PAID ALL THE DEBTS HE AND BETTY HAD RACKED UP. MUCH LATER IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT HE STOLE FROM MARIO.
9-MARIO SANG ALONE FOR COLUMBIA CONCERTS. LATER FRANCES YEEND AND GEORGE LONDON WERE ADDED AND FORMED THE "BEL CANTO TRIO".
10-WHEN HE SANG AT THE HOLLYWOOD BOWL, HE GOT THE LONGEST OVATION EVER, A FULL 15 MINUTES. (FOOTNOTE: THIS SOUNDS VERY EXAGGERATED)
11-HE MET TERRY AT MGM. TERRY HAD HELPED L.B. MAYER WHEN THE STUDIO BOSS HAD A BACK PROBLEM.
12-REPORTERS ASKED HIM WHY HE DIDN'T GO INTO OPERA. HE SAID HE NEEDED MORE TIME TO DEVELOP. CARUSO DIDN'T COME INTO HIS OWN UNTIL HE WAS 33, WHILE LANZAA WAS ONLY 27.
13-HE LOST HIS PRIVACY AFTER "THAT MIDNIGHT KISS" WAS RELEASED.
14-SOON MAYER WANTED HIM TO STAR IN "RING OF FIRE" WHICH EVENTUALLY CAME TO BE TITLED "THE TOAST OF NEW ORLEANS".
15-MARIA SAID HIS FAN MAIL WAS HOT. MARIO RECEIVED MANY LETTERS THAT FEATURED NUDE GIRLS.
16-DURING THE FILMING OF TONO HE WOULD PURPOSELY RUIN TAKES SO THAT THE CREW WOULD GO INTO OVERTIME AND THEY WOULD BE PAID MORE MONEY. LANZA CARED FOR THEM AND DID THIS.
17-WEILER SAID MARIO HAD BEEN CHEATED OUT OF THE PROPER COMMISSIONS FOR CONCERTS A MANAGER HAD ARRAINGED. MARAIO SAID "HE SCREWED ME AND I SCREWED HIS WIFE (SEX).
18-LANZA AND ERROL FLYNN EXCHANGED STORIES ABOUT ALL THE WOMEN THEY HAD BEDDED.
19-BETTY ACTUALLY STARTED DRINKING BEFORE MARIO DID.
20-MARIO WENT TO CIRO'S RESTAURANT TO SEE DEAN MARTIN AND JERRY LEWIS. LEWIS ASKED LANZA TO COME ONSTAGE AND SING A SONG. HE DID AND GOT A STANDING OVATION. AFTER THAT LEWIS SAID "LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, OUR SHOW IS OVER. NO ONE COULD FOLLOW MARIO".
21-ONE MORNING AT THE STUDIO MARIO STARTED IMITATING EZIO PINZA BY SINGING "SOME ENCHANTED EVENING". PINZA YELLED "LANZA YOU SON OF A BITCH WHERE ARE YOU?
22-MARIO, AFTER "THE GREAT CARUSO' CAME OUT, SAID HE WANTED TO DO A SERIOUS MOVIE. THE STUDIO GAVE HIM "BECAUSE YOU'RE MINE. HE SCREAMED "YOU CAN'T PUT CARUSO IN THE ARMY!"
23-HIS CONCERT TOUR AFTER GC WAS DUBBED THE "LANZA BONANZA"
24-TERRY AND HE WERE ALONE AT THE ST. MORITZ HOTEL AND TERRY TOLD MARIO THAT AS A YOUNGSTER HE STAYED AT THE HOTEL AND THE MANAGEMENT DECLARED HE WAS NOT DRESSED "CLASSY' ENOUGH. WHEREUPON MARIO UNZIPPED HIS FLY AND PEED ON THEM WHILE LATER TERRY FOLLOWED SUIT.
25-WIFE BETTY BECAME JEALOUS OF HER HUSBAND'S POPULARITY AND SAID TO MARIO "I'M JUST YOUR FLUNKY AND HAVE TO LISTEN TO OLD HENS FAWNING OVER YOU".
26-MARIO'S OLD FRIEND JOHNNY SILVER SAID THAT IN THE EARLY DAYS LANZA HAD NOT BATHED FOR SIX MONTHS.
27-HE AND BETTY HAD A DOG NAMED TENOR (!) WHO DIED ON THE WAY TO THE VETERINARIAN ONE NIGHT. .
28-MARIO THREW A PARTY FOR THE CAST OF BYM AND GAVE OUT GOLD WRIST WATCHES. (I WONDER WHERE THEY ALL ENDED UP?).
29-THE SONG "WHEN YOU'RE IN LOVE" WAS WRITTEN BY FRANKIE LAINE, WHO HEARD LANZA RECORD IT FOR THE COKE SHOW.
30-ONE NIGHT, ALONG WITH TERRY, MARIO CLIMBED A TREE AT KATHRYN GRAYSON'S HOUSE TO LOOK INTO HER BEDROOM WINDOW. HE SAID "I WANT TO SEE WHAT SHE REALLY LOOKS LIKEA". KATHRYN SPOTTED THEM AND SAID SHE WOULD TELL BETTY ABOUT THIS.
31-AFTER 19 MONTHS, THE GREAT CARUSO HAS GROSSED 19 MILLION DOLLARS---A VERY HEALTHY SUM FOR THOSE DAYS.
32-AFTER RECORDING "BELOVED", FOR "THE STUDENT PRINCE", MARIO TOOK TERRY INTO THE MEN'S ROOM AND SQUEEZED HIS PENIS SAYING TO HIM "LOOK I HAD AN ORGASM WHEN I SANG. THAT IS WHAT MUSIC CAN DO TO ME".
33-AFTER HIS SUSPENSION FOR SP, HE AND TERRY DROVE TO LAS VEGAS AND MARIO HANDED OUT WRAPPED IN PAPER 50 DOLLARS IN SMALL BILLS TO PEOPLE THEY MET.
34-ONCE AFTER STROLLING THROUGH THE MGM LOT, HE SAW JUDY GARLAND. SHE WENT WITH HIM TO THE HOLLYWOOD HILLS AND HAD SEX WHILE IN HIS CAR.
35-LANZA WAS KNOWN FOR WRECKING MOST OF THE HOUSES HE AND HIS FAMILY RENTED. ONCE HIS LANDLORD SUED HIM FOR 17,000 DOLLARS.
36-IN A DISTRESSED STATE, HE GOT TERRY INTO HIS CAR FOR A RIDE AND SPED UP TO 90 MPH AND SAID TO HIM ""IF WE DIE THE HEADLINES WOULD READ "MARIO AND BEST FRIEND DIE IN A FLAMING WRECK". "WHAT AN END FOR A TIGER AND A TERROR".
37-ON THE SET OF "SERENADE" MARIO DID IMPRESSIONS OF BILLY ECKSTEIN AND LIBERACE.
38-MARIO WAS VISITED BY TWO MEMBERS OF THE MAFIA AND AFTER HEARING THEIR "PLANS" FOR HIM, HE KICKED THEM OUT OF HIS HOUSE WHILE BETTY SCREAMED FROM UPSTAIRS THAT SHE WANTED PEACE AND QUIET.
39-HE WAS A BAD DRUNK BUT SOBER HE WAS KIND AND SOFT SPOKEN.
40-LANZA WAS ELATED OVER THE DECISON TO MOVE TO ROME WHERE HE WOULD BUILD A BETTER LIFE FOR HIMSELF AND HIS FAMILY.
41-IN LONDON, HE DID THREE CONSECUTIVE CONCERTS AT THE ROYAL ALBERT HALL FOR 8,000 FANS. THE HALL IS 273 FEET LONG AND 135 FEET HIGH TO THE GLASS DOME.
42-HE CANCELLED AN ARRANGED TOUR OF SOUTH AFRICA TO START FILMING "FOR THE FIRST TIME".
43-TERRY, LIKE COSTA, SAID THAT MARIO HAD RECORDED "THE LORD'S PRAYER" IN 1959 AND THAT MARIO HEARD THE PLAYBACK.
44-THE PRACTICE IN ITALY AT THE TIME WAS NOT TO EMBALM THE DECEASED BUT RATHER INJECTED THE CORPSE WITH A FLUID THAT WOULD KEEP THE SKIN COLOR RIGHT. THEY DID THIS TO MARIO.
45-THE FOLLOWING IS AWFUL. TO SQUEEZE MARIO'S BODY INTO THE WOODEN CASKET, THEY BROKE HIS ANKLES AND TURNED HIS FEET SIDEWAYS. THEN THEY BROKE HIS SHOULDER BONES TO FIT HIM INSIDE.
POSTSCIPT: IF ANYONE READING THIS REVIEW DOESN'T BELIEVE THE CRUDE BEHAVIOR ON LANZA'S PART, I REFER THEM TO HEAR "THE BLUE TAPE". HIS LANGUAGE IS AS FOUL AS CAN BE. I WON'T QUOTE ANY PASSAGES FROM THE TAPE SO AS NOT TO OFFFEND ANYONE.
I MAY REVIEW ROLAND BESSETTE'S LANZA BIOGRAPHY NEXT.
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Sam Million 10-23-2020
10:27 PM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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I HAVE INCREDIBLE NEWS. I JUST OPENED THE REEL TO REEL TAPE OF"THE DESERT SONG". IT IS BRAND NEW, NEVER PLAYED FROM 1959. BUT THAT’S JUST THE BEGINNING. THE ORCHESTRA IS CRISP AS A NEW DOLLAR BILL AND THE SONIC RANGE IS FULL. THE CHORUS EXCELLENT, AND JUDITH RASKIN’S VOICE IS CLEAR AS A BELL. BUT THE MOST EXCITING PART IS THAT MARIO’S VOICE COMES THROUGH LOUD AND CLEAR. NO MORE DISTORTION LIKE THE LP AND CD. EXCITING THE TAPE FEATURES THE EXCITING HIGHS AND THE RICH LOWS HE HAD AT THIS PARTICULAR TIME IN HIS LIFE. THE DUETS ARE EXCELLENT AND WELL BALANCED FOR BOTH SINGERS .THERE IS JUST A TINY BIT OF DISTORTION WHEN BOTH RASKIN AND LANZA ARE BELTING IT OUT TOGETHER.”THE FRENCH MILITARY MARCHING SONG” FEATURES RASKIN IN EXCELLENT FORM WITH PERFECT PITCH. MARIO IN “THE RIFF SONG” STIRS US UP QUITE WELL. “I WANT A KISS” IS NO SLOUCH EITHER. THEN WE HAVE “LET LOVE GO” TO ENTERTAIN US VERY WELL. THE SONG "ONE FLOWER IN YOUR GARDEN" IS ALSO GREAT WITH THE EXCEPTION OF TWO OF MARIO’S HIGH NOTES BEING A TAD PUSHED. I WANT TO NOTE HERE THAT THE TYPICAL "MARIOISMS" ARE INTACT. HIS EMPASIS ON IMPORTANT WORDS, HIS EXHUBERANCE AND JOY COME THROUGH, AND EVEN THOUGH AT TIMES HE SOUNDS SOMEWHAT TIRED (REMEMBER THAT THIS WAS RECORDED ONLY ONE MONTH BEFORE THE TENOR'S DEATH!) HE HAD NOT LOST HIS TOUCH.
SIDE TWO OF THIS 7 1/2 INCHES PER SECOND HIGH SPEED TAPE STARTS WITH “AZURI'S DANCE". NOT ONE BIT OF CRITICISM HERE. "THEN YOU WILL KNOW" IS AS GOOD AS ANYTHING ON THE PROGRAM. THERE IS A BRIEF AND PLEASANT ORCHESTRAL INTERLUDE THAT IS FOLLOWED BY "ROMANCE" WHICH HIGHLIGHTS RASKIN. WHEREAS FORMERLY RASKIN AND LANZA SOUNDED SEPARATELY RECORDED (WHICH THEY WERE,AS RASKIN ADDED HER VOICE TO MARIO’S VOCAL AND ORCHESTRA TRACK (CONDUCTED BY CALLINICOS).I BELIEVE SHE DID HER VOCALS IN NEW YORK WHILE MARIO WAS IN ROME. CALLINICOS CRITICIZED THIS SORT OF RECORDING STYLE AS “SECOND RATE” AND WAS SURPRISED THAT MARIO TENDED TO LIKE IT. NEXT TO LAST IS “ONE GOOD BOY GONE WRONG” WHICH IS DONE WITH PINACHE.THE MEANING OF THIS SONG IS NOT LOST ON WE FANS AND IS RATHER FITTING FOR WHAT WAS NEARLY THE END OF MARIO’S HARD LIFE. THE TAPE FINISHES WITH THE GREAT "ONE ALONE", SUNG BEAUTIFULLY AS CAN BE, UNLESS YOU PREFER HIS EARIER SOUND (TAKE AS AN EXAMPLE THE MARIO! ALBUM) TO THIS LATE SOUND.
OVERALL, I COULD NOT BE MORE PLEASED AND EXCITED BY THIS TAPE. I WISH YOU ALL COULD HEAR IT IN THE SPLENDOR THAT I JUST DID.
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Barbara Clifton 10-23-2020
01:05 PM ET (US) IP: 23.127.59.195
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Sam: Antoine has been around for years - you an find him on utube.
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Deleted by topic administrator 11-21-2020 10:23 AM
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Sam Million 10-22-2020
04:36 PM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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HEY THERE SUZANNE. I DID WRITE A DISCLAIMER BEFORE REVIEWING THE TEITELBAUM PAPERBACK BOOK. ALSO, NONE OF US KNOW WHO HAS THE BOOK, SO SOME MIGHT JUST WANT TO HEAR ABOUT IT. I STARTED TO REVIEW DEREK MANNERING'S VERY FINE SECOND LANZA BIOGRAPHY CALLED SINGING TO THE GODS. IT HAS SO MUCH WE ALREADY KNOW THAT I ONLY SCANNED A FEW CHAPTERS BEFORE WRITING ANYTHING. I MAY SHELVE THAT IDEA. ON THE OTHER HAND, TERRY ROBINSON'S BOOK DOES HAVE MATERIAL THAT I CAN SINK MY TEETH INTO. AND ROLAND BESSETTE'S BIOGRAPHY HAS THE "MARIO WAS BIPOLAR" THEME SO THAT TOO WOULD BE "MEATY".
THANKS FOR WISHING ME GOOD HEALTH. I AM VERY, VERY GRATEFUL THAT GOD HAS GIVEN ME THESE THREE GREAT WEEKS AND PRAY EVERY NIGHT THAT THIS WILL CONTINUE FOR MONTHS OR MORE.
MY FONDEST THRILL IS MUSIC AND I WAS DELIGHTED TO HEAR THAT THE KARAOKE WE ENJOYED ALL LAST YEAR IS BEING STARTED UP OUTDOORS (SO LITTLE COVID WORRY) AND OUR HOST IS NOT ONLY AN EXCELLENT GUITARIST BUT ALSO HAS A GREAT POP TENOR VOICE.
ONE MORE THING: IN READING ABOUT TENORS, I DISCOVED A LAD OF ONLY 17 DOING NESSUN DORMA. SIMON COWELL DUBBED HIM ANOTHER PAVAROTTI. PERHAPS BUT CERTAINLY NO LANZA AS A FEW PEOPLE WROTE. HIS VOICE HAS A SWEETNESS TO IT AS WELL AS A RICHNESS IN THE LOWER REGISTER. HOWEVER, HIS HIGH NOTES HAVE NO "RING" OR SQUILLO, SO THAT WAS A DISAPPOINMENT. HIS NAME IS JONATHAN ANTOINE. HEAR HERE (LIKE THAT HEAR HERE?!): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Usg_jzZXpU
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Julie Page 10-22-2020
01:51 PM ET (US) IP: 74.79.51.67
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Julie(Suzanne). Sam, I have no quibble with you except for objecting to the salacious content of any book written about Mario being repeated here. If we wanted to read it,it was available to all of us, I guess.If the story about the Park is true, then I really object to that. We've had some vandalism of the Columbus statue in our park and having a large Italian population has caused a a lot of controversy. Probably most of us on this site would rather not read those things which are not necessarily true.,but do sell.I am sincerely glad that you're feeling better, btw.
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Sam Million 10-22-2020
01:09 PM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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LINZ, I JUST SAW YOUR POST OR I WOULD HAVE ANSWERED SOONER. YES, I DID CLICK ON YOUR ARTICLE. FIRST, I AM CONFUSED--ARE YOU A SUPPORTER OF BIDEN OR NOT? THE OTHER THING IS THE PARK. HOW WAS IT DEFACED? I DON'T REMEMBER THE IMAGE OF MARIO GRACING THE PARK. I WAS THERE ALL THOSE YEARS AGO WITH SOME OTHER LANZA FANS WHEN THE PARK WAS DEDICATED AND I EVEN MADE THE EVENING NEWS. ALSO, I THOUGHT YOU OR SOMEONE SAID THAT THE LOVELY SOUTH PHILLY MURAL OF MARIO WAS PAINTED OVER. THAT IS NOT TRUE. IT IS AS IT WAS.
HOW ABOUT WE BE HAPPY OF GOOD THINGS RATHER THAN ALL THE NEGATIVES. WE ALL HAVE ENOUGH GRIEF WITH THE PANEMIC. LET'S BE OF GOOD CHEER.
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Deleted by topic administrator 11-21-2020 10:24 AM
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Sam Million 10-22-2020
08:07 AM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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EVER HAVE A SONG/ARIA IN YOUR HEAD THAT WON'T LEAVE YOUR BRAIN? SENZA NISCUNO WAS MINE. HEAR HERE:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cywAi0DhRhM
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Sam Million 10-22-2020
07:07 AM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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A FRIEND OF MINE WAS ASKING IF I KNEW THAT THE LADY IN THE "ORGASM SCENE" IN "WHEN HARRY MET SALLY" WAS DIRECTOR ROB REINER'S MOTHER. SHE IS THE ONE WHO SAYS "I'LL HAVE WHAT SHE'S HAVING" TO HER WAITRESS. GREAT AND FUNNY AS CAN BE SEQUENCE. THEN I HAD TO TELL MY FRIEND HOW MARIO PUT HIS PARENTS INTO THE AUTOGRAPH SEQUENCE OF BYM AND ALSO HAD TERRY ROBINSON IN THE SAME SEQUENCE STANDING IN BETWEEN OTHER RECRUITS. AND DON'T FORGET IN FTFT WHEN THE JUDGE ANNOUNCES "ANTONIO COCOZZA", MARIO'S FATHER'S NAME.
INCIDENTALLY, IN WHEN HARRY MET SALLY THERE IS A SHOT OF A SMALL PLASTIC BIRD KNOWNS AS "BIRD DRINKING WATER". THE BIRD IS NOSTALGIC TO ME SINCE I HAD ONE AS A KID AND ALSO SCIENTIFICALLY AMAZING. WELL, AFTER THE MOVIE WAS OVER, I WENT TO EBAY AND FOUND ONE NEW IN BOX ON EBAYFOR 6.95 AND ORDERED IT. I THINK I AM GOING TO HAVE TO TELL MY WIFE THAT ONE, I AM ADDICTED TO EATING AND TWO, I AM ADDICTED TO BUYING COLLECTIBLES. SEE HERE:
https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/vvsAAOSw0IBciGpC/s-l1600.jpg
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Linz1 10-22-2020
03:51 AM ET (US) IP: 125.239.123.168
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Sam: did you actually click on the link to the article about Philadelphia's targeting of Mario Lanza? I make no apologies for my "angry tone," since this is beyond-disgusting and any actual human non-Woke person, let alone any Lanza lover, should be incandescent. The ilk of Woke-Fascist Mannering, Martino, Bessette, and sub-moronic witterers who balk at the idea of the Biden Crime Family being in jail will always deflect, of course. But here's the actual deal:
BY: Robert Petrone
Flags In South Philadelphia's Mario Lanza Park Bearing Image of The Tenor Were Replaced with an Image of a Bird. Attorney Robert Petrone reports this week, the flags in South Philadelphia's Mario Lanza Park bearing the esteemed Philadelphia tenor's face were replaced with flags with a cartoon bird on it.
Petrone wants to do something about it. "I propose the below letter be sent to Friends of Mario Lanza Park signed by whoever tells me to affix their name," he says. His email address is robertpetrone@yahoo.com. Here is the text of his letter.
Dear Ms. Mell,
It has come to the attention of the Italian-American residents of Philadelphia that Mario Lanza's image has been removed from the flags adorning the park that is named in his honor. We the undersigned are appalled that this was done without consideration for the community, during a time when we are in great pain at the recent and repeated removal of the likenesses of Italian-American icons all over the city, including (1) the removal of the statue of the first and only Italian-American mayor of Philadelphia, Frank Rizzo, whose administration as Chief of Police integrated the police force by putting both African-American and Caucasian officers together in the same squad cars and promoting the first officers of color to administrative positions, (2) the boxing up of the statue of the first civil rights activist of the Americas, Christopher Columbus, at Marconi Plaza, and (3) the obliteration of the names of Columbus and many prominent Italian-Americans at the base of the Columbus monument at Penn's Landing.
Despite that misguided historical revisionists have slandered Mayor Rizzo and Christopher Columbus of late -- slander that has been debunked categorically of late -- no such slander has ever been levied against Mario Lanza. There can be no other reason for the continuation of this course of conduct than blatant Italophobia.
That Friends of Mario Lanza Park, entrusted as stewards of the park and its contents, would be so insensitive to the community in this regard, is unforgivable. Our community demands that Mario Lanza's likeness be restored immediately.
Sincerely
SOURCE: Primo Magazine
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Sam Million 10-21-2020
10:47 PM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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I JUST GOT A GREAT NEW "TOY". IT IS A WRIST WATCH THAT RECEIVES FM STATIONS OR CAN PLAY/STORE MANY THOUSANDS OF SONGS. SOON I WILL HAVE MARIO ON IT. PLUS IT WILL PLAY VIDEOS (LIKE SATURDAY AT THE LONDON PALLADIUM). IT IS SOLD BY AMAZON. I WILL INCLUDE THE LINK. NOW ALL I NEED IS SOMEONE AROUND TWENTY YEARS OLD WHO CAN FIGURE OUT HOW TO DOWNLOAD MUSIC TO IT, LOL. OH, YEAH, IT CAN ALSO BE WORN WITHOUT THE STRAPS WHEN USING A CLIP THAT ATTACHES TO YOUR CLOTHING. AND ALL THIS FOR ONLY 19.99!
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07QF77W6P/ref=ask_ql_qh_dp_hza
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Messages 58432-58431 deleted by author between 11-21-2020 10:24 AM and 11-21-2020 10:25 AM |
Sam Million 10-21-2020
08:45 AM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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I FOUND ON THE INTERNET THE FOLLOWING REGARDING THE "WOKE" MOVEMENT WHICH I POST HERE WITHOUT COMMENT:
As America grows more and more divided, The Woke Supremacy takes an honest look at the Democratic Socialist movement, its founding, its history, what it is its followers want, and what it is they're willing to do to get it.
IF THIS IS BOTHERSOME, HERE IS SOMETHING THAT ISN'T AND IS FUN: http://www.singsnap.com/karaoke/watchandlisten/play/aa5f791f5
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Sam Million 10-21-2020
08:24 AM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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HI LINZ. I AM HAPPY TO HEAR FROM YOU DESPITE THE ANGRY TONE OF YOUR POST. I HOPE YOU WILL BELIEVE ME WHEN I TELL YOU I ABSOLUTELY WOULD HAVE INCLUDED YOUR BOOK IN MY REVIEW LIST BUT IT WASN'T SITTING ON THE SAME SHELF IN MY CLOSET WHERE THE REST WERE. YOUR BOOK IS QUITE GOOD AND I AM HAPPY TO HAVE IT. AND THANK YOU ONCE AGAIN FOR SENDING ME A COPY GRATIS! I DON'T UNDERSTAND THIS "WOKE" CONNECTION YOU SPEAK OF. FROM WHAT OTHERS HAVE SAID IT IS A POLITICAL AND I HATE POLITICS. I DIDN'T KNOW THAT THE SAME SICK PEOPLE WHO HAD MAYOR FRANK RIZZO'S STATUE TORN DOWN ARE THE SAME ONES WHO PAINTED OVER THE VERY NICE MARIO LANZA MURAL IN SOUTH PHILLY. QUESTION: WHAT IS KEEPING YOU FROM POSTING HERE? OBVIOUSLY YOU ARE STILL READING RENSE POSTS. INCIDENTALLY, WHAT KEEPS ME POSTING DESPITE PUT DOWNS OF SOME OF MY WORK, IS THAT I NOW REALIZE THAT THERE ARE MANY READERS (WHO CAN AND DO ENJOY POSTS BY ME AND OTHER REGULARS) THAT NEVER POST BUT STILL READ WHAT IS HERE.
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Kristine
10-21-2020
07:38 AM ET (US) IP: 174.228.138.27
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Correction:removing Lanza from the park.
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Deleted by author 10-21-2020 07:37 AM
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Kristine C
10-21-2020
07:33 AM ET (US) IP: 174.228.138.27
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This isn't the place for a forum of political views !But I must rebuttal that there is no Trump Derangement Syndrome! It's concern about danger to our Democratic Republic ! Especially,when a President demands political opponents be jailed. which sounds like a dictatorship !! As for removing Land a from the park, find out the reason why.
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Linz1 10-21-2020
03:58 AM ET (US) IP: 125.239.123.168
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Sam: I have not disappeared from the Lanza world. I have certainly disappeared from this site because of its Trump Derangement Syndrome, of the kind most recently manifest in this Woke-Fascist cancellation of Mario: https://wetheitalians.com/default/philadel...targets-mario-lanzaYes, the Woke, adored by Mannering, Bessette, Weaving and Martino, have removed Mario's image from Mario Lanza Park! You have my book. It's a salute to Mario, unabashedly, but you choose not to mention it, presumably because it's not salacious and creepy like the 1000% uncorroborated Matt Bernard atrocity that gets your juices flowing. This is the sort of lying garbage that Brett Kavanaugh had to face from the Woke-Fascist Prissy Brazen Fraud. Lies, lies, lies. Edited 10-21-2020 04:42 AM
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Sam Million 10-20-2020
09:46 PM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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MY DEAR SUSAN (JULIE IN CODE), YOU AND I HAVE HAD A PRETTY NICE RELATIONSHIP. YOU HAVE EMAILED ME PRIVATELY WHEN YOU HAD QUESTIONS OR WERE ASKING ABOUT MY HEALTH. NOT ONE PERSON HAS OBJECTED TO MY REVIEWS OF BOOKS. I HAD MORE FUN WATCHING MARIO'S FILMS AND REVIEWING THEM. BUT, AS I THINK I SAID, I DECIDED TO DO BOOK REVIEWS AFTER I WAS UNABLE TO JOIN THE MCGOVERN GOOGLE SITE. AS TO THE TITLES I LISTED THAT YOU SHOULD LISTEN TO, I DON'T THINK YOU GOT MY DRIFT. I WAS TOYING WITH YOU WITH TITLES THAT APPLY TO HOW YOU WERE TREATING ME. FOR EXAMPE "TIME ON MY HANDS" REFERRED TO WHAT YOU SAID ABOUT ME HAVINGI "TOO MUCH TIME ON MY HANDS". HOW ABOUT WE LET THIS REST?
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Deleted by topic administrator 11-21-2020 10:25 AM
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Fred Day 10-20-2020
03:08 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Over the years I have read all the books on Lanza, and on Caruso also. Ciao.
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Julie Page 10-20-2020
01:00 PM ET (US) IP: 74.79.51.67
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And I am miffed at the posts you are sending,Sam. All of these books" are available to us if we choose to read them.. Some of them, I don't and I know some others feel the same.. We don't need them printed here, that's for sure. A little discretion would go a long way. Much of it may not even be true.. Thank you.As for listening to Mario, I listen much of the time and enjoy his exquisite voice. No one needs to tell me what to listen to..
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Sam Million 10-20-2020
08:54 AM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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I JUST HAPPENED TO GO TO THE FIRST RENSE PAGE BEFORE YOU CLICK ON "FORUM". THERE IS A WEALTH OF GREAT ARTICLES WRITTEN BY KNOWLEDGIBLE PEOPLE LIKE DERECK MCCOVERN, DEREK MANNERING, YOURS TRULY,,AND OTHERS. MOST ARE VIEWABLE BUT A FEW SHOW AN "ERROR" MESSAGE. MOST OF THESE ARTICLES ARE STLL RELEVANT TODAY. ENJOY.....
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Martino1 10-20-2020
08:07 AM ET (US) IP: 67.216.108.216
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Dennis, about two years ago or maybe a little longer we had lots of problems with these "poachers" and trolls. Jeff went to a higher tier Quick Topic level which I think cost $40 a year. That solved the problem. The higher tier provided for enhanced features and I think posting photos may have been one of those features. That higher level has now probably expired and Jeff has not gotten around to renewing it. That has caused us going back to Quick Topic basic. That is probably the problem and because we have only the basic format now it does not allow for posting photos, nor does it filter the posts of non-members, which was a welcome feature of the higher Quick Topic level.
If you recall, when we went to the higher level most of us had to sign in all over again with different names or passwords. Hence, you could no longer sign in as Dennis and created your current sign in of Dennis1. Likewise, I went from Martino to Martino1. Other members chose to use different names entirely. This was an inconvenient but a necessary step to keep the trolls at bay. We now may have to do it all over again for the same reason.
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Dennis1 10-20-2020
02:41 AM ET (US) IP: 76.126.57.19
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Looks like after only a few days in the new format we have attracted a couple of poachers (Ryan and Derrick). I would like to be proven wrong—that they are just Lanza fans, but I don't think so. Did we ever find out if we are allowed to post pictures in this format?
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Ryan
10-19-2020
10:21 PM ET (US) IP: 209.99.132.248
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Quite helpful....look frontward to coming back.
Feel free to surf to my website 우리카지노계열
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Sam Million 10-19-2020
06:19 PM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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HELLO THERE VINCE. SO NICE OF YOU TO REPOND TO MY POST WANTING TO BE RE-CONNECTED WITH FINE OLD FRIENDS. I DON'T HAVE YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS ANYMORE. PLEASE SEND TO SMS@BEE.NET. THANKS!
BTW, THE CAPS ARE FOR ME SO I CAN SEE WHAT I TYPE. I AM IN BAD NEED OF A CATARACT PROCEDURE AND HAVE AN APPOINTMENET WITH THE EYE DOCTOR TOMORROW THE 20TH.
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Sam Million 10-19-2020
06:15 PM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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I AM SOMEWHAT MIFT AT YOUR "TONE". ACCTUALLY JULIE, I AM BUSY EVERY DAY AND NIGHT. NOT SURE WHAT YOU ARE REFERRING TO WHEN YOU SAY "ENOUGH IS ENOUGH". AS LONG AS I AM WELL, I AM A REGULAR AND DEDICATED POSTER HERE. WAS IT A CRIME TO WANT TO BE IN TOUCH WITH SOME OF MY FRIENDS ON DEREK MCGOVERN'S GOOGLE SITE? MAYBE YOU SHOULD LISTEN TO MARIO SINGING: "TIME ON MY HANDS" OR "LAMENTO DI FEDERICO" OR "YOU'LL NEVER WALK ALONE". GEE, THIS IS FUN. I COULD GO ALL NIGHT FINDING LANZA SONGS THAT APPLY!
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Julie Page 10-19-2020
03:25 PM ET (US) IP: 74.79.51.67
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Think you have "too much time on your hands"Sam. Enough is enough.
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Sam Million 10-19-2020
01:21 PM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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I WOULD LIKE TO ADD TO MY POST BELOW THAT I WOULD LIKE THE PEOPLE LISTED REACH ME THROUGH MY EMAIL ADDRESS OF SMS@BEE.NET. THANKS MUCH, SAM
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Sam Million 10-19-2020
01:19 PM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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I AM POSTING THIS AGAIN IN THE HOPE THAT MY OLD FRIENDS WHO ARE POSTING ONLY ON THE LANZA GOOGLE FORUM WILL SEE THIS AND RESPOND TO ME:
SINCE I HAVE BEEN TOLD THAT MOST OF THE GOOGLE F ORUM MEMBERS ALSO READ THE RENSE SITE.
I WOULD VERY MUCH APPRECIATE YOUR "FINDING" ME AGAIN. JUST USE MY EMAIL OF SMS@BEE.NET. IN PARTICULAR STEFF, WHO SPENT SOME WONDERFUL TIMES WITH ME AND GAVE ME A GREAT GIFT THAT SITS RIGHT HERE ON MY COMPUTER DESK, WHICH IS A CAST METAL VOLKSWAGEN BUS OPEN AT THE TOP WITH YOUR HAND MADE FIGURE OF MARIO WAVING. NO ONE WILL EVER GIVE ME SOMETHING NICER (WITH THE EXCEPTION OF ELLISA DEPARTING WITH ONE OF HER DAD'S PERSONAL ITEMS LIKE A GOLD WATC--DREAM ON SAM!
WELL, THANKS TO MR RENSE, I DO HAVE ONE OF MARIO'S ORIGINAL JACKETS WITH HIS TAILOR'S NAME INSIDE. IT STILL HAS SWEAT STAINS UNDER THE ARMS! ALSO, I WOULD LIKE TO CONNECT WITH VINCE DIPLACIDO AS HE AND I HAD SOME VERY NICE TIMES TOGERTHER VIA COMPUTER, TOO LATE FOR DEAR MURIEL AGNIELLO (SP?) WHO PASSED AWAY LAST YEAR. THEN THERE IS LINDSAY PERIGO WHO HAS DROPPED OFF THE FACE OF THE LANZA EARTH, AND WHERE IS ROLAND BESSETTE? ANNA AND I, DEREK MANNERING, AND ROLAND HAS A SWELL TIME TOGETHER IN THE OLD LANZA MUSEUM.
I WOULD LIKE TO BE IN TOUCH WITH JOE FAGAN, WHO MIGHT NOT BE AROUND ANYMORE, AND ARMANDO, WHO ALONG WITH HIS BEAUTIFUL WIFE CARMEL ENJOYED MEETING MY FRIEND RON AND ME AT HIS BOOK SIGNING/SELLING AT ONE OF THE PRE-BALL FUNCTIONS. LATER WE SANG TOGETHER IN ONE OF THE LOCAL RESTAURANTS IF MEMORY SERVES,.
AND CONSTANTINE CALLLINICOS--IF YOU CAN DIG HIM UP, LOL. GUESS THAT IS ENOUGH FOR NOW.
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Deleted by topic administrator 11-21-2020 10:26 AM
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Fred Day 10-18-2020
11:59 AM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Sam: Your friend Ron sang Old Man River superbly - a fine rendition, same key that I used to use for that song. Bravo!! Ciao.
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Sam Million 10-18-2020
11:53 AM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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THE PAPERBACK BOOK THAT WAS WRITTEN BY AL TEITELBAUM UNDER THE PEN NAME OF MATT BERNARD IS CONSIDERED THE TRASHIEST BIOGRAPHY EVER WRITTEN ON THE SINGER. SOME SAY TEITELBAUM'S WIFE SYLVIA ALSO HAD A HAND IN IT. IT WAS WRITTEN IN 1971. I MUST SAY UP FRONT THAT TEITELBAUM PAINTED A PICTURE OF HIMSELF AS MARIO'S SAVIOUR, WHO ALWAYS GOT HIM OUT OF TROUBLE. HE NEVER MENTIONED ALL THE OTHER PEOPLE WHO HAD A SAY IN ALL MATTERS INVOLVING MARIO LANZA.SO, WHAT FOLLOWS BELOW IS THE FIRST BIOGRAPHY I HAVE READ (BY SCANNING) AND HAVE REVIEWED. NOTE THAT NOT EVERYTHING TEIETELBAUM WROTE IS A LIE OR EXAGGERATION. AN EXAMPLE IS HIS DESCRIPTION OF THE STORY OF DYING LITTLE RAFPHAELA FASANO AND WHAT MARIO DID FOR HER.
1-MARIO ALWAYS FELT HIS VOICE WAS A GIFT FROM GOD THAT PASSED THROUGH HIM. HE SAID ANYONE COULD HAVE GOTTEN THIS GIFT BUT HE WAS LUCKY GOD CHOSE HIM.
2-MARIO HAD MILLIONS OF FANS BUT HE WAS THE LONELIEST OF PEOPLE.
3-HE LISTENED TO HIS OWN RECORDINGS DAY AFTER DAY AND LIKED WHAT HE HEARD, BUT AT OTHER TIMES HE WOULD CALL HIS VOICE A CURSE.
4-HE TOOK SLEEPING PILLS THINKING THEY WOULD CALM HIS NERVES, NEVER GIVING A THOUGHT THAT THEY WOULD BE ADDICTIVE.
5-MOST PEOPLE COULD NOT HAVE ENDURRED THE PUNISHMENT MARIO SUBJECTED HIS BODY TO.
6-HE WENT INTO SECLUSION MONTHS AT A TIME TO FIND PEACE.
7-HE WOULD ALWAYS GAIN WEIGHT TO GET OUT OF SOMETHING HE DID NOT WANT TO DO. OR DRANK FOR THE SAME PURPOSE.
8-HE AND BETTY LIVED AS THOUGH THEY HAD NO REGARD FOR MONEY EVEN WHEN THEY WERE TOLD OF HUGE BACK TAXES OWED THE INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE.
9-HE'D GIVE MONEY TO PEOPLE HE HARDLY KNEW TO HELP THEM OUT, JUST AS FRANK SINATRA HAD DONE IN HIS LIFE AND INSISTED NO ONE KNOW ABOUT IT.
10-HE LOVED CARUSO, BUT HE ALSO LOVED AL JOLSON AND PLAYED THEIR RECORDS A LOT.
11-HE BOASTED THAT HE MADE LOVE TO GIRLS AND THIER MOTHERS!
12-MARIA LANZA FELT HER BOY COULD DO NOTHING BAD AND LOOKED AWAY WHEN SHE SAW OR HEARD STORIES ABOUT HIM.
13-MARIA FELT BETTY WAS NOT GOOD ENOUGH FOR HER BOY AND NEVER CHANGED HER ATTITUDE.
14-MARIO HAD BEEN DRINKING SINCE HE WAS YOUNG BUT MARIA BLAMED BETTY FOR HIS DRUNKENESS (WHICH MANY TIMES SHE WOULD DENY).
14-MARIO AND BETTY'S BROTHER BERT HICKS WOULD PURSUE WOMEN WHO WERE WILLING TO HAVE FOURSOMES IN SEX.
15-MARIO MADE A BET THAT HE COULD HAVE SEX WITH A DOZEN GIRLS IN A NIGHT AND WON THE BET.
16-HE AND BETTY HAD A COMPLETE LACK OF SENSE WHEN IT CAME TO THEIR FINANCES.
17-YOUNG GIRLS WHO HAD LITTLE INTEREST IN OPERA STILL THREW THEMSELVES AT MARIO.
18-IF A GIRL NEEDED PSYCHIATRIC HELP, MARIO BOASTED THAT ALL THEY NEEDED WAS TO HAVE MARIO AS A SEX PARTNER.
19-TEITELBAUM MAINTAINED THAT HE AND MARIO WERE BEST FRIENDS THROUGHT THEIR LIFETIMES.
20-MARIO'S COMPOSER AND FRIEND NICHOLS BRODSKY WOULD FIND WOMEN FOR MARIO TO HAVE AT A MOMENT'S NOTICE.
21-MARIO CALLED THE MOVIE BECAUSE YOU'RE MINE THE BIGGEST PIECE OF SHIT HE HAD EVER SEEN.
22-HE BLAMED SAM WEILER FOR THE MAJORTIY OF HIS FINANCIAL PROBLEMS. WEILER SUPPOSEDLY KEPT TWO SETS OF BOOKS, ONE REAL AND THE OTHER DOCTORED.
23-LANZA GAVE TEITELBAUM A DOCUMENT GIVING AL FIFTY PERCENT OF HIS INCOME, WHILE WEILER GOT TWENTY PERCENT AND WHILE A COUPLE OTHERS GOT THEIR SLICES. WHEN ALL WAS SAID AND DONE MARIO WAS SQUANDERING AWAY A FULL NINETY PERCENT OF HIS EARNINGS.
OF HIM. WHEN THE SHOWER OF STARS SHOW WAS FINSHED, THE IRS TOOK ALL THE MONEY DIRECTLY AND EVEN SOLD THE TWO CHRYSLER CARS GIVEN THE SINGER FOR CASH.
25-FULL OF PILLS, BETTY ONCE ATTACKED A DRUNKEN MARIO ON THE FLOOR AND TRIED TO PLUNGE A PAIR OF SCISSORS INTO HIM, BUT TEITELBAUM STOPPED HER BEFORE IT COULD HAPPEN. SEE? HE ALWAYS SEEMED TO BE AT THE RIGHT PLACE AT THE RIGHT TIME.
26-MARIO BEDDED INGER STEVENS AND BRAGGED "THIS IS THE FIRST TIME THE LANZA VOICE WILL COME OUT OF A VAGINA!"
27-A FRIEND OF MARIO'S NAMED TINA HAD HER EYES OPENED WIDE WHEN SHE SAW THE HUGE SIZE OF WHAT SHE CALLED "MARIO'S GADGET". AMAZING HOW SO MANY STARS LIKE MILTON BERLE AND FRANK SINATRA WERE PROCLAIMED AS HAVING BIG PENISES.
28-DURING THE SHOOTING OF SEVEN HILLS OF ROME MARIO WAS ON BREAK AND WAS SEEN TAKING A GIRL FROM BEHIND.
29-LOUISA DI MEO'S BROTHER INSISTED THE STUDIO PAY HIS SISTER MUCH MORE MONEY OR ELSE THERE WOULD BE NO DEAL.
THE FILMING OF FOR THE FIRST TIME AND HEARD LITTLE OF WHAT WAS TRANSPIRING. AND THE NEXT CALL HE GOT WAS NEWS OF MARIO'S DEATH BY A BLOOD CLOT THAT TRAVELLED TO HIS HEART.
SO, BELIEVE WHATEVER YOU WANT OUT OF THIS BOOK, BUT MANY STATEMENTS EITHER DID NOT HAPPEN OR WERE EXAGGERATED. THE NEXT BOOK TO BE EXAMINED IS AFINE ONE WRITTEN BY DEREK MANNERING, HIS SECOND LANZA BIOGRAPHY, CALLED "SINGING TO THE GODS".
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Vince Di Placido 10-18-2020
11:32 AM ET (US) IP: 86.44.28.228
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Sam, I have the same email I’ve always had but promise me you’ll turn off the caps lock, otherwise I’ll get a headache. 😜👍🏻 I hope all is well with you & Anna. I just don’t have the time I once had to post as I am kept quite busy with my wee daughter, Sofia. Edited 10-18-2020 11:33 AM
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Sam Million 10-17-2020
11:53 PM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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BUT FRED, WHAT DID YOU THINK OF MY FRIEND RON'S INTERPRETATION?
YOU ALL HERE KNOW THAT I LOVE SINGING ON SINGSNAP, THE INTERNET SITE FOR SINGERS. WELL, NOW THE ELEVEN (!) PAGES FILLED WITH SINATRA SONGS ARE ALSO MANY OF THE SAME SONGS MARIO SANG. LIKE THE MOON IS YELLOW, WITHOUT A SONG, YOU AND THE NIGHT AND THE MUSIC, YOUNGER THAN SPRINGTIME, AND SOFTLY AS IN A MORNING SUNRISE. I'M JUST SITTING HERE AROUND MIDNIGHT SINGING MY BIG YOU KNOW WHAT OFF, LOL.
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Fred Day 10-17-2020
07:05 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Old Man River is the exclusive property of baritones and basses. Sergio Franchi sang it on TV, but never made a record of it. To my knowledge, Andrea Bocelli is the only tenor who recorded it on CD. Wonderful song!! Ciao.
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Sam Million 10-17-2020
03:52 PM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R9pyZfdPoMc
MY FRIEND RON GOFF IN HIS PRIME SINGING OLD MAN RIVER. THIS GUY COULD HAVE BEEN IN THE OPERA WERE IT NOT FOR HIS INNNATE LAZINESS, LACK OF DRIVE, AND FEAR. NOT HE LETS OUT HIGH NOTES TO TWENTYSOMETHING GIRLS TO IMPRESS THEM. NOT1
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Sam Million 10-17-2020
03:46 PM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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THIS WAS SO MUCH FUN TO RECORD. I SING BOTH THE WILLIE NELSON AND JULIO IGLESIAS PARTS AND END UP WITH MY OWN REAL VOICE! YOU SEE WHAT YOU CAN DO WHEN YOU HAVE A LOT OF TIME ON YOUR HANDS. CUE SONG: “TIME ON MY HANDS”!
HERE:
http://www.singsnap.com/karaoke/watchandlisten/play/aa5f791f5
HOPE YOU LIKE THIS!
SAMD
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Sam Million 10-17-2020
01:31 PM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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SINCE I HAVE BEEN TOLD THAT MOST OF THE GOOGLE F ORUM MEMBERS ALSO READ THE RENSE SITE. I WOULD VERY MUCH APPRECIATE YOUR "FINDING" ME AGAIN. JUST USE MY EMAIL OF SMS@BEE.NET. IN PARTICULAR STEFF, WHO SPENT SOME WONDERFUL TIMES WITH ME AND GAVE ME A GREAT GIFT THAT SITS RIGHT HERE ON MY COMPUTER DESK, WHICH IS A CAST METAL VOLKSWAGEN BUS OPEN AT THE TOP WITH YOUR HAND MADE FIGURE OF MARIO WAVING. NO ONE WILL EVER GIVE ME SOMETHING NICER WITH THE EXCEPTION OF ELISSSA DEPARTING WITH ONE OF HER DAD'S PERSONAL ITEMS LIKE A GOLD WATCH (DREAM ON) WELL, THANKS TO MR RENSE, I DO HAVE ONE OF MARIO'S ORIGINAL JACKETS WITH HIS TAILOR'S NAME INSIDE. IT STILL HAS SWEAT STAINS UNDER THE ARMS! ALSO, I WOULD LIKE TO CONNECT WITH VINCE DIPLACIDO AS HE AND I HAD SOME VERY NICE TIMES TOGERTHER VIA COMPUTER, TOO LATE FOR DEAR MURIEL AGNIELLO (SP?) WHO PASSED AWAY LAST YEAR. THEN THERE IS LINDSAY PERIGO WHO HAS DROPPED OFF THE FACE OF THE LANZA EARTH, AND WHERE IS ROLAND BESSETTE? ANNA AND I, DEREK MANNERING, AND ROLAND HAS A SWELL TIME TOGETHER IN THE OLD LANZA MUSEUM. JOE FAGAN, WHO MIGHT NOT BE AROUND ANYMORE, ARMANDO, WHO WITH HIS BEAUTIFUL WIFE ENJOYED RON AND ME AT HIS BOOK SIGNING/SELLING AT ONE OF THE PRE-BALL FUNCTIONS. LATER WE SANG TOGETHER IN ONE OF THE LOCAL RESTAURANTS IF MEMORY SERVES, AND CONSTANTINE CALLLINICOS--IF YOU CAN DIG HIM UP, LOL. GUESS THAT IS ENOUGH FOR NOW AND ALWAYS.
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Sam Million 10-17-2020
09:56 AM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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I HAVE HAD A HURTFUL MORNING THAT I WON'T GO INTO HERE. BUT I HAVE SOMEWHAT OF AN ANTIDOTE. I PLAN TO RE-READ 1-DERECK MANNERING'S SECOND LANZA BIO CALLED SINGING TO THE GODS, 2-RE-READ ARMANDO'S HIGHLY PRAISED BIO, 3-RE-READ ROLAND BESSETTE'S BIO (DOES ANYONE KNOW WHAT HAS HAPPENED TO HIM? 4-RE-READ TERRY ROBINSON'S BIO (WHICH JEFF RENSE SAID HAD BEEN CUT BADLY OF SOME OF THE "MEATIER" SUBJECTS, AND FINALLY 5-MATT BERNARD'S BIO (WHO WE KNOW IS NOT HIS REAL NAME.
I WILL PROBABLY POST HERE SOME INTERESTING PARTS I HAVE READ.
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Sam Million 10-17-2020
08:38 AM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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I HAVE SOME VERY INTERESTING NEWS FOR YOU. I HAVE JUST RE-DISCOVERED A GREAT CD YOU SHOULD ABSOLUTLY HAVE. FIRST LET'S GO BACK. I WAS TRYING TO URGE DEREK TO COMMUNICATE WITH HIS CONTACTS AT THE GREAT SEPIA RECORDS TO SEE IF THEY WOULD RELEASE THE ENTIRE GREAT CARUSO SOUNDTRACK. HE CAME BACK TO TELL ME THAT MANY OF THE GC TRACKS WERE ALREADY ON THE SEPIA CDS, BUT SCATTERED ABOUT THEIR VARIOUS RELEASES. HE THEN SAID I COULD GET THE BOOTLEG CD OF THE ENTIRE SOUNDTRACK. CURIOUSLY, I LOOKED IN MY COLLECTION AND FOUND I HAVE THE BOOTLEG. I RAN IT ONLY ONCE AND WAS NOT IMPRESSED. THINKING BACK I ONLY HAD A SO-SO RECORD PLAYER BACK THEN. SINCE THAT TIME I HAVE UPGRADED TO THE TOP NOTCH TUBE BASED STEREO. I PULLED OUT MY BOOTLEG AND WAS COMPLETLY DELIGHTED.THE SOND IS AS GOOD OR BETTER THAN THE GC DVD.
HERE IS WHAT YOU GET: 1-THE OPENING AND CLOSING MOVIE CREDITS THAT I HAVE ALWAYS LOVED 2-THE ENTIRE GC SOUNDTRACK, WHICH INCLUDES THE TWO VERY FINE MONTAGE SEQUENCES. 3-AS A BONUS IT INCLUDES 6 OR 7 GREAT SONGS FROM MARIO'S TOP SINGING TIME.
I SEARCHED FOR THE BOOTLEG AND EBAY DOES NOT HAVE IT. HOWEVER, AMAZON DOES. WHAT I AM UNSURE ABOUT IS HOW MANY THEY HAVE. MAYBE ONLY ONE, SO I HOPE ONE OF YOU GO RIGHT TO THE LINK I AM SENDING AND TREAT YOURSELF. THE COST IS 9.99 PLUD 3.95 SHIPPING.GO HERE https://www.amazon.com/Great-Caruso-Origin...6946&s=music&sr=1-4
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Sam Million 10-16-2020
11:57 PM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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KRIS: MARIO WAS A MAN OF MANY VOICES. IN THE CALLINICOS BOOK (I THINK) HE WAS IMITATING EZIO PINZA, A KIND OF FEAT SINCE PINZA HAD SUCH A DEEP BASS VOICE. PINZA WAS SUPPOSED TO HAVE SAID "MARIO YOU SON OF A BITCH, WHERE ARE YOU?" THE SEVEN HILLS OF ROME IMITATION SEGMENET HAS ALWAYS BEEN GOOD. AND IN THE SAME FILM MARIO SINGS BE MY LOVE ACTING LIKE A TERRIBLE TENOR AND HE WINCES AS THE MAN SINGS. NOW YOU HAVE ADDED BILLY DANIELS AND NAT KING COLE TO THE MIX. WISH WE HAD RECORDINGS OF THESE BUT THEY PROBABLY DO NOT EXIST. I THINK CELEBRITIES ARE ALWAYS HONORED WHEN SOMEONE IMITATES THEM. LOOK HOW MANY PEOPLE USED TO "DO" ED SULLIVAN AND HE ALWAYS TOOK IT IN STRIDE.
AS FOR ME, FOR SOME REASON TONIGHT I DECIDED TO SING A XMAS SONG ON SINGSNAP CALLED "WHEN MY HEART FINDS CHRISTMAS", A 1994 HARRY CONNICK, JR. COMPOSITION. THIS IS A WONDERFUL SONG THAT SHOULD BE A CLASSIC AND NEVER HAS REACHED THAT STATUS. I REMEMBERED ANNA TOOK A VIDEO OF ME DOING THE SONG ON CHRISTMAS MORNING WITH MY FATHER, SISTER ARLENE AND HER HUSBAND HRANT, MY NIECE ANNIE AND HER FORMER HUSBAND AND FAMILY, SISTER IN LAW VARTENI AND HER DEAR HAROUT WHO PASSED AWAY. WINSTON THE DOG GOT INTO THE ACT TOO. HERE IT IS:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7IyQr8vWn6g
HOPE YOU ENJOY THE TRIP DOWN MEMORY LANE.
BEST ALWAYS,
SAM
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Kristine C. 10-16-2020
07:46 PM ET (US) IP: 96.59.1.174
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I heard that Mario could impersonate Billy Daniels and Nat King Cole, so he didn't care about the race or color of an entertainer. When Sammy Davis,Jr.(who was quite a fan of Mario Lanza)started to impersonate white movie stars(James Cagney, James Stewart, Tony Bennett, Edward G. Robinson, Martin &Lewis), he was told he would offend people. But those celebrities felt honored, he impersonated them. I remember reading when Billy Eckstine sang , in a night club scene, in a movie, he was told to not look at the white women, in the scene, especially, if it had been a love song.
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Barbara Clifton 10-16-2020
07:24 PM ET (US) IP: 23.127.59.195
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Anyone know if Mario Lanza had any birthmarks?
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Sam Million 10-16-2020
05:13 PM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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MY FRIEND RON IN ST LOUIS AND I ARE HAVING A DISAGREEMENT.
I JUST ENJOYED SEPIA'S "MY ITALIAN SOULD". PLAYED THE ENTIRE CD AND I WANT TO FOCUS ON THE "CARUSO FAVORITES" SONGS. FOR YEARS SOME OF MY LANZA LOVING FRIENDS HAVE PUT THIS DOWN AS JUST PLAIN OLD BAD SINGING. I SAID NO, THAT IT WAS THE FAULT OF THE ENGINEERS. AFTER LISTENING TO TRACKS 17 THROUGH 23, I SEE THAT I WAS RIGHT. THE “WIZARDS” AT SEPIA HAVE MADE THESE SOUND VERY, VERY GOOD. HIS LOWER RANGE IS DEEPER, HIS VIBRATO A BIT BROADER, BUT THE SINGING IS ABSOLUTELY FINE. WHAT DO YOU THINK EVERYONE?
MY BEST,
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Sam Million 10-16-2020
04:50 PM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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HI MARTINO. YOU ARE SO ON THE MONEY WHEN YOU SAY HOW GOOD MARIO DOES WHEN IT COMES TO HAVING THE HEART TO TALK TO OR SING TO PEOPLE IN LOWER CLASSES THAN HIS OWN. AND THERE WERE PLENTY OF STARS WHO DID THE SAME. LOOK HOW FRANK SINATRA BATTLED TO GET SAMMY DAVIS THE SAME CALIBER ROOMS IN HOTELS THEY WERE PERFORMING IN. GLAD PEOPLE ARE READING MY REVIEWS.
FRED, THANKS FOR THE CORRECTION. YOU ARE MY LOVE IS A NICE SONG BUT HE SINGS IT AS "LANZA LITE" WITH A THIN VOICE THAT DID NOT DO THE SONG JUSTICE.
PS. I DON'T HATE THE "CALL ME FOOL", I JUST DON'T LIKE IT THAT MUCH.
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Fred Day 10-16-2020
03:28 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Sam: The song Callinicos wrote is You Are My Love (not If You Were Mine). And re: Call Me Fool, I disagree, I like the song. Ciao.
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Martino1 10-16-2020
03:20 PM ET (US) IP: 67.216.108.216
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Sam, although I can't say I am a huge fan of "Boom Biddy Boom Boom", it certainly was sung with gusto and a crystal clear sound. I agree with you that at the least it is indeed a rousing number. It also shows a human character side of Lanza apart from the singing itself that the viewer either senses or misses completely (either that or I am reading much more into it than is really there). I went to youtube to view the clip of this number posted by our own Valeria Pugiotto: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6dxsfuM4Gj...nel=ValeriaPugiotto. At about the 1:15 mark, Mario stands above a flower cart tended by African American women. He sings directly to them when he says, "people of my way". As though he has placed himself in the same class as they, even though the time period of the movie was at the turn of the last century. At that time blacks were still considered a lower class and were barely spoken to by whites, let alone sung to. That was probably the way the director wanted the scene but then notice when he leaves the cart. As he walks away he gives a quick, but deliberate, big smile to one of the women selling the flowers. That I am sure he did on his own. Major stars back then did not pay much attention to their African American fellow actors, especially those considered extras with no actual role to play. When I noticed that smile to her (which I noticed many, many years ago, I sensed Lanza's purity of heart towards people, all people, no matter who they are or their station in life. Perhaps it was his own humble beginnings, but whatever the reason, I could not help but feel a sense of humanity in that simple glance back to the girl; a certain higher level of sensitivity than you found from actors at that time. In any event, to sing the way Lanza sang directly to the heart of the listener one absolutely must love your fellow man. I hear that connection in Elvis's voice and a few others as well, but none more so than Mario Lanza. Well I made a hearing error. After hearing the song again I see the passage I mentioned is "people look my way". Anyway, that glance slight though it is adds a certain something extra beyond the music. Edited 10-16-2020 03:26 PM
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Sam Million 10-16-2020
12:36 PM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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HELLO FRIENDS. HERE I AM WITH ANOTHER RECORD REVIEW. I USED AN EXCELLENT LP PLAYED ON MY GREAT STERE. THE TITLE IS "YOUNGER THAN SPRINGTIME". THIS ALBUM FEATURES AN EXCELLENT ORCHESTRA AND CHORUS. IT VARIES PERFORMANCE WISE BUT HAS SOME NICE SURPRISES. NOTE THAT THERE IS SOME ECHO THROUGHOUT, PROBABLY DUE TO THE ALBUM BEING ELECTRONICALLY REPROCESSED STEREO.
1-YOUNGER THAN SPRINGTIME: MARIO HAS A GOOD START. HE GIVES US VERY GOOD SINGING AND USES A GOOD AMOUNT OF MEZZA VOCE.
2: CALL ME FOOL: WITH CHORUS, THIS IS NOT AS NICE OF A PERFORMANCE. IT IS IN A VERY HIGH TESSITURA WHICH COULD EXPLAIN WHY MARIO IS OFTEN SHOUTING. PERSONALLY, I DON'T THINK IT IS A VERY GOOD SONG.
3:THIS LAND: NOW WE ARE BACK TO A MUCH BETTER SONG THAT IS VERY NICE AND I LIKE THE WAY IT KEEPS BUILDING TO A FINE CLIMAX WITH A N IMPRESSIVE AND LONG HELD FINAL HIGH NOTE.
4: BEHOLD: QUITE A FINE NUMBER! A PIECE THAT MARIO RARELY SANG. I BELEIVE IT WAS ORIGINALLY ON A 45 RPM RECORD. FABULOUS END NOTE.
5: A NIGHT TO REMEMBER. I BELIEVE THIS ORIGINALLY WAS THE FLIP SIDE OF "BEHOLD". HE TAKES IT NICE AND EASY ALONG WITH THE CHORUS. HAS ANOTHER GREAT ENDING NOTE.
6: IF YOU WERE MINE. DOES ANYONE KNOW IF THIS IS THE SONG CALLINICOS WROTE AND HAD A HARD TIME GETTING MARIO TO FINALLY RECORD IT? AGAIN WITH A CHORUS.IT SOUNDS MUCH TOO OPEN MOUTHED TO ME. AND THE LAST NOTE IS NOT MUCH.
7: THIS STARTS SIDE TWO. THE FIRST SONG IS THE TOAST OF NEW ORLEANS AND THOSE THAT FOLLOW ARE MOSTLY FROM THIS MOVIE (BUT NOT THE SOUNDTRACK). IT SOUNDS VERY SIMILAR TO THE TITLES OF THE FILM. HE HITS A HIGHER NOTE AT THE END WHICH I JUST COULD JUST FEEEL COMING. A NICE SURPRISE.
8: THE BAYOU LULLABYE. ANOTHER WITH CHORUS. NOT AS SWEET AS THE FILM VERSION, IT IS ALSO FASTER WHILW IT SHOULD BE MORE SUBTLE ALTHOUGH THERE IS A FINE MEZZA VOCE ENDING.
9: BOOM BIDDY BOOM BOOM. THE TITLE WHICH SOUNDS SO PUERILE. BUT NEVER FEAR IT IS A ROUSING NUMBER. THE CHORUS ALSO SINGS IT BEFORE MARIO ENTERS. MUCH LIKE THE MOVIE VERSION BUT HAS SOME SHOUTING. HE EMPHASIS "BOOM" LIKE AN EXPLOSION. VERY GOOD LAST NOTE.
10: THE TINA LINA. WELL, YOU CANNOT SEE MARIO SING THIS ONE, BUT IT IS FEISTY. IT IS SUNG WITH A HEAVIER HAND BUT IT DOESN'T GET IN THE WAY OF THE FUN.
11: ARRIVEDERCI ROMA. HE PERFORMS THIS "BIG' AND THE LOVELINESS OF THE FILM VERSION IS MISSED. THE SECOND VERSE IS SWEETER. THE FINALE IS A TAD OVERWHELMING.
LOOK OUT FOR MY NEXT REVIEW. I WAS HOPING TO GET"", THE BEST SELLING ALBUM THAT THE AVERAGE LANZA FAN PUTS DOWN. I HAVE TO WAIT SINCE I CANNOT FIND MY COPY AND ORDERED ANOTHER FROM AMAZON.
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Fred Day 10-16-2020
12:01 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Carreras as a young man had black hair. Now he has white hair. Remember, Carreras had leukemia, and is a lucky survivor. Ciao.
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Sam Million 10-16-2020
08:43 AM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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I WATCHED THE VINCED PRODUCTION WITH DEREK MANNERING. DEREK, I ALMOST DIDN'T RECOGNIZE YOU THAT YOUNG! I AM CONFUSED BY ONE THING: WASN'T THIS SHOW ON PBS MANY YEARS AGO? THEN THERE WAS A SEQUENCE WITH CARRERAS HAVING WHITE HAIR. PLEASE EXPLAIN.
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Fred Day 10-15-2020
07:56 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Derek: Thanks for that info about Harpo. So now, I guess he was not present on the recording. Ciao.
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Derek Mainwaring 10-15-2020
05:22 PM ET (US) IP: 24.13.222.117
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That's good to know, Vince, and we'll meet up for sure if all goes as planned.
Ellisa has watched and enjoyed a number of your tributes to her dad and I'll make sure that the Raphaela film was one of them. Keep up the good work!
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Vince Di Placido 10-15-2020
03:37 PM ET (US) IP: 86.44.28.228
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Derek, lovely to know Elisa saw it & hopefully the other videos, I actually hoped she would see the Raphaela film at the very least.
I’ll be there in Dublin next October with Aoife, hopefully we’ll meet up...
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Derek Mainwaring 10-15-2020
03:04 PM ET (US) IP: 24.13.222.117
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Fred, in the hardback edition of my first book I mentioned that Harpo joined the RCA Victor Orchestra for that recording of "Guardian Angels," information I had gleaned at the time from an RCA source. By the time my paperback came out I had come to question that and removed that specific reference. Other than a composer credit, there's no mention of any musical contribution from Harpo on a copy RCA log for that session. If he was there, you would also expect a brief harp solo to be included, like they did for violinist Eudice Shapiro on the famous Bach-Gounod "Ave Maria" recording.
Terry Robinson did tell of a meeting between the two men but that was outside of the studio.
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Derek Mainwaring 10-15-2020
02:21 PM ET (US) IP: 24.13.222.117
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I enjoyed it very much, Vince, though it was a bit of shock to see my 30-year-younger self pop up in it! I shared your video with Ellisa and she loved it too. It was beautifully done, as are your other tributes.
As for Sony, I can think of no more appropriate release for the coming centennial year than a comprehensive, all-opera compilation, something that is long overdue. No green light on it so far, but I'll keep trying. The "Arias & Duets" was primarily a collection of tracks new to CD and this would represent his entire career. I'll post here if that or any other centenary-related matters come to pass.
The Dublin Lanza tribute concert planned for this month has been re-scheduled for Oct 6, 2021, a wonderful excuse for me to return to my homeland if this dreadful Covid pandemic has been brought under control. It would be nice to say hello to you in person at that time, if circumstances permit.
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Fred Day 10-15-2020
12:39 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Yes, there are 3 studio recordings of Guardian Angels sung by Lanza. #1 is the first RCA, second is Coke Show version, and third is the 1959 stereo recording. Harpo Marx was present at the first recording. But he only played his harp along with the orchestra, and could not be heard. I do not recall ever hearing a harp on any of the 3 recordings by Lanza. Ciao.
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Vince Di Placido 10-15-2020
10:19 AM ET (US) IP: 86.44.28.228
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Thank you Derek, I’m glad you liked the YouTube video “Lanza’s Influence & Legacy”. I’ve put up a few other videos, nice to talk about Mario & share his voice, great reactions & messages from all over the world.
I’m sure we have more we agree on than disagree on. 😉
Oh! Any news on Lanza centenary releases?
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Ray Reeves
10-15-2020
10:18 AM ET (US) IP: 146.198.9.67
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There are 3 studio recordings of Guardian Angels.
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Sam Million 10-15-2020
08:14 AM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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SO, FRED, YOU ARE SAYING THERE IS NO HARP IN THE EARLIER RECORDING. IF MEMORY SERVES, THE FIRST OR SECOND (DON'T KNOW WHICH ONE) IS THE SUPERIOR VERSION. I COULUD HAVE SWORN, THOUGH, THAT ONE VERSION DOES HAVE HARP MUSIC. I REMEMBER HEARING SOMETHING WAY BACK ABOUT HARPO BEING IN THE STUDIO WHEN MARIO RECORDED IT AND MET HIM. IT TRULY IS AN OUTSTANDING AND LOVELY PIECE. KUDOS TO HARPO FOR HIS COMPOSITION.
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Fred Day 10-15-2020
04:54 AM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Re: Guardian Angels: Harpo Marx wrote the music, Gerda Beilensen wrote the poem. On Lanza's first RCA recording of the song, Harpo Marx was part of the orchestra, but did not play a solo, so his harp cannot be heard. Ciao.
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Kristine C
10-15-2020
12:59 AM ET (US) IP: 174.228.133.51
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Sam, Harpo Marx wrote "Guardian
Angels"
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Sam Million 10-14-2020
10:32 PM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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GOOD QUESTION! SIMPLY "I'LL WALK WITH GOD"! THANKS FOR ASKING DENNIS.
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Dennis1 10-14-2020
08:22 PM ET (US) IP: 76.126.57.19
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Sam, what is the name of the album you reviewed as your second album?
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Sam Million 10-14-2020
07:49 PM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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THIS IS MY SECOND RECORD REVIEW. I USED A PRISTINE LP TO LISTEN. RIGHT OFF THE BAT LET ME SAY THAT THIS IS AN EXCELLENT, EXCELLENT LP THROUGHOUT. NOW A CLOSER LOOK:
1-I'LL WALK WITH GOD:FROM THE STUDENT PRINCE SOUNDTRACK, THIS IS A GREAT SONG WRITTEN ESPECIALLY FOR MARIO FOR THE MOVIE. HIS USE OF DYNAMICS IS NOTICEABLE AS IS HIS PERFORMANCE. AS I HAVE SAID BEFORE, THIS SONG OPENS EVERY MARIO LANZA BALL AND IS SUITABLE FOR THAT PURPOSE.
2-THE VIRGIN'S SLUMBER SONG: THIS HAS A PRETTY CHORAL BACKGROUND. MEZZA VOCE SINGING, SO SWEET AS THE LINE "A BABY, DEAR ONE". ABSOLUTELY LOVELY.
3-THE LORD'S PRAYER: THIS COMES FROM THE FIRST CHRISTMAS ALBUM. MANY LIKE THE BECAUSE YOURE MINE VERSION, BUT I PREFER THIS ONE AS IT IS MORE INTENSE. HE HAS MANY "UH" TYPE SOUNDS THAT SOME DON'T LIKE. FOR EXAMPLE, WHEN HE SINGS "IN-UH-HEAVEN" INSTEAD OF THE STRAIGHT "IN HEAVEN". THIS GOES ON FOR MOST OF THE PERFORMANCE. VERY WELL SUPPORTED SINGING.
4- O HOLY NIGHT- THIS HAS A MUCH FASTER THAN AVERAGE TEMPO. THERE IS A CHORUS AT THE BRIDGE. GREAT HIGH NOTES HERE. AND I LIKE THE UNIQUE ENDING. JUST WHEN YOU THINK THE SONG IS DONE, HE ADDS "O HOLY NIGHT" AND GOES SHARP BUT WHO CARES5?
5-GUARDIAN ANGELS-ONE OF ELISSA LANZA'S FAVORITE SONGS AS HER FATHER WOULD SING IT TO HER AT BEDTIME. VERY TENDER SINGING, AND EXCELLENT. THERE IS ANOTHER VERSION WHICH I THINK IS EVEN MORE BEAUTIFUL AND INCLUDES A HARP.
6-AVE MARIA, WHILE THE SCHUBERT IS SWEETER. A POWERFUL SONG WITH SOARING HIGH NOTES.
7-SOMEBODY BIGGER THAN YOU AND I. RELIGIOUS AND POIGNANT, LANZA HOLDS AN INTENSITY THROUGHOUT THE SONG. NOT OFTEN HEARD.
8-BECAUSE. THIS SONG STARTS SIDE TWO. ANYTIME HE SANG THIS, HE SANG IT WELL. THIS IS NOT THE GREAT CARUSO VERSION BUT IS AS GOOD OR BETTER. HE PUTS EMPHASIS ON "TEARS", TPYPICAL OF LANZA. GREAT THROUGHOUT.
9-THE TREMBLING OF A LEAF. ANOTHER UNUSUAL SONG. AGAIN, VERY PASSIONATE. MEZZA VOCE AT START BUT BUILDS IN INTENSITY TOWARD AN EXCITING END, AS HE SINGS THE FINAL "LEAF".
10-NONE BUT THE LONELY HEART. MEZZA VOCE WHICH LEADS INTO FALSETTO IN YET ANOTHER UNUSUAL SONG. HE DIDN'T SING THIS MUCH.
11-THROUGH THE YEARS. HIS VOICE IS RICH AND IMPRESSIVE. ANOTHER SELDOM HEARD SONG.
12-I LOVE THEE. HE SANG THIS IN FOR THE FIRST TIME VERY WELL, THOUGH INCOMPLETE. HERE IS A FULL VERSION THAT HAS PASSION AND VERVE.
13-TREES. A FAVORITE OF MINE. SO TENDER AND SWEET, SUNG TO PERFECTION. I ONCE DID A COLLEGE PAPER AND USED THIS SONG AS THE BASIS OF IT.
14-ADDIO ALLA MADRE. IT SEEMS ODD TO END AN LP FULL OF SONGS WITH AN ARIA. BUT NEVERTHELESS IT IS A GREAT PIECE. HE SANG THIS A BIT BETTER IN BECAUSE YOU'RE MINE WHERE HIS VOICE WAS RICHER. BUT THIS RECORDING IS NO SLOUCH. HE DOES GO SHARP AT TIMES. IT MAKES FOR AN EXCITING END TO A GREAT LP.
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Fred Day 10-14-2020
02:56 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Martino: I believe there were plans for RCA to make a stereo remake of various arias from his first 4 films. Pity that never got to happen. Ciao.
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Deleted by topic administrator 11-21-2020 10:27 AM
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Martino1 10-14-2020
08:50 AM ET (US) IP: 67.216.108.216
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Sam, yes, I inserted lots of pictures previously because the message box had a place for attachments which we could pull off our files and insert. We could attach the photos with captions as well if we wished. Now, under this new format, we no longer have that ability unless I am missing something. As far as RCA wanting a stereo version of SP, I would much rather have seen a stereo version of TGC album instead. Lanza's voice at that time would have been better suited to opera than operetta.
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Dennis1 10-14-2020
01:17 AM ET (US) IP: 76.126.57.19
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Martino, I am interested what you found out about posting pictures and captions since that has been a big attraction of this site. I am not a memorabilia fan so much of what I know about Mario through the years visually has come from these posts. It would be sad if this new format did not accept them.
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Sam Million 10-13-2020
11:12 PM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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HI MARTINO. FRED GAVE YOU PART OF THE ANSWER. FIRST, I DO NOT KNOW HOW TO INSERT PHOTOS BUT GIVE IT A TRY AND SEE IF IT WORKS. YOU HAVE DONE IT SUCCESSFULLY MANY TIMES IN THE PAST. REMAKING THE STUDENT PRINCE IN STEREO WAS NOT A MISTAKE BECAUSE THE SONG "THOUGHTS WILL COME TO ME" IS EXCELLENT. ALSO, BY THEN MARIO'S TIMBRE HAD LOWERED AND I HAVE NEVER HEARD HIS LOW REGISTER SOUND SO DEEP. ON THE OTHER HAND HE HAD TROUBLE ON MANY OF THE HIGH NOTES WHICH WERE STRAINED. IRONICALLY, I WROTE MY REVIEW USING MY MONAURAL LP. BUT JUST TONIGHT I FOUND THE SEPIA RECORDS CD OF IT. AND HIS VOICE SOUNDED BETTER THAN IT DID ON MY LP. MAYBE 25 PERCENT BETTER I'D ESTIMATE. EVEN SOME OF THE STRAINED HIGHS DIDN'T SOUND AS BAD AFTER THE "WIZARDS" AT SEPIA WHO RE-MASTER THE MATERIAL WORK THEIR MAGIC, THE PERFORMANCES ARE MUCH EASIIER TO LISTEN TO. HOPE THAT HELPS.
BTW, WHAT I WOULD LIKE TO SEE IS FOR SEPIA TO RELEASE A COMPLETE GREAT CARUSO ALBUM. DEREK MCGOVERN HAS TOLD ME THAT MANY SONGS FROM THE FILM APPEAR ON SOME OF THE SEPIA CDS ALREADY. BUT WE MISS THINGS LIKE THE VERY TENDER "TORNA SURRIENTO" MARIO SINGS AT THE PIANO WHILE DORO LISTENS, ALSO THE GREAT LIVE HIGH NOTE HE SINGS AFTER THE SNUFF AND WHISKEY ROUTINE, THEN THERE IS THE A CAPELLA MATTINATA, AND POSSIBLY MORE I AM NOT THINKING OF AT THE MOMENT.
I WAS TOLD THERE WOULD BE COPYRIGHT ISSUES BUT HOW CAN THE SONGS ALREADY IN CIRCULATION BE RELEASED AND NOT WHAT I HAVE JUST POINTED OUT ABOVE? IT MAKES NO SENSE TO ME.....
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Fred Day 10-13-2020
07:25 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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The reason for a re-make of Student Prince LP in 1959 was RCA wanted a new one in stereo. Sadly, Lanza was not in good voice at that time. Ciao.
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Martino1 10-13-2020
05:23 PM ET (US) IP: 67.216.108.216
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Sam, why do you think this second "Student Prince" album was even produced? Surely even Mario knew the original soundtrack album was definitive and he could only go down hill from there. Why would they want a second album? Why would Mario even consider it? BTW, do you know how to insert photos in this new forum format?
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Sam Million 10-13-2020
03:51 PM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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HELLO MY FRIENDS. SINCE I RAN OUT OF MARIO LANZA MATERIAL TO REVIEW, A THOUGHT CAME TO ME, WHICH IS REVIEWING HIS ALBUMS. I USED LPS THROUGHOUT. THIS ONE WAS MONAURAL.
UP FIRST IS THE MUCH MALIGNED 1959 STUDENT PRINCE ALBUM. THE COVER IS VERY APPEALING WITH A CARICATURE LANZA HOLDING HIS ARMS UP. LET ME SAY UP FRONT THAT HALF THE PROBLEM WITH THIS ALBUM IS THE INHERENT DISTORTION, WHICH I ASSUME IS THE FAULT OF THE ROME ENGINEERS.
1-OVERTURE. A FINE ORCHESTRA PLAYS A MEDLEY OF MELODIES FROM THE SCORE. SOUNDS FINE EXCEPT FOR DISTORTED CYMBALS AT THE ENDING.
2-SERENADE: LANZA'S VOICE HERE IS DEEPER THAN ANYTHING ELSE HE EVER DID.. HE GAINED RICH LOW NOTES, BUT AS YOU WILL SEE COMING UP HE TRADED THESE FOR FAIRLY POOR HIGH NOTES. HE DOES SING WITH FEELING AND HAS GOOD DYNAMICS. OH '"ON HEAR MY LONGING CRY" HE IS SHOUTING, HARD ON THE EARS.
3-GOLDEN DAYS: COMPLETELY LACKS THE SWEETNESS FOUND ON THE EARLIER SP ALBUM.(THE ONE WITH THE RED COVER AND CLOSE UP OF MARIO'S FACE. I BELIEVE THIS WAS A BEST SELLING ALBUM
4-DRINK, DRINK, DRINK: HAS A VERY NICE CHORUS. MARIO ISN'T DOING THAT BADLY UNTIL HE HITS THOSE "AH" HIGH NOTES THAT ARE THIN AND WHITE.I HOPE PEOPLE KNOW WHAT WHITE NOTES ARE. A BIT HARD TO DESCRIBE, THEY ARE NOTES THAT ARE UNSUPPORTED,, GIVING A STRAIN -LIKE SOUND
5-SUMMERTIME IN HEIDELBERG: THE FIRST SONG THAT INTRODUCDS SOPRANO NORMA GIUSTI,, WHO RECORDED HER PARTS IN NEW YORK SINGING TO MARIO'S PRIMARY RECORDING.
CALLINICOS WAS UPSET THAT MARIO ACTUALLY LIKED THIS SORT OF RECORDNG STYLE, WHICH HE CALLED "SECOND RATE" AND THAT IS TRUE. THIS CUT IS REALLY NOT BAD AT ALL UNTIL THE DREADFUL FINAL NOTES. SO FAR AS GIUST, I DON'T CARE FOR HER VOICE QUALITY AT ALL. I WOULD FAR PREFER ANN BLYTH. BY THE WAY, SOME OF MARIO'S SINGING HERE DOES HAVE SWEETNESS TO IT AND EVEN SOME FALSETTO.
6-THIS STARTS OUT SIDE TWO. IT IS I'LL WALK WITH GOD" AND IT IS PROBABLY THE WORST THING ON THIS LP. IT HAS NO BEAUTY, HE RUSHES THE TEMPO, THERE IS A POWEFUL ECHO IN THE RECORDINGS. THE HIGH NOTES ARE BARELY OKAY WITH A VERY STRAINED FIINAL NOTE. WHAT A PITY.
7-"THOUGHTS WILL COME TO ME" THIS IS THE BEST SONG ON THE ALBUM NOT MUCH TO CRITICIZE AND, AS FRED POINTED OUT, IT IS NOT ON THE 1953 ALBUM AT ALL.
8-"STUDENT LIFE": A PURELY CHORAL TRACK WITH A FINE CHORUS THAT HARMONIZES FOR THE LAST THIRD.
9-"JUST WE TWO": LANZA STARTS OUT FINE AND HAS NICE CHORAL SUPPORT DURING THE INTELUDE. WHEN GIUSTI COMES IN FOR THE DUET IT GOES DOWNHILL.
`0-"BELOVED": SINCE THE GREAT VERSION IN THE FILM IS SO MEMORABLE, THAT MAKES THIS VERSION SOUND EVEN WORSE THAN USUSAL. HE ACTUALLY STARTS A TAD OFF KEY, SO UNUSUAL FOR OUR BOY. THEN HE SHOUTS HIS WAY THROUGH THE SONG. UGLY.
11-GAUDEAMUS IGITUR::THE CHORUS MASKS SOME OF MARIO'S ONLY OKAY SINGING. TERRIBLE FINAL HIGH NOTE.
12-THIS LP ENDS WITH "DEEP IN MY HEART DEAR": THIS DUET STARTS OUT OKAY BUT BECOMES A SHOUTING MATCH WITH HARD TO LISTEN TO HIGH NOTES AT THE END.
TUNE IIN FOR THE NEXT RECORD EITHER TODAY OR TOMORROW.. LET ME KNOW IF YOU LIKE RECORD REVIEWS PLEASE.
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Martino1 10-13-2020
08:51 AM ET (US) IP: 67.216.108.216
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I just want to make a test of this new format to determine if it takes photo attachments. We often include pictures with captions. Does anyone know how to do it now?
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Sam Million 10-13-2020
07:03 AM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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THANKS VERY MUCH DENNIS! WHEN I KNOW PEOPLE ARE READING WHAT I WRITE IT MAKES ME HAPPY.
THE CHANGE IN COLOR STARTLED ME. I THOUGHT I HAD CLICKED ON SOMETHING WRONG. BUT THEN I SAW MY POSTS LISTED. DEREK MANNERING TOLD ME IT HAD HAPPENED BEFORE. I AGREE WITH YOU THAT IT IS NICER.
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Dennis1 10-13-2020
02:57 AM ET (US) IP: 76.126.57.19
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Sam, you are a treasure. I enjoy reading your reviews.
On a side note, how long do posters here think this new format will last. I like it because it is easier to read, but we have seen it before and it disappeared before to return to the light-print-on-dark format.
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Sam Million 10-12-2020
09:15 PM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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MY FRIENDS, UNLESS I FIND MORE MATERIAL OUT THERE, THIS WILL BE MY LAST REVIEW FOR AWHILE.
1-FIRST ON THE LIST IS THE "CHRISTOPHER FILM" COLLECTORS ADMIRE AS MARIO HAS A VERY NICE TALK WITH FATHER KELLER, THE HEAD OF THE CHRISTOPHERS. THE DVD I USED HAD ONLY THE MUSIC. ALL TALK WAS CUT OUT.
2-THE SHOW STARTS WITH THE ENDING OF SANTA LUCIA SUNG BY MARIO. THEN FATHER KELLER INTRODUCES MARIO AND HE SAYS, " HELLO FRIENDS, I'M MARIO LANZA". THIS NIEAPOLITAN SONG IS NICELY DONE..HE DOES THE ENTIRE SONG. CURIOUSLY HE HOLDS THE MUSIIC IN HIS HANDN EVEN THOUGH HE SURELY KNEW THE PIECE. HE HAS A PIANO ACCOMPANIST WHOSE IDENTITY IS UNKNOWN TO ME. SOME HAVE SAID IT IS PAUL BARON.
3-IN THE SIXTIES WHEN I COLLECTED 16MM FILM, I SAW TERRY ROBINSON ON THE PHILADELPHIA BASED MIKE DOUGLAS SHOW. TERRY HAD THE CHRISTOPHER FILM WITH HIM AND EXCERPTS WERE SHOWN. I MANAGED TO FIND TERRY AT HIS HOTEL AND ASKED IF I COULD GET A 16MM PRINT BUT HE SAID THERE WERE NO MORE. I WROTE THE CHRISSTOPERS AND THEY SAID THE SAME THING. NOW YOU CAN ORDER IT ON DVD FROM THEM ONLINE.
4-HIS NEXT SONG OF THE THREE HE DOES IS BECAUSE YOU'RE MINE. THIS IS A SONG THAT HE CARRIED AROUND WITH HIM TO ALL HIS LATER CONCDERTS. HE ALWAYS DOES THIS WELL AND HERE IS NO EXCEPTION., AS HE USES HIS EXPRESSIVE HANDS. HIS DYNAMICS ARE WARM AND HE GOES FROM SOFT PEDAL TO LOUD PEDAL. THE SWEETEST PART IS "AND WHEN WE IKISS". GREAT FINAL NOTE HELD LONG.
5-THE LAST SONG IS THE BACH-G0NOUD AVE MARIA, A SONG HE DIDN'T SING OFTEN. I BELIEVE THE SHUBERT VERSION WAS DONE IN MOVIES MORE (SERENADE AND FOR THE FIRST TIME). HE USEDS IT IN GREAT CARUSO AS HE SINGS WIITH THE BOY SOPRANO WHO'S VOICE WAS ACTUALLY SUNG BY A FEMALE. HERE HE IS VERY REVERENT AS HE CLASPS HIS HANDS TOGETHER AND SOMETIMES CLOSES HIS EYES.
5-NEXT WE FIND MARIO AT "SATURDAY NIGHT AT THE LONDON PALLADIUM. I AM NOT SURE BUT THINK THE YEAR IS 1958. HIS TIMBRE SEEMS TO BE A CROSS BETWEEN SHOR AND FTFT. MARIO IS INTRODUCED AND COMES OUT LOOKING TRIM AND HEALTHY. HE HAS THAT SLIM "TIE" THAT HUGS THE COLLAR.AND A WHITE HANDKERCHIEF IS IN HIS LAPEL POCKET.
7-HE BEGINS WITIH YET ANOTHER BYM, THAT IS DONE WITH CONTROL AND A FIRM TEMPO. HE USES HIS HANDS AND ARMS AS ALAWAYS. .I LOVE WHEN HE EMPHASIZES "THUNDER" LIKE IT IS A CLASP OF LIGHTNING. THIS VERSION HAS NO BRIDGE AND HE CONTINUES STRIAGHT THROUGH TO A GREAT FINAL NOTE. HE DOES SOMETHING DIFFERENT IN THIS SHOW LIKE NOTING I HAVE SEEN BEFORE OR AFTER. AT THE FINISH HE LOOKS LIKE HE IS THROWING A BALL OUT TO THE AUDIENCE AFTER THE END OF THE SONG. INTERESTING.
8- WE KNOW HIS PHLEBITIS IS ACTING UP AS HE SHIFTS HIS WEIGHT FROM ONE LEG TO THE OTHER A BIT. FIRST UP IS E LUCEVAN LE STELLE. AGAIN, A VERY CONTROLLED PERFORMANCE. NOTE THERE IS A MIC IN FRONT OF HIM WHICH COMES OUT OF THE FLOOR. BUT HE NEVER USES IT. I THINK IT WAS THERE FOR THE ANNOUNCER. HIS SINGING I CAN ONLY DESCRIBE AS MANNERED, OR SHALL WE SAY" MANNERINGD", LOL. IT ENDS WITH YET ANOTHER RINGING HIGH NOTE. THEN HE THROWS THE BALL
7-HE GETS A LOT OF APPLAUSE. FOR EACH SONG. FOR HIS LAST PIECE, HE CHOOSES LOVELIEST NIGHT OF THE YEAR, WHICH HE RARELY SANG AT CONCERTS. IN FACT I CAN ONLY THINK OF ANN BLYTH SINGING IT IN GREAT CARUSO AND THEN MARIO'S GOLD RECORD OF IT. ALSO, IT WAS USED IN THE MET OPERA CELEBRATIION OF HIM YEARS BACK. BEFORE HE SINGS IT HE SAYS HE WANTS TO "THANK YOU, THE BRITISH PEOPLE". IT HAS TAKEN SO LONG FOR HIM TO BE THERE. AND HE SAYS "THIS IS THE LOVELISEST NIGHT OF THE YEAR, EH" A GIRL IN THE AUDIENCE SAYS SOMETHING CUTE AND HE LAUGHS AND BLOWS HER A KISS. FOR THIS SONG THERE ARE A GROUP OF GIRLSWHO ARE DANCING BEHIND HIM AND WHEN HE IS THROUGH, TWO GIRLS ON EACH SIDE ESCORT HIM BACKSTAGE. ANOTHER FINE PERFORMANCE, NOT QUITE AS GOOD AS THE RECORD OF IT.
8-I WANT TO NOTE HERE SOMETHING I DID NOT KNOW UNTIL DEREK MCGOVERN TOLD ME. THE MAN WHO MARIO SHAKES HANDS WITH AFTER THE "SOMEDAY" FROM THE VAGABOND KING IN THE SECOND SHOWER OF STARS SHOW IS MAESTRO GIACOMO SPADINI.
9-THE SOUND QUALITY ON THE DISC I USED WAS BRILLIANT ALL THE WAY FROM CHRISTOPHER FIILM TO THE PALLADIUM.
10-AS ELMER FUDD WOULD SAY AT THE END OF A WARANER BROTHERS CARTOON "THAT'S ALL FOLKS".
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Kristine C. 10-12-2020
07:28 PM ET (US) IP: 96.59.1.174
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Sam, interesting reviews. On the first "Shower of Stars" with Lanza, in the office scene with Mario, Fred Clark, on the wall is a framed photo of Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz. Tony Cocozza met Lucille Ball. She used to call him "Pops", as did Elizabeth Taylor. William Lundigan was a movie actor, served in the Marines, and was from Syracuse, N.Y. Sheree North and Gene Nelson were great dancers ! Nelson later became a director, directed Elvis in "Kissin' Cousins". He was Gene Berg , attended Santa Monica High School, Santa Monica, Calif. By the way, I just bought book "Van Johnson's Hollywood" by his daughter, Schuyler Johnson. It is a collection of photos with movie stars such as Esther Williams, Ann Sothern, Keenan Wynn(who was first husband of Evie Wynn Johnson). Evie once dated Tyrone Power. In the book is the photo of the M-G-M Stars, from 1949, showing Mario Lanza in between Angela Lansbury and Janet Leigh.
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Sam Million 10-12-2020
05:04 PM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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TIME FOR MY NEXT TO LAST MARIO LANZA REVIEW. THIS IS FOR THE SECOND "SHOWER OF STARS" SHOW. LET ME SAY UP FRONT THAT THIS WILL BE A RATHER BORING COVERAGE SINCE THE ONLY PART REALLY OF INTEREST AND WORTHWHILE, TO ME, IS WHEN MARIO IS ON SCREEN. AND THAT IS FOR ONLY ONE ARIA AND ONE SONG.
HERE GOES:
1- I USED THE SAME QUALITY DVD WITH EXCELLENT SOUND AND ONLY A FAIR PLUS PICTUR AS WITH THE FIRST SHOWER OF STARS SHOW. BOTH SHOWS COME IN THE SAME DVD CASE.
2-THIS IS FROM 1955 AND STARS EDGAR BERGIN AND CHARLIE MCCARTHY, SHEREEE NORTH, GENE NELSON, AND OF COURSE M. LANZA.
3-WE ARE TOLD CHRYSLER HAS "THE FORWARD LOOK AS THE SHOW STARTS AND IS AGAIN HOSTED BY WILLIAM LUNDIGAN. A BROADWAY REVUE NUMBER STARTS OUT WITH LOTS OF ENERGY. IT IS CALLED THE "LEND ME AN EAR". IT FEATURES ENERGETIC DANCERS AND SINGERS. ALL ACCOMPANIED BY AN EXCELLENT ORCHESTRA.
4-THEN BERGIN AND HIS DUMMY (THAT SOUNDS BAD, BUT IT IS CONCISE!) ENTER AND DO GOOD TO BAD JOKES. AN EXAMPLE: BERGIN: "I LIKE CAPTURING MY YOUTH". CHARLIE ANSWERS: YOU PASSED YOUR MIDDLE AGE". THEN BERGIN: "I AM A LOT SMARTER THAN YOU THINK I AM " CHARLIE: "WELL, YOU BETTER BE". BERGIN IS A GOOD VENTRILOQUIST AS YOU WATCH HIM BARELY MOVING HIS LIPS.
5-THEN GENE NELSON AS A DOCTOR HAS SHEREE NORTH COME INTO HIS OFFICE. THEY JOKE AND SHE SINGS A CUTE LITTLE SONG. IN AWE OF HER, NELSON FALLS OVER AS SHE SINGS.THEN HE SINGS BACK TO HER AS THEY DO AN ACROBATIC DANCE.
6-FIRST COMMERCIAL (YOU KNEW IT WAS COMING!). WILLIAM LUNDIGAN, THE HOST, INTERVIEWS VIRGIL EXNER (SP?), THE DESIGNER OF CHRYSER CARS. THEY COMPARE THEIR CARS TO AIRPLANES SINCE THEY SHARE SOME OF THE SAME FEATURES. REALLY?. THEY TELL US THEIR CARS WILL BE LONGER THIS YEAR, DESCRIBING THEM AS "BEAUTY WITH A PURPOSE". AND WE ARE TOLD THE NEW CARS WILL APPEAR NOVEMBER 7TH. NEW CARS ARE STILL RELEASED BEFORE THE END OF A YEAR. THESE DAYS IF I AM NOT MISTAKEN.
7--BOTH BERGIN AND NORTH DO AN ACT TOGETHER AS THEY SPEAK WITH DIFFERING ACCENTS AS THEY GO ALONG. JOKES: SHEREE: "I'M JUST A GIRL". CHARLIE: "I KNOW BY YOUR HIGH HoEELS". WHO WRITES THIS STUFF, LOL? AS YOU CAN SEE, THE CALIBER OF THE JOKING IS LOW.
8-ENTER GENE NELSON IN ANOTHER BROADWAY PRODUCTION NUMBER WITIH A CHORUS. HE PLAYS A MUCH YOUNGER MAN (ACTUALLY A BOY) AND SINGS "SO I GOTTA GO TO DANCING CLASS". THIS LEADS INTO MORE ACROBATIC DANCNG. NELSON IS VERY TALENTED TO BE SURE.
9-HE ATTENDS A DANCING SCHOOL RUN BY A STUFFY MATRON WHO GIVES LESSONS. THEY DO WHAT I THINK IS CALLED A "BOX STEP" WITH CHORAL BACK UP. THE CAMERA ZOOMS IN AND IT ENDS.
10-AH HA! THE MOMENT WE HAVE BEEN WAITING FOR: OUR MARIO ENTERS AFTER WHAT SEEMS TO HAVE BEEN A VERY LONG TIME. HE IS WEARING THAT UNUSUAL TIE THAT LOOKS MORE LIKE A SHAPED RIBBON. "E LUCEVAN LE STELLE" IS HIS ARIA. YOU CAN SEE HE IS NERVOUS BUT AS THE SINGING PROCEEDS THAT LEAVES HIM. HE SINGS PERFECTLY. PERFECTLY. AND THE CAMERA ZOOMS IN FOR THE FINALE. IT IS IMPRESSIVE, SINCE HIS IS THE ONLY LIVE SINGING ON THE SHOW. OTHERS ARE ALL LIP SYNCHING. OF COURSE HE HAD TO SING LIVE TO CONVINCE THE NAYSAYERS THAT HE STILL HAD HIS VOICE. AFTER MUCH APPLAUSE, HE SPEAKS AND TELLS US THE SONG TO FOLLOW HAS BEEN REQUESTED MORE THAN ANY OTHER BY HIS FANS (I WONDER). THAT SONG IS "SOMEDAY" FROM THE "VAGABOND KING". LET ME TELL YOU THIS IS AS MUCH A HIGHLIGHT OF HIS CAREEER AS ANYTHING HE HAS SUNG. THIS IS PERFECTION IN SINGING AND IS SO PASSIONATE AS HE MOLDS THE SONG USING HIS WHOLE BODY BUT ESPECIALLY HIS HANDS AND ARMS, WHICH AT TIMES ARE SPREAD OUT AS FAR AS THEY CAN GO. THE DYNAMICS ARE EXCELLENT. FOR THE BRIDGE, THE CHORUS SINGS, AND THEN MARIO COMES BACK IN WITH FINE BREATH CONTROL AND A TRULY GREAT ENDNG HIGH NOTE THAT MUST LAST AT LEAST SIX SECONDS. "THE MAN WITH THE HEART OF A KING". MUCH APPLAUSE FOLLOWS AND MARIO CALLS OVER AND SHAKES HANDS WITH HIS DIRECTOR.
11- YOU CAN STOP READING AT THIS POINT SINCE NOTHING ELSE LANZA FOLLOWS BUT FOR COMPLETNESS HERE IS WHAT HAPPENS. THEY TELL US WHAT THEY ARE LOOKING FOR IN A CAR.
12-;UNDIGAN INTRODUCEW TWO ACTS: NELSON AND BERGIN TOGETHER IN COSTUME.WHILE CHARLIE PLAYS A GIRL WITH A FULL LENGTH DRESS, SOMETING SOMEWHAT UNUSUAL, AS BERGIN SWINGS HIM AROUND IN THE AIR WHILE DANCING. THEY CHORUS IS PERFORMING A SHOW CALLED "GLADIOLA GIRL", WHICH IS AN OLD BROADWAY SHOW FROM 1925. A SONG AND DANCE NUMBER ENTERTAINS US. SHEREE JOINS THEM AS DOES BERGIN AND NORTH. THEIR SONG IS ABOUT FINDING THE RIGHT GIRL. IT MIGHT BE CALLED "WHERE IS THE GIRL FOR ME". NELSON FINDS A GIRL BEARING FLOWERS WHO HAS A TRULY FINE OPERATIC VOICE. A JOY TO LISTEN TO. THE SONG PROMISES THEY WILL BE TOGETHER. SHEREE DOES WHAT I SUPPOSE WOULD BE CALLED A "FLAPPER DANCE OR "THE CHARLESTON".
13-AT THIS POINT I FELT THAT NO MORE LANZA EQUALS LESS INTEREST, ESPECIALLY SINCE THE THIRD AND FINAL COMMERCIAL HITS. LUNDIGAN CARIES IT AND SHOWS A REAL "STOCK" CAR THAT IS FROM 1954.REMEMBER, WE NEED TO WAIT UNTIL NOVEMBER 17TH TO SEE A 1955 MODEL. AMAZINGLY THE CAR GOES 118 MILES PER HOUR. I DON'T KNOW ABOUT YOU BUT THE FASTEST I HAVE EVER GONE IN A CAR WAS 95 MPH. THE ENGINE IS SHOWN TO BE A V-8 AND IT MOVES ON CAMERA.
14-THE LAST ACT OF "GLADIOLA GIRL" IS HERE WHILE THE FULL CAST STARTS NIT OFF. WE SEE NELSON TOSS HIS GIRL TO ANOTER GUY JUST AS MARIO TOSSED TINA IN TOAST OF NEW ORLEANS.THIS IS AFTER HE HAS SAVED HER FROM DROWNING. VERY MUCH IN LOVE, THEY DO WHAT I CAN ONLY CALL ONE OF THE WORST SONGS EVER. READY TO START LAUGHING? THE SONG IS CALLED "IN OUR JEANIE WEENIE NEST FOR TWO'. I CAN'T GET THE DAMN SONG OUT OF MY HEAD!
15-THE FINALE WITH THE FULL CAST APPEARS AND THE SHOW ENDS WITH DRAWN STARS TWINKLING IN THE "SKY". WHAT ELSE WOULD WE HAVE FOR A SHOW CALLED "SHOWER OF STARS"? WE SEE THAT IT IS A CBS PRODUCTION AND IT HAS THE FAMOUS CBS "EYE" TO CLOSE THE SHOW.
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Valeria Pugiotto 10-12-2020
02:04 PM ET (US) IP: 93.42.98.163
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Sam, on my part, I am always happy to read your reviews and when you do not post anything for weeks, I miss you.
In a way, this forum is like a family. Yes, we write about our favorite subject, Mario, and at the same time, we keep each other company from across the globe. You are one if the most active members, so YOU are important for us.
I am sure the others think the same.
Chin up, and keep smiling. God is listening. Always.
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Sam Million 10-12-2020
01:33 PM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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HELLO VALERIA. FIRST, I DON'T KNOW IF THIS WILL SHOW UP AS A REPEAT POST BUT I DID SEND IT EARLIER. YOUR WORDS GIVE ME SOME COMFORT. I AM IN AWE OF PEOPLE LIKE YOUR BROTHER WHO CAN STILL FUNCTION WELL DESPITE A VERY BAD HANDICAP. MY BIPOLAR DISORDER ISN'T AS BAD AS THAT BUT IT HAS AND WILL TAKE UP MUCH OF MY LIFE. I ONLY "HANG IN THERE" BECAUSE I KNOW THAT ANY DEPRESSION WILL TURN BACK INTO THE HAPPY PLACE. HOWEVER THE DOWN PERIODS ARE GETTING LONGER THAN THE UP TIMES. PERHAPS BECAUSE OF AGE. I DO PLAY TO GOD EVERY DAY FOR HELP AND FOR KEEPING ME ON THE GOOD SIDE FOR AS LONG AS POSSIBLE.
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Valeria Pugiotto 10-12-2020
11:49 AM ET (US) IP: 93.42.98.163
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Sam, those who suffer the most, are given greater gifts to ‘make up for that’.
God is very fair.....
I know this very well. My brother is blind since birth, and he has the IQ of a true genius. He writes novels and poems and has a wonderful memory.
He is like a walking encyclopedia.
He goes to work on his own, and makes his own food.
And yet he is totally blind and walks with a cane.
The same can be said for anybody who has different conditions: physical, mental, spiritual.
If we are ‘deprived’ about something, we are ‘given’ something else.
Again, God is fair....🙂
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Sam Million 10-12-2020
10:47 AM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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VALERIA, I AM MOST INTERESTED IN THAT MEDIUM AND WILL LOOK FORWARD TO YOUR POST. MY TAKE ON MARIO IN THE OPERA IS NEGATIVE. HE WAS SPOILED BY THE BIG MONEY MOVIES GAVE HIM TO SUPPORT HIS WILD SPENDING HABITS. BUT IT IS CERTAINLY TRUE THAT GREAT MEN (AND I AM SURE WOMEN) HAVE COME UP WITH AMAZING AND USEFUL THINGS THAT BELIED THEIR ILLNESSES LIKE BEING BIPOLAR.
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Valeria Pugiotto 10-12-2020
02:40 AM ET (US) IP: 93.42.98.163
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One more note, a curiosity. I belong to a circle of mediums who have been active since the 1970’s. I was told by one of the oldest members that in 1988, one of the mediums channelled Mario, and through him, he sang. I have the recoding, and it is very interesting. I will look it up and try to post it here.
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Valeria Pugiotto 10-12-2020
01:47 AM ET (US) IP: 93.42.98.163
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I think if Mario would have lived longer he would have stayed in Italy for an opera career. Although, given his health problems, I am not sure he would have been able to perform for long.
In History there are many examples of great men who died young, and that in a way contributed to their everlasting fame. For example, I can think of Raphael (he died at 37, he used to be an alcoholic and there is a theory according to which he had syphilis), Mozart, Alexander the Great, Chopin to name a few. An ancient Greek poet, Menander, wrote ‘whom the gods love, dies young’.
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Sam Million 10-12-2020
12:47 AM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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THIS IS MY FIRST LANZA TV SHOW REVIEW. IT IS OF THE FIRST CHRYSLER "SHOWER OF STARS" FROM 1954. I USED A DVD MADE BY MY FRIEND IN ENGLAND WHO STILL PRODUCES COPIES FOR PEOPLE WHO WANT THEM. I HAVE ONE DISCLAIMER. IT WAS A FULL HOUR AND I WAS IN THE DARK WRITING MY SCRIBBLES ON A NOTE PAD THAT FILLED THREE PAGES, SO IF MY ACCURACY LEVEL ISN'T THE BEST, PLEASE FEEL FREE TO CORRECT ME. HERE GOES:
1-OVERALL THIS IS A VERY ENTERTAINING SHOW BUT THERE WAS AN OVERABUNDANCE OF SILLY INTERPLAY BETWEEN THE MUSICAL NUMBERS. FRED CLARK HEADS UP THE OFFICE SCENES ALONG WITH HIS TWO HELPERS. I DO NOT KNOW THEIR NAMES.
2-THE SHOW STARTS WITH A PRODUCTION NUMBER CALLED "THAT'S HOLLYWOOD". IT IS PLEASANT ENOUGH, AND FOR THE TIME IT WAS MADE, POSSIBLY A STEP ABOVE AVERAGE.
3-FRED CLARK STARTS THE FIRST SCENE IN HIS OFFICE SPEAKING ABOUT THEIR PUTTING ON A SHOW. IT IS SAID THAT THE LAST PICTURE THEY MADE WITH MARIO WAS "SON OF THE STUDENT PRNCE" (DO YOU SEE HOW THE CORNBALL STUFF IS JUST STARTING?!!).
4-THAN THEY DECIDE TO DO "THE LANZA STORY" WHILE MARIO'S FRAMED PICTURE IS HANGING ON THE LEFT SIDE OF THE OFFICE. MORE SILLY DIALOGUE LEADS TO MARIO DOING HIS "LUCKY ARIA", VESTI LA GIUBBA. HE LOOKS GOOD, THOUGH HEAVIER--PROBABLY DUE TO THE DOWN TIME HE HAD AFTER THE STUDENT PRINCE DEBACLE OF 1953. THE ARIA IS EXCELLENT, AND I PARTICULARLY ENJOYED HOW HE GRABS HIS VEST WITH BOTH HANDS JUST AS HE DID IN THE FAMOUS SCENEOF THE SAME ARIA IN THE GREAT CARUSO. AS GOOD AS THE SINGING IS, HE GOES SHARP THREE TIMES. I REMEMBER HEARING N A HOME RECORDING WIRH MARIO TELLING HIS YOUNG DAUGHTER THAT" SHE GOES SHARP JUST LIKE HER DADDY".
5-THEN IT IS BACK TO THE THE OFFICE WHILE FRED GETS INTO HIS COMEDY MODE WITH THE LINE HE BARKS OUT: "DO SOMETHING ORIGINAL YET FAMILIAR"! MARIO ENTERS THE OFFICE AND HE CALLS HIM "TEMPERMENTAL". A GREAT INSIDE JOKE AS MARIO SAYS "ME, TEMPERMENTAL"? OUR BOY LOOKS RELAXED AND LOOKS LIKE HE IS HAVING FUN HERE.
6-MARIO LEAVES AND BETTY GRABLE IS ANNOUNCED AND WE SEE THOSE FAMOUS LEGS OF HERS IN CLOSE UP WHILE SHE DOES A NOVELTY SONG CALLED (I THINK) "DIGA DO". THE SHOW BREAKS FOR THE FIRST OF THREE COMMERCIALS. THE FIRST ONE HAS THE PRESIDENT OF CHRYSLER SPEAKING ABOUT THEIR GOALS.
7- A SECOND GRABLE SET STARTS AS SHE ENTERS THE OFFICE OF A GUY WHO IS AGOG AT MEETING HER AND PROMISES TO MAKE HER A STAR, BUT SHE INSISTS SHE WANTS TO BE A STENOGRAPHER. THE CORN GROWS AS SHE SHOWS OFF THE "FAMILY ERASER" THAT HAS BEEN HANDED DOWN FROM A FAMILY OF STENOGRAPHERS. THIS IS ALL REAL, I AM NOT MAKING IT UP! IF THIS WERE A MOVIE THE CRITICS WOULD HAVE GIVEN IT HALF A STAR, LOL.
8-FOOTNOTE HERE: THE SOUND ON THIS DVD IS EXCELLENT WHILE THE PICTURE QUALITY IS ONLY FAIR PLUS AND IN SOFT FOCUS. HOWEVER, KEEP IN MIND HOW MUCH IT IS BLOWN UP ON MY SCREEN.
9-BACK TO FRED AND HIS TWO MALE ASSISTANTS TALKING, WHICH LEADS INTO THEIR WANTING TO MAKE "THE HARRY JAMES STORY" OR BETTER YET "THE JAMES/GRABLE STORY". WHAT FOLLOWS IS "THE HARRY JAMES STORY" VIA JAMES AND HIS BAND PLAYING A SNAPPY JAZZ TUNE. ON A SIDE NOTE, I THINK AT THE TV STUDIO THEY WERE USING EITHER TWO OR THREE CAMERAS. THE STANDARD FOR SO LONG IN TELEVISION WAS TO HAVE THREE CAMERAS.
10-A PRODUCTION NUMBER FOLLOWS WITH THE SONG "AND THE BAND PLAYED ON" WITH GUYS AND GIRLS DANCING WHICH LEADS INTO GRABLE AND JAMES TOGETHER. HE PLAYS WHILE SHE DANCES, THEN GRABLE SINGS THE APPROPRIATE "I'M JUST WILD ABOUT HARRY" AND ALSO TAP DANCES.( I THINK GRABLE AND JAMES WERE MARRIED IIN REAL LIFE.)
11-BACK TO THE OFFICE YET AGAIN WITH FRED SAYING HE HAS "FIRED LANZA". BUT THEN WE SEE MARIO APPEAR DOING A VERY FINE "MARECHIARE" WEARING A SCARF AROUND HIS NECK. THE SINGING IS PRECISE AND HIS EYES ARE SPARKLING. HE IS VERY EXPRESSIVE WITH HIS HANDS AND ARMS, MOLDING THE SONGS AS ONLY HE COULD. THEN DANCERS APPEAR IN FRONT OF HIM LIKE A MINI "TINA LINA" FROM THE TOAST OF NEW ORLEANS. I LOOKED CLOSELY AT HIS LIP SYNCHING AND IT IS RIGHT ON THE MARK.
12-YAWN. TIME FOR THE SECOND CHRYSLER COMMERCIAL. THIS ONE IS A BIT MORE INTERESTING AS IT SHOWS SKETCHES OF CARS NOT YET MADE AND EVEN MORE IMPRESSIVE ARE CLAY MODELS OF FUTURE CARS. THIS COMMERCIAL IS DONE BY WILLIAM LUNDIGAN AND HE REMINDS US OF THE ENTIRE CHRYSLER LINE UP IN ORDER OF EXPENSE. PLYMOUTH, DODGE, DESOTO, CHRYSLER, AND IMPERIAL. AM I WRONG WHEN I SAY ONLY ONE OF THESE BRANDS IS STILL MADE TODAY?
13-BACK TO THE OFFICE (THIS IS GETTING VERY TIRESOME) AND THEN GRABLE SINGS A FAMOUS SINATRA SONG IN A BAR SETTING. CAN YOU GUESS WHICH ONE? IT IS THE CLASSIC "ONE FOR MY BABY" ("AND ONE FOR THE ROAD") SALOON SONG. SHE DOES A VERY GOOD JOB WITH THIS NUMBER. AND I NOTICED HER LIP SYNCHING WAS GREAT. I AM MENTIONING LIP SYNCHING HERE AND THERE SINCE THAT WAS THE ISSUE OF MARIO'S DOWNFALL WITH THE PRESS REGARDING THIS SHOW.
14-BACK TO THE OFFICE (ARE YOU GETTING AS TIRED OF SEEING THAT PHRASE AS ME?) BUT THIS TIME WE ARE IN FOR A TREAT WHEN THEY TELL US "LANZA WANTS BACK IN" AND THAT LEADS TO THE BEST PART OF THE ENTIRE SHOW--MARIO DOING HIS GOLD RECORD SONG "BE MY LOVE". BUT THIS IS NOT THE HIT VERSION. RATHER, IT IS THE ONE RECORDED FOR THE COKE SHOW. MANY PARTS OF IT ARE SUPERIOR TO THE HIT RELEASE. HE IS IN EXCELLENT VOICE AND PULLS YOU RIGHT OUT OF YOUR CHAIR WHEN HE HITS THE FINAL HIGH C. WOW. THIS NOTE IS FAR SUPERIOR TO THE SAME NOTE ON THE HIT RECORD, WHICH IS OKAY BUT SOMEWHAT "WHITE".
15-THE BE MY LOVE SEQUENCE STARTS WITH MARIO SITTING AND WRITING AT HIS DESK AS HE SINGS TO A PHOTO OF SOME GIRL THE SONG REFERS TO. HE STANDS FOR THE REST OF THE SONG AND WE ALSO SEE HIM SMOKING A CIGARETTE WHICH HE SOON TOSSES AWAY LIKE HE DOES IN THE TOAST OF NEW ORLEANS FINALE. .
16-GET READY, HERE IS THE THIRD AND THANKFULLY LAST, COMMERCIAL. THIS ONE IS ACTION FILLED AS WE SEE THE TEST ROADS THAT CHRYSLER USED TO TEST THEIR CARS TO SEE HOW ''FIT" THEY ARE. THIS ALLOWS THEM TO IMPROVE ANY SHORTCOMINGS.
17-B T T O. IF YOU HAVE BEEN PAYING ATTENTION, YOU KNOW WHAT THOSE LETTERS STAND FOR! WELL, MORE VERY SILLY BANTER FOLLOWS AND THEN WE HAVE HARRY JAMES DOING A TRUMPET SOLO WHILE DRESSED IN WHITE. GIRLS PASS BY BEHIND HIM, MOSTLY JUST WALKING ON AND OFF. THEN GRABLE PUTS HER ARMS AROUND JAMES WHILE SINGING A LOVE SONG "BABY WON'T YOU PLEASE COME HOME"WHILE DANCING. THE SLIT ON THE LEFT SIDE OF HER DRESS IS NOTICEABLY SEXY FOR THE TIME PERIOD.
18-GRABLE AND JAMES WALK OFF IN TIME TO THE MUSIC.
19-MARIO RETURNS TO THE OFFICE AND KIDS AROUND WITH FRED AS THEY TALK ABOUT WHAT THEIR NEXT PRODUCTION SHOULD BE CALLED AND DECIDE ON "THE SON OF GRABLE, JAMES, AND LANZA". THE THREE PRINCIPALS SMILE AND HOLD HANDS, BRINGING THE SHOW TO ITS END. MARIO IS IN THE CENTER.
20-WE ARE NOT DONE YET. WILLIAM LUNDIGAN INFORMS US THAT THERE WILL NOT BE ANOTHER SHOWER OF STARS FOR FOUR MORE WEEKS. IN THE MEANTIME THE NETWORK WILL RUN DRAMATIC SHOWS UNDER THE SERIES NAME OF "CLIMAX". NO DIRTY JOKES PLEASE.
21-AS THE CREDITS ROLL, WE SEE THAT CALLINICOS DIRECTED MARECHIARE AND VESTI LA GIUBBA. I AM NOT SURE WHO DIRECTED BE MY LOVE. THE ANNOUNCER MENTIONS THAT THIS IS A COLOR BROADCAST, MAKING ALL OF US WISH COLOR FOOTAGE, NO MATTER HOW LITTLE, WOULD TURN UP. IT'S NOT VERY LIKELY AFTER ALL THE YEARS THAT HAVE PASSED.......
TOMORROW NIGHT I WILL CONTINUE REVIEWING LANZA TV SHOWS WITH THE SECOND SHOWER OF STARS. THE TWO "SHOWER" DISCS ARE IN THE SAME DVD CASE. IF ANYONE WANTS TO ORDER ONE, I CAN POINT YOU IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION.
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Fred Day 10-11-2020
08:42 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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"My Way" is Frank Sinatra's way. It will always be associated with him. Ciao.
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Fred Day 10-11-2020
08:33 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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The problem with Lanza's 1958 Funiculi Funicula is the arrangement. It would have been much better with a more traditional and simple arrangement. Ciao.
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Kristine C. 10-11-2020
06:15 PM ET (US) IP: 96.59.1.174
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I always wondered if Mario Lanza had lived until old age, what he would have done. Perhaps, he would have been in a Broadway Musical or touring company. Howard Keel and Jane Powell performed in "South Pacific" , in San Diego, in 1980's. Howard Keel was in a production of "No Strings" with Barbara McNair. Both Leslie Caron and Cyd Charisse were in Broadway Musical "Grand Hotel", Ann Blyth was in a production of "The Sound of Music". Jack Jones, Robert Goulet, Richard Kiley were in stage productions of "South Pacific". Van Johnson was in a stage production of "Bye Bye Birdie", as was Joan Blondell(she played Mae Peterson ina dinner theater, I think. ), Ruby Keeler was in a production of "No, No, Nanette", Debbie Reynolds was in "Irene". The Andrews Sisters were in a Broadway Show "Over Here"(which also starred a young John Travolta), Dorothy Lamour was in a stage production of "South Pacific". Florence Henderson and Giorgio Tozzi were in a stage production of "South Pacific". Kathryn Grayson replaced Julie Andrews in "Camelot". Robert Goulet was in "Camelot" a few years ago, only this time, he played King Arthur , not Sir Lancelot. John Payne and Alice Faye appeared in a revival of "Good News". It was hailed as a reunion for them.
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Sam Million 10-11-2020
06:11 PM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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I AM GLAD OUR FRIEND DEREK FINE TUNED WHAT I WAS FEELING AND RIGHTLY SO. AFTER ALL HE WROTE TWO GREAT LANZA BIOGRAPHIES. I AM NOT SURE I WILL EVER WRITE AS WELL. I KNOW THAT I DO TEND TO MAKE BOLD STATEMENTS AND THEN CUT BACK AND REGRET SOME OF THEM AFTER THE FACT. THE BOTTOM LINE IS, AS DEREK SAID, WE ALL ENJOY LANZA IN OUR OWN WAY. EVEN THOUGH MY WAY IS THE RIGHT WAY. (THAT LAST SENTENCE IS MY JOKE FOR THE NIGHT!)E
ALSO, JUST WHEN I THOUGHT I HAD RUN OUT OF LANZA MATERIAL TO REVIEW, I LITERALLY DROPED SOME DVDS THAT ARE MARIO'S TV PERFORMANCES, SO IT'S BACK DOWN TO THE THEATER FOR ME. BUT TONIGHT I HAVE TO COME UP EARLIER TO SEE THE "NEW" COLUMBO SHOWS WITH PETER FALK. FOR AWHILE THEY HAD NOTHING BUT RE-RUN AFTER RE-RUN. AS A SERIES, COLUMBO IS CONSISTENTLY EXCELLENT AND ENGAGING.
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Kristine C. 10-11-2020
06:01 PM ET (US) IP: 96.59.1.174
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Sam, yes, Elizabeth Doubleday sang with Mario Lanza, on the first "The Student Prince" recording. When my late parents and I met the Cocozzas-Lanzas, we met her. Tony Cocozza said she was friends with Nancy Kulp(Jane Hathaway on "The Beverly Hillbillies")and Kulp gave a ride to Elizabeth up to Cocozzas' house. I don't know if they met Nancy Kulp, though. A few years ago, Nancy Kulp tried to run for Congress, in Pennsylvania, but lost to incumbant. She was upset with Buddy Ebsen for supporting the incumbant(Bud Schuster). Sadly, she passed away from skin cancer in 1990's. Norma Giusti sang with Lanza on the second "The Student Prince" recording, which shows him in the prince's uniform, with a barmaid and people, in the background, drinking. By the way, the first "The Student Prince" recording(full face of Lanza on the record album cover)was shown in the movie adaption of Priscilla Presley's book "Elvis and Me"(directed by Larry Peerce, son of Jan Peerce). The ending of "Roman Holiday"(Gregory Peck, Audrey Hepburn)is similar to ending of "The Student Prince", where a member of royalty can't marry the commoner, he or she loves. Sad.
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Derek Mainwaring 10-11-2020
05:49 PM ET (US) IP: 24.13.222.117
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Oh dear, my good friend Sam has thrown me a curveball there so let me clear up a couple of points. First, "hate" is much too strong a word to describe my feelings toward the '59 "Student Prince" album. It's true that I don't care for it at all, especially when you compare it with the sublime soundtrack album. I don't care for the arrangements, old-fashioned in the case of the Drinking song, and positively sinister in the bizarre "Beloved." I find no joy in Mario's singing either. He clearly wasn't in good health when he recorded it and it's just something I never listen to. Sad, but there you have it.
As for the "Mario!" album, it’s outstanding with the very best "Passione" I ever heard. No one else comes close to him on that one IMO. I just don't view it as a masterpiece. What I also don't understand is this fixation on trashing "Funiculi, funicula." I just find it hard to believe that Mario and the RCA team behind it would select it as the opening track on the album if it's as poor as some fans say it is. Director Peter Jackson certainly had no problem with it when he chose it for a key sequence in his movie "Heavenly Creatures."
Finally, yes, absolutely, I prefer the "early" Lanza recordings, but not just because of the incredible sound of his voice at that time. It's the wonderful quality of the songs and arias he sang, too. The Coke Show recordings had their share of duds, but where else would we have heard him sing such gems as "Long Ago and Far Away," "Begin the Beguine," "Danny Boy," "I'll Be Seeing You," etc. etc. The sheer vitality in his singing is breathtaking! Bottom line, we all "hear" and enjoy Mario in our own way and that's as it should be.
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Sam Million 10-11-2020
04:05 PM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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ABSOLUTELY, A VERY FINE SONG, FRED. NOW I AM GOING TO HAVE TO WRITE TO DEREK MANNERING SINCE HE HATES (AS DO MOST IN THE KNOW LANZA FANS) THE 1959 LP. ON THE AVERAGE, DEREK LIKES MARIO'S EARLIER RECORDINGS BETTER THAN HIS LATER ONES. FOR EXAMPLE, THE RADIO SHOW RECORDINGS ARE TOPS (AND I AGREE) WHILE AN ALBUM LIKE MARIO! HE LIKES BUT DOESN'T THINK IT IS SOME GREAT CLASSIC AS MANY DO. I LIKE IT ALL EXCEPT FOR THE OPENING FUNICULI, FUNICULA. THAT COULD HAVE BEEN DELETED!
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Fred Day 10-11-2020
04:01 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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I remember a short article in Variety newspaper, about a week after Lanza's death. It said that Lanza planned to record a few complete operas for RCA, and Pagliacci was to be the first. Pity that this did not happen, time ran out too soon. Ciao.
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Fred Day 10-11-2020
03:53 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Sam: Only one more comment, re: Student Prince: Too bad that Lanza did not record "Thoughts Will Come Back To Me" for the film. Fortunately, he recorded it in 1959 for the stereo LP. Wonderful song. Ciao.
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Bill Ronayne 10-11-2020
02:15 PM ET (US) IP: 68.192.188.106
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 Another photo from the October 7th soft opening. This is a panorama shot of a wall that is actually flat and not curved. It does give a good look at one side of the very large room. The Mario Lanza Museum is now open by appointment only. Call 215-238-9691 or email info@mariolanzainstitute.org to make a reservation. Admission is $15 per person. Best, Bill Edited 10-11-2020 02:17 PM
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Sam Million 10-11-2020
11:29 AM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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FRED, THANKS FOR FILLINGI IN THE NAMES I COULDN'T REMEMBER AND WAS TOO TIRED TO LOOK UP!) GLAD YOU NOW SEE WHAT I WAS TALKING ABOUT RE THE LIVE SINGING. NOW HOW ABOUT YOUR COMMENTS ON MY PREVIOUS POST, WHICH CAME FROM A BOOK YOU SHOULD PROBABLY OWN! IT IS DESIRABLE SINCE IT IS BRINGING THE SAME PRICE OR MORE THAN WHEN NEW, WHICH WAS 24.95.
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Fred Day 10-11-2020
10:39 AM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Sam: On second thought you are probably right - Lanza did sing live in the brief scene (TONO) when maestro Trelini tests his voice. I stand corrected. The soprano on the RCA LP of Student Prince is Elizabeth Doubleday. Ann Blyth could not be used due to contracts. The 3 new songs were written by Nicolas Brodszky with lyrics by Paul Francis Webster. All 3 are superb. Ciao.
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Sam Million 10-11-2020
06:49 AM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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A FRIEND OF MINE CAME UP WITH AN INTERESTING IDEA WHIICH I THINK WOULD BE A GOOD THREAD HERE. I TOLD HIM HOW SAD IT WAS THAT MARIO DIED SO YOUNG AND THEN HE GAVE ME A GOOD NUMBER OF "IF THEY HAD LIVED" EXAMPLES. BY THE WAY, THERE IS A BOOK CALLED "WHAT IF THEY LIVEDD" WHICH I BOUGHT BECAUSE IT WAS SO INTERESTING COVERING MAYBE 35 CELEBRITY EARLY DEATHS. I BOUGHT THE BOOK ORIGINALLY SINCE IT HAD ONE FULL CHAPTER ON MARIO. HERE IS WHAT HE SAID ABOUT LANZA. SEE IF YOU AGREE..
1- HE WAS SCHEDULED TO MAKE THE MOVIE ‘LAUGH CLOWN LAUGH” (A LON CHANEY REMAKE) AND AFTER HE DIED THE FILM WAS PERMANENTLY SHELVED. 2- HIS DUAL ROLES OF BEING A TENOR AND BEING A FILM STAR WOULD NOT HAVE LASTED LONG DUE TO THE CHANGING TIMES. 3-IF HE HAD NOT KILLED HIMSELF WITH ALCOHOL, ETC. HE MIGHT HAVE THRILLED ON THE OPERA STAGE. 4-IF BOTH OPERA CAREER AND FILM STAR CAREERS HAD WANED, HE COULD STILL HAVE DONE CONCERTS, MADE MORE RECORDS AND APPEARED ON TV. 5-NO OPERA STAR SINCE HIS DEATH HAS EVER MADE IT AS A FILM STAR.
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Sam Million 10-10-2020
11:32 PM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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SAM TO FRED: SORRY MY GOOD FRIEND BUT I MUST DISAGREE WITH YOU ABOUT WHETHER OR NOT MARIO SANG LIVE FOR THE PIANO SCALES SEQUENCE IN TONO. YES, ALL MUSIC IS PRE-RECORDED SO THEY DON'T HAVE TO SPEND MONEY ON EXPENSIVE RETAKES. BUT IN THIS SCENE IT WOULD HAVE COST VERY LITTLE IF MARIO MADE AN ERROR. IF YOU LOOK AT HIM VERY CAREFULLY HE IS SINGING LIVE. IN FACT ON THE VERY LAST NOTE THERE IS A STRAINED LOOK ON HIS FACE AS HE HITS THAT ULTRA HIGH NOTE.
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Sam Million 10-10-2020
10:29 PM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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HELLO TO ALL. THIS WILL BE MY FINAL REVIEW SINCE WITH "THE STUDENT PRINCE" I HAVE NOW RUN OUT OF LANZA MOVIES. LET ME SAY UP FRONT THAT I ENJOYED SEEING THIS MOVIE (IN WIDE SCREEN CINEMASCOPE) VERY MUCH. THE FILM HAS AN EXCELLEENT SCRIPT AND MJUCH OF THE DIALOGUE IS VERY "SMART".
1-I USED THE MGM DISC WHICH HAS GORGEOUS COLORS AND BEAUTIFUL SOUND. IN FACT, ON MY SYSTEM I BELIEVE THE TRACK WAS STEREO SINCE WHEN TWO PEOPLE WERE AT THE SIDES OF THE SCREEN THE VOICES CAME OUT OF MY LEFT AND RIGHT SPEAKERS. AND WHEN IN THE MIDDLE, THE VOICES CAME OUT OF THE CENTER CHANNEL.
2-THE MUSIC IS SUPERB. THIS IS CLASSIC SIGMUND ROMBERG AND REMAINS ONE OF HIS FINEST MUSICAL PLAYS.
3-CREDIT MUST BE GIVEN TO PAUL FRANCIS WEBSTER AND HIS CO WRITER FOR DOING AND EXCELLENT JOB MATCHING THE FLAVOR OF THE ROMBERG SONGS. THESE INCLUDE "SUMMERTIME IN HEIDELBERG", "BELOVED", AND ".I'LL WALK WITH GOD".
4-MARIO'S VOICE IN THIS FILM IS SOMEWHAT DIFFERENT THAN IT IS IN ANY OTHER OF HIS MOVIES (I KNOW THAT IT REALLY IS EDMUND PURDOM'S MOVIE BUT I WILL KEEP REFERRING TO IT AS MARIO'S. WE ALL KNOW WHAT A GREAT JOB LIP SYNCHING PURDOM DID. NEAR PERFECTION AND PROBABLY BETTER THAN LANZA COULD HAVE DONE. IT IS SOMEWHAT JARRING TO HEAR A TENOR VOICE COMING OUT OF A MAN WHO HAS A DEEPER VOICE..
5-I GUESS I WILL ALWAYS WONDER IF MARIO COULD HAVE PLAYED THE PRINCE IN THE BEGINNING BEFORE HE GOES TO HEIDELBERG. PURDOM HANDLES THE STIFF ("PRUSSIAN PICKLE") DEMEANOR QUITE WELL.
6-THE CROWD SCENES ARE VERY WELL STAGED AND THE CHORUS IN THE BACKGROUND IS RICH AND VIBRANT.
7-THE MASKED BALL IS VERY COLORFUL AND FUN. THE DANCERS ARE VERY APPEALING. AGAIN, COULD MARIO HAVE HANDLED THAT SORT OF DANCING? PERHAPS I AM NOT BEING FAIR BECAUSE WE REALLY DON'T KNOW HOW MARIO WOULD HAVE DONE GIVEN THE CHANCE. FOR EXAMPLE IN "SERENADE" HE SURPRISES US BY NOT PLAYING HIMSELF, WHICH MOSTLY HE DID.
8-I ALWAYS WATCH THIS MOVIE WITH A BIT OF REGRET SINCE IT REMINDS ME OF THE AWFUL TIIME MARIO HAD BATTLING THE BOSSES AT MGM, OVER THE DIRECTOR WHO CRITICIZED HIS VOICE. THE STORY GOES THAT MARIO SAID "YOU CAN CRITICIZE MY ACTING, BUT NOT MY VOICE". HOW SAD THAT THE DIRECTOR WHO WAS SO HARD ON MARIO WAS REPLACED WITH RICHARD THORPE, WHO GOT ALONG FINE WITH MARIO. THEN I THINK OF THE TWO PLUS YEARS THAT MARIO DID NOT WORK. THE RECORDIDNGS WE COULD HAVE HAD! HIS LIFE WOULD HAVE BEEN HAPPIER AND POSSIBLY HE WOULD NOT HAVE GONE AS FAR WITH THE ALCOHOL AS HE DID. I AM REMINDED OF THE PHOTOGRAPH OF HIM IN ONE OF HIS BIOGRAPHIES (THE GERMAN ONE?) WHICH SHOWS A VERY FAT LANZA WITH HIS HANDS HOLDING HIS HEAD. WITH A VERY DEPRESSED LOOK. JUST TERRIBLE.
9-YOU HAVE TO LOVE "CUDDLES" SAKALL IN THIS. HE HAS IN HIS REPERTOIRE A SERIES OF GRUNTS ("LIKE WHEN HE SAYS "NOCK, NOCK") AND HIS FAMOUS "SHEESH". HE IS JUST PERFECT FOR THE ROLE HE HAS AND WHEN HE IS PITTED AGAINST HIS SOMEWHAT NEMESIS, LUTZ, WE ARE TREATED TO NICE INTERPLAY.
10-LOUIS CALHERN GIVEA AN EXCELLENT, COMMANDING PRESENCE AS THE KING. I LIKE THE CHISELED BEARD HE HAS AS WELL AS THAT ONE ON ANOTHER SCENE STEALER EDMUND GWENN--THE SAME ACTOR WHO PLAYED SANTA CLAUS IN" MIRACLE ON 42ND STREEET". THE WAY HE WALKS WITH HIS ROTUND BELLY PRECEEDING HIM IS A RIOT. AND HE HAS ONE OR TWO SLEEPY/DRUNK MOMENTS THAT SATISFY.
11-"GOLDEN DAYS" IS A VERY SWEET SONG AND MARIO HAS A BEAUTIFUL FALSETTO NOTE AT THE END.
12-ANN BLYTH IS SUCH A FINE ACTRESS! IT IS JARRING AT FIRST TO SEE HER AS A BLONDE BUT OVEREALL SHE IS CHARMING AND HAS THE "IT" QUALITY WITH ACTING THAT IS OF A HIGH LEVEL. WHEN HER EYES WATER, IT IS JUST ENOUGH TO MAKE US WANT TO CRY ALONG WITH HER. AT THE VERY END OF THE MOVIE AFTER THE NOW KING WALKS OUT OF HER PLACE, THE EXPRESSION ON HER FACE AS SHE HOLDS BACK TEARS IS MARVELLOUS.
13-"DEEP IN MY HEART" IS AN EXCELLENT DUET THAT IS TENDER. IT IS A SHAME THEY DIDN'T RELEASE ON LP AND CD HER VOICE RATHER THAN THE OTHER LADY (NAME?) WHO SANG THE ROLE ON RECORD.
14-LET'S NOT FORGET "DRINK, DRINK, DRINK" WHICH GIVES MARIO THE OPPORTUNITY TO HIT GOLDEN HIGH NOTES. NOT TO MENTION THAT IT IS AN EXHUBERANT SONG.
15-FOR MY MONEY, "I'LL WALK WITH GOD" IS THE BEST SONG IN THE MOVIE. THIS IS THE SONG THAT ALWAYS STARTS THE MARIO LANZA BALLS. IT HAS SENTIMENETAL VALUE FOR ME SINCE I HAD IT PLAYED AT MY FATHER'S GRAVE SITE BEFORE INTERMENT.
16-THE FRIENDLY QUALITY VS. THE UNFRIENDLY QUALITY OF THE TWO COMPETING "CLUBS" IN THE FILM ADDS SOME DRAMA, LEADING UP T0 A ROUSING SWORD FIGHT. BOTH VON ASTERBURG AND PURDOM HANDLE THEIR SWORDS WELL.
17-YOU ALMOST WANT TO HIT LUTZ SINCE HE IS SUCH A STUCK UP PERSON. BUT THE ACTOR PLAYS HIS PART VERY WELL.
18-THE TRANSITION OF ANN BLYTH FROM A GIRL WHO DOESN'T LIKE THE PRINCE BUT SLOWLY GROWS FOND OF HIM AND THEN IN LOVE WITH HIM IS PLAYED OUT NICELY.
18-THE LAST WORDS OF THE MOVIE ARE CLASSIC AS GWENN SAYS "GAUDEAMUS---LET US REJOICE WHILE WE ARE YOUNG"
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Fred Day 10-10-2020
03:48 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Sam: Re: #12, When the maestro tests Lanza's range, that was probably pre-recorded, for better sound quality. Ciao.
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Sam Million 10-10-2020
08:20 AM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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THANKS FOR YOUR PRAISE VALERIA AND EVEN MORE IMPORTANT YOUR VIEW POINTS. I KEEP SAYING THAT NO ONE HERE SEEMS TO BE READING AS NO COMMENTS COME IN. I HAD DECIDED TO STOP WRITING THESE BUT DEREK MCGOVERN SAID I SHOULD SINCE THERE ARE MANY PEOPLE WHO READ HERE BUT NEVER POST. SO, MY BLABBERING WILL CONTINUE, LOL.
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Sam Million 10-10-2020
08:05 AM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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I HAVE FOUND SOMEONE WHO IS GOING TO TRADE THE LANZA MONTAGE POSTERS I HAVE FOR THE T-SHIRT I WANTED, SO THE POSTERS ARE NO LONGER AVAILABLE.
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Valeria Pugiotto 10-10-2020
07:51 AM ET (US) IP: 93.42.98.163
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Sam, I love your reviews!
Regarding TONO:
Comment n. 6, let alone the fact that ‘Tina Lina’ is the one song I really cannot stand....., the sequence when Mario dances is great!
Comment n.7, I love the ‘Boom Biddy Boom’ song. It is so joyous and it is meant for Mario. It really mirrors his carefree and joyous/explosive temperament! You can feel his energy when he sings it!
Keep the good work going!
Ciao from Rome!
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Sam Million 10-09-2020
10:37 PM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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OKAY FOLKS, HERE IS MY NEXT TO LAST REVIEW. THIS IS OF "THE TOAST OF NEW ORLEANS" FROM 1950.
1-I USED THE MGM RELEASE, THE DOUBLE SET THAT INCLUDES TMK. I AGAIN HAD TO PROJECT IT STRETCHED BECAUSE FOR SOME REASON MY LG DVD PLAYER WILL NOT PUT IT IN 4:3 ASPECT. LIKE TMK, I ACTUALLY ENJOYED IIT THIS WAY. IT ALLOWED ME TO SEE THINGS I HAVE NEVER SEEN BEFORE. FOR EXAMPLE, WHEN MARIO AND KATHRYN ARE DOING THE "BAYOU LULLABYE"NUMBER, THERE ARE LONG SHOTS OF THE TWO IN THEIR CANOE AND IT IS SO, SO OBVIOUS THESE TWO ARE DOUBLES FOR THEM. NEITHER THE MAN NOR THE WOMAN LOOK ANTTHING LIKE MARIO AND KATHRYN, EXCEPT FOR THIER COSTUMES BEING SIMILAR.
2-THIS IS OVERALL A COMPLETELY DELIGHTFUL FILM TO WATCH. THE COLORS ARE GORGEOUS AND THE SOUND IS EXCELLENT BUT TOO LOW AND HAS TO BE TURNED UP A GOOD BIT. IT IS THE ONLY FLAW IN THE DVD. THE CLARITY ON SCREEN IS TOPS.
3-MARIO IS A LITTLE MORE BEEFY THAN IN TMK, BUT I THINK THIS IS HIS PERFECT WEIGHT. IN ANY OF HIS LATER HE IS QUITE HANDSOME AND HIS WEIGHT IS CONSISTENT. EVEN THE ALL WHITE ONE AT THE END LOOKS GOOD ON HIM.
4-J. CARROL NAISH, LIKE VINCENT PRICE IN SERENADE, STEALS EACH SCENE HE IS IN. HE IS A CHAMELION AND CAN PLAY JUST ABOUT ANY CHARACTER. HERE, AS UNCLE NICKY, HE HAS GREAT LINES THAT MADE ME LAUGH OUT LOUD DESPITE HAVING HEARD THEM MANY TIMES BEFORE. FOR INSTANCE, WHEN HE IS LOOKING AT THE ROTUND TENOR SINGING WITH KATHRYN IN REHEARSAL WHILE JACQUE LISTENS, UNCLE NICKY ASKS IF HE IS SUZETTE'S LOVER AND JACQUE (DAVID NIVEN) SAYS SOMETHING ABOUT THE FAT TENOR DYING AND NICKY SAYS "HE SHOULD"! ALSO HE IS GIVEN THE JOB OF PLAYING HIS LITTLE "SUEEZE BOX" DURING SOME OF THE SONGS.
5-THE STORM THAT RUINS THEIR BOAT IS RATHER EXCITING AS MARIO FALLS AND THE BOAT COLLAPSES BIT BY BIT WHILE MARIO IS DRENCHED.
6-THE "TINA LINA" DANCE IS IMPRESSIVE AND THE ONLY REAL "PRODUCTION NUMBER" THAT APPEARS IN ANY LANZA MOVIE. THE DANCING IS FRENETIC AND MARIO TRIES TO FIT BETWEEN THE MANY DANCERS SO THE CAMERA CAN CATCH HIM. HE HAS GREAT HIGH NOTES HERE. I NOTED THAT RITA MORENO AND HER PARTNER ARE VERY GOOD DANCERS. THIS IS ONE OF RITA'S EARLIEST MOVIES AND HER DANCING WOULD MAKE HER FAMOUS IN"WEST SIDE STORY". HAS ANYONE TRIED TO REACH OUT TO HER FOR AN INTERVIEW OF HER THOUGHTS ABOUT MARIO? I SAW HER ON TV LAST YEAR AND THOUGH GREY SHE LOOKed PRTTY GOOD
AND SPOKE WELL.
7-THE "BOOM BIDDY BOOM BOOM" IS A FAIRLY SILLY SONG BUT STILL IS SUNG WELL AND IS LIGHT FLUFF.
8-IN THE FIRST "BE MY LOVE" DUET, GRAYSON AND LANZA HAVE RAPPORT EVEN THOUGH SHE IS MAD AT HIM. IN FACT, I NOTICED HOW SEASONED HER SINGING IS. SHE HAS PASSION AND THEN USES BOTH THE LOUD AND SOFT PEDALS FRQUENTLY. HER MOUTH SHAPES LIKE A HEART IN HER HIGHER RANGES AND SOME OF HER HIGHEST NOTES ARE OUT OF THIS WORLD.
9-OF COURSE THE TWO PRINCIPALS DANCING WHILE MARIO TOSSES GRAYSON ABOUT LIKE A FEATHER IS A SCREAM.
10-KATHRYN CAN DO WITH HER EYES WHAT MANY ACTORS CANNOT. HER EXPRESSIONS ARE TOPS.
11-THE SCENE WHERE MARIO IS LEARNING TO EAT COMES OFF VERY FUNNY AND WHEN HIS TEACHER LOSES HIS PATIENCE AND THEN IMMEDIATELY CUTS BACK, WE ARE ENTERTAINED.
12-I CAN'T SAY THIS FOR SURE, BUT I THINK THE SCENE WITH THE MAESTRO TRYING LANZA'S RANGE IS SUNG LIVE. GOOD STUFF!
13-IN THE FILM MARIO IS A FAST LEARNER AND IN REAL LIFE HE WAS SUCH AS WELL.
14-THE SONG "I'LL NEVER LOVE YOU" IS A MINOR PIECE BUT I LIKE IT. AT MGM THEY THOUGHT IT WAS GOOD ENOUGH TO DO TWICE.
15-THE FIRST "BE MY LOVE" IS PROBABLY THE FILM'S MOST FAMOUS SCENE. IT WAS ALSO SHOWN IN "THAT'S ENTERTAINMENT" PART ONE. MARIO'S LITTLE CAP IS CUTE. AND KATHRYN IS LOVELY. I AM NOT SURE BUT I THINK JEFF RENSE BOUGHT MARIO'S COSTUME IN THIS SCENE.
16-MARIO SHOWS HIS COMEDIC ABILITY WELL AS THE NEWLY STUFFY STUDENT, AS HIS CANE KEEPS GETTING CAUGHT IN THE VICTORIAN CHAIR HE SITS IN WHILE CARRYING ON AN UNCOMFORTABLE TALK WITH NIVEN AND GRAYSON.
17-THE CLIMACTIC ARIA FROM "MADAME BUTTERFLY" LOOKS AND SOUNDS INCREDIBLE. IMAGINE THE FUN THEY MUST HAVE HAD AS MARIO CHASES KATHRYN AROUND. UNCLE NICKY HELPS NEAR THE END OF THE CHASE WHEN HE YELLS OUT FOR MARIO TO GO OVER THE FOOT BRIDGE. THEN MARIO KNOCKS DOWN THE DOOR TO KATHRYN'S DRESSING ROOM AND THEY KISS WHILE "THE END" APPEARS ON THE SCREEN. THIS HAPPENS IN "BECAUSE YOU'RE MINE" AND "THAT MIDNIGHT KISS" AS WELL. IT IS ONE OF THE MOST FREQUENTLY USED HOLLYWOOD ENDINGS.
18-I BELIEVE THIS IS ANOTHER LANZA FILM THAT CAN BE WATCHED OVER AND OVER WITHOUT IT GETTING TIRESOME. IN FACT, I LOOK FORWARD TO SHOWING IT TO FRIENDS ONCE COVID 19 IS MORE UNDER CONTROL!
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Julie Page 10-09-2020
02:20 PM ET (US) IP: 74.79.51.67
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Julie{Suzanne} Thanks for the Video, Vince. Watch it over and over and find it just as thrilling, every time. The magic of Mario , never goes away.
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Julie Page 10-09-2020
01:20 PM ET (US) IP: 74.79.51.67
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Bill, Love the photo. Hope it was a good opening.Wish, wish I'd been there.
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Sam Million 10-09-2020
10:57 AM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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HI FOLKS. SINCE I HAD NO REPONSE TO MY T-SHIRT VS. CELEBRITY POSTERS OFFER, I AM GOING TO PUT THE
TWO POSTERS OF MARIO LANZA WHICH ARE STUNNING INSTEAD! THEY ARE BOTH STUNNING AND FROM MY PRIVATE COLLECTION. YOU CAN SEE MY POST ON THIS SUBJECT AND THE SPECFICS BELOW SOME PAGES DOWN. THANKS, SAM
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Derek Mainwaring 10-09-2020
10:17 AM ET (US) IP: 24.13.222.117
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So good to see Sam back and in good health again. Love your movie reviews too, Sam!
I also want to congratulate Vince Di Placido on his latest YouTube video: Lanza’s Influence and Legacy. Vince and I have had our disagreements in the past and probably will again, but this is outstanding:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=geDBnUwjJBs&feature=youtu.be
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Martino1 10-09-2020
09:26 AM ET (US) IP: 67.216.108.216
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I enjoy your reviews/impressions, Sam. You notice things I just take for granted or overlook. Keep up the good work.
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Fred Day 10-09-2020
08:28 AM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Thomas Gomez speaking voice is his, but his singing voice, in one scene, is someone else. Ciao.
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Sam Million 10-09-2020
07:02 AM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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TODAY'S REVIEW WILL BE FOR "THAT MIDNIGHT KISS", WHICH I JUST SAW," INCLUDING THE "ONE LOVE OF MINE" OUTTAKE. MY ALL REGION AND EXCELLLENT DVD PLAYER WOULD ONLY PLAY IT "STRETCHED" AND THAT TURNED THE RATIOTO 16:9 BECAUSE THERE WAS NO OPTION FOR THE WAY IT WAS RELEASED,
WHICH WAS IN 4:3 RATIO. USUALLY, BEING A PURIST, I WOULD NOT HAVE ENJOYED A FILM THAT WAY, BUT SURPRISINGLY I ENJOYED IT SINCE IT FILLED THE ENTIRE SCREEN NICELY AND THE FIGURES LOOKED ONLY SLIGHTLY STRETCHED.
1-IT IS NICE TO SEE THE TITLES WHICH SAY " INTRODUCING MARIO LANZA" AS THIS STARTED HIM ON HIS HOLLYWOOD CAREER, AND ALL OF US KNOW WHAT THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THAT ONE WORD MEANT TO HIM AND WE FANS.
2-THEY SHOULD HAVE LEFT HIS HAIR ALONE INSTEAD OF DYING IT A REDDISH BROWN. PLUS THE FAMOUS LANZA POMPADOOR WAS FLATTENED.
3-THE FILM MOVES AT A VERY NICE PACE AND THERE ARE NO DULL MOMENTS.
4-THE SINGING THROUGHOUT IS EXCELLENT AND (SORRY MY FRIEND DEREK MCGOVERN) BUT KATHRYN'S VOICE BLENDS NICELY WITH MARIO'S. HER TIMBRE IS THIN AND LIGHT BUT LYRICAL AND PRETTY.
5-J. CARROL NAISH IS MARVELLOUS AS JOHNNY DONETTI'S FATHER. YOU CAN HARDLY BELIEVE THIS IS THE SAME ACTOR WHO WAS UNCLE NICKY IN "TOAST OF NEW ORLEANS!" I WONDERED IF HIS VOICE WAS DUBBED BY SOMEONE ELSE. TO ME, IT SOUNDED LIKE HIM.
6-THOMAS GOMEZ AS THE GREAT BETELLI DOES WHAT VINCENT PRICE DID FOR SERENADE, HE PRACTICALLY STEALS THE SHOW WITH THE GRUNTS AND OTHER VARIOUS OTHER TICS HE MAKES WHILE PREENING AROUND PRUDENCE. AGAIN, I WONDERED IF THIS IS HIS REAL VOICE. IT SURE SOUNDED LIKE HIM. THIS EXTRA BIT OF TALENT, IF TRUE, IS IMPRESSICE AS THE ACTOR WAS BETTER KNOWN PLAYING TOUGH GUY HOODLUMS.
7-THE DUET WITH JOSE AND AMPARO ITURBI, HIS REAL LIFE SISTER, IS AN EXCELLENT PIECE. A NEAT SOLO PIECE WAS JULES MUNSHIN'S COMICAL CONDUCTING OF THE ORCHESTRA. AFTER ITURBI LEAVES HIM IN CHARGE OF IT.
8-THE "ONE LOVE OF MINE" THAT IS THE ONLY EXTRA ON THE DVD IS WELL DONE. IT MUSTHAVE FIT INTO THE FILM WHERE MARIO AND KATHRYN ARE STILL IN HOPELESS LOVE WITH EACH OTHER, AS YOU COULD SEE THEY ARE BEAMING.
9-FOR THE FIRST TIME, I NOTICED IN MARIO A BIT OF NAIVETE IN THE WAY HE CONDUCTS HIMSELF AND SPEAKS. IT IS VERY CHARMING AND RARELY WOULD YOU SEE THAT IN LATER MOVIES HE MADE. IT'S A CASE OF BEING THRILLED TO BE MAKING HIS FIRST FILM.
10-I USE THE MGM RELEASE WHICH ALSO HAS "THE TOAST OF NEW ORLEANS" WHICH IS THE SEOND DISC IN THE BOX, WHICH WILL BE TONIGHT'S NIGHT'S REVIEW. THEN ALL THAT REMAINS WILL BE "THE STUDENT PRINCE".
11-ETHEL BARRYMORE IS AN OLD PRO AND WORKS WELL HERE. WHEN SHE IS IN THE RADIO STATIOIN SAYING THAT HER OPERA COMPANY WON'T FAIL, THAT IS A FUNNY MOMENT.
12-I AM AWE STRUCK AT MARJORIE REYNOLDS. SHE HARDLY LOOKS OR SOUNDS LIKE THE SAME GIRL WHO WAS THE BING CROSBY ROMANTIC CHARACTER IN "HOLIDAY INN" THAT WAS RELEASED ONLY SEVEN (?) YEARS BEFORE. HER FEATURES HAVE BROADENED AND HER VOICE SOUNDS LIKE SHE HAS BEEN A HEAVY SMOKER. SHE IS STILL PRETTY BUT NOT THE DOLL AS IN "HOLIDAY INN", WHICH WAS BLACK AND WHITE WHILE A FINE COLORIZED VERSION ALSO EXISTS.
13-ARTHUR TREACHER IS GREAT IN HIS FAMILIAR ROLE OF A BUTLER. AND MARIO'S LIVE (NOT PRE-RECORDED) TWO HIGH NOTES THAT HE FLINGS INTO THE BUTLER'S FACE ARE THRILLING.
14-KATHRYN GRAYSON IS A REAL TURN ON WITH HER 44D BOSOM. AND HER COSTUMES ARE A DELIGHT.
15-EVERYONE KNOWS THAT THERE IS A BIT OF RIDICULOUSNESS IN AN ENGLISH SINGING FINALE, WHEN THEY HAVE LABELED THE PRODUCT ION"THE PRINCESS", BECAUSE THROUGHOUT THE FILM THEY HAVE BEEN REHEARSING AN ITALIAN OPERA!
16-I FELT MOVED WHEN KATHRYN'S FACE IS IMPRESSED WITH MARIO'S FIRST FEW NOTES SITTING AT THE PIANO AND THE INTERCHANGE BETWEEN THEM THERE IS CHARMING--LIKE WHEN MARIO SAYS SOMETHING LIKE "YOU'RE A NICE GIRL BUT YOU STILL HAVE MY PENCIL".
17-KEENAN WYN IS EXCELLENT PLAYING FIRST A TRUCK DRIVER AND THEN MARIO'S MANAGER. HE ALSO MAKES A PRETTY GOOD DRUNK.
18-WHEN ITURBI FIRST HEARS NAISH AND SAYS "WHERE IS YOUR PROFESSIONAL COURTESY", THAT TO ME IS A FUN MOMENT.
19-SIMILARLY WHEN NAISH SAYS "IF YOU DON'T KNOW THEY ARE IN LOVE YOU ARE A BIGGER DOPE THAN MAMA", I ALWAYS LAUGH OUT LOUD.
20 MARIO DOESN'T APPEAR IN THE FILM UNTIL ABOUT TEN OR FIFTEEN MINUTES GO BY AND IT WAS AN INSPIRATION TO HAVE TURNED HIM AWAY FROM FACING US, MAKING HIS ENTRANCE WHEN WE FIRST SEE HIS FACE ALL THE MORE EXCITING.
21- THE TWO SCENES OF BETELLI SMASHING UP HIS DRESSING ROOM WITH PEMBERTON ARE A RIOT THAT LIKELY WAS A LOT OF FUN FOR THE TWO ACTORS.
22-I ESPECIALLY LIKE THE "THEY DIDN'T BELIEVE ME" DUET(A SONG BY THE GREAT JEROME KERN) AS IT IS TASTEFULLY DONE AND LOVELY, WITH THE ONLY EXCEPTION (THAT IS VERY NIT PICKY) BEING MARIO ENTREATING THE MUSICIANS TWICE BY PUTTING HIS HANDS UP IN THE AIR IN A "WATCH ME" MODE. THIS IS DONE TWICE AND COMES OFF AS JUST A BIT ODD.
23-THE SHOTS OF PHILADELPHIA ARE ACCURATE AND NOT STOCK FOOTAGE, WHILE THE THEN THREE LARGE PHILLY NEWSPAPERS ARE REPRESENTED: "THE INQUIRER"," THE BULLETIN " (SPECIAL NOTE: THE PLACE MAT AT OUR FRONT DOOR IS EMBOSSSED WITH THE NAME "BULLETIN". ORIGINALLY THESE WERE MUD FLAPS FOR THEIR DELIVERY TRUCKS!), AND FINALLY "THE DAILY NEWS".
24-ALL IN ALL, THIS IS A VERY NICE MOVIE, MAYBE A BIT TOO HOLLYWOOD, BUT SURELY MOST ENTERTAINING.
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Sam Million 10-08-2020
10:31 AM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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FANTASTIC, BILL. I KNEW THE OLD MUSEUM WELL GOING BACK TO THE MARY PAPOLA DAYS SO I KNOW WHAT I AM TALKING ABOUT. IF ONLY I COULD DRIVE OUT AND SEE IT. MAYBE WHEN I AM STRONGER. ANYONE HERE GO BACK TO THE MUSEUM WHEN IT WAS IN THE ROOM BEHIND THE STORE NICK PETRELLA RA
RAN? IF SO YOU ARE OLD AS HE HILLS, LOL.
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Bill Ronayne 10-08-2020
09:35 AM ET (US) IP: 68.192.188.106
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Yesterday we had a soft opening of the new location of the Mario Lanza Museum on the 61st anniversary of his passing. Our prize exhibit, a terra cotta bust made in 1964, was placed on a new pedestal in its permanent position in front of a stone wall with "Old Glory" in close proximity. Above that are 4 of Lanza's record albums and to the left and slightly out of view are the Seven Hills of Rome and concert sections which Mario appears to be glancing at and giving his approval. A track light will be installed in the next few days which will illuminate the bust for all to see. The photo was a little difficult to take but it gives an idea of how this area of the museum looks. It's even more impressive in person. Best, Bill
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Sam Million 10-07-2020
09:47 PM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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KRISTINE, MANY, MANY THAKS FOR COMMENTING ON MY POST AND ADDING MUCH ORIGINAL BACKGROUND INFORMATION! THAT PLEASES ME MORE THAN YOU KNOW. I AM NOT FAMILIAR WITH ART WALSH. WHERE IS HE IN THE FILM? THERE WERE CERTAINLY A LOT OF CHOICES MGM HAD TO PICK FROM, SO TYPICAL OF HOLLYWOOD, RIGHT?
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Sam Million 10-07-2020
09:42 PM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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BETTER WRITTEN THAN BELOW:
DEAR MARTINO ,JULIE, DENNIS, KRISTINE, LEN AND ANYONE ELSE HERE. I HAVE A PROPOSITION. HOW ABOUT WE MAKE IT FIRST PERSON TO ANSWER WILL GET WHAT I HAVE TO OFFER. BASICALLY I WAS HOPING TO TRADE TWO OF MY 50.00 TOTAL OR EVEN 75.00 TOTAL MONTAGES WITH SOMEONE TO GET ME THE LANZA T-SHIRT THAT I WANT SO MUCH. I CANNOT BUY IT MYSELF SINCE THE DEALER IS SOMEWHAT OF AN ASS AND HAS BLOCKED ME FROM BUYING ANY OF HIS T-SHIRTS. IMAGINE THAT FOOLISHNESS! HE TOLD ME HE IS A LYRIC TENOR AND I WANTED TO WRITE BACK AND HEAR HIS VOICE AND VICE VERSA. BUT HE HAS EVEN BLOCKED MY EMAIL. VERY FRUSTRATING TO SAY THE LEAST. I HAVE FOUR DIFFERENT CELEBRITY MONTAGES TO CHOOSE FROM IF ANYONE WOULD BE INTERESTED. THEY ARE HIGH GLOSS, VERY HIGH QUALITY HAND MADE ON THICK PAPER, ARTIST SIGNED, AND APPROXIMATELY 12 BY 18 INCHES IN SIZE . THE BOTTOM LINE IS THAT YOU WOULD HAVE TO SPEND 49.99 TO BUY THE T-SHIRT FOR ME (SINCE I CANNOT, AS I SAID ABOVE), AND THEN I CAN SEND YOU TWO OR EVEN THREE OF MY MONTAGES THAT COST ME 25.00 EACH A FEW YEARS BACK. I HAVE CONNIE FRANCIS, ANN MARGRET, MAYNARD FERGUSON, AND CHER. JUST EMAIL ME AT SMS@BEE.NET AND I CAN SEND IMAGES TO YOUR EMAIL ADDRESSES.I MIGHT EVEN BE ABLE TO SATISFY TWO PEOPLE BY BREAKING THEM UP. I AM EAGER TO OWN THE T-SHIRT. THANKS FOR CONSIDERING MY OFFER
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Sam Million 10-07-2020
09:12 PM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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DEAR MARTINO,,JULIE, DENNIS, KRISTINE, AND LEN AND ANYONE ELSE HERE. I HAVE A PROPOSITION AND HOW ABOUT WE MAKE IT FIRST PERSON TO ANSWER WILL GET WHAT I HAVE TO OFFER. BASICALLY I WAS HOPING TO TRADE TWO OF MY 50.00 TOTAL OR EVEN 70.00 TOTAL MONTAGES WITH SOMEONE TO GET THE LANZA T-SHIRTTHAT I WANT SO MUCH. I CANNOT BUY IT MYSELF SINCEI THE DEALER IS SOMEWHAT OF AN ASS AND HAS BLOCKED ME FROM BUYING ANY OF HIS T-SHIRTS. IMAGINE THAT FOOLISHNESS! HE TOLD ME HE IS A LYRIC TENOR AND I WANTED TO WRITE BACK AND HEAR HIS VOICE AND VICE VERSA. BUT HE HAS EVEN BLOCKED MY EMAIL. VERY FRUSTRATING TO SAY THE LEAST. I HAVE FOUR DIFFERENT CELEBRITY MONTAGES TO CHOOSE FROM IF YOU WOULD BE INTERESTED. THEY ARE HIGH GLOSS ON THICK PAPER, ARTIST SIGNED AND APPOXIMATELY 12 BY 18 INCH IN SIZE . THE BOTTOM LINE IS THAT YOU WOULD HAVE TO SPEND 49.99 TO BUY THE T-SHIRT (SINCE I CANNOT, AS I SAID ABOVE, AND THEN I CAN SEND YOU TWO OR EVEN THREE OF MY MONTAGES THAT COST ME 25.00 EACH A FEW YEARS BACK. I HAVE CONNIE FRANCIS, ANN MARGRET, MAYNARD FERGUSON, AND CHER. JUST EMAIL ME AT SMS@BEE.NET AND I CAN SEND IMAGES TO YOUR EMAIL ADDRESSES. I CAN AS MUCH AS I HOPE TO ENJOY THE T-SHIRT. THANKS FOR CONSIDERING MY OFFER!
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Kristine C. 10-07-2020
05:15 PM ET (US) IP: 96.59.1.174
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Sam, about "Because You're Mine", originally, Jane Powell was supposed to be in it, but then, she became pregnant, withdrew from the movie. I don't think, Kathryn Grayson wanted to be in it. They thought of Marguerite Piazza, but she didn't want to leave television. I read Dore Schary's book , in which he wrote, Mario asked to have Lana Turner, in the movie. They told him, she can't sing(although, she was in "Mr. Imperium" with Ezio Pinza, a singing voice was dubbed in for her. She didn't like working with Pinza). Then, Doretta Morrow was cast. Besides, Terry Robinson being in it, Mario's parents were in it, another Lanza friend, Art Walsh, it was Bobby Van's film debut. As we know, Lanza didn't want to do this movie. He said he would end up like Lauritz Melchior, being cast in comedy movies.
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Kristine C. 10-07-2020
05:08 PM ET (US) IP: 96.59.1.174
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Well, I finally got back on this website. What a time, I had ! They wouldn't recognize my name, password, that I had been using ! What in heck is wrong with Quick Topic ????? In tribute to Mario Lanza, on 61st Anniversary of his passing. This week's Closer Magazine has stories about the '50's teen idols, Frankie Avalon, who is 80, now, Fabian, Bobby Rydell, Dion DiMucci(Dion&The Belmonts), '60's and "70's teen idol, Bobby Sherman, '70's teen idols, Shaun Cassidy, Rick Springfield, and a story about Norma Shearer. I hope they will have a story about Mario Lanza and a story about Russ Columbo.
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Fred Day 10-07-2020
04:27 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Sam: Okay, I will email you. The Song Angels Sing is a melody by Brahms. It is from his second symphony, second movement. Ciao.
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Julie Page 10-07-2020
12:54 PM ET (US) IP: 74.79.51.67
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It'a a sad day for those of us who never forget Mario Lanza and the joy he gave to the world. It continues after all these years..
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Sam Million 10-07-2020
10:33 AM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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DEAR FRED, WOULD YOU PLEASE EMAIL ME. USE SMS@BEE.NET. I THINK I HAVE A NICE SURPRISE FOR YOU THAT WOULD ALSO BE NICE FOR ME!! THANKKS
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Bill Ronayne 10-07-2020
04:50 AM ET (US) IP: 68.192.183.90
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Remembering Mario on the 61st anniversary of his passing. May he always walk with God.
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Sam Million 10-06-2020
08:15 PM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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No long reviews this time, but last night I screened Because You're Mine and have a few thoughts. BTW, I didn't get even one comment after spending nearly two hours between watching and writing up my Serenade review. No feedback does not encourage me!
Here goes:
1-The color on the WB DVD is superior
2-The sound is excellent
3-This is a Mario movie I have probably watched more times than any other since it is purely fun and moves well. Almost no drama.
4-Mario's weight fluctuates more in this film than any other. He supposedly went down to 179 which you see in the first scene and as high as 240 when he enters the church to sing The Lord's Prayer. Personally I do not care about is weight changes. It flustered the people making his costumes, though
5-All the songs and arias are excellent. The ending Granada is without peer. And the ending Because You're Mine duet is great. Notice that the sound engineers gave Mario's voice a slight edge so he excites us.
6-Doretta Morrow is a good match with Mario vocally and personally. Heard Mario wasn't too fond of her.
7-The first aria in the beginning (addio alla madre) has a warmth and richness to his singing than any other aria in the film
8-James Whitmore is a real pro and likely the best actor in the picture
9-Lee a Loo is perhaps the sweetest song in the film
10-Song Angels Sing's melody was borrowed from classical piece we will have to ask FRED about
11-Good lip synching but he does not move his epiglottis as in Serenade for more reality.
12-The Questo quella (after Mario's real mother and father who ask for his autograph. He is singing live in the beginning and then when heading for the truck, the voice is pre-recorded
13-Terry Robinson can be seen with the other recruits at the train station. You have to look closely.
14-Bobby Van's dance number in the barracks is a very nice piece and deviation from all the scenes Mario is in.
15-The side view of Lanza standing before the doctor who pronounces him "1A" without even touchiing him shows the fine Lanza 40 inch chest. You also can see stretch marks if you look closely.
16-The first BYM duet is not as good as the end one or as his singing in the title.
17-Finally, the unaccompanied aria Mario sings unaccompanied is a nice surprise.
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Sam Million 10-06-2020
08:52 AM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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JULIE. I FORGOT TO TELL YOU THAT THE SERENADE REVIEW IS AN ASTOUNDING FOUR PAGES LONG! ALSO HAS SOME VIDEO CLIPS. THE FINE DETAILS HE WRITES ABOUT EVEN INCLUDE MNY EARLY REVIEWS OF THE FILM WHEN FIRST RELEASED.
DO ANY OTHER POSTERS HERE GO TO THIS SITE?
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Sam Million 10-06-2020
08:48 AM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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HI JULIE.
IF YOU WANT TO READ THE BEST ARTICLE ABOUT SERENADE YOU WILL EVER SEE AND THAT WILL ANSWER WHAT YOU HAVE QUESTIONED ABOUT FONTAINE, ETC, JUST GO TO DEREK MCGOVERN'S INCOMPARABLE LANZA SITE. HIS MOVIE REVIEWS ARE UNDER THE "ARTICLES" SECTION. HERE IS THE LINK. AFTER GETTING THERE SURVEY THE MANY CHOICES LIKE FORUM OR NEWS, ETC. UNTIL YOU SEE MOVIE REVIEWS. HIS WRITING IS SO GOOD THAT I FEEL I DON'T HAVE TO EVER WRITE AGAIN. AND MAYBE I SHOULD GET THE COLLECTION! JUST KIDDING ON BOTH ACCOUNTS. LOL. I AM 71 YEARS OLD.
https://www.mariolanzatenor.com
JUST MY OPINION, BUT I THINK WHEN YOU DISPOSE OF YOUR ENTIRE, LIKELY LIFELONG, COLLECTION IT SHOULD GO TO A PRIVATE COLLECTOR FAN WHO WILL CHERISH AND TAKE CARE OF IT.
NOTE: YES, PLEASE DO LET US KNOW ABOUT THE SERENADE QUALITY AS SOME OF THE CHINESE DISCS ARE BETTER THAN THE AMERICAN ONES AND SOME ARE NOT. THE "MENU" WILL PROBABLY BE IN CHINESE BUT THAT IS ONLY A MINOR INCONVENIENCE.
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Julie Page 10-06-2020
01:35 AM ET (US) IP: 74.79.51.67
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My old Video of Great Caruso is losing some of the sound, so my son sent for a "new" one, Made in China. haven't yet played it.I've always thought that Mario was shortchanged by the director Mann when making Serenade because he was so involved with Sarita Montiel. She came off very well, didn't she? So unfair to the real star.As for Joan Fontaine, I think she looked down on Mario for various reasons. I do, however , have one of her last autographs, courtesy of my son, as well.Let you know about the quality of the new DVD when I have a chance to watch it. Fred, thanks for the wine. I enjoyed it, hope you did, too. Serenade might have been so much better with a director who cared more. I can't help cringing watching some of it. Glad Anna is well. She's quite the performer, beautiful as well. Bill , wonderful to hear the museum is open, but sad that I won't get to be there. I was looking forward to it. Don't forget though that my entire collection will be donated one of these days soon. It's extensive.
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Barbara Clifton 10-04-2020
05:58 PM ET (US) IP: 23.127.59.195
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Ms Netrebko out of hospital, says she's fine.
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Sam Million 10-04-2020
10:51 AM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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FRED: THANKS FOR THAT. AS I MIGHT HAVE POINTED OUT TO PEOPLE HERE IS THAT MY LAST DEPRESSION HAS COMPRIMISED MY MEMORY SOME WHAT.
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Sam Million 10-04-2020
10:48 AM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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MY REPLY TO DEREK:
HELLO DEREK,
I FIND YOUR CRITIQUE FASCINATING TOO. I NEVER GAVE A THOUGHT TO LACK OF SEXUAL CHEMISTRY BETWEEN THEM! HOWEVER SHE DOES PLAY THE PERFECT BITCH AND I ENJOY HER SULTRY MANNER, EVEN SLIGHT AMUSEMENT IN HER FACE. WITH THE HAIRSTYLE SHE HAS, SHE ALSO LOOKS NOTICEABLY OLDER THAN MARIO.
I MUST HAVE BEEN THINKING OF THE GIRL IN SEVEN HILLS OF ROME. I THINK SHE IS 87. I WOULD SO LIKE TO INTERVIEW HER BUT I DON’T KNOW HOW TO REACH HER.
THE FACE OF FAT MARIO IN BED SCENE MOST CERTAINLY SHOULD HAVE BEEN SHOT FROM ANOTHER ANGLE, THOUGH HE DID SUCH WONDERFUL WORK THROUGHOUT THE FILM, WE SHOULD FORGIVE HIM! THE DELICATE FILMING OF THE COUNTRYSIDE IS STUNNING. HEY, THAT IS A MAJOR POINT I MISSED IN MY CRITIQUE LAST NIGHT.
BTW, ANNA ADDED A POINT IN OUR TALK THIS MORNING AT BREAKFAST—THAT FONTAINE IS A PREDATOR OF MEN AND THAT THEIR AFFAIR WAS STRICTLY ONE SIDED AND HER JOY IN LIFE IS TO HURT HER SUITORS LIKE A SPIDER IN HIS WEB.SO MARIO WAS JUST BEING USED.
LATER,
SAM
PS. FOR SOME REASON MY COMPUTER WON’T ALLOW ME TO ADD YOUR SITE AND YOUR WRITING ABOUT SERENADE.
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Sam Million 10-04-2020
10:35 AM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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DEREK MCGOVERN AND I HAVE ADDITIONAL POINTS TO OUR SERENADE CRITIQUE
Hi Sam,
Thanks for your always fascinating thoughts. I agree with you on most points, though I don't hear anything "white" about the last note (a B natural) on Surriento.
Montiel died seven years ago!
I feel that Fontaine was wrong for this film, as there is little sexual chemistry between her and Mario. Their relationship should sizzle!
If I had been in director Mann's shoes for the scene in which Mario wakes up from the malaria, I would have insisted that Mario not be unrealistically clean shaven (besides, some decent stubble would have concealed his heaviness here), and I would definitely not have filmed the first shot from the angle used---and certainly not in closeup. Very unflattering!
If you're interested in more of my thoughts on the movie, I've written an essay about it here:Serenade: an Underrated Treasure
Thanks for your always fascinating thoughts. I agree with you on most points, though I don't hear anything "white" about the last note (a B natural) on Surriento.
Montiel died seven years ago!
I feel that Fontaine was wrong for this film, as there is little sexual chemistry between her and Mario. Their relationship should sizzle!
If I had been in director Mann's shoes for the scene in which Mario wakes up from the malaria, I would have insisted that Mario not be unrealistically clean shaven (besides, some decent stubble would have concealed his heaviness here), and I would definitely not have filmed the first shot from the angle used---and certainly not in closeup. Very unflattering!
Cheers,
Derek
MY REPLY WILL FOLLOW LATER AS I ACCIDENTALLY DELETED IT AND ASKED HIM FOR A COPY....
;
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Fred Day 10-04-2020
06:14 AM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Sam: Re: #14 - that aria is the Lamento di Federico from L'Arlesiana by Cilea. Ciao.
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Sam Million 10-04-2020
12:26 AM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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RANDOM THOUGHTS ON "SERENADE" AFTER WATCHING IT TONIGHT:
WE HAVE BEEN TALKING MARIO SO MUCH THIS WEEK THAT I WAS MOVED TO PUT IT ON MY 8 BY 14 INCH SCREEN IN OUR HOME THEATER AND TURNED UP THE VOLUME UNTIL ONE REAR SPEAKER ACTUALLY RATTLED A BIT! I SCRENED IT BY SKIPPING CHAPTERS OF WHICH THERE ARE 45.
1-I USED THE WB DVD 2-HIS HAIR WAS COMBED RIDICULOUSLY HIGH ATOP HIS HEAD 3-JOAN FONTAINE IS A TERRIFIC ACTRES (SIDE NOTE: I ONCE WROTE TO HER VIA EMAIL AND. HER SECRETARY ANSWERED ME BUT SAID :"MISS FONTAINE NO LONGER GIVES INTERVIEWS”. I WROTE AGAIN PRACTICALLY BEGGING HER FOR ANY TIDBITS AND NEVER HEARD BACK)4-VINCENT PRICE ALMOST STEALS THE SHOW WITH HIS WIT 5-I LOVE THE TORNA SURRIENTO EXCEPT THE LAST NOTE IS A BIT “WHITE”N 6-THIS IS HIS BEST MOVIE WITH GREAT CARUSO ARGUEABLY THE SECOND 7-THE DIRECTOR IS EXCELLENT WITH ANGLES HE USES FOR, INSTANCE WHEN HE SHOOTS THE BEST ARIA HE EVER SANG (DIO MI POTEVI) FROM ABOVE AND BELOW MARIO’S FACE AND BODY 8-I LIKE SARITA MONTIEL IN HER ROLE. I THINK SHE IS STILL ALIVE AND 86 YEARS OLD. A PHOTO OF HER I SAW OF HER AS AN OLD LADY WAS UNRECOGNIZABLE 9-THE ARIA HE SINGS (O PARADISO)WHEN HE COMES BACK TO LARDELLI’S FOR A JOB IS PERFECT AND WHEN HE FINISHES IT HE ROLLS HIS EYES FROM SIDE TO SIDE AND HAS AN “I SHOWED THEM” LOOK ON HIS FACE 10-AMOR TI VITA IS GREAT BUT THE DI QUELLA PIRA LATER HAS SOME STRAINED NOTES 11-THE AVE MARIA IN THE CHURCH IS VERY TENDER 12-HIS LIP SYNCHING IS THE BEST EVER IN THIS FILM AND YOU ACTUALLY SEE HIS EPIGLOTIS (SP?) MOVING UP AND DOWN AS IF HE WERE SINGING ALONG TO THE PRE-RECORDED TRACKS13-THE NESSUN DORMA IS EXCELLENT WITH THE EXCEPTION OF THE FINAL HIGH NOTE THAT IS A BIT "PINCHED’” 14-THE ARIA WHEN HE COMES BACK TO SING AT THE OPERA WHEN HE IS “FORGIVEN" (NAME?) IS WONDERFUL 15-MARIO IS A VERY GOOD ACTOR, WHICH YOU CAN’T SAY ABOUT SOME OTHER MOVIE STARS WHO ARE PRIMARILY SINGERS 16-THE FINAL SERENADE SONG ALSO IS SHOT WITH GOOD ANGLES AND IS GREAT EXCEPT THE SLIGHT WOBBLE ON FINAL NOTE. HE SHOULD HAVE RE-DONE THIS BUT WAS APPARENTLY TOO LAZY TO DO THAT 17-SOME OF THE ARIAS/SONGS HAVE A BIT TOO MUCH ECHO 18-THE HIGH C OR WHATEVER IT IS WHEN HE SINGS WITH THE CAKE CANDLE IN FRONT OF HIM IS TERRIBLE AND VERY STRAINED 19-HE IS TERRIBLY FAT WHEN SEEN IN THE BED WHERE HE RECOVERS FROM HIS ILLNESS. OTHERWISE HIS WEIGHT IS FAIRLY CONSISTENT 20-NOTE THAT THE TIMBRE OF HIS SPEAKING VOICE IS LOWER THAN IN ANY OTHER OF HIS FILMS, GIVING A RICHER VOICE QUALITY 21-I LIKE WHEN THE WORD “TUG-A-BOATS” IS SPOKEN BY LARDELLI TO DESCRIBE INFERIOR TENORS! 22-YOU NOTICE HIS “LAZY” LEFT EYE MORE IN THIS FILM 23-HE DOES NOT USE HIS RATHER UNIQUE “PRIZE FIGHTER” STANCE WITH HIS ARMS STRETCHED OUT LESS IN THIS FILM, POSSIBLY MORESO FOR NESSUN DORMA 24-THE SWEAT ON HIS FACE AT THE END VARIES SO THEY MUST HAVE FILMED IT TWICE 25-WITH THAT LAST REMARK I AM NOW GETTING PUNCHY!! MY FINAL WORDS WILL BE “I LOVE THIS MAN VERY MUCH”
I WOULD ENJOY HEARING POSITIVE OR NEGATIVE THOUGHTS ABOUT MY OPINIONS, AND DO EXCUSE THE USE OF CAPS AND TYPOS AS MY EYES NEED CATARACT WORK.
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Sam Million 10-04-2020
12:23 AM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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THANKS TO ALL OF YOUR NICE REMARKS ABOUT MY RETURN. I TRULY LOVE POSTING AND READING POSTS. AS A "REWARD" I AM POSTING AN ARTICLE WHICH TOOK OVER AN HOUR TO WRITE.SEE ABOVE
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Dennis1 10-03-2020
08:44 PM ET (US) IP: 76.126.57.19
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happy birthday Fred, you share the date with one of my granddaughters. We will have her over for lunch on October 5 and I'll send a thought your way as I sip my riesling wine. And a welcome back to Sam. We missed you, Sam, and sometimes the site went vacant for days without your posts.
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Fred Day 10-03-2020
06:55 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Thanks to all for the birthday wishes. And Happy Birthday tomorrow to Julie Page. Yes, I will have a glass of red wine on October 5th. Ciao.
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Kristine Cimmy 10-03-2020
04:44 PM ET (US) IP: 96.59.1.174
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Happy Birthday, Fred ! Sam, there is a website for Red Bubble Serpent Films. They sell movie stars' images on merchandise. They have the "Because You're Mine" movie poster T-Shirts, hoodies, coasters, socks, bed spreads, shower curtains, mugs, tote bags, pillows, stickers, postcards, notecards. I sent for the "Because You're Mine" T-Shirt, notecards, postcard. I like them. The notecards and postcard are of a thick material quality with envelopes. They also have movie poster images of "Meet Me In St. Louis"(Judy Garland), "Kiss Me, Kate"(Howard Keel, Kathryn Grayson, Ann Miller), "Call Me Madam"(Ethel Merman), "The King and I"(Yul Brynner, Deborah Kerr), "Elizabeth and Essex"(Bette Davis, Errol Flynn) on T-Shirts, etc. There is also, "Some Like It Hot" (Tony Curtis, Marilyn Monroe, Jack Lemmon), and an artist named Alejandro drew portraits of movie actresses from 1930's -1960's in a collage design for T_Shirts, tote bags, etc. A new generation will learn about Mario Lanza from this merchandise, because the models are in their late teens, early 20's, wearing the T-Shirts. Hope you feel better and better everyday.
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Len Thompson 10-03-2020
03:04 PM ET (US) IP: 24.38.229.151
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Wishing you a very Happy Birthday, Fred. I have you beat by ten years! Continued good health to you. Welcome back to you Sam. Keep feeling better.
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Bill Ronayne 10-03-2020
03:00 PM ET (US) IP: 68.192.181.181
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The Mario Lanza Museum, located at 1214 Reed Street in Philadelphia, will be open on a limited basis starting October 7, 2020. In observance of the 61st passing of Mario Lanza, the Mario Lanza Museum will be open on October 7th from noon-3pm. On this day only admission will be $10. All visitors must wear a mask and observe social distancing regulations. No exceptions. After October 7th, admission is by appointment only and the fee will be $15. All visitors will be required to wear a mask and observe social distancing regulations. The grand reopening ceremony has been postponed until April of 2021 and will take place during the Mario Lanza Ball Weekend. It was felt that a proper celebration could not be conducted now because of the pandemic and the restrictions in place. We are opening the museum on a limited basis until hopefully conditions improve and we can once again welcome large groups of people and hold events. For more information and to make a reservation to visit the museum, call 215-238-9691 or email info@mariolanzainstitute.org. Edited 10-03-2020 03:02 PM
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Bill Ronayne 10-03-2020
02:47 PM ET (US) IP: 68.192.181.181
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Welcome back Sam.
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Julie Page 10-03-2020
02:39 PM ET (US) IP: 74.79.51.67
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Glad to see you're back, Sam. Hope you stay well. I'm reading Enrico's son's book. Enjoyable. Will look for Dorothy's next.Fred, Happy Birthday. Mine is tomorrow. Drink a toast for us both. Can't have wine anymore. Well, I could, but it wouldn't be good!
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Martino1 10-03-2020
01:57 PM ET (US) IP: 67.216.108.216
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Good to see you back, Sam. Stay the course my friend.
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Fred Day 10-03-2020
11:33 AM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Sam and all: One cannot avoid growing older, day by day. October 5th is my birthday, I will turn 78, same as the speed of records I collected as a child, and still occasionally do. The 3 signs of old age: one is loss of memory and I forget the other two. Ciao.
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Sam Million 10-03-2020
07:43 AM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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LAST POST FOR THIS MORNING. EBAY HAS A VERY INTERESTING LANZA T-SHIRT IN MANY COLORS AND SIZES. FOR SOME REASON THE SITE IS NOT LETTING ME POST LINKS....
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Sam Million 10-03-2020
07:37 AM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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OONE MORE POST FOR GOOD MEASURE. IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO SEE A BUNCH OF RARE LANZA PHOTOS JUST GO TO EBAY AND SEARCH "MARIO LANZA". THERE IS ONE WITH HIS PARENTS, ANOTHER SLIM EATING AN APPLE, ANOTHER WITH MARISSA ALASIO, AND MORE. BTW, I THINK I AM SLOWLY BUT SURELY MAKING UP FOR NOT POSTING SUCH A LONG TIME!
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Sam Million 10-03-2020
07:09 AM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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FORGOT ONE MORE DOCTOR BUT CANNOT REMEMBER THE OFFICIAL NAME, YET IT HAS TO DO WITH BREATHING WHILE SLEEPING AND NEEDING TO WEAR WHAT IS CALLED A C-PAP ON YOUR MOUTH. I CAN SAY FOR SURE THIS IS A REAL PAIN IN THE BUTT.
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Sam Million 10-03-2020
05:47 AM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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THANK YOU SO MUCH SWEET VALERIA! I WAS COUNTING HOW MANY DOCTORS I HAVE AND AMAZINGLY THEY ARE AS FOLLOWS. 1-CARDIOLOGIST, 2-NEPHROLOGIST, 3-UROLOGIST, 4-PSYCHIATRIST, 5-DENTIST, AND 6-FAMILY DOCTOR. FORTUNATELY I HAVE GOTTEN GOOD REPORTS FROM THEM ALL. THE MORAL OF THE STORY IS DON'T GET OLD, LOL.
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Fred Day 10-03-2020
05:26 AM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Sam: Welcome back. Glad you are feeling better. "The Essential Mario Lanza" CD has been out for quite a while. Ciao.
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Valeria Pugiotto 10-03-2020
12:49 AM ET (US) IP: 151.37.200.227
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Welcome back, Sam!
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Sam Million 10-03-2020
12:23 AM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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SORRY FOR MY ERROR BELOW. IT SHOULD HAVE READ. I JUST SAW WHAT AMAZON CALLS THEIR "FEATURED LANZA CD. THE TITLE IS "THE ESSENTIAL MARIO LANZA". IS THIS NEW OR HAS IT BEEN OUT AWHILE?
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Sam Million 10-03-2020
12:13 AM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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FRED OR ANYONE ELSE. I JUST SAW WHAT AMAZON CALLS "THE FEATURED MARIO LANA" CD. IS THIS NEW OR HAS IT BEEN OUT AWHILE?
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Sam Million 10-02-2020
09:33 PM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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JULIE: ARE YOU READING THE CARUSO BOOK BY DOROTHY CARUSO OR ANOTHER ONE?
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Kristine Cimmy 10-02-2020
06:32 PM ET (US) IP: 96.59.1.174
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Sam, hope you are feeling better. I have seen Groucho Marx's later movies. He was in "Love Happy", with his brothers, produced by Mary Pickford, which showed a young Marilyn Monroe in a walk on, it's hilarious. She walks in, tells Groucho, Eric Blore, "Men are following me". Groucho comments "I wonder why" and raises his eyebrows up and down. Eric Blore's monocle falls off his face. LOL ! I haven't seen "The Story of Mankind", in awhile. Julie, that's interesting about Douglas Fairbanks and Mary Pickford. Closer Magazine is on the magazine stand, at supermarket, where I shop.
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Sam Million 10-02-2020
05:52 PM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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HI TO ALL MY FRIENDS HERE. "I AM BACK" SO TO SPEAK. HAD ONE OF THE WORST DEPRESSIONS EVER THAT LASTED FOR QUITE A FEW MONTHS. HOPE TO START CHECKING IN EVERY DAY NOW. NOTHING NEW TO ADD ABOUT MARIO EXCEPT THAT I ACTUALLY COULD NOT LISTEN TO OUR BOY WHEN DEPRESSED.
BY THE WAY, TURNER CLASSIC MOVIES (TCM) HAS BEEN SHOWING MARX BROTHERS FILMS ALL DAY. NIGHT AT THE OPERA IS ONE WHICH WILL APPEAL TO MOST HERE. THERE WERE TWO EARLY FIFTIES FILMS WITH JUST GROUCHO AND SINATRA AND THE OTHER WAS GROUCHO AND WILLIAM BENDIX. HAS ANYONE SEEN THESE?
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Bill Ronayne 10-02-2020
04:43 PM ET (US) IP: 68.192.181.181
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The October issue of "The Legacy of Mario Lanza" newsletter has just been published. It features more photos of the new Mario Lanza Museum, a touching article remembering two Lanza fans that passed away recently, a look at Lanza's recordings of the aria "Cielo e mar," a look back at his appearance on the "Sunday Night at the London Palladium" program from the perspective of an audience member and a variety of photos and articles devoted the the 70th anniversary of the release of "The Toast of New Orleans." For subscription information contact wjronayne@optonline.net.
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Julie Page 10-01-2020
12:09 PM ET (US) IP: 74.79.51.67
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Kris, one of my great-uncles( there were five) moved to California where he raised a family and was groundskeeper for Douglas Fairbanks and Mary Pickford. I have a letter that he sent home to my grandparents,saying that 'Doug" and 'Mary" had gone to Europe but were planning to divorce. I've never seen the magazine "Closer". Is it all about famous people from the past? Reading the Caruso book and finding it enjoyable. Many similarities between Enrico and Mario, but don't recall the censures about him that Mario had to put up with. There were many more as well, but seemed to have been glossed over.
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Kristine Cimmy 09-30-2020
10:53 PM ET (US) IP: 96.59.1.174
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Singers, Helen Reddy and Mac Davis passed away. RIP. I saw another issue of Closer Magazine at supermarket. This issue had stories about "The Andy Griffith Show" and Douglas Fairbanks, Mary Pickford. I hope they will have stories about Mario Lanza and Russ Columbo.
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Julie Page 09-28-2020
02:58 PM ET (US) IP: 74.79.51.67
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Good news.indeed Barbara. Valeria, dismissing Mario is all too common. Happens all the time,shouldn't.Maybe, someday.
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Barbara Clifton 09-27-2020
02:25 PM ET (US) IP: 23.127.59.195
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Anna Netrebko posted this weekend that she had received a negative test for covid19. Good news. She has been hospitalized since early Sept. Ms. Netrebko says she is almost 100% and can sing without difficulty. Good news. Edited 09-28-2020 12:17 PM
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Barbara Clifton 09-24-2020
10:29 AM ET (US) IP: 23.127.59.195
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It has been suggested to him more than once.
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Valeria Pugiotto 09-24-2020
07:56 AM ET (US) IP: 93.42.98.163
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Ron Howard is making a movie about Lang Lang’s life. I wonder why he doesn’t think of making a movie about Mario’s life.
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Julie Page 09-19-2020
11:39 AM ET (US) IP: 74.79.51.67
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Sorry to hear about Anna Netrebko and really hope she gets well with no lasting effects..... Ms. Ginsberg was an inspiration to all of us. Courageous lady.
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Kristine Cimmy 09-18-2020
08:01 PM ET (US) IP: 96.59.1.174
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Correction: Jussi Bjorling.
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Kristine Cimmy 09-18-2020
08:00 PM ET (US) IP: 96.59.1.174
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It has just been reported,Supreme Court Justice, Ruth Bader Ginsburg passed away at 87. RIP. She and late Supreme Court Justice, Antonin Scalia were opera fans, even appeared as extras in an opera. She liked Jussi Bjoreling and Renata Tebaldi.
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Kristine Cimmy 09-18-2020
06:28 PM ET (US) IP: 96.59.1.174
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Get well wishes to Anna . Sorry to hear she has covid 19 virus pneumonia. I just received Schuyler Johnson's book about her father, Van Johnson and mother, Evie Wynn. It's a collection of photos with movie stars. Very impressive. The M-G-M Group Photo from 1949, is in the book. It shows Mario Lanza, Janet Leigh, Angela Lansbury, Ann Sothern, Alexis Smith, Kathryn Grayson, George Murphy, Ricardo Montalban, Ann Miller, Van Heflin, Lassie, Edward Arnold, Mary Astor, June Allyson, Frank Sinatra, Red Skelton, Ginger Rogers, etc. There are photos of Keenan Wynn(first husband of Evie), Tyrone Power(Evie's first love, before she met Keenan Wynn), The Beatles(Schuyler met them and they wanted to know about her father, Van Johnson), photos of Esther Williams with her children from Ben Gage, Ben Gage, Lorenzo Lamas. I was thinking of other songs, Mario Lanza missed out singing. "No Other Love" which was sung by Perry Como. It was from Broadway Musical "Me and Juliet"(Rodgers and Hammerstein's flop), "No Other Love" was based on "Beneath The Southern Cross" theme from "Victory at Sea" documentary.
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Barbara Clifton 09-18-2020
12:12 PM ET (US) IP: 23.127.59.195
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(aka Diane Cox) Anna Netrebko said yesterday that she has been hospitalized with covid 19 pneumonia.
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Martino1 09-16-2020
08:23 AM ET (US) IP: 67.216.108.216
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Good job as usual, Vince. Very enjoyable and informative.
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Len Thompson 09-15-2020
05:07 PM ET (US) IP: 24.38.229.151
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Thank you again, Vince. Much work you are doing and I am sure enjoyment is had by all of us, especially for the folks staying home. That certainly is me! How any person who loves and knows music could ever have written negatively about the Lanza voice is beyong the pale. Was he always on top of the performance, aria or song he was singing? No, but what singer is? The total thought process that he obviouly put into the act of breathing, having that support from his diaphram and then thinking of the forming of the words was more amazing than any singer this person has ever heard. I studied with Samuel Margolis for about 2 years after getting out of the Army in 1958 and I know what working with an excellent teacher means. I was also lucky to have had Helen Carroll as my teacher in college, a Margolis alumni. Mario soaked up everything Rosati presented him with and we are enjoying all of it all the time.. Best to everyone and stay safe.
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Julie Page 09-15-2020
02:44 PM ET (US) IP: 74.79.51.67
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Vince, enjoyed the film so much, some photos not familiar to me. Thanks everyone for the good wishes. Len, how gratifying for you to interview Enrico, Jr. and Andrew Farkas, knowing how much appreciation they had for Mario. Fred, having the book with unlimited access is the only way to read it., I'll try, but haven't made much progress yet. Hope to,soon.Be well, my friends. Thinking so much of late about our dear friend, Ed McManus, and missing his enthusiasm and loyalty to Mario. Not good at remembering many dates, but about this time that we lost him, I believe. Best.
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Vince Di Placido 09-15-2020
10:38 AM ET (US) IP: 86.44.28.228
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Here is a new Lanza film, enjoy!
https://youtu.be/3no7WbtzOrE
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Len Thompson 09-15-2020
10:21 AM ET (US) IP: 24.38.229.151
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Quick note: another book titled Richard Tucker has a couple pages on Mario at Tucker's opening in London in Tosca and what Mario did after the performance for Richard and Sarah. Also for "fun" I decided to count my Lanza cd's: RCA/Sony I have 27. 16 other cd's. 16 in Damon's package. 10 Damon cd's. 3 Xmas cd's. 1 in Cesari's book. 8 Sepia. My total is 81. Many repeats in all of those of course. I won't go into the lp's at this time!! Stay safe and well everyone.
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Kristine Cimmy 09-12-2020
06:44 PM ET (US) IP: 96.59.1.174
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"The Great Caruso" was based on Dorothy Benjamin's book. I think, Enrico, Jr., attended Culver Military Institute. I am facebook friends with Eric Murray, who is Caruso's grandson. Has he ever attended The Lanza Ball ? I wonder if he ever met Damon Lanza ? Julie, I hope you are feeling better, too. Prayers for California, Utah, Oregon, Washington State, that the fires will end soon !
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Len Thompson 09-12-2020
06:30 PM ET (US) IP: 24.38.229.151
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Hi Julie,
Hope you ae feeling better and that you will be able to enjoy the book and Mario. I had the pleasure of having Andrew Farkas and Caruso, Jr. as guests on my radio program many years ago. The bookj is long but very interesting in what it brings out about Caruso the man and the singer.
Caruso, Jr. was very complimentary on Lanza even more so than in the book. Farkas has remained a friend and we were also together with Jussi Bjorling's son, Anders, on the book written by Andrew called "Jussi". And Mario is talked about very nicely by Jussi and his daughter and of course Jussi and Mario got together, so I read, at his home in Los Angeles.
John W, thank you for the cut with that very well spoken lady who certainly knows about singing and what it takes to make sound! With all the Sepia stuff being put out, I don't think a recording of Mario and Jose Iturbi was ever made available. I know it is a short version on "Una furtiva" but it is so well sung. Have not posted for a long time. I hope everyone is safe and well and pray to God that we all get throught this horrific time in our country and the world. As Fred says: Ciao tutti!
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Fred Day 09-12-2020
02:57 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Julie: Yes, I have the book by Enrico Caruso Junior, since 1990 when it was new, and I enjoyed the book very much. I hope you enjoy it too. Ciao.
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John W 09-12-2020
12:48 PM ET (US) IP: 47.227.11.80
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Another wonderful reaction to Mario!
https://youtu.be/Y0yoZi_E1TU
Take care!
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Julie Page 09-12-2020
12:31 PM ET (US) IP: 74.79.51.67
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Hi everyone. Hope you're all well. Wanted to ask if anyone here has ever read "My Father, and My Family" by EnricoCaruso, Jr. I've been looking for it for a long time, and was fortunate to find it yesterday after my local librarian located it for me. Haven't had a chance to give it anything but a cursory glance, but of course found the references to our Mario. Nothing but complimentary, with great respect for his talent. You may know that MGM and others were sued for the inaccuracy of the story. I wish I had hopes for reading the whole thing, a huge undertaking, beyond me now that I'm ill, but I hope to do some of it justice. Like to know if anyone here has it in their possession. I was delighted to find it,even though a little too late for me.
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Barbara Clifton 09-12-2020
11:15 AM ET (US) IP: 23.127.59.195
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(aka Diane Cox) FYI Atalla Ayan, tenor, is on the La Scala stage in Sept. in La Traviata, five performances.
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John W 09-05-2020
10:20 PM ET (US) IP: 47.227.11.80
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Good evening. A few weeks ago after church, I ran into a very young guy who sings in the choir. We started talking about music and I mentioned Mario. I was heartened to hear that he's a Mario fan. I'm glad the new generation is keeping the memory alive!
I received my first copy of the Lanza newsletter. Thank you, Mr. Ronayne! I also recently started voice lessons. Singing is much tougher than I thought it would be! Lanza, Tucker, Kraus, etc., make it seem easy.
Mr. Owens, good to see you here. I've seen some of your Youtube videos. Peace, John
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Barbara Clifton 09-04-2020
06:48 PM ET (US) IP: 23.127.59.195
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aka diane cox) Just saw a video of Anna Netrebko in Moscow Sept.2. Very nice. She is now 49, looks great and singing well, although her voice is different from the young Anna. Couldn't find it on utube yet - was on her FB page.
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Barbara Clifton 09-01-2020
06:28 PM ET (US) IP: 23.127.59.195
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As he grew up in Houston, I would expect his accent to be Texan. LOL And if he does have a background of Spanish, that should have made it easier to learn Italian. I like him, and think he is promising, but he doesn't give me goosebumps.
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Martino1 09-01-2020
02:47 PM ET (US) IP: 67.216.108.216
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Good find Diane! I never heard of Salas before but I know I will hear much from him in the future. He has a wonderful voice and as Fred said, he takes very much after his countryman, Javier Camarena. Both have the same kind of basic sound and both have killer high notes.
I was especially taken by his singing of "Pourquoi me reveiller" from Werther. And his Lanza song, "Because You're Mine" was really, really good, without a hint of an accent. He sang it very similar to the way Lanza did and even took some of Mario's mannerisms with him. In fact, there were a few glances where there was even a slight facial and physical resemblance to Mario. I think this young man has a bright future in front of him. We have had a good week with discovering Salas and before him, Andrew Owens. The more new tenors the better!!
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Fred Day 09-01-2020
02:32 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Diane: Thanks for the info. How about the 5 Browns (the 5 fine pianists, siblings, 3 girls and 2 boys). They are wonderful. I have not heard anything new. Curious. Ciao. PS - And what about Tomita, the finest of the classical synthesizer players?? I have not heard anything new by him in 20 years!! He was fantastic!! Curious. Ciao.
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Barbara Clifton 09-01-2020
01:59 PM ET (US) IP: 23.127.59.195
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They have only performed once or twice this summer with the shutdown all over the world. Once was for a fasion show of men's clothing, once at a charity event. All concerts cancelled until 2021. They seem to be enjoying leisure time. To me, their salute to the three tenors and performance with Domingo was the pinnacle of their career so far. The last couple years, nothing exciting. I do think whatever was the matter with Ignacio's voice has gone away. The last couple things I saw, his high notes were back, and not cracking. The youngest, Ginoble, the baritone, does seem to have improved and become more confident - Piero Barone has reached his level - think he has given up the idea of opera on stage. Now, no one told me these things, nor have I read them - just my own observations.
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Fred Day 09-01-2020
01:33 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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What is the newest news on Il Volo, the 3 young Italian men?? I haven't heard any news in about a year or 2. Curious. Ciao.
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Barbara Clifton 09-01-2020
12:42 PM ET (US) IP: 23.127.59.195
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Will follow him for a while, as I did Atalla Ayan.
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Fred Day 09-01-2020
12:14 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Diane: He has a brilliant career ahead of him. He is also in line with his fellow countryman, Javier Camarena. They both have a superb top register. Ciao.
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Barbara Clifton 09-01-2020
12:01 PM ET (US) IP: 23.127.59.195
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(aka Diane Cox) I saw the Nessun Dorma and Che Gelida Manina, but not the Daughters of the Regiment. Will go watch it now. His high notes seem to come easily - needs a little more training, and confidence. He's Mexican-American, Univ Houston, Yale. Fairly new on the scene.
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Fred Day 09-01-2020
11:18 AM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Martino: Check him out on Youtube. You will be very impressed. Ciao.
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Fred Day 09-01-2020
11:14 AM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Diane: The name Galeano Salas was new to me, so I went to Youtube to check him out. He is a very fine lirico spinto tenor with excellent top notes. In the line of Pavarotti and Florez. In the aria from Daughter of the Regiment, he tosses off the 8 high C's with ease and abandon. He also does a fine Che Gelida Manina and Nessun Dorma. When will he sing at the Met?? Soon, I hope. Where is he from?? Check him out. Highly recommended. Ciao.
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Martino1 09-01-2020
11:07 AM ET (US) IP: 67.216.108.216
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Never heard of him, Diane.
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Barbara Clifton 09-01-2020
04:43 AM ET (US) IP: 23.127.59.195
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aka Diane Cox. Have any of you heard Galeano Salas?
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Fred Day 08-31-2020
11:42 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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I am sure Allan Jones was a fan of Lanza. Jones had only 10% of the voice that Lanza had. On The Donkey Serenade, Lanza sang circles around Jones!! Ciao.
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Kristine Cimmy 08-31-2020
10:38 PM ET (US) IP: 96.59.1.174
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Fred, yes, that's right. I didn't think of "The Unchained Melody". Another song, Mario missed out on was "I Believe". Does anyone know if Allan Jones was a fan of Mario Lanza, especially, since Lanza sang "The Donkey Serenade", too.
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Fred Day 08-31-2020
10:32 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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It would have been nice if Lanza had sung Love Is A Many Splendored Thing & Unchained Melody, but as far as is known, he never did. He probably knew both songs. Perhaps he rehearsed them at home. Ciao.
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Kristine Cimmy 08-31-2020
07:10 PM ET (US) IP: 96.59.1.174
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Hello to Andrew Owens. I sent for the "Because You're Mine" movie poster T-Shirt from Red Bubble Serpent Films and so far, I like it. They also have "Because You're Mine" movie poster socks. The only thing about socks, is, how does anyone see them, when you wear shoes and slacks ? I was thinking of buying daVinci's Mona Lisa socks, one time, but figured who would see them ? I wonder why Mario Lanza never had the chance to sing "Love Is A Many Splendored Thing" ? Eddie Fisher sang it at The Oscars(it was a nominated song)and I heard Gordon MacRae sing it. One thing about Red Bubble Serpent Films, the models, for these T-Shirts, look to be in their late teens and early 20's, so, a new generation is being introduced to Mario Lanza and learning about him.
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Fred Day 08-31-2020
05:39 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Andrew: Yes, hope to see you here often. A pity that Lanza never sang Rondine Al Nido. It would have been wonderful if he had. Ciao.
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Andrew Owens 08-31-2020
01:31 PM ET (US) IP: 172.58.143.121
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Thanks so much for watching and for your kind words everyone! Much much appreciated! I’ll make sure to pop in more frequently! It would be great to reconnect and chat all things Mario again!
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Fred Day 08-31-2020
11:51 AM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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I agree with Martino. Rondine Al Nido is a favorite of mine. I believe Gigli was the first tenor to record it in 1932. Keep up the good work. Best always. Ciao.
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Martino1 08-31-2020
11:41 AM ET (US) IP: 67.216.108.216
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I remember you Andrew. Yes indeed, it has been many, many years since we have heard from you but what a wonderful reintroduction! I was greatly entertained by your concert, thank you for that! You have a very fine voice and an engaging, delightful personalty. I see a bright future ahead of you.
I was particularly taken by your rendition of de Crescenzo's "Rondine al Nido". It was excellent, as was your wife's flute (at least I think you said she was your wife). It reminded me of Pavarotti a bit. He and the flutist who accompanied him all over the world in recital, would often perform this beautiful song together. Your performance is the best I have heard since. "Thine Alone" is seldom sung these days and your take was as pleasant a surprise as it was well sung. The Lanza influence was all over your performance on that one and also your excellent "Be My Love". I'm pretty sure your sang both of these in Lanza's originally key which no easy task for anyone.
A quick check shows you have a solid career going already and I am pleased you have watched your repertoire carefully and are not pushing too hard too fast. Quick suggestion - your guitar playing was good but ditch it for "O sole mio" and use the mandolin next time!! Good luck to you and come back often to tell us of your progress.
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Fred Day 08-31-2020
11:07 AM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Thanks, Jeff. Excellent concert, Andrew. Most enjoyable. Ciao.
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RenseWebmaster 08-31-2020
10:18 AM ET (US) IP: 98.31.1.140
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Excellent recital by Andrew, which Bill Ronayne also shared on his Facebook page. Here is the link, Fred:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TEHKX7ixY7M
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Fred Day 08-31-2020
08:32 AM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Andrew Owens: Would you please post a clickable link to your recent concert. Thanks. Ciao.
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Andrew Owens 08-30-2020
11:13 PM ET (US) IP: 98.32.252.189
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Hello all!
It’s been quite some time since I’ve visited this site. As some of you may remember, I began posting here as a young, eager teenager from Philly who was obsessed with Mario and dreamed of one day singing his songs.
I wanted to invite you all to watch a recent ‘At Home’ recital I gave for LA Opera that paid tribute to the many musical influences in my life, including my very first voice teachers (Enrico Di Giuseppe and Dominic Cossa) and, of course, Mario!
It’s available to watch at any time on LA Opera’s Facebook page! I’d be very appreciative if you all would have a listen!
Thank you for continuing to keep the spirit of Mario alive all these years!
With gratitude,
Andrew Owens
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Vince Di Placido 08-30-2020
07:59 AM ET (US) IP: 86.44.28.228
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I've made a wee film about Raphaela Fasano's friendship with Mario.
https://youtu.be/tU8Vao-ICdU
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Fred Day 08-29-2020
12:28 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Yes, wonderful song from the stereo re-make of Student Prince. Too bad it was not used in the film. Ciao.
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Len Thompson 08-29-2020
12:04 PM ET (US) IP: 24.38.229.151
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Absolutely agree with Fred and Martino. Yesterday in the car I listened to "Thoughts Will Come To Me" and the orchestration and Mario's singing of those touching words was, as always, a joy.
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Fred Day 08-29-2020
10:50 AM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Kristine: Nelson Riddle was never asked to work with Lanza. Riddle was under contract to Capitol Records. Ciao.
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Fred Day 08-29-2020
10:44 AM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Eugene Ormandy was indeed a superb conductor. In 1948 at the Hollywood Bowl, Lanza sang with Miklos Rozsa, another fine conductor and composer. Ciao.
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Martino1 08-29-2020
10:14 AM ET (US) IP: 67.216.108.216
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As Fred has intimated, Mario Lanza sang with all kinds of conductors - those suited for popular music and those suited more to classical and opera. Some were fair, some were good but in my opinion only one was in the true upper ranks of conductors at that time and that was Eugene Ormandy.
Lanza and Ormandy did not have an extensive collaboration during their careers but on August 27, 1947, they did come together. Ormandy was a guest conductor at the Hollywood Bowl and the singers that night were Lanza and the soprano, Francis Yeend. It was a night of all classical music. Mario sang just three arias and three duets during the concert but they represented some of the finest singing he had done up to that time. The "Improvviso" from Andrea Chenier being the standout.
Eugene Ormandy had a very long and distinguished career, including 44 years as principal conductor with an orchestra that Lanza probably was very familiar with - The Philadelphia Symphony Orchestra. He won many awards with his Philadelphia Orchestra including several gold records and Grammy awards. According to Wkipedia, On November 18, 1985 (the year of his passing) President Reagan declared it "Eugene Ormandy Day", with the recognition ceremony held at the Philadelphia Academy of Music.
If Mario Lanza and Eugene Ormandy could have combined their talents more throughout their careers, I believe we would have had a treasure-trove of recordings and concerts that would have been truly memorable to hear.
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Kristine Cimmy 08-28-2020
07:31 PM ET (US) IP: 96.59.1.174
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I read, with interest, about musical conductors with Mario Lanza. Was Nelson Riddle ever asked to work with Mario Lanza ? Riddle worked with Frank Sinatra, Anna Maria Alberghetti, Nat King Cole, Linda Ronstadt. I went to high school with Nelson's son, Chris Riddle, at St. Monica's Catholic High School, Santa Monica, Calif.(Class of '68). Chris has been leading his late father's orchestra. Nelson Riddle also wrote the theme song for t.v. shows "Route 66" and "The Untouchables"(Robert Stack).The Lennon Sisters attended St. Monica's, too. I was thinking how it would have been if Mantovani, Arthur Fiedler, Arturo Toscanini, Leonard Bernstein(who was at Tanglewood with Mario), Hugo Winterhalter(who conducted the orchestra while Eddie Fisher sang), had conducted the orchestras for Mario Lanza. Prayers for California(the fires)and Louisiana(Hurricane Laura).
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Fred Day 08-28-2020
09:52 AM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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One cannot blame conductors for lack of resonant sound, the blame rests with the audio engineers. Lanza had a big voice with dazzling overtones that was difficult to record monaurally. Later, in stereo, the problem lessened. Most of Lanza's conductors were generally pretty good. Ray Sinatra was okay for popular songs. Callinicos was adequate. Henri Rene was good. Paul Baron was okay. George Stoll was okay. Ray Heindorf was good. Franco Ferrara was excellent. We can all be grateful for everything we have by Lanza. Ciao.
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Len Thompson 08-27-2020
08:53 AM ET (US) IP: 24.38.229.151
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Hi Fred. Good to hear from you as always. It was not a critique of Costa per se but of pretty much all Mario's conductors. All the orchestras should have had a more resonant sound for such a big voice with such feeling. I had the pleasure of lunching and interviewing Costa on two occasions and they were dlightful. Stay safe and well.
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Fred Day 08-25-2020
08:42 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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It is easy to criticize Callinicos, he was adequate and little more. Yet, Lanza worked with him most of the time, right up to the end in Oct 1959. They were simpatico. That means a lot. Ciao.
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Fred Day 08-25-2020
05:37 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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I believe RCA engaged Jean Paul Morel for Lanza's first session, but Morel criticized Lanza's every phrase, a case of severe nit picking. At least, Callinicos was simpatico with Lanza, and he saved the session. Ciao.
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Len Thompson 08-25-2020
04:51 PM ET (US) IP: 24.38.229.151
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Jim Thompson here, Vince. Very nicely done on both counts. My preference is the FTFT Vesti. Listening to Mario's voice since 1949 and loving it so, I have been thinking lately, that , with the exception of the "Mario" album , the orchestrations on all his recording were lacking. Granted that recording sound was different back then but the orchestrations and conductors, including Callinicos, left something to be desired. Thank God his voice carried everyting so well but the overall sound could have been so much better. Such a shame Mario turned down the conductors originally sggested by RCA. Stay safe and well.
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Vince Di Placido 08-25-2020
10:46 AM ET (US) IP: 86.44.28.228
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and another:
https://youtu.be/772abjU6CTs
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Vince Di Placido 08-25-2020
10:45 AM ET (US) IP: 86.44.28.228
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Here is a new Lanza creation of mine:
https://youtu.be/jsSajtVwM8c
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Stephen of Las Vegas 08-22-2020
10:16 PM ET (US) IP: 72.193.49.212
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I recently borrowed the 2008 3-DVD “How the West Was Won” from my library. This movie was the last of the several US-made true 3-camera, 3-projector Cinerama films and the only such production that involved many A-list stars and included several action scenes. Released in 1962. Actually, some short scenes were in Ultra Panavision 70. The few following Cinerama movies actually only used one camera and one projector on the curved screen. The film, which runs almost three hours, is on the first two DVDs and the third one contains a 96 minute documentary “Cinerama Adventure” which was extremely entertaining and informative. Retired actress Carroll Baker is probably the only adult cast or production member still alive, age 89, living in London. The first Cinerama film was a demonstration of the system. “This is Cinerama” opened in NYC on September 30, 1952, but wide-screen and even 3 camera movie attempts started in the 1920s. The depression crushed further development until after World War II. The inventor of Cinerama had produced a 3 projector training system for bomber gunners during WWII, and developed the movie system from that after the war. The 7-track sound was recorded separately and operated from an additional console in front of the middle projector booth and a fourth engineer had to operate it for each showing. A fifth engineer moved back and fourth through the 3 projection booths making sure that everything was working right and kept in sync. There were eventually 174 Cinerama theaters throughout the world, and a traveling exhibit that traveled Western Europe. The screen had a curvature of 146 degrees. It was made of thin, “Venetian Blind” type vertical strips. The sound system was the first “stereophonic” system in a movie theater. I’m surprised that only the short trailer for Cinerama Adventure is on Youtube. There are also some short documentaries on Cinerama, CinemaScope, and Todd-AO. The original Todd-AO used a 128 degree curved screen, but after 1958, Michael Todd’s death, a flat screen was used. In 2012, one Cinerama camera (3 cameras built together) was restored and used around Los Angeles to record some short documentaries. The resulting short film was only shown at the Hollywood Cinerama Dome Theater. The CinemaScope lenses were invented in the 1920s and purchased by Fox in 1952 from the French inventor. Fox produced the first CinemaScope film, The Robe, in 1953, and licensed the technology throughout the industry. Television had crushed movie theater attendance in the early 1950s, and these wide-screen developments enabled the movie industry to recover. The 10 - 17-inch TV screens in millions of living rooms didn’t quite deliver the impact of the new ultra-wide screens in the redesigned or newer movie theaters. Cinerama made such an impact during the cold war that Russia duplicated the system and claimed that the US copied their system!. A 3-camera 122 minute Cinerama film came out in 1966 using much of the Russian films, narrated by Bing Crosby, called “Cinerama’s Russian Adventure.” A 54-minute version is on Youtube. Edited 08-23-2020 02:10 AM
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Julie Page 08-22-2020
01:49 PM ET (US) IP: 74.79.51.67
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Vince. Wonderful.Noticed some things in the movie scenes that I hadn't before. Thank you! Hi, Jim.
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Len Thompson 08-22-2020
08:44 AM ET (US) IP: 24.38.229.151
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Vince: Very unpoetic...You, sir, NAILED it! Thank you. This in Jim Thompson. Still using my son's name although I have tried to change back to mine.
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Vince Di Placido 08-20-2020
04:54 PM ET (US) IP: 86.44.28.228
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A new Lanza film:
https://youtu.be/TeSNxXy_cuI
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Julie Page 08-13-2020
02:55 PM ET (US) IP: 74.79.51.67
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Vincent, though i've watched this countless times, i thank you for it. However, it always saddens me that he felt he had to be apologetic to anyone at all. More talent than anyone ever had, or ever will have.
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Julie Page 08-13-2020
02:16 PM ET (US) IP: 74.79.51.67
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Kris, Missed the news of Trini Lopez. Liked him, and I'm so sorry this terrible thing took him.
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Vince Di Placido 08-13-2020
09:22 AM ET (US) IP: 86.44.28.228
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Here is my new film...
https://youtu.be/jrejHiETvzw
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Deleted by author 08-13-2020 09:21 AM
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Kristine Cimmy 08-11-2020
07:41 PM ET (US) IP: 96.59.1.174
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I just read, on facebook, singer Trini Lopez passed away from covid virus at age 83. Sorry to read this, RIP. I was facebook friends with him. He was living in Palm Springs, Calif. He was a singer in 1960's. His hit songs were "Lemon Tree"and "If I Had A Hammer". He appeared in the movie "The Dirty Dozen".
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Barbara Clifton 08-10-2020
01:20 PM ET (US) IP: 23.127.59.195
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For the fans of Anna Netrebko. Anna and Yusif performed in Rome this week.
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Julie Page 08-07-2020
04:59 PM ET (US) IP: 74.79.51.67
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Vincent. Perfect as you always are. Your love shines. What a bright interlude on this day, Thanks so much. Keep it coming. I have all the collection that you've shown , don't think I've missed anything. You and yours stay well.
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Fred Day 08-07-2020
09:03 AM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Some years ago, I put together a CD containing the "Mario!" album and the "Lanza Sings Caruso Favorites" album. These 24 songs go well together as "the later years" of Lanza, plus I added a 25th song - O Sole Mio from FTFT. A good stereo collection. Ciao.
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Martino1 08-06-2020
07:47 PM ET (US) IP: 67.216.108.216
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Vince, I sat and listened in awe at your magnificent review of the album "Mario!" Any full documentary of Lanza must include, at least in part, this review and assessment of "Mario!". It captures the essence of one of Mario's greatest albums like no other review I have ever heard or read. This is a professional product in every respect, as well as an obvious labor of love. Bravo!
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Len Thompson 08-06-2020
08:40 AM ET (US) IP: 24.38.229.151
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Very well done, Vince! You chose the best of the best with these recordings and Mario's performances. In the "What might have been" column, an album of operatic arias with Ferrara conducting? Stay safe and well. Edited 08-07-2020 09:12 AM
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Vince Di Placido 08-06-2020
02:47 AM ET (US) IP: 86.44.28.228
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Hi everyone! I hope you are all keeping safe & well.
Here is a wee film I have made about my favourite album, “Mario!”
https://youtu.be/xkMRfQDYLuY
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Bill Ronayne 08-03-2020
04:39 PM ET (US) IP: 68.192.177.58
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Due to the Covid-19 restrictions in place and our concern for the well-being and safety of those planning on attending our annual event, we have moved the Mario Lanza Ball to April 18, 2021 from 6:00 pm - 10:00 pm. More information will be posted as we get closer.
In addition, the Mario Lanza Scholarship Auditions will now take place in March of 2021 date and place to be announced. An update will be posted when everything is confirmed.
Stay safe everyone.
Best, Bill
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Barbara Clifton 08-03-2020
12:36 PM ET (US) IP: 23.127.59.195
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Finished Serenade last night - and think it would make a good film in today's market. The Lanza movie certainly only took the basic premise and the title.
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Fred Day 08-03-2020
12:56 AM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Happy Birthday, Tony Bennett. He turns 94 today, August 3rd. Ciao.
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Kristine Cimmy 08-02-2020
07:39 PM ET (US) IP: 96.59.1.174
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RIP, Caruso.
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Kristine Cimmy 08-02-2020
07:39 PM ET (US) IP: 96.59.1.174
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Does anyone know what movie screenplays, Colleen Lanza wrote ? There's a recording of her, on You Tube, which was produced by Lee Hazlewood, who produced Nancy Sinatra, Jr.'s recordings. Colleen not only looked like Nancy Sinatra, Jr., but copied her singing style, too. I read a book of James Cain's novels, years ago. It included "Double Indemnity", "The Postman Always Rings Twice","Mildred Pierce", and "Serenade"(all made into movies, but had to be watered down,due to movie censorship, at the time). Probably, if "Serenade" were made today, it would be in original form, due to no more movie censorship, but ratings system. Warner Bros. had the rights to "Serenade" going back to 1937, I think, but due to film censorship, couldn't be filmed. Then, they thought of filming it with Dennis Morgan and Ann Sheridan, but she refused to play a prostitute. I think, Red Bubble-Serpent Films is now printing "Because You're Mine" movie poster on pairs of socks.
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Barbara Clifton 08-02-2020
12:34 PM ET (US) IP: 23.127.59.195
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(aka Diane Cox) RIP Caruso.
Purchased a copy of Cain's book "Serenade" several years ago. Hunting for reading material during this isolation period, so am reading the slim novel. Well written, and would make an excellent and colorful novel in the current clime. The faux bull fighting scene and murder is especially interesting.
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Fred Day 08-02-2020
12:18 AM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Today, August 2nd, 2020, is the 99th anniversary of the death of Caruso. Ciao.
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Kristine Cimmy 07-26-2020
06:30 PM ET (US) IP: 96.59.1.174
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Red Bubble-Serpent Films are now printing "Because You're Mine" movie poster on T-Shirts, hoodies, mini-skirts, pillows, bed spreads, notecards, postcards, tote bags, maybe , shower curtains ? They are also printing movie posters from "Kiss Me, Kate"(Kathryn Grayson, Howard Keel, Ann Miller)and "Meet Me In St. Louis"(Judy Garland)on T-Shirts, etc. On TCM, August, will be "Summer Under The Stars" where they show movies of one star, per day. There will be Barbara Stanwyck, Rock Hudson, Goldie Hawn, Sammy Davis, Jr., Dolores Del Rio, Diana Dors, Sylvia Sidney, Warren Beatty, Burt Lancaster, etc. One day will be S.Z. "Cuddles" Sakall's movies and "The Student Prince" will be shown at 4:00 A.M.
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Kristine Cimmy 07-17-2020
07:25 PM ET (US) IP: 96.59.1.174
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I just read Opera News Magazine from Dec. 2019. There was a story about opera singer , Dorothy Kirsten. She was from New Jersey, once worked as a Secretary, filled in for Dinah Shore, on t.v. It mentioned the two movies she was in "Mr. Music" with Bing Crosby and "The Great Caruso" with Mario Lanza. She liked Bing Crosby but didn't like Mario Lanza. That's the opposite of Marjorie Reynolds, who didn't like Bing Crosby but liked Mario Lanza. Dorothy Kirsten was protegee' of Grace Moore. Kirsten sang with Frank Sinatra("You Go To My Head")and was married to a surgeon. A side note: Late Champagne Lady, Norma Zimmer("The Lawrence Welk Show")was in "Mr. Music". She was in the operetta scene. Red Bubble and Serpent Films are selling movie poster of "Kiss Me, Kate" with Kathryn Grayson, Howard Keel on T-Shirts, mugs, hoodies, bed spreads, tote bags, bed spreads, shower curtains, mini-skirts, leggings, notecards, postcards, and have added "Because You're Mine" Mario Lanza movie poster on mugs, stickers, bed spreads, mugs , T-Shirts, pillows, etc. Red Bubble-Serpent Films have a website. Everybody, stay well.
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John W 07-10-2020
09:24 AM ET (US) IP: 47.227.11.80
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Glad you liked him, Fred. I'd suggest checking out other cast members. They all did a good job: https://www.indyopera.org/boheme.html
Peace!
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Fred Day 07-10-2020
02:38 AM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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John W: I found Gregory Turay on youtube. I listened to him sing Mattinata and O Holy Night. Very good. Ciao.
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Fred Day 07-09-2020
11:55 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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John W: Thanks. I have never heard of Gregory Turay. I will try to find him on Youtube. Ciao.
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John W 07-09-2020
11:40 PM ET (US) IP: 47.227.11.80
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Hi, Fred. Gregory Turay played Rodolfo. Take care!
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Fred Day 07-09-2020
04:42 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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John W: When you saw La Boheme in Indianapolis a few years ago, who was the tenor in the role of Rodolfo?? Curious. Ciao.
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John W 07-09-2020
04:29 PM ET (US) IP: 47.227.11.80
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Hi, Julie. Thanks for the message. I don't know much about those fellows. Just happened to come up searching for Mario on Youtube. Here's another reaction video with Pavarotti: https://youtu.be/pGi04tFPKyU ..... and Bocelli: https://youtu.be/U50-a6OGKHc
With all the craziness in the world, I need to spend more time on this forum and listening to opera. I miss "La Boheme." It came to the Indianapolis Opera a few years ago. Very well acted and sung. It was the first time I'd ever seen the orchestra under the stage. I also watched "The Pearl Fishers" at the Dubai Opera. Amazing venue!!!
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Julie Page 07-08-2020
03:08 PM ET (US) IP: 74.79.51.67
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Hi John, Good to hear from you, but not often enough. This was great fun to watch. Can you tell us more about these fellows?How good to know Mario's glorious sound is appreciated by this generation.(Suzanne). Thanks!
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Barbara Clifton 07-07-2020
09:27 PM ET (US) IP: 23.127.59.195
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(aka Diane Cox) watched Il Travatore from 1988 with Pavarotti tonight. He was excellent and they dropped the torn up programs for him.
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John W 07-06-2020
09:42 PM ET (US) IP: 47.227.11.80
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Hi, all. Thought I'd say hello. I hope you all are doing well. I like to drop by from time to time for some sanity. Here's a good reaction video to Mario: https://youtu.be/AxNub6DlUWw
Maybe there's hope for humanity.
Peace, John
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Julie Page 07-04-2020
01:47 PM ET (US) IP: 74.79.51.67
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Thank you Kris and Valeria. Happy 4th of July to everyone here. As Len has said, May God save America! The flag is out anyway.Hope springs eternal.
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Kristine Cimmy 07-04-2020
12:45 PM ET (US) IP: 96.59.1.174
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Happy 4th of July to all !
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Valeria Pugiotto 07-04-2020
06:48 AM ET (US) IP: 93.42.98.163
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Happy 4th of July to you all!
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Bill Ronayne 07-01-2020
02:26 PM ET (US) IP: 68.192.181.158
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The July issue of "The Legacy of Mario Lanza" has just been published. It features an assortment of articles and photos commemorating the 70th anniversary of the release of "The Toast of New Orleans," a look at Lanza's multiple recordings of "Santa Lucia" and a feature article by the late Elsie Sword about meeting Mario Lanza in Rome with three of her fellow fans and spending time with the him and the family at his villa. For subscription information contact me at wjronayne@optonline.net. Best, Bill
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Kristine Cimmy 06-30-2020
10:56 PM ET (US) IP: 96.59.1.174
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Carl Reiner passed away at 98 and composer, Johnny Mandel, who wrote the theme for "MASH" and "The Shadow Of Your Smile", passed away. RIP. By the way, the lyrics of "The Shadow Of Your Smile" was written by Paul Francis Webster, who wrote the lyrics for "The Loveliest Night Of The Year".
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Kristine Cimmy 06-29-2020
06:17 PM ET (US) IP: 96.59.1.174
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Red Bubble and Serpent Films are now printing Mario Lanza shower curtains, bed spreads, leggings, and mini-skirts. His photo is on these products. It's the photo from The Magic Mario record album cover and that same face was on the first "The Student Prince" record album cover. The models look to be in late teens and early 20's, so , a new generation is learning about him. These items are available from Red Bubble website, paid by credit card. The other night, TCM showed a documentary about Bob Dylan from 1967. Dylan was seen talking, in a recording studio, etc. Elvis was in a documentary called "Elvis:That's The Way It Is" which showed him ,on stage, in rehearsals, etc. Imagine if a documentary about Mario Lanza had been filmed, where Mario, himself, is in a recording studio, talking with friends, orchestra conductor, in a rehearsal , reading his fan mail, etc. performing on stage, showing him arriving at a performance, autographing for fans, etc.
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Deleted by author 06-29-2020 05:33 AM
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Kristine Cimmy 06-27-2020
02:31 PM ET (US) IP: 96.59.1.174
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Taryn Power passed away. RIP. She was daughter of Tyrone Power and Linda Christian. She was in movie "Sinbad And The Eye Of The Tiger" with Pat Wayne(son of John Wayne)in 1980's. Tyrone Power and Linda Christian were on the same cruise ship , with Mario and Betty, in Hawaii.
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Len Thompson 06-27-2020
12:09 PM ET (US) IP: 24.38.229.151
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Staying at home, staying well, being careful when going out for food is a must. This also gives one much time to reflect and listen. I have been reading through many of the biographies about Mario Lanza. Going from one to another, I have been very saddened when absorbing the rather terrible life he and his wife seemingly led. What a loss for everyone and everything concerned. I had the pleasure of meeting Colleen and Damon. My wife and I have the great pleasure of knowing Elissa and Bobby Bregman. They are friends even though we don't see each other often.
In this period I've been listening to Mario and, truthfully, I am trying to separate all I am reading with the sound I hear. The "What might have been" is very difficult to absorb. I am making a concerted effort to separate words written and the gloriousness of what is heard, and with this time we all have to reflect and calm our lives, I hope to be able to listen again with a smile, a shaking of the head in disbelief and a heartfelt thanks for what we actually have of the man's legacy.
The girl from Chicago and the guy from South Philly... it should have been lives made in heaven, right? La vita e breve... la morte vien.
Stay safe and healthy everyone. May God save America!
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Bill Ronayne 06-27-2020
11:49 AM ET (US) IP: 68.192.184.149
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70 years ago today, June 27, 1950, Mario Lanza recorded a song, "Be My Love," for RCA Victor that was written for him for his second film, "The Toast of New Orleans." It would become his first mega hit and garner him a gold record. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EbMaGM3FVekEdited 06-27-2020 12:05 PM
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Fred Day 06-25-2020
09:39 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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I have often wondered if, in Germany in 1958, any of Lanza's final concerts were recorded. By 1958, it was possible. But so far, none have turned up. I fear there are none, because they would have been found by now. It is just a dream, I guess. Ciao.
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Fred Day 06-20-2020
02:06 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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I doubt that the 1951 Ogden Utah Lanza concert was recorded. The only Lanza concerts that were recorded at that point in time, were those that were broadcast. Tape recorders were in their infancy in 1951. Pity. Ciao.
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Derek Mainwaring 06-19-2020
04:26 PM ET (US) IP: 24.13.222.117
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 Good to see the forum back to life again with all those interesting posts. Mention of Dame Vera Lynn reminded me that I had the pleasure of talking with her briefly at the Hampton Court Flower Show in 2000. I was there for the launch of the Mario Lanza rose (you can see its image displayed on the "My Romance" CD) and I was introduced to her by one of the organizers. She was charming and very gracious, a true icon of British entertainment, and her contribution to that country's heroic stand against evil in WWII is beyond measure. And you're correct, Wendy: her singing voice was immediately recognizable. Edited 06-19-2020 05:21 PM
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Martino1 06-19-2020
02:35 PM ET (US) IP: 104.255.4.145
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Hi Gary, nice to see you posting again - it has been a while. I've never seen that concert program before, held in a high school auditorium in Utah. As a 22 year old young man I spent an entire summer in Ogden and probably went by that auditorium dozens of times, never knowing that Lanza sang there. I would have loved to have heard Mario's "Vesti la Giubba" from that 1951 performance as this is the period when he was at his zenith (does anyone know if this concert was recorded)?
Although Mario sang many concerts in his life, after his 1951 concerts his appearances as a recitalist were few and far between until he went to Europe late in his career. Jeff Rense has compiled a list of people who heard Lanza in live performances and below is one who attended the Ogden concert. Here are his impressions:
By Dr. James Holland, Ph.D., D.B.S.
midwife_ctm@buyersonline.com
2-22-00
"I enjoyed immensely, your article on the Internet regarding Mario Lanza. I have always delighted in the great voice of Mario Lanza, and personally consider him to be the only tenor I would class as having a true GOLDEN VOICE, since the era of Enrico Caruso, himself. Since his untimely death in 1959, I have hoped to find another "golden" tenor, but I don't believe there will ever be another Mario Lanza.
Eugene Conley of the Met, along with Giuseppi di Stefano, Richard Tucker and Luciano Pavarotti, I would class as having SILVER VOICES. My two other favorite tenors, Jose' Carreras and Placido Domingo, I would class as having BRASS VOICES. And there are many other excellent tenors too numerous to mention, of course.
But there has been only one GOLDEN VOICED tenor of the 20th Century whom I have heard [in person or via the media] since Caruso, and that is MARIO LANZA. [And I was familiar with all but a dozen of the 106 singers featured at the Met's Centennial celebration]
I was privileged to have attended a concert given by Mario Lanza in Ogden, Utah, when I was a junior in High School. Lanza presented his concert at the Ogden High School auditorium, but I couldn't get tickets to it; so, a friend and I slipped in backstage, and with only the curtain between Lanza and ourselves, and being as close as about 12 feet to him, we listened to him sing Part I of his concert. After Intermission, we snuck into the auditorium as if we had tickets, and heard and saw him perform Part II. We had to stand, but what a thrill it was!
He closed Part I with the aria, "Vesti la giubba," and ended his program with the song, "Be My Love," and all the girls and women swooned! I mention Lanza in my Web site, which is dedicated to "Glorious Singing." You might be interested in it. It will be up in about a week. - Dr. James Holland".
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Wendy Stilwell 06-19-2020
12:31 PM ET (US) IP: 90.216.4.188
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Re Vera again. She did a very good recording of Because You're Mine.
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gary D 06-19-2020
11:18 AM ET (US) IP: 108.219.225.23
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Here is another program that I found
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gary D 06-19-2020
11:15 AM ET (US) IP: 108.219.225.23
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Here is another shot
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Deleted by author 06-19-2020 11:15 AM
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gary D 06-19-2020
11:12 AM ET (US) IP: 108.219.225.23
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Hello everyone, a friend of a friend gave me a bunch of old Vinyl, which included a bunch of Mario Lanza. I've always been a Sinatra fan, Lanza has an interesting story as well as music. So the listening party begins, Anyway among the albums was a coule programs, one from a performance in 4/28/51. I thought this group might be interested in seeing what I found. Not sure if I should donate them or what. Anyway enjoy.
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Julie Page 06-18-2020
07:57 PM ET (US) IP: 74.79.51.67
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Valeria, your son sounds like a great boy and a fan of Mario too. Glad that Luisa recovered and is doing well. She seems lovely. How loving the way that Mario brought her into his family. Tells us what a good heart he had..
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Len Thompson 06-18-2020
06:52 PM ET (US) IP: 24.38.229.151
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Again, a quick thank you Valeria for the wonderful pics. And Len (UK), appreciate you keeping us abreast of important news such as the passing of Vera Lynn. What an extraordinary Lady with and extraordinary voice. I loved hearing her. She worked so hard for the British troops during World War II. Rest in Peace,
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Julie Page 06-18-2020
04:54 PM ET (US) IP: 74.79.51.67
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Vera Lynn had a wonderful voice. I'm sorry she's no longer with us. Valeria, thank you again, and for the photos as well. Kristine, you can find recent pictures of Johanna. Just enter her name.She was still acting, recently.Like the postings.
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Wendy Stilwell 06-18-2020
12:15 PM ET (US) IP: 90.215.27.6
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I love Vera and have many of her CD's. I always thought her voice was like Mario's, in that it was immediately recognisable, just like Mario's was.
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Len (UK) 06-18-2020
05:05 AM ET (US) IP: 86.168.107.128
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In the UK it has just been announced that Dame Vera Lynn has died at the age of 103. Her singing career lasted 96 years with remastered recording and virtual duets in recent years. Her sweet contralto was particularly suited to sentimental ballads.
It was Vera Lynn that is the voice of WW2 in the UK for so many people. She was brave too; entertaining the troops in Burma shortly before the battles of Kohima and Imphal in 1944 when the British troops only just held off the Japanese attempt to invade India.
Until she became infirm herself, she worked tirelessly for forces veterans charities. Her song ‘We’ll meet again” has been the anthem of the Covid-19 lockdown in the UK.
RIP brave lady.
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Valeria Pugiotto 06-18-2020
01:04 AM ET (US) IP: 93.42.98.163
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Luisa through the years
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Valeria Pugiotto 06-18-2020
01:03 AM ET (US) IP: 93.42.98.163
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Luisa with Damon
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Valeria Pugiotto 06-18-2020
01:03 AM ET (US) IP: 93.42.98.163
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Luisa with her brother Michele
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Valeria Pugiotto 06-18-2020
01:02 AM ET (US) IP: 93.42.98.163
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Luisa at her home
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Valeria Pugiotto 06-18-2020
12:52 AM ET (US) IP: 151.44.188.13
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Julie: Luisa lives in village just outside Naples. It took me two hours by train to get there. Her daughter in law came to pick me up at the station. A few years ago she had a tumor in her stomach, but she survived. Thank God.
My Son did not come with me. He wanted to but he is a volunteer in a Catholic summer camp for kids.
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Len Thompson 06-17-2020
05:54 PM ET (US) IP: 24.38.229.151
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Valeria...thank you for your interview report with Luisa. Facinating as were the insights on Mario, other cast members, Betty and the children. Also the changes in Mario's temperament at home. We wish her well and again, Grazie!
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Martino1 06-17-2020
05:48 PM ET (US) IP: 104.255.4.145
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Valeria, thank you so much for the interview. Best thing I've read here in quite some time. I never would have thought that the small role she had in the film could possibly result in her being so well informed and in the Lanza "insider group", so to speak. It is though she was treated as a major player by the Lanza family and the studio. I guess such was the influence of Mario Lanza.
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Kristine Cimmy 06-17-2020
05:12 PM ET (US) IP: 96.59.1.174
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By the way, George Eiferman passed away in the 1990's. Sadly, he had a stroke. His ex-wife, Tobi or Toby was an opera singer. She sang in theater productions in the Vista, Calif. area, where George later had a health club.
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Kristine Cimmy 06-17-2020
05:08 PM ET (US) IP: 96.59.1.174
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Last night, on PBS TV, "American Masters" had a look back at Mae West's life and movie career. She was the movie censorship people's headache. In her later years, she had a muscle men night club act with muscle men body builders' such as George Eiferman(who was friends with Terry Robinson and the Cocozzas-Lanzas), Mickey Hargitay(who married Jayne Mansfield, Mariska Hargitay is their daughter), and Joe Gold(who founded Gold's Gyms). By the way, Mae West was friends with Maria Cocozza and used to like to eat zabaglione (an Italian dessert, isn't it, custard? I'm Italian ancestry)at Cocozzas' house. At that time, she lived in a house on Santa Monica Beach(once owned by Louis B. Mayer)next door to Peter and Pat(Kennedy)Lawford. She hardly attended Hollywood Parties, didn't have close friends in Hollywood, didn't drink or smoke. She liked attending the fights. Her father was a boxer and her mother, a German immigrant, modeled corsets. Mae West started to perform on stage , as a child. She was in a play called "Sex" in 1926 and the police raided it, she was put in jail. A former muscle man named Paul Novak became her companion, until she passed away. She was married, briefly. Her final movie was "Sextette" and it co-starred Jeremy Irons, George Hamilton, and Beatle Ringo Starr, who said her lines had to be fed to her through her earphones. I read, in a book about Mae West, that she was having memory lapses, during filming of "Sextette" and that's why her lines were fed to her, through earphones. Only , sometimes, it would pick up the freeway traffic reports, from the radio in Los Angeles, so she would repeat that the Golden State Freeway or Santa Monica Freeway has backed up traffic. I know I shouldn't laugh. It's sad and hilarious at the same time. In the movie "Myra Breckinridge" with Raquel Welch, she would call Raquel, "Rachel Walsh". She did save Paramount Studios from bankruptcy in 1932.
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Dennis1 06-17-2020
05:03 PM ET (US) IP: 76.126.57.19
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Valeria, a terrific interview! Molto bene! What a fresh perspective from a new voice. Very insightful. Also curious about Luisa's life after she stopped singing.
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Kristine Cimmy 06-17-2020
04:48 PM ET (US) IP: 96.59.1.174
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Valeria, I enjoyed reading your interview with Luisa. I am sorry to hear she had a difficult life and sorry she wasn't able to come to America to sing. I read , Marisa Allasio is still with us and is going to be 84, I think. Didn't she marry into royalty ? You can find photos of her, when she was starting in movies, pin- up, cheesecake photos. They probably thought she would be another sex symbol, like Sophia Loren(who was a fan of Mario Lanza, by the way), and Gina Lollobrigida(who first wanted to be an opera singer)from Italy. Bob Evans, former movie actor turned producer, who passed away, a few months ago, wrote, in his autobiography, "The Kid Stays In The Picture", that he asked Marisa for a date. He mentioned , Marisa was making a movie with Mario Lanza. She stood him up. I think, Johanna Von Koczian is still with us and must be in her 80's, too. I just purchased Harry Belafonte's autobiography ,"My Song". He mentioned Mario Lanza's name, in the book. I just glanced through the pages. It's when his mother sees him after a singing performance. She tells him if he had continued studying music, seriously, he could have sung like Mario Lanza. Harry recorded at RCA Victor, about the same time, as Mario did, so, maybe he met him. Also, Harry Belafonte's first movie, with Dorothy Dandridge, "Bright Road" was filmed at M-G-M, when Mario was there. Harry Belafonte served in the Navy. Valeria, thank you for sharing the interview with Luisa. I hope she is well and that life has become better for her.
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Julie Page 06-17-2020
04:03 PM ET (US) IP: 74.79.51.67
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Valeria, a few more questions. How far did you have to travel to interview Luisa? Did your son accompany you? Do you have any photos of Luisa, perhaps with you? I'm surprised that no one ever thought to talk to her before now. You're amazing. By the way, my married name is Palmiero. I've had to use Julie Page to use the site. Are you acquainted with any Palmieros? I'm sure it's a common name in Italy. Thank you again, so much. You've made my day!
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Julie Page 06-17-2020
03:27 PM ET (US) IP: 74.79.51.67
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Valeria. This is wonderful. Thank you so much. So good to hear all the beautiful things she had to say about Mario.I Can't thank you enough. I'm wondering why Luisa's life became so difficult, and sorry to hear that. She was married much too young, I suppose. I hope she has a good life, now.My best to you.
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Valeria Pugiotto 06-17-2020
02:55 PM ET (US) IP: 93.42.98.163
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This is what Luisa Di Meo told me yesterday:
‘Contrary to what some people think, I did not meet Mario in Via Veneto. When Mario came to Rome, he stayed at the Bernini Hotel in Piazza Barberini. It was the first or the second day he was there. I was singing in the square while my brother Michele was playing the accordion. Once I finished my song, we started walking away from the square. As we were walking, a man ran after us and stopped us. He asked us ‘please, can you stop for a moment?’. My brother asked him ‘what is it?’. He replied ‘there is a man who wants to hear your sister singing one more time’. So I sung again, and I looked up, and saw Mario, Betty and their children looking at us from the fourth floor. The man who stopped me in the street was Mario’s private chauffeur and once I had finished singing, he handed to us a 10,000 Lire banknote!
You know, the big banknote of those days! The man told my brother that that gift was Mario Lanza’s gift. He added that Mario had come to Rome to make a movie and had read in the script that they needed a little girl who could sing. This man then gave my brother the address of the Production Company, Titanus, and told us to go there for the casting.
I was 12 years old, I remember well what happened.
When we went there, and we went by bus because we were poor….., there were a lot of little girls waiting in line. But Mario wanted me. He really wanted me because he had already heard me.
They gave me so much money. I remember when we did the recording, in Via Margutta. I remember all the details.
I knew Mario liked my singing. I used to sing in Neapolitan and Mario loved Neapolitan. He liked it because he WAS Caruso….
The Producers did not want to pay me much, because we were in 1957, in Italy there was no money. There was poverty. But they had money and my brother insisted in asking more of it, and used to argue with the two Directors, especially with Mario Russo, the Italian Director. In the end, also because Mario only wanted me, they gave us 500,000 Lire.
On the day we recorded the song in Piazza Navona, I was sick. I had influenza. I just could not sing, and we spent almost the whole day there trying to shoot that scene. My mother, a few days before, had come from Naples to be with me. We were staying in a small hotel. Every day, the chauffeur would come to the hotel to bring me my meals. They were feeding me well because they wanted me to recover quickly.
I studied with Maestro Carlo Rustichelli.
The man who plays the accordion in the movie is not my brother, by the way. My brother was 21 years old at the time.
Before making the movie, I went to Mario’s house many times and used to play with his children. Mario was always in the huge living room on the ground-floor. He would be sitting there alone, often drinking wine from an old fashioned flask of wine. As I would pass by him, he would stop me and say ‘You know you must come to America with me, right?’ and I would giggle.
After the movie with Mario, I was called by Pietro Germi, a famous Italian Director, to sing the soundtrack of one of his movies (‘Il Maledetto Imbroglio’), but my brother destroyed my chances by hitting him on the face.
Betty was very beautiful, always very elegant. She was always following Mario. She was very much in love with him. Mario was more reserved, and not as ‘clingy’ as she was with him.
Marisa Allasio was so beautiful. She liked Mario a lot. Too much. He had to tell her to stop that nonsense. Everybody on the set knew this, and they were often talking about it. After the movie was completed, she never wanted to see Mario again.
Betty had sensed there was something wrong. She was very jealous. That is why she started going to the set every day. Mario was not that pleased about it, but he would not say anything.
For me this was strange because I was a little girl and he was like a father figure.
My brother brought me to the set every day. He wanted me to get used to that kind of environment.
Renato Rascel was very kind to me. He used to kiss me and tell me ‘Ah, you are the girl who stole all my songs!’. Marisa Allasio too was always very kind with me. She used to buy me dresses and would take me to her house. I think she was nice because she knew I was Mario’s protegee’.
After the movie, I went back home.
I got married two years later, when I was 14 years old.
Mario loved his children very much. He used to paly with them all the time. That is why he liked me, because I was his children’s age. I was one of them in his eyes.
On the other hand, Betty was not so involved with the children. She was often with Mario in the living room, or on her own, in her bedroom. Villa Badoglio was so big. There were a lot of people there working for Mario and his family.
Mario’s grandfather was very kind to me as well.
Marc was very beautiful.
Ellisa has always been very thin and always looked like her Mamma.
Mario was always very generous, and I can still feel his hand on my shoulder when he would stop me to tell me I was going to America with him.
Towards the end of the movie, Mario changed. He started to eat too much and looked very unhappy. When I started going to Villa Badoglio he was always very cheerful, but then something changed. He was not himself anymore.
I think because they were trying to force him to do something he did not want to do. He was too honest. He could have had an affair with Marisa Allasio, but he was too honest.
I do not think he had other women. He came from such a beautiful, traditional family. He was very handsome. There were always women around him. But he was such a good, generous man. He truly wanted to help me. Just after we completed the movie, the Carabinieri (the military Police) went to my parents’ house to ask their official permission for me to go to America, because I was under age. But then Mario died, and I stopped singing.‘
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Valeria Pugiotto 06-17-2020
09:56 AM ET (US) IP: 93.42.98.163
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Welcome back, Sam!🙂
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Sam Million 06-17-2020
08:36 AM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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I FOR ONE DO PREFER VINYL AND REEL TO REEL TAPES.
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Valeria Pugiotto 06-17-2020
01:00 AM ET (US) IP: 151.47.26.173
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Kristine, I will post the interview on my page on Facebook.
Julie, I will also post it here.
Today, I will translate the interview.
It was truly a beautiful day. Luisa is a very kind and lovely lady. She had a very difficult life after the movie.
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Julie Page 06-16-2020
07:36 PM ET (US) IP: 74.79.51.67
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How surprising. I was thinking about Luisa just the other day and wondering if she was still with us. Valeria, please share your stories. Imagine! But then , she was just a child when she sang with Mario. What memories she must have. Exciting.
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Kristine Cimmy 06-16-2020
05:53 PM ET (US) IP: 96.59.1.174
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Valeria, how interesting that you met with Luisa Di Meo. It would be great if she could be interviewed for The Mario Lanza Society Newsletter.
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Valeria Pugiotto 06-16-2020
03:08 PM ET (US) IP: 93.42.98.163
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Today, I went to Naples to meet Luisa Di Meo who sung with Mario in ‘The Seven Hills Of Rome’. I spent with her a few hours and she told me some interesting stories.
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Valeria Pugiotto 06-16-2020
03:05 PM ET (US) IP: 93.42.98.163
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I listen to my vinyls just out of nostalgia. The sound quality of present day CD is something else....
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Len (UK) 06-16-2020
09:09 AM ET (US) IP: 86.169.160.24
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Vinyl better? That debate still rages. I speak as a recently retired telecommunications engineer.
The mouth is an analog device, and so is the ear. It seems illogical that you could be able to convert an analog signal to a digital signal and back again without some degradation in fidelity. Whether the human ear can detect the difference is another matter.
(My hearing cuts off at about 10kHz, but even listening to Yma Sumac should not be compromised!)
Back in the 1980s Damon Lanza attended a BLMS gathering in Birmingham. A reel-to-reel tape machine was set up with professional quality speakers. The quality of the sound was so lifelike; as if Mario was in the room. I understand that Damon had brought some RCA mastertapes with him. Of course; these were about 2 inches deep unlike the dreadful cassette tapes of the day.
So analog sound can be very high fidelity. Personally I don’t miss commercial quality vinyl with its pre-echo, hiss and scratch. If others like the timbre of vinyl then I am happy for them to enjoy music the way they like it.
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Dennis1 06-16-2020
02:45 AM ET (US) IP: 76.126.57.19
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Nine days since the last posting! Is this board functioning? Doing some reordering and rearranging during the quarantine and came across an old collection of Mario Lanza that a friend gave me years ago. Looking forward to playing some of them soon. Some people say vinyl is better than CDs so I will see what I discover.
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Julie Page 06-06-2020
07:58 PM ET (US) IP: 74.79.51.67
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I watched part of the Gigli film,as well. I've seen it before. Serenade is not my favorite Mario film though I did watch it again , and own it. I realize it was selected for the music,but think that Mario was more "Natural" in his other films. He seemed to have a gift for acting when he was being himself. An innate sense of humor was certainly a great part of it. Later on, some good Opera music was heard in one of my favorite films "Moonstruck". What a family!
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Kristine Cimmy 06-06-2020
04:53 PM ET (US) IP: 96.59.1.174
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Another Mario Lanza mug on Ebay, for sale. It's from Oceanside, Calif. This merchandise will keep his name alive and new generations will learn about him.
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Fred Day 06-06-2020
04:42 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Gigli left the Met in 1932 and returned to Italy. He made films in Italy & Germany, so Hollywood did not approach him. Ciao.
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Kristine Cimmy 06-06-2020
02:13 PM ET (US) IP: 96.59.1.174
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Does anyone remember an opera singer named Claude Heater ? He just passed away at 92. RIP. He played Jesus in 1959 movie "Ben-Hur"(his face was not seen). I read he was a baritone who became a tenor, was in Broadway Musicals "Top Banana" and Leonard Bernstein's "Trouble In Tahiti". Heater served in the Marines and was from San Francisco. I watched the Beniamino Gigli movie, yesterday, then, watched "Serenade". Did Hollywood approach Gigli to make movies ? I wonder if Edward R. Murrow's "Person To Person" ever asked Mario Lanza if he would like to be interviewed ? Imagine, we would have seen Mario, Betty, and the family on that show. Also, if "I've Got A Secret" ever thought of asking him to appear ?
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Valeria Pugiotto 06-05-2020
03:05 PM ET (US) IP: 93.42.98.163
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Sam, the package arrived today! Thank you!
Len, great story!
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Len Thompson 06-05-2020
08:48 AM ET (US) IP: 24.38.229.151
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Hi Kristine. I've been going through hundreds of cassettes (remember those?) of my Lanza shows and guests that I had on. Two days ago I had fun listening to tapes of my vocal works with Frank Poretta, a delightful guy. We would rehearse and vocalize for about an hour once a weekat his home close by. This went for over a year. I was hosting a concert in Stamford here in Connecticut and Frank Poretta III and I sang "Golden Days". My intro to him at the concert after I had done "One Alone" was: "Is there a tenor in the house?" and out walks Frank! Lovely memories. Frank the third was also a guest along with Elaine Malbin on my show. I remember it well as I spilled a glass of red wine on Elaine's white pants! They were replaced!
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Kristine Cimmy 06-04-2020
10:35 PM ET (US) IP: 96.59.1.174
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Spring Byington and Dean Miller were in "Because You're Mine".
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Kristine Cimmy 06-04-2020
10:35 PM ET (US) IP: 96.59.1.174
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There's a website called Bonanza, which sells old movies and t.v. shows on DVD's. They have "I Married Joan", "December Bride"(Spring Byington and Dean Miller were on the sitcom), and "The Shower of Stars " Shows, including Mario Lanza. Some of the other shows had Vivian Vance and William Frawley("I Love Lucy"). I think the DVD's are from Nostalgia Merchant.
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Barbara Clifton 06-04-2020
09:54 PM ET (US) IP: 23.127.59.195
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Just watched a riveting peformance of Tosca from 1978 with Pavarotti and Shirley Verrett. Audience went wild. This is on the Metopera.org until late tomorrow afternoon. Well worth your time.
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Fred Day 06-04-2020
08:14 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Len (UK): The answer is yes. When Lanza sang "Non Ti Scordar Di Me" on the Coke Show, it was, in essence, a tribute to Gigli, who first introduced it. Gigli's name was not mentioned, however. Ciao.
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Kristine Cimmy 06-04-2020
03:21 PM ET (US) IP: 96.59.1.174
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I remember Frank Porretta. He was in movie "The Song of Norway" with Florence Henderson, back in 1969. Florence once said they thought "The Song of Norway" would be another "The Sound of Music", but it didn't happen. Len, did you ever have Florence Henderson, Peter Palmer, Edie Adams on your show ? I read that when they were considering whom to cast for Broadway's "West Side Story", they thought of Frank Porretta and Anna Maria Alberghetti for the parts of Tony and Maria, but, instead, Carol Lawrence and Larry Kert were chosen. Red Bubble and Serpent Films now have Mario Lanza greeting cards for sale. Their online website has other celebrities T-Shirts, mugs, notebooks, bed spreads, postcards, pillows, such as Gloria Swanson, Rudolph Valentino, Ramon Novarro, Vivien Leigh, Jimmy Stewart, also, current stars, too.
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Len (UK) 06-04-2020
10:10 AM ET (US) IP: 86.142.196.80
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Fred, re the film "Non ti scordar di me": did it feature the song of the same name that Lanza sings so well? It's one of my favourite tracks. Thanks.
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Fred Day 06-03-2020
09:02 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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The Gigli film is highly recommended. Gigli actually made this film three times. 1 - in Italian - Non Ti Scordar Di Me. 2 - in English - Forget Me Not. 3 - in German - Vergiss Mein Nicht. Gigli stars in all 3, of course. The rest of the cast varies from film to film. Enjoy the English version. Ciao.
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Bill Ronayne 06-03-2020
11:10 AM ET (US) IP: 68.192.182.249
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Serenade is on Turner Classic Movies this Friday the 5th at 2:15 pm ET. It is preceded at 1:00 pm ET by a film with Beniamino Gigli called Forget Me Not (originally Non ti scordar di me) which is one of his best. It's in English and features some fine singing. Best, Bill
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Julie Page 05-31-2020
05:04 PM ET (US) IP: 74.79.51.67
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Fred. Thanks for getting this all started. How wonderful, Jim, (Len) that you're starting your radio show again. I really do hope there's a way that I can hear it. I hope you had a wonderful birthday. Fred, some years ago, when my son and daughter went with me to LA, because I wanted to see where Mario had lived. I saw a few sites and took some flowers for him at Holy Cross Cemetery.We went to an Italian restaurant. A pianist was entertaining and of course I had to talk to him about music and Mario. He told me that Ellisa and her husband were there the night before for dinner and were frequent guests there. How I wished I could have met them.So glad to hear of all your connections! Stay well, everyone.
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Len Thompson 05-30-2020
07:33 PM ET (US) IP: 24.38.229.151
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Terrific memory, Fred. You brought it all back.
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Fred Day 05-30-2020
05:55 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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I remember back in 1967, RCA released a new LP: "Lanza Sings His Favorite Arias" - all taken from the Coke Show. Maria Lanza, Terry Robinson, and Gustl Breuer of RCA went on tour to promote the new LP. Breuer also wrote the liner notes on the back of the jacket. Jim Thompson arranged a press conference, but no one else showed up, except the special guests, Jim, and me. There were delicious hors d'oeuvres. I played the piano and Jim and I both sang. It was a truly memorable evening. It was at the Sheraton Kimball Towers hotel in Springfield, Mass. Truly unforgettable!! Ciao.
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Len Thompson 05-30-2020
04:30 PM ET (US) IP: 24.38.229.151
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Hi Kristine...Thanks for the good wishes. My real name if Jim Thompson but the site won't let me get aboard with it. I'm glad you reminded me of Shirley Jones. In my list this morning I forgot her! My wife and I were trying to check on as many names as possible and I was looking through old cassettes of interviews so as not to miss folks. This has been quite a morning but you are the first to know...absolutely the first...that I am going to restart my old show "Mario Lanza and Friends" on WGCH radio in Greenwich, Connecticut and it will be able to be heard on the internet and other places. I believe my engineer friend will be able to have it aired on some other stations. I am excited. I've been thinking about doing this for a long time. All the best to you...stay safe and healthy.
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Kristine Cimmy 05-30-2020
03:07 PM ET (US) IP: 96.59.1.174
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Happy Birthday, Len ! Have you ever had Shirley Jones, Anna Maria Alberghetti, and Julie Andrews on your show ? I was wondering if Julie Andrews is a fan of Mario Lanza. I know , Shirley Jones once hosted movies on AMC Cable Channel and hosted, when "Serenade" was on . She said there will always be one Mario Lanza and Mario's family met Anna Maria Alberghetti, back in the '50's, when she started in movies. Last night, TCM had a Jean Peters night, showing her movies. One of the movies was "Niagara" with Jean, Marilyn Monroe, Joseph Cotten, Casey Adams, and Don Wilson("The Jack Benny Show"). I think, scenes were filmed at Niagara Falls. By the way, in one scene, the bell or chime tower played "Be My Love".
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Len Thompson 05-30-2020
01:08 PM ET (US) IP: 24.38.229.151
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Julie and Valeria and Fred: Thank you all for the kind words. I just had my 87th birthday and my life is full of happy memories because of having found the voice of Mario Lanza back in 1949! With Fred, we had the pleasure of meeting Maria, Mario's Mom along with Terry Robinson and we actually sang for them in Springfield MA in the mid-60s !!! Over the years I was fortunate to meet Mario and Betty's children with the exception of Marc. Elissa and her husband Bobby are dear friends. My daughetr Colleen is named after the late Colleen Lanza.
I had been in broadcasting for nearly fifty years in news and interview programs but a big part of being on the air was having a weekly show I called "Mario Lanza and Friends." It featured Mario and all the great singers performing opera, Broadway, pop and the great American songbook. Over the years in studio live and via phone, I've enjoyed talking about Mario with many singers and others, and getting their perspectives (in no particular order): Constatine Callinicos, Licia Albanese, Katherine Grayson, Jerry Hadley, Eileen Farrell, Richard Leech, Elaine Malbin, Giuseppe DiStefano, Lucine Amara, Jane Powell, Luciano Pavarotti, Sergio Franchi, Renee Fleming, Sherrill Milnes, Roberta Peters, Skitch Henderson, John Raitt, Jean Fenn, Robert Merrill, Vic Damone, Robert Goulet, Frank Poretta, Victor Borga, Derek Mannering, Andrew Farkas (author of "Jussi") & Anders Bjorling, Buddy Mantia, Terry and Elissa of course numerous times as well as many others.
In College at St. Francis in PA, I had the honor and pleasure of working with my voice teacher Helen Carol who put me in touch with her teacher, Samuel Margolis (teacher of Rober Merrill and other famous voices). I was fortunate to work with Maestro Margolis after I was discharged from the Army. I still treasure a nice note he wrote about my voice.
May I add a quick thank you to Martino for all of his wonderful posts! To all of you, old and new Lanza fans, stay safe and be well... God bless you one and all!
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Valeria Pugiotto 05-30-2020
04:04 AM ET (US) IP: 93.42.98.163
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Hello, everybody!
I just wanted to tell you all how much I appreciate your posts.
I like to know more about you, guys!
Thank you, Fred!
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Fred Day 05-29-2020
08:07 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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No, I no longer work. I am retired, on social security. Ciao.
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Julie Page 05-29-2020
02:23 PM ET (US) IP: 74.79.51.67
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Thank you, Fred! l 'm happy to know something more about you. Whatever you'd like to share would be welcome. Are you still performing in Orlando? Best.
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Fred Day 05-29-2020
12:45 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Yes, I have known Jim Thompson since 1966. My full name is Fred Desjarlais. I used the name Fred Day as a shortcut and as my internet handle. I am originally from Agawam, Mass. - a suburb of Springfield. I used to sing and play piano in many cocktail lounges, restaurants, and hotels, over the years. I went to Hartt College of Music of the U of Hartford in West Hartford, Conn. Graduated in June 1968. Also taught music in public school. I moved to Orlando, Florida in summer of 1976. I gave up teaching, but continued as a musician in Orlando. On October 5th of this year, I will turn 78. Ciao.
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Julie Page 05-28-2020
03:05 PM ET (US) IP: 74.79.51.67
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I don't know, Fred. Just a personal preference, I guess, I've been thinking, You and Jim Thompson seem to have known each other well and worked together in the past. Jim related some of his early experiences here. I wonder if you might tell us all something about yourself. You're both so knowledgeable about Music and Mario. I know I'd be interested and think others here would be as well. Come to think of it, Jim hasn't been heard from in a while. Hope he's ok. I enjoy both of your posts very much.
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Kristine Cimmy 05-27-2020
11:34 PM ET (US) IP: 96.59.1.174
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Sam, I received your package, today. Thanks, again.
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Fred Day 05-27-2020
07:48 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Did Jeanette dislike Lanza's record of The Moon Was Yellow?? If so, why?? A wonderful song which Lanza sang beautifully!! Curious. Ciao.
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Julie Page 05-27-2020
04:04 PM ET (US) IP: 74.79.51.67
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Bill, I meant to ask about Jeanette when I last posted. I'm so sorry to hear of her passing. On one of my visits to the museum, I had lunch with Jeanette and Mary. They were fun to be with. I remember Jeanette saying ? As long as he doesnt sing "The Moon Was Yellow". I know she was a great asset to the museum. She had a wry sense of humor. I will never forget her or Mary. My love and sympathy to her family. I'm in tears.
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Sam Million 05-27-2020
09:06 AM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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I AM SO SORRY TO HEAR THAT, BILL. SHE WAS THE BEST AND DEDICATED SO MUCH OF HER LIFE TO PROMOTING MARIO LANZA AND RUNNING THE MUSEUM. MAY SHE REST IN PEACE.
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Kristine Cimmy 05-26-2020
11:08 PM ET (US) IP: 96.59.1.174
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My sympathy and condolences to Jeanette's family.
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Bill Ronayne 05-26-2020
09:09 PM ET (US) IP: 97.33.65.65
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The Mario Lanza Institute is sorry to announce the passing of Jeanette Frese on Sunday May 24th. It was not related to the coronavirus. Jeanette was a volunteer at the Institute and Museum for over 20 years and held the positions of vice president and treasurer on the board. She was very dedicated to her work and will be missed by all who knew her. May she always walk with God.
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Sam Million 05-26-2020
10:13 AM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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KRIS,
THAT'S GREAT, SINCE I HAVE ALWAYS FELT THAT EXPOSURE TO BETTER MUSIC IS THE KEY. SOME OF WHAT YOU MENTIONED WAS SOLD FROM THE LANZA MUSEUM BUT SOME LIKE HOODIES ARE NOT. EBAY HAS EVEYTHING YOU COULD WANT. WHEN WE STARTED WITH EBAY WAY BACK IN 1998 IT WAS STILL IN ITS INFANCY.
YOU SHOULD HAVE YOUR DVDS ANY DAY NOW.
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Kristine Cimmy 05-25-2020
11:30 PM ET (US) IP: 96.59.1.174
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The models, who are modeling the Mario Lanza T-Shirts, tank tops, long sleeve T-Shirts, hoodies(for Red Bubble-Serpent Films)are in their teens or early 20's, so, a new generation will learn about Mario Lanza.
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Kristine Cimmy 05-25-2020
08:05 PM ET (US) IP: 96.59.1.174
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I just saw a Mario Lanza mug on Ebay. There is also a group called Red Bubble-Serpent Films that has Mario Lanza's photo on throw pillows, bed spreads, mugs, T-Shirts, notebook, tote bag, postcards. They also have other movie stars such as Laurel&Hardy, Buster Keaton, Clark Gable.
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Sam Million 05-25-2020
07:16 AM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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KRIS,
THANKS FOR FILLING ME IN. MOST TABLOID TYPE MAGAZINE I SEE ARE USUSALLY ABOUT CURRENT STARS SO CLOSER IS DIFFERENT. A GIRL FRIEND OF MY LATE FATHER-IN-LAW WAS AT A RESTAURANT AND NEEDED A RIDE HOME. SHE WAS DRIVEN BY NONE OTHER THAN MARTIN AND LEWIS. THERE IS ONE BETTER STORY ABOUT HER. SHE WAS AT THE RESTAURANT IN NEW JERSEY WHERE FRANK SINATRA GOT HIS START SINGING (I THINK IT WAS CALLED THE RUSTIC TAVERN). WELL, FRANK WALKED AROUND TALKING TO PEOPLE AND SHE SAID TO HIM "WHOEVER TOLD YOU THAT YOU COULD SING?" SHE WAS A GUTSY LADY!
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Kristine Cimmy 05-24-2020
01:59 PM ET (US) IP: 96.59.1.174
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Sam, Closer Magazine is on the magazine, tabloid newspaper racks, here, in Florida, at the supermarket check outs. I don't know if it's monthly or bi-monthly. It has stories on movie stars, t.v. stars, past, some present. One issue had a story about Judy Garland. That's interesting about your neighbor who has met The Beach Boys and Frank Sinatra. I attended high school, in Santa Monica, Calif., back in the '60's and know some of The Lennon Sisters' cousins. Frances Lax lived in the same apt. building, where my late parents and I lived, in Santa Monica. She played Jack Lemmon's character's land lady in "The Apartment" and knew Jerry Lewis. Lewis knew Mario, too.
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Sam Million 05-24-2020
07:14 AM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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HI KRIS. I HAVE NEVER HEARD OF CLOSER MAGAZINE. HOW FAR BACK DOES IT GO? A FRIEND OF MINE (OUR NEXT DOOR NEIGHBOR) WAS FRIENDS WITH THE BEACH BOYS AND WHEN THEY CAME TO PHILADELPHIA HE OFTEN WOULD SIT IN WITH THEM AND PLAY GUITAR. THE SAME GUY MET FRANK SINATRA AND HAS A PHOTOGRAPHY OF HIS MEETING WITH OLD BLUE EYES. I REALLY ENVIED THAT SINCE FRANK IS MY FAVORITE POP SINGER. YOU KNOW WHO MY ALL TIME FAVORITE SINGER IS! I REMEMBER WATCHING THE EDWARD R. MURROW SHOW IN WHICH HE HAD CAMERAS GO INSIDE FRANK'S HOME SHOWING THE DECOR. FRANK WAS ESPECIALLY PROUD OF HIS STEREO SYSTEM AND POINTED IT OUT.
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Kristine Cimmy 05-23-2020
05:54 PM ET (US) IP: 96.59.1.174
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Everybody, have a good holiday week end , though, we know the true meaning of Memorial Day. Closer Magazine has a story about Katharine Hepburn and a story about The Beach Boys. I think, Terry Robinson knew Brian Wilson. Terry also knew Ozzie Nelson , Elyse Knox Harmon and Tom Harmon(Mark Harmon's parents). I wonder if Closer Magazine will ever have a story about Mario Lanza ? I wonder if Edward R. Murrow and "Person To Person" ever contacted Mario Lanza for an interview ?
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Fred Day 05-21-2020
12:03 AM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Sam: Yes, the Si Pel Ciel by Zenatello & Amato is fine. Some other versions: Francesco Tamagno (the first Otello)& his brother Giovanni; Pertile & Franci; Martinelli & Tibbett; Zenatello & Granforte; a live perf by Giacomini & Milnes. All of these are very fine, and all are on Youtube. Check them out. Ciao.
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Sam Million 05-20-2020
10:22 PM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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JUST RECEIVED A LETTER FROM MY FRIEND IN ST. LOUIS. HE SAID HE LOVES THE ACOUSTICAL ZENATELLO AND AMATO DUET. BUT HERE'S THE ONE TO THIRST AFTER: MARIO AND GEORGE LONDON--A DREAM DUET THAT NEVER HAPPENED!
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Sam Million 05-20-2020
08:05 PM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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MARTINO, I LIKED THE DRIVING TEMPO. IT DIDN'T MATTER WHO WAS SINGING TO A POINT. BETWEEEN YOU AND FRED, MANY GREAT DUOS FOR THIS ELECTRIFYING ARIA ARE SHOWN TO EXIST. YOU WILL PROBABLY GO CRAZY WITH CHOICES IF YOU SEARCH "SI PEL CIEL" ON YOUTUBE. I MIGHT JUST DO THAT, BUT TOMORROW, AS I HAVE BEEN LISTENING TO MUSIC AND MAKING MUSIC ALL DAY.
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Fred Day 05-19-2020
07:08 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Martino: Yes, that is a superb recording. I believe Toscanini played cello in the orchestra of the world premier performance of Otello. Franco Faccio conducted. Ciao.
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Martino1 05-19-2020
04:29 PM ET (US) IP: 104.255.4.145
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I would also suggest the rendition by Vinay/Valdengo from a 1947 radio broadcast conducted by Arturo Toscanini. Although the singing is fine indeed, I suggest this recording not so much because the singers are the equal to Caruso/Ruffo or Del Monaco/Warren but rather for the conducting. Toscanini of course knew this opera better than anyone on earth other than the composer. Toscanini had a history with Verdi and this opera in particular, and this brief excerpt shows it. None of the other selections started so slowly and deliberately and then mid way through Arturo moved the singers to a rousing height. Listen to the way Toscanini conducts this and forget the singers for a moment, and you will hear Verdi himself! You can find it here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hiQ6yTl7SHM
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Fred Day 05-19-2020
03:57 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Re: The classic "Si Pel Ciel" by Caruso & Ruffo, My second choice is by Mario Del Monaco and Leonard Warren - from a Met broadcast in 1958. Del Monaco also recorded it with baritone Aldo Protti, also excellent. Del Monaco was the world's leading Otello from 1950 to 1972. The recording by Bjoerling & Merrill is excellent, but Jussi never sang the role on stage. Ciao.
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Sam Million 05-19-2020
02:11 PM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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HI GUYS! MY NEW JEWEL CASES HAVE COME IN AND SO IT IS NOW TIME TO SHIP THE ORDERS. QUITE A FEW ARE GOING TO BOTH FRIENDS AND ACQUAINTENCES IN US AND ABROAD (I HOPE YOU DON'T MIND ME CALLING YOU A BROAD, VALERIA, LOL!). I HAVEN'T STOPPED TRANSFERRING VHS TAPES TO DVD YET BUT I ASSURE YOU THERE IS NOTHING LANZA LEFT. FOR FANS OF THE CARUSO-RUFFO "SI PEL CEIL", I HAVE ON DISC PLACIDO DOMINGO AND SHERRIL MILNES DUKING IT OUT JUST LIKE THEIR FORETENORS. HEY, WE HAVE A NEW WORD: FORE FATHERS AND TENORS EQUALS FORTENORS!
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Sam Million 05-17-2020
05:10 PM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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HI KRIS,
I ALREADY EMAILED YOU WITH EXACT COST. YOUR STORIES ABOUT MR. PEPPERS MAKES ME LAUGH SINCE I USED TO WATCH THE SHOW. WALLY COX IS PRETTY MUCH FORGOTTEN TODAY BUT THEN HE WAS WELL KNOWN. MAURY IS SO YOUNG IN THE DVD I HARDLY RECOGNIZED HIM UNTIL HIS NAME WAS SPOKEN. THEY HAD THE POOR GUY DOING DOG COMMERCIALS, LOL.
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Valeria Pugiotto 05-17-2020
03:05 PM ET (US) IP: 93.42.98.163
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SAM: please, via email, send me a quote for BOTH DVD.
Thank you!
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Kristine Cimmy 05-17-2020
02:05 PM ET (US) IP: 96.59.1.174
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Sam, are you going to transfer the Terry Robinson tape to DVD ? I'm interested in that one, too. I stayed in touch with Terry and Silvia, until they passed away. Regarding Peter, Paul, and Mary, I read that Mary was a fan of opera. Tony Randall and Charles Nelson Reilly were opera buffs, too. Speaking of Tony Randall, the last t.v. sitcom, he did, where he portrayed a Judge , had a character named Mario Lanza. I read Lanza's family wanted to stop his name from being used. Years ago, in Santa Monica, there was an orchestra conductor named Mario Lanza, but that was his real name. Getting back to Tony Randall, "Mr. Peepers", t.v. sitcom, from the '50's is out on DVD's. It starred Wally Cox, Tony Randall, Marion Lorne(who later was on "The Garry Moore Show" and played Aunt Clara on "Bewitched", was hilarious !). Mr. Peepers was a school teacher. "Our Miss Brooks" with Eve Arden, is out on DVD's. Also starring Richard Crenna, Gale Gordon, and Robert Rockwell, who was Honorary Mayor of Pacific Palisades. The Lanzas and Cocozzas knew him. Sam, send me your address, by E-mail. I didn't know Terry was on Maury Povich's t.v. show. I remember he was married to Connie Chung(NBC News). Terry was supposed to be on Larry King's Radio Show, back when his book about Lanza came out, but his appearance was cancelled.
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Fred Day 05-17-2020
01:24 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Sam: Yes, the "Deep In My Heart Dear" from the Coke Show is also on the RCA "Don't Forget Me" CD. He ends the song with a full voice high C. Ciao.
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Sam Million 05-17-2020
11:32 AM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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VALERIA: ANNA JUST RESEARCHED COST OF SHIPPING THE DVD TO ITALY. IT IS $16.00. AND YES, YOU CAN PAY US THROUGH PAYPAL BY USING ANNA'S ADDRESS OF ANNA@BEE.NET.
INCIDENTALLY, I JUST WROTE UP ANOTHER LANZA PROGRAM I UNCOVERED TODAY AMONG MY VHS TAPES WHICH I WILL TRANSFER TO DVD. ANYONE ORDERING BOTH SHOWS WILL GET A DISCOUNT OF TWO DOLLARS OR 14.00 FOR BOTH DVDS.
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Sam Million 05-17-2020
11:12 AM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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HAPPY SUNDAY, MARTINO. I AGREE WITH ALL YOU HAVE SAID ABOUT THE COKE SHOW "DEEP IN MY HEART DEAR" VS. THE FILM VERSION. MOST FANS CONSIDER THE STUDENT PRINCE TO BE AMONG MARIO'S FINEST SINGING. IT IS COMMON KNOWLEDGE THAT THE PRODUCERS OF THECOKE SHOW WANTED MARIO TO SING OUT FULLY AND TO ALWAYS HAVE THE BIG HIGH NOTES AT THE END OF EVERY SONG. FORTUNATELY FOR US, THIS WASN'T ALWAYS THE CASE. TENDER RENDITIONS OF SONGS LIKE "MY BUDDY" AND "BEGIN THE BEGUINE" BELIE THAT. NO MATTER WHAT THE CASE, THE COKE SHOWS HAVE PROVIDED SO MANY WONDERFUL RECORDINGS. I WOULD ESTIMATE THAT ABOUT FORTY PERCENT OF HIS RECORD OUTPUT IS COMPOSED OF COKE SHOW RECORDINGS. I WOULD HAVE TO DO EXTENSIVE RESEARCH OF HIS DISCOGRAPHY TO PROVE MY BOLD STATEMENT! ONE THING IS FOR CERTAIN, WHICH IS THAT THE SOUND QUALITY ACHIEVED AT THE "RECORDERS" STUDIO IS AMONG THE BEST.
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Sam Million 05-17-2020
11:03 AM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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I HAVE JUST COME ACROSS ANOTHER RARE VIDEO! THIS TIME IT IS ABOUT TERRY ROBINSON WHO WAS MARIO'S BEST FRIEND, PERSONAL TRAINER, AND MAN WHO HELPED RAISE MARIO'S CHILDREN AFTER HIS MOTHER AND FATHER PASSED AWAY. NOT TO BE CONFUSED WITH THE MIKE DOUGLAS SHOW IN PHILADELPHIA WHEN CLIPS OF THE CHRISTOPHER FILM WERE SHOWN, THIS FEATUERES HOST MAURY POVICH AS HOST. HE INVITED TERRY ROBINSON TO APPEAR ON THE SHOW AND TERRY SPEAKS FRANKLY ABOUT MARIO'S SINGING. FOR INSTANCE MARIO WAS INVITED TO A BIG HOLLYWOOD PARTY AND WAS ASKED TO SING. WHEN HE REFUSED THE HOST OF THE PARTY WAS ENRAGED. MARIO SAID HE COULD SING WHERE EVER HE WANTED TO AND NOT WHERE OTHER BIG SHOTS WANTED HIM. THIS WAS FILMED IN 1980, AS TERRY WAITED OUT OF COURTESY TO MARIO'S PARENTS TO TALK PUBLICLY ABOUT MARIO. HIS BIOGRAPHY IS TITLED "MARIO LANZA: HIS TRAGIC LIFE" AND DISCUSSES HIS UNSTOPPABLE NEED TO DRINK ALONG WITH WIFE BETTY. AMONG THE MANY STORES, TERRY GOES INTO THE OLD THEORY THAT MARIO WAS KILLED BY THE MAFIA, THAT HIS NURSE DISAPPEARED, AND THAT TWO MAFIA MEMBERS APPROACHED MARIO TO SING AND LANZA REFUSED. THIS MAKE NO SENSE, SINCE EVEN THE MAFIA WOULD DESTROY AN ITALIAN OF GREAT FAME. RUMOR HAS IT THAT TERRY'S BOOK, ALONG WITH GHOST WRITER RAYMOND STRAIT, WAS HEAVILY EDITED AS IT CONTAINED STORIES WHICH WERE CONSIDERED TOO AUDACIOUS AT THE TIME. HOWEVER, NOT ALL OF THE POVICH SHOW IS GRIM. THERE IS A CAMERA TOUR OF NICK PETRELLA'S LANZA MUSEUM SHOWING TWO OF HIS GOLD RECORDS (GREAT CARUSO AND STUDENT PRINCE) AND MANY PHOTOS ALONG WITH THE BEAUTIFUL LANZA BUST. I WAS TOLD THE MUSEUM WAS IN THE REAR ROOM OF PETRELLA'S RECORD SHOP. THE COLLECTIBLES REVERTED TO THE LANZA MUSEUM MARY PAPPOLA HEADED SOME YEARS LATER. TERRY SPEAKS ABOUT THE MARIO LANZA BALL WHICH AT THAT TIME WAS HELD AT PALUMBO'S RESTAURANT. THE ATTENDEES NUMBERED 500! TODAY'S LANZA BALLS ARE LUCKY TO GET 75 T0 100 PATRONS. INCIDENTALLY, THIS SHOW HAS ALL THE ORIGINAL COMMERCIALS (KIND OF NEAT TO SEE) AND EVEN PITCHES ABANDONED DOGS WHO NEED TO BE GIVEN HOMES. THE RUNNING TIME IS 25 MINUTES.
AS A BONUS, A SHOW ABOUT PETER, PAUL, AND MARY IS INCLUDED. IT IS A CONCERT THAT FEATURES THE FAMOUS FOLK TRIO SINGING THEIR BEST AND MOST BELOVED SONGS.
AS IN THE NON DI SCORDAR DI ME VIDEO, I CAN OFFER THIS TO ANYONE HERE OR ELSEWHERE FOR 8.00 PLUS 4.00 FOR MEDIA MAIL SHIPPING.
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Martino1 05-17-2020
08:46 AM ET (US) IP: 104.255.4.145
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Sam, I like the Coke version of this song as well. But it is not as good as the film soundtrack, not by a considerable margin. This song is approached in the same manner as Mario sang many of his Coke performances, with little nuance and less attention to the scene set. To understand this tendency one only need to compare some of his Coke show Italian songs with the same songs he recorded later in his life. "Santa Lucia Luntana" is my go-to example when comparing his Coke show approach to later renditions, but there are several other examples as well.
This performance is good because his voice was so good but the soundtrack rendition captures the mood much better. The soundtrack also works as a duet more effectively than this version would have. Just listen and compare back to back to the approach he takes in the very first few words of the song. The Coke is as you say, "full voiced", while the soundtrack is lighter, more tender, as it should be at this point of the film.
Simply put, Lanza singing the soundtrack sounds as one part of two people singing to each other, while the Coke version is Mario singing Mario. Of course, he was not singing a duet in the Coke performance so maybe that stylistic approach was his intention.
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Sam Million 05-16-2020
11:21 PM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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FRED: THIS MUST BE THE RECORDING YOU SPOKE ABOUT. IT IS A MUCH MORE FULL-VOICED PERFORMANCE THAN HIS FILM VERSION. I LIKE IT A LOT: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yTIczAqE4JQ
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Kristine Cimmy 05-16-2020
07:14 PM ET (US) IP: 96.59.1.174
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Hello, Sam. I just sent you an E-mail message.
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Sam Million 05-16-2020
06:47 PM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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HI KRIS,
I HAVE GIVEN MY ADDRESS HERE BEFORE. BUT IF YOU'D FEEL BETTER ABOUT IT, JUST EMAIL ME AT SMS@BEE.NET AND THEN I CAN GIVE YOU MY ADDRESS AND VICE VERSA. I KNOW YOU WILL LOVE THIS SHOW.
FRED: INTERESTING THAT THE DEEP IN MY HEART DEAR COMES FROM THE COKE SHOWS. IT DID NOT SOUND FAMILIAR TO ME. I WONDER IF IT IS ON ANY OF THE CURRENT CDS IN RELEASE? WHEN YOU SAY THERE WAS NO MIDDLE PART, I AM PRETTY SURE WHAT I HAVE IS COMPLETE......
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Fred Day 05-16-2020
05:42 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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By the way, the version of the Serenade from Student Prince on the "Don't Forget Me" CD, is rare, and was a complete surprise when it was first released. The reason is that it was recorded for the Coke Show, but it was never broadcast. Why? - no one knows. Perhaps Lanza did not approve. Ciao.
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Fred Day 05-16-2020
05:24 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Sam: The version you mention of "Deep In MY Heart Dear" is from the Coke Show. It is the main chorus only, without the middle part. Ciao.
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Wendy Stilwell 05-16-2020
04:48 PM ET (US) IP: 90.210.53.145
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I had this on VHS about 30 years ago. Unfortunately, no longer have the tape. Edited 05-16-2020 04:49 PM
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Kristine Cimmy 05-16-2020
01:57 PM ET (US) IP: 96.59.1.174
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Sam, that DVD sounds interesting. I'm interested in it. How can I contact you ? I don't want to ask you to divulge your address and I don't want to publicize my address. Are you on facebook ? I am. I could send you a personal message.
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Sam Million 05-16-2020
01:31 PM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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TWO HOUR LANZA BONANZA. I JUST TRANSFERRED FROM VHS TAPE TO DVD AN EXCELLENT PRODUCTION ABOUT MARIO. IT STARTS WITH THE CALLLINICOS INTERVIEW (WHICH COMES AND GOES DURING THE PROGRAM) THEN BRANCHES OFF INTO MANY CLIPS FROM MARIO’S CAREER FROM EARLY TIMES TO LATE. IT HAS THE COMPLETE INTERVIEW WITH HIS MOTHER AFTER HIS DEATH IN WHICH SHE TELLS OF HER SON DESCRIBING HOW HER FAMILY STARTED OUT AND DISCOVERED YOUNG MARIO HAD A VOICE, LATER AN INTERVIEW WITH ED SULLIVAN BEFORE AND AFTER HIS DEATH FROM ROME BOTH TIMES, THE ENTIRE CHRISTOPHER FILM WITH FATHER KELLER INTERVIEWING MARIO AND LATER BETTY. HE SINGS THREE SONGS TO PIANO ACCOMPANIMENT (SOME DAY THE ACCOMPANIST WAS PAUL BARON). THOSE SONGS ARE SANTA LUCIA, AVE MARIA (SHUBERT VERSION), AND BECAUSE YOU'RE MINE WHICH ENDS WITH A THRILLING NOTE. THE FUNERAL IN ROME IS SHOWN, THE INTERVIEWS WITH BRITISH PRESS, MARIO AND HIS KIDS PLAYING, MARIO’S CAR AND A FEW QUICK SHOTS OF GRANDPOP LANZA. THEN MY VERSION ENDS WITH AN INFORMAL GATHERING IN HIS OR HIS MOTHER’S BACK YARD WHILE MARIO'S VOICE IS DUBBED IN SINGING A VERSION OF “DEEP IN MY HEART DEAR” FROM SP THAT IS RARE, AS IT IS NOT FROM ANY RECORD OR RADIO SHOW. I ALMOST FORGOT THAT IT INCLUDES THE SHOWER OF STARS SHOW NUMBER ONE WITH MARIO LIP SYNCHING TO BE MY LOVE AND TWO OTHER SONGS. IF ANYONE HERE WOULD LIKE THE DVD I HAVE A LIMITED NUMBER OF COPIES AVAILABLE. THE COST IS $8.00 PLUS $4.00 MEDIA MAIL SHIPPING. Edited 05-16-2020 01:33 PM
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Kristine Cimmy 05-13-2020
03:40 PM ET (US) IP: 96.59.1.174
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Thank you, Julie.
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Julie Page 05-13-2020
03:35 PM ET (US) IP: 74.79.51.67
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Kristine, a birthday. Happy,Happy and many more!
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Kristine Cimmy 05-13-2020
03:30 PM ET (US) IP: 96.59.1.174
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Happy Birthday, Earl !
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Kristine Cimmy 05-13-2020
03:28 PM ET (US) IP: 96.59.1.174
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Thank you, Valeria.
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RenseWebmaster 05-13-2020
12:35 PM ET (US) IP: 98.31.1.140
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The exchange between Linz and Martino has been deleted.
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Messages 58077-58076 deleted by author between 05-13-2020 12:29 PM and 05-13-2020 12:19 PM |
Valeria Pugiotto 05-13-2020
03:48 AM ET (US) IP: 93.42.98.163
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On a different note, happy birthday, Kristine!
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Valeria Pugiotto 05-13-2020
01:34 AM ET (US) IP: 93.42.98.163
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Peace....
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Julie Page 05-12-2020
03:43 PM ET (US) IP: 74.79.51.67
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(Suzanne) Derek, May God Bless Bill Earl on his birthday, But I guess He already has. Sam, thanks for J. Carroll Naish's bio. Always a fan of this most talented man. Linz, I do appreciate your championing of Mario, though it was a bittersweet post. I can never enjoy reading anything about him that's derogatory. Called Love, I believe.
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Deleted by topic administrator 05-13-2020 12:29 PM
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Derek Mainwaring 05-12-2020
11:16 AM ET (US) IP: 24.13.222.117
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Worthing Herald tribute to Bill:
https://www.worthingherald.co.uk/news/peop...th-birthday-2849955
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Derek Mainwaring 05-12-2020
11:13 AM ET (US) IP: 24.13.222.117
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On a MUCH happier note, my good friend Bill Earl from the British Mario Lanza Society turned 105 today. Steff Walzinger sent me a link to a lovely tribute to him which I'll have posted here shortly.
Happy Birthday, Bill!
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Sam Million 05-12-2020
06:45 AM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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HI LINZ, I THINK YOU MEAN MARTIN-O. ALSO, WHAT IN THE WORLD IS WOKERY? BY THE WAY, I AM NO FAN OF TEITELBAUM. I WAS JUST REPORTING ON WHAT I FOUND READING IT ALONG THE WAY. BY THE WAY, WERE YOU DRINKING WHEN YOU WROTE YOUR POST? SURE SOUNDED LIKE IT. Edited 05-12-2020 08:03 AM
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Deleted by topic administrator 05-13-2020 12:19 PM
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Kristine Cimmy 05-11-2020
04:57 PM ET (US) IP: 96.59.1.174
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I remember reading Dorothy Lamour's autobiography, "My Side Of The Road", where she mentioned J. Carroll Naish in "A Medal For Benny",which she was in, also. I just read Films Of The Golden Age Magazine, 2013 issue, which had an interview with late actor , William Campbell, about filming "Love Me Tender" with Elvis(his film debut). He liked working with him. Campbell had been under contract at M-G-M and said Elvis could take the adulation better than Mario Lanza. Elvis was staying at The Beverly Wilshire Hotel, during the filming and wanted Bill to take him out for a hamburger. They had to use a different entrance, to avoid the mob of fans. They went to a greasy hamburger place on Venice Beach. He wondered why Elvis would pick such a place, it seemed not too clean. Elvis said because the cook, there, didn't recognize him. If he had gone to a high class restaurant, he would have been mobbed. Elvis asked William for some advice about acting. Col. Parker had turned down another movie for Elvis, due to salary. The part went to Tommy Sands. Bill said Richard Egan, at first, wasn't happy that Elvis was getting all the attention for "Love Me Tender", since he figured he was the Star of it. But as time went on, he simmered down. Bill didn't think there was a romance between Debra Paget and Elvis, though. It was a well written, interesting interview. Films Of The Golden Age Magazine and its sister, publication, Classic Images are excellent , well written, interesting publications for fans of old movies and t.v. shows. They are published in Muscatine, Iowa and back in 1990's, there was a story about Mario Lanza in Classic Images. Also, they had a story about Doretta Morrow, with a movie poster from "Because You're Mine" on its cover and a still photo from it, in the story about her. Happy Belated Mother's Day !!!
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Martino1 05-11-2020
11:31 AM ET (US) IP: 104.255.4.145
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Thanks for the bio sketch. Although I always liked him in the parts I saw, I never knew Naish was that accomplished. Edited 05-11-2020 11:32 AM
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Sam Million 05-11-2020
08:36 AM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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FOR SOME REASON I WOKE UP THINKING ABOUT J CARROLL NAISH. COULD THERE HAVE BEEN TWO CHARACTERS MORE DIFFERENT THAN PAPA DONETTI AND UNCLE NICKY MADE ONLY ONE YEAR APART? HE WAS QUITE POPULAR AND NEVER WANTED FOR WORK. I FOUND THIS BIO OF HIM THAT I'D LIKE TO SHARE HERE:
One of the most versatile character actors in the business, Joseph Patrick Carrol Naish (pronounced Nash) was born of Irish descent in New York City. His illustrious ancestors hailed from county Limerick and were listed in Burke's Peerage. He had a Catholic education at St. Cecilia's Academy, but absconded from school at the age of 14 to become a song plugger. He briefly joined a children's vaudeville company run by Gus Edwards. At 16, he enlisted in the Navy, was thrown out, re-enlisted to experience wartime action with the U.S. Army Signals Corps in France, then spent years sailing the world's seas with the Merchant Marine. Around this time, he acquired as many as eight languages and became adept at dialects. J. Carroll then spent some time in Paris singing and dancing with a stage troupe run by musical comedy star Gaby Deslys. Sometime around 1925, he returned to New York for further theatrical work, possibly with Molly Picon's Yiddish Theatre. The following year, he travelled by tramp steamer to California en route to China. The ship suffered mechanical breakdowns and departure was delayed. While ashore, J. Carroll was somehow spotted by a Fox studio talent scout and wound up in Hollywood. He played a few bit roles and then joined a road company production of 'The Shanghai Gesture'. In 1929, he married an Irish stage actress, Gladys Heaney, in what would become one the most enduring of show business unions.
Back in Hollywood from 1930, J. Carroll's gift for dialects were to land him plum character parts as Arabs, Italians, Pacific Islanders, Hindus, Mexicans, African-Americans and Orientals. Villains of the black-hearted variety were his stock-in-trade. Indeed, he was so damn good at his job that Time Magazine referred to him as a 'Hollywood's one-man United Nations'. Ironically, J. Carroll's black hair, moustache and swarthy complexion invariably denied him roles as an Irishman (the sole exception being General Phil Sheridan in Rio Grande (1950)).
On radio, J. Carroll enjoyed one of his most profound successes as the voice of Italian immigrant Luigi Basco. 'Life with Luigi' was broadcast from 1948 to 1954, entertained millions of listeners and helped shape American consciousness about Italian values and the Italian way of life. Of its time, it was also essentially stereotypical. In films, J. Carroll was the consummate scene-stealer who could make even a bad movie look good. There weren't many of those, to be sure. His very best work includes the Italian prisoner Giuseppe in Sahara (1943) (one of his two Oscar-nominated roles), Loretta Young's Chinese father Sun Yat Ming in The Hatchet Man (1932), a Mexican peasant in A Medal for Benny (1945) (his second Oscar nomination), the pirate Cahusac in Captain Blood (1935) and John Garfield's well-meaning father Rudy in Humoresque (1946). He played Lakota medicine man and warrior Sitting Bull twice: in Annie Get Your Gun (1950) and in the title role of Sitting Bull (1954). He was the archetypal evil genius Dr. Daka in the Batman (1943) serial and, in 1956, brought his talents to the small screen as Charlie Chan in The New Adventures of Charlie Chan (1957). Having amassed some 224 screen credits, J. Carroll Naish died of emphysema in January 1973 at the age of 77. Sadly, he never won an Oscar which would have been richly merited. However, A Medal for Benny garnered him a Golden Globe Award as Best Supporting Actor and he is remembered with a star on the Walk of Fame on Hollywood Boulevard.
- IMDb Mini Biography By: I.S.Mowis
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Bill Ronayne 05-08-2020
09:58 AM ET (US) IP: 68.192.181.242
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Thank you as always for your support Suzanne. The fundraiser still has one week to go so I hope that others reading this will consider making a donation. No amount is too small and all contributions will go a long way to offset operating expenses for the Institute. Covid-19 restrictions in Philadelphia are still in place and were extended until early June so we are not able to re-open the Lanza Museum until some time after that. Online donations can be made at www.mariolanzainstitute.org by clicking on the donate button and donations by check can be sent to Mario Lanza Institute PO Box 54624 Philadelphia, PA 19148. Best, Bill Edited 05-09-2020 01:58 PM
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Sam Million 05-07-2020
08:56 PM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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I MUST HAVE GIVEN YOU THIS LINK BEFORE, BUT IT IS WORTH AN ENCORE. IT IS A RARE OUTTAKE FROM THE SEVEN HILLS OF ROME, AN ALTERNATE TAKE OF THE TITLE SONG MARIO SINGS:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=biAawl76iD...76iDY&start_radio=1
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Julie Page 05-07-2020
07:52 PM ET (US) IP: 74.79.51.67
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(Suzanne) Bill, I hope everyone here will send something even if "Giving Tuesday" is over, I will send my usual donation, little enough that it is and hope that it will help with one of the many expenses, as Mario is always worth it. Sam, you must be able to spend a lot of time watching his films. I have them all and would love to see them on a screen as spectacular as yours. But only have a small living room set. Still, it's Mario. Best to all, Stay well.
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Sam Million 05-06-2020
06:50 PM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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EGG ON MY FACE. STILL DIDN'T GET IT RIGHT. IT IS TAKE TWO THAT IS THE BETTER RECORDING. YOU CAN CALL IT AN OUTTAKE. HERE:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bNZRcySX9IY
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Sam Million 05-06-2020
04:54 PM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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SOME PEOPLE HERE, AND MYSELF INCLUDED, ARE ASLEEP AT THE SWITCH. THE URL I SENT SOME MESSAGES DOWN BELOW WAS WRONG FOR "IF YOU WERE MINE". IT WAS A TOTALLY DIFFERENT LANZA RECORDING THAT I SENT. SO, HERE IS THE CORRECT LINK:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BSHAoEaMBfs
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Sam Million 05-06-2020
11:09 AM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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IF YOU WILL ALLOW ME, I WOULD LIKE TO MAKE AN IMPORTANT AMMENDMENT TO WHAT I WROTE IN THE REVIEW OF FTFT. I SAID THE PICTURE WAS ALMOST TOO BRIGHT AND THAT THE FACES HAD SKIN TONES THAT SHOULD HAVE BEEN RICHER. WELL, BOTH THOSE POINTS WERE NOT COMPLETELY ACCURATE SINCE I TOTALLY IGNORED THE FACT THAT YOUR TELEVISION SET OR PROJECTOR ARE WHAT CONTROL THESE. TO GET LESS BRIGHTNESS AND RICHER SKIN TONE, SIMPLY LOWER THE BRIGHTNESS CONTROL. AND VIOLA!
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Sam Million 05-06-2020
07:51 AM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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I FORGOT TO ADD THAT I SEE MY DVDs ON AN 8 FOOT BY 14 FOOT THEATER QUALITY SCREEN, SO THAT MEANS THAT ANY DEFECTS I DESCRIBED IN MY POST BELOW WOULD BE EXAGGERATED. FOR EXAMPLE, IF YOU HAVE A 60 INCH FLAT SCREEN TV YOU WOULD NOT NOTICE NEARLY AS MUCH AS I DID. A COMFORTING THOUGHT? MAYBE, AS IT ALL DEPENDS ON WHERE YOU ARE COMING FROM. MY OLD STANDARD WAS VHS VIDEO CASSETTES! THEY HAVE LONG BEEN REPLACED BY THE GREAT NEW TECHNOLOGY RESULTING FROM THE ADVANCEMENTS OF TWENTY TO THIRTY YEARS. I STILL HAVE A COLLECTION OF VHS TAPES, BUT SOLD A BUNCH WHEN I SAW HOW DVDs WERE TAKING OVER.
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Sam Million 05-05-2020
08:11 PM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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WELL, THIS IS THE FILM REVIEW I HAVE BEEN WAITING WEEKS TO WRITE. THANKS TO GETTING IN A NEW REGION FREE DVD PLAYER (THIS MEANS I CAN PLAY ANY DISC FROM ANY CORNER OF THE WORLD), I WAS ABLE TO SCREEN THE ONLY BLU RAY OF A LANZA FILM ON THE MARKET. YOU KNOW THAT FILM IS "FOR THE FIRST TIME". BEFORE ANYTHING, I WANT TO TELL YOU THAT THE FILM LITERALLY SPARKLES ON THE SCREEN AND IS RAZOR SHARP. IT IS NOT AS GOOD AS SOME OTHER BLU RAY TITLES I HAVE IN MY COLLECTION, BUT I AM BEING VERY, VERY FUSSY IN SAYING THIS. I HAVE KNOWLEDGE OF FILM AND HOW IT IS PROCESSED THANKS TO HAVING WORKED IN A FILM LAB AS ONE OF MY FIRST JOBS AFTER GRADUATING FROM TEMPLE UNIVERSITY WHERE I STUDIED RADIO-TV-FILM.
THE AMERICAN STANDARD DVD SUFFERS FROM NEGATIVE DIRT THAT APPEARS ON THE SCREEN AS TINY LITTLE WHITE FLECKS. THEY DON'T LAST THROUGHOUT BUT THEY ARE THERE AND ARE NOTICEABLE. THE AMERICAN DVD HAS VERY GOOD SOUND. THE BLU RAY HAS SOUND THAT IS SHARPER. I WOULD RATE IT AS ABOUT 20 PERCENT BETTER.
THE TITLES OF THE BLU RAY ARE IN GERMAN. AND ONE CURIOUS THING IS THAT ANYTIME THERE IS A NEWSPAPER OR PIECE OF PAPER IN THE MOVIE, IT IS IN GERMAN. TOO. FOR EXAMPLE, WHEN NEAR THE END OF FTFT WHEN MARIO STANDS BEFORE THE JUDGE IN COURT, A PIECE OF PAPER IS HANDED TO "TONY COSTA" THAT SAYS: "SAY NOTHING", MEANING THAT MARIO SHOULD NOT SPEAK A WORD AND SHOULD SIMPLY STAY OUT OF THE PROCEEDINGS. THE PIECE OF PAPER IS IN GERMAN!
AS FOR THE COLOR, IT IS FAR RICHER THAN THE AMERICAN RELEASE. REDS ARE VERY INTENSE LIKE THE OLD TECHNICOLOR MGM MUSICALS. AND BLACKS ARE PITCH BLACK (WHICH ALSO AFFECTS THE OVERALL CONTRAST OF THE DVD). THE GERMAN COMPANY WHO RELEASED THIS DVD USED A 35MM PRINT THAT WAS PRACTICALLY FLAWLESS. NO WHITE FLECS, TOTALLY CLEAN WHEN YOU SEE THE SKY. HOWEVER, THE 35MM PRINT THEY USED HAS SPLICES YOU CAN SEE GO BY ON THE SCREEN MAYBE TEN TIMES. BUT IT DOESN'T AFFECT THE ACTION OR THE SOUND. AND CURIOUSLY THERE ARE ONE A GOOD MANY ONE SECOND DIPS IN THE SOUND TRACK.
THE MOST GLARING FLAW IN THE BLU RAY DISC IS A BAD "JUMP CUT". WHILE MARIO AND JOHANNA ARE TALKING TO THE FIRST EAR DOCTOR ABOUT AN OPERATION TO BRING BACK HER HEARING, THE DOCTOR IS ABOUT TO SPEAK. SPLICE. AND HE HAS LEFT THE ROOM WITHOUT A WORD AND THE ACTION CONTINUES. THE OTHER FLAW, WHICH IS LESS BOTHERSOME, IS THAT THE FILM ENDS ON MARIO'S VERY LAST NOTE OF THE AIDA TRIUMPHAL MARCH. THEN IT QUICKLY FADES TO BLACK, HAS NO END TITLES YET THE MUSIC KEEPS ON IN THE DARK AND IS A FEW BARS SHORT OF ENDING. APPARENTLY THE PRINT THEY USED CUT OFF AT THAT POINT.
ONE OTHER THING I NOTICED IS THAT THE PICTURE IS VERY BRIGHT, ALMOST TO THE POINT OF BEING TOO BRIGHT. IF I WERE MASTERING THIS DVD I WOULD HAVE MADE THE SKIN TONES MORE NATURAL. THE SKIN TONES AS THEY STAND ARE ON THE WHITE SIDE. FINALLY, THE PRINT THEY USED HAS A FEW NEAR IMPERCEPTIBLE BLACK SCRATCHES. THERE ARE A FEW WHITE ONES NEAR THE END. AND EACH TIME EACH ORIGINAL REEL OF THEATRICAL PRINT ENDS YOU SEE CUE MARKS ON THE SCREEN AND THE PICTURE GETS A TAD "DIRTY".
SO, NOW THAT I HAVE CUT THIS DVD TO PIECES(!),KNOW THAT IT STILL IS WONDERFUL TO HAVE AND THOROUGHLY ENJOYABLE. WE CAN WISH FOR OTHER BLU RAYS, BUT AS I SAID IN AN EARLIER POST, THE CHANCES OF THAT ARE CLOSE TO NIL.
IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS, I WILL BE HAPPY TO ANSWER THEM.
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Sam Million 05-05-2020
07:40 PM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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KRIS: THE TYRONE POWER FILM IS OUT ON DVD FROM AMAZON. HOWEVER YOU MUST ORDER IT IN A SET WITH FOUR OTHER FILMS OF HIS. THE COST IS HIGH AT 99.99.
https://www.amazon.com/Collection-Metropol...&s=movies-tv&sr=1-2
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Kristine Cimmy 05-05-2020
05:49 PM ET (US) IP: 96.59.1.174
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Thank you, Sam. By the way, "I'll Never Forget You" Tyrone Power, Ann Blyth, is one Tyrone Power movie, I have never seen before. I wonder why it's not on t.v. Is it out on DVD ?
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Sam Million 05-05-2020
02:22 PM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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HERE IS A SECOND VERSION OF MARIO'S "IF YOU WERE MINE". IN MY OPINION IT IS SUPERIOR TO THE FIRST TAKE.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B-XmbzBtTh4
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Bill Ronayne 05-05-2020
08:26 AM ET (US) IP: 68.192.183.85
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 Today is #GivingTuesdayNow. In these trying times, all arts organizations are really feeling the financial pinch. The Mario Lanza Institute is among them and needs your help. Please consider making an online donation on our web site www.mariolanzainstitute.org by clicking on the donate button. Your contribution will make an impact, whether you donate $5 or $500. Every little bit helps. If you prefer to donate by check, please make it out to Mario Lanza Institute and mail it to Mario Lanza Institute PO Box 54624 Philadelphia, PA 19148. Thank you for your support. We look forward to welcoming everyone at the Mario Lanza Museum when conditions improve and it is safe to reopen. This fundraiser will run through May 15th. The Mario Lanza Institute is a 501 c 3 non profit organization that was incorporated in 1962 to provide scholarships to young classically trained singers aspiring to achieve professional vocal careers. The Institute also strives to keep the memory of Mr. Lanza alive by operating a small museum in his hometown of Philadelphia. All donations are tax deductible in accordance with IRS regulations. The photo is another shot of the museum. Sorry it's not perfectly clear. Best, Bill Edited 05-05-2020 08:28 AM
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Sam Million 05-05-2020
12:14 AM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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KRIS,
WE HAVE ALL HOPED FOR A LANZA BLU RAY PACKAGE OF ALL MARIO'S MOVIES, BUT THAT IS VERY UNLIKELY. THERE HAVE BEEN POSTS BEFORE ABOUT THIS. THE ONLY ONE RELEASED IS FOR THE FIRST TIME. ELISSA WAS PROMISED A BLU RAY OF THE GREAT CARUSO BUT WB NEVER CAME THROUGH ON THAT. ELVIS PRESLEY, WHO LIKED MARIO'S VOICE, HAS HAD MANY OF HIS FILMS RELEASED ON BLU RAY SINCE HE IS MUCH BETTER KNOWN THAN MARIO. BY TOMORROW I SHOULD BE WATCHING FTFT IN BLU RAY WHEN MY ZONE FREE DVD PLAYER ARRIVES. I CAN'T WAIT!
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Sam Million 05-04-2020
11:58 PM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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HI KRIS,
KEEP THOSE FACT FILLED POSTS COMING. YOU ARE A STOREHOUSE OF KNOWLEDGE REGARDINGTHE ENTERTAINMENT WORLD. MUCH APPRECIATED. SINCE VAHAN KHANZADIAN IS ARMENIAN LIKE ME, I WENT TO YOUTUBE AND FOUND THIS ONE RECORDING MADE IN 1990 AND CALLED A COMEBACK. HE HAS QUITE A NICE TENOR VOICE. NOTHING WAS FOUND UNDER HIS STAGE NAME. HERE:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f918xtz6gi0
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Kristine Cimmy 05-04-2020
06:59 PM ET (US) IP: 96.59.1.174
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I saw a You Tube video of tenor Vahan Khanzadian from 1990. He was known as Marco Vahn, back in the '60's, when he stayed with the Lanzas and Cocozzas. He's from Syracuse, N.Y. His sister was married to Nicholas Georgiadi, who was on "The Untouchables" with Robert Stack, in the '60's. Does anyone know if Vahan is still singing ? He is about 81, now , and has been a voice teacher.
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Kristine Cimmy 05-04-2020
06:56 PM ET (US) IP: 96.59.1.174
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Opera singer, Rosalind Elias passed away at 90. She came from a Lebanese-American Family and was a fan of Deanna Durbin. Rosalind had dreams of singing like Durbin and going to Hollywood to be in movies. But, instead, she had an operatic career and was beautiful. RIP. Also, movie actor, John Ericson passed away at 93. RIP. He was in "The Student Prince" movie . His film debut was movie "Teresa" with Pier Angeli, who played a war bride, from Italy. He was on the "Honey West" t.v. series with Anne Francis in the '60's. I like the blu-ray of "For The First Time". I am wondering if there will be a collection of all of Mario Lanza's movies in a DVD package ? Stay well, everybody.
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Sam Million 05-04-2020
11:44 AM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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I WAS LOOKING FOR A GOOD RECORDING BY THE EXCELLENT TENOR BERNARDO DEMURO:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8yUqNU5dQds
AND THAT FORTUNATELY LED TO THIS RARE OUT-TAKE FROM SEVEN HILLS OF ROME BY MARIO:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=biAawl76iDY
AND THEN THAT LED TO THIS EARLY BUT LOVELY RECORDING OF MARIO FROM A RADIO SHOW:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=biAawl76iDY
SURFING AROUND YOUTUBE CAN BE VERY REWARDING!
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Sam Million 05-04-2020
10:14 AM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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JULIE, IT IS NO WONDER DAMON TOLD YOU NOT TO READ THE TEITELBAUM BOOK. IF MY FATHER WAS BEING DEMEANED I WOULD DO THE SAME THING. THE FACT THAT MR. T. WAS THERE A GOOD CHUNK OF TIME AND WAS CLOSE TO MARIO GETS A FEW POINTS, BUT HOW DO YOU SEPARATE THE FACTS FROM THE LIES?!!
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Sam Million 05-04-2020
07:18 AM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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HI KRIS,
DEREK MCGOVERN SIMPLY TOLD ME MARIO TRIPPED GOING UP THE STAIRS. THE FOOTAGE TAKEN OUT OF SERENADE WOULD MAKE A GREAT BONUS FEATURE ON A DVD. LIKE MAYBE A BLU RAY (WB, ARE YOU LISTENING??!). ALSO, WB, YOU PROMISED ELISSA A BLU RAY ON THE GREAT CARUSO AND YOU HAVEN'T COME THROUGH. PERSONALLY, I CAN'T WAIT TO SEE FOR THE FIRST TIME IN BLU RAY. I MAY HAVE MENTIONED THAT I EVEN PURCHASED A NEW NON-REGION DVD PLAYER JUST TO SEE FTFT LOOKING SO MUCH BETTER. I ALSO RATIONALIZED THAT I NEEDED A NEW PLAYER SINCE MY CURRENT ONE IS CUMBERSOME TO USE. (ANNA ARE YOU LISTENING? YOU DIDN'T WANT ME TO ORDER ANOTHER PLAYER, LOL)
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Kristine Cimmy 05-03-2020
09:07 PM ET (US) IP: 96.59.1.174
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How did he fall at Lana Turner's house ? Was she making the movie with Sean Connery at that time ? I wonder if Sean had the chance to meet Mario ? This was long before he was Bond, James Bond. A little trivia, here. This was the time, when Lana Turner was dating Johnny Stompanato. I read when he visited the set of the movie, he and Sean Connery got into a fight ! Did Connery know Johnny Stompanato's background ?
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Kristine Cimmy 05-03-2020
08:58 PM ET (US) IP: 96.59.1.174
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James Cain's books were considered explicit for the 1930's and 1940's. When the movie versions were made, there was film censorship. So they had to be watered down. When Warner Bros. wanted to film it with Dennis Morgan and Ann Sheridan, Sheridan refused to play the prostitute. I read the book, "Parris Mitchell Of Kings Row". When the movie version of it, known as "Kings Row" was filmed , the censors had it watered down. In the book, there were instances of incest, insanity, bank embezzlement, it was hinted , in the book, that Parris and his friend, Drake McHugh were more than friends. Back in 1942, that wouldn't have been shown in the movie. "Kings Row" was the movie, where Ronald Reagan says "Where's The Rest Of Me ?" which would be the title of his autobiography. I wonder if the operatic scene with Mario Lanza and Licia Albanese will ever be restored to the full scene in "Serenade"?
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Sam Million 05-03-2020
08:46 PM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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JULIE, YOU ARE SO RIGHT ABOUT THE BOOK HAVING LITTLE RESEMBLANCE TO THE MOVIE SERENADE. I JUST FINISHED READING IT AND AM WONDERING WHY WARNER BROTHERS EVEN PAID FOR THE RIGHTS TO IT. THEY COULD HAVE JUST MADE THEIR OWN FILM WITH MARIO. IN THE END JUANA IS SHOT BY A POLICEMAN AFTER HIDING OUT WITH HER MAN FOR A LONG TIME. THE SCENE IN THE FILM WHERE JUANA ALMOST PUTS THE SWORD INTO JOAN FONTAINE DOES OCCUR IN THE BOOK, EXCEPT IT IS A MAN WHO SHE PUTS THE SWORD TO AND KILLS HIM. THE SO-CALLED HEAVY HOMOSEXUAL THEME IS SIMPLY A PARTY THE TWO PRINCIPALS GO TO WHERE THERE ARE GAYS AND CROSS DRESSERS. I WOULD NEVER WANT TO READ THIS BOOK AGAIN!
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Julie Page 05-03-2020
11:57 AM ET (US) IP: 74.79.51.67
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Julie(Suzanne). I've just re-read Mario's boyhood friend Eddie Durso's book about Mario. Someone who knew him and cared for him before fame made him a target for those wanting to make money writing whatever they wanted to about him. These were people who saw him in a different "light". Most of it is such fun to read, but then becomes sad of course. This is the book to read, with Mario as a real "person". Hope everyone will, if you haven't already. A heartbreaker.Sam, I am the one who spoke to Damon about Teitelbaum's book. James Cain also wrote The Postman Always Rings Twice. The book Serenade had little to do with the movie.Len, that makes sense and of course it worked for our Mario.
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Len (UK) 05-03-2020
09:57 AM ET (US) IP: 86.131.250.211
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The Lanza ‘boxer’ stance would meet with the approval of the musical director of the classical choir I belong to. I recall earlier in the year, before Covid-19 arrived and prevented proper practices, he got us to demonstrate good and bad posture for singers.
He asked us to sing a few arpeggios with our arms folded across our chest. We than had to repeat with our arms spread wide. The open chested stance supports a much richer sound.
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Sam Million 05-02-2020
10:25 PM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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I AM ABOUT ONE THIRD INTO THE NOVEL "SERENADE" AND SO FAR THERE IS NO RESEMBLANCE TO THE LANZA MOVIE. EXCEPT THE GIRL'S NAME IS JUANA AND THE MALE IS A BARITONE WHO SANG OPERA PROFESSIONALLY. AND THEIR CAR GETS CAUGHT IN A STORM AND THEY TAKE COVER. OVERALL IT IS FAIRLY DULL. I DIDN'T REALIZE CAIN WROTE NOVELS THAT BECAME GREAT FILMS, LIKE MILDRED PIERCE (WHICH DID WONDERS FOR ANN BLYTH'S CAREER).
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Kristine Cimmy 05-01-2020
06:32 PM ET (US) IP: 96.59.1.174
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Max Baer also knew Mario. It seems every singer has certain way of singing. Bobby Darin used to raise his shoulders, up and down, while singing. Connie Francis sometimes would raise her hand, arm up and down. On "I Love Lucy", Desi Arnaz sang "El Relicario", with a similar stance like Mario Lanza. By the way, that was on the "Vitameata Vegimen" episode.
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Dennis1 05-01-2020
05:38 PM ET (US) IP: 76.126.57.19
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I, too, assumed Mario's posture was a residue from his conditioning sessions with Robinson, and likely the source of his love and appreciation of boxing. I was never a singer, but don't voice teachers and coaches teach posture as part of the art/science of singing? For you singers out there, what would your mentors think of this posture versus the normal one? Would they say it inhibits your breathing? or diaphragm control? or ?????
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Sam Million 05-01-2020
10:37 AM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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HI MARTINO. YOU NOT ONLY EXPLAINED IT THOROUGHLY BUT YOU MADE ME THINK OF A COUPLE THINGS I DIDN'T THINK ABOUT PREVIOUSLY. OF COURSE I ALWAYS EXPECT THAT OF YOU! VERY NICE PHOTO TOO.
I BETTER THINK OF ANOTHER TOPIC BECAUSE I THINK THAT AFTER YOUR GREAT POST NO ONE ELSE IS GOING TO RESPOND.....
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Martino1 05-01-2020
09:40 AM ET (US) IP: 104.255.4.145
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An example of Lanza's "boxer stance".
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Martino1 05-01-2020
09:39 AM ET (US) IP: 104.255.4.145
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Sam, I've noticed Lanza's "boxing stance" a few times. I don't really know why he took that stance sometimes but I think it goes back to his days with Terry Robinson, maybe even before because Mario was always a big boxing fan. Robinson was associated with boxing all his life. I think he was a golden gloves champion and was qualified as a boxing judge. He also taught Mario to box as part of their training routine. When the great heavyweight, Rocky Marciano, was in the area he stayed with Mario at his home. So boxing was very much a part of Lanza's life and might even have been considered a hobby. But that does not explain why a singer would use a sporting stance that obviously has nothing to do with singing.
If you want to read body language into it you could say Mario was preparing to be aggressive, as one would do when preparing to defend from an attack. This is the stance you take when you are ready to fight. Many people think Lanza singing style was "aggressive" so that makes sense. Personally, I just think it was a matter of balance. I think maybe Mario thought singing was very much like a sporting event where balance means everything and there is no better body position for balance than the boxer stance. Lanza knew this perfectly well because of the boxing training he received from Terry Robinson. That stance gives the singer (or the boxer) a solid foundation for the high Cs or the left hooks - it takes about the same energy to do both. Well, that's just my opinion for what its worth.
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Sam Million 05-01-2020
08:03 AM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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I STARTED GETTING TIRED OF COMING HERE EACH DAY AND HAVING MY LAST MESSAGE STARING ME INTHE FACE. SO, I HAVE A NEW TOPIC:
I HAVE ALWAYS LOVED THE WAY MARIO USES HIS "PRIZE FIGHTER'S" STANCE WHEN HE SINGS. I WONDERED IF ANYONE KNOWS HOW THIS STARTED AND WHEN HE FIRST USED IT? DO YOU THINK THIS POSE DETRACTS FROM HIS SINGING? (WHEN I WAS YOUNG AND DIDN'T KNOW MUCH ABOUT THIS LANZA GUY, I USED TO SHAKE MY HEAD WHEN HE DID THE POSE--I ADMIT IT!)
I CAN THINK OF NO OTHER SINGERS WHO HAVE THIS POSE. CAN YOU? EITHER WAY, IT IS NOW A FINE ADDITION WHEN YOU ARE SEEING MARIO SING. IT EMPHASIZES HIS PASSION, WHICH HE HAD IN SPADES, GOD BLESS HIM.
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Sam Million 04-28-2020
12:28 PM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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I DON'T KNOW IF THIS WILL WORK FOR YOU, BUT ROSS MILLS IN ENGLAND SENT ME A SHORT CLIP OF MARIO SINGING "COME PRIMA" FROM THE BLU RAY FTFT. YOU CAN SEE SUCH DETAIL AS THE CROSS BARS ON HIS SHIRT.
https://jumpshare.com/v/gQU3WFLzQYxuOZnxV6Ey
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Sam Million 04-28-2020
10:00 AM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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I HAVE THIS NOTE OF CLARIFICATION FROM DEREK McGOVERN: "Mario was not "fat and drunk" at his
s second Albert Hall concert. That was more complete BS from Teitelbaum. Mario was in severe pain during the concert because of his damaged ribs from his fall outside Lana Turner's London home the day before, but there is numerous testimony (including one person I know who he was at both Albert Hall concerts) that he sang well and was in good spirits.
Dennis: I TRIED MAKING MY TYPE LARGER BY ZOOMING IN AND APPARENTLY I AM ALREADY AT THE HIGHEST SETTING.
AND I HAVE SOLVED THE PROBLEM OF NOT BEING ABLE TO PLAY THE BLU RAY "FOR THE FIRST TIME". I SIMPLY ORDERED A REGION FREE NEW DVD PLAYER! I DID NOT LIKE MY OLD ONE ANYWAY AS IT MADE LIFE DIFFICULT BY REQUIRING SEVERAL PRESSES OF BUTTONS TO OPEN AND CLOSE THE DVD TRAY AND EVEN TO TURN THE UNIT OFF.
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Valeria Pugiotto 04-28-2020
07:54 AM ET (US) IP: 93.42.98.163
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Sam, in my case, I take biographies with a pinch of salt. Any biography. Regarding Mario’s biographies, naturally I tend to prefer those written by people who actually knew him. However, even those contain flaws and inaccuracies (I cannot get over Callinicos’ description of Mario’s death and last words, for example, since Mario died alone). Knowing human nature, and being academically trained and minded, I tend to be very skeptical unless something is proven to me beyond all doubts. Furthermore, I have a very deep respect and consideration of one’s own privacy. This is more of a philosophical point of view. I am a fan and naturally I am curious to know more about Mario the man. However, I am also very much aware of the fact that being dead, he cannot defend himself, AND that he was human, like us, and, beside his amazing voice and passion, he had his own flaws and limits. Therefore, I may read, and I have done so, his biographies, but I chose not to judge Him as a person, because any writer will add some of himself in his book in terms of opinions, omissions, additions, and because who are we to judge somebody we never met. I actually think that judgement belongs to God only anyway.... I admire, I love Mario’s voice, and I greatly respect the man he was, with his light and darkness. I love his zest for life! He was an artist, and as such, he was ‘more’ than anybody else. He did what did, and that was his own choice. He was true to himself, even in his darkest moments, and I fear very few people really understood and appreciated who he really was. Let him rest in peace. We are lucky we can still enjoy his beautiful voice. And I am happy my 16 years old son enjoy listening to him almost as much as I do. I rest my case. Edited 05-13-2020 01:33 AM
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Martino1 04-27-2020
08:46 PM ET (US) IP: 104.255.4.145
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Since we have been on the subject of the MET Gala from a couple nights ago, I wanted to go back and hear some of the renditions to make sure I heard what I thought I did at the time. One I had to listen to again was Piotr Beczala's "Recondita Armonia" from Tosca. It was so bad that I described it as "barking" in my earlier review.
I could not believe it was Piotr singing because he is one of my favorite tenors and has always sung at a high quality. Well, no surprise it is on youtube and I had to check it out again. Sure enough, it was as bad the second time around as the first.
I decided to compare it back to back to the wonderful rendition of Mario Lanza. E'lucevan le stelle has always been the Tosca aria to go to when speaking of Mario Lanza. He sang it beautifully and often but his Recondita Armonia is, in my opinion, equally good. Listen for yourself and compare. The first rendition is Mario and the second link is Beczala.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wbhaXl7elVI
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1ve6NfXIrRA
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Dennis1 04-27-2020
07:46 PM ET (US) IP: 76.126.57.19
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Sam, there is a small video store in California where I live, that can transfer European format tapes and CDs to American format. Perhaps they can do it with BluRay disks as well? Check it out in your area. It is costly, but I don't think you would mind paying if you can get that Lanza film. Right?
By the way, I have a couple of friends with lessening vision. Rather than typing in all caps which is more difficult to read, and sometimes confusing, they just magnify the fonts on their screen to read them easily. Works for incoming data, of course, but also for emails and other messages when you write.
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Dennis1 04-27-2020
07:40 PM ET (US) IP: 76.126.57.19
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Maritino, what a delightful reference to the link on Erin Morley. Who wouldn't be mesmerized by her demeanor, her voice, and even her piano playing! It would have been enough just to listen to her singing—she is that good. Great find. Hope they don't take it down again.
By the way, I also do not applaud behavior which is promiscuous and adulterous. I have lost much respect for Domingo, for example, because of these now substantiated actions of his in the past, especially with women not in a position to resist easily. In Lanza's case, my tenuous connection to his personal life is that I am friends with a woman who as a girl used to play with the Lanza children when living in their neighborhood. My image of their family and their loving relation with the grandparents would be impacted if Mario were the womanizer that some allege, despite being undoubtedly handsome and attractive. No excuse.
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Sam Million 04-27-2020
07:16 PM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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HERE IS A DOWNER. I HAVE BEEN WAITING WEEKS FOR THE ONE AND ONLY BLU RAY MARIO LANZA FILM. FOR THE FIRST TIME. COMES FROM GERMANY. I LITERALLY FLEW DOWN TO OUR THEATER AND PUT IT IN THE MACHINE ONLY TO HAVE A MESSAGE THAT SAYS "THIS DISC WILL NOT PLAY DUE TO REGION CODE OF YOUR DVD PLAYER" OH, I'VE BEEN STABBED IN THE CHEST. NATURALLY I AM DOING EVERYTHING POSSIBLE TO GET REGION O, WHICH IS WHAT THE PLAYER NEEDS TO RUN THE DISC. APPARENTLY EVERYONE IN NORTH AMERICA HAS REGION A. WITH THE WORLD GETTING SMALLER AND SMALLER, THIS SEEMS RIDICULOUS. ONE LADY WHO HAD THE SAME PROBLEM SAID "IT'S LIKE THE NAZI'S!"
VALERIA: WHEN WE GET TOO SERIOUS, THE FUN GOES SOUTH. BY THE WAY, WHEN DAMON TOLD YOU NOT TO READ THE BERNARD BOOK, I CAN UNDERSTAND PERFECTLY WHY. I WOULDN'T WANT ANYONE TO DOWN MY FATHER EITHER. WITH SO MANY YEARS THAT HAVE GONE BY SINCE MARIO'S PASSING I THINK IT GETS HARDER AND HARDER TO SORT OUT THE TRUTH FROM THE LIES. THIS IS PROBABLY WHY I LIKE THE CALLINICOS BIOGRAPHY SO MUCH AND HAVE READ IT MULTIPLE TIMES. HE WAS THERE WHEN IT ALL HAPPENED. I LOVE THE BIOGRAPHIES BY DEREK MANNERING AND OF COURSE ARMANDO AND EVEN BESSETTE. BUT NONE OF THEM WERE THERE, WERE THEY?
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Martino1 04-27-2020
06:07 PM ET (US) IP: 104.255.4.145
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Yes, Kristine, Erin Morley is an established star at the MET and considered one of the best of the current coloratura sopranos in the world. I recall her singing performances at the MET with Elina Garanca and in the HD telecast as "Olympia" in Tales of Hoffmann with Vitorio Grigolo. I did not know much about her but I think she won the Richard Tucker award early in her career. After being impressed by her during the Gala, I found out while doing a little research that she has a couple of kids and is married to a law professor at the Yale School of Law. Obviously a very successful and talented couple, each in their own way.
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Kristine Cimmy 04-27-2020
03:40 PM ET (US) IP: 96.59.1.174
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Erin Morley has a great voice ! Does she sing at The Met ? Jane Powell sang that aria in the movie "Athena". On the subject of "Athena", it was ahead of its time, about health foods, body-building. Steve Reeves was one of the body-builders, in the movie, and this is where he was discovered for the "Hercules" movies. There' s a photo of Mario and Betty Lanza visiting Steve Reeves on the set of "Hercules". Debbie Reynolds didn't want to film "Athena", but was under contract to M-G-M, was obligated to film it.
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Valeria Pugiotto 04-27-2020
03:32 PM ET (US) IP: 93.42.98.163
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Martino, I agree with you 100%.
Thank you for writing it.
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Sam Million 04-27-2020
03:31 PM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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LET'S MOVE ON TO LIGHTER MATERIAL, OKAY?
YOU WILL ALL LOVE THIS. YOU SEE, YOU NEVER WILL KNOW WHAT IS BURIED AWAY IN OUR HOUSE. I JUST WENT DIGGING AND FOUND A LARGE MARIO LANZA POSTER FROM "BECAUSE YOU'RE MINE". READY FOR THIS? IT READS: "THE BIG MARIO LANZA MUSICAL" AND THEN--HOLD ONTO YOUR HATS-
-IT SAYS "GREATER THAN THE GREAT CARUSO"!!
BTW, IF YOU ARE WONDERING WHY I USE CAPS ALL THE TIME. IT IS NOT BECAUSE I AM SCREAMING, BUT RATHER BECAUSE MY EYESIGHT IS SOMEWHAT POOR.
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Martino1 04-27-2020
02:31 PM ET (US) IP: 104.255.4.145
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I disagree Sam. I don't care how handsome a "devil" you are there is no "Bravo" for anyone being promiscuous or committing adultery. I don't know or care if Lanza had affairs, frankly it is none of my business but if it had been proven it is nothing to be proud of and only diminishes his reputation.
As Domingo and Grigolo can attest, diminishing your reputation in this manner is not only a personal embarrassment but it adversely impacts your professional life as well. In Lanza's case the man is dead so there is no reason whatsoever to continually tarnish his legacy with such things, no matter if they are true or false.
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Sam Million 04-27-2020
02:09 PM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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OKAY MARTINO, I FINALLY FOUND IT. I SUSPECTED IT HAD TO BE SOMETHING SEXUAL. TODAY THINGS LIKE THIS SEEM A LOT WORSE THAN THEY DID YEARS AGO. HOW OFTEN DID YOU HEAR WOMEN ACCUSING MEN OF SEXUAL MISCONDUCT? THEY KEPT IT SECRET AND TO THEMSELVES. MARIO WASN'T A SEX OFFENDER BUT HE SURE HAD HIS SHARE OF WOMEN. BRAVO, MARIO, YOU WERE A HANDSOME DEVIL. ADD TO THAT THE BEST VOICE EVER AND ITS NO WONDER THE WOMEN WERE FALLING ALL OVER HIM. IF I WERE HOMOSEXUAL I PROBABLY WOULD HAVE FALLEN FOR HIM TOO, LOL, LOL.
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Barbara Clifton 04-27-2020
11:28 AM ET (US) IP: 23.127.59.195
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Thanks for Morley's video, Martino. Very nice.
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Martino1 04-27-2020
09:23 AM ET (US) IP: 104.255.4.145
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What do you know! Erin Morley's video is back up on youtube. Here it is but better check it out soon because it may be taken down again at any moment.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tPC487S4nvA
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Sam Million 04-26-2020
10:00 PM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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DOING IT "LIVE" MAKES IT ALL THE MORE FANTASTIC.
JUST STARTED TO READ CAIN'S "SERENADE" IT LOOKS FASCINATING. MORE TO COME ON THAT.....
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Martino1 04-26-2020
07:46 PM ET (US) IP: 104.255.4.145
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Sam, dig a little deeper on google and you will find article after article about Domingo's personal problems prior to his bout with the Caronavirus. We talked about this while you were gone from the forum and I see no sense going through all of that again now, especially since a simple search will give you all the details your heart desires. Also, I don't know his current health status but I'm sure we would have heard if his condition became worse.
The Corelli "recording" you heard needs just a little more elaboration. It is a recording of course, but it is a live stage recording, not a studio recording. That is a huge difference and one that needs to be highlighted. Some tenors that have the ability to do what Franco did so frequently, might try it now and then when making studio records. They could go take after take until they got it right. The recording you heard was live in front of thousands of people in an opera house - and he did it night after night, impossible though it seems. That alone shows the incredible confidence he had in his technique.
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Kristine Cimmy 04-26-2020
07:01 PM ET (US) IP: 96.59.1.174
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Any news about Placido Domingo ? Has he recovered from corona virus ? Brian Stokes Mitchell had it and is recovering at home. He was in revival of "Kiss Me, Kate" on Broadway and did a concert version of "South Pacific" with Reba McEntire on PBS TV. Howard Keel mentioned Mario Lanza and Terry Robinson in his autobiography "Only Make Believe". He wrote that Lanza had his eye on Amanda Blake(later, Miss Kitty on "Gunsmoke")and he, Howard Keel, had an eye for Kathryn Grayson. This is what they write in tell all books. By the way, there's a comic book version of "Singin' In The Rain" on Ebay. The artwork is great, only they can't draw someone singing and dancing in a comic book, so , the song and dance numbers were left out. I wonder if there were any comic book versions of Mario Lanza's movies ? I glanced at Damon Lanza's book, with Bob Dolfi, Mark Muller,"Be My Love", about his dad. The comic strip, Beetle Bailey, made reference to Mario Lanza . I remember, years ago, Johnny Hart's comic strip "B.C." had a reference to Mario Lanza. An Archie Comic Book, from 1950, had references to Mario Lanza "The Toast of New Orleans", and "Nancy Goes To Rio"(Ann Sothern, Jane Powell, Barry Sullivan). Al Capp never made a reference to Mario in "Li'l Abner", but I remember there were references to Liberace, a caricature of Cary Grant, and a parody of Elvis.
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Sam Million 04-26-2020
04:04 PM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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HI MARTINO. I SAW THAT GRIGOLO WAS FIRED FOR "INAPPROPRIATE" BEHAVIOR. AND REGARDING DOMINGO, I SEE HE HAS THE CORONA VIRUS. MAYBE THOSE ARE THE TWO THINGS YOU SPOKE OF. CORELLI RECORDING FANTASTIC!
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Martino1 04-26-2020
07:47 AM ET (US) IP: 104.255.4.145
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Sam, I suggest you Google Domingo and Grigolo. You will learn more than you want to know about their actions that have resulted in the MET (and other venues) dismissing them from future performances.
The magical diminuendo by Franco Corelli can be found here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xslJO4YfgLw
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Sam Million 04-26-2020
07:23 AM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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IF YOU HEARD THE MET SHOW YOU KNOW THEY ARE GOING TO REPEAT IT AGAIN TODAY. IT IS A SHOW NOT TO BE MISSED IF YOU ARE ANY KIND OF OPERA FAN.
MARTINO: I HAD NO PROBLEM WITH THE PICTURE QUALITY. I THOUGHT IT WAS CLEAR. SAME WITH THE SOUND, WHICH POSSIBLY WAS MORE GEARED TO THE TREBLE END DUE TO, AS YOU SAID, THE SMALL MICS.
NETREBKO IS MY CHOICE FOR BEST PERFORMANCE/VOICE OF THE NIGHT. AND I'M NOT EVEN A BIG FAN OF SOPRANOS! MY FIRST LOVE HAS ALWAYS BEEN TENORS. IRONIC, SINCE I AM A BARITONE.
I, TOO, WAS ONLY FAMILIAR WITH MAYBE 25 PERCENT OF THE FORTY VOCALISTS. THAT MADE IT MORE INTERESTING, THOUGH, AS I AM A BIG FAN OF HEARING NEW VOICES BOTH TRAINED AND UNTRAINED.
WHAT PERSONAL INDISCRETIONS REGARDING GRIGOLO AND DOMINGO?
I ALWAYS HAVE ADMIRED SINGERS WHO CAN ACCOMPANY THEMSELVES. HECK, I HAVE ENOUGH TROUBLE JUST GETTING A SONG OUT WITHOUT WORRYING ABOUT PLAYING AN INSTRUMENT CONCURRENTLY.
I WAS IMPRESSED WITH THE COUNTER TENOR. HIS IS A FREAKY SOUNDING VOICE BUT QUITE LOVELY.
MY NEXT STOP IS TO HEAR CORELLI DO THAT DIMINUENDO! THANKS FOR THE REVIEW.
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Martino1 04-26-2020
12:34 AM ET (US) IP: 104.255.4.145
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Too bad, no sooner did they post the Morley video on youtube they took it right down. I don't know why unless it was done by the MET.
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Martino1 04-25-2020
11:33 PM ET (US) IP: 104.255.4.145
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They have already posted Morley's Gala performance on youtube. Here she is:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cg5BgsPDaZY
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Martino1 04-25-2020
11:17 PM ET (US) IP: 104.255.4.145
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I just finished watching the MET gala and I think it deserves a short review at least because this had to be one of the major undertakings in MET history. Dozens of opera stars performing live from their homes via live stream from every corner of the world.
I watched the four hour telecast primarily because I have never seen in person many of the singers who performed. In fact, I have not even heard some of them sing at all and knew of them only by reputation. It was indeed a treat to be able to finally see and hear them.
Most of the major singers of the world were represented. Notable exceptions were Grigolo and Domingo who would have most assuredly have been included had it not been for personal indiscretions. The other was Florez and why he was not included is anyone's guess.
Let me get the negatives out of the way first. The pictures were skype quality, some a little better, some a little worse. Being streamed from someone's home via computer is never going to be very good. The sound was worse, much worse. The greatest voices in the world should have been reproduced better but again, the PC microphones are tiny and such voices will sound distorted at best. At the worst, which was usually the case, they sounded like they were singing in a 55 gallon drum. The accompaniment was not good either. Some singers had a pianist, violinist, harpist, whatever, while some singers accompanied themselves. Others still used Iphone music to sing to. But overall, under what would have been impossible circumstances just a few years ago, I give kudos to all of them for their valiant effort.
As I said, most of the major singers were represented. Garanca proved once again why she is the "Carmen" of her generation with a wonderful "Habanera". Netrebko (conveniently saved till the end) was in fine voice as usual. The great tenors of the day were well represented with the high note specialists front and center. Lawrence Brownlee and Javier Camarena tossed off high Cs in their living rooms that had to have shattered their windows. Other tenors included Fabiano, Alagna, Costello, Kauffmann, among several others.
The best performance by a tenor, in my opinion, was by Joseph Calleja singing the beautiful romance from Romeo et Juliette, "Ah! leve toi soleil". He even ended the aria with a seldom heard diminuendo. It was nothing like Corelli of course but then again, there will never be a diminuendo in this aria to match Corelli. The worst, which surprised me, was Piotr Beczala, who barked his way through "Recondita Armonia" from Tosca. And "barking" is being kind.
The pleasant surprise of the evening was soprano Erin Morley. She sang the difficult coloratura aria, "Chacun le sait" from La Fille du Regiment. Her voice was stunning and pure and she tossed off the most difficult passages with aplomb, including a monster of a high D at the end. She accompanied herself on the piano which had to have made her singing even more difficult. I hope to hear from her again - and often.
All in all a most pleasant evening of wonderful singing enhanced by the rare, personal atmosphere of seeing and hearing these great voices not in costume but in street clothes in their own homes looking just like you and me. But when they opened their mouth it was clear they were blessed.
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Fred Day 04-25-2020
08:58 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Sam: By the way, Jim Thompson had, and perhaps still has, a fine baritone singing voice. I used to be his piano player in the late 1960's and early 70's. We had many a good time in those days. Ah...the memories!! Ciao.
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Sam Million 04-25-2020
07:13 PM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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I HAVE VERY LITTLE TO SAY ABOUT THE LAST FORTY PAGES IN THE BERNARD BOOK. IT READS LIKE A GREEK TRAGEDY WITH MARIO GOING FROM ONE DRUNKEN BINGE TO ANOTHER AND BETTY IN HER OWN VORTEX. HOW NUMEROUS WERE THE CONCERTS HE HAD TO CANCEL. ONE BRIGHT SPOT WAS HIS PERFORMANCE AT THE ROYAL ALBERT HALL AS THE RECORDINGS PROVE. BUT FOR THE SECOND ALBERT HALL APPEARANCE HE WAS FAT AND DRUNK. IT BECOMES CLEAR THAT TEITELBAUM CONTINUALLY CAME TO MARIO'S DEFENSE AND MARIO TIME AND TIME AGAIN SWORE HE WOULD BE "GOOD". THEY WERE LIKE TWO CHILDREN PLAYING A GAME. BUT THE GAME STOPPED WHEN MARIO WENT INTO THE VALLE GIULLIA CLINIC AND WAS TOLD HIS HEART WAS WRECKED AS WELL AS HIS LIVER. THE BLOOD CLOT IN HIS LEG TRAVELLED TO HIS HEART AND THE GAME WAS FOREVER OVER.
BY THE WAY, JIM I WANT TO TELL YOU HOW MUCH I ALWAYS ENJOYED YOUR SPEAKING AT THE MANY LANZA BALLS I ATTENDED. YOU ARE ASTUTE AND HAVE A TERRIFIC WAY WITH AUDIENCES.
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Valeria Pugiotto 04-25-2020
05:42 PM ET (US) IP: 5.90.153.12
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Sam, that book is really trash. As you can see, a lot of us really do not see the need to talk about it. There is always a point beyond which one should not go. Edited 04-25-2020 05:45 PM
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Sam Million 04-25-2020
03:12 PM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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YOU ARE UNFORTUNATELY BARKING UP THE WRONG TREE, JIM. YOU SEE JEFF RENSE LOVED AL TEITELBAUM AND WAS VERY UPSET AT HIS PASSING. LIKE I SAID, I HAVE ONE MORE CHAPTER TO WRITE AND THEN WE CAN GO BACK TO NORMAL WHATEVER THAT IS. LIKE HEARING THE BLUE TAPE, MANY FANS SEE MARIO AS A REGULAR GUY. A GUY WHO OFTEN GOT HIMSELF INTO BIG TROUBLES, BUT NEVERTHELESS HE IS A HUMAN BEING.
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Len Thompson 04-25-2020
02:54 PM ET (US) IP: 24.38.229.151
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This is Jim Thompson. A retired radio and TV broadcaster..news and entertainment and "interview" programs. I told myself a few days ago, after commenting on Sam Million's "reporting" on that paperback from years ago, that I would refrain from posting. You are not a reporter, Sam and it is a disgrace to this site to put out, as I wrote the other day, the crap you are distributing. Can we expect to draw new Lanza fans should they read what is currently being seen on the site? It may mean nothing to you coming from me, Jeff, but I am deeply disappointed in what is being allowed to be seen here in the same breath as the name of Mario Lanza.
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Sam Million 04-25-2020
01:56 PM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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THE MET STREAMING PROGRAM HAS BEEN ON SINCE ONE PM. THERE ARE FORTY (!) SINGERS SCHEDULED TO PEFORM FROM THEIR HOMES. AND THEY ARE EVEN PRESENTING THE ORCHESTRA. YOU GOTTA LOVE TECHNOLOGY. IF NOT SURE, GO TO METOPERA.ORG
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Sam Million 04-25-2020
08:57 AM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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HI DENNIS,
I AM ABSOLUTELY JUST REPORTING. I STARTED DOING THIS AWHILE BACK AND AM GOING TO CONTINUE UNTIL THE END OF THE BOOK . I HAVE ONLY ONE MORE TO DO.IF ANYONE IS OFFENDED, JUST SKIP MY POSTS. I'LL BE BACK WITH BETTER MATERIAL. I PROMISE.
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Dennis1 04-25-2020
02:26 AM ET (US) IP: 76.126.57.19
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Sam, I can't tell if you are just reporting on the contents of the book or starting to believe what is in there. It is evident why so many Mario experts dismiss this book as unreliable. Not something I am interested in reading.
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Sam Million 04-24-2020
11:00 PM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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THAT SURPRISES ME FRED. I GUESS HEARD OUT OF CONTEXT THEY SEEMED DIFFERENT. GLAD YOU KEEP ME ON MY TOES! NOW, ON ANOTHER SUBJECT, I HAVE THE NEXT TO LAST POST ABOUT THE BERNARD BOOK.
. I AM MORE THAN TWO THIRDS INTO THE BERNARD BOOK.
IT IS GETTING VERY DEPRESSING. FROM THE BIG LAS VEGAS FIASCO WHERE BETTY NEARLY KILLED HERSELF WITH OVERDOSES TWICE TO MARIO DRINKING SO MUCH THAT HE WAS IN A STUPOR AND HAD TO BE WALKED AROUND TO KEEP HIM AWAKE. HE KEPT VOMITING LARGE AMOUNTS OF LIQUOR. ALL THE WHILE REPORTERS CALLED HIM A PHONY AND THAT HE WAS FINE. HIS THROAT WAS SO BAD HE WAS ADVISED TO NOT SING OR RISK PERMANENT DAMAGE. TEITELBAUM PUT UP MONEY FOR HIM QUITE A FEW TIMES. ESPECIALLY TO BUY THIS HOME THAT WAS LIKE A PALACE AND WAS GOTTEN CHEAP SINCE THOSE MANSIONS HAD FALLEN OUT OF STYLE. TIME AND TIME AGAIN MARIO PROMISED TO BE GOOD AND NOT DRINK OR TAKE DRUGS. AND TIME AND TIME AGAIN HE FAILED. HE GOT INVOLVED WITH A WOMAN NAMED TINA (WHO I HAD NEVER HEARD OF BEFORE) WHO APPARENTLY WAS A SEX FIEND WHO FELL IN LOVE WITH MARIO AND TOLD PEOPLE HE WAS A GREAT LOVER AND HAD HUGE “EQUIPMENT”. BETTY WAS SO OUT OF IT THAT IT WAS EASY FOR MARIO TO HAVE THESE DALLIANCES. I WAS AMAZED THAT THE PRODUCERS OF SEVEN HILLS OF ROME HAD MARIO CHECKED OUT BY THEIR DOCTOR AND WAS PRONOUNCED TO BE IN PERFECT HEALTH. ON THE OTHER HAND TEITELBAUM’S DOCTOR SPOKE THE TRUTH AND SAID IF MARIO CONTINUED THE WAY HE WAS GOING HE WOULD BE DEAD IN TWO YEARS. UNFORTUNATELY FOR US AND THE WORLD, HE WAS RIGHT.
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Fred Day 04-24-2020
08:26 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Sam: The US Navy "Your Star Time" show used songs from the Coke Show. Lanza's 2 songs are the same from both shows. Ciao.
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Sam Million 04-22-2020
10:35 PM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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AND WHY NOT AN ENCORE. THIS IS FROM JANUARY 1958 ON BRITISH TV. BOTH "SOFTLY AS IN A MORNING SUNRISE" AND I'M FALLING IN LOVE WITH SOMEONE". NOT HIS BEST ON EITHER SONG BUT THEY HAVE THEIR GREAT MOMENTS AND BOTH END IN GLORIOUS HIGH NOTES.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5phQBizLbdI
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Sam Million 04-22-2020
10:03 PM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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From Valeria's Facebook forum, this delightful performance of "All the Things You Are" by our Mario. This is different than any movie or Coke show song of the same title. Enjoy this and look at the great still of Mario while you relax to it:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=noC7X7GVdH...kcbwpzjaIChYQTNd0jU
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Martino1 04-22-2020
08:13 PM ET (US) IP: 104.255.4.145
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To go along with my previous post about the MET's stream of their "virtual" Gala on the 25th, you might also be interested in this:
https://operavision.eu/en/library/%C3%93peras
It is a free opera streaming service that brings you HD telecasts from various opera houses around the world. I may have mentioned this site a while back. Some are Eurotrash but there are a few very good performances to choose from. By "Eurotrash" I do not mean to pass harsh judgement on the artistic quality of the performance or the dedication of the artists, it is simply a term used to describe operas performed in periods other than as written and intended by the composer. This usually diminishes the overall production (hence the term "Eurotrash") depending on how wild and free a hand the director has but as always, it is a subjective thing. Browse their library and you might come up with some interesting performances.
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Martino1 04-22-2020
11:07 AM ET (US) IP: 104.255.4.145
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Sam, yet another example of how well Lanza would have sung Cavaradossi in Tosca. I think this would have been one of his most successful roles.
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Martino1 04-22-2020
11:03 AM ET (US) IP: 104.255.4.145
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I received this email the other day and will post it here for anyone interested in watching this Gala.
The Metropolitan Opera
SATURDAY, APRIL 25 | 1PM EDT
In our most ambitious effort yet to bring the joy and artistry of opera to audiences everywhere during the current health crisis, the Met will present a star-studded virtual gala Saturday, April 25, at 1PM, featuring more than 40 leading artists performing in a live stream from their homes all around the world. The event will be available for free on the Met’s website, and will be hosted by General Manager Peter Gelb and Music Director Yannick Nézet-Séguin from their homes in New York City and Montreal, respectively. Mr. Nézet-Séguin will also participate as a pianist and as conductor in pre-recorded performances by the Met Orchestra and Chorus, created from individual takes from the homes of each of the musicians.
This Gala is generously sponsored by Mercedes T. Bass and Rolex.
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Sam Million 04-22-2020
06:42 AM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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IT HAS COME TO MY ATTENTION THAT THERE ARE TWO VERY FINE AND RARE OUTTAKES FROM SERENADE WITH MARIO SINGING:
1-ONE IS THE SOFTER AND SWEETER VERSION OF THE SONG SERENADE. I WENT TO THE YOUTUBE LINK AND DISCOVERED IT IS THE SAME RECORDING WHICH MARIO SINGS AS HE IS APPROACHING THE CONVERTIBLE TO LEAVE. EVEN IF YOU THOUGHT IT WAS DIFFERENT, THE DEAD GIVE AWAY IS THE APPLAUSE AT THE END.
2-THIS OUTTAKE IS INDEED RARE. IT IS A DUET WITH JEAN FENN. SHE SANG WITH MARIO IN THE SCENE WHEN VINCENT PRICE IS AROUND. I HAVE ALWAYS CRINGED A LITTLE AT THIS PIECE SINCE MARIO IS STRAINING AND HIS FINAL NOTE IS VERY THIN. BUT NOT THIS RECORDING. LISTEN:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U6ef0dJKCH...qnc-id0NN8bN5pjrDsc
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Valeria Pugiotto 04-22-2020
12:47 AM ET (US) IP: 5.90.152.129
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Kristine, I do not think Mario would have agreed to play an homosexual character anyway.
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Sam Million 04-21-2020
07:59 PM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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JULIE, I DON'T UNDERSTAND EXACTLY WHAT YOU ARE ASKING OF ME? PLEASE LET ME KNOW.....
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Julie Page 04-21-2020
07:56 PM ET (US) IP: 74.79.51.67
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Why,Sam?
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Kristine Cimmy 04-21-2020
06:25 PM ET (US) IP: 96.59.1.174
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Even if Mario Lanza had accepted to play the homosexual tenor in "Serenade", there was still the censorship system, which wouldn't have allowed it, unless , it was subtle. For instance, in the movie "Strangers On A Train" starring Farley Granger, Robert Walker, some say, Walker's character was, but it wasn't obvious. I think, Mario's fans didn't want to see him in a drama, though, "The Great Caruso" had serious dramatic scenes. Of course, we have heard about his not liking Joan Fontaine. Jimmy Stewart visited the set of "Serenade". He was friends with director Anthony Mann . There is a photo of the three of them, on the set. Jimmy Stewart probably knew Mario, anyway, from M-G-M. When Mario was in the Army, out in Hollywood, for "Winged Victory", Hollywood Soprano, Irene Manning tried to help him, brought him to Warner Bros. But Jack Warner wondered how can I put a heavy weight tenor on the screen ? A few years later, when M-G-M released "That Midnight Kiss", Jack Warner was amazed at Mario Lanza's transformation. Sarita Montiel made two more movies " Vera Cruz" with Gary Cooper and Burt Lancaster and a movie with Rod Steiger, which had the word "Arrow" in the title. I think she was the sister of Mexican actress, Maria Felix.
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Vincent Ricciardi 04-21-2020
09:30 AM ET (US) IP: 68.132.96.21
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Weight does matter a bit. It changes the timbre of a voice. Singing opera is turning your body into an acoustic instrument and the more you have to resonate the richer the sound. 10-20 lbs won’t change the sound much, but 100 lbs certainly will. Think about a cello. A cello with a larger body will resonate with a richer sound, even if the strings are the same length. So Mario at 230 lbs will have a slightly richer sound than Mario at 160 lbs.
My guess though is he felt stronger while heavy due to the methods they used to make him loose weight, rather than the weight itself. If you’re only taking in 500 or so calories a day and working out to burn 1500-2000 calories a day in order to drop weight fast you have no fuel in the tank. Opera is an extremely physical activity. You need energy to sing well for a prolonged period of time. Hour long studio sessions can be exhausting if you’re singing big arias the entire time and trying to launch out high Cs and Bs over and over again. You need the stamina to do that, and if you’ve been running 5 miles a day and barely eating you’d be exhausted.
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Valeria Pugiotto 04-21-2020
12:30 AM ET (US) IP: 5.90.159.176
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Sam, you mentioned one important detail that should show you how biased and inaccurate this book is: where was Terry Robinson?
I have read this book (for some reason I actually have 2 copies of it), and then put it back in my library thinking ‘That’s another book written to cash on Mario...’.
I think it should be considered fiction.
There are facts, but you cannot really take the author seriously.
If Mario and/or Betty would have been still alive, they would have started legal proceeding against A.T.
I am amazed Damon and his brother and sisters did not do it.
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Sam Million 04-20-2020
08:26 PM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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UPDATE: I HAVE ABOUT 75 PAGES LEFT TO GO IN THE BERNARD BOOK. WHAT I HAVE BEEN READING STARTS WITH THE DEBACLE THAT WAS THE FIRST "SHOWER OF STARS" SHOW. APPARENTLY MARIO'S DOCTOR TOLD HIM HE SHOULD NOT SING, AS OTHERWISE HE COULD HARM HIS THROAT PERMANENTLY. MARIO POOH POOHED THIS AND SAID HE WOULD DEFINITELY SING. HOWEVER HE BROKE DOWN AND THEN DECIDED HE COULDN'T SING. SOMEONE HAD THE BRILLIANT IDEA TO HAVE MARIO LIP SYNCH TO HIS RECORDINGS. MARIO AGREED AND TOLD THE NEWSPAPER PEOPLE HE RECORDED THESE ONLY TWO DAYS AGO. LIE AFTER LIE, AS THE CBS NETWORK GOT SPOOKED AND WENT WITH THE LIP SYNCH FORMAT. JAMES BACON, OFTEN AN ACE REPORTER WHO HAD EXCELLENT SOURCES FOR SNIFFING OUT LIES, CONFRONTED BOTH MARIO AND THE NETWORK. MARIO WENT ON, VERY NERVOUS, AND SANG WELL BUT CAME OFF AS STIFF. TEITELBAUM DIDN'T MENTION THIS BUT I REMEMBER THAT THE OTHER PERFORMERS (LIKE BETTY GRABLE) USED LIP SYNCHING AS WELL. (LET'S STOP A MINUTE SO I CAN ASK WHERE THE HELL WAS TERRY ROBINSON IN THIS NARRATIVE?) NOT ONE MENTION OF HIS NAME GRACES THE BOOK THUS FAR. THE PRESS DIDN'T BELIEVE THAT MARIO COULD SING ANYMORE NO MATTER WHAT THEY WERE TOLD. MARIO AGREED TO GIVE A PRIVATE CONCERT AND SAID "I'LL SHOW THEM---AFTER A FEW HIGH NOTES THEY WILL SEE THAT I HAVE NOT LOST MY VOICE". WELL, THEY ALL CHEERED HIM AND HE SMILED POLITELY BUT AFTER THEY LEFT HE WENT ON A RANT. INCIDENTALLY, THESE SHOWS PAID ABOUT 50,000--A SUM THAT DIDN'T REMAIN IN MARIO'S HANDS VERY LONG AS THE IRS TOOK IT TO WHITTLE DOWN HIS HUGE BACK TAXES. FOR THE SECOND SHOWER OF STARS, THIS TIME LIVE AND ALTHOUGH NERVOUS HE SANG MY FAVORITE "SOME DAY" FROM THE VAGABOND KING. FOR SHOW HE WAS PAID AGAIN AND ALSO GIVEN TWO BRAND NEW CHRYSLER AUTOS. ONE FOR HIM AND ONE FOR BETTY. THEY ENDED UP SELLING ONE CAR AND KEEPING THE OTHER. SEQUE TO WARNER BROTHERS AND THEIR INTEREST IN FILMING "SERENADE". THEY WANTED TO STICK TO THE ORIGINAL CAIN BOOK WITH THE HOMOSEXUAL THEME. "LANZA IS NO FAGGOT" WAS MARIO'S ANSWER. THEY BROUGHT IN NEW WRITERS AND DOWN THE LINE THE SCRIPT WAS APPROVED. MARIO WAS OVERWEIGHT AGAIN BUT HE PREFERRED THAT WIEGHT WHEN MAKING THE SOUNDTRACK RECORDINGS. PERSONALLY, I DON'T THINK WEIGHT MAKES ANY DIFFERENCE--EXCEPT NEGATIVELY AS BREATH CONTROL COULD BE AFFECTED. MARIO HAD IT IN FOR JACK WARNER AS HE REMEMBERED THAT LONG AGO WARNER SAID HE SHOULD BE IN RADIO (BECAUSE OF HIS BULK). MARIO AND HE GOT ALONG FROM THAT TIME ON AND WB WANTED TO DO MORE MOVIES WITH HIM. HOWARD HUGHES WAS IN THIS MIX AS HE HAD PROMISED MARIO FIFTY PERCENT OF THE TAKE IF HE WENT WITH HUGHES. NOTHING WAS HEARD FROM THE HUGHES PEOPLE AFTER MARIO GAVE THEM A WEEK DEADLINE TO TAKE OVER OR ELSE HE WOULD GO TO WB. WB AGREED TO THE CONTRACT LANZA HAD TURNED OVER TO HOWARD. "SERENADE" WAS MADE IN 1955 BY WARNERS. I HAVE A BLACK AND WHITE PHOTO OF MARIO WALKING AROUND THE STUDIO WITH HIS KIDS HAND IN HAND. I USED THAT VERY SAME PHOTO TO MAKE A COLOR LANZA STANDEE THAT WAS EXACT IN DETAIL, COLORIZED, AND MADE AS TALL AS MARIO. THE MUSUEM HAS ONE AND I HAVE THE OTHER, ALONG WITH THE RIGHTS TO PRODUCE MORE. BUT AT 175.00 A STANDEE, NO ONE HAS EVER ORDERED ANOTHER. MANY TOP NAMES WERE HIRED FROM THE DIRECTOR ANTHONY MANN TO THE COMPOSERS OF NEW SONGS FOR THE FILM LIKE THE TITLE SONG AND "MY DESTINY". FANS LIKE US FEEL THIS IS HIS BEST ACTING AND ARGUABLY BEST FILM NEXT TO GREAT CARUSO. HIS SINGING WAS EXCELLENT. WAS THERE EVER A BETTER TORNA A SURRIENTO?( I HAVE NOTICED THAT MARIO'S SPEAKING VOICE WAS DARKER AND LOWER THAN IN ANY OTHER MOVIE HE MADE). THE PUBLIC DIDN'T AGREE AND THE MOVIE DIDN'T DO VERY WELL AT THE BOX OFFICE. CERTAINLY THE VHS TAPE AND DVD SALES WERE GOOD. HOW DID THIS POOR RECEPTION AFFECT MARIO? I THINK IT WAS PART OF THE IMPETUS THAT SENT HIM AND HIS FAMILY PACKING FOR ROME. SO, I STOP HERE AND WILL READ MORE. I LEFT OUT ONE PARTICULARLY HARROWING EVENT FOR FEAR THAT I WOULD BE CRITICIZED FOR GETTING INTO IT. AT THE TIME BETTY WAS TAKING LOTS OF DRUGS AND MARIO WAS HEAVILY DRINKING. WHAT A PAIR! BETTY WAS RAVING ABOUT MARIO BEING BAD AND GRABBED SCISSORS AND WAS INCHES AWAY FROM SHOVING THE SCISSORS INTO HIS THROAT WHEN AL CAME AND STOPPED HER. BOTH OF THE LANZAS WERE PUT IN THEIR BEDROOM AND AL KEPT WATCH OVER THEM BY PHONE. HE AND HIS WIFE SYLVIA WERE COMPARATIVELY IN WORSE SHAPE THAN MARIO AND BETTY, THEY WERE SO SHAKEN BY THIS. THE NEXT DAY MARIO, IN AN ATTEMPT TO TAKE CONTROL, THREW AWAY ANY BOTTLES OF LIQUOR IN THER HOUSE INCLUDING BOTTLES HE HAD HIDDEN. STAY TUNED.....
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Sam Million 04-19-2020
08:12 PM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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I'M ABOUT HALF WAY THROUGH THE BERNARD BOOK. MUCH CENTERS AROUND THE STUDENT PRINCE DEBACLE AND THE DAYS AFTER THAT WHEN HE HAD BIG PROBLEMS WITH THE IRS. HE RE-SIGNED WITH RCA RECORDS AND THEY URGED HIM TO PICK MUSIC. HE HAD A VERY CLOSE BOUT WITH DEATH DUE TO HIS DRINKING, EXTREMELY HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE, AND LIVER DISEASE. HE WENT INTO A PRIVATE ASYLUM WHERE HE HAD ALL MALE NURSES WHO WERE INSTRUCTED NOT TO GIVE IN TO ANY PLEAS FOR ALCOHOL, WHICH MARIO MADE MORE THAN ONCE. HIS BLOOD PRESSURE RETURNED TO NORMAL, HE DROPPED A LOT OF WEIGHT, AND HE WAS EXERCISING. ONE OF THE EXERCISES HE SAID HE'D LIKE WAS TO "EXERCISE" WITH WOMEN. TEITELBAUM WAS SADDENED BY THIS LINE OF THINKING. MARIO TOLD HIM THAT EACH TIME HE MADE LOVE, HE WAS MORE IN LOVE WITH HIS WIFE. AL COULDN'T UNDERSTAND THE LOGIC AND NEITHER CAN I. TIME PASSED AND IT WAS NOT EASY BEING MARIO LANZA AS NO MOVIE STUDIO WOULD TOUCH HIM. ALL FEARED THAT WHAT HAPPENED WITH MGM WOULD HAPPEN TO THEM. MARIO BORROWED HEAVILY FROM AL, WHO ALWAYS WAS THERE WITH THE MONEY AND WAS VERY CASUAL ABOUT BEING PAID BACK. HE SIMPLY SAID THAT WHENEVER HE COULD, MARIO WOULD PAY HIM BACK. MARIO AT ONE POINT INSISTED THAT AL TAKE TEN PERCENT OF ALL HIS EARNINGS. AS IT WAS BETWEEN WEILER, VOCAL TEACHERS, ETC, HE WAS ALREADY SEEING ONLY HALF OF WHAT HE EARNED. AL POINTED THAT OUT TO HIM AND STEADFASTLY REFUSED TO TAKE A PERCENTAGE. OVERALL, MOST OF WHAT I HAVE READ IT PRETTY GRIM STUFF AND I AM WAITING FOR THE "TENOR" OF THE NARRATIVE TO BRIGHTEN UP.
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Julie Page 04-18-2020
03:51 PM ET (US) IP: 74.79.51.67
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Bill. I am so sorry to hear of the loss of Mario's true Russian supporter. We can't afford to lose anyone in our group, of course inevitable at this point. Damon advised me once not to read the Teitelbaum book, so I haven't. He was certainly a true friend! When money's involved anything goes. How do we know how true it all is? Men like to show off for other men, Mario no exception. Didn't Mario testify for him? Was he here to defend himself? Didn't think so. Thanks, for the comment, Valeria.
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Sam Million 04-18-2020
08:34 AM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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VALERIA: IT MIGHT BE JUST THAT: SCANDALOUS AND NOT ACCURATE. I FEEL, THOUGH, THAT I AM JUST A REPORTER WHO SHARES WHAT HE HAS DISCOVERED. SO, IT WOULD BE NICE IF PEOPLE DIDN'T "SHOOT THE MESSENGER" AS THEY SAY. I TAKE THE TIME AND TROUBLE TO POST BECAUSE I TRULY ENJOY WRITING. IF ANYONE FEELS UNCOMFORTABLE ABOUT MY WRITING ALL THEY HAVE TO DO IS IGNORE IT. AL JOLSON USED TO SING A TUNE THAT BETTER CONVEYS WHAT I AM SAYING. THE SONG WAS: "LET ME SING AND I'M HAPPY". IT IS A WONDERFUL COMPOSITION. GUARANTEED TO MAKE YOU SMILE, TRY IT ON FOR SIZE:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=70cvxN9D4A4
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Valeria Pugiotto 04-18-2020
01:11 AM ET (US) IP: 5.90.152.27
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I consider that book pure garbage.
Mario was no saint, but remember Al Teitelbaum took advantage of Mario in every possible way. When there is money involved, most people would be prepared to do anything in order to gain as much as possible.
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Sam Million 04-17-2020
07:18 PM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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LEN: I DON'T WANT TO DWELL ON ANY "CRAP" AS YOU CALL IT. IF INDEED MATT BERNARD WAS TEITELBAUM, HE WAS A VERY CLOSE FRIEND TO MARIO AND WAS THERE TO SEE WHAT WAS GOING ON. JEFF RENSE THOUGHT VERY HIGHLY OF HIM AND WHEN HE DIED, JEFF WAS QUITE SADDENED. SO......
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Len Thompson 04-17-2020
06:29 PM ET (US) IP: 24.38.229.151
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Whatever I write here I am not putting the words down to start any sort of argument with anyone. I think it is time to stop so the "crap" about Mario. The man was born, lived, gave the world his God given talent and died. Can't we just listen to that unique voice and enjoy reading, with our personal thoughts, the wonderful books written about him by intelligent authors? Stay safe and healthy.
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Sam Million 04-17-2020
05:39 PM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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JUST FOR FUN, I DUG OUT THE LANZA BIOGRAPHY IN SMALL PAPERBACK EDITION ENTITLED SIMPLY MARIO LANZA BY MATT BERNARD. OVER THE YEARS, THIS WORK HAS BEEN CRITICIZED FOR ITS OFTEN BITING CRITICISM OF LANZA. SOME LIKE JEFF RENSE FEEL IT IT TRUTHFUL. OTHERS WOULD RATHER SEE IT BURNED. NOW, AM I RIGHT IN SAYING MATT WAS JUST A PEN NAME AND THAT THE WRITING WAS DONE EITHER BY AL TEITELBAUM OR HIS WIFE? THE PREFACE IS PARTICULARLY HURTFUL. EACH CHAPTER IS ONLY A FEW PAGES LONG, SO THE READ IS VERY EASY. ONE CHAPTER TELLS OF MARIO'S BET THAT HE COULD MAKE LOVE TO TWELVE WOMEN, ONE AFTER THE OTHER. ACCORDING TO THE STORY, HE WON THE BET. MORE TO FOLLOW AS I DELVE INTO IT.
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Vincent Ricciardi 04-16-2020
07:17 PM ET (US) IP: 68.132.96.21
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Got a call from a client of mine who had cancelled our scheduled concert due to COVID-19. They asked if I had the equipment to do a short live performance from home. We ended up settling on a pre-recorded concert, because right now we are without a sitter to watch our rather hyperactive toddler (he's like his dad). Our video premiers on our YouTube channel on Friday April 24th at 7:30PM. I think it came out really nice.
https://youtu.be/GqzKP6iKqVk
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Sam Million 04-16-2020
12:42 PM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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OKAY FRED, LET ME CORRECT MY POST AND SAY "HEARING" REGARDING THE" BLUE SHOW".
I POSTED THIS ON THE FACEBOOK MARIO LANZA SITE AND WILL REPEAT IT HERE FOR YOU. I URGE YOU TO JOIN VALERIA'S SITE AS IT IS QUITE NICE:
I AM CURIOUS TO KNOW IF ANYONE ON THIS FINE LANZA SITE HAS ANYTHING THAT ONCE BELONGED TO MARIO--A PIECE OF CLOTHING, A PIECE OF JEWELRY, ETC. I PURCHASED FROM JEFF RENSE ONE OF MARIO'S BLUE JACKETS. IT IS SIGNED ON THE LABEL INSIDE WITH HIS TAILOR'S NAME AND IT EVEN HAS SWEAT MARKS UNDER THE ARMS. UNFORTUNATELY, I CANNOT WEAR IT. I DON'T HAVE THE 50 INCH CHEST THAT MARIO HAD. I DON'T THINK I EVEN WANT TO MEASURE MY CHEST. THAT WAY NO ONE CAN LAUGH AT ME, LOL.
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Kristine Cimmy 04-15-2020
09:59 PM ET (US) IP: 96.59.1.174
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Another song, Mario didn't sing, "La Paloma". Also, "El Rancho Grande"(I think, Tito Guizar sang that). "Perfidia" , another song. So far, there hasn't been a collection of Mario Lanza's movies in one DVD Package. I wonder if that will happen ?
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Fred Day 04-15-2020
09:49 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Sam: There is nothing to "see" on the "blue show". It is audio only, not video. It is hilarious, but I seldom listen to it - perhaps once a year. Another Spanish song that Lanza could have done superbly is Amapola. However, Jan Peerce recorded it, half in Spanish and half in English. That is probably why Lanza never recorded it. I would love to have heard Lanza sing Jealousy. But it was a hit for Frankie Laine, so that is why Lanza didn't do it. Had the Coke Show run for another year, he might have sung some of these. Pity. Ciao.
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Sam Million 04-15-2020
04:47 PM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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BILL, I DID NOT KNOW HER BUT SHE SOUNDS LIKE A TRUE FAN. SORRY TO HEAR OF HER PASSING. TO ALL WHO POOH POOHED SEEING OR NOT SEEING THE LANZA BLUE SHOW, I HAVE ONE QUESTION: HOW CAN YOU IN GOOD FAITH CUT DOWN A SHOW WITHOUT EVER SEEING IT? THAT'S LIKE BEING BLIND ON PURPOSE. OTHERS AND YOURS TRULY FEEL THIS IS THE ONLY WAY YOU CAN DETERMINE SOMETHING---BY HEARING IT FIRST HAND. I REALLY DON'T WANT TO ARGUE AND GO BACK AND FORTH, BUT WHAT I SAY IS WORTHY OF CONSIDERATION. I ALWAYS PUT THE LOVE OF THE LANZA VOICE FIRST. IF THE VOICE CAME ALONG WITH TANGENTS, THEN THAT IS LIFE. Edited 04-16-2020 12:13 PM
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Kristine Cimmy 04-15-2020
03:53 PM ET (US) IP: 96.59.1.174
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RIP, Liubov Eveleva. Mario Lanza never sang "Guadalajara". I think, Tito Giuzar may have sung it, as did Desi Arnaz . Elvis sang it in his movie "Fun In Acapulco". I just bought Damon Lanza's book "Be My Love" co-written by Bob Dolfi, Mark Muller. The photos are great ! It looks like an interesting book. I wonder why, at the time, Damon Lanza wasn't on talk shows, promoting it ?
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Bill Ronayne 04-15-2020
12:17 PM ET (US) IP: 68.192.186.75
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Sad news to report, Liubov Eveleva, who ran and I believe founded the Mario Lanza Fan Club in Russia, passed away on March 13th of a sudden illness (not coronavirus). She was a big fan of Mario's and promoted him in her country. She often traveled to other countries for Mario Lanza events and was at the recent Mario Lanza Ball Weekend this past November in Philly. RIP. Best, Bill
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Len Thompson 04-15-2020
11:30 AM ET (US) IP: 24.38.229.151
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Imagine a CD of Zarsuelas ! We would have said...Ay, Ay, Ay! I forgot about "Valencia". Always good to read your thoughts.
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Martino1 04-15-2020
11:21 AM ET (US) IP: 104.255.4.145
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Jim, I have often wondered why Mario did not sing more in Spanish, particularly songs from the Zarzuela. There are dozens of songs from this genre of music that are well suited to the tenor voice, as demonstrated by the numerous recordings by Domingo and other Latino singers. Mario would have sung these songs beautifully but as far as I know, he never stepped foot in this kind of music during his entire career except maybe once - "Valencia" (which he also sung in English).
In fact, there are very few Italian tenors who sing more than just a song or two from the Zarzuela. Gigli and Schipa were exceptions and recorded more than a few Zarzuela but still far shy of what they could have sung. Maybe it is because Italian tenors are content to stick with Neapolitan songs. A shame too because anyone who knows Italian can sing Spanish with little difficulty. Both are Romance languages anchored in Latin. You can listen to all kinds of Zarzuela songs and arias by searching on youtube. You will quickly hear how wonderful these songs are and imagine how well Lanza would have sounded singing them.
As far as Siboney and Besame Mucho are concerned, I am sure Lanza would have had no problem agreeing to sing them in Spanish, but I'll bet you a small amount of change that the recording producer insisted they be sung in English. They were popular songs at the time and many "pop" vocalists sang them, but most of them sang the tunes in English. I have to think the producers wanted that as well with Mario in order to reach the most English speaking audience they could in the U.S.
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Len Thompson 04-15-2020
08:57 AM ET (US) IP: 24.38.229.151
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Good morning from Connecticut! I agree with you, Martino, on the blue tape. Here is what I wanted to pass on as we talk about Lanza the singer. I was listening to his recordings on the Lanza Songbook CD and I wondered why Mario did not sing "Siboney" and "Besame Mucho" in Spanish. He sang very well in that language in the fun "Ay, Ay, Ay" and in "Granada". There were three words he slightly mispronounced in the Lara song but, of course, the rendition is not touched by any other singer. I woder if it was suggested to him about the language and he possibly felt it was easier to sing them in English. Enjoy them anyway!
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Sam Million 04-15-2020
07:29 AM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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WHAT GOOD NEWS! THERE IS ACTUALLY A BLU RAY DVD NOW AVAILABLE FROM GERMANY OF FOR THE FIRST TIME. IT IS SUPERIOR BY FAR TO THE AMERICAN VERSION. FOR SOME REASON I CANNOT POST THE LINK HERE, SO THOSE INTERESTED PLEASE GIVE EMAIL ME AT SMS@BEE.NET AND I WILL SEND YOU THE LINK. THIS IS EXCITING SINCE I NEVER THOUGHT WE WOULD SEE A LANZA FILM ON BLU RAY. YOU MIGHT REMEMBER THAT ELISSA WAS PROMISED THAT THEY WOULD DO A BLU RAY OF THE GREAT CARUSO QUITE AWHILE BACK BUT THAT NEVER HAPPENED. SO, NOW HERE IS YOUR CHANCE TO UPGRADE A GOOD BIT.
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Sam Million 04-14-2020
10:09 PM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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ONE QUICK NOTE, POINTED OUT TO ME BY DEREK MCGOVERN. MARIA MARGELLI WAS TWENTY YEARS MARIO'S SENIOR SO IT IS VERY UNLIKELY THAT SHE HAD ANY SEXUAL FEELINGS FOR HIM OR VICE VERSA.
I SPENT A WONDERFUL HOUR PLAYING THE BEST OF AL JOLSON LP. MAN COULD THAT GREAT TALENT PUT A SMILE ON YOUR FACE. HE WAS ONE OF THE GREATS. AND HIS MUSIC IS SO WELL KNOWN THAT YOU WANT TO JUMP UP AND SING ALONG WITH HIM. I WENT TO SINGSNAP AND DID JUST THAT FOR SONGS LIKE CALIFORNIA HERE I COME, ANNIVERSARY WALTZ, TOOT TOOT TOOTSIE, APRIL SHOWERS, MAMMY, AND MANY MORE. I RECORDED IT ALL ON CELLPHONE SHOULD ANYONE WANT A SAMPLE OF THE FOUR SIDES OF THE RECORD.
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Sam Million 04-14-2020
11:56 AM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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I CAN TOTALLY UNDERSTAND YOUR POSITION. MAYBE I SHOULD HAVE EXPLAINED FURTHER THAT IN ADDITION TO HIS SWEARING LIKE A SAILOR, THERE ARE A GOOD NUMBER OF ATTEMPTS TO SING, WHICH WOULD BE "NEW MUSIC TO YOUR EARS". THE FRIEND OF MINE IN ST. LOUIS AND I ONCE AGREED THAT IF MARIO FARTED ON TAPE, WE WOULD WANT TO HAVE IT. AND MY POSITION ON THAT HAS CERTAINLY NOT CHANGED. THERE ARE SO FEW NEW THINGS WE CAN COME UP WITH TO THE POINT THAT FOR THE MOST PART THERE IS NO HOPE OF FINING ANYTHING NEW. YOU MIGHT RECALL THAT BOB DOLFI, WHEN HE WAS ALIVE AND YEARS AGO, WOULD NOT PAY WHAT A SCALPER WANTED FOR NEVER HEARD LANZA TRACKS HE FOUND IN THE TRASH OF SOME STUDIO. TOO BAD, HUH?
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Martino1 04-14-2020
08:26 AM ET (US) IP: 104.255.4.145
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I'll give you my position on the "blue tape", Sam. It is something I said a long time ago and my feeling has not changed. I have never heard the so called "blue tape" and have never sought it out because I have no interest in it. Not that I am prudish, far from it in fact, but I just have no interest in seeking it out. That does not mean it should be burned, censored or anything of the sort. It is an individual thing. Listen to it if you want, or don't - I don't care one way or the other. Am I going to learn anything from this tape? I doubt it. Would it be entertaining? Maybe for a moment or two, perhaps even a chuckle, then again, probably not. It is just one of those things I don't care about.
I am curious about a lot of things involving Mario Lanza but that curiosity does not extend to his use of foul language or displays of temper. I know he used foul language and so have I, in fact I use it like a sailor every day with every one foot golf putt I miss!! I know what that is about all too well and I don't care at all if Lanza used those words. His mother might have cared but I don't. It does not change my opinion of him in the least. That is my position but even if people choose to go there, I don't think it is anything worthy enough to dwell on. Certainly not like his singing that we can spend an eternity analyzing, talking about and debating. That sort of thing interests me far more than a few four letter words here and there for the simple reason that I learn nothing from hearing them. On the other hand, I learn something new almost every time I hear Mario Lanza sing. That is what is interesting and entertaining to me.
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Sam Million 04-14-2020
08:14 AM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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FORGOT TO ADD THAT THE SECOND PART IN THE THREE PARTS I HAVE HAS EZIO PINZA SINGING---I KID YOU NOT--THE "SHIT SONG". IT IS HILARIOUS.
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Sam Million 04-14-2020
08:12 AM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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THIS MIGHT BE OLD HAT FOR SOME, BUT FOR NEWER MEMBERS HERE I HAVE A PIECE THAT IS VERY NAUGHTY. IT IS CALLED THE "LANZA BLUE TAPE SHOW". IT WAS A SPECIALLY PREPARED SHOW DONE BY THE PEOPLE WHO PRODUCED THE SUCCESSFUL LANZA RADIO SHOW IN 1951. PEOPLE LIKE ANNOUNCER BILL BALDWIN. THEY GOT TOGETHER AND PUT TOGETHER THIS TAPE WHICH THEY HANDED OVER TO MARIO AS A GIFT. WARNING: THIS CONTAINS NOT ONLY CURSING BUT SEXUAL BEHAVIORAL MATERIAL. I THINK IT IS A BALL TO HEAR SINCE IT SHOWS MARIO LETTING DOWN HIS HAIR (AND WHAT HAIR HE HAD. LOL) AND SIMPLY BEING A GUY WHO COULD BE IN A MEN'S LOCKER ROOM.
ANOTHER WARNING: IF YOU THINK THIS MIGHT CHANGE THE WAY YOU FEEL ABOUT MARIO, THEN YOU SHOULDN'T LISTEN. I ALSO HAVE TWO OTHER SERIES. ONE CONTAINS THE DEBONAIR BING CROSBY MAKING UP DIRTY WORDS TO SONGS HE MUFFS. AND THE OTHER HAS HIGHLIGHTS SUCH AS THE FIVE PRIVATE RECORDINGS MARIO MADE FOR HIS THEN CLOSE FRIEND (SOME SAY MISTRESS) MARIA MARGELLI. LOTS OF INTERESTING THINGS, NO?
NOTE: I TRIED TO POST THE URL HERE BUT IT WILL NOT COPY. SO, IF YOU WANT TO HEAR ANY OF IT, JUST SEND ME AN EMAIL ADDRESS AND I WILL SEND DIRECTLY TO YOU. MY EMAIL IS SMS@BEE.NET.
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Sam Million 04-13-2020
10:13 PM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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I WONDER IF ANY OF YOU HAVE SEEN THE WONDERFUL SERIES CALLED "THE BEST OF ED SULLIVAN"? THERE ARE APPROXIMATELY EIGHT DVDS, ALL OF WHICH HAVE STARS OF THE PAST WHO APPEARED ON HIS SHOW THAT RAN 23 YEARS, AN AMAZING FEAT. ONE IS ALL ELVIS, ANOTHER HAS OPERATIC STARS LIKE BEVERLY SILLS, AND SO ON. THESE CAN ALL BE FOUND ON AMAZON.COM.
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Kristine Cimmy 04-13-2020
06:11 PM ET (US) IP: 96.59.1.174
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Mike, L.I. : Years ago, there was a thought of "Golden Boy" being re-made with Mario Lanza, playing a boxer, who had an operatic voice, but chose to be a boxer. Clifford Odets(who wrote the play "Golden Boy")thought Mario Lanza was a good actor ! Sammy Davis, Jr. did a Broadway Musical version of "Golden Boy" in the 1960's. John Payne, not only handsome, had a classically trained voice, was in a movie called "Kid Nightingale"(1938)where he played a boxer with a singing voice. In the remake of "Kid Galahad", Elvis was a boxer, but did sing some tunes in it. In the movie "The Prizefighter and The Lady"(1933) even Max Baer performed in a song and dance scene with chorus girls. By the way, Max Baer knew Mario Lanza.
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Sam Million 04-13-2020
03:49 PM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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I AM GOING TO GIVE A QUICK REVIEW OF THE THREE NEW SEPIA CDS I RECEIVED A COUPLE DAYS AGO. FIRST, KEEP IN MIND THESE HAVE THE BEST SOUND QUALITY OF ANYTHING YET TO BE RELEASED. MOST RECORDINGS ARE FLAWLESS WITH NOT A SPECK OF BACKGROUND NOISE OR CLICKS OR POPS, NOTEWORTHY BECAUSE THEY WERE SOURCED FROM EXISTING LPS. SHIPPED TO YOUR DOOR THEY ARE ONLY ABOUT TEN DOLLARS EACH
1-NEVER TIL NOW: THIS ONE IS COMPRISED OF MANY TRACKS FROM MARIO'S RADIO SHOW. THEY WERE MADE AT RECORDER'S STUDIO WHO DID FIRST CLASS RECORDINGS. HEAR BECAUSE, FOR YOU ALONE, SOME DAY, WITHOUT A SONG, MY ROMANCE TO NAME A FEW. THEN THERE ARE TWO STUDENT PRINCE NUMBERS, NAMELY I'LL WALK WITH GOD AND BEL0VED AND SERENADE. FIRST TWO SONGS WRITTEN FOR MARIO AND ADDED TO THE SCORE. OF COURSE THE TITLE SONG IS THERE. BONUS FEATURES INCLUDE DEEP IN MY HEART, A PARTIAL FILM OUTTAKE AND FINALLY THE THRILLING BECAUSE YOU'RE MINE FROM ROYAL ALBERT HALL.
2-POETY AND PASSION: THIS ONE STARTS OUT STRONG WITH THE NOT SO OFTEN HEARD EARTHBOUND. (F0RGIVE ME FOR NOT USING QUOTATION MARKS, THEY TAKE LONGER) NEXT ANOTHER NOT TOO OFTEN HEARD WONDER WHY. IT CONTINUES WITH THE SONG ANGELS SING, AND MY DESTINY (WHICH MARIO INTRODUCES. I LOVE HIS RESONANT SPEAKING VOICE. HIS ENUNCIATION IS FIRST RATE WHETHER SPEAKING OR SINGING. THE AVE MARIA IS A PREVIOUSLY UNRELEASED FILM OUTTAKE. EL LA SOLITA SARITA IS A LIVE LONDON PERFORMANCE. THIS CD HAS FOUR BONUS TRACKS, WHICH IS A LOT. TWO HOME RECORDED ARIAS WITH MARIO SINGNG FULL VOICED INTO HIS THEN NEW TAPE RECORDER AND CALLINICOS ACCOMPANYING (NOTEWORTHY IS WHAT DEREK MCGOVERN TOLD ME ABOUT MARIO FALLING ON STEPS BEFORE HE RECORDED THIS AND HAD PAINFUL RIBS AS A RESULT). IT ENDS WITH THE LIVE TV PERFORMANCE OF I'M FALLING IN LOVE WITH SOMEONE THAT IS EXCELLENT AND FINALLY ONLY A ROSE TAKEN FROM AN ACETATE. IT IS A GREAT SHOWPIECE WITH A GLORIOUS RINGING ENDING HIGH NOTE.
3-MY ITALIAN SOUL. A TRULY FITTING NAME BECAUSE MARIO HAD SOUL IN SPADES. THE FIRST GROUP OF SONGS ARE TAKEN FROM ONE OF HIS FINEST LATER ALBUMS NAMED SIMPLY MARIO! THEN THE ALBUM SWITCHES GEARS BY INCLUDING SEVERAL TRACKS FROM CARUSO FAVORITES ALBUM. THE LP OF THIS TO ME SOUNDED HARSH AND SOME TRACKS SOUNDED STRAINED. WELL SOME ARE! BUT OVERALL THIS ALBUM IS GIVEN NEW LIFE WITH THE SEPIA SOUND TREATMENT. MARIO MAY HAVE BEEN A BIT TIRED BUT THERE ARE MANY GREAT MOMENTS WORTHY OF SAVORING. TWO BONUS TRACKS, ONE AN EARLY AGNUS DEI AND TWO, A VERY FINE PREVIOUSLY UNRELEASED MATTINATA
I AM GOING TO ADD A FOURTH THAT I DIDN'T PLAN ON REVIEWING SINCE MOST OF IT IS MARIO AT HIS WORST. EVEN SEPIA COULDN'T SALVAGE PERFORMANCES THAT WERE INSTRINSICALY POOR. IT IS THE LATER RECORDING OF THE STUDENT PRINCE. FIRST TWELVE TRACKS ARE FROM THE OPERETTA. HE BARKS I'LL WALK WITH GOD. IT IS MILES AWAY FROM THE 1953 STUDENT PRINCE RECORDING. SUMMERTIME IN HEIDELBERG, BEING A MORE DELICATE PIECE IS NOT BAD. WHEN MARIO RESORTS TO FALSETTO THE SWEETNESS THAT ELUDES SO MANY POPULAR TENORS IS PRESENT. HIGH NOTES IN DRINK, DRINK, DRINK ARE DISTORTED AND SOMEWHAT STRAINED. FORTUNATELY THIS CD GETS MUCH BETTER FOR THE LAST HALF. WHEN GREAT SONGS LIKE MY BUDDY, YOU AND THE NIGHT AND THE MUSIC AND WHERE OR WHEN (TEN TRACKS IN ALL) ARE ALL WONDERFUL.
SEE Y'ALL LATER. IF JUST A FEW OF YOU ORDER THESE DISCS, I WILL BE HAPPY. AND NO, I DO NOT WORK FOR SEPIA. BUT I WOULDN'T MIND WRITING SOME OF THE LINER NOTES EVEN THOUGH IT IS HARD TO BEAT DEREK'S WORK IN THAT REGARD.
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Sam Million 04-13-2020
02:52 PM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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GREAT MARTINO, THAT IS WHAT I WAS LOOKING FOR! THANKS FOR THE EXAMPLE FROM GREAT CARUSO. NOW WE HAVE TWO THAT HAVE THIS CHARACTERISTIC, NAMELY BYM AND GC.
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Mike from L.I. 04-13-2020
01:14 PM ET (US) IP: 108.74.19.115
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Kristine: Isn't there some sort of connection between Serenade and Golden Boy or wasn't there a projected movie for Mario with that name?? I could be totally wrong.
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Martino1 04-13-2020
10:57 AM ET (US) IP: 104.255.4.145
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It is not a theory, Sam, it is a fact. Of course he was singing along to the soundtrack. The best example of this can be found during the filming of the "Sextet" from Lucia. This is from TGC and shows clearly that Lanza was singing along. He may not have been singing at full speed but the diaphragm was in constant movement. That, more than anything else, tells you he was not mouthing the words - he was singing them. Take a look: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WuNUs3Z7f9A
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Sam Million 04-13-2020
09:14 AM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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WHAT, NO TAKERS FOR MY PROPOSED THEORY THAT MARIO MIGHT HAVE BEEN SINGING ALONG WITH THE PRE RECORDED TRACK FOR THE FILM? I JUST LEARNED THAT JUDY GARLAND DID JUST THAT! IF YOU CAN PICTURE IN YOUR MIND'S EYE, THINK ABOUT THE LANZA MOVIES YOU HAVE SEEN AND THINK IF YOU REMEMBER HIM USING THE TECHNIQUE IN ANY OF THEM....
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Sam Million 04-11-2020
10:44 PM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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ANNA AND I DISAGREED OVER WHAT MOVIE WE WANTED TO WATCH TONIGHT. SHE WANTED TO SEE "THIS ISLAND EARTH" AND I DIDN'T. SO SHE STAYED UPSTAIRS AND I WENT DOWN AND TREATED MYSELF TO BYM.
I NOTICED SOMETHING INTERESTING THIS TIME. I KNOW THE STORY GOES THAT MARIO DIDN'T WANT TO MAKE THE MOVIE, SAYING SOMETHING LIKE "YOU CAN'T PUT CARUSO IN THE ARMY". HOWEVER HE DID A FINE JOB ACTING AND THE SINGING IS SUPERB. WHAT I NOTICED IS THAT HIS DIAPHRAGM MOVES EACH TIME HE TAKES A BREATH---LIKE HE IS REALLY SINGING. I'M ASSUMING THAT HE DIDN'T SING ALONG WITH THE PRE-RECORDED TRACK, BUT THE WAY HE TOOK BREATHS WAS VERY EFFECTIVE.
HAPPY EASTER TO ALL.
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Kristine Cimmy 04-11-2020
03:53 PM ET (US) IP: 96.59.1.174
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In the movie "Serenade", Vince Edwards played a boxer, that Kendall Hale just dropped, after she meets Damon Vincenti. Edwards was in "The Three Faces of Eve", then, was cast as Ben Casey. By the way, on You Tube, there's a recording he did, and he had a good singing voice. John Garfield was in "The Postman Always Rings Twice" and was in a stage production of "Golden Boy", before he went to Hollywood. Wasn't Mario Lanza a fan of both Tyrone Power and John Garfield ?
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Mike from L.I. 04-11-2020
02:26 PM ET (US) IP: 108.74.19.115
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Re the impossible dream, for a trained Shakesperian actor, I thought Richard Kiley did a great job! Wasn't Serenade changed from a tenor to a Boxer, or am I confusing it with something else? For some reason, the name John Garfield sticks in my alleged mind.
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Kristine Cimmy 04-10-2020
08:49 PM ET (US) IP: 96.59.1.174
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Maybe "Serenade" lost money, because, perhaps, Mario's fans didn't want to see him in dark dramas, though, it had a happy ending. Dick Powell was lucky, when he made dramas and some comedies, his fans accepted it. Elvis wanted to film more dramas("Wild In The Country" only had a few songs, mostly, it was drama. His first movie"Love Me Tender" was a drama, though, he sang 4 songs). Col. Parker still had him film travel log movie musicals. Frank Sinatra made the transition from movie musicals to heavy dramas. When Deanna Durbin and Gene Kelly filmed "Christmas Holiday", which was a film noir drama, their fans preferred they continue with movie musicals. Gene Kelly was cast in the movie, in exchange loan out, for Turhan Bey to be in M-G-M's "Dragon Seed". Though, Gene Kelly was in some dramas:"The Cross of Lorraine", "The Black Hand", "Inherit The Wind". Even John Payne made the transition from movie musicals to dramas, even was in a t.v. western series "The Restless Gun".
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Kristine Cimmy 04-10-2020
08:38 PM ET (US) IP: 96.59.1.174
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Years ago, I read a book of James Cain's stories. It included "The Postman Always Rings Twice", "Mildred Pierce", "Double Indemnity", and "Serenade". Some trivia: Bonita Granville wanted the part of Veda in movie "Mildred Pierce", but Ann Blyth got the part. The scene at the beach house, in the movie , between Mildred and Monty, was filmed at director Michael Curtiz's house in Malibu. Dick Powell wanted the part of Walter in "Double Indemnity", but Fred MacMurray got the part. Powell wanted to make the transition from crooning in movie musicals to dramas and he would, when he was in "Murder, My Sweet". Happy Easter, Blessed Passover ! Tenor Andrea Bocelli will be singing during Easter and will appear with Lady Gaga, Paul McCartney, Elton John in a concert, on April 18th, MSNBC. Stay safe, stay well.
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Sam Million 04-10-2020
05:25 PM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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I JUST ORDERED FOR FOUR BUCKS SERENADE TO READ AGAIN. AND THIS COPY OF THE BOOK INCLUDED TWO OTHER NOVELS BY CAIN.
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Kristine Cimmy 04-09-2020
11:11 PM ET (US) IP: 96.59.1.174
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Mort Drucker was a great caricature artist !
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Kristine Cimmy 04-09-2020
11:10 PM ET (US) IP: 96.59.1.174
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Originally, "Serenade" was purchased to make a film of it, in 1930's, but Warner Bros. knew there would be a problem with movie censors, at the time, because ,in the James M. Cain novel, the tenor was homosexual. Then, Warner Bros. thought of filming it with Ann Sheridan and Dennis Morgan, but Sheridan didn't want to play a prostitute, in it. Sad news: caricature artist, Mort Drucker passed away at 91. RIP. He drew caricatures for MAD Magazine , in particular, movie parodies. I read he drew caricatures of the stars of "That's Entertainment". I wonder if Mario Lanza was included ? I couldn't find it on Google. Stay safe, well. Blessed Passover and Happy Easter !
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Sam Million 04-09-2020
10:31 PM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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MARTINO, I HAVE TO SAY JIM NABOR'S RENDITION WAS MAGNIFICENT. EVEN VOICE THROUGHOUT, RICH TONE, AND HE KEPT UPPING THE ANTE UNTIL THE END. THANKS FOR SENDING THAT URL.
I HAVE TO AGREE THAT GREAT CARUSO IS MY FAVORITE TOO. I WOULD KILL FOR A BLU RAY OF IT, ESPECIALLY AFTER WATCHING SOMETHING LIKE "STARS AND STRIPES FOREVER", STORY OF JOHN PHILLIP SOUSA. THE COPY WAS STUNNING IN ALL RESPECTS..
I JUST RECEIVED THREE SEPIA RELEASES (REMEMBER SEPIA ACHIEVES BETTER SOUND THAN ANY OTHER RECORD COMPANY. THE TITLES ARE: 1-THE STUDENT PRINCE (THE LATE ONE) 2-MARIO LANZA: NEVER TIL NOW 3-MARIO LANZA: POETRY AND PASSION. MOST DISCS HAVE 23 TRACKS SO THEY ARE A BARGAIN. YOU CAN SEE THEM ALL AND THE TRACK LISTINGS AT SEPIARECORDS.COM
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Fred Day 04-09-2020
08:09 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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I would say SERENADE is a close second to The Great Caruso. I love them both. Ciao.
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Martino1 04-09-2020
12:59 PM ET (US) IP: 104.255.4.145
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I have always like Serenade. It was not as "corny" like a few of Mario's movies were and it represented some of his very best singing and acting on film. For my taste, however, overall I consider TGC to be its superior.
In these dark days many of us have turned to our record collections, youtube and other media sources for songs of inspiration and comfort. I have listened to a few different clips the past couple days and this morning I selected "The Impossible Dream" from Man of La Mancha". I heard various renditions on youtube, including Sinatra, MacRae, Elvis, Goulet, etc. I kept thinking to myself what a great song this would have been for Mario Lanza. The song itself lends itself to almost any style of vocalist but seems particularly well suited to a big, expressive operatic voice. I feel Lanza would have done this song justice and brought his trademark passion and commitment to the text, which is crucial to the success of any rendition of The Impossible Dream regardless the style or type of singer.
I then came upon the rendition I consider my favorite - Jim Nabors, who was known more as a comic actor than singer but who possessed a very fine voice when he decided to use it. I believe the clip I will link below came from one of his Gomer Pyle tv shows. He did not have an operatic voice per se but it was close. His rich baritone and wide vocal range made a great impact - I can't imagine anyone singing the song better (except maybe Lanza but we will never know). In these days of gloom especially I am sure you will be inspired by this song, particularly as sung by Jim Nabors:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Jkkmb6jEAU
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Fred Day 04-09-2020
07:45 AM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Yes, SERENADE was a wonderful film. Pity that it lost money. It has since become a cult classic, more appreciated now than when it was new. Ciao.
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Sam Million 04-09-2020
06:15 AM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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MY FRIEND RON IN ST. LOUIS WROTE TO ME ABOUT "SERENADE" THE FOLLOWING: ONE OF THE PEOPLE WHO WROTE A NEWS STORY ABOUT SERENADE SAID THE FILM LOST 690,000 DOLLARS. (THAT MIGHT HAVE BEEN ONE MORE REASON HE LEFT FOR ROME0. THE REVIEWER ALSO WROTE THAT IT WAS HIS BEST FILM (MOST HERE WOULD AGREE OR SAY IT IS A TOSS UP BETWEEN IT AND GREAT CARUSO. VINCENT PRICE SAID THAT MARIO WAS A GOOD ACTOR, JUST MAYBE NEEDED SOME TRAINING. I THINK MARIO'S ACTING IS VERY GOOD. T THINK OF SCENE IN BYM WHEN SGT WALKS UP TO HIM IN DRAFT ROOM AND TALKS ABOUT HIM MAKING 5,000.OO. MARIO LOOKS AT HIM WITH A PRECIOUS GRIN AND PAUSES AND ADDS "AND SOMETIMES SIXX" NO DIRECTOR COULD HAVE TAUGHT HIM HOW TO SAY AND REACT IN THAT SCENE. IT IS SIMPLY AN EXAMPLE OF MARIO BEING A GOOD ACTOR. THERE WERE SUPPOSEDLY SOME SONGS THAT WERE CUT FROM THE MOVIE. DIRECTOR ANTHONY MANN INCREASED SARITA MONTEIL'S SCREEN TIME SINCE HE WAS HAVING AN AFFAIR WITH HER. THE ORIGINAL BOOK CALLED SERENADE WAS VERY DARK AND HAD HOMOSEXUAL OVERTONES. I READ IT ONCE AND WOULD LIKE TO READ IT AGAIN BUT IT IS LOST SOMEWHERE. LANZA WAS DEPRESSED SOMETIMES WHEN FILMING AND ATE. FOR MOST OF THE FILM HIS WEIGHT IS NOT BAD. BUT THE ONE SCENE AT THE RANCH WHEN HE WAKES UP AFTER HIS ILLNESS, HE LOOKS VERY HEAVY AND BLOATED. HIS SINGING THROUGHOUT WAS EXCELLENT WITH THESE EXCEPTIONS: 1-PINCHED HIGH C IN DI QUELLA PIRA, 2-HIGH NOTE HE HITS FOR MAESTRO IS PINCHED. DEREK MCGOVERN AND SOME OF OUR FRIENDS FEEL THE FINAL SINGING OF SERENADE SHOULD HAVE BEEN REDONE. PROBABLY SO OVERALL, BUT IF ANYONE ARGUES THAT HIS FINAL HIGH C IN THE SONG HAD A BAD ENDING NOTE, I WILL REFUTE THAT AND SAY THE NOTE WAS EXCELLENT AND RINGY AND RESONANT. THE ONLY TROUBLE WITH IT IS THAT IT WAVERED SOMEWHAT. GUESS THAT IS ALL I HAD TO DISCUSS....
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Fred Day 04-08-2020
11:04 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Sam: Yes, "Pal Joey" is a wonderful film, great songs, great cast. Ciao.
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Sam Million 04-08-2020
07:20 AM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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JUST ONE MORE THING.FRED. I HAVE BEEN WRONG ALL ALONG. THE TRACKS ON BOTH RECORDS FEATURING THE ORCHESTRA AND CHORUS WERE NOT...NOT DIFFERENT IN LENGTH. I LISTENED TO BOTH LAST NIGHT. SO, I WILL ADMIT I HAVE TO EAT SOME CROW HERE. THERE ARE ABSOLUTELY NO DIFFERENCES BETWEEN THE LPS, EXCEPT THE PHYSICAL DIFFERENCES OF THE COVERS AND RECORD. THINKING ABOUT IT, THE CHORUS AND ORCHESTRA TRACKS SEEM LONG BECAUSE I "THINK" THAT IN THE ACTUAL FILM THOSE TRACKS WERE NOT USED IN FULL. IF THEY WERE USED, THEN THE MUSIC WAS VERY LOW UNDER THE ACTION. NOW WE CAN PUT THIS WHOLE DISCUSSION OF OURS TO BED.
HOW ABOUT A NEW TOPIC? I WATCHED MY FAVORITE FRANK SINATRA MUSICAL LAST NIGHT ON BLU RAY. THAT FILM IS "PAL JOEY". THE GREAT RODGERS AND HART SONGS TODAY ARE ALL HITS LIKE MY FUNNY VALENTINE, BEWITCHED BOTHERED AND BEWILDERED, LADY IS A TRAMP, AND MORE. THE CAST IS GREAT, STARRING FRANK, RITA HAYWORTH, AND KIM NOVACK. THE PICTURE AND SOUND QUALITY ARE TRULY STUNNING. THIS TITLE AND A FINE CATALOG OF FILMS IS OWNED BY AN OUTFIT NAMED "TWILIGHT TIMES". EVERY DVD OF THEIRS I HAVE SEEN IS SUPERIOR. AND LIMITED TO ONLY 3,000 DISCS PER TITLE. IF INTERESTED GO HERE: WWW.TWILGHTTIMEMOVIES. COM
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Fred Day 04-07-2020
04:06 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Sam: Yes, we have discussed this to death. Enough. Films of Broadway shows usually stick to the original order. Lanza films, however, and the LP's were in different orders. That applies to Student Prince, Serenade, Seven Hills, & FTFT. C'est la vie. Ciao.
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Sam Million 04-07-2020
02:50 PM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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OKAY FRED. HERE ARE THE TRACKS AS THEY ARE ORDERED FOR THE "AMERICAN" FOR THE FIRST TIME:
SIDE ONE (NOT "A" AS LISTED IN THE RARER RECORD). NIT PICKING HERE.
1-COME PRIMA
2-TARENTELLA
3-O SOLE MIO
4-NEAFPOLITAN DANCE
5-HOFBRAU, ETC
6-O MON AMOUR
7-MAZURKA
8-PINEAPPLE PICKERS
THESE ARE IN THE SAME ORDER IN BOTH LPS
SIDE 2:
1-VESTI LA GIUBBA
2-OTELLO FINALE
3-AIDA ACT ONE
4-I LOVE THEE
5-AVE MARIA
THEN THE "AMERICAN" RELEASE SAYS: FROM THE SOUNDTRACK OF THE CORONA (SIDE NOTE--THAT ISN'T KOSHER RIGHT NOW!) FILMS PRODUCTION OF "FOR THE FIRST TIME"
OKAY. LET US SEE WHAT WE CAN DEDUCE FROM THIS:1- THE TRACKS ARE INDEED IN THE SAME EXACT ORDER. MOST OTHER SOUNDTRACKS I HAVE ON LP(MY FAIR LADY, SOUND OF MUSIC, ETC) HAVE THE TRACKS IN ORDER OF THEIR PLACE IN THE MOVIE. 2-THE TRACKS MAY BE IN THE SAME ORDER BUT THE LENGTH OF THE CHORUS AND ORCHESTRA TOGETHER ARE MUCH LONGER THAN THE "AMERICAN "LP. 3-I LOVE THEE DEAR IS COMPLETE, NOT JUST TWO SHORT EXCERPTS AS IN THE MOVIE 4-I AGREE NOW THAT THE "FOREIGN" RELEASE IS AMERICAN WITH SIMPLY DIFFERENT FRONT AND BACK COVERS AND DIFFERENT RECORD LABELS. D5-IT IS LIKELY THAT AVE MARIA IS SLIGHTLY DIFFERENT. 6-I THINK WE HAVE DISCUSSED THIS TO DEATH, LOL!
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Fred Day 04-07-2020
01:48 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Sam: Thanks for the listing. However, this is identical to the original RCA LP. Selections on LP are nearly always in a different order than in the movie. RCA Gold Seal is an American re-release. Ciao.
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Sam Million 04-07-2020
11:15 AM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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HI THERE FRED. YOUR WISH IS MY COMMAND. HERE ARE THE TRACKS AS THEY APPEAR IN ORDER (BUT ARE OUT OF ORDER FOR THE MOST PART FOR THE FILM.
SIDE A:
1-COME PRIMA
2-TARAPNTELLA
3-O SOLE MIO
4-NEAPOLITAN DANCE
5-HOFBRAUHOUS SONG
6-OH BON AMOUR
7-MAZURKA
8-PINEAPPLE PICKERS
SIDE B:
1-VESTI LA GIUBBA
2-OTELLO FINALE
3-AIDA GRAND MARCH TRIUMPHAL SCENE
4-I LOVE THEE (ENTIRE SONG, NOT PARTIAL AS IN MOVIE)
5-AVE MARIA (DERECK MCGOVERN FEELS THIS IS DIFFERENT FROM THE MOVIE
SO THERE YOU HAVE IT. AS I SAID BEFORE THE PLACES WHERE CHORUS AND CHORUS TOGETHER SING ARE LONGER THAN IN THE MOVEI
THE ALBUM COVER IS A SKETCH LIKE RENDITION OF MARIO AND THE RECORD LABEL SAYS "RCA GOLD SEAL"
HOPE THAT HELPS,
CAIO
SAM
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Valeria Pugiotto 04-07-2020
05:19 AM ET (US) IP: 93.42.98.163
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Mario appeared in ‘Life with Luigi’ on November 29,1949. On my FB page I have posted the link. Here I was not able to do it.
I hope you are all well. Here in Italy we are in our 5th week of lock down.
Stay safe. Keep well.
Happy Easter! Buona Pasqua!
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Fred Day 04-07-2020
05:13 AM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Sam: Please list the entire contents of this LP in the correct order. What are the differences from the original LP?? Thanks. Ciao.
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Sam Million 04-07-2020
12:10 AM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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FRED: I POLITELY DISAGREE BECAUSE THE LP IS MUCH DIFFERENT THAN THE REGULAR FTFT AMERICAN RELEASE. I EXPLAINED SOME OF THE DIFFERENCES. HAS SUPERIOR SOUND TOO.
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Fred Day 04-06-2020
04:38 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Kristine: Yes, but Lanza never appeared on the Ed Sullivan show while in the USA. And he did not sing live on that show, when Ed interviewed him in Rome. They played a scene from Seven Hills of Rome. The "Life With Luigi" show is still around. Lanza did that as a favor to J. Carol Naish. Ciao.
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Kristine Cimmy 04-06-2020
03:20 PM ET (US) IP: 96.59.1.174
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Ed Sullivan did have Mario Lanza as a guest. It was televised from Italy and he said he was homesick for America. I also heard, when Marissa Allasio appeared as a guest, to publicize "Seven Hills of Rome", she wore a coat to cover up, because Ed Sullivan thought her cleavage was too low(late '50's still had some t.v. censorship). Lawrence Welk never allowed low cut cleavage, either. It's too bad, Mario Lanza didn't appear on more t.v. shows and t.v. sitcoms, as himself. Imagine if he had appeared on "I Love Lucy", as himself, when the Ricardos and Mertzes visit Hollywood, while Ricky was making a movie. Every time, Lucy Ricardo met a celebrity, disaster struck ! LOL ! Tony Cocozza met both Lucy and Desi. Lucille Ball used to call him "Pops" , as did Elizabeth Taylor. Does anyone know if Radio Spirits , which plays old radio shows, on radio, has the "Life With Luigi" episode, where Mario Lanza appeared as a guest ? Alan Reed(later, voice of Fred Flintstone)was a cast member of it. Did Mario Lanza ever appear on "Burns &Allen" Radio Show ? I know, Lanza was guest with Edgar Bergen and Charlie McCarthy. Everybody, stay well, stay safe. Blessed Passover.
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Fred Day 04-06-2020
02:55 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Jim Thompson: Nice to hear from you again, welcome back. I think Lanza was invited by Voice of Firestone and Bell Telephone Hour to appear on those TV shows, but he was too busy at MGM. And we know he feared singing on live TV, with what happened on the first Chrysler show. Fortunately his second Chrysler show was live. I'm sure Ed Sullivan wanted him also. And of course we know what happened in Las Vegas. It is all a case of missed opportunities, and there were many, sad to say. Ciao.
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Fred Day 04-06-2020
02:38 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Sam: The "For The First Time" LP you mention is the reissue on RCA Gold Seal, with a new cover, but the same contents. Ciao.
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Len Thompson 04-06-2020
12:54 PM ET (US) IP: 24.38.229.151
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It has been a long time since I've been able to post. Reason being I could not get through the "Submit a Message" slot. Again I could not get on with my name, Jim, so I took one of my son's names, Len.
Welcome back has been sent to Sam, I read. I feel the message board has changed in many ways and, to me, not for the better. Mario Lanza is the reason we are interested in this message board and I hope for input again from writers who bring us the Magic Mario we crave for after all these many years.
Short quickies as an example: Hvorostovky's nice comments about Lanza in Dimitry's "Passione" CD. I would hope we would email, call oe write to the Classic Arts Showcase channel based in California. They are good, presenting many, many singers in concerts, making D's, old black and white stuff and, low and behold, once in a great while, Lanza!!! There is much repetition of the same singers and yet the other day they had 3 songs by George London from the Voice of Firestone show..B'way songs.
Anyway, I have wondered why Mario never sang on that show or the Bell Telephone Hour. They were so popular "back then". Mario is an almost daily part of my wife Dima's and my life. It is the music, it is me going through the hundreds of CD's of my Lanza radio show that I am checking for this or that. My producer friend, John Iannuzzi, who worked with me in the news business, suggested doing the shows again. He says there are four stations here in the northeast interested. I'm a little older now and with what is happening in our world, I think I'll hold that thought!
May I wish all of you health and safety in your homes. I pray to God this horror will leave us and our world soon. And in the words of our "Hero"...May I wish you the very best of everything in life always...
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Sam Million 04-06-2020
09:45 AM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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HI EVERY ONE. IF YOU COLLECT LANZA LPS, I HAVE ONE OF "FOR THE FIRST TIME" THAT IS LIKELY FOREIGN WITH THE BEST SOUND I EVER HEARD. IT HAS AN UNUSUAL DRAWING LIKE COVER OF MARIO AND HAS TRACKS OF THE SINGERS AND ORCHESTRA LONGER THAN ANY OTHER. IT HAS A FULL LENGTH" I LOVE THEE", NOT LIKE THE SHORT VERSION IN THE FILM. THE"AVE MARIA" IS DIFFERENT. ODDLY, THE TRACKS ARE NOT IN THE ORDER THAT THEY RUN IN THE MOVIE. YOU CAN FIND IT HERE ON AMAZON FOR ONLY 2.75 USED AND GO UP TO 16.00 LIKE NEW. I HEARTILY RECOMMEND IT!
https://www.amazon.com/First-Time-Original...1586179884&sr=8-220
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Sam Million 04-03-2020
06:34 AM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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HI KRIS. I WISH BRIAN STOKES MITCHELL A SPEEDY RECOVERY. HE HAS A TRULY GREAT BARITONE VOICE. THAT CONCERT RECORDING HE DID WITH REBA MCINTYRE (SPELLING?) IS ABSOLUTELY GREAT. I HAVE RUN THE DVD MANY, MANY TIMES. IF OTHERS AREN'T FAMILIAR WITH IT, GO HERE: https://www.amazon.com/Rodgers-Hammerstein...9856&s=music&sr=1-1
ON AMAZON YOU CAN ORDER Rodgers & Hammerstein's South Pacific: In Concert From Carnegie Hall. I CHECKED AND YOU CAN GET ONE USED FOR AS CHEAP AS 2.79!
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Kristine Cimmy 04-02-2020
11:53 PM ET (US) IP: 96.59.1.174
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Thank you, Fred. I figured that, but wanted to make sure. I only go out for grocery shopping. I cancelled my doctor's appointment, it was re-scheduled, but I have to see if I can even keep that date. Thanks for information about book "Be My Love".
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Fred Day 04-02-2020
10:26 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Kristine: There are important exceptions to "complete lockdown". Such as: grocery shopping, pharmaceutical shopping, and visits to your doctor and your bank. And yes, Damon Lanza's book, "Be My Love", is a lovely book, well worth having. Ciao.
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Kristine Cimmy 04-02-2020
08:44 PM ET (US) IP: 96.59.1.174
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Correction: Julie Bennett was the actress and voice of Cindy Bear, who passed away.
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Kristine Cimmy 04-02-2020
08:42 PM ET (US) IP: 96.59.1.174
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Brian Stokes Mitchell is the latest classical singer to test positive for corona virus. He was in a Broadway revival of "Kiss Me, Kate", a few years ago. He also did a concert version of "South Pacific" as Emile DeBecque with Reba McEntire as Nellie Forbush, on PBS, a few years ago.Get well wishes. The actress, named Hildy, passed away at 80, from corona virus. She was the voice of Cindy Bear, Yogi Bear's love interest in the Yogi Bear cartoons. RIP. Also, playwright, Terrence McNally passed away from corona virus. RIP. Does complete lockdown, mean you can't shop for groceries and medicines, too ? By the way, I saw Damon Lanza's book "Be My Love" about his dad on Amazon.com. Has anyone read it ?
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Bill Ronayne 04-02-2020
05:22 PM ET (US) IP: 68.192.190.115
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The April issue of "The Legacy of Mario Lanza" newsletter has just been published and mailed out. It features coverage of the Mario Lanza Birthday Party from January, a preview of the new Lanza Museum, a look at the various recordings of "A Vucchella" by Lanza and a continued commemoration of the 70th anniversary of the release of "The Toast of New Orleans." Be safe everyone. Best, Bill
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Kristine Cimmy 04-02-2020
01:03 PM ET (US) IP: 96.59.1.174
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Sam, I agree with you.
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Sam Million 04-02-2020
10:58 AM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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HEY LINZ, IF YOU ARE READING THIS I WOULD LOVE TO DISCUSS THE MOST RECENT SEPIA RELEASE WITH YOU. I HAVE TIME TO SPARE THANKS TO CORONA, SO THE TIMING WOULD BE GOOD. SPEAKING OF THAT, I HOPE EVERYONE HERE IS TAKING THIS HORRIBLE DISEASE SERIOUSLY. I DIDN'T AT FIRST EVEN THOUGH ANNA WAS HOUNDING ME ABOUT BEING CAREFUL. WELL, I HAVE CHANGED MY TUNE AS EVERYDAY I SEE THINGS GETTING WORSE AND WORSE. AND THE PRESIDENT'S WAFFLING IS ALMOST AMUSING.
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Fred Day 03-30-2020
02:18 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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I agree with Martino. I also wish Domingo a speedy recovery. Ciao.
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Martino1 03-30-2020
09:13 AM ET (US) IP: 104.255.4.145
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I'm sorry to hear that Kristine. Domingo has had enough problems already without this. However, unlike many people, there is no doubt he will have everything he needs when he needs it. I wish him a speedy recovery.
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Kristine Cimmy 03-28-2020
08:35 PM ET (US) IP: 96.59.1.174
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I just read, on facebook, that Placido Domingo has been hospitalized , due to corona virus. Get well wishes.
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Sam Million 03-25-2020
09:18 AM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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I CAME ACROSS A TON OF PROGRAM BOOKLETS OR LINER NOTES FOR THE THREE CDS. THEY ARE EXCELLENT WITH RARE PHOTOS OF MARIO AND IN DEPTH DESCRIPTIONS OF THE SONGS HE SANG. THEY ARE YOURS, JUST SEND SHIPPING COSTS. TO MAKE IT EASY I AM GOING TO ADD THE URL WHERE ALL INFO CAN BE SEEN REGARDING THE THREE CDS:
http://www.mariolanza.net/newcdsA.htm
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Sam Million 03-25-2020
08:18 AM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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Derek McGovern could answer that Kris. There would be no copyright infringement. A few of the songs have been on some of the CDs already (and sounding much better than the old LP, reel to reel, or CDs extant. Amazon has a CD of it right now, but it is expensive (from 38 to 45 dollars) and has 72 tracks that include Vagabond King and MANY other Lanza songs.
https://www.amazon.com/Mario-Lanza-At-His-...97AFC8F4D9A04484715
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Sam Million 03-24-2020
10:05 PM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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FORGOT TO MENTION THAT IF YOU ARE ON THE MAIN PAGE BEFORE THE FORUM YOU CAN SEE THE SONG TITLES OF EACH DISC. MOST ARE ABOUT TWENTY TRACKS EACH. CLARITY IS SUPERIOR LIKE THE SEPIA DISCS.
AND IF ANYONE NEEDS EXTRA LINER NOTES I CAN SUPPY THEM.
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Kristine Cimmy 03-24-2020
07:25 PM ET (US) IP: 96.59.1.174
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I hope Mario Lanza-"The Vagabond King" recording is re-released on a CD. Stay well.
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Sam Million 03-24-2020
06:59 PM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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HAVE I GOT A DEAL FOR YOU! REMEMBER THE THREE CDS JEFF RENSE ENGINEERED AND PRODUCED TO PERFECTION? THERE IS ONE CALLED LIVE CONCERT AND RADIO PERFORMANCES, ONE CALLED MAKE BELEVE AND A THIRD CALLED I'LL SEE YOU IN MY DREAMS. I HAVE A VERY LIMITED SUPPLY OF THESE THAT ARE BRAND NEW AND SEALED. YOU CAN PURCHASE THE SET FOR 15.00 PLUS 6.00 MEDIA MAIL SHIPPING. JEFF SELLS THESE FOR 8.99 EACH PLUS 6.00 SHIPPING EACH. PLUS THE LINER NOTES ARE EXEMPLARY. IF YOU WANT SET, JUST LET ME KNOW!
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Fred Day 03-24-2020
02:31 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Remember on the original LP of the Albert Hall concert, in The House on the Top of a Hill, at the ending, the note on the word Top, was off pitch by Lanza. He went a half tone sharp. On the CD Live from London, that flaw has been corrected. Today's technology can correct such things. That technology did not exist back in the 1960's. Ciao.
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Derek Mainwaring 03-24-2020
12:51 PM ET (US) IP: 24.13.222.117
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Welcome back, Sam, good to see you posting here again.
I'd love to see a new Lanza compilation from Sony for the 2021 centenary but as far as I know there's nothing being planned at the moment. The 2-CD BEST OF EVERYTHING has sold well for them and I would not expect the company to start working on another collection right now.
As for the Sepia CDs, they are lovingly compiled by Derek McGovern and full credit to him for his commitment there. When it comes to listening to Lanza recordings remastered directly from the original tapes (Sony) versus public domain material formatted for CD from multiple sources (Sepia), that's a matter of personal preference and I have no intention of entering into that debate here. Bottom line, enjoy whichever source pleases you best.
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Sam Million 03-24-2020
02:19 AM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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I JUST GOT AN UPDATE FROM DEREK MCGOVERN. SEPIA RECORD "MY ITALIAN SOUL" will never be remade by them but on AMAZON THERE AREA FEW LEFT, SO ACT FAST IF YOU WANT ONE. HERE IS THE URL AND LOOK FOR THE CHEAPEST ONES, WHICH WILL TOTA LABOUT 8.00 WITH SHIPPINGhttps://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/B0...d=1585030719&sr=1-1
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Sam Million 03-23-2020
09:45 PM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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HEARD FROM SEPIA RECOREDS TODAY. ONE DISC IS NO LONGER AVAILABLE WHICH IS "MY ITALIAN SOUL" DO NOT KNOW WHEN THEY WILL GET SOME MORE IF AT ALL. HOPE NO ONE HAS ORDERED IT.
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Sam Million 03-23-2020
09:43 PM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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WELL THE BAD NEW IS THAT OUR STATE (PA) IS NOW ON LOCDOWN SO WE CANNO EVEN LEAVE OUR BACK YARDS OR LEAVE OURSELVES OPEN TO POSSIBLE ARREST. WHERE DOES THIS END I HAD A PSYCHIATRIST MEETING OVER THE INTERNET TODAY AND NEXT AVAILABLE TIME IS NOT UNTIL ANOTHER MONTH.
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Sam Million 03-23-2020
06:46 AM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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SO SORRY TO HEAR ABOUT PLACIDO. I HOPE HE RECOVERS SOON. JOSE BEAT HIS CANCER PROBLEM AND I REMEMBER HOW WAN HE LOOKED DURING THAT TIME. HE CAME BACK TO US AND SANG THE ONE OF A KIND ALBUM OF WEST SIDE STORY SONGS.
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Kristine Cimmy 03-22-2020
11:40 PM ET (US) IP: 96.59.1.174
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Tenor Placido Domingo has announced he has corona virus. Get well wishes. Everybody stay safe and well. I hope, Jose' Carreras doesn't get it. Years ago, he had battled leukemia. Did he have a bone marrow transplant ?
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Sam Million 03-22-2020
09:13 PM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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HERE IS GREAT MOMENTS IN OPERA VOLUME TWO LIST. NOTE I HAVE NOT SEEN VOLUME TWO SEPARATELY, ONLY VOLUME ONE. BUT YOU CAN GET USED DVDS WITH BOTH TITLES ON THEM FOR 2,76 PLUS SHIPPING AND TAX FOR 7.50 OR SO, WHICH IS WHAT I JUST DID.V
Volume 2
Renata Tebaldi & Franco Corelli - "Vicino a le" - from Andrea Chenier
Eileen Farrell - "Un bel di" - from Madama Butterfly
Dorothy Kirsten & Franco Corelli - "Suave fanciulla" - from La Boheme
Joan Sutherland - "Quando rapita" - from Lucia di Lammermor
Eileen Farrell - "Pace, pace, mio Dio" from La Forza del Destino
Roberta Peters - "Waltz" - from Romeo & Juliet
Joan Sutherland - "Saluta la France" - from La Fille du Regiment
Anna Moffo - "La Ballatella" from I Pagliacci
Franco Corelli - "Tu Lo Sai - Italian Song
Birgit Nilsson - "Vissi d'arte" - from Tosca
Roberta Peters - "The Bell Song" - from Lakme
Robert Merrill - Selections from Adia, La Traviata and Carmen
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Sam Million 03-22-2020
08:51 PM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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I WROTE TO DEREK MCGOVERN TO SEE IF ANYTHING CAN BE DONE TO GET A SECON RHINO MGM RELEASE. THE FIRST GOT TIED UP IN LEGAL JARGON BUT IT IS GREAT. TOPS IS THE TENDER "ALL THE THINGS YOU ARE" WITH MARIO USING THE "SOFT PEDAL" THROUGHOUT.
I JUST WAS IN THE THEATER WATCHING A FINE DVD CALLED GREAT MOMENTS IN OPERA FROM ED SULLIVAN SHOW. I DIDN'T GET FAR INTO IT BUT SAW A SPLENDID TUCKER DOING VESTI LA GIUBBA AND A GREAT LARGO AL FACTOTUM BY ROBERT MERRILL. SEVERAL WONDERFUL SOPRANOS LIKE BEVERLY SILLS, LEONTYNE PRICE, ANNA MOFFO, ETC. HERE IS WHAT THE BACK COVER SAYS (AND I JUST DISCOVERED THERE IS A VOLUME TWO. YOU CAN GET THIS FROM AMAZON FOR THE RIDICULOUS PRICE OF 2.76 AND SHIPPING. COLOR AND PIC QUALITY AND SOUND ARE ALL EXCELLENT, ESPECIALLY CONSIDERING THE AGE.
I WILL CHECK OUT GETTING VOLUME TWO AND REPORT LATER.
Many of the great names in the history of opera have appeared on "The Ed Sullivan Show" performing the arias that made them famous. Now available is the complete collection of these historic performances by opera legends including Maria Callas, Joan Sutherland, BEverly Sills, Robert Merrill, Franco Corelli, Renata Tebaldi, Birgit Nilsson, Leontyne Price, Richard Tucker, Anna Moffo, Roberta Peters, Lily Pons, Jan Peerce, Marilyn Horne, Dorothy Kirsten and Eileen Farrell. 120 Mins.
Volume 1
Leontyne Price - "Vissi d'arte" from Tosca
Roberta Peters - "Una voce poca fa" - from Il Barbiere di Siviglia
Robert Merrill - "Largo al fatotum" - from Il Barbiere di Siviglia
Beverly Sills - "O luce di quest' anima" - from Linda Di Chamounix
Anna Moffo - "Il regimento" - from La Forza del Destino
Richard Tucker - "Vesti le guiba" from I Pagliacci
Birgit Nilsson - "Pace, pace, mio Dio" from La Forza del Destino
Jan Peerce & Robert Merrill - duet from La Forza del Destino
Maria Callas - "Vissi d'arte" from Tosca
Joan Sutherland & Marilyn Horne - "Mira, O Norma" from Norma
Peters & Merrill - "Parigi" "Morir se giovane" from La Traviata
Joan Sutherland - "Sempre libera" - from La Traviata
Lily Pons - "Gavotte" from Mignon
Dorothy Kirsten - "Un bel di" from Madama Butterfl
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Sam Million 03-22-2020
04:24 PM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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TO DEREK MANNERING: HELLO OLD FRIEND! WAS WONDERING IF YOU ARE WORKING ON ANY MORE LANZA CD RELEASES.?
ALSO DO YOU HAVE MOST OR ALL OF THE SEPIA CDS? I HAVE GONE CRAZY OVER THEM SINCE I GOT MY FABULOUS TUBE STEREO SYSTEM WORKING AGAIN. ALL TRACKS SOUND FABULOUS. I WAS MISSING FOUR OF THEM SO ORDERED THEM TODAY. AT ONLY 10.50 SHIPPED, THERE IS NO BETTER LANZA BARGAIN.
GUESS WHAT I FOUND? I HAVE A PHOTO OF ELISSA SIGNED (LIKELY FROM THE NEW YORK MET SHOW). CELEBRITY SIGNED PHOTOS ARE NOT MY FORTE. HAVE VINCENT PRICE, SPANKY OF OUR GANG, JERRY MAREN OF MUNCHKIN FAME,MARGRET HAMILTON (WHOSE APARTMENT I WAS INVITED TO AND THEN SHE TOOK ME AND A FEW FRIENDS FOR A LOCAL CHINESE DINNER. SHE WAS A DELIGHT AND REMINISCED A LOT. WE COULD NOT GET HER TO DO THE WITCH AS SHE FELT SHE COULD NO LONGER DO THE VOICE WELL), PENNY MARSHALL (WHO WROTE THE PREFACE TO OUR MOTION LAMP BOOK, AND ANDREA MCARDLE, WHO SANG A CONCERT IN OUR MEDIA THEATER AND SURPRIZED ALL WITH HER GROWN UP VOICE SO STRONG AND LOVELY..
SO YOU SEE I NEED TRACY BREGMAN'S PHOTO STILL AND NOW JUST REALIZED SHE COULD GET MANY "YOUNG AND RESTLESS" PEOPLE'S SIGNED PHOTOS. I HAVE BEEN WATCHING THAT SHOW SINCE IT NEARLY BEGAN AROUND 1975 WHEN MY MOTHER AND I SAW IT DAILY. LOVE ERIC BRADEN, AND SO MANY MORE IN CAST OLD OR NEWER. TRACY COULD ALSO GET SOME PHOTOS I'M SURE FROM SISTER SHOW "BOLD AND THEE BEAUTIFUL" I HAVE WATCHED SINCE FIRST DAY. BEING 71, I DON'T THINK I SHOULD WAIT MUCH LONGER, LOL.
I WAS JUST LOOKING AT MY MARIO LANZA ITEMS FIRST, A WATCH, OLD STOCK FROM THE MUSEUM. IT IS A CHEAPIE BUT NICE. THE BEST MUSEUM OFFERING WAS THE LANZA BLACK JACKET WITH MARIO AS PAGLIACCI ON REAR. AND I HAVE THEONE OF A KING HAND DRAWN LANZA CARICATURE OF HIM IN BLUE COSTUME FROM THAT MIDNIGHT KISS. MOST VALUABLE PIECE I HAVE IS AN ORIGINAL DARK BLUE LANZA SPORT JACKET WITH HIS SWEAT STAINS INTACT UNDER THE ARM PITS AREA. I ADDED A REPRO COLOR HEAD TO IT, A WHITE SHIRT AND RED BOW TIE AND REPRO HANDS. THOSE ALL CAME FROM THE LIFE SIZED LANZA FIGURE I HAD MADE UP FROM B&W PHOTO OF LANZA WALKING WITH HIS KIDS, PROBABLY WHEN MAKING SERENADE. HAD IT MADE FULL SIZE AND COLORIZED. I USE HIM BEHIND THE WOOD BAR IN OUR HOME THEATER. FUNNY BUT HE NEVER SERVES ANYONE DRINKS,JUST GUARDS THE COLLECTIBLES ON THE BAR LIKE A RESTORED BLAZING RED OLD RADIO, A MICROPHONE SHAPED LIKE A TAP OR BEER HANDLE, A MARTINI GLASS WITH TINY HALF NUDE LADY IN IT, AN ANTIQUE LADY'S FIGURE THAT IS HOLDING UP A CLOCK THAT SWINGS BACK AND FORTH AND MORE. SORRY TO GO ON AND ON!. JUST FELT LIKE WRITING I SUPPOSE.
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Barbara Clifton 03-22-2020
03:22 PM ET (US) IP: 23.127.59.195
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Thanks, Martino.
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Sam Million 03-22-2020
12:21 PM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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CHILLS AND THRILLS
I DON'T KNOW IF I EVER SHARED THIS WITH YOU BUT I JUST GOT EXCITED BY LISTENING TO THIS CLIP FOR THE UMPTEENTH TIME.
IT IS THE GREAT SHOWBOAT SONC GALLED "OLD MAN RIVER". IT IS SUNG BY MY GOOD FRIEND IN ST. LOUIS. HE PERFORMED IT AT ONE OF THE LANZA PRE-BALLS HOSTED BY DOMINIC MANTUANO (I'D LIKE TO KNOW IF HE IS STILL AROUND AND SINGING).
THE PERFORMANCE IS MAGNIFICENT AND RON COULD HAVE BEEN A GREAT OPERA SINGER, BUT HE JUST NEVER HAD THE STAMINA OR DESIRE TO TRY HARD TO REACH THAT SORT OF GOAL. LIKE ME HE IS 72 YEARS OLD BUT STILL SINGING AND UNFORTUNATELY IN PLACES LIKE STORES WHERE HE IMPRESSES PEOPLE JUST BY SIMPLE LETTING OUT RICH BARITONE NOTES AND NOT REALLY SINGING ENTIRE SONGS.
I HAVE TRIED UNTIL I AM BLUE IN THE FACE TO HAVE HIM JOIN SINGSNAP, TH SITE WHERE I SING AN AVERAGE OF 20 SONGS A DAY. COSTS NOTHING TO SIGN UP AND NOTHING TO CHOOSE THE MULTITUDE OF FREE SONGS. IF YOU WANT TO ACCESS THE ENTIRE HUGE LIBRARY AND HAVE OTHER EXTRAS YOU MUST SIGN UP TO BE A "GOLD" MEMBER FOR 97.00 A YEAR.
SO, NOW GET READY TO BE THRILLED TO THE VOICE OF THE MAN WHO INTRODUCED ME TO MARIO LANZA IN 1965--RON GOFF. FOR GOOD MEASURE I WILLL ADD ONE OF MY YOUTUBE VIDEOS THAT I FEEL GOOD ABOUT.
RON: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R9pyZfdPoMc FROM DOUBLETREE HOTEL
SAM: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yMBGI_Rv8_A NOTE THAT THIS WAS DONE IN A RESTAURANT LIVE FROM YEARS AGO.
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Sam Million 03-22-2020
10:50 AM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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This post is pretty bold of me since i just recorded on sinngsnap.com a track they recently added to their vast library of song tracks. It is:":Be My Love" and I sang it as well as a baritone can attempt this difficult song. Hear and see me at this url:http://www.singsnap.com/karaoke/r/c18732dff
Well to redeem myself I have included another song that I am very comfortable performing followed by the kindest song review I think I have received. http://www.singsnap.com/karaoke/r/b685e6607
ShuggapieLEVEL 54
By Shuggapie on March 19 at 9:30am for SamGOLD on In The Still Of The Night
Another classic! I couldn't help myself! I had to stay and see what else you had cooking! Your vocals are so clear! Sounds as though you were once a stage singer. A professional! I just KNOW it!!!!
Oh well.....either way, I loved this by you! What a fabulously done performance here! God bless you and stay safe!
Your new fan!
Shug
#1 up on the button!
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Sam Million 03-22-2020
10:42 AM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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I WAS JUST ALERTED BY OUR OWN DEREK MCGOVERN THAT THERE IS A NINTH SEPIA LANZA RELEASE. BUT IT DOES NOT APPEAR ON THE LIST I SENT YOU GUYS. EVEN IN A SEARCH AT THEIR SITE I COILD NOT FIND "MARIO LANZA GREATEST OPERATIC PERFORMANCES VOLUME TWO", SO HERE IS A DIRECT LINK
http://www.sepiarecords.com/1289.html OH, AND I DID FIND OUT AFTER ORDERING THE ONES I DO NOT OWN THAT THE COST SHIPPED IS ONLY $10.50!!SO GO TO SEPIARECORDS.COM FOR THE FULL INFORMATION.
HAPPY SUNDAY TO ALL. INTERESTING THAT WITH THE CORONA VIRUS MORE OF MY POSTS WILL BE READ BY THOSE STAYING HOME. WELL THAT ISN'T SUPPOSED TO BE FUNNY BUT RATHER A SAD FACT.....
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Martino1 03-22-2020
10:02 AM ET (US) IP: 104.255.4.145
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Keep in mind to those of you who are enjoying the free (but only temporary) MET telecasts, that there is a subscription service available as well. I have been paying a small amount that comes to only about $15 each month (on a yearly subscription basis) for quite some time now. With this subscription you can stream from the MET app anytime you want. You can stream via Roku, Firestick, PC, Iphone, basically any media or smart device that accepts apps. There are hundreds of telecasts available as well as all the historical and recently broadcast audio only radio performances.
I got tired of checking all the time what Sirius would be playing during the week and subscribed to the MET app so that I could watch and listen to anything and everything the MET has in its archives - and at anytime of the day or night - the choice is mine. The picture and sound are as good as you can find and this is especially important with the remastering and enhancement they have made to very old broadcasts. For the price, this is a bargain for any opera lover.
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Barbara Clifton 03-22-2020
01:11 AM ET (US) IP: 23.127.59.195
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(aka) Diane Cox
Will also probably skip Wagner. Puccini is my favorite, followed by Verdi. Did you catch that Villazon was supposed to have sung in the production we saw tonight? He was ill, and Bezcala happened to be available. This was a great boost to his career in 2009.
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Fred Day 03-22-2020
12:43 AM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Tomorrow (Sunday) the free Met opera will be Eugene Onegin by Tchaikovsky. The following 7 evenings will be Wagner week - all Wagner operas. I can do without that. I was never a fan of Wagner's operas. I will skip Wagner week entirely. I hope there will be a Verdi week soon. And perhaps a Puccini week also. Ciao.
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Fred Day 03-21-2020
10:18 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Barbara: I agree - excellent Lucia - Netrebko & Beczala were both terrific!! Ciao.
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Barbara Clifton 03-21-2020
10:08 PM ET (US) IP: 23.127.59.195
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Lucia was wonderful - a 2009 production I had not seen. I could get used to an opera a night! Ms. Netrebko was world class as always and Bezcala very good also.
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Sam Million 03-21-2020
08:55 PM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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JULIE, CAROLE IS MARIO'S FIRST COUSIN ON THECOCOZZA SIDE OF THE FAMILY.
SEPIARECORDS.COM WILL HVE ALL 8 RELEASES LISTED BUT I AM GOING TO CHECK MY OWN LIBRARY TO SEE I HAVE EVERY ONE SINCE YOU WILL NOT FIND BETTER SOUND AND DISC PRESENTATION ANYWHERE ELSE.-
1-MARIO MLANZA POETRY AND PASSION
2-MARIO LANZA CLASSICS
3-MARIO LANZA ONE ALONE
4-MARIO LANZA THE STUDENT PRINCE
5-MARIO LANZA NEVER TIL NOW
6-MZRIO LANZA MY ITALIAN SOUL
7-MARIO LANZA ALL THE THINGS YOU ARE
8-MARIO LANZA GREATEST OPERATIC RECORDINGS
DON'T FORGET THAT WE HAVE DEREK MCGOVERN TO THANK FOR THE SELECTIONS AND LINER NOTES, WITH HELP FROM A COUPLE OTHER SERIOUS LANZA PEOPLE LIKE VINCE DIPLACIDO OVERSEAS.
MOST ARE 8.80 IN I THINK ENGLISH POUNDS OR EUROS SHIPPED AND MOST HAVE A LARGE NUMBER OF TRACKS AND SOME RARIITIES AND EVEN MARIO INTRODUCING SOME SONGS FROM COKE RAADIO SHOW, ETC. 8.80 IN EUROS IS 9.00 BUT SOMETHING TELLS ME THAT IS TOO CHEAP AND THAT THEY ARE 12.00 EACH SHIPED. AMAZON PRICES SHIPPED COST ANYWHERE FOM 15 TO 19 DOLLARS SO BUYING DIRECT IS BETTER.
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Julie Page 03-21-2020
01:40 PM ET (US) IP: 74.79.51.67
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Happy to hear of Carole Shea's recovery. and Sam, glad you're back and telling us about the Classics C
Sam, glad to hear of Carole Shea's recovery and happy that you're doing well and posting about the Classics CD . I will order mine asap. btw, would you tell us how Carole and Mario are related? Hope everyone stays well during this crisis.
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Sam Million 03-21-2020
09:38 AM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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HELLO AND THANKS TO THE BRAIN BEHIND BRINGING ''CLASSICS" TO US AS WELL AS OTHER SEPIA RELEASES, NAMELY OUR OWN DEREK MCGOVERN. HE SAW TO IT THAT I GOT MY COPY AS EARLY AS POSSIBLE AFTER THE RELEASE DATE. YOU SEE THAT SEPIA DOES ALL THEIR RESTORATION WORK FROM AUSTRIA BUT THEY KNOW LITTLE ABOUT MARIO AND ABOUT WHICH OF HIS SONGS/ARIAS SHOULD BE WORKED ON AND THEN DISTRIBUTED. IT TAKES DEREK AND OTHER PEOPLE WORKING WITH HIM WE'D RECOGNIZE TO DO THAT.
DEREK, PLEASE SEND TO SMS@BEE.NET YOUR FULL MAILING ADDRESS. I HAVE SOMETHING SPECIAL AND BEAUTIFUL TO GIVE YOU. IT WILL COME VIA THE MAIL. CALL ME AT 610-566-7248 OR WRITE TO ME HERE ASAP!!
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Sam Million 03-21-2020
09:31 AM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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I think I short changed you all when reviewing the new Sepia Lanza CD named "Classics". Here is important information written by Sepia company.
EUROPE £8.99 (DELIVERED)
Make payments with PayPal - it's fast, free and secure!
REST OF THE WORLD £8.80 (DELIVERED)
Make payments with PayPal - it's fast, free and secure!
Make payments with PayPal - it's fast, free and secure!
All major credit cards accepted - payments are facilitated by PayPal
Sepia Records Ltd.
96 Tubbs Road
London
NW10 4SB
Registered in England and Wales, company number 4436472
MARIO LANZA - CLASSICS (SEPIA 1348)
MARIO LANZA - CLASSICS
1 GRANADA
2 BE MY LOVE
3 BECAUSE
4 THE LOVELIEST NIGHT OF THE YEAR
5 SOME DAY
6 THE LORD'S PRAYER
7 BECAUSE YOU'RE MINE
8 SERENADE
9 DRINK! DRINK! DRINK!
10 BELOVED
11 MAMMA MIA, CHE VO SAPE?
12 VOCE 'E NOTTE
13 CANTA PE' MME!
14 'NA SERA 'E MAGGIO
15 SADKO (ADAPTED): SONG OF INDIA
16 TOSCA: RECONDITA ARMONIA
17 LA BOHEME: CHE GELIDA MANINA
18 MARTHA: M'APPARI
19 TOSCA: E LUCEVAN LE STELLE
20 AVE MARIA
21 SERENADE
22 TELL ME, OH BLUE BLUE SKY Live from the Royal Albert Hall
23 PASSIONE
Title: Classics
Artist: Mario Lanza
Catalogue No.: SEPIA 1348
Barcode: 5055122113485
Release Date: February 2020
This CD brings together Lanza's most popular recordings, including his 3 million-selling singles, his Top 20 chart successes in both the USA and the UK, and highlights from his 2 best-selling albums, The Great Caruso and The Student Prince. It also includes a representative sampling of the tenor at his vocal and stylistic zenith in multiple genres, with definitive renditions from an Edwardian parlour song ("Because") to five Neapolitan classics. As such, this CD serves as the perfect introduction to the art and voice of Mario Lanza.
NOW AFTER THAT I WOULD LIKE TO ADD THE FOLLOWING PERSONAL NOTES: YOURS TRULY WAS IN HEAVEN FOR 23 TRAKS OF THE PUREST LANZA CD EVER, WHICH HAS NOT EVEN A SPECK OF BACKGROUND NOISE AND HAS BEEN RESTORED TO PERFECTION. I WILL CALL THE EXPERIENCE OF HEARING IT FROM START TO FINISH LAST NIGHT WAS SIMPLY GLORIOUS AS I CLOSED MY EYES AND HEARD MY ALTEC VALENCIA SPEAKERS MAKING SOUND THAT WAS AS PURE AS SILK. I DON'T WANT TO COME OFF AS PEDANTIC BUT THE POINT IS NOT HAVING THIS IN YOUR COLLECTION IS ALMOST LIKE NOT HAVING THE ENTIRE "STUDENT PRINCE CD OR LP ON HAND. YOU SEE, I ORIGINALLY HEARD THE CD ON A SMALL SEVENTIES BOOM BOX THAT DOWNED THE HEAVENLY FEELING OF CLOSING MY EYES AND LYING BACK LISTENING. ALL 23 TRACKS ARE SO BRILLIANT THAT YOU MIGHT HAVE TO LISTEN TO IT WITH LOWER VOLUME. THAT GOES FOR THE DEEP BASS AND SHARP TREBLE TOO.
SO, I STRONGLY URGE EVERYONE TO BUY A COPY---AND NO, I DO NOT WORK FOR SEPIA RECORDS, BUT MAYBE WISH I DID AND COULD GET INTO PRODUCING MORE FABULOUS MARIO LANZA MATERIAL.
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Sam Million 03-21-2020
09:17 AM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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To be clear Kris, Mario was not in Part3. You only see him and Kathryn (with cutaway shots of Iturbi and Barrymore) that appear in the Bonus or Extras listing of rare outtakes section of the movie after watching it is over. In fact, there were 15 other rarities, the movie's original trailer, and a fine half hour long documentary of how the film was made, which included some interesting secrets and thankfully much more speaking by the moderators like Kelly, Keel, Reynolds, Rooney and more. Howard Keel said he loved L. B Mayer like a son but Gene Kelly said he hated him and vice versa!
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Fred Day 03-21-2020
02:29 AM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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The free Met perf of Daughter of the Regiment was superb. Natalie Dessay and Juan Diego Florez were both wonderful. Tomorrow should be Lucia di Lamm with Anna Netrebko and Piotr Beczala. Enjoy. Ciao.
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Kristine Cimmy 03-20-2020
06:45 PM ET (US) IP: 96.59.1.174
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I don't remember seeing Mario Lanza in "That's Entertainment 3". I do remember Lena Horne being one of the hosts.
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Kristine Cimmy 03-20-2020
06:42 PM ET (US) IP: 96.59.1.174
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Get well wishes to Carole Shea and hello, Sam, welcome back. Stay safe, stay well from corona virus.
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Sam Million 03-20-2020
06:01 PM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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I KNEW YOU WOULD ONE UP ME FREDDIE BOY!!!
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Valeria Pugiotto 03-20-2020
05:03 PM ET (US) IP: 5.90.150.145
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Today, in a radio program called ‘La Barcaccia’, they aired an interview during which Pavarotti spoke about Mario:
https://www.raiplayradio.it/programmi/labarcaccia
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Fred Day 03-20-2020
11:57 AM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Sam: That's a song recorded by Sergio Franchi: "Ciao Ciao So Long For Now". Nice song. Ciao for now.
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Sam Million 03-20-2020
09:45 AM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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You don't know how much I am appreciating your welcoming me back. As Anna and I joke by saying thanks a million, I now say thanksamuelian. LOL. Also I am humbled when you acknowledge my posts. This sometimes disappointing when I hear no feedback (like the recent new Sepia Laza album) but I have learned that people here and people we never realize who are reading posts because they are among the quiet minority. Truth be told many of you who read Rense forum daily are helping ME as much as I think I am helping them since I love writing and love reviewing and even "breaking news (like Carole Shea's recovery). So, still in my bathrobe at 10 o'clock I will check my notes and see if I can contribute anything this day. As Fred says, Ciao!! And I will change his saying to the possibly more interesting saying "Ciao For Now"!!
.
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Fred Day 03-20-2020
04:55 AM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Yes, welcome back Sam!! Ciao.
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Dennis1 03-20-2020
03:11 AM ET (US) IP: 76.126.57.19
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Sam, you are a treasure! Welcome back.
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Sam Million 03-20-2020
12:30 AM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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GREAT NEWS!! I emailed dear Carole Shea (who most of you know is Mario's cousin) and she is cancer free! She had one of the worst types of this disease and at an advanced stage, so God was looking down on her when she had the long operation a few months ago. Best wishes dear friend.
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Fred Day 03-19-2020
11:17 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Tonight's free Met Traviata was excellent. Florez will be heard again tomorrow in Daughter of the Regiment. Ciao.
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Sam Million 03-19-2020
06:53 PM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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Also was she a star of stage or screen or radio?
THAT'S ENTERTAINMENT PART 3. I have had the blu ray set of all three That's Entertainment Movies for a couple of years and only tonight saw Part 3 since people poo pooed it Well I am here to tell you this 1994 release is THE BEST of them. Not only does it move at a fast pace, it also has more rare outtakes and cut scenes than the other two. And the hosts are different--like Howard Keel looking gray but still quite robust and Mickey looking bloated and quite bald.
Guess what? It even includes Mario. There is a two second clip of the background for the BYM Granada song. And in the twenty or so bonus or extra features on the DVD, the cut One Love of Mine with Kathryn Grayson and Mario from TMK appears. Would write more but getting called to dinner. Eggplant parmesan from the great oven of my Anna!
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Len (UK) 03-19-2020
06:25 PM ET (US) IP: 86.170.37.168
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Valeria, my wife and I love Italy especially the less touristic places in Puglia or perhaps around Lago di Trasimeno. We have not been for a while but we will be celebrating Easter with a bottle or two of Pomino Frescobaldi.
Hang on in there! Love to Italy!
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Valeria Pugiotto 03-19-2020
04:42 PM ET (US) IP: 93.42.98.163
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Len, here in Italy we have been trapped indoors for WEEKS.....
They are talking of extending the self-isolation period until the beginning of May....
I will go berserk...
I am a free spirit, an outdoor person and am going nuts already!
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Sam Million 03-19-2020
03:55 PM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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Just saw and listened to her. Excellent, a lovely voice. Wish Mario had lived half as long....
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Len (UK) 03-19-2020
02:51 PM ET (US) IP: 86.170.37.168
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We are in need of some good news here in the UK; especially those that are trapped indoors due to Covid-19.
Dame Vera Lynn is 103 tomorrow. The folk outside the UK may not be aware that she was a WW2 icon entertaining the troops in some serious theatres of war. This included in Japanese occupied Burma immediately before the unspeakably fierce Battle of Kohima; for which she was awarded a Burma Star.
Why not check out her version of 'Because You're Mine' on YouTube.
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Valeria Pugiotto 03-19-2020
02:39 PM ET (US) IP: 93.42.98.163
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Wellcome back, Sam! We missed you!
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Sam Million 03-19-2020
05:24 AM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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Linz: Let me know when we can talk about your comments on the newest Sepia CD, as I was told you wrote a review way before I just did.
Members:I forgot to mention the price of the new Sepia CD. It is 8 pounds in England shipped worldwide. You can look up the exchange rate.
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Barbara Clifton 03-18-2020
11:51 PM ET (US) IP: 23.127.59.195
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From March 17, the Paris Opera is offering its most beautiful shows, from Swan Lake to Don Giovanni, free online.
March 17 - 22: Manon (2020)
March 23 - 29: Don Giovanni (2019)
March 30 - April 5: Swan Lake (2019)
April 6 - 12: The Barber of Seville (2014)
April 13 - 19: Tribute to Jerome Robbins (2018)
April 20 - 26: The Tales of Hoffmann (2016)
April 27 - May 3: Carmen (2017)
March 17 - May 3: Cycle of Tchaikovsky's six symphonies played by the Orchestra of the Paris National Opera, conducted by Philippe Jordan
Find all performances on the website [1](https://www.operadeparis.fr/…)
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Fred Day 03-18-2020
10:50 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Trovatore was very good tonight. The next 4 free Met operas will be: La Traviata, La Fille du Regiment, Lucia di Lammermoor, and Eugene Onegin. The tenor in the first 2 will be Juan Diego Florez. The tenor in Lucia will be Piotr Beczala. Enjoy. Ciao.
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Martino1 03-18-2020
07:48 PM ET (US) IP: 104.255.4.145
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Sam, oh yea now I know the disk you mean. "Classics" is the latest one from Sepia but I forgot all about it. In fact, I'm not really sure but I don't think I've even ordered it yet (shame on me!). I've go so much stuff laying around here I never know what I have and when I think I have something I can never find it anyway! And you are so right about TGC. It made the most impression on me of all his films when I first saw it and remains number one to this day. All of Mario's movies may someday be forgotten but TGC will never be.
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Sam Million 03-18-2020
05:41 PM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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Friends, I just finished watching the Great Caruso and had myself a nice cry. Why? 1-It is his consistently great film 2-The singing its flawless outside of a couple notes where he goes a bit sharp 3-ALL the actors are wonderful and it is Mario's best performance along with arguably Serenade. 4-The lush MGM sets are gorgeous and keep to the date well. 5-I turned up the volume so high that it was beyond concert level. 6-We may have to move out of this big house due to increasing expenses and I will probably never have such a great home theater with the 8 by 14 foot screen. 7-Ann Blyth is especially winning in her performance and she reminded me of the Met salute to Mario years ago when she looked like time had stood still for her. I also read the new large biography about her and it tells of what a wonderful career she had 8-I have to laugh at Mario's dialogue since his Italian accent often sounds like English. 9-The soundtrack is terrific and you can listen to it not even seeing the video to hear this. 10-The choice of arias is very astute and they often relate directly to the story. 11-The costumes are so nice all around. 12-Even the minor actors do a great job, for example Nestor Paiva as the flour merchant 13-The color is very nice, but could and should have a blu ray DVD treatment. 14-Dorothy Kisten is commendable both in performance and singing. 15-There is one note in the movie that is not pre-recorded and that is in the scene where he uses snuff in his nose and lets out with the note that is golden. 16-Finally, I never tire of screening it.
Note to our beloved scholar member (you know who I mean--Martino!). The DVD I reviewed is the one that was released right after the one you posted about. This one is called "Classics".
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Barbara Clifton 03-18-2020
04:25 PM ET (US) IP: 23.127.59.195
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2015
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Fred Day 03-18-2020
04:00 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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The Met's free opera for this evening till tomorrow afternoon, is Il Trovatore, with Anna Netrebko, Dmitri Hvorostovsky, and the tenor is Yonghoon Lee. I don't know the year. Enjoy. Ciao.
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Barbara Clifton 03-18-2020
02:34 PM ET (US) IP: 23.127.59.195
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Fred: the Met says the free streaming will continue through the Met's closing of the venue. So indefinite at this point.
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Fred Day 03-18-2020
02:27 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Welcome back, Sam and Martino. Ciao.
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Martino1 03-18-2020
01:08 PM ET (US) IP: 104.255.4.145
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Glad to have you back Sam. I guess you are referring to "All The Things You Are". Indeed it is a wonderful disk and the sound is as good as we can hope for. There were several reviews made here of this disk, I guess while you were away and they were all very complimentary. It makes for excellent listening, especially now that most of us older folks are staying home more than usual. Albums like this make it a little more bearable.
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Sam Million 03-18-2020
12:56 PM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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Hello to all my friends! Since you are reading this you can guess that after three and a half grueling months I have just this morning come out of my depression. What better way to start with a review of the latest Derek McGovern CD. It has a beautiful photo of Mario on the cover and wonderful linear notes. I heard through the grapevine that there has been little interest by our members. So I am here to tell you what you are missing. But first I need to tell you that it can be ordered direct from Sepia records. Now to get to the meat! The sound is truly great, among the best Lanza CDs.2-The selection of tracks is inspired and not one bad note appears. And 3-even though there isn't anything truly "new", I urge you to buy a copy. Then you can review to me what you think!! Note that there are 23 tracks on is. so it's a great value.
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Fred Day 03-18-2020
11:01 AM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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I wonder how long these free Met operas will continue to be free?? I presume this is only temporary. Curious. Ciao.
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Barbara Clifton 03-18-2020
01:40 AM ET (US) IP: 23.127.59.195
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La Boheme was very enjoyable. Can't wait for tomorrow's opera. This is so cool.
metopera.org 7:30 EST
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Fred Day 03-17-2020
05:25 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Tonight's free Met opera is the wonderful La Boheme from 2008 with Angela Gheorghiu as Mimi and Ramon Vargas as Rodolfo. It will be available from 7:30 this evening till 3:30 tomorrow afternoon. Enjoy.
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Kristine Cimmy 03-17-2020
03:32 PM ET (US) IP: 96.59.1.174
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Stuart Whitman passed away at 92. Lyle Waggoner("The Carol Burnett Show" and "Wonder Woman")passed away at 84. RIP. Terry Robinson knew Lyle Waggoner.
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Kristine Cimmy 03-17-2020
02:59 PM ET (US) IP: 96.59.1.174
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Valeria,you and family stay safe, stay well from corona virus and I wish that for all of Italy. I am Italian ancestry. That's great, you're playing Mario Lanza CD's. Happy St. Pat's Day ! though, right now, it is difficult to say that.
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Fred Day 03-17-2020
07:36 AM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Barbara: Thanks for the info. I will watch it shortly. Ciao.
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Barbara Clifton 03-17-2020
03:03 AM ET (US) IP: 23.127.59.195
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Fred - so I watched the whole thing - a 2010 production I'd never seen before. Garanca was wonderful, Alagna adequate - his acting better than his singing. It' available until 3:30 pm tomorrow. Another opera tomorrow at 7:30 pm EST.
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Valeria Pugiotto 03-17-2020
02:36 AM ET (US) IP: 93.42.98.163
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Kristine, we live in Rome, Italy. My son plays Mario Lanza’ cd all day long.... 😊
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Barbara Clifton 03-17-2020
12:13 AM ET (US) IP: 23.127.59.195
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okay - just type in metopera.org and it's right there, says watch now.
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Barbara Clifton 03-17-2020
12:10 AM ET (US) IP: 23.127.59.195
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Tenor - Roberto Alagna
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Barbara Clifton 03-17-2020
12:10 AM ET (US) IP: 23.127.59.195
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Fred, I tried several different ways. Traffic was so heavy, I was unable to view. Will be available until 3 EST tomorrow. It is available on utube, and metopera.org and other sites. Going to try again now.
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Fred Day 03-16-2020
08:15 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Barbara: How do I get the opera Carmen now?? I cannot find it on their site. (metopera.org) How does it work, how do I access it?? Please reply soon. Who is the tenor in Carmen tonight??
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Barbara Clifton 03-16-2020
08:10 PM ET (US) IP: 23.127.59.195
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The met opera stream for tonight is Carmen.
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Kristine Cimmy 03-16-2020
07:40 PM ET (US) IP: 96.59.1.174
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Prayers and precautions, now, stay safe from corona virus !
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Kristine Cimmy 03-16-2020
07:39 PM ET (US) IP: 96.59.1.174
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In Italy, due to corona virus, they are in lockdown, as we know. The people, there, are singing to each other, on their balconies, to boost spirits, stay well. I wonder if anyone, there, will play Mario Lanza CD's with their windows open, throughout the cities ?
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Stephen of Las Vegas 03-15-2020
10:28 AM ET (US) IP: 72.193.49.212
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Jeff Rense's "normal" site, www.rense.com contains some coronavirus information you may not see elsewhere. You may want to check it out. Of interest, the use of intravenous vitamin C in China. We humans are one of the few animals species that don't produce vitamin C in our livers. The animals that do produce their own vitamin C usually increase its production greatly when fighting infections. Taking it orally is good, but cannot increase blood levels anywhere near what can be accomplished intravenously. Alternative doctors have used intravenous C for decades, and their research has been mostly ignored by conventional medicine. You have to do your own research. Edited 03-15-2020 10:42 AM
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Barbara Clifton 03-15-2020
12:12 AM ET (US) IP: 23.127.59.195
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Free each night 7:30 EST, favorite operas on metopera.org starting Mar 16
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Kristine Cimmy 03-13-2020
05:56 PM ET (US) IP: 96.59.1.174
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Due to corona virus, Broadway, The Metropolitan Opera will be closed for a few weeks. Probably,some movie theaters will be, too. Stay well, safe.
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Barbara Clifton 03-13-2020
04:32 PM ET (US) IP: 23.127.59.195
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Thanks Fred. Finally got the Pavarotti bio-doc by Ron Howard. Watched it last night, but need to watch it again. Lots of info I didn't know as I was unaware of him during the early part of his career. I was living in the Texas outback, and married to a cowboy.
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Fred Day 03-13-2020
04:10 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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The newest Lanza doco, "The Best of Everything", is now on You Tube, in its entirety. It runs 80 minutes and 25 seconds. Excellent. Don't miss it. Ciao.
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Kristine Cimmy 03-12-2020
09:10 PM ET (US) IP: 96.59.1.174
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Betty Lanza, RIP. Everybody stay safe from corona virus.
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Valeria Pugiotto 03-12-2020
04:28 PM ET (US) IP: 93.42.98.163
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Yesterday, March 11, it was the 60th anniversary of Betty’s death.
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Kristine Cimmy 03-10-2020
05:01 PM ET (US) IP: 96.59.1.174
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Closer Magazine has a story about Lana Turner. Also, a story about Robert Young, by his daughter. Maybe some time, they will have a story about Mario Lanza. Maybe Ellisa could write a story about her father.
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Dennis1 03-10-2020
03:27 AM ET (US) IP: 76.126.57.19
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Diane (Barbara), thank you for the link. I hadn't watched that for awhile and played it twice! I think this is one of the best songs of Mario's film career because his facial expressions are so good (the great voice we always assume is there).
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RenseWebmaster 03-06-2020
11:22 AM ET (US) IP: 107.77.194.81
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Derek Mannering asked if we could share a link to the review of the new Bel Canto Trio's recital the other night in San Diego. The link didn't work when he tried, and he thought everyone would enjoy the review, which appeared in the San Diego Tribune. As you can see, the sold-out recital was a great success, and Mario's daughter Ellisa and her husband Bobby were in the audience. https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/enter...n-well-sung-recitalEdited 03-06-2020 12:04 PM
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Wendy Stilwell 03-05-2020
04:49 PM ET (US) IP: 90.216.1.88
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Thankyou Derek. Really looking forward to it. FNIMN has been on air since 1953, amazing. I remember my parents listening to it in the fifties (no tele then!). Still at the same time on a Friday night. It was the Light Programme then, before being renamed Radio 2.
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Derek Mainwaring 03-05-2020
02:46 PM ET (US) IP: 24.13.222.117
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A special shout out to our friends in the U.K. and Ireland. BBC Radio 2 will broadcast the Calleja/Paoli Palladium concert next Friday, March 13 at 8 pm local time.
From the announcement here, it appears the broadcast will also include an interesting little extra on two legendary singers.
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Barbara Clifton 03-04-2020
04:59 PM ET (US) IP: 23.127.59.195
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Listened to this today, and am always stunned by the quality of his voice.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RW9WGF__rCA
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Derek Mainwaring 03-04-2020
04:25 PM ET (US) IP: 24.13.222.117
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A successful concert at the London Palladium last night. Good to see Mario's name mentioned there. The concert will be broadcast on BBC Radio 2's Friday Night Is Music Night (Google the name) later this week and should be available on that website soon after.
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Barbara Clifton 03-03-2020
05:24 PM ET (US) IP: 23.127.59.195
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Test - appear to be ok. Edited 03-03-2020 05:25 PM
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Jytte M 03-03-2020
10:43 AM ET (US) IP: 82.38.246.212
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Diane, why such a comment. Have you heard the recording? If so, where and when. Best wishes to all. Brian Harrison
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Barbara Clifton 03-03-2020
12:20 AM ET (US) IP: 23.127.59.195
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(aka) Diane Cox
Not a fan of the new duet.
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Derek Mainwaring 03-02-2020
09:17 AM ET (US) IP: 24.13.222.117
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 I mentioned last fall that British mezzo-soprano Carly Paoli had recorded a "duet" with Mario, a track included on her latest album, "Due Aime." That duet, "The Loveliest Night of the Year," is her new single and she'll be singing it in concert with Joseph Calleja at the London Palladium on Tuesday, March 3rd. Ellisa is delighted with the recording and has given Carly her full blessing. I have no doubt her performance with Calleja, which I believe will also include "Arrivederci Roma," will honor the great artist they both admire so much. This promo is scanned from the Daily Mail (thank you, Steff). Edited 03-02-2020 04:38 PM
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Al Canez 03-01-2020
11:21 AM ET (US) IP: 24.38.229.151
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FYI. Public TV presented a fun and interesting show that had never been seen before. "JFK: The Lost Inaugural Gala". Frank Sinatra put the show on with a battery of stars. For those who can remember there was a huge snow storm overnight and for the swearing in of JFK. The show took place in a vast hall...bad sound...cold...bad lighting.. but all the performers, with scrips in their hands, put on a hell of a show. Again this was on PBS. Enjoy.
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Barbara Clifton 02-28-2020
12:29 PM ET (US) IP: 23.127.59.195
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(aka Diane Cox) I saw Elvis in concert near the end of his life at Univ of Ala, Tuscaloosa in '74 or '75. He put on a good show, but was clowning a good bit, and forgot the words to songs. He was beginning to get a little heavy and one of the 'guys' sang with him to help.
As to Il volo, I've followed them since their teens, and think they have found their 'niche'. Don't expect any of them to try for a solo career. They can go on in the current manner another 20 years if they choose and as Martino said, make a good living and have public adoration. As they progressed I couldn't wait to see what was next - but they reached a plateau a couple years ago, and now are at that same level.
No one compares with the Lanza voice.
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Martino1 02-28-2020
09:06 AM ET (US) IP: 104.255.4.145
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I had the pleasure of seeing Elvis in concert during his prime and he put on a great show. He was called the "King" and for good reason. "Il Volo" I have not seen in person but I have watched them on tv a few times. They are pretty good entertainers as well but their voices at this point are not in the same class as singers we usually discuss at this forum. They are in a different category and are generally considered to be "pop" artists rather than classical.
Like Elvis, they are good at what they do but they are not opera singers and should not be compared to opera singers, least of all to Mario Lanza. They are also considered a "team" or group which to some extent negates or at least dilutes their individual abilities and limits their potential as solo artists. I see them the same way I see the "Three Irish Tenors". They could do okay individually (especially Ronan Tynan, who has enjoyed a fairly good solo career), at least in the short term, but their greatest success was had when they worked as a group. Everyone knows the "Three Irish Tenors" but I doubt many people could name all three of them individually.
The singers of Il Volo make a lot of money so why change their act? If it ain't broken don't fix it. They are doing just fine doing what works for them. If one or two of them eventually brakes out and attempts a career in classical music then we can compare but right now they are what they are and nothing more.
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Valeria Pugiotto 02-28-2020
01:52 AM ET (US) IP: 93.42.98.163
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Mike, I understand what you mean. However, being used to the best (i.e. Mario), people like ‘il Volo’ or Bocelli really appear bad... :-) In other words, when you are used to the best, you cannot settle with anything less than the best. I wish I had the chance of seeing Elvis though. Edited 02-28-2020 03:29 AM
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Mike from L.I. 02-27-2020
01:01 PM ET (US) IP: 108.74.19.115
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To Valeria
With all due respect, I think you are missing the point. Liberace was nowhere near being the world's greatest pianist, but people came from all over the world to see him perform. The 20,000 seat arena was electrically charged Saturday night. What a show they put on. When they are on TV, you just don't get this experience. Same with Elvis, Streisand and others. You just have to be there.
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Julie Page 02-26-2020
03:33 PM ET (US) IP: 74.79.51.67
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Probably true, Valeria. Still, it's good to hear young voices appreciating some good music. Hardly expect anyone to rival our Mario.
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Al Canez 02-25-2020
08:28 AM ET (US) IP: 24.38.229.151
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Thanks, Martino. Always a pleasure to "read" you.
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Valeria Pugiotto 02-24-2020
09:45 PM ET (US) IP: 5.90.145.47
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Here in Italy, ‘Il Volo’ are considered rather mediocre singers.
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Kristine Cimmy 02-24-2020
05:55 PM ET (US) IP: 96.59.1.174
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I am surprised, so far, Hollywood hasn't called on Il Volo for movies. But then, today's Hollywood isn't the Hollywood of 1930's, '40's, '50's. As for example, Harve Presnell made 3 movies, Peter Palmer only made one movie. My late father could never understand why Hollywood didn't approach singer, Tom Netherton, who was on "The Lawrence Welk Show". I told my dad, at that time, it's because today's Hollywood isn't the Hollywood of 1930's, '40's, '50's. Sadly, Tom Netherton passed away, about 2 years ago. He had a good singing voice, was good looking, too. Anacani, who was on "The Lawrence Welk Show", made an appearance in one movie, she had a scene in movie "Zoot Suit". I heard that Ellisa Lanza Bregman liked Ron Howard's documentary about Pavarotti. There is still the documentary, about Mario Lanza, "The American Caruso" still around. PBS hasn't aired it, in a long, long time. When "Biography" was on A&E Cable Channel, hosted by Peter Graves, years ago, they never had Mario Lanza as a subject. There is that magazine, Closer, on magazine stands, which has stories about Hollywood past . They have written stories about Judy Garland, Rita Hayworth, the recent issue has a tribute to Kirk Douglas , a story about Glen Campbell. Maybe one day, there will be a story about Mario Lanza.
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Barbara Clifton 02-24-2020
04:05 PM ET (US) IP: 23.127.59.195
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Tonight Il Volo is in Tampa, the closest location to me. I'd love to see their show. And I do believe they are good guys, who love what they do. As I said in an earlier post Ignazio's top notes seem to have returned after about a 2 yr absence.
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Mike from L.I. 02-24-2020
01:45 PM ET (US) IP: 108.74.19.115
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Saw IL VOLO live Saturday night at the BB&T center in Sunrise, FL. What a magnificent show. You just don't get the full experience while watching them on PBS TV. If you can ever get to see them live, I really recommend it. Two and a half hours with no intermission!! Besides the voices, they are really nice young men.
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Martino1 02-24-2020
12:45 PM ET (US) IP: 104.255.4.145
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Jim, if the Pavarotti documentary is any indication, Ron Howard's honest approach with his subject matter would serve the Lanza story very well. He showed the ups and downs of Luciano's life as any director with integrity would do, but without sensationalizing anything. Yes, he described the extra marital affairs but did so with the lady subjects themselves in real time interviews, thereby leaving no room for misinterpretation. Howard's revelations were from first party sources, be they friends, colleagues, managers, lovers or whomever. This credible kind of evidence would be hard to do in Lanza's case as most of the people Lanza knew back then are dead and can not give the true back story to Howard's questions. And unlike Callas and Pavarotti, Mario gave very few in depth interviews to professionals that asked probing questions about them personally and professionally. Both these documentaries were basically told in the first person.
Howard's "artistry" (as you correctly put it) certainly enhanced the Pavarotti story. In lessor hands the story would not be that interesting other than to opera fans but Howard made sure that once a life chapter was introduced, an aria or song sung by Pavarotti went hand in hand with that chapter. For example, when Pavarotti's personal life was in despair and nearing the end, the segment was closed with a beautiful rendition of "E'lucevan le Stelle". This continuous and related thread connecting story line to music was at the heart of how Howard wanted the story told. He had the tremendous benefit of having Pavarotti's managers, fellow singers, wives, daughters, etc. all available to tell the story and give their impressions and feelings.
Ron Howard did it right. If only that same kind of material was there for him to use for Mario Lanza. But after so many years, he would have to take an entirely different approach with the Lanza story simply from a logistical/informational standpoint.
You will certainly love to see the Sony Productions Maria Callas documentary as well. With her, as with Pavarotti, the subject's own statements during interviews gives you the best insight as to what made her the singer and the person she was. She made that distinction over and over - the person vs the singer - one coin with two different sides. She said there was a woman she had to deal with, Maria, and then there was the artist, Callas. How she dealt with the two in her own words is very interesting and revealing. Some of these interviews I had never seen before. As with the Pavarotti film, there was a great deal of singing to break up the narrative.
These two documentaries (each about two hours long), made with top notch employees and studio backing are about as good as it can get. I highly recommend them both.
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Al Canez 02-24-2020
09:23 AM ET (US) IP: 24.38.229.151
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Hi Martino. No I haven't. Ron moved from Greenwih, CT where I worked and spoke to him several times through our radio station. Imagine what his artistry and thruthfullness would present dealing with Mario's life and art. Every time I see a video or old film of Callas I marvel at here involement via face and body with what she was singing. She and Mario...what at pair! For those who do not know because of the namw above I'm Jim Thompson.
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Martino1 02-24-2020
09:04 AM ET (US) IP: 104.255.4.145
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The new Ron Howard biopic on Luciano Pavarotti is now available on Showtime, various times and dates so you will want to check your local listings. Sony's bio of "Maria Callas: In Her Own Words", is also available as an On Demand feature with DishTV. Both are quite good if you have access to Dish and Showtime. We talked about the Pavarotti film before and Jim Thompson was going to try to speak to Ron Howard, who he has spoken to before, to get his thoughts on a similar production for Mario Lanza. Have you had any success Jim? Edited 02-24-2020 09:05 AM
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Bill Ronayne 02-23-2020
10:38 AM ET (US) IP: 68.192.185.64
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A recent interview that I gave on YesterdayUSA.com which plays old time radio programs has just been posted on our web site. I speak about the Mario Lanza Institute and Mario Lanza. It's on the right side of our home page in a blue box. Just click on the link below to go to our site. Please note that the musical selections mentioned near the end of the interview are not included at this time. For now it's only the interview. Here's the link to our site: https://www.mariolanzainstitute.org/Best, Bill Edited 02-23-2020 10:39 AM
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Bill Ronayne 02-23-2020
10:22 AM ET (US) IP: 68.192.185.64
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Hi:
I will be interviewed on the Tutto Italiano radio program which airs live today on Radio Kingston (WKNY) from 1pm -2pm. I will be discussing Mario Lanza, the Lanza Institute and Museum and the Mario Lanza Society of NY. Some recordings of Mario Lanza will also be played. The show can be heard online by clicking on the yellow play button where it says Now Playing at the top of the page. Here's the link:
https://radiokingston.org/en/broadcast/tutto-italiano
The show will also be posted on their site in about a week for those that can't listen when it first airs.
Best, Bill
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Fred Day 02-21-2020
12:43 AM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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I didn't realize until now, that Orson Bean just died 2 weeks ago, on Feb 7th, age 91. I remember him well, very witty. Ciao.
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Stephen of Las Vegas 02-20-2020
11:56 AM ET (US) IP: 72.193.49.212
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I don't remember where I read it, but I have a recollection from years ago that Colleen was struck by one car while she was exiting the vehicle she had been driving and had just parked, and then she was hit by a second car. I thought of her a few days ago when I read that Orson Bean was hit by two cars and killed while he was attempting to cross in the middle of a street, the second car killing him. I've read most of Lanza's biographies and also some of the other publications from Damon, and have also been a reader of this and other Lanza sites, so I don't recall where I may have read this. Edited 02-20-2020 12:04 PM
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Wendy Stilwell 02-19-2020
10:14 AM ET (US) IP: 90.216.8.165
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I downloaded 'When We're talked about tomorrow' some years ago from Amazon.
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Valeria Pugiotto 02-19-2020
12:17 AM ET (US) IP: 5.90.145.63
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I think Terry tried to protect Damon from that creep of Dolfi, and Damon did not want to hear it. Damon looked as if he was under a spell with Dolfi. Edited 02-19-2020 12:19 AM
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Kristine Cimmy 02-18-2020
04:29 PM ET (US) IP: 96.59.1.174
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I didn't know, Colleen's first husband was Venezuelan. I heard, her second husband, Pat Davis is nephew of silent movie comedian , Harold Lloyd. Is that true ? Harold Lloyd's wife was Mildred Davis, who appeared in some of his silent movies. Does anyone know how the accident happened ? Wasn't she watching , while crossing the street or was it hit and run ? How sad ! I heard, Patty Kate Johnson, daughter of Kathryn Grayson, was with her, at time of her passing. I also heard, Damon and Marc invested money in a motorcycle sales business, in Palm Springs, Calif., but lost money in it. That's sad. I also heard, Terry had a falling out with Damon, which was sad.
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Valeria Pugiotto 02-18-2020
11:26 AM ET (US) IP: 93.42.98.163
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I have recently made a research on Betty. When she died, several newspapers wrote that her doctor said she had died of asphyxiation. She had a serious breathing problem in the weeks before she died. It is true she was heartbroken, and this may well have caused the physical problems that led to her death, but I do not believe she committed suicide. Edited 02-18-2020 02:28 PM
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Fred Day 02-18-2020
12:21 AM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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To say that Betty Lanza killed herself may not be true. She may have accidentally overdosed on her medication. Suicide is probably not the cause. Ciao.
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Fred Day 02-18-2020
12:09 AM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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I have a record by Coleen Lanza, titled "When We're Talked About Tomorrow". Yes, she sounded very similar to Nancy Sinatra junior. Same producer. I heard that Damon and Marc had a Pizza franchise at one time, but it was not a financial success. Ciao.
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Barbara Clifton 02-17-2020
11:50 PM ET (US) IP: 23.127.59.195
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Los Angeles Times
Damon Lanza
LANZA, Damon Beloved son of Mario and Betty Lanza passed away August 16, 2008 at age 55. He is survived by his sister, Ellisa Lanza Bregman, his brother-in-law, Robert B. Bregman, his nephews, Tony and Nick Bregman, his uncle, Terry Robinson, and East Coast family members. He was loved and will be missed. A private family service and burial was held at Holy Cross Cemetery Wednesday, August 26, 2008.
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Barbara Clifton 02-17-2020
11:49 PM ET (US) IP: 23.127.59.195
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Mark Lanza
Fourth and youngest child of actor and legendary singer Mario Lanza, and mother, Elizabeth “Betty” Hicks Lanza. Born in Los Angeles, California, he lived with his parents in California and in Rome, Italy, until 1959, when his father suddenly died of a heart attack. His mother returned with the family to live in Los Angeles, and five months after the death of Mario Lanza, Betty Lanza killed herself in grief, leaving behind four children. Marc was five years old when he was orphaned. Marc and the other three children were raised by their paternal grandparents, Tony and Maria Cocozza at their home in California. In his youth, Marc was considered a pleasant and exuberant young man, but turned troubled and grew reclusive as he grew older. He shared the family house at 622 Toyopa Drive with his older brother Damon for several years. The property, which had appreciated to over $1 million, was lost after they mortgaged it to acquire venture capital for a misguided investment in a failed pizzeria and sportsbar. The family house was later demolished so that a new home could be built on the lot. He reportedly died of a heart attack in 1991, at age 37.
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Barbara Clifton 02-17-2020
11:48 PM ET (US) IP: 23.127.59.195
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(aka)diane cox
Here is write up as it appears on "find a grave" site
Colleen Lanza
Daughter of actor and legendary singer Mario Lanza, and mother, Elizabeth “Betty” Hicks Lanza. Born in Los Angeles, California, she lived with her parents in California and in Rome, Italy, until 1959, when her father suddenly died of a heart attack. Her mother returned with the family to live in Los Angeles, and five months after the death of Mario Lanza, Betty Lanza killed herself in grief, leaving behind four children. Colleen was twelve years old when she was orphaned. Colleen and the other three children were raised by their paternal grandparents, Tony and Maria Cocozza at their home in California. Encouraged by Lanza Producer, Joe Pasternak, she had a short-lived singing career while working with Lee Hazelwood, a protégé of Nancy Sinatra. Her voice, while considered harmonious and pleasant, was undistinguished and her career failed to take off, despite the Lanza name. On July 23, 1971, she married Alberto Caldera, Jr. the nephew of the President of the Republic of Venezuela, however, this marriage soon failed, and she divorced Alberto. To support herself, she became a screenwriter. She married again, to Patrick Davis, a much better choice in that she remained happily married to him for 20 years, until her death in 1997. During this time, she worked to keep her father’s legacy in music alive. On July 19, 1997, she was struck by a car while crossing the street near her home, and died on August 4, at the age of 48.
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Fred Day 02-17-2020
11:46 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Martino: Yes, Marc Lanza was the youngest of the 4 Lanza children, and the first to die, in June 1991, at age only 37, same age as his mother Betty, a year younger than Mario. According to Terry Robinson, Marc was born with a tiny hole in his heart, that slowly grew larger as he grew older. I do not know if this condition could be cured or prevented. Ciao.
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Kristine Cimmy 02-17-2020
11:35 PM ET (US) IP: 96.59.1.174
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When Colleen, Marc, Damon passed away, were their obituaries in newspapers ? I didn't see anything about their passings in newspaper, here, in Florida. Did The Los Angeles Times mention their passings ?
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Kristine Cimmy 02-17-2020
11:32 PM ET (US) IP: 96.59.1.174
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Marc Lanza passed away from a heart problem, I heard. I heard about Colleen being hit by a car and eventually passed away from the injuries and we know, Damon passed away from a heart attack, sadly. Colleen tried to have an acting career, was studying at M-G-M, where she met Richard Chamberlain, who was filming "Dr. Kildare" t.v. series, at the time. He told her , you have to work hard to achieve your goal. I heard she did make a recording, sounded something like Nancy Sinatra, Jr.'s style. She resembled Nancy Sinatra, Jr. Then, I read, she was a screenplay writer. Does anyone know what movie screenplays, she wrote ? What were Marc's and Damon's chosen careers ? Damon was promoting his father. I heard they eventually sold their house in Pacific Palisades.
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Martino1 02-17-2020
07:13 PM ET (US) IP: 104.255.4.145
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Thanks for the correction. I did not know it was Colleen in that picture and I guess I forgot (or never knew) that she was Mario's and Betty's firstborn. I did read somewhere she tried a musical career but was not successful. I also read of her tragic death in a pedestrian accident. Yes, truly, the Lanza saga would make a dramatic opera for sure. We all know about Damon but they also had another son, younger I believe, named Marc. I don't know a thing about him but believe he also died young.
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Julie Page 02-17-2020
03:40 PM ET (US) IP: 74.79.51.67
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Che Gelida never fails to amaze and enthrall, no matter how often it's heard. Only Mario. Martino, the little girl in the photo is Colleen, their firstborn. She died after being struck by two autos.She was 48 years old. The story of their lives is truly as tragic as any opera. Thankfully, there were many wonderful times as well.
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Kristine Cimmy 02-17-2020
01:48 PM ET (US) IP: 96.59.1.174
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I wish that Fiat t.v. commercial had been seen in the U.S. I wonder if Mario Lanza ever met Cary Grant ? Grant made one movie at M-G-M "Dream Wife" in early '50's. I know, Mario met James Mason(there's a photo of them from 1949)and Stewart Granger knew Mario.
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Fred Day 02-17-2020
01:33 AM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Boris Karloff was not in the film, but played the role on stage many times, and also on radio. He always got a big laugh when he referred to another character saying "He said I look like Boris Karloff!!"
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Wendy Stilwell 02-16-2020
06:08 AM ET (US) IP: 90.210.40.37
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Wonderful film, Cary Grant. So good at comedy
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Fred Day 02-16-2020
04:38 AM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Reminds me of that great play and film: Arsenic And Old Lace!! Ciao.
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Wendy Stilwell 02-15-2020
10:08 AM ET (US) IP: 90.210.14.77
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My favourite century for murders! I also love the true ones, eg poisoners. In the UK arsenic seemed to be favourite weapon!
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Martino1 02-15-2020
08:51 AM ET (US) IP: 104.255.4.145
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Thanks, Wendy. I will have to look her up. My Netflix watchlist is full of Victorian crime thrillers - I love to binge on them. Maybe Perry was a source for some of these series.
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Wendy Stilwell 02-15-2020
06:31 AM ET (US) IP: 90.210.14.77
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Hi Martino. Her name is now Ann Perry. And she writes Victorian crime thrillers, set in the UK.
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Valeria Pugiotto 02-15-2020
01:12 AM ET (US) IP: 93.42.98.163
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https://youtu.be/Gh3CBFj-uk8
In this video, Mario’ s ‘Come Prima’ is used for an add for the Fiat 500. I used to have the old version of that car. Three generations of my family drove it....
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Kristine Cimmy 02-14-2020
11:59 PM ET (US) IP: 96.59.1.174
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"Something In The Wind" is in Deanna Durbin Sweetheart Collection-DVD's, which includes "Can't Help Singing", "Three Smart Girls"(her film debut), "First Love"(the movie, where Robert Stack gives her, her first screen kiss). I don't know if "Aaron Slick From Punkin Crick" is out on DVD.
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Kristine Cimmy 02-14-2020
11:56 PM ET (US) IP: 96.59.1.174
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Thanks for correction, Martino. Mario Lanza also sang a few notes of that, when he and James Whitmore are in the guardhouse, in "Because You're Mine" and at end of "Night At The Opera", Allan Jones and Kitty Carlise sing it.
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Martino1 02-14-2020
07:34 PM ET (US) IP: 104.255.4.145
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Kristine, I don't think I have seen either the Peerce or Merrill movies. From your description of Peerce and Durbin singing together while she is in jail, I think the "Miserere" you are talking about would more likely be from Il Trovatore rather than Tosca.
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Kristine Cimmy 02-14-2020
06:49 PM ET (US) IP: 96.59.1.174
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There was a movie with Eric Roberts(isn't he, the brother of Julia Roberts ?)where, in one scene, there's a movie poster from "Because You're Mine" on a wall, I think. Also, in the t.v. version of Priscilla Presley's book "Elvis and Me"(which I read, years ago), in the opening scenes, there was "The Student Prince" record album(the one with full face of Mario Lanza)shown and also, the scene, when Priscilla is first introduced to Elvis, when he is in the Army, they both mention, they like Mario Lanza. By the way, Larry Peerce(son of tenor Jan Peerce)directed the movie. On the subject of Jan Peerce, his film debut was in a Deanna Durbin movie "Something In The Wind", where she and he sing "Misere" from "Tosca", when she is in jail and he plays a policeman. I think that would be his only movie. Robert Merrill's only movie was "Aaron Slick From Punkin' Creek", starring Dinah Shore, Alan Young.
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Martino1 02-14-2020
06:32 PM ET (US) IP: 104.255.4.145
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Wendy, what name does she go by?
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Wendy Stilwell 02-14-2020
02:47 PM ET (US) IP: 90.216.3.69
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Interesting that "Heavenly Creatures" was a true story, and one of the two girls involved in the mother's murder went on to be a famous author now living in the UK, I believe in Scotland. In fact, I didn't realise that I had been reading her books, until I read about her on her on the Internet
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Martino1 02-14-2020
09:21 AM ET (US) IP: 104.255.4.145
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Lots of interesting information there Kristine. Mario's voice has been used in various advertisements over the years although I don't remember any involving a restaurant as you suggested. Lanza was also sort of the protagonist in absentia in the Australian movie, "Heavenly Creatures". This was a rather dark and provocative movie at the time and I believe it marked the debut of the now famous actress, Kate Winslet. It also starred Melanie Lynskey, of "Two And A Half Men" fame. I have watched the movie a few times and although I would hardly call it a classic, it is the kind of film where you learn something new at each viewing. In fact, the last time I watched it I notice for the first time a picture of Jussi Bjorling on the "shrine to tenors" that the girls set up.
So as we can see, Mario and/or his voice has been used in various commercial endeavors of one sort or another but the bio-pic that everyone has been waiting for has yet to be made. My guess is it never will be.
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Kristine Cimmy 02-13-2020
03:49 PM ET (US) IP: 96.59.1.174
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Some thought, Bert Hicks would be another Gable, but it didn't happen. Barry Nelson was friends with Bert Hicks and Mario Lanza, from their Army days. Nelson was in movies at M-G-M and was married to Teresa Celli, who was in "The Great Caruso". He was the first James Bond on t.v., years before Sean Connery was "Bond, James Bond". Nelson later retired to Bucks County, Pennsylvania, where he passed away, a few years ago. Back in 1990's, he appeared in a stage production of Broadway play, "Lend Me A Tenor", here, in Florida. Some of the movies, he was in were "Bataan", "Undercover Maisie", " A Yank On The Burma Road", "Tenth Avenue Angel". I have seen family photos of Barry with Betty, Mario. In Janet Leigh's autobiography. "There Really Was A Hollywood", she wrote, she dated Barry Nelson, met Mario , through him.
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Kristine Cimmy 02-13-2020
03:40 PM ET (US) IP: 96.59.1.174
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Martino, Mother Dolores Hart was daughter of Bert Hicks. He was good looking, had a moustache. He did appear in a movie with Ann Blyth and Robert Montgomery. In Mother Dolores's autobiography, "The Ear Of The Heart", she mentioned Uncle Mario, Aunt Betty, there were photos of the Hicks Family, her childhood photos, family photos, etc. I always thought, Mary Tyler Moore resembled Betty Lanza, somewhat. Kirk Douglas, Orson Bean, Gene Ryenolds, Robert Conrad, opera singer, Mirella Freni, RIP. Terry Robinson trained Kirk Douglas for movie "Champion" and Terry said people thought he and Kirk Douglas looked alike. Marc Lanza was a fan of "The Wild, Wild West" series, starring Robert Conrad and Ross Martin. Conrad had a singing voice, did sing, before turning to acting, appeared on "Hawaiian Eye" with Connie Stevens, in early '60's and was on "Black Sheep Squadron", about Col. Pappy Boyington, USMC fighter pilot. Gene Reynolds was a child actor in the '30's and '40's, was in "Boys' Town"(1938), later directed "My Three Sons" and co produced "MASH" with Alan Alda. Reynolds's first wife, Bonnie Jones was from New Hartford, N.Y., near my hometown, Utica, N.Y., and appeared on "MASH". When she would visit her family, in New Hartford, she would be a guest on talk radio, in Utica, tell everybody, she was married to Gene Reynolds. I wonder if there are any t.v. commercials, who would use Mario's singing voice ? There's a t.v. commercial with Nat King Cole singing "Let's Face The Music and Dance". I was thinking , the song "There's Going To Be A Party Tonight", sung by Mario Lanza, from "Seven Hills Of Rome", would be good for a t.v. commercial for a restaurant which caters to parties, etc.
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Martino1 02-13-2020
12:32 PM ET (US) IP: 104.255.4.145
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So Bert was Dolores Hart's father? I did not know that, or at least don't recall. Now I understand the connection. I am sure this stuff is in the Lanza biographies, all of which I have read several times over but my memory fails me when it comes to these personal things. Thanks again for the information Valeria.
Now another question for you, or anyone else. Please go to this link:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XOPvS5mYX70. This is the youtube clip of Mario Lanza singing "Che Gelida Manina", as posted by Vince Di Placido. When you get to the 47 second mark of the video pause it. You will notice Lanza practicing from sheet music for the song, "What My Mother Wants To Know?!". Of course the translation to Italian is "Mama Mia Che Vo' Sape", one of Lanza's most famous Neapolitan songs.
I know Mario sang some Italian tunes and arias in English but unless I've missed something I don't remember Lanza ever singing that particular song in anything but Italian. In fact, I've never heard anyone at all sing it in English. I can't imagine the sheet music cover being in English and the contents being in Italian but maybe that is the case here. Does anyone know if Mario ever sang this song in English?
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Valeria Pugiotto 02-13-2020
10:33 AM ET (US) IP: 93.42.98.163
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Bert’s daughter was Dolores Hart, who later became a nun. She actually wrote her autobiography in which she mentions Mario and Betty. She does not speak very highly of her father.... The book is called ‘The Ear of the Art: an Actress’ journey from Hollywood to Holy Vows’. It is an interesting book because she also writes in detail about her grandmother, Betty’s and Bert’s mother, and her difficult life. It is certainly useful to better understand Betty’s background. Edited 02-13-2020 10:36 AM
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Martino1 02-13-2020
10:09 AM ET (US) IP: 104.255.4.145
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Thank you Valeria. Betty's brother was a handsome man, somewhat reminding me of the young Robert Taylor. I now recall the name, Bert Hicks, but that he was not a successful actor is probably why I really did not know who he was or what movies he was in.
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Valeria Pugiotto 02-13-2020
09:01 AM ET (US) IP: 93.42.98.163
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This is his picture
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Valeria Pugiotto 02-13-2020
08:07 AM ET (US) IP: 93.42.98.163
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Betty’s brother, Bert, was the Army pal that introduced her to Mario. Bertie was an actor, but not a very successful one. Edited 02-13-2020 08:57 AM
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Martino1 02-13-2020
06:59 AM ET (US) IP: 104.255.4.145
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The problem you experienced must have been a weird but only a temporary glitch because it seems to work well now. The picture I posted is rather rare and I assume the child is Elissa but I don't know that for a fact. I'll try to post another photo you don't often see, this one is of Mario with his two boys.
Like you, I don't know a whole lot about Mario's wife, Betty. I know they had four kids and she was related to a movie actor I think. Some say she died shortly after Mario's death due to a broken heart, at least that is what my father believed. I think besides great grief there may have been other, contributing factors as well.
Unlike you, however, I don't much care about hearing how Betty dealt with her husband's excesses. Probably like most women of that era, she may have complained of her hurt in private but let it go totally unnoticed in public but I consider it none of my business. I have always been interested first and foremost in the Lanza voice. Everything I come across after that is just to satisfy my curiosity.
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Dennis1 02-13-2020
03:19 AM ET (US) IP: 76.126.57.19
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Martino, I had a strange format when I went on the site on Feb 11. The new norm is light and dark gray with white printing and the ability to post pictures. On the 11th, there was a new format for awhile with white and gray alternating and printing with black I believe. The font was smaller. There were more posts to a page. And all of the pictures were missing. Thanks for the photo. I had not seen it before. I am quite interesting in finding out more about Betty and how she dealt with Mario's personality (and possible womanizing).
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Barbara Clifton 02-13-2020
12:16 AM ET (US) IP: 23.127.59.195
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(aka Diane Cox) For any who love Il Volo - from videos I've watched of the North American tour, it appears Ignazio has gotten his top notes back. For a couple years, they have been iffy or non-existent.
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Valeria Pugiotto 02-12-2020
02:55 PM ET (US) IP: 93.42.98.163
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Martino, thank you. I hope he comes back up soon. If you are in contact with him, tell him we miss him. 🙂
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Martino1 02-12-2020
01:10 PM ET (US) IP: 104.255.4.145
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Valeria, Sam has his ups and downs and right now he is down. I'm sure he will start posting again when he feels better.
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Valeria Pugiotto 02-12-2020
12:14 PM ET (US) IP: 93.42.98.163
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I love that picture... Thank you!
Where is Sam? I miss his posts!
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Martino1 02-12-2020
08:09 AM ET (US) IP: 104.255.4.145
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Dennis, it works as you can see below. Click on the photo and it enlarges. Then go to the right middle side of the photo and you will see "next". Click on it and you can go from photo to photo. Should work for you too.
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Martino1 02-12-2020
08:08 AM ET (US) IP: 104.255.4.145
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I don't think there is a problem with pictures. I will try to upload one now.
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Dennis1 02-11-2020
02:44 PM ET (US) IP: 76.126.57.19
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What has happened to the posting of pictures? How can we access them or does the new format not allow them?
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Bill Ronayne 02-10-2020
09:13 AM ET (US) IP: 68.192.180.84
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You're welcome. Here's another section that was just completed in the museum. This wall is devoted mostly to "Seven Hills of Rome" and on the extreme right is memorabilia from Mario's concert performances. Best, Bill
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Julie Page 02-06-2020
03:23 PM ET (US) IP: 74.79.51.67
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Thank for the photo, Bill, for keeping us up to date.
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Bill Ronayne 02-06-2020
09:39 AM ET (US) IP: 68.192.188.155
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Some more work in the Lanza Museum. The "For the First Time" section has been completed. Originally the poster above the door was on a different wall but it was felt that it belonged with the rest of the memorabilia related to Lanza's final movie so it was moved. The rug on the floor is only temporary and to safeguard the tile from damage. Best, Bill
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Julie Page 02-05-2020
03:19 PM ET (US) IP: 74.79.51.67
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Valeria, it all sounds so delightful.I will never get to Rome at this point in my life, but love what you're doing to honor "our' Mario. I hope you will encourage your son with his singing. The video looks like "The Christopher's Show". I believe Mario was 16 when he had his first lessons.
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Dennis1 02-04-2020
02:51 AM ET (US) IP: 76.126.57.19
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Valeria. What a wonderful idea and what a gracious invitation! It has been a couple of decades since I was in Rome, but if I were in the area I would have been there! I hope more fans have a similar idea for Mario's 100th! And any 16-year-old who thinks he can sing is worth investigating! Let a professional evaluate him.
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Valeria Pugiotto 02-04-2020
01:49 AM ET (US) IP: 93.42.98.163
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I booked a table for 11 in a nice little restaurant close to where I live.
It was a wonderful evening! We had the screen showing different videos all for ourselves! Next year, I plan to book the whole restaurant.
Doing my best to keep the memory alive...
And my son, who is 16, wants me to pay for singing lessons. He thinks he might have a good voice. He loves Mario and in my home there is always a Mario song playing!
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Valeria Pugiotto 02-04-2020
01:46 AM ET (US) IP: 93.42.98.163
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That’s us celebrating Mario!
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Kristine Cimmy 02-03-2020
06:04 PM ET (US) IP: 96.59.1.174
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I just recently found out that Miliza Korjus's daughter, Melissa Wells(born 1932)was a diplomat. Very interesting.
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Kristine Cimmy 02-03-2020
01:55 PM ET (US) IP: 96.59.1.174
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Happy Belated Birthday Tribute, Mario Lanza ! By the way, Mario Lanza's name was mentioned in the movie "Sincerely, Yours" starring Liberace(a re-make of "The Man Who Played God"). There was a movie with Eric Roberts(brother of Julia Roberts)which showed a movie poster of "Because You're Mine" on the wall.
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Julie Page 02-03-2020
01:39 PM ET (US) IP: 74.79.51.67
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Valeria. What a dream to have been with you to honor our Mario on what would have been his 99th birthday. Would you tell us what it was like? I watched his first film "That Midnight Kiss" and it didn't seem possible that it was made so long ago. One of my copies is fading away, but it was still wonderful to watch. What a great girl you are! Thanks for all you do.Al, {Jim} a fascinating story. Tell us more.
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Valeria Pugiotto 01-31-2020
03:46 AM ET (US) IP: 93.42.98.163
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Happy Birthday, Mario! Buon Compleanno!
If anybody of you is in Rome, Italy, I am hosting a party at ‘Home Made’ in Via Andrea Mantegna 22, at 7,30pm.
Everybody is welcome!
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Kristine Cimmy 01-29-2020
06:11 PM ET (US) IP: 96.59.1.174
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In June 2017 issue of Opera News, it was noted that Dr.Raymond Raskin passed away at 95. He was a psychiatrist and psychoanalyst. His first wife was opera soprano , Judith Raskin, who sang with Mario Lanza on "The Desert Song" and "The Vagabond King" recordings. Sadly, she passed away in 1984, at age 56. Here is the address of TCM, if you would like to send a letter, asking if they will ever show a Mario Lanza movie in selected movie theaters : TCM Viewer Relations, 1050 Techwood Drive, N.W., Atlanta, Georgia 30318. I wonder why, Mario Lanza never recorded Hawaiian songs. I found a You Tube video of tenor, Felix Knight singing "The Moon of Manakoora"(from the movie "The Hurricane", 1937)from 1938. Also, there's a You Tube video of tenor, Kenny Baker singing "Blue Tahitian Moon"(from movie "Son of Fury-Benjamin Blake" starring Tyrone Power, one of my favorite movies).
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Al Canez 01-28-2020
05:33 PM ET (US) IP: 24.38.229.151
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Hello everyone...interesting postings. I've mentioned before the Classical Arts channel that we get on our Altice TV. I wrote a posting that no matter how good the opera singers are they simply do not come across the screen (or, I imagine, the stage) as Mario did with his diction, eyes and hand movements. All Natural. Today they had Ferruccio Tagliavini singing " Che Gelida Mannina"> It was all right but no connection to the actress looking at him lovingly. So here's my reason for this post. In 1948 my father, who was in the Foreign Service, was posted to Palermo, Sicily. We left on the Italian Liner "Vulcania" for the five day crossing of the Atlantic with a stop in Genoa before docking in Naples. Well one day I was on the deck near a Ping Pong table when a gentleman with a cap on his head, with an accent, "Would you like to play?" I said yes and so we started hitting the ball and from time to time he asked me where I was going with my parents as I ws 14 and other chit chat. We ended with him saying have a good trip and enjoy Sicily. That eveving my Mom and Dad and I sat in a lovely hall and a man and woman walked out, people applauded as the pianist start to play. So I immediately whispered to them, "I played Ping Pong with that singer this afternoon!". The woman was his wife, soprano Pia Tassinari. Up to that time I had never heard live singers or operatic ones. My musical education started with the 78's in the villa we rented and before I came back to the States to school, we went to the Massimo Opera Hous to see "Aida" with Mario del Monaco before he came to the U.S. Memories! If it could only have been Mario!
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Martino1 01-28-2020
07:37 AM ET (US) IP: 104.255.4.145
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Kristine, I have followed the life and achievements of Ruth Bader Ginsburg for many years. Thank you for bringing her up. I admire her greatly, as should everyone, especially women, who live in America. Her contributions and advances in the development of Constitutional law have been immense and far reaching.
Ginsburg was at the opposite end of the political spectrum from Antonin Scalia, who like me was born of immigrant Italian parents. But regardless of their personal politics they respected each other as great, brilliant legal minds and shared a common bond as opera lovers. That she mentions giants such as Bjorling, Tebaldi, Corelli and Price is a testament to her musical knowledge. Great singing and music can help forge alliances even among ideological foes. Such is its power.
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Kristine Cimmy 01-27-2020
02:30 PM ET (US) IP: 96.59.1.174
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I just read Opera News Magazine -April 2017 issue. There was a tribute to Roberta Peters(she was briefly married to Robert Merrill. She said she fell in love with his voice). I think she once dated George London. She had a great voice, was attractive. She appeared on "Medical Center" in early 1970's, played a terminally ill opera star. There was also an interview with Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, who is an opera fan. She was friends with Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia(also an opera fan). She once played an extra in an opera. She was asked questions about favorite opera singers, etc. She liked Jussi Bjorling and Renata Tebaldi. Her best opera moment was the debuts of Leontyne Price and Franco Corelli in "Il Trovatore". Her worse opera moment was sadly, when Leonard Warren passed away , while on stage in opera.
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David Savage 01-26-2020
10:19 PM ET (US) IP: 69.129.171.56
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David Savage to Vincent Ricciardi.
Vincent, I should have guessed that. Just grabbed the opportunity to promote a great article.
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Vincent Ricciardi 01-26-2020
08:11 AM ET (US) IP: 68.132.115.121
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Hello David, Yes, I’m fully aware of the whole lip sync scandal, but that article was really good for those who are not. I was simply responding to the other post below by Julie. Apparently the issue was a dubbed video and not the scandal itself. Edited 01-26-2020 08:12 AM
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David Savage 01-23-2020
11:10 PM ET (US) IP: 69.129.171.56
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David Savage to Vincent Ricciardi:
Clarification: The lip-synching scandal was the aftermath of Mario's first Shower of Stars appearance. One month later he returned to Shower of Stars for a second performance, singing two numbers live to redeem his reputation ( E Lucevan Le Stelle and Some Day). For the complete story, read Derek McGovern's excellent article on the subject.
https://www.mariolanzatenor.com/confounding-the-enemy.html
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Wendy Stilwell 01-19-2020
12:18 PM ET (US) IP: 90.206.241.224
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For those in the UK, Talking Pictures channel 81 Freeview, also on Sky and Virgin, tonight Sunday Night at the London Palladium with Mario
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David Savage 01-18-2020
08:32 PM ET (US) IP: 69.129.171.56
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David Savage to Martino.
You are right. I took a long break and then along came the trolls.
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Kristine Cimmy 01-17-2020
06:40 PM ET (US) IP: 96.59.1.174
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Also, tenor, Kenny Baker is on that CD "Hollywood Tenors".
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Martino1 01-17-2020
01:22 PM ET (US) IP: 104.255.4.145
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Great story David, and good to see you posting again. Unless I've missed it we have not heard from you in a long, long time.
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David Savage 01-17-2020
12:52 PM ET (US) IP: 69.129.171.56
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David Savage to Martino
I agree with your comments about Flaviano Labo. In the early sixties I saw him perform three times in Pittsburgh, twice in La Boheme and once in Aida. He was excellent! His performance in Aida was, however, quite comical. Between scenes he tripped on some risers backstage and cut his hand. An announcer emerged and apologized for Mr. Labo stating that the injury might affect his singing. Flaviano Labo returned to the stage with a bandaged hand held above his head to stop the bleeding. He sang the rest of the opera with a raised hand. The bandaged hand and a pair of golden elevator boots combined to make him a comical figure. The singing was, in spite of this, outstanding. An unforgettable evening!
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Julie Page 01-15-2020
02:43 PM ET (US) IP: 74.79.51.67
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Thanks everyone. Derek,I will assume that the re-mastered version sent to me by Vincent DiPlacido is live. And Vince R. I wa s aware of the Shower of Stars show that was so unfair to Mario. Everyone else was Lip synching but only he was expected to be live.
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Kristine Cimmy 01-15-2020
02:32 PM ET (US) IP: 96.59.1.174
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There is another book about movie musicals out. It's "That Was Entertainment" about M-G-M Movie Musicals, by Bernard Dick. Gene Kelly and Debbie Reynolds(from "Singin' In The Rain")are on the cover. It, along with Jeanine Basinger's book "The Movie Musical"(also, Gene Kelly, from "Singin' In The Rain")on its cover, are available on Amazon.com. I hope both books mention Mario Lanza. TCM has listed its schedule of the movies, they will show, in selected movie theaters, this year. "An American In Paris" will be shown, this month, and "Love Story"(Ryan O'Neal and Ali MacGraw)will be shown later, this year. How about writing letters to TCM Program Director, requesting a Mario Lanza movie be re-released in selected movie theaters ? I found tenor , Felix Knight singing "The Moon of Manakoora" (from "The Hurricane" 1937)on You Tube , from 1938. Most everyone remembers him from "March Of The Wooden Soldiers"(1934)with Laurel &Hardy, Charlotte Henry. He had a good voice and was good looking. His looks remind me of a cross between Mario Lanza and Cornel Wilde. There is a CD, on Amazon. com, called Hollywood Tenors, including Allan Jones, Mario Lanza, Felix Knight, Dennis Morgan. Does anyone know if Allan Jones was a fan of Mario Lanza, who sang two of his songs, "The Donkey Serenade" and "Cosi Cosa" ?
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Barbara Clifton 01-15-2020
10:30 AM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.66
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Thanks Derek. I looked at several videos of the Palladium, having always thought it was a live performance. That explains the confusion.
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Derek Mainwaring 01-15-2020
08:01 AM ET (US) IP: 24.13.222.117
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Actually, Vincent, I think I know what Julie is referring to here. There are two videos of Mario singing "E lucevan le stelle" at the London Palladium on YouTube. One of them runs for 4:14 and yes, Mario's singing is dubbed from the 1950 RCA recording. It was uploaded by "blueeagle" and I have no idea why he or she felt the need to tamper with the recording. The actual live performance - and it's outstanding - can be found under a separate link uploaded by "Eternal Maria Callas" at the running time of 3:11. The picture quality on that one is far superior, too.
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Vincent Ricciardi 01-15-2020
07:15 AM ET (US) IP: 68.132.115.121
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The Palladium is live. It’s the Shower of the Stars show that he was lip singing to his old radio show recordings.
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Julie Page 01-14-2020
04:29 PM ET (US) IP: 74.79.51.67
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Watching on Youtube again and countless times before and having the recording sent to me by wonderful Vincent, I decided to read the comments. Shocked! Is this true? Dubbed ? Am I showing my ignorance after all this time? Sorry, The Palladium of course. Someone please enlighten me.I'm so upset.Please be kinder to me than I am being to myself.
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Barbara Clifton 01-13-2020
12:56 PM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.66
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(aka Diane Cox) Interesting reactions.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AxNub6DlUW...OpJTZpyHicLSbS0nZiI
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Martino1 01-12-2020
10:21 AM ET (US) IP: 104.255.4.145
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Yesterday I listened to one of my albums of opera arias by one of the most underrated tenors of his time, Flaviano Labo. His voice was suitable to a wide range of music but stayed in the more dramatic repertoire for the most part. He was famed the world over for his Don Carlo, Aida, Il Trovatore, Tosca, Andrea Chenier and many other similar roles. He sang in all the major opera houses here in America and Europe.
Unfortunately, Labo was very short of stature and hardly presented a compelling, romantic and heroic figure on stage and this led little credence to his dramatic voice. It was just enough of a disadvantage that voices slightly better than his during the 50s-70s far overshadowed his. He died tragically in an automobile accident near Milan.
Although not a household name, FLaviano Labo is worth listening to over and over and I am certain he would be considered one of the top tenors in the world today. Although he recorded sparingly you can listen to many of Labo's live performances that have been found and preserved over the years. Here are some of his best performances:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JHmwj-MQW1...mT8IYQ&index=6&t=0s
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Kristine Cimmy 01-10-2020
03:23 PM ET (US) IP: 96.59.1.174
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Edd "Kookie" Byrnes passed away at 87. If you remember he was on "77 Sunset Strip" detective series on t.v., in the '50's , with Efrem Zimbalist, Jr. (whose mother was opera singer, Alma Gluck), Roger Smith(who was married to Ann-Margret. Roger passed away, last year). Kookie played Vince Fontaine, the DJ, at the dance, in movie "Grease". RIP. Thanks for info about Jeanine Basinger's book.
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Stephen of Las Vegas 01-10-2020
01:36 PM ET (US) IP: 72.193.49.212
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If you go to Jeanine Basinger's book on Amazon, you can "look inside" and do a search for "Lanza" and you get 6 hits. Don't search for "Mario Lanza" as that gets no hits.
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Kristine Cimmy 01-08-2020
11:16 PM ET (US) IP: 96.59.1.174
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I wonder if Jeanine Basinger mentions Mario Lanza in her book about movie musicasls ?
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Kristine Cimmy 01-08-2020
06:58 PM ET (US) IP: 96.59.1.174
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Yesterday, at Wal-Mart, I saw record albums and record turntables . Some of the LP Albums were Bing Crosby's Christmas recording(on the album cover is Bing wearing a Santa Claus hat), Rubber Soul-The Beatles, The Beach Boys' hit songs. The record albums were in the $20.00 + range. I wonder if any of Mario Lanza's recordings will be re-released as vinyl recordings ? Jeanine Basinger has a new book out about movie musicals-from Astaire-Rogers to "La La Land" and it has about 600+ pages. Film critic-historian, Leonard Maltin gave it an excellent review. Jeanine is active with American Film Institute, I think. According to Leonard, Jeanine thought Astaire-Rogers were perfectly paired in their movies. She liked the 1936 movie version of "Showboat"(Allan Jones, Irene Dunne, Helen Morgan, Paul Robeson) better than the 1951 remake(Howard Keel, Kathryn Grayson, Ava Gardner, William Warfield).
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Al Canez 01-08-2020
06:01 PM ET (US) IP: 24.38.229.151
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Hello everyone. Martino, I agree completely with your latest offering. Lots to think about as usual. Here in 2020 it means absolutely nothing what certain people who place themselves in a special circle think, write or say about Mario Lanza in any derogatory way. The artist we love is just that: an awesome artist with the most fantastic voice given a human being. Was every recording perfect? No. Was every vocal placement perfect? No. I do not know the current count of Lanza recordings but to my ear and heart I would say 98 to 99% of the sound projected by the singer was superb.
I look at a channel on our service which presents singers current and past. Looking at Bjorling, Pavarotti, Domingo, Carreras and so many others as they sing I find that, for the most part, they are involved primarily with technique not emotion or LOVE of what they are projecting. I have had the pleasure of being in the audience of the above mentioned singers and many, many more and the numbers are not large of those with superb audience charisma. Renee Fleming? Superb! Yes, so many of us are old and getting older. We can only pray folks following us will eenjoy and talk up the artistry of Mario Lanza.
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Derek Mainwaring 01-08-2020
02:20 PM ET (US) IP: 24.13.222.117
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Dennis, I have a number of opera loving friends who regularly attend Lyric Opera here in Chicago. All of them enjoy Lanza's singing, but none of them consider him an "opera singer". They are not snobs, just realists. Press any of them on that and they'll point out the obvious: that Mario was primarily a movie star and recording artist who never sang any of the big classical roles on the major stages. There's just no way you can seriously compare him with any of the opera greats Martino listed in his post, any more than you can compare them to what Mario accomplished with his career.
Mario's appeal endures and will continue to endure because of the wide variety of music he recorded in his short lifetime. There's something to suit every musical taste in the Lanza catalogue, so let's celebrate that fact and not focus on a few "opera snobs" – if there are any still out there – who may not appreciate our man's indelible legacy.
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Martino1 01-08-2020
09:40 AM ET (US) IP: 104.255.4.145
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Dennis, although Mario Lanza has always been "overlooked by opera snobs", (however less today than when he was alive) we do have many other singers to compare him with in this regard. Over the years, especially in the last decade, some wonderful disks have been created that immortalize the Lanza voice with his most splendid performances and incredible re-mastering of sound. There has always been interest to put Mario's voice in the best possible light and through the efforts of people like the Dereks, who post at this forum, that continues full steam ahead to this day. Companies such as Sepia and others have led the way in this regard. Even one-off companies all around the world constantly try to put together Lanza compilations in hopes of cashing in on his still popular standing in the musical world. Many singers of today have sung Lanza's praises, and these are singers revered by the "opera snobs". They further give credibility to the idea that these "snobs" have been wrong all along and that Lanza was indeed the genuine article.
In comparison, how many new disks of Jussi Bjorling, Franco Corelli, Mario Del Monaco, di Stefano, Wunderlich, Tucker and many other Lanza contemporaries have been issued in recent years? How many documentaries have been made of these singers? How many appear as subjects of bio pics, video disks or whose images have been placed on stamps, even in their own countries? A few, yes, but Lanza still is the subject of far more interest in the musical world than any other male, classical singer of his generation. Deservedly so because such was his talent and his uniqueness. We can not include "The Three Tenors" as they are very recent and fresh in everyone's mind with legions of fans still alive. But going back over half a century to the last "golden age" of singers when Lanza was active, I think we would be hard pressed to find a comparable artist from back then that has been placed in recent times before the public to the extent that has Mario Lanza.
We want more of course, always more, but while many of the other greats are being slowly forgotten, there always seems to be something going on with Mario Lanza that assures us that he at least, will never be forgotten and that his legacy will live on and on. I hope that never changes.
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Dennis1 01-08-2020
02:31 AM ET (US) IP: 76.126.57.19
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Martino, I obviously agree with you. But I do get tired of Mario being overlooked by opera snobs and ignored for such areas as Kristine is always lobbying for (stamps, great films, etc.). And who will be his advocates 10 or 15 years from now when many of us on this forum will no longer be around or competent?
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Martino1 01-07-2020
06:09 AM ET (US) IP: 104.255.4.145
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Dennis, I think all of us agree Mario Lanza should be included among the greatest singers in any compilation of Christmas songs, opera arias, Broadway tunes, Neapolitan songs, operetta - whatever. He was great in everything he sang and I believe it was that factor of versatility that set him apart from everyone else and insures him a seat at the table with all great singers. I have a disk titled, "3 Tenors Of The Golden Age" which features Jan Peerce, Jussi Bjorling and Mario Lanza. They could have picked more flattering songs sung by Lanza, but the point is this is certainly not bad company to be included with!!
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Dennis1 01-07-2020
12:48 AM ET (US) IP: 76.126.57.19
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I welcomed my Christmas morning in my traditional way for several decades, with Mario blasting carols from his Christmas album. Later in the day, I was cycling through some of my Christmas collection of about 60 CDs and vinyls, halfway listening, when I told my wife: "that's Lanza!" And Lanza it was. I had forgotten that he was on an album titled "Great Voices of Christmas", issued in 1993. Who were the other peers of Mario? Oh, just a few now forgotten like Merrill, Pavarotti, Carreras, Domingo, Moffo, Schwarzkopf, Battle, te Kanawa, Vickers, and Caruso. Just the fact that I can list the last names only and every opera buff will know them is an indication of their quality and fame. And there was Mario Lanza, included among the "great voices". Happy New Year everyone.
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Stephen of Las Vegas 01-06-2020
12:20 AM ET (US) IP: 72.193.49.212
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In one interview Linda Ronstadt said she has been diagnosed with Progressive Supranuclear Palsy, or PSP. This is also referred to as a Parkinson Plus Syndrome. It is the rare disease that killed Dudley Moore and seems much worse than Parkinson's. Based on what I read about it, it seems like a combination of ALS and Alzheimer's, affecting both motor functions and cognitive functions. I don't know how its effects in different victims progress or how long it takes. Apparently, she's had some symptoms for quite a few years affecting her singing, at least. A terrible shame.
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Kristine Cimmy 01-05-2020
06:12 PM ET (US) IP: 96.59.1.174
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I watched the Linda Ronstadt documentary, on CNN "Hear My Voice". She could sing all kinds of music, rock'n'roll, folk, Country &Western, operetta, Mexican songs. Sadly, she now has Parkinson's Disease and can no longer sing. She grew up, listening to all kinds of music. She listened to opera, a scene with Joan Sutherland singing opera, was included. I once heard, Linda liked Maria Callas. I wonder if she liked Mario Lanza ? Her father had a good singing voice. She also sang "What's New ?" with Nelson Riddle Orchestra.
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RenseWebmaster 01-05-2020
01:46 PM ET (US) IP: 98.31.1.186
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Here is the link to the article Derek was referring to:
https://issuu.com/seniortimesireland/docs/..._lanza_oct_nov_2019
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Barbara Clifton 01-05-2020
01:44 PM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.66
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(aka Diane Cox) Bill, I have long wanted to try painting Mario Lanza. This may be the year. In fact, it probably should be the year as I'm not getting any younger. His face and eyes are wonderful.
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Derek Mainwaring 01-05-2020
12:47 PM ET (US) IP: 24.13.222.117
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Happy New Year to all and congratulations, Bill, on your progress with the new Museum.
Senior Times Magazine is an Irish publication and the article on Mario is excellent. Steff Walzinger kindly sent me a direct link to the November issue but annoyingly, this message board won't let me post it here. You can find it at seniortimes.ie and access it from the MAGAZINE pulldown bar under Previous Issues.
The article also serves as a reminder that Mario is more revered today in countries like Ireland and the U.K. than he is, sadly, in this part of the world.
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Kristine Cimmy 01-04-2020
11:48 PM ET (US) IP: 96.59.1.174
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Happy New Year ! Sam, I hope you feel better. Bill, I liked looking at the photos in the museum. One of the facebook Mario Lanza Groups showed a magazine , Senior Times. It's for the senior citizens and I think it's from England. Mario Lanza is on its cover and has a story about Lanza in the publication. I wonder if it can be available in America ? There are publications geared for seniors, here, in U.S., but so far, they haven't had stories about Mario Lanza. Bill, great Mario Lanza Legacy Newsletter !
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Bill Ronayne 01-04-2020
11:04 PM ET (US) IP: 69.116.83.111
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 Here is a view of one of the walls in the new Lanza Museum. It's a work in progress right now but its getting there. Some of you may recognize two paintings by the late Fred Phillips: the Rigoletto with Blanche Thebom on the extreme right and the one of him looking up. The paintings on either side of that one are by an artist named J. Fontaine and no it's not Joan. I forget his first name. There are also posters for The Great Caruso and For the First Time and an assortment of casual and behind the scenes photos in the lower portion. Best, Bill Edited 01-04-2020 11:05 PM
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Bill Ronayne 01-04-2020
10:56 PM ET (US) IP: 69.116.83.111
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Thanks Jim. Glad you enjoyed it. Hang in there Sam. Martino's advice is right on the money.
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Al Canez 01-02-2020
07:36 PM ET (US) IP: 24.38.229.151
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To Bill Ronayne: Just received my copy of your very well done 20 page "The Legacy of Mario Lanza". The three authors presentations were excellent as are the pictures throughout. I was very moved by the presentation to Cathy Tenaglia and the accolades for that wonderful guy, Frank. Rest in peace, my friend.
Bill I commend you for the work you do in keeping Mario's name alive to the public. Personally, I am very sorry that I am not quite able to make the trips to join you in NYC and I really miss not getting down to Philadelphia as I used to.
I will support you in the raising of funds for the museum and hopefully all fans will do so too. All these many years later this man and his voice are still exciting young people worldwide. They become enamored with that unique sound as soon as they hear it. Absolutely..."Una voce dal Cielo ! Grazie, Mario! jim thompson.
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Martino1 01-02-2020
12:05 PM ET (US) IP: 104.255.4.145
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Sam, I feel sad that your New Year is not starting off on the right foot. I don't know much of your problem but I can think of no better way to manage depression than listening to the voice of Mario Lanza. Then, talking about your listening experience (which you do better than almost anyone I know) to those of us who share your love of his great voice. I don't know what the rules are for you or others but it seems to make sense to me that the best way to address those times when you feel blue is to talk about the things that you love the most. And I know for a fact that your love for Mario has no bounds. I'm no doctor but at times like this I would not suggest stopping doing those things that you love and brings you joy. Whatever you decide, I wish you the best in the coming new year.
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Sam Million 01-02-2020
09:35 AM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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Happy New Year to my friends here. After a three and a half month run, I have fallen into another depression so will not be posting until I am well again. It kills me to have to go through this yet again.
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Kristine Cimmy 01-01-2020
09:15 PM ET (US) IP: 96.59.1.174
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I wonder if Mario Lanza ever met Salvatore Baccaloni ? He was a baritone, sang in opera. Appeared in "Rock -A-Bye, Baby", with Jerry Lewis, "Merry Andrew" with Danny Kaye, Pier Angeli, Tommy Rall, and appeared on "Make Room For Daddy". Will there be all of Mario Lanza's movies in one DVD package ?
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Martino1 01-01-2020
09:55 AM ET (US) IP: 104.255.4.145
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A very safe and Happy New Year to all!
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Kristine Cimmy 12-31-2019
08:24 PM ET (US) IP: 96.59.1.174
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Happy New Year !!!!
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Barbara Clifton 12-31-2019
04:49 PM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.66
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Wishing a happy and prosperous 2020 New Year for you all.
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Deleted by author 01-04-2020 05:16 AM
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Bill Ronayne 12-31-2019
10:30 AM ET (US) IP: 68.192.179.84
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The January 2020 issue of "The Legacy of Mario Lanza" has just been published and will be mailed out this week. It is a special 20 page issue to commemorate the club's 20th anniversary and includes guest articles by noted Lanza experts Armando Cesari, Derek Mannering and Lindsay Perigo, coverage of the Mario Lanza Ball Weekend, a benefit dinner for the Lanza Museum and the club's 20th anniversary Christmas luncheon plus articles and photos to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the release of "The Toast of New Orleans." For subscription information, contact wjronayne@optonline.net.
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Bill Ronayne 12-30-2019
01:27 PM ET (US) IP: 68.192.178.131
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Wishing everyone a Happy healthy and safe New Year.
Things are starting to shape up at the Lanza Museum. The museum renovation is almost completed and the memorabilia has started going up. These two cases are now completed. On the left is a painting of Mario by his uncle Robert Lanza done in 1960 the year after Mario 's passing. The gold record in that case is for "The Student Prince" album and the pictures on either side of it show Mario recording his radio show and with Betty and Colleen who is holding her father's gold record for "Be My Love." The case on the right has Mario's 1951 concert jacket and two bracelets along with the gold record for "The Great Caruso" album and photos of Mario in concert with Dorothy Kirsten on the left and in the receiving line with Queen Elizabeth and in concert at the Albert Hall on the right. To the left of the cases you can catch a partial glimpse of another painting of Mario as the Duke in Rigoletto. More photos will be posted as sections are completed. Sorry for not having a clearer photo. Best, Bill
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Al Canez 12-30-2019
11:52 AM ET (US) IP: 24.38.229.151
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Jan. 31st, 1921. God put a beautiful set of vocal chords into a baby born at 636 Christian St. in Philadelphia, PA. to a young couple named Tony and Maria. The whole world benefited from and loved the sound made in gorgeous music by the baby we love called Mario Lanza. All other possibilities in the short career of this artist cannot change the sadness which occured in Rome 38 years after Philadelphia. Rest in Peace, my friend, and thank you from the bottom of our hearts.
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Julie Page 12-30-2019
11:48 AM ET (US) IP: 74.79.51.67
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Reading all your great posts everyone and enjoying them. Envious Sam of all those you have met. I did meet Damon, he was a good man.I watched The Polar Express to the end but hardly heard Mario's voice, it was so faint. I am ill but wish all of you a healthy and happy 2020. Kris, I liked Doretta Morrow in Because You're Mine. Think Jane Powell would have been too "lightweight " for the part. Bill, how is the museum coming along? Best to everyone.
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Kristine Cimmy 12-27-2019
06:38 PM ET (US) IP: 96.59.1.174
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I read that Jane Powell was cast in "Because You're Mine" but had to withdraw from the movie, when she became pregnant. Then, Marguerite Piazza was considered,but turned it down, because she felt secure, being on television(she appeared on "Your Show of Shows", with Sid Caesar and Imogene Coca). Doretta Morrow was chosen. By the way, in January, TCM will show "An American In Paris" in selected movie theaters. It starred Gene Kelly, Leslie Caron(her film debut), Oscar Levant, Georges Guitary, and Nina Foch, with the music and lyrics of the Gershwins. Guitary was a tenor, who only made this one movie. Maurice Chevalier was considered, but still was persona non grata, due to accusations he performed for the Nazis(Josephine Baker said he was a collaborator). But he would be in "Gigi" in 1958. Maybe, one day, TCM will show a Mario Lanza movie in selected movie theaters. How about sending letters to TCM, requesting it ?
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Bill Ronayne 12-26-2019
12:46 PM ET (US) IP: 68.192.182.71
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Mario Lanza Birthday Benefit Dinner
Wednesday January 29, 2020
6:30 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
The Victor Café
1303 Dickinson Street
Philadelphia, PA 19147
Entertainment by the Singing Waitstaff
50/50 Raffle
Admission price: $75 per person with a cash bar per table.
Come join us for a great evening of food and music as we celebrate what would have
been Mario Lanza’s 99th birthday. This event is a fundraiser for the Mario Lanza Museum.
For information and to receive the invitation flyer, please call 215-238-9691 or e-mail info@mariolanzainstitute.org.
All reservations for this event should be made through the Mario Lanza Institute and not the restaurant.
***** Kindly RSVP by January 25, 2020. *****
No refunds or credits. No exceptions.
Parking available through valet service or on the street.
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Kristine Cimmy 12-24-2019
11:45 PM ET (US) IP: 96.59.1.174
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I read that Jane Powell was with her husband, former child star, Dickie Moore, at the Met Guild Tribute to Mario Lanza, that night. He passed away, a few years ago. I didn't know, Barbara Feldon was a fan. I used to watch "Get Smart" with Don Adams and her, produced by Mel Brooks and Buck Henry. Mel Brooks and his late wife, Anne Bancroft lived on same street, as Kathryn Grayson, in Santa Monica, I think. I wish that tribute had been on television. It would have been perfect for PBS TV. Again, Merry Christmas and Happy Hanukkah !
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Sam Million 12-24-2019
10:22 PM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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Well I could not resist writing to tell you something I discovered while screening Polar Express. First I had forgotten what an amazing film this is visually and also sound-wise. Tom Hanks plays many roles in it. And the artwork is so great that the characters almost seem real. Our 3D glasses needed charging so we had to watch it in 2D but even that looked amazing.
The reason I am writing one more time is that in the end credits who shows up but Mario Lanza. Part of a Christmas carol he sang was used in the film. I didn't catch where but on next screening will be listening for him.
Many TV stations carry Choral Groups singing but I will be in bed by then!
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Sam Million 12-24-2019
06:44 PM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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I remembered something else. There was a GIGANTIC poster announcing the Met Tribute to Mario so that people passing by could see it and attend. I wanted that poster very much, so I talked to the staff about keeping it for me. They said they would. Well, I never got back to NYC. I did ask Bill Ronayne if he could get it and hold it for me but I don't think it would fit in his car and/or it would have been a hardship for him. I didn't think this out, since obtaining it and framing it would have been impossible given the wall space in our house! I promise no more posts tonight on this fine Christmas Eve. We are going to screen in our theater in 3D the magical movie "The Polar Express".
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Sam Million 12-24-2019
06:36 PM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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Ah-ha! The good old Internet comes to the rescue. Derek Mannering wrote a very fine article detailing the entire evening. I do remember one thing he didn't mention. There were two "levels" of ticket admission. One was to see the entire show and the other was to see the show AND talk informally to all the celebrity guests who had made the trip. We chose the more expensive package. Here is what is posted on the Rense site. Unfortunately all the photos of Ann, Jane Powell, Elissa, and the many others did not copy for inserting into this post. Anna and I were not mentioned at all. Okay Derek, we love and forgive you, LOL!
Remembering Mario
By Derek Manning
2-10-5
Ellisa, Derek and Shirley
On January 13, 2005, the Metropolitan Opera Guild and Opera News presented BE MY LOVE: THE WORLD OF MARIO LANZA, an inspiring tribute to the great American tenor at Alice Tully Hall in New York's Lincoln Center. The event was an unqualified success and it was especially gratifying to see so many dear Lanza friends in attendance that night.
Derek and Aaron
Pam Latham and members from the British Mario Lanza Society were there in sparkling form and were acknowledged by Mario's daughter Ellisa Lanza Bregman from the stage. Ellisa also paid tribute Raphaela Fasano's mother Josephine who was in the audience. Jim Thompson and his lovely wife Dima were as charming and gracious as ever, and Buddy Mantia arrived with the beautiful Barbara Feldon who, I swear, hasn't aged a day since her appearance as 'Agent 99' on the popular "Get Smart" TV series. Alan Burns defied some recent health problems to attend - a magnificent accomplishment, Alan, well done! I was delighted to see the Klees and Heidi from Germany, Paul and Terry Velda from England, and Joan Marsden, who pleased many visitors by bringing along photos of her visit with Mario on the set of "7 Hills of Rome". I also shook hands with Mary Papola from the Mario Lanza Institute, had a brief and enjoyable chat with Bill Ronayne, and was introduced to a delightful young tenor Aaron Caruso and his lovely lady.
Jane Powell
Two notable absentees on the night were Terry Robinson and Kathryn Grayson; both were sorely missed and undoubtedly would have made important contributions to the proceedings. What a shame, too, that weather conditions in the NY area prevented my friend David Weaver from departing Ohio on time to attend the performance. My own family traveling in from Chicago on the day only made it by a whisker! I did catch sight of Damon after the performance but he had left by the time I worked my way through the crowd. Ellisa, her husband Bobby and their two sons Tony and Nick were there, of course, along with Betty Lanza's delightful sister Shirley Hicks Borregaard and it was a great delight to meet up again with Rick and Laurie Leech.
Pam Latham and Ann Blyth
As for the evening's entertainment, only someone fixated on the minutiae of Mario's career could have found fault with the proceedings. Host F. Paul Driscoll did an exceptional job throughout the night, his script was intelligent and interesting at all times, and I found the film selections overall to be outstanding. What a thrill to see Lanza up there on the big screen again, with glorious clips that ranged from "Mamma Mia, Che Vo Sape?" through "Be My Love" to the death scene from "Otello". No scenes were shown from "The Student Prince", perhaps understandably, but I couldn't help but think what an impact "I'll Walk With God" would have had on the audience.
Pam Latham and Richard Leech
The panel discussion with Ann Blyth, Jane Powell, Lucine Amara and Elaine Malbin was entertaining, if a little Lanza-lite; you'd have to look elsewhere if you wanted some deep discussion on Mario's voice and his operatic potential, but it could be argued that this was neither the evening nor the audience for that type of discourse. All four ladies were enchanting and witty and looked absolutely wonderful. The announcement of a surprise guest in the audience was a particular thrill: the magical Licia Albanese, who movingly blew a kiss at the image of the man she had shared a duet with up there on the screen.
Shirley, Ellisa and Bobby
Brian Kellow introduced Ellisa and Damon on stage for a brief chat about their father and they were as charming and as gracious as could be. Finally, following some glorious film excerpts from "For the First Time", tenor Richard Leech had the unenviable task of bringing the evening to a close with a brief recital in tribute to Mario. Rick is that rare classical artist who is equally at home with both popular and operatic fare and his tribute that night was as heartfelt as it was inspiring. His selections covered such Lanza favorites as "Because You're Mine", a moving "E Lucevan le Stelle", "Come Prima" and "I'll Be Seeing You". Bravo, Mr. Leech, you are truly one of a kind!
Jonathan, Tony and Nick
BE MY LOVE: THE WORLD OF MARIO LANZA flew by much too quickly but I'd be very surprised if a single person left Alice Tully Hall that night thinking the tribute had been anything less than a total triumph. Mario may never have sung at the Met but for that one unforgettable evening at Lincoln Center, Lanza ruled.
DEREK MANNERING
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Sam Million 12-24-2019
06:25 PM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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Anna says the Armenian soprano may have been Lucine Amara. I forgot to add something of value. Ann Blyth looked like time had stood still for her. Believe it or not, she looked exactly like she did in The Great Caruso 54 years earlier! She was very quiet while I gushed about being able to meet her. She posed with me so Anna could take a photo. I also wanted to have the gigantic poster outside the Met of Mario. Upon asking for it, the staff put it aside for me but I was unable to drive to NYC again and Bill Ronayne couldn't fit it in his car for me. I didn't think it through as framing and placing this huge piece would have been nearly impossible.
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Sam Million 12-24-2019
05:48 PM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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Hi Vincent, I just listened to your friend Christopher Macchio doing Nessun Dorma and liked it. His voice is quite pleasing and sweet His is more lyrical than yours in my opinion. The way he held the final note so long was impressive. On another note, I couldn't resist advancing my place in the Ann Blyth biography to the 12 or so pages that mention or involve Mario. She liked him very much and the feeling was mutual. He was on his best behavior around her. I didn't know it but she too recorded and released The Loveliest Night of the Year and it was popular. Of course Mario's recording became another gold record. The biography also mentions the 2005 Metropolitan salute to Mario. Anna and I were there along with other fans. I will never forget Mario's voice coming through the large speakers in the auditorium that started the tribute. He sounded as good as I have ever heard. Some of the other guests who had known Mario in one way or another included Jane Powell and the Armenian soprano whose name I have forgotten and one other woman whom I also have forgotten. Perhaps Bill Ronayne remembers and can post here. One impressive event was Damon Lanza re-uniting with his sister Elissa after many years of "bad blood". I don't know what started the feud but I would BET that it had something to do with Bob Dolfi who had Damon on a short leash. At one Lanza Ball he treated him as a subservient and chided him in front of people within earshot. On the other hand at another Lanza Ball, actually the pre-Ball dinner at the High Note Cafe in Philadelphia I sat next to Damon and his charming personality and friendly manner was instantly felt. He told some jokes too. : Christopher singing: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IEQxakl8ExMEdited 12-24-2019 05:50 PM
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Vincent Ricciardi 12-24-2019
08:38 AM ET (US) IP: 68.132.115.121
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Thank you Julie!
Hey Sam, thank you. I take your friends comparison as a compliment. Michael Theodore has a wonderful voice. I listened to a few of his recordings last night. Actually it reminds me of my friend Christopher Macchio’s voice.
Sam I agree with a lot of what you said about Mario’s O Holy Night. The ending is so exciting, but I also wish he had slowed the song down a bit. The beginning “O Holy Night” is actually sung in the rhythm of the original piece in French, “Cantique de Noël.” That’s why he does it that way. This has been modernized through the years to better reflect the English lyrics.
A Merry Christmas and Happy Hanukkah to everyone!
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Jytte M 12-24-2019
08:08 AM ET (US) IP: 82.38.246.212
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Thank you Sam for your swift reply. After most Mario Lanza renderings I say to myself "What a Voice!! I am not knowledgeable enough about the art of singing to hear slight variances I just like what I hear and when it is Mario then he can do little wrong. Best wishes Brian.
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Sam Million 12-24-2019
07:52 AM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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Brian, hello and Merry Christmas. Like Egisto Barretto said in Great Caruso when he blasts Mario for letting the flour spoil in the rain: "I will answer that". I'm up early so will take the question before Fred. Actually I have a few other things to say about Mario's O Holy Night. First, the hight note is a b flat. Second, at times he is ever so slightly sharp. He starts the song with emphasis on the "O" rather than give "O" and "Holy" the same timing. Third, he does something I have never heard others do (and which I have copied when singing it). After the final high note. He adds "O Holy Night" and hits the same b flat. Fourth, he sings it at a comparatively high tempo. It may have been nicer if he had slowed it down.
By the way, I have read two chapters of the new Ann Blyth biography so far and want to tell you that it is excellent, very detailed, and an appealing read. I am curious to read what she says about Mario.
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Jytte M 12-24-2019
07:37 AM ET (US) IP: 82.38.246.212
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AKA Brian Harrison. May I wish all you lovely people A Very Merry Christmas and A Happy New Year. I enjoy catching up with all your postings. A question for Fred - the font of all knowledge here. What is the final note that Mario reaches at the end of O Holy Night? That is my favourite Lanza carol. Good luck to you all for 2020. Brian in Merrie Olde England.
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Sam Million 12-24-2019
12:25 AM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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I screened The Great Caruso two days ago and meant to post a few thoughts about the film. First, Mario's singing is consistently excellent throughout. Nothing to criticize. I like when he lets out a high note after he takes the snuff to clear his nose. It is not pre-recorded! One small criticism is that his Italian accent goes in and out during the film. For example, after Maria Selka makes him angry he wants to call her a name but can't think of the english term and says in more of a New Jersey accent "in english I know the woid (word). The DVD soundtrack is very good but the picture quality is often brownish, which is why we need a blu ray to be released. I don't think putting blu rays on the market costs the distributors that much or otherwise they wouldn't be re-releasing so many popular films in that format. Remember they promised Elissa that a blu ray on Great Caruso would be released. Never has happened so far. The movie is chock full of popular arias and you may have not noticed that many suit the story line. For example, he sings Vesti la giubba while he is sad that Dorothy has not showed up to meet him because her stern father forbade her. A Vuchella is sung while the camera gets some close-ups of Musetta's lips. Because is sung in honor of his only child. And there are other examples. I feel it is a first rate film despite the Hollywood version of Caruso's life. I would rate it and Serenade as arguably his two best.
Christmas is almost here, so Merry Christmas to all!
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Sam Million 12-23-2019
11:22 PM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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I played Vincent's tracks for my Lanza loving friend in St. Louis and he remarked how good he is and also said he reminded him of a tenor he discovered when he was in Germany in the army many years ago. I listened to this tenor, a German named Michael Theodore. He actually does sound somewhat like Vincent. Listen to him here doing Granada: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C88Wy9H0Ol8
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Sam Million 12-23-2019
06:29 PM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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You are sounding quite good Vincent. And you chose two excellent songs to perform. You also have style, verve, and your high notes are somewhat reminiscent of Frank Tenaglia with squillo. Impressive. I hope all of you here follow Vincent's links and hear for yourself! The only aria I ever sang was Nessun Dorma in a baritone key. Some found it quite amusing and others just scoffed. Here is the video circa 2002 when my wife and I did an outdoor show at our lovely amphitheater/park. Here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kZq4REe8OSA
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Julie Page 12-23-2019
04:47 PM ET (US) IP: 74.79.51.67
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So glad for all of you here who love Mario 's music as I do and wish you all a blessed Christmas. Of course we know you, Vincent. Keep singing.
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Vincent Ricciardi 12-22-2019
08:26 PM ET (US) IP: 99.11.197.240
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I didn’t necessarily disagree. Just expanded a little on them. It’s funny. Franco Corelli actually had far less training than Mario, but since Corelli’s appearance in opera many opera singers have worked to have that sound.
As for me, I thought most people in this board knew me. These days I’m more of a concert artist in the vein of Mario and Sergio Franchi, but have sung a number of operas including Rigoletto, Lucia Di Lamermoor, Mikado, Pirates of Penzance, I covered Rudolfo in La Boheme a while back too. I also had the pleasure of working with Frank Tenaglia a number of times. He was always very sweet and supportive to me. We lost a true great person and voice when he left us. Many know me from my tributes to Lanza out in NY for the Mario Lanza Society of NY as well as a couple of appearances at the Mario Lanza Ball Weekends in 2011 and 2012. Here are a couple of clips I hope you enjoy of some of Mario’s Favorites.
https://youtu.be/pAd68DSf4l8
https://youtu.be/ClZUdy-Kwv8
Kristine, I love Alan Jones. He was a wonderful real tenor. So much so that Nelson Eddy felt he was a true threat when he first hit the scene. He’s wonderful in Night at the Opera. Mario covered a lot of Allan’s music in his early years and on his radio show and I think you can hear a little of his influence on Mario when he does. Well, influence or homage. Either way...
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Kristine Cimmy 12-22-2019
03:23 PM ET (US) IP: 96.59.1.174
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How about the Hollywood Tenors ? There were Allan Jones, Kenny Baker, Dick Powell, somewhat, Dick Foran, somewhat, Ramon Novarro had a singing voice, John Boles, Dennis Day was in some movies, besides being on "The Jack Benny Show", James Melton, Walter Woolf King. Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Happy New Year, everybody !
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Sam Million 12-22-2019
10:39 AM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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Hi Vincent,
WOW you just about disagreed with everything I said, LOL. Well, I have always maintained that people do hear differently and have their preferences. I would agree that Gedda was lyric with the addition that his power and lush tones put him somewhere in between lyric and spinto. I still maintain the Melchior, to my ears, has a bleating sound that isn't pretty at all. Sure, he was a great Wagnerian singer but Wagner never in his life wrote what Puccini or Verdi accomplished with arias that have such beauty. Also I agree that Corelli had the throaty sound you mentioned. Like he had more training than voice. This is SO common in tenors today that I don't even want to hear them. Our dear departed Frank Tenaglia was the only current tenor who came close to Mario's sound, especially on the high notes. His lower range, while good, isn't so near to Mario's. Hearing about tenor di forza is news to me. I like the difference you mentioned. Mario's late voice while much darker was somewhat made from liquor and his weakened body. Another thought is how poor the recording quality was for most of his last recordings. Blame the Italian engineers. A big departure from the liquor induced sound were recordings like For the First Time and the Derek McGovern "final" recording of Mario sounding excellent and hitting that very long held high note. If you haven't heard this, just go to his site and pick from the top the appropriate category and then scroll all the way down to this amazing aria. Nice to hear that you are a singer of opera. Could you put a link here so we can hear you? I have done that with my voice several or more times. I have more of a Sinatra sound than an operatic one.
If you email me at sms@bee.net I can send you a sample, the best being The Impossible Dream.
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Vincent Ricciardi 12-22-2019
08:44 AM ET (US) IP: 99.11.197.240
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Gedda was a lyric tenor. Not a Spinto. His voice in the more lyric rep is quite something. I love his recording of “Magische Tone.” He has some glorious soto voce in there.
Melchoir is basically the best and truest example of what a helden tenor is. It’s definitely not an Italian sound like Mario or Caruso, but it’s glorious and huge. It seems made for the Wagnerian rep that made him famous.
Corelli as well as Del Monaco (not mentioned below) seem to be the start of the more throaty quality now found in most modern opera singers. There is a focus on the largeness of sound and less on the diction of the lyrics like Gigli or Caruso before them. Still the top of Corelli’s voice is metallic and heroic in a way that can rival all before or after him. It was quite a magnificent voice.
As for Lanza, we’ll I think we are all in agreement here that his blend of power and beauty make his voice one of the most special any of us have ever heard. While labeled a Spinto during his career, I would argue he was more of a tenore di forza in his youth and matured into a tenore robusto. There is really a subtle difference between the these and the spinto/dramatic voice respectively, but I feel Mario fits the bill. For those who don’t know, the term tenore Di forza was more prevalent in the bel canto days to describe an essentially lyric colored voice with the capability of pushing to their upper limits for the entire performance with the size or a dramatic instrument. This kind of voice often gets squished in with Spinto today, but is slightly different. It explains the beauty of his tone and the accompanying size of his voice. His mature voice was certainly more Spinto colored, but still retained his dramatic size, making it more or a tenore robusto. Just some loving thoughts from a lyric tenor.
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Sam Million 12-21-2019
08:15 AM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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I was told there is an excellent Voice Of Firestone posting of tenors from 1950 to 1963 that runs an hour. All have two selections each. First is Jussi Bjorling. His is a powerful and sweet voice but I must admit I don't enjoy seeing him live as he just stands like a machine as those great notes pour out. Second is Feruccio Tagliavini. Very good voice with a very sweet falsetto. Again, I'm not a big fan since I far prefer spinto to lyric. He also has two selections. Third is Jan Peerce, a rather forgotten voice. Yet again, while I acknowledge his greatness, I find his voice quality has something negative to it I cannot put my finger on. If you close your eyes at times he sounds like Jussi. Fourth is Lauritz Melchior. While I enjoy his "grandfather" performances in movies, his voice has always grated on me since his tone is not consistent and varies. But beyond that it is not a particularly pleasant voice. Fifth is Jess Thomas, a singer whose name is not prominent these days. His is a dark and rich voice and impresses me as the best so far. He has no cover and is animated. Sixth is Nicolai Gedda. This is ones pinto tenor I can say I truly enjoy hearing. This is a great voice and his singing is nothing less than excellent and he too is animated while concurrently making his arias seem effortless. Seventh is Richard Tucker, who had one of the most powerful voices I have heard. Also a pinto, he is animated and has a ringing voice. But like his brother-in-law Jan Peerce he too doesn't particularly move me though I believe he is better than Peerce. An old friend of mine who once ushered a theater in Philly spotted Tucker and went right over to him excitedly. Tucker asked him to keep his cool, as he didn't want people to mob him! Eighth is James McCracken. Another pinto and another whose voice, while excellent, is not a favorite. Ninth and last is Franco Corelli. Most feel his spinto voice to be strong and masculine. I understand he suffered from stage fright. Hard to say why with his talent. I like his voice but at times feels he is singing as though he had "marbles" in his throat. Most will likely disagree with me here. Do you know what the trouble is with ALL of these famous tenors? THEY ARE NOT MARIO LANZA! Enough said.
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Sam Million 12-20-2019
11:23 PM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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Julie,
We had an unfortunate flood in our basement that destroyed many, many collectibles we sell. So, the sum total of what they very generously paid us allowed us to convert the basement into an actual "lower level" complete with crown molding, walls as nice as upstairs, a special recording studio room with acoustical damping, and best of all a very large screening area. I go down nearly every night to put on a different blu ray or standard DVD. I show Mario's movies many times but tonight Anna came down with our two little doggies who fell asleep and were not any bother. We watched That's Entertainment II, thoroughly entertaining with SO many stars represented. Except Mario, who made 7 films for MGM so I found that unforgivable. He was in part one with the Be My Love sequence with Kathryn. BTW, the 8 by 14 foot screen has curtains on each side that can be pulled shut but we never use the curtains as we are always screening things. I have over 4,000 DVDs---excessive yes, but I am a true film buff. Hope all my ramblings answered your question properly!
MARTINO: Are you saying that you were old enough to have been at a Lanza, Callas, or Bjorling concert? I only discovered Mario in 1965, six years after he had passed.
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Julie Page 12-20-2019
09:00 PM ET (US) IP: 74.79.51.67
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I've been watching The Global Citizens award at the fabulous Albert Hall, and transporting myself to another time with incomparable Mario singing.Seeing him there had to be the experience of a lifetime. Sam, where is your wonderful screening room?
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Martino1 12-20-2019
07:41 PM ET (US) IP: 104.255.4.145
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Great concerts and performers one and all, Sam. I envy you seeing Sinatra. Not that I was ever that interested in him but he was an American legend and icon for sure. The best I could do was see his buddy Dean Martin in a Vegas show. I have often said my three biggest regrets were never seeing Lanza, Callas and Bjorling in a live performance. Those three holes in my heart will never be filled.
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Sam Million 12-20-2019
06:59 PM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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Martino: I FORGET A BIGGIE. MY FAVORITE POP SINGER FRANK SINATRA IN AN ATLANTIC CITY OUTDOOR CONCERT WHEN HE SUPPOSEDLY HAD A BAG HOOKED UP TO HIM FOR WASTE REMOVAL. CIRCA 1989.
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Sam Million 12-20-2019
06:42 PM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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Sorry Martino, the Dream Duets album is Sergio Franchi and Anna Moffo. I guess I got them confused. My most memorable concerts 1-Pavarotti at Phila Academy of Music before he became well known. Did mostly art songs and then blew us away with good arias 2-Peter Paul and Mary three times 3-The Carpenters twice (Karen's high school teacher told her she could not sing!) 4-Richard Tucker live--loudest voice ever heard 5-Beach Boys live with the addition of their friend my next door neighbor 6-Philadelphia Orchestra under Eugene Ormandy in all Beethoven show 7-Mario Lanza at Royal Albert Hall--DON'T I WISH. LOL. There are more but these came to mind first.
Mike,
the score for For The First Time was anything but weak (Seven Hills of Rome, yes). It has THE best O Sole Mio in recording history, has the Death of Otello which is excellent, has arguably the best Pagliacci aria, lots of high notes with a silly song like Pineapple Pickers, high note with the band surrounding Mario and wife, the very nice song "Come Prima". I could go on.....
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Mike from L.I. 12-20-2019
12:18 PM ET (US) IP: 108.74.19.115
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From what I understand, Mario's problem with BYM was a dislike for Doretta Morrow. I understand they wanted one of my favorites, Deanna Durbin, but she chose to remain retired. IMHO, the musical scores for Mario's last two movies were rather weak.. Why was that? On another note, I thought Anna Moffo was from western Pennsylvania, near Pittsburgh. also about BYM, James Whitmore was actually younger than Mario. He was one of those people who look like they were born old. Sean Connery was younger than Roger Moore, too!!~
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Mike from L.I. 12-20-2019
12:07 PM ET (US) IP: 108.74.19.115
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Saw a few mentions of Clyde Smith.. Clyde, if you wish to correspond, my e-mail is yatittle@hotmail.com. Am in Florida for the winter (West Palm area) but still live in Farmingdale, NY. Holiday wishes to you and Teresa from Bonnie and Mike..
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Martino1 12-20-2019
07:52 AM ET (US) IP: 104.255.4.145
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Sam, the only duet album recorded by Franco Corelli that I am aware of was with Renata Tebaldi. This was done in conjunction with their series of world wide concerts (one of which I attended). The album of duets was basically a promotion for these concerts. Interestingly, the famous Callas/DiStefano world concert tour was kicked off about the same time.
All of these singers were at the end of their careers by this time so the singing was a bit uneven. However, the performance I attended was very well sung and the audience's affection for both Renata and Franco could be felt and heard with ovation after ovation. A memorable evening for sure and the second best concert I ever attended. The greatest singing I ever heard in a live concert was by Luciano Pavarotti and ranks number one on my list. For what it is worth, the two most memorable "pop" concerts I ever attended were by Elvis and Celine Dion (The Beach Boys concert during the early '80s was great too and gets honorable mention).
Sam, just as a matter of discussion, what have been your most memorable concerts?
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Sam Million 12-19-2019
10:21 PM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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St. Louis friend says if you bought LPs, you have it all. Not sure what he means.
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Kristine Cimmy 12-19-2019
09:48 PM ET (US) IP: 96.59.1.174
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I found the Anna Moffo-Sergio Franchi duets on You Tube. It's The Love Duets Album,they did in 1963. They sang "Someday"("The Vagabond King"), "You Are Love"("Showboat"),"Indian Love Call"("Rose Marie"), "One Alone"("The Desert Song"), "Will You Remember ?"("Maytime") and other duets. The vinyl recording of it, is on Amazon.com. I wish it were out on CD's. There are people who don't have record turntables.
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Sam Million 12-19-2019
09:25 PM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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My friend in St. Louis said they recorded on different labels. He added Franchi sang with her when both were on RCA. That is all I know!
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Kristine Cimmy 12-19-2019
03:03 PM ET (US) IP: 96.59.1.174
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I didn't know Renata Tebaldi had polio. It reminds me of Australian opera singer, Marjorie Lawrence, who, also, had polio. Her story was the basis for the movie "Interrupted Melody" starring Eleanor Parker(who did a great job of lip sync to Eileen Farrell's voice),Glenn Ford(Terry Robinson knew him), and Roger Moore(before he was Bond, James Bond). Eleanor received an Oscar nomination for the movie. I read, Kathryn Grayson wanted that part. Marjorie Lawrence hoped she would have had her voice dubbed in , but her lung power was weak, due to the effects of polio. Did she ever walk again, without the leg braces ? I think , Anna Moffo did a recording with Sergio Franchi and didn't they sing "Someday" from "The Vagabond King " on it ? I like that song and wish this duet would be on You Tube. Anna Moffo and Patrice Munsel were on the "Mario Lanza:American Caruso" documentary. Munsel said she knew Spadoni, who was vocal teacher of Mario Lanza. Was Anna Moffo ever invited to the Lanza Ball ? I think ,Sergio Franchi attended one.
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Martino1 12-19-2019
09:54 AM ET (US) IP: 104.255.4.145
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Let me know if you find that album of duets with Corelli and Moffo. I know they sang together a few times but I do not believe she made an album with him, at least I have never heard of it. She did make an album of operetta and show tune duets with Sergio Franchi.
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Sam Million 12-19-2019
08:04 AM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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A fan in St. Louis just told me Anna Moffo was a Philadelphia girl. Does anyone know if she ever met Mario? She may have met Frank Guarrera (sp?) who for years attended the Lanza Ball until he died. Moffo was famous in Italy and did an album of duets with Franco Corelli. She died at 73 from cancer.
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Sam Million 12-19-2019
01:55 AM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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Well....someone beat me to it singing Have Yourself A Merry, so I had to choose another song. It was Rockin Around the Christmas Tree, which my wife Anna also sings. We had a wonderful time, food wise a huge Chicken Parmesan, a salad, and side of angel hair pasta. And singing wise, there were quite a few talented singers. That makes my night as I love to hear new voices that are good. One black girl in her thirties was my favorite of the night. She also gave me compliments, which are nice to hear as I am twice her age. Here is the link to my song which I recorded at another venue:
http://www.singsnap.com/karaoke/watchandlisten/play/c6a30c8eb
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Sam Million 12-19-2019
01:54 AM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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Well....someone beat me to it singing Have Yourself A Merry, so I had to choose another song. It was Jingle Bell Rock, which my wife Anna also sings. We had a wonderful time, food wise a huge Chicken Parmesan, a salad, and side of angel hair pasta. And singing wise, there were quite a few talented singers. That makes my night as I love to hear new voices that are good. One black girl in her thirties was my favorite of the night. She also gave me compliments, which are nice to hear as I am twice her age. Here is the link to my song which I recorded at another venue:
http://www.singsnap.com/karaoke/watchandlisten/play/c6a30c8eb
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Sam Million 12-18-2019
10:39 PM ET (US) IP: 107.77.202.57
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Julie,
In the case of a home theater screen, size does matter! You are right on in saying Mario had a gift for comedy. All of his films are light hearted except for my favorite one—-Serenade. Happy Holidays. I am sitting in a restaurant waiting to sing Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas that wonderful Judy Garland sang in Meet. Me In St. Louis.
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Julie Page 12-18-2019
02:31 PM ET (US) IP: 74.79.51.67
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I really liked "Because you're Mine". Mario was so charming in it. It may have been trite, but he was so natural in the film.Bobby Van's dancing blew me away. Mario had quite a gift for comedy, though he may not have wanted that. He was thinking along more serious lines then, I guess. Sam, I can't imagine the size of the screen you have. You must be able to see every imperfection .
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Kristine Cimmy 12-18-2019
12:56 AM ET (US) IP: 96.59.1.174
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"Because You're Mine" was about an opera singer who gets drafted into the Army. Ruth Brooks Flippen wrote the story. She was married to character actor Jay C. Flippen. She later wrote some stories for "That Girl" and "The Brady Bunch", I think. Mickey Rooney made a movie about an entertainer who gets drafted into the Army, I can't remember the name of it and Fred Astaire made a movie , with Rita Hayworth, about an entertainer, who gets drafted-"You'll Never Get Rich". Queen Elizabeth liked "Because You're Mine". Scenes were filmed at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. It was Bobby Van's film debut, Mario's parents and Terry Robinson were in it.
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Valeria Pugiotto 12-18-2019
12:40 AM ET (US) IP: 93.42.98.163
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BYM is the movie I like the least. It is a silly story. After the Caruso movie, it was like ‘from the stars to the stables’. I agree with Mario’s dislike...
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Sam Million 12-17-2019
10:56 PM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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Hi Martino. I posted an answer to your post but apparently it didn't go through, so Take Two:
Thank you so much for that interesting and detailed post about Lanza, Callas, and Tebaldi. I am forwarding it to some friends who are Lanza fans but do not read the Rense site.
I just screened BYM, probably for the hundredth time! I always liked this movie, despite the vast changes in Mario's weight. It is good entertainment with flawless singing. And I particularly like Granada for voice quality and for Mario's first truly noticeable "prize fighter" stance using his hands to "mold" the song. It is a shame that Mario did not think much of the film himself when he said "you can't put Caruso in the army"!
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Martino1 12-17-2019
04:04 PM ET (US) IP: 104.255.4.145
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I don't know Sam. I do know Tebaldi met Mario and she admired his voice but I am not aware of a planned, joint recording session. Lanza had as beautiful a voice you could ask for in a tenor and Tebaldi's voice was equally beautiful, so much so that Arturo Toscanini called it "the voice of an angel". Too bad such a recording session did not take place as it would have been a memorable album.
Renata Tebaldi's life is quite a story. Her great rival was her contemporary, Maria Callas. Both had legions of fans who made more of the rivalry than there really was because the two respected each other immensely and could not have been more different as singers in terms of style. These two singers did have one thing in common, however. Both were not completely happy women despite their great gift and fame. What made Callas great was not the exquisite beauty of voice that Tebaldi was blessed with but it was because she never seemed to find true love in life (although she was constantly trying) and so she gave her entire heart to the music.
Tebaldi was stricken with polio at an early age and retreated into a shell, seldom associating with other people. Her right leg weakened by the disease until the day she died. She was a true loaner, at least early in life but it did stay with her somewhat and she never married and had children, giving up everything for her music. But unlike Callas, in Tebaldi's case it was by choice as she did not look very hard for anything outside her music whereas Callas' constant personal failures made her depressed, temperamental, mad and moody. That often came through in her singing and to great effect, helping to make her the singer she was. She realized that her only true lover in life was and always would be named - "opera".
The contrasts in these two sopranos singing would have been ideal for a singer like Mario Lanza because of his incredible versatility. He could sing anything and with anyone and make it sound great. With Tebaldi, we would have been treated to some of the most beautiful singing imaginable. Their voices would join and be like a drop of oil in water - the oil never drops, just floating sound (this is as Tebaldi once described her own voice). And with Callas she and Mario would heat the stage with so much passion it would melt iron - if they didn't kill each other first!!
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Sam Million 12-17-2019
12:37 PM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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Ah. Martino--Tebaldi was the soprano I was trying to remember. Thank you. Were they not scheduled to make an album together at one point?
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Valeria Pugiotto 12-17-2019
10:52 AM ET (US) IP: 93.42.98.163
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Martino, I agree with you. Mario was not taken seriously enough. That is the true tragedy of his life.
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Martino1 12-17-2019
10:44 AM ET (US) IP: 104.255.4.145
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One of the tragic side notes to Lanza's career was that he rarely sang with sopranos of quality. He was not taken seriously as an opera singer therefore his few collaborations with top sopranos was limited primarily to a few movie excerpts. Yes, Yeend and Malbin were pretty good but not in the same rank as Albanese and Kirsten, and of course Grayson was only a studio singer but they did make a cute couple together on screen.
There were many, many wonderful sopranos Lanza could have made opera recordings with during his career, even just duet albums would have been welcomed, but because he was not taken seriously these kinds of projects were delayed until it was too late. Can you imagine recording with Tebaldi or Callas or Albanese in complete Verdi and Puccini operas? How about Anna Moffo or Roberta Peters in American show tunes and operetta? All these singers were in their glorious prime during Lanza's singing career. And yet another "what if".
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Valeria Pugiotto 12-17-2019
10:21 AM ET (US) IP: 93.42.98.163
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Sam: you nailed it! ‘Serenade’ is my number 1! Mario is at his best in that movie. I have watched that movie so many times, that I had to buy another dvd because the one I had got damaged!
Regarding the soprano, did you mean Renata Tebaldi? She greatly praised Mario’s voice.
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Sam Million 12-17-2019
06:29 AM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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Hi Valeria! Yes, TONO is indeed one of his best films. I have to put Serenade on the top though as his acting and darker voice move me. Certainly Kathryn (who I met twice at the Lanza Balls and found her nice but somewhat cold--when I mentioned at the time that it was me who supplied a dealer friend with 16MM films of her two movies with Mario she didn't say a word) is soprano "lite". Pairing Mario with Elaine Malbin or any other sopranos with rich voices would have suited Mario much more. I can't think of her name but she is a soprano who praised Mario and I believe they wanted to make an album of duets together. FRED, can you help me here? If TONO is fun, then the music reflects that making Boom Biddy appropriate. And isn't it to Mario's credit that he can pull off a simple song like this and make it sound normal rather than silly? BTW, I like your posts too. Happy Holidays!
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Valeria Pugiotto 12-17-2019
12:09 AM ET (US) IP: 5.90.158.248
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Sam, I think the TNO is one the best movies Mario did. He is so much his bubbly self! However, I really think Grayson’s shrilly voice is not the best. I always thought she was not ‘good enough’ to be Mario’s counterpart in their movies. Yeend has a much better voice. And I must confess, I love ‘Boom Biddy Boom’. Again, that song really mirrors Mario’s personality: boisterous, passionate, energetic.
I love that movie!
By the way, I love your posts! :-)
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Sam Million 12-16-2019
09:57 PM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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I just finished watching The Toast of New Orleans and this time I studied it carefully and I'd like to share my thoughts about it here. Mario is very fit here, in fact I think his weight is just where it should be. In TMK he was too thin. His left "lazy" eye is more evident in this film than the others. Also, as you all know, this is the only film where his adequate dancing skills are shown (except for Lee An Loo in BYM). He looks to be having fun making this film and I enjoyed Kathryn Grayson's and David Niven's spot on acting. But the real scene stealer is J. Carroll Naish as Uncle Nicky. If you can tear your eyes off Mario (not easy to do for us fans), you get many laughs at his glances at his "nephew" and his terrific one liners. For example, when Suzette is practicing on stage with the rotund tenor,, I believe it is David Niven who says something like the fat tenor is going to kill himself (in the opera) Uncle Nicky says "HE SHOULD". I laughed out loud. Why I even noticed a fly that goes across Tina's dress in her last scene. Rita Moreno in her book talked about Mario for some four or five pages. The singing is very even throughout and no one can fault either of the principal's performances. I know Derek McGovern does not like Grayson's "thin" voice but I have always enjoyed her, especially her notes that go into the stratosphere. The DVD, which is part of a double set of TONO and TMK doesn't have color as rich as it was in the first Be My Love sequence that "That's Entertainment 1" had. The sound was also superior in the later film. I always have to turn up the sound when showing this DVD. It is low but not distorted fortunately. Mario shows sensitivity in his acting, which is admirable in this--only his second movie. The director obviously did a fine job showing the cast what to do and how. I think it is funny when Grayson and Lanza are rowing in the water singing "Bayou Lullaby. The close-ups are Mario and Kathryn but for some reason the long shots are two entirely different people! Some of the songs may be a bit silly (like Boom Biddy Boom Boom) but they are also fun. This film is fun and very entertaining, a box office success. We are lucky Mario left us with something as fine as this movie to remember him by. Thanks for reading, and I hope my picking it apart won't affect your enjoyment of it one bit!
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Sam Million 12-16-2019
05:22 PM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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Derek, you "know your stuff"as they say. Thanks for the clarifications! Happy Holidays my friend!
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Derek Mainwaring 12-16-2019
10:31 AM ET (US) IP: 24.13.222.117
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Don't feel odd, Sam, I always enjoy your posts. In answer to your earlier question, and I'm working from memory here, that take of "You Are Love" you refer to officially saw the light of day on Clyde Smith's BMG CD "Don't Forget Me" with an appropriate edit to Mario's final "ah-Be!" I also included the recording on the "My Romance" compilation. The other take of the song is on the "Touch of Your Hand" album which is included as part of the Original Album Classics 5-disc collection.
I recall some nitpicking about Mario's performance of the song but I think it's terrific, full of all the youthful passion and joy that made his singing so unforgettable at that time.
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Sam Million 12-16-2019
09:46 AM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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Hello my friends. I have to tell you I feel a bit odd about being the only poster in days. Nevertheless I must tell you about my night yesterday. I attended a show featuring an amazing Johnny Cash impersonator and then the highlight of the night was an Elvis impersonator who is a dead ringer for Presley. You can see/hear him if you go to youtube and search his real name--Doug Church. He impressed me by not just standing on the stage but rather walking around to each table of the 150 who were there. Very down to earth and personable.
Then came another surprising event. I traveled directly to a favorite karaoke spot to be with some fine singers. The highlight of this place was meeting a girl named Alice Heifetz. Yes, she is a direct descendant of famed violinist Jascha Heifetz! At the end of the evening we spoke half an hour and I learned that not only is she a very good jazz singer like Ella Fitzgerald but she also sings opera (I thought that was more impressive than her jazz voice). We sang a bit together and I asked her if she liked Mario Lanza and she smiled broadly and said "absolutely, he is one of my favorites". Inspired by Church I sang "Can't Help Falling In Love, which Doug told us is the song Elvis ended all his concerts with.
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Sam Million 12-14-2019
09:51 PM ET (US) IP: 107.77.202.94
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I watched Mario’s first movie That Midnight Kiss with Kathryn Grayson as the love interest. I saw it right before leaving home. I analyzed it and find it a very even movie. Lanza is at a perfect weight that does not vary as it did in all his later films The singing is superior throughout. Thomas Gomez (who often played heavies in past films) steals every scene he is in playing a rotund tenor who competes with Mario. Ethel Barrymore lends a big “name” to the movie. Arthur Treacher plays his usual butler role and I love when Mario leaves the room and belts out a high note that is not prerecorded in Treacher’s face! Jose Iturbi plays himself—piano player supreme. And Character actor J, Carrol Naish plays Mario’s father while in Lanza’s next film (The Toast Of New Orleans) plays Mario’s Uncle named Uncle Nicky. Hard to believe it is the same man but that just shows his versatility. At 97 minutes the film moves at a good clip
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Sam Million 12-14-2019
03:48 PM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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My dear friend Ross Mills of England just sent me two music files of Mario from the late Christmas album. Many put this album down as Mario's voice is darker and his singing is possibly too operatic. Well, I tell you that after hearing It Came Upon A Midnight Clear and then especially a very tender and moving Silent Night I have re-evaluated these and think that hearing them without listening to the entire album makes them stand out. I enjoyed the carols very much. And I especially am moved by his taking the time to send the files since Ross lost his wife this past year due to hospital neglect. He is a very fine man.
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Sam Million 12-13-2019
07:50 AM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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I've been doing something a bit out of the ordinary, but something the friend who introduced me to Mario back in 1965 has asked of me. That is, he likes seeing screen shots from Mario's movies. What I mean is that while I watch some of the Lanza films (I have said before we have an 8 by 14 foot screen in our home theater), I take photo stills of key scenes. For example, in FTFT I took the large "Mario Lanza (starring) in" shot, one of the many beautiful scenery of Capri shots that the director used (having been a cameraman before becoming a director he had a great eye for what looked pretty), the scene where Krista is stopped by waterside and receives the large cart of flowers Mario has brought her, and finally an O Sole Mio shot of Mario with arms outstretched in his unique singing pose".
I just "discovered" that two of the many Lanza CDs out there have the same title, which is "All The Things You Are". The seventh Sepia release is one, and the other is the one Clyde Smith and our own Fred Day worked on (it has You Are Love in the list--a song I don't think was ever released on any other CD). If I am wrong, please correct me.
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Kristine Cimmy 12-11-2019
06:13 PM ET (US) IP: 96.59.1.174
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Happy Birthday, Rita Moreno ! She just turned 88 or 89 ! The Library of Congress has announced more movies added to their National Film Registry. So far, none of Mario Lanza's movies added to it. Among the movies are some of Prince's movies, "Gaslight", "Coal Miner's Daughter". Maybe one day, one of his movies will be added. Sam, thanks for information.
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Sam Million 12-09-2019
06:37 PM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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I just realized how dumb I have been in the post below trying to describe how I sing O Holy Night, when I could just send all of you the track. I was in a restaurant called Sam's (!) doing this live with one of the best keyboard artists in our city. This track goes back some years because for some reason I could not paste in the current recording??
Here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tIcWbjjRgb8
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Sam Million 12-09-2019
12:04 PM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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Since no one asked for the Ann Blyth bio I have two of, I have returned it to Barnes and Noble. I'm still enjoying the Rita Moreno bio as she names many stars and writes very well. I sang O Holy Night twice so far at different venues and I have been influenced by Mario. After you think he is done, he adds a final "Oh Holy Night."That is exactly how I do it!
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Valeria Pugiotto 12-08-2019
06:05 AM ET (US) IP: 93.42.98.163
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Kristine and Sam: you can buy the downloadable version of the ‘Vagabond King’ from Amazon. If you download the Amazon Music App on your smartphone, you can then buy the songs of the album And download them in it. That is what I did.
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Sam Million 12-08-2019
01:18 AM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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Kristine:
The Desert Song is out on this double CD Amazon sells called Mario Lanza Sings Songs From The Student Prince & The Desert Song / Romberg
Nor as much luck with Vagabond King, except for one double CD that was selling for over a hundred dollars ! GO HERE: https://www.amazon.com/Mario-Lanza-Vagabon...5656&s=music&sr=1-1
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Kristine Cimmy 12-07-2019
10:17 PM ET (US) IP: 96.59.1.174
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Happy Birthday to Ellisa Lanza Bregman ! I am glad another Mario Lanza CD is coming out in January 2020. Does anyone know if the vinyl recordings of "The Desert Song" and "The Vagabond King" will be out on CD's ? Maybe Sepia Records could produce them.
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Sam Million 12-07-2019
05:55 PM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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Our favorite Lanza biographer who posts here, Derek Mannering, just gave me some wonderful news. Sepia Records is going to release in January their 8th CD of Mario. Their quality cannot be beat, so you may want to buy this CD to upgrade what you have now. The link I am providing is to Derek McGovern's site as he is the most prominent in producing this CD along with people like Vince DePlacido. There is a full page devoted to the CD with everything you could want to know up to this point Might make a nice New Year's present!
https://www.mariolanzatenor.com/news/comin...ario-lanza-classics
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Al Canez 12-07-2019
09:49 AM ET (US) IP: 24.38.229.151
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Read you post late last night after a trip from NY. As usual, Martino, you are correct throughout. I try to listen to Calleja's tribute CD to Mario and it is just there...there is no smiling Wow factor as to what I am hearing. I feel the same for Kauffman, Cura and most of the current tenor whose names I don't remember. To me it always has been..after the orchestra intro, the first words out of Mario gets me going..a smile, a shake of the head in agreement with him. As a former baritone I still try to sing a line or two with him and the joke is on me but it is fun. All my best to everyone. Say a prayer for what occurred in 1941 at Pearl Harbor.
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Kristine Cimmy 12-06-2019
07:26 PM ET (US) IP: 96.59.1.174
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Oreste Kirkop was a Maltese tenor. He only made the one movie "The Vagabond King" with Kathryn Grayson(her final movie)and some thought he was the new "Lanza". I think, Bing Crosby was even promoting him.
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Barbara Clifton 12-06-2019
01:12 PM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.66
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(akaDiane Cox) Saw Calleja in one opera of the HD Met series and was surprised at how good he sounded. It may have been Boheme. He was much better than some of the utube clips I had watched, but agree with you, not a lot of passion in his portrayal. No goosebumps.
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Martino1 12-06-2019
10:18 AM ET (US) IP: 104.255.4.145
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I was listening to the Maltese Tenor, Joseph Calleja yesterday and recalled a post on "beautiful singing or beautiful voice" that I posted long ago where I compared him to Mario Lanza. It might be worthwhile to revisit that now where I said, in part, the following:
Here is a question to ponder - when we say a voice is "beautiful" are we really talking about the quality of the sound striking our ears, or is it beautiful singing that we hear? The two are very different. I believe when we speak of Mario Lanza's "beautiful" voice, we are actually talking about a combination of the two - beautiful voice and beautiful singing. That is to say, the beauty of voice that instantly speaks to us and draws our attention and the singing itself that actually draws us in. The tone of the Lanza voice, its smooth rhythm, perfect vibrato, perfect placement, sensuousness and many other vocal characteristics are all evident with every song or aria we hear him sing. But there have been many singers in the past who did not possess all these qualities yet whose singing was so great and astonishing that we quickly deem their voice to be "beautiful", when in fact, it was the singing that was beautiful.
In the league of tenors we can name many singers in the "beautiful" vocal sense besides Lanza, such as Bjorling, Carreras, Wunderlich, DiStefano and many others. Then there are singers such as Corelli, Kraus, Bergonzi, Gedda, and more recently Kaufmann, Florez, Calleja, to name a few, whose natural instruments did not sound "beautiful" in the ways the first group sounded but who sang at such a high level that we automatically peg them as having "beautiful voices". Sopranos are no different and we need look no further than Maria Callas as the best example of a soprano with less than a beautiful tone but who sang so stupendously that she was acknowledged by everyone as having a beautiful voice.
Speaking of Joseph Calleja, lets use him as an example and compare his "Che Gelida Manina" with that of Mario Lanza (the 1949 RCA recording of course). As good as Joseph is I can't help but feel indifferent to the way he actually sounds. He is a great artist and that artistry comes through in everything he does but I am left cold because the voice does not have that element of intrinsic beauty, especially when comparing him to Lanza, however, most people will say Joseph has a "beautiful" voice. Every note Calleja sings is perfect, well tuned and well thought out and you know exactly what to expect from note to note; there will be no mistakes, no surprises. But that is the problem - there is no element of danger, no abandonment, no recklessness that makes the tenor voice unique and exciting. The notes are never held a beat longer than they should. Most of all, add it up and it translates to no flaws but no vocal passion either.
La Boheme pulls at the heart strings more than any other opera and if you are not in tears at the final "Mimi!,Mimi!" the tenor has not done his job, no matter how precise his singing may be. With Che Gelida Manina, Calleja gives a text book rendition (you can hear it on youtube) but it is as though he is reading from that text book rather than using it as a guide, tossing it aside and letting his inner self and his heart take over. This is what Lanza did better than anyone, not only with this aria but with everything he sang. It was this element that added to and complimented his natural attributes that augments the beauty of the voice that reaches our ears.
With Calleja, hard as he tries, the voice simply lacks that intrinsic beauty, leaving it without body and soul. There is almost something clinical, even sterile in the way he sounds, extremely proficient though he may be in how he creates that sound. It is high level singing and exemplary technique and we are astonished by its perfection - it is beautiful singing without question but is what we hear really beautiful, as it unquestionably is when listening to Lanza?
The first group of tenors I mentioned all had certain traits in common and this explanation by C.W. Robinson, hits the mark as it pertains to those singers and especially Mario Lanza: "Most attractive singers have a bright, speech-like quality in their voices. We don't have any trouble understanding the words they are singing. Their sound reaches out and grabs us. Teachers draw that out of singers by talking about projection, or singing forward, etc. But the voices that really melt us also have a quality of depth to them. There is something that makes us feel like the sound is coming from the bottom of their souls. The brightness in their voices speaks out to us, while the depth is drawing us in."
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Kristine Cimmy 12-05-2019
09:12 PM ET (US) IP: 96.59.1.174
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Prayers for Carole Shea. On Friday night, Dec. 20th, CBS TV will, again, show the "I Love Lucy Christmas Episode"(from 1956). The second "I Love Lucy" co -feature will be "Paris, At Last", when the Ricardos and Mertzes went to Europe. In this episode, Lucy buys a painting, leading her to believe it's an original painting, when, in reality, it's a reproduction. The artist, selling it, was played by character actor, Shep Menken. If you recall, he was in "The Great Caruso", playing one of Caruso's friends in his entourage. He also was in "The Glenn Miller Story" and appeared two other times on "I Love Lucy". He also did cartoon voices.
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Barbara Clifton 12-05-2019
03:37 PM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.66
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(aka Diane Cox) According to what I've read cocaine use in the 50s was rare, the big boom came in the 60s. I've read ALL the books and don't remember cocaine being mentioned. Prescription drugs, alcohol, yes, Of course California was a drug haven earlier than most of the country. Edited 12-05-2019 04:05 PM
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Julie Page 12-05-2019
12:03 PM ET (US) IP: 74.79.51.67
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Valeria, right you are again. And Sam neither have I ever read of Cocaine in connection with Mario. I've read all the books except of course Teitelbaum's and Bretts, and ii will not read those. I'm happy to hear of anyone who is ill getting a new treatment. I hope Alex Trebek is as well. Boccelli expressed his displeasure over Domingo's being censured.
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Valeria Pugiotto 12-05-2019
05:58 AM ET (US) IP: 93.42.98.163
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Sam, you never offend me. I actually think you are a very kind and sensitive person.
I just believe in people’ s privacy.
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Sam Million 12-05-2019
12:29 AM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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At the chance of offending Valeria, I would like to give you all an update on Carole Shea's health. My wife Anna saw her at Barnes and Noble looking for reading material. Carole, you know has pancreatic cancer. Well, I firmly believe she has much more hope now as they are doing an old procedure of implanting radium seeds. Anna's grandfather had this done many years ago and he lived to be one hundred years old. May we wish you the same good fortune dear Carole.
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Valeria Pugiotto 12-04-2019
01:36 AM ET (US) IP: 93.42.98.163
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Placido Domingo can say all he wants, but too many women are saying otherwise...
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Barbara Clifton 12-04-2019
01:17 AM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.66
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(aka Diane Cox) Placido Domingo Dec 1 2019 statement
""Before public opinion I was accused, tried and sentenced all at once, without the slightest benefit of a doubt, unable to do or say anything in the face of an incredible and unstoppable maneuver."
"I've never behaved in a harassing, aggressive and vulgar way"
"I have never promised anyone a role and much less a career. I have never hindered anyone's path and neither would impose nor hurt any singer."
"I think that my first statement, although well understood by many, was misunderstood by so many others. In no way was I tolerating any type of harassment or abuse, now or ever. Due to changes in our culture, I, like many people of my generation, I have assimilated that some interactions between adults that in the past were considered flattery and even gestures of gallantry, today are perceived very differently. "
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Valeria Pugiotto 12-04-2019
12:03 AM ET (US) IP: 5.90.159.90
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Sam, I do not recall reading about Mario taking cocaine. I read Costa’s book some time ago and I found it a bit ‘over the top’.... Like when he says that Mario’s last words were ‘....Betty I love you’. He was not there, nobody was there when he died, so Costa had invented it. I wonder how many other details he invented to sell his book.... Sorry, I am academic minded, therefore, if you cannot prove it, you are inventing it... Edited 12-04-2019 12:09 AM
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Al Canez 12-03-2019
07:05 PM ET (US) IP: 24.38.229.151
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Hi. I'm Jim Thompson. My Dad was in the Foreign Service and among the ten countries I grew up in was Sicily..Palermo and for a time, Naples. I played my first 78's of the voice of Gigli and Caruso. I went to my first opera at the Massimo. It was "Aida" and Mario del Monaco sang. This occured in 1947. Prior to that we lived in Chula Vista, CA when Dad was posted in Tijuana. That is where I fell in love with the voice Al Jolson on the Kraft Music Hall radio show. And then my world changed forever when we went to the movies and saw/heard Mario in "That Midnight Kiss". I was hooked forever more. Martino and my old friend Fred Day are in my mirror...not my rear view mirror. I have enjoyed the many books written about Mario. I am way past trying to delude myself into thinking so many things written about him was done with malice. I believe in my faith and in my heart know Mario and Betty and Colleen, Mark and Damon are in heaven. God rest their souls. I always love the reaction from friends who hear Mario for the first time in my home. The "WOW" factor is always there! Going after Mario's closest of friends such as Terry and Costa in any dimeaning manner is simply wrong in my personal view. I will write from time to time. I am 86 and in pretty good health, thank God but I won't get into a tit for tat on this subject. ...."Laurora di bianco vestita...." My Mom always said if I had heard Mario first and not Al, I might have been a tenor. My voice teacher knew better!
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Kristine Cimmy 12-03-2019
06:55 PM ET (US) IP: 96.59.1.174
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There's a magazine called Closer on the magazine stands. It has stories of past Hollywood celebrities and entertainers. The current issue has stories on Ann-Margret, who will be 78, Angela Lansbury, and famous movie couples: Liz and Richard, Bogie and Bacall, Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz, Sir Laurence Olivier and Vivien Leigh. They have has stories about Judy Garland, too. I wonder if they will have a story about Mario Lanza ?
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Sam Million 12-03-2019
02:41 PM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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Hi Martino,
Much of what transpires today is due to the Internet and how it has made the big world much smaller and the selling of sensational magazines. that are always in our sight (best example is when you see them while checking our your groceries) As you say people today thrive on gossip. Are their own lives so dull that they need to hear about the problems of others? I guess so. But there is another phase you didn't fully appraise and this is that true fans, like us on this forum, want to know it all about those whom they idolize. I put myself in this class and it goes back to when I first heard Mario (or my other idol Frank Sinatra--you should see how many, many biographies of him I have). The friend who introduced me to Mario in 1964 and I used to say two things that are somewhat crude: 1-If Mario farted in a recording we wanted it and 2-"We go to hell for Mario", which is exactly as we phrased it. It simply means there are no boundaries of what we'd to increase our knowledge and feeling of closeness to "our boy".
This leads me to a second plea to Derek Mannering. Derek, would you please put me in touch with Elissa? I have a couple important things to discuss with her. Thanks in advance!
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Julie Page 12-03-2019
02:33 PM ET (US) IP: 74.79.51.67
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Valeria, I agree with what you've said about what's been written of Mario's life by his so-called friends. There wasn't much loyalty left. He had a tough enough time without their stories. I watched Il Volo, they're nice looking boys and enjoyable to watch, but far out of Mario's realm. We're always reminded of how great he truly was. My father listened to an Italian America program every sunday morning , even though he was Irish on both sides of the family. He loved the music and spoke a bit of Italian himself,doing dialects in the Army to entertain his friends. He was in France during World War I. Bill, how is the raffle going? Hope everyone participated, If only to contribute to the museum. Winter's really with us,early this year. Best to everyone.
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Martino1 12-03-2019
09:21 AM ET (US) IP: 104.255.4.145
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You are certainly a sensitive person, Sam. Most people today who lived through the '60s forward have become immune to these kinds of problems because they have seen countless great talents, not only in entertainment but sports, politics - you name it, go from shinning stars to utter waste and destruction in even less time than it took Mario Lanza (I look to the incredibly talented River Phoenix as a prime example of unmatched potential cut short). In fact, what demons Lanza contended with would seem like little elves compared to many tragic life stories since his time. Lanza was not unique or alone in this regard and these stories of wonderful talents destroyed or cut short are no longer a surprise. In fact, my first reaction to hearing about Philip Seymour Hoffman was what took it so long to happen. And we could go on and on, the list is as long as the Vegas strip.
A few days ago I spoke of listening to an Italian radio program with my father when I was young fellow. He would often comment on what we were hearing and I learned a great deal from him but never do I recall him talking about the singer's personal life. He did not talk about Gigli's romances or Bjorling's drinking, etc. He did not care about any of that, all he wanted to know was the sound of their voice and how they made that sound happen. He felt the personal stuff was just that - personal and none of his business. Yes, I suppose things in a person's personal life are interesting to read for curiosity sake and personal problems make up the complete picture of who that person is but it was nothing I have ever lingered on. I have only been interested in the music. Until I came to this forum I did not know who Lanza's children were or even if he had children. Things like that did not interest me and unless that kind of information came to me by accident I did not seek it out. Today I talk about a person's personal problems like everyone else because that is what we have been conditioned to do but those things, as they apply to a singer, still do not interest me as much as the factors concerning the voice and the singing. It is unfortunate but our society has slowly but surely been reduced to one which not only looks for things to find wrong or embarrassing in a person's life, but actually delights at their misery.
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Sam Million 12-03-2019
07:54 AM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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I posted some time ago about starting to re-read the Callinicos biography of Mario. Well, I just finished it last night and felt exhausted from reading about the many, many binges Mario subjected himself to. As well as the heated arguments with his wife Betty, his near death experience when he was driving best friend Terry Robinson at 100 mph and nearly losing control of his Cadillac thereby killing them. He started using cocaine when, possibly, the alcohol wasn't giving him enough of a "kick". His ignoring ALL the doctors he ever saw who said the same thing--if he didn't stop his then current lifestyle immediately he would be death within a year. He had cirrhosis if the liver as well as clogging of the arteries in the heart. He was 60 pounds overweight before he and Costa tried to map out a concert tour and then start what would be his last film--For the First Time. He was able to make some of the concerts and sadly said to Costa "this will be greater than the Great Caruso tour". If only. The film turned out to be something of a miracle. His weight through it was good and his singing was spectacular. O Sole Mio alone is worth the price of admission. He looked very good in the majority of the picture but close-ups in selected scenes shows bags under his eyes, a tired look, and if you look very close a look which says "why am I here"? The last recording sessions were held up by his drinking. Vagabond King wasn't bad but the Desert Song took numerous recording dates. And finally the inevitable time, when he had his last and fatal heart attack, whispering "Betty, Betty I love you". Any fan having the stamina to read this biography would feel exhausted and demoralized. Costa holds out just one ray of hope, which many feel was just a way of ending the book with something a bit positive. That is his saying that Mario recorded The Lord's Prayer at the Cinecitta studio. It has never turned up and likely never existed. I ask why would Mario have gone out and recorded only one song? His late and only fair second Christmas album had already been recorded. The first Christmas album has a perfectly great Lord's Prayer among the carols.
It's time for me and Anna to buckle down and put as much as humanely possible of our Christmas and other collectibles on eBay. As Christmas draws nearer interest of customers will drop due mostly to the timing. Sales have been very disappointing and we are barely just meeting our bills. One nice sale was yesterday when we sold my vintage 1980 stereo amplifier for $450.00. Need more sales like that one!
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Bill Ronayne 12-02-2019
04:54 PM ET (US) IP: 68.192.183.109
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December 3rd is Giving Tuesday. I started a fundraiser on Facebook for those wishing to donate. We need to offset the costs of the renovation for the new museum, which is almost completed, so that the Mario Lanza Institute can focus its fundraising efforts to increase the number and monetary amounts of the vocal scholarships it awards each year. The Mario Lanza Institute is a 501 c 3 nonprofit that was incorporated in 1962 and all donations are tax deductible in accordance with IRS regulations. The Facebook link is below.
https://www.facebook.com/donate/2582317055.../10218987112841713/
If you're not on Facebook you can donate online at our site www.mariolanzainstitute.org. Donations may also be made by sending a check to the following address:
Mario Lanza Institute
PO Box 54624
Philadelphia, PA 19148
Thanks in advance for your support.
Best, Bill
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Barbara Clifton 12-02-2019
02:14 PM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.66
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Also watched Il Volo, and was delighted. Whatever was causing lackdasical performances seemed to be resolved - they looked relaxed, confident and happy. Piero's "Love Story" was moving, and although I got no goosebumps, all their renditions were pleasant listening. Hard to believe we've been watching them 10 years, and literally seen them grow up.
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Fred Day 12-02-2019
08:23 AM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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I just watched on PBS-TV the Tenth Anniversary Concert of Il Volo. Wonderful!! These 3 young men have matured and are better than ever. Two tenors and a baritone - all fine voices. Excellent!! Very enjoyable. Ciao.
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Kristine Cimmy 11-30-2019
06:04 PM ET (US) IP: 96.59.1.174
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He sang "You Stepped Out of A Dream" in "Ziegfeld Girl". After the scandal in the Navy, he was drafted into U.S. Army. He also sang "The Tenement Symphony" in Marx Bros. movie "The Big Store".
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Fred Day 11-30-2019
04:54 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Mike: You can read about his scandal in Wikipedia - look up Tony Martin. I do not remember which film - he made so many. Ciao.
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Mike from L.I. 11-30-2019
02:35 PM ET (US) IP: 96.232.90.227
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Anyone remember the name of the movie where he sang "You Stepped out of a Dream" ? Wasn't he involved in a scandal during WW2 in which he tried to buy a commission in the Navy?
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Fred Day 11-29-2019
03:49 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Tony Martin lived a long life. He died in July 2012, age 98 and a half. His son, Tony junior died the previous year, 2011. Cyd Charisse died in 2008. Ciao.
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Kristine Cimmy 11-29-2019
06:27 AM ET (US) IP: 96.59.1.174
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Tony Martin wrote that he was Jewish in the dual autobiography with Cyd Charisse. He wrote when he met, dated, and wanted to marry Alice Faye(his first wife), he was concerned about the religious difference, asked George Burns for some advice(Burns and Allen were an Abie's Irish Rose marriage). In two of movies, he sang the Prologue from "I Pagliacci". He was a fan of 1930's crooner, Russ Columbo(1908-1934), liked his voice better than Bing Crosby's. Tony Martin played a musical instrument before he became a singer. He turned down "The Kissing Bandit", which was a flop movie for Frank Sinatra and Kathryn Grayson. She later said, she and Frank had to make comebacks after that movie. Tony Martin and Cyd Charisse had a son,Tony, Jr., sadly, I heard, he passed away, a few years ago.
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Chris Johns 11-28-2019
02:50 PM ET (US) IP: 69.114.171.120
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Happy Thanksgiving everyone.
God Bless
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Barbara Clifton 11-28-2019
01:11 PM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.66
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Happy Thanksgiving all! I'm thankful for this site, where so many have so much knowledge and love Mario Lanza the way I always have, since I heard that first note.
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Al Canez 11-28-2019
09:33 AM ET (US) IP: 24.38.229.151
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Happy Thanksgiving Day to everyone! And thank you Martino and Fred as always for your comments. Always loved the voice of Tony Martin. I have a signed 78 recording after
seeing him in a record store in Toronto! Also heard him at a nightclub in Pittsburg, PA. Terrific voice and great stage presence.
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Martino1 11-28-2019
09:21 AM ET (US) IP: 104.255.4.145
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Tony Martin was Jewish? All these years I thought he was Italian. Learn something every day!
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Kristine Cimmy 11-28-2019
09:03 AM ET (US) IP: 96.59.1.174
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Tony Martin wasn't Italian ancestry. He was Jewish, but I guess, because he used the name, Tony, many thought he was Italian ancestry. I think , his real name was Alvin Morris. He and Cyd Charisse wrote a dual autobiography, years ago. He did mention Mario Lanza, but it was about his dietary habits. Here, in area, where I live , there's radio station WDUV, FM. They play songs from 1970's, but from November until end of Christmas, they play Christmas songs. They have played Bing Crosby, Gene Autry, etc. but I doubt, they play Mario Lanza singing Christmas songs. Years ago, in my hometown, Utica, N.Y., there was Louis DeBernardis, who hosted an Italian -American Radio Show and he would play Mario Lanza.
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Sam Million 11-28-2019
01:51 AM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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Happy Thanksgiving to all my friends here. As Elton John so beautifully sang: "How wonderful life is while you're in the world." AMEN.
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Valeria Pugiotto 11-28-2019
12:57 AM ET (US) IP: 93.42.98.163
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Wendy, I already knew what Brian wrote in the article. Terry could have said ‘no’ and could have published his book somewhere else. In life it is always a matter of choice. He would have done a better service to Mario and his family by not accepting the compromise. Plus, out of respect for Mario and his family, he could have left out some details that were better kept out of public scrutiny. In the end, the private life of a person, no matter how famous he/she can be, should be respected and protected. My negative assessment about Costa’s book stems from some of the stuff he obviously invented for the book, like the last words Mario would have pronounced on his death bed, for instance. And also his behavior in many occasions of Mario’s career. Plus, I never thought he was ‘good enough’ for Mario. But in this case, my judgement could be tainted by the fact that I always thought, and still think that nobody could ever, nor will ever, possess Mario’s talent and class. Happy thanksgiving to you all. Edited 11-28-2019 01:28 AM
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Fred Day 11-27-2019
09:59 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Jim Thompson, thanks for the mention. I remember fondly those good old days. I hope you can start your Lanza and Friends radio program again soon. It was always wonderful. Happy Thanksgiving to all. Ciao.
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Martino1 11-27-2019
08:11 PM ET (US) IP: 104.255.4.145
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Jim, I hope you succeed in getting those radio stations to resurrect your "Mario Lanza and Friends" program. I doubt there is a radio show anywhere in the country that still plays Lanza songs and arias regularly, let alone one devoted to him.
I am sure I mentioned this here before but years ago there was a radio program in NY called "The Italian Musicale" that aired every Sunday starting at noon. It was hosted by an opera and Mario Lanza aficionado named Attilio Iacelli, who spoke a mix of Italian and English to his mostly Italian immigrant base. He hosted his program since the 1930s if I recall correctly. I assume his show was much like yours. Iacelli played many of the records of Italian and Italian/American singers such as Dean Martin, Perry Como, Tony Martin and of course a healthy dose of Mario Lanza could always be counted on. He also presented many Italian opera singers (he had a particular fondness for Gigli as I recall) singing both arias and Italian songs.
My father made sure the radio was tuned to that station so that we all could listen as background music to our Sunday lunch meal. No one dared to change the station as that was never an option available to any of us! Afterwards, he and I would usually sit in front of the radio and listen to the remainder of the program while my mother cleaned up and my younger brother, Tony, played with his toys (although he was quickly admonished by my father if he played too loudly)! On some evenings we would watch "The Voice of Firestone" or the "Bell Telephone Hour" and see in person some of the singers we had heard on the Iacelli program.
Those were much simpler days and certainly less hectic than today, however, I have no fonder remembrances than those Sunday afternoons listening to all those great voices and learning all about them with my father acting as tutor. He forgot more about singers and opera than I could ever hope to know. I miss that sort of thing a great deal. I wish you much luck in your endeavor because, in these days especially, we need more of your kind of programming.
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Kristine Cimmy 11-27-2019
06:19 PM ET (US) IP: 96.59.1.174
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Happy Thanksgiving, everybody ! Yes, Julie, Ann Blyth was in movie version of "The Student Prince". By the way, there was a silent movie called "The Student Prince of Heidelberg" starring Ramon Novarro(who did sing)and Norma Shearer. Novarro sang "A Vucchella" in one of his early 1930's movies and introduced "The Pagan Love Song" in "The Pagan". I read Callinicos's and Terry's books. Terry was scheduled to appear on Larry King's Radio Show, to promote the book, back when it was released, but for some reason, his appearance was cancelled.
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Julie Page 11-27-2019
05:09 PM ET (US) IP: 74.79.51.67
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Wasn't Anne Blythe in the Student Prince, Sam? She was on a show a few years ago. She was 89 at the time, looked and sounded very good. When asked about Mario, she didn't offer much,except that he had a few problems. Lovely lady. Valeria, you've said it , hard to find the real Mario, we have to believe what makes us happiest, I guess. Listened for a long time today to that incomparable voice. I hope everyone has much to be thankful for, tomorrow and every day. Blessings to all..
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Al Canez 11-27-2019
05:01 PM ET (US) IP: 24.38.229.151
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For those who don't remember, I am Jim Thompson.The voice of Mario is on CD's in both cars and at home and I "hear" him all the time. Derer Mannering's picture book is at the top of my coffee table book corner and so guests often ask about it. All my other Lanza books are together in the wall to wall bookcase in our dinning room with all my collection of John F. Kennedy books. What I am saying is this: anytime Martino writes or my old friend and accompanist Fred Day, I am all eyes. I write back from time to time but I tell you I am up to my ears in a sort of disppointment in all the current postings. I love the voice and I am proud to have made friends with his Mother, children with the exception of Mark, Terry, Licia, Costa and of course Derek Mannering Through these postings I have met other fans. I am just for promoting Mario wherever and whenever we can. No delving into a past life long gone. I hope I can talk two radio stations here in CT to get me two hours a week with sponsors for my "Mario Lanza and Friends" show which I have been airing in one way or the other for some 30 years. Its all about great voices singing everything they have recorded: opera, B'way, pop, Italian, Spanish, French Etc. and the lead singer: first voice and usually every 4th song and the close is Mario. I also play one religeous song per show. All my best to everyone and Happy Thanksgiving!
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Sam Million 11-27-2019
04:25 PM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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I just received from Barnes and Noble the biography of Ann Blyth by Jaqueline T. Lawson. The cost to me is 24.95 plus shipping. I will offer it her for a week and if there are no takers I will return it as they mistakenly sent me a second copy. It is an oversized paperback book that is fairly thick too. This is the first book covering the career of a very talented girl who was Mario's co-star ini The Great Caruso and would have been in Student Prince had Mario not quit the film. It also has 275 photos!
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Wendy Stilwell 11-27-2019
03:32 PM ET (US) IP: 90.210.35.8
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Hi Valeria. Read Brian Beacock's article in the latest newsletter about the trip to the States in 1999 and you will see what Terry told them about his book.
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Sam Million 11-27-2019
02:18 PM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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You are right Valeria about Terry's book being changed but I am pretty sure it was a matter of cutting out about a quarter of what he wrote. The publisher MAY have asked him to "dirty it up" a bit. Ou host Jeff Rense here would know if someone wants to contact him.
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Valeria Pugiotto 11-27-2019
01:34 PM ET (US) IP: 5.90.151.111
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Wendy, I know he raised the children, but he himself admitted that he wrote a different book from the one it was published. He could have insisted in publishing what he wrote, not the version imposed by the publisher. I meant no offense to Terry Robinson. What I meant was that with so many versions of Mario’s life, it is not easy to find the ‘true’ Mario. M. Bernard’s book is pure trash. The most balanced biographies are the ones written by Derek, and Cesari. Those two are the most reliable ones, in my opinion. Edited 11-27-2019 01:43 PM
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Wendy Stilwell 11-27-2019
12:28 PM ET (US) IP: 90.210.35.8
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Valeria. Terry Robinson was dedicated to helping to raise the four children. And until the day he died was always Uncle Terry to Ellisa. He was a very good friend to the BMLS, for a time often contributing some of his memories for our magazine. Pam Latham knew him well, and Bill Earl (who you met at our GTG) joined him in celebrating both their ninetieth birthdays.
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Sam Million 11-27-2019
09:23 AM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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Thanks Fred and Valeria for your viewpoints. Fred, it is such an easy read and delightful. I heard Costa recanted some of what he wrote in later years.There is a tape out there of him being interviewed and you can catch how he answers and what he says. And Valeria, would Terry Robinson really write things to "cash in" when he took care of the Lanza children at his own expense and Elissa still calls him Uncle Terry?
I want to apologize to the many authors who wrote what I feel are ALL excellent books and all have original things to say. They had to research but that act usually brings out more info, especially if we consider who they interviewed that were still alive.That includes Derek Mannering's two nicely done book, Armando's very well researched book, (Derek McGovern rates his as the best, Terry's book, the pamphlet-like book Mario's boyhood friend Eddie Durso wrote, Roland Bessette's completely different bio which goes into Mario's finances and proposes the Bipolar theory, the Matt Bernard (fake name) bio that gets down and dirty)I believe our host Jeff Rense buys everything in Matt's book. His book is somewhat like the Lanza "Blue Tape" which has been floating around for years and show a foul mouthed but real Lanza, and a dishonorable nod to the guy who offered literally nothing new, David Bret who wrote his book to make money (despite him saying about Roland and I being "two roses among the thorns), possibly the German book if I could read German (it does have that one of a kind photo of Mario in the coffin lookin SO bad, and let us not forget Linz's unique and very interesting tome, and there was a girl who wrote a Lanza bio which I know nothing about, and there could be more biographies from other country's. Perhaps Japan? In any event, Ii give a nod to those who wrote in earnest. Just the fact that so many people chose to write about Mario speaks volumes (no pun intended). Please post here if I have left anyone out...
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Al Canez 11-27-2019
09:11 AM ET (US) IP: 24.38.229.151
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Valerie: having known both Robinson and Callinicos over the years with extemsive interviews in the mix, neither of these men were "cashing in" on he Mario Lanza name. Callicos was the back=up for the singer and Robinson...well, Unccle Terry was the man who was there for the Lanza children when their parents had both passed and was there thru the years. Costa wrote me a beautiful dedication of his book (my book) when we first net.
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Valeria Pugiotto 11-26-2019
11:56 PM ET (US) IP: 5.90.151.111
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I read the Callinicos biography, but I took it with a ‘pinch of salt’. The same goes when you think about Terry Robinson’s one. These people wrote to cash on Mario. Especially Costa, who showed his greed through and through. Just my opinion.
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Fred Day 11-26-2019
10:08 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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I have read the 1960 Callinicos bio of Lanza at least a dozen times over the years and always enjoyed it. Yes, hard to put down. Fascinating, despite the sadness. Happy Thanksgiving to all. Ciao.
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Sam Million 11-26-2019
07:46 AM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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My copy of the Callinicos "Mario Lanza Story" from 1960 got buried somewhere in our house full of STUFF. But in clearing out "tons" of things we can sell on ebay, lo and behold it turned up hidden by a large stack of papers. Well, I started reading it and could not put it down. Costa had the best "view" of any other Lanza biographer since he was there when it all happened. I was sort of blown away by all the dates and facts this comparatively small book contains. And of course he tells of stories of Mario's battles with alcohol, his "demons" with stage fright, how little Betty helped him since she had her own awful problems, his relationship with Terry Robinson. And a lot more to come as I am only about one quarter of the way through the book. If you have a copy, you may enjoy reading it again. If not, there are three hardcover copies (possibly missing the dust cover) go here:
https://www.amazon.com/Mario-Lanza-story-C...d=1574772261&sr=8-1
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Derek Mainwaring 11-24-2019
09:58 AM ET (US) IP: 24.13.222.117
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Sam, Vincent and Barbara, thank you for clarifying Mario's 'gutteral' sounds in those recordings. A bit too much detail for my needs, but I appreciate the close attention some fans give to all of the nuances in Lanza's singing.
I mentioned the BMLS's remarkable 104-year-old Vice-Chairman, Bill Earl, in a recent post. The BBC program which featured Bill can now be found on YouTube.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tKVF5JUKSFQ&t=147s
It's a moving remembrance from brave men who fought in the Second World War and Bill's special contribution can be found at the 18 minute mark. He also has the final word at the close of the program.
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Barbara Clifton 11-22-2019
04:37 PM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.66
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Derek - because I listen only with headphones, I've heard those gutteral sounds several times.
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Vincent Ricciardi 11-22-2019
11:00 AM ET (US) IP: 68.132.115.121
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Fred, I was talking more stylistically and in regards to his musicality than quality of the voice. One of the reasons we all love Mario so much was his unique quality of sound. I don't think he necessarily sounded like Caruso or Gigli, but shares an Italianate quality with them.
Sam and Martino, I'm glad you enjoyed the post.
Sam you're talking to a full lyric tenor who wishes he was more of a Spinto. So I completely understand. lol. Luckily I'm at a point where my own voice is entering into a more mature, darker sound. :-D
You're probably right about the headphones. My guess is they put playback through a monitor and just let him do a couple of takes till they got what they wanted.
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Martino1 11-22-2019
09:59 AM ET (US) IP: 104.255.4.145
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Excellent post Vincent and spot on.
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Sam Million 11-22-2019
12:02 AM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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Vincent: I posted an answer to you but it disappeared, so here goes TAKE TWO!
I far prefer a spinto voice like Mario and Enrico to the lyrical Gigli. Thanks for enlightening us further on the "guttural sound" Hope Derek Mannering sees this.
When it comes to recording
I prefer a live orchestra. Sinatra stood in the middle of his top notch orchestra and sang with no headphones.
I doubt Mario used headphones. His best recordings are the Coke show library from Recorders Studio.
Guess that is about all...
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Fred Day 11-21-2019
06:03 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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PS: Another role model for Lanza was Pertile. When Lanza was preparing the Otello scene in SERENADE, and the finale of Otello in FTFT, his model was the Pertile recordings of these same selections. Many similarities can be heard. Ciao.
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Fred Day 11-21-2019
05:51 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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I would say yes, that the young Lanza voice resembled Gigli more than Caruso, but on the other hand, the later Lanza of 1955-1959 resembled Caruso, because, like Caruso, Lanza's voice darkened and became more dramatic in his last 5 years. Ciao.
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Vincent Ricciardi 11-21-2019
03:26 PM ET (US) IP: 68.132.115.121
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I always found Lanza's style more reminiscent of Gigli's than Caruso's. Aside from both having the same great teacher, I don't think many people realize just how influential Gigli was. Caruso really created an Italian style of singing like it had never been seen before and Gigli built on that. What's interesting about Gigli is it wasn't a huge voice. It was medium sized and a full lyric as opposed to Caruso's spinto sound, yet Gigli was able to sing a vast variety of roles including some that may have outwardly seemed to dramatic for his voice.
The guttural "huh" sound is really just a trick to get the placement of the larynx and soft pallet quickly into the correct optimal position and create full space in the throat. You hear it a lot in Italianate singers.
Recording live and recording to prerecorded orchestrations both have their own unique set of benefits and issues. I've been in and out of recording studios since I'm 19 and have had my own studio since I'm 22. I've done both.
Recording to tracks can be more relaxed as there is less that can go wrong. It's basically just your performance to worry about. You can also have some time to study the orchestral recording and prepare your performance as needed. One of the big drawbacks is it better be recorded similarly to the way you would sing it, particularly tempos. Luckily for Mario, Costa knew his voice and style of singing probably better than anyone at this point, so he could take care of it. Maybe meet with Mario briefly to sing through things first, take notes, and then go conduct the recording. Another thing that can be tricky is recording while using headphones for playback. I didn't have much of an issue with this when I was younger and still doing a lot more pop styled broadway music, but when I started recording classical pieces I found I had a hard time hearing myself and the orchestra in the headset. It's easy to get pitchy if you can't hear yourself well. I'm not sure if Mario recorded with a headset or if they ran playback through a set of monitors. If you use monitors you still have to be careful of picking up too much of the orchestral track in the vocal recording. You can get what we call phase issues which can make the orchestrations sound a little wonky and loose lower frequencies.
Recording live can be really magical, because the collaboration between you, the conductor, and the players can take a performance to a new level. Of course, this takes a lot more preparation, as you need to really be ready to go. It's much harder to punch in a section with a full orchestra than with a single voice. Even Mario punched sections sometimes. Also, you've got 30 to 50+ players on some of these recordings. God forbid you sing a phrase gloriously and one of the players messes up so bad it can't be used, or it's used and the mistake is glaringly preserved for all time. lol. In my time as a sound engineer I have met quite a number of stage performers who make much better recordings doing it this way than singing to prerecorded tracks. They can be more in the moment.
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Al Canez 11-21-2019
01:06 PM ET (US) IP: 24.38.229.151
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In too much of a hurry so I apologize for all the typos.
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Al Canez 11-21-2019
01:05 PM ET (US) IP: 24.38.229.151
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Jeff, if there is a way that I could go back to using my real name it would be appreciated. In any event, some twenty years or more ago Kathryn Grayson came to Stamford, CT for a concert. I was co- hosting a TV hour long interview show on Cablevision of CT. We had Kathryn on and I did the interview .I could not make the concert as I had to be up early in the morning for my radio news programs. I've posted pictures with her on my Mario Lanza and Friends show site when was doing that. Kathryn gave me five LP's with her and Mario along with James Melston, Dennis Morgan, Howard Keeland some others. There has been discussions on Vagabond King and Desert Song. Dead wishes...with the voice as we heard not too long before his death, Mario shouls have done an arias LP and another Italian-Neapolitan LP.Judith Raskin, in my opinion, had a low scale voice with terrible diction. Mario would not, I think, have approved of her. I do not recall that phrase about Mario attributed to Callinicos anywhere that can recall. I had the pleasure of interviewing Costa and love for Mario was all I felt.
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Sam Million 11-21-2019
09:14 AM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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Hi Derek! This is very subtle--it has to do with his "gutteral " sound or his attack before a phrase. Listen to this and listen closely how he says "huh" several times in E lucevan le stelle right before the next word. The example I have chosen is from The Great Caruso". I once brought this up when Carole Shea and I were interviewed for one of the many radio broadcasts Joe Morinelli did and gave an example, which they heard.
Thanks for the correction on The Vagabond King too.
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Derek Mainwaring 11-20-2019
09:53 PM ET (US) IP: 24.13.222.117
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Hi Sam, looks like Fred answered all your questions. One small correction: Lanza sang to prerecorded orchestral tracks on the Desert Song album only. Mario and the orchestra were together in the studio for the previous Vagabond King session, during which all of Mario's selections were recorded in one evening. And Costa was right about describing the process of dubbing to backing tracks, with the soloists and chorus added later, as a "second-rate technique." I don't particularly care for either album but it's ironic that the Romberg album is more engaging than the abysmally recorded Friml LP. Oh, and give us an example of those "guttural" sounds you hear from Mario. That's a new one to me. Edited 11-20-2019 11:05 PM
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Fred Day 11-20-2019
06:14 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Sam: I think Frank Tenaglia's death was caused by a heart attack. Ciao.
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Fred Day 11-20-2019
06:10 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Sam: Yes, I still have Costa's 1960 book. I will try to find those 2 statements in the book. Ciao.
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Sam Million 11-20-2019
05:27 PM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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I have been listening to Caruso 2000, the CD with a modern orchestra added, which I heartily recommend
.
Now I think the guttural sounds Mario makes before a note were inspired by Caruso who often has this same sound before a phrase!
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Sam Million 11-20-2019
05:18 PM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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Does any one know the cause of Frank Tenaglias death??
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Kristine Cimmy 11-20-2019
05:06 PM ET (US) IP: 96.59.1.174
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The "Ben Casey" doctor t.v. series, from the '60's, starring Vince Edwards, is now out on DVD's. Vince Edwards played the boxer, who was love interest of Kendall Hale(Joan Fontaine)in "Serenade". "Our Miss Brooks" t.v. series, Eve Arden, Richard Crenna, Gale Gordon, Robert Rockwell , is out on DVD's. Rockwell was Honorary Mayor of Pacific Palisades, years ago, and knew the Lanzas-Cocozzas, who lived near him.
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Kristine Cimmy 11-20-2019
04:59 PM ET (US) IP: 96.59.1.174
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I read Rita Moreno's autobiography. She will be one of The Grand Marshals , at Tournament of Roses Parade, Pasadena, Calif., in January 2020. She looks great in her middle 80's ! There will be a documentary about her, produced by Norman Lear, which will air on PBS TV, next year. Applebee's Restaurant has been using singers, of the past, on their t.v. commercials, "That's Amore" -Dean Martin, "Hey, Good Lookin'" -Hank Williams, a song by Dion DiMucci(from Dion and The Belmonts), and now, they are playing "Fever"-Peggy Lee. I hope they would use a song, sung by Mario Lanza.
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Sam Million 11-20-2019
04:40 PM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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Fred. it was definitely written by Costa in his book. You can look it up as I am on my way out (assuming of course that you still have the 1960 b00k!)
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Fred Day 11-20-2019
03:44 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Sam: Where did Callinicos make those statements - was it in his 1960 book?? Please point out the page numbers. I recall him saying that Lanza liked recording that way, with the orchestra pre-recorded, and wanted to make all his future recordings that way. His next LP was to be an album of arias, especially for his father. And there were plans to record a few complete operas with Lanza - Pagliacci was to be the first. But cruel fate intervened on October 7, 1959. Pity. Ciao.
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Sam Million 11-20-2019
08:27 AM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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My wife the lawyer (usually I'm not fond of lawyers, lol) has said I cannot legally transcribe Rita Moreno's words BUT I can summarize what she wrote, so here goes: (Note that some of her stories are things we have heard before)
1-Both musicals have a manic quality to them with so many people running and dancing around (like the Tina Lina segment)
2-She thought Mario was hiding his "stocky" build by staying in the background of that segment (Note: I think that is ridiculous.)
3-Mario's high note at the end was "glass shattering"!
4-Mario had a beautiful voice which enabled him to play his idol Caruso.
5-On screen Mario was fine, but offscreen he gave in to his addictions, food being one of them.
6-Mario was known to sit and eat 1 1/2 chickens.
7-She saw him eating his third pizza pie along with wine. (Note "a flagon of wine, a barrel of wine, an ocean of fine will do" (I may not have quoted the song perfectly)
8-Mario varied between 160 and 240 lbs. She said that even at 160 his clothing looked strained. (Note: I don't agree with that--in the first scenes of BYM he looks too thin)
9-While filming with Kathryn Grayson, his garlic breath annoyed her. (Note: I thought that was said about whatshername in BYM)
10-While in a drunken state, he serenaded Kathryn under her window
11-Mario was "wild, wooly, and mischievous"
12-She couldn't help but to like Mario and she was shocked when only eight years later he died
13-There may have been a genetic factor as two of his children died young
14-Mario became a victim of Hollywood and how it can destroy actors who are not grounded.
15-Eating may have been as dangerous as his substance abuses.
16-Mario became an icon to his fans and there was no way fans could not give in to his spellbinding voice.
17-She found memorable the scene in TONO where he says "when I'm happy, I have to sin18-
18-She will always remember his famous song "Be My Love"
Well, that is about it.
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Sam Million 11-20-2019
07:23 AM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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Thanks Fred. I'll add something to this story. Callinicos said at the time something like "It was sad that Mario had sunk to the level of making recordings in this second rate manner". Costa also said something about Mario being a "wasted fat man". Do you remember what that referred to?
By the way, I just received my autobiography of Rita Moreno. There 4 pages devoted to Mario. TONO was her first film at MGM along with Pagan Love Song with Howard Keel. Wish there was someway I could transcribe her words to this site but that would be nearly impossible unless I became a human typewriter. Well, if I find some spare time maybe I will do just that!
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Fred Day 11-19-2019
06:42 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Sam: Vagabond King was recorded in Rome in July 1959; Desert Song in August 1959. In Rome, Callinicos and orchestra recorded first. Lanza added his voice a few days later. Judith Raskin and chorus were added later in New York City, after Lanza had died. It must have been rather spooky for Raskin to be singing duets with a man who had died shortly before. All in all, the recordings were a success and sold well. Ciao.
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Sam Million 11-19-2019
02:11 PM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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Hey Fred,
I just received an LP copy of The Vagabond King because I couldn't find my other one in this mess of a house! On the back it says that it is one of the last recordings he made. Now my question is was Desert Song before or after It. And were both recordings the type where Mario recorded his part first and then his female partner added her voice later?
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Sam Million 11-19-2019
11:43 AM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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Hi Derek (Mannering) You sent me a very nice message, but being private I don't know how to respond. If you see this please LMK. best always, Sam
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Bill Ronayne 11-17-2019
01:52 PM ET (US) IP: 68.192.182.167
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The address for the Lanza Museum is 1214 Reed St in Philadelphia. It's a few blocks from the Lanza Mural. We won't be open for a while yet. Best, Bill
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Julie Page 11-16-2019
01:12 PM ET (US) IP: 74.79.51.67
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There was a photo of Mario's grandsons when I visited the museum. Nice looking boys but they have not much resemblance to Mario. I wonder if their sons look more like him. Of course, only one Mario. As they say"they broke the mold".Wouldn't he have enjoyed seeing them.
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Kristine Cimmy 11-15-2019
10:00 PM ET (US) IP: 96.59.1.174
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I wonder why M-G-M didn't use Mario Lanza's recording of "Lygia" for the movie "Quo Vadis" ? Some trivia about"Quo Vadis", Sophia Loren and her mother were extras in the movie. I read, also, M-G-M was considering Stewart Granger and Elizabeth Taylor for the movie. I heard, Sophia Loren was a fan of Mario Lanza.
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Fred Day 11-15-2019
06:28 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Miklos Rozsa wrote a ton of fine music. I particularly like his piano music. He wrote a fine piano concerto especially for the fine pianist Leonard Pennario. Nearly all of Rozsa's music can be heard on youtube. And, of course, I have always loved Lanza's record of Lygia. Ciao.
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Kristine Cimmy 11-15-2019
04:30 PM ET (US) IP: 96.59.1.174
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Miklos Rozsa composed the movie music for "All The Brothers Were Valiant", "King of Kings"(Jeffrey Hunter), "Ben-Hur"(Charlton Heston). He was in the same league as Alfred Newman, Elmer Bernstein, and others, for composing, conducting movie music scores.
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Len (UK) 11-15-2019
02:50 PM ET (US) IP: 86.170.37.223
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Fred, I note that Miklos Rozsa was the conductor of ‘Halowe’en Suite’. I recently persuaded a local community radio presenter to feature Lanza on his weekly ‘Soundtracks’ programme. Found here: www.spreaker.com/show/soundtracks_9
He did most of the show around Lanza. His commentary was rather like LP sleeve notes but included a claim that Lanza recorded ‘Lygia’ to help promote the film ‘Quo Vadis’ which featured Rozsa’s music. Given that the film was MGM, I guess it is entirely plausible that they adapted the theme tune.
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Deleted by author 11-15-2019 02:48 PM
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Julie Page 11-13-2019
12:28 PM ET (US) IP: 74.79.51.67
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Nice entryway Bill. Will we be able to see a photo of the entire location soon.? We have the mailing address, but what is the actual street address? Thanks.
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Sam Million 11-11-2019
11:18 PM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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Hi Fred,
Truth be told you are right about Desert Song, but his singing In Vagabond King outdid it, so I stretched the truth!
I wish he did a Lord's Prayer but I think Callinicos just wants to end his book with hope.
I did not know about a third Celeste Aida. If it is not on youtube, then chances are slim of finding it. Most of all the Hollywood Bowl concerts were recorded and sound fresh.
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Fred Day 11-11-2019
09:57 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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One more lost recording: At Lanza's 3rd Hollywood Bowl concert of August 1949, he sang Celeste Aida - that has never been found. Fortunately we do have the lovely Rigoletto love duet with Mary Jane Smith. We can only hope that someday the Celeste Aida will be found, but the chances are very slim. Ciao.
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Fred Day 11-11-2019
09:46 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Sam: The Vagabond King recordings from July 1959 were his next to last recordings. The Desert Song recordings from August 1959 were his last. The Lord's Prayer of Sept 10, 1959 with Callinicos at the piano, has never been found. (If it was ever actually made - there is some doubt.) Ciao.
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Sam Million 11-11-2019
06:42 PM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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Derek McGovern's site has always looked like CLASS. And in spades. His efforts will be so much appreciated by anyone who visits it. One page in particular includes rare performances both live and recorded. Follow this link:
https://www.mariolanzatenor.com/audio-conc...vate-recordings.htm land you will be on one of the most exciting pages. Youthful recordings, recordings that boosted him to fame as L. B. Mayer watched in the audience planning to give him screen tests.For me, the most mind blowing is Mario's very, very last reording on earth. It is Only A Rose from The Vagabond King. This recording is pure Lanza, stripped of his female partner who would add her part after his death. This is July 1959 and he died in October of that year. It is slower paced than what he did for the Vagabond King album. Wait until you hear the last, long held note. He sounds like a very healthy man despite the reality. So, come and listen and enjoy....
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Fred Day 11-11-2019
10:04 AM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Valeria: Thank you for the information. Martino: You are most welcome. Ciao.
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Martino1 11-11-2019
08:33 AM ET (US) IP: 104.255.4.145
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Thank you Fred, for answering my question on how, or if, Tracy Bregman was related to Mario Lanza. Google told me she was the daughter of the composer Buddy Bregman but I did not know Ellisa's husband was Buddy's brother. Now it comes together.
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Valeria Pugiotto 11-11-2019
01:50 AM ET (US) IP: 93.42.98.163
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Fred,
Ellisa’s children are called Nick and Tony. They are both in their 40s. Nick is married and has 1 son. Tony has a partner and has just had a baby boy.
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Kristine Cimmy 11-10-2019
10:02 PM ET (US) IP: 96.59.1.174
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I'd like to send Ellisa, a message, too. I am facebook friends with Barry Bregman, who is son of Buddy Bregman, I think, and Jack and Flo Haley were related to him. Jule Styne was Bregman's uncle. Last year, Ellisa Lanza Bregman received the Camellia Award, for her charitable work in Beverly Hills, Calif.
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Fred Day 11-10-2019
10:02 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Question: I know that Bobby & Ellisa have 2 sons. I forget their names. Have the 2 sons married?? Do the 2 sons have any children?? Curious. Ciao.
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Fred Day 11-10-2019
09:52 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Note: Bobby Bregman is the husband of Ellisa Lanza Bregman. The late great jazz musician Buddy Bregman was Bobby's elder brother. Ciao.
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Sam Million 11-10-2019
12:25 PM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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That is an easy question to answer as Bregman is the husband of Elissa!
Now here is something I found quite Interesting. I emailed it to a couple people on Rense, but this will be more wide spread:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BO9PawEuTvY Here is a wonderful piece! Tenor Mark Vincent does a Virtual Duet on Because Your Mine with Mario. Vincent is exc. and sings with passion and a nice Spinto quality. Then comes Mario and you hear immediately that sweetness in the big voice. The sweet\ness coupled with power that no other tenor has. At the end it gets even more interesting as they harmonize together to an exciting finale .
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Derek Mainwaring 11-10-2019
12:24 PM ET (US) IP: 24.13.222.117
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Sam, your wish for more movie clips in the "Best of Everything" documentary is understandable. Most Lanza fans felt the same about the dearth of film material in Mark Kidel's excellent tribute as well, "Singing to the Gods." In both cases the problem was the same: the exorbitant cost of securing copyright clearance from Warners. Both documentaries had limited budgets that made it impossible to secure a costly quota of MGM and WB excerpts. The fact that the documentaries still turned out so well is a tribute to the skill and commitment of their directors, Alan Byron and Mark Kidel.
Channel 4 in London had the same problem with an earlier tribute I was involved with, "And God Created Tenors." The movie clips cost too much at that time too, though in that instance the problem was resolved beautifully. I suggested to the producer that she look in the archives and see if there was any trace of Mario's appearance at the Palladium, a recording of which I had been told was lost. You can imagine my delight when I turned up at the studio for my interview and was greeted with a complete copy on VHS of the Mario's entire performance. That was how the Palladium tape first came to light.
I'll mention to Ellisa that you'd like to contact her and I'll see what she can do about getting you a signed photo from Tracy Bregman. Tracy is the late Buddy Bregman's daughter, Martino.
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Martino1 11-10-2019
10:39 AM ET (US) IP: 104.255.4.145
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Sam, I googled Bregman and "The Young and Restless" and I came up with an actress known as Tracy Bregman. Who is she in relationship to Mario Lanza, if any?
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Sam Million 11-10-2019
10:01 AM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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Hi Derek! I was just watching you in the Lanza The Best Of Everything DVD. It is an exc documentary and you contributed much to it. My only criticism is that had hoped that Mario's musical segments were longer and not so interrupted by the narrators.
Would you get me Ellisa's email address?. I would like to "talk" to her. Last time I saw her was with Damon at the Met Tribute to our "boy".
Also I am still wanting a signed photo of dear Ms Bregman, who is still on "The Young And The Restless"and still looks great, she doesn't' seem to age.
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Sam Million 11-10-2019
08:16 AM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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Bill, I love the "look" of the new Museum door. Even though unfinished the design of the door feels like the portal to something special. Looking forward to seeing it done!
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Valeria Pugiotto 11-10-2019
12:57 AM ET (US) IP: 93.42.98.163
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Thank you, Derek, for the news about Carly Paoli ‘s duet with Mario! I took the liberty to report it on my Facebook Group page.
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Sam Million 11-09-2019
10:15 PM ET (US) IP: 107.77.204.191
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Val,, why not say what you liked about my long post that took a.long time to write?
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Bill Ronayne 11-09-2019
09:45 PM ET (US) IP: 68.192.178.202
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Coming soon! This is not the final color for the door. It's the primer color, but it gives you an indication of how it will look when done.
We are currently conducting a raffle to raise funds to offset the cost of the renovation. First prize is $250 and second prize is $100. To purchase tickets send a check for the number of tickets you wish to purchase ($5 per raffle ticket) made out to Mario Lanza Institute to the following address:
Mario Lanza Institute
PO Box 54624
Philadelphia PA 19148
Checks for raffle tickets must be received no later than December 5th to be eligible for the drawing which will take place on December 7th. If you don't want to participate in the raffle but still want to help , contributions by check can be sent to the same address.
Best, Bill
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Kristine Cimmy 11-09-2019
07:17 PM ET (US) IP: 96.59.1.174
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A Happy Veteran's Day to those who served. I am thinking of the military show productions of "Winged Victory", which had Mario Lanza, Keith Andes, The Mauch Twins, Red Buttons, John Forsythe, Gary Merrill, Lee J. Cobb, Walter Reed, Ray Middleton, Gordon MacRae turned down the chance to be in "Winged Victory", when he was in the Army. Karl Malden, Don Taylor, Barry Nelson, Peter Lind Hayes and his wife, Mary Healy, Ray McDonald, Edmond O'Brien were in the cast, too. "This Is The Army" had Burl Ives. "Tars and Spars" had Victor Mature, Sid Caesar, and Gower Champion. I heard the Marines did put on a show called "SNAFU", which Marines, Tyrone Power and Ray Heatherton(father of actress-singer-dancer, Joey Heatherton)put together. I don't know if the Navy had a military play. The movie version of "Winged Victory" had some of the Broadway cast members. The movie version of "This Is The Army" had George Murphy, Ronald Reagan, and Joan Leslie. The movie version of "Tars and Spars" starred Alfred Drake(his only film role), Sid Caesar, Janet Blair, and Jeff Donnell. The U.S. Military Academy-West Point, puts on the annual 100 Nights Show, a musical parody of the USMA, 100 nights before graduation.
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Julie Page 11-09-2019
03:10 PM ET (US) IP: 74.79.51.67
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Nice update, Derek, Best of everything to all .
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Kristine Cimmy 11-09-2019
01:33 PM ET (US) IP: 96.59.1.174
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Thank you, Julie. Also, if the PBS TV channel in Philadelphia, would film a segment about the newly renovated Mario Lanza Museum, then, it could be sent to PBS TV stations, across the country ! As for Carly Paoli's recording , I hope it can be seen on t.v. on Music Video Channels. The song "My Hero" was also sung by Jane Powell, in the dream sequence scene in movie "Two Weeks With Love", and by Vivian Vance, as Ethel Mertz, on "I Love Lucy". It was the episode, where the Ricardos and Mertzes visit New Mexico, Ethel's home state, on their way to Hollywood, where Ricky will make a movie. Ethel gets a swelled head, with all the fuss made over her,so , Lucy, Fred, Ricky are standing behind her, Lucy is holding a large swing in her mouth, while Fred and Ricky are sitting in the swing, unbeknownst, to Ethel, while she sings "My Hero". It's hilarious ! LOL !I am happy to hear the Ball was a success.
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Derek Mainwaring 11-09-2019
01:13 PM ET (US) IP: 24.13.222.117
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And here's the great man himself.
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Derek Mainwaring 11-09-2019
01:09 PM ET (US) IP: 24.13.222.117
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In other news, Ellisa was contacted several months ago by a popular young British-born soprano, Carly Paoli, for permission to record a duet with Mario on her new album: Due Anime (The Italian Collection). Carly has performed with Bocelli and Carreras in concert and you can find samples of her singing on YouTube.
Her new album has just been released and if you check out track 3 on iTunes you'll get a taste of how well her duet with Mario turned out. The song Carly chose, "The Loveliest Night of the Year," is one of Mario's finest recordings and this new tweaking of it serves as yet another reminder of how the warmth and the magic of the Lanza voice continues to stand the test of time. Just beautiful!
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Derek Mainwaring 11-09-2019
01:06 PM ET (US) IP: 24.13.222.117
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And yes: 'Mainwaring' is pronounced Mannering. Like many of you, I had difficulty posting under my real name so this was a good compromise.
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Derek Mainwaring 11-09-2019
01:05 PM ET (US) IP: 24.13.222.117
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Welcome back, Sam, and congratulations, Bill, on another successful gathering in Philadelphia. And well done, too, on your progress with the new Lanza Museum. You do great work for Lanza's legacy.
I recently returned from Europe where I joined Ellisa and Bobby Bregman at a gathering for the 60th anniversary of the British Mario Lanza Society. The three-day event was held in Reading, a short train journey from London, and the outstanding Pam Latham and her wonderful committee made everyone feel welcome. It was a joy to reunite with many old friends again and to make some new friendships.
The high point of the weekend for me was an address to the gathering by Vice-Chairman Bill Earl. Bill spoke for 15 minutes, standing with no notes, and his words were eloquent, funny, and ultimately deeply moving. Bill, as most of you know, celebrated his 104th birthday this year and he continues to be an inspiration to us all. A remarkable man.
To our friends in the U.K. - Bill will be included in a TV program, "My Grandad’s War," hosted by Gary Lineker on BBC One this coming Monday, Nov 11.
It airs at 9pm and should not be missed.
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Julie Page 11-09-2019
09:51 AM ET (US) IP: 74.79.51.67
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Valeria, thank you so much. I wondered about the church being taken down. So happy it wasn't.I attended Mass there also. Glad the marker is still there. I took many photos. Thanks again. Hope you enjoyed your visit. Wish I'd been able to meet you.Sam, I believe you were asking about a song with the lyrics "Come, Come, I love you only" Think it's "My Hero" from "The Chocolate Soldier" famously sung by Rise Stevens a long time ago. Kris, great idea, wouldn't it be wonderful to see. I watch "CBS Sunday Morning" Every week. Good show.
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Valeria Pugiotto 11-09-2019
12:25 AM ET (US) IP: 5.90.150.228
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This is the apartment building built on the site of Mario’s birth home.
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Valeria Pugiotto 11-09-2019
12:23 AM ET (US) IP: 5.90.150.228
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July Page, the church is not gone. I have been there last week, when I participated to the Ball weekend. In fact, I went to Mass there and took some pictures. On the site of Mario’s birth home, they have built an apartment building. Again, I took pictures of it.
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Kristine Cimmy 11-08-2019
05:43 PM ET (US) IP: 96.59.1.174
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After the renovations are complete at Mario Lanza Museum, how about contacting "Sunday Morning" on CBS TV(before "Face The Nation")or "60 Minutes"(which sometimes has a segment with celebrities)to show it, tell all about it ?
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Julie Page 11-08-2019
03:47 PM ET (US) IP: 74.79.51.67
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Thank you, Sam and Martino. Will do. Sam, I've been to the original museum twice, and took photos while there. Like to see the new one as well. Sorry the church is gone. Hope you aren't in the deep freeze as we are and are keeping warm.
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Martino1 11-08-2019
07:46 AM ET (US) IP: 104.255.4.145
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Suzanne, if you want to see the neighborhood where Lanza grew up as it looks today just go to google maps and type in the address in Philadelphia of the church or his childhood home (which was 636 Christian St.) or the museum or whatever you want to see. A map will show you where it is. Then select "street view" and that is what you will see - the actual street and address location as a picture. Use your mouse to scroll to the left, right and you will get a complete view of the area. I don't know when Google updates those shots but short of going there in person, that may be the best way to see the more current condition of the neighborhood.
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Sam Million 11-07-2019
09:15 PM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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Well I found my DVD of The Student Prince and I find this disc to be very sharp (wide screen format), the colors are rich and outstanding. We have always said Edmund Purdom has the best lip synching around. Why I even saw his chest move as if he were taking breaths. The singing quality, to me, is Mario Lanza Lite---meaning his voice is very lyrical. The two songs that are more spinto in sound are Beloved and I'll Walk With God. It is a pity Mario never was able to this movie because the production values are first rate and he would have been reunited with his Great Caruso co-star Ann Blythe--here as a blonde. Her singing voice is quite nice and her solos and their duets very pleasing. So now that I have watched all thrLanza fils before and after the Ball (including the compilation called Lanza The Best Of Everything) I guess I'll need tp start all over again. And it would be nice to share the films with friends who never heard the great Lanza voice, especially young people so the the torch never dies!
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Sam Million 11-07-2019
05:14 PM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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Julie.the new museum isn't done yet Bill told it was being painted. You probably can seee photos of the old museum by going to the Mario Lanza Museum on the Internet.
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Wendy Stilwell 11-07-2019
03:04 PM ET (US) IP: 90.210.22.247
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The Halloween Suite is half of a Hollywood Bowl concert called MGM Night. Mario And Kathryn do a duet together. Orchestral interludes. I have had a cd of this for about 25 years.
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Julie Page 11-07-2019
03:04 PM ET (US) IP: 74.79.51.67
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Good to read about the ball. Al(Jim), What memories you and Fred have of Mario's family. I was surprised to hear that even the Church that Mario attended as a child has also been demolished. Glad I saw it and his birthplace when I did. Anyone know how I might see photos of what the area looks like now? Also , I'd like to see something of the new museum. Someone tell me? Thanks in advance.
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Fred Day 11-06-2019
12:18 AM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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I have done some investigating. Lionel Barrymore wrote a number of other works - all instrumental. A Piano Concerto (circa 1940), "In Memoriam John Barrymore" for orchestra (1944), and Fugue Fantasia for orchestra (1945). These can be heard on YouTube. He also wrote several short pieces, according to Wikipedia. I rather enjoyed the 3 works on YouTube, especially the piano concerto. So, I revise my opinion of Lionel as a composer. Aside from the boring Halloween Suite, he was a decent composer. Perhaps the Halloween Suite was meant for children. I think it would appeal more to children than to adults. Ciao.
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Fred Day 11-05-2019
10:51 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Underwhelming is a good description of the Halloween Suite. It becomes boring very quickly. Lionel Barrymore was certainly a superb actor, but as a composer, he leaves much to be desired. I must admit I can only judge his music by this work. I have never heard any other compositions by him. If there are any others, I would hope they are better than the Halloween Suite. Does anyone know of any other compositions by him?? Curious. Ciao.
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Stephen of Las Vegas 11-05-2019
10:08 PM ET (US) IP: 68.108.106.251
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Here's more on the Hallowe'en Suite and other music from that Hollywood Bowl performance:
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_que...rrymore+mario+lanza
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Sam Million 11-05-2019
08:01 PM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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Welll my Lanza film festival ends tonight (except for Student Prince which I can’t find). Toast of New Orleans has excellent color that is bettered by only FTFT. The singing is consistently great throughout with not one bad note, even Kathryn Grayson (whose voice some people like Derek McGovern find thin) sings nicely. Mario was on top of the world when he did this film and I’d rank it hight on the list. The color is among the best films. The only criticism I always had is the low sound, but I fixed that with my music system playing at beyond concert level.
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Len (UK) 11-05-2019
02:49 PM ET (US) IP: 86.169.160.87
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I spotted this rather curious recording on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L0pD7HXVwbM
I thought it a most underwhelming composition apart from Lanza's final note. Am I the only one unaware of 'Hallowe'en Suite'?
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Sam Million 11-05-2019
02:11 PM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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Yes, good! I recommend it to anyone who likes the Coke Radio shows best. And it is only ten dollars plus shipping, ask Bill Ronayne. He also has 7 or other CDs for same price.
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Fred Day 11-05-2019
10:14 AM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Sam: Now I remember that CD - I found my copy. It was put out by Damon Lanza & Bob Dolfi. But without a catalog number. Excellent CD. Ciao.
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Sam Million 11-04-2019
10:14 PM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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Fred,
Iy has a photo of Mario and Giselle McKenzie on it. The program booklet gives credit to you and Clyde SmoithThe CD has no number which means it was done in house. Does any of this strike any notes?It has a generous 26 tracks too.
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Fred Day 11-04-2019
08:51 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Jim Thompson: As far as is known, none of Lanza's recording sessions were filmed, unfortunately. Only the audio was recorded. Pity. Ciao.
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Fred Day 11-04-2019
08:48 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Sam: I do not remember a Lanza CD called "All The Things You Are". What is the label and number?? Please refresh my memory. Thanks. Ciao.
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Barbara Clifton 11-04-2019
07:09 PM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.66
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It seems to me Jane Powell sang that piece from The Chocolate Soldier in one of her movies.
The Ball sounds great - don't think I'll ever get to go.
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Al Canez 11-04-2019
06:37 PM ET (US) IP: 24.38.229.151
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Ah, the years when hundreds came to Philadelphia for the " Ball". .Bill Ronayne, you continue to do excellent work with things connected to Mario Lanza .I've mentioned it before but bear with me. My first attendance was driving down for Connecticut in my red Fiat convertible with Fred Day. The Ball was held in a hotel whose name I forget. Maria Lanza was there and Fred took my picture with her in 1966. We attended many others with all the Lanza children, Terry Robinson, Licia Albanese, Elaine Malbin and folks from Great Britain, France and Italyiin attendance. This question has been in my head for a long time and I should have asked it of Damon: did anyone film Mario at any recording sessions? Does anyone know of any films of his recording sessions? We have a classical channel called Classic Arts Showcase. Once in an while they will play an excerp from British TV and the Christopher show. I wrote them suggesting they check on more availability also, if possible, excerpts from his movies. They have stuff from Carreras, Terfel, Domingo and many others. What a treasure any Mario findings would be!
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Dennis1 11-04-2019
05:14 PM ET (US) IP: 76.126.57.19
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Sam, thank you for your review of the Ball. Due to distance, it is unlikely I will ever be able to attend, so your detailed descriptions make it come alive for me. Sounds like it was a grand time! Glad you were able to go.
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Sam Million 11-04-2019
04:50 PM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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Thanks Fred. I used to play my old 78 of that often--so I should have remembered that! Glad you answered since now I know at least one person read my review!
I have to thank you and Cyde Smith for the work you put into theAll The Things You Are CD I bought from Bill last
night. The sound quality is excellent and the quick "extras" nice to have. Bill said it is rather old. Also you remember the age of it?
PS. I have recordings of nearly all the music from the Ball which I would like to share here but don't know if that is possible .
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Fred Day 11-04-2019
03:28 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Sam: The duet in question is My Hero from The Chocolate Soldier by Oscar Strauss, with the chocolate provided by Hershey. It was also very nicely recorded as a duet by Anna Moffo & Sergio Franchi. Lovely!! Ciao.
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Sam Million 11-04-2019
01:44 PM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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Thprogram booklet each attendee received is colorful and informative. See Bill, I beat you to that one...
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Sam Million 11-04-2019
01:41 PM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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Fotr those who followed Valeria's fencing posts with me, I'd like to say that she was kind and friendly in person. I should have asked her if she had plans to explore Philly before fling back to her native Italy.
Disclaimer: If I gave any wrong information in my post, Bill will surely correct any boo boos!!
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Sam Million 11-04-2019
01:36 PM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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SAM'S REVIEW OF THE 58TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE MARIO LANZA BALL
I'm listening to an old CD of many Bill Ronayne carried to the ballroom to sell at only 10.00 a pop. This disc that has Mario and Giselle McKenzie on the cover and is the only out of at least seven other titles on the table along with the Dolfi and Cesari up for best bid, both of which were author signed.
For me, it started at the wrong house that wass inhabited by a friendly couple who know Carole Shea. Anna, who dropped me off was gone only one minute previously, so the man of the couple offered to drive me to find Carole's home. You see my wife put 210 instead of the proper 201 into our van's navigation device. I was a bit frantic about being late as Carole is a stickler about timing. I met her sister and hubby John sitting on the sofa. They had driven here from Ohio. I think they enjoyed the Ball enough to return next year despite the eight hour drive. Marlene drove as Carole had taken meds for a health issue. We left about 3:45 for what should have been a 45 minute drive. We arrived frustratingly 10 minutes late at 5:10, all thanks to a football game people in cars started a bad traffic jam. I kept looking at my watch knowing we would never make it. We arrived Carole let me out of the car So I could start delving into the Happy Hour buffet. Not having eaten lunch, I didn't waste a minute getting my first of three apple martini's. Then the food that was a bit paltry with a cheese board, veggies to dip into sauces, meat and veggie toothpick snacks, crackers, and concoction on toasted things. I sighed but then the buttlered offerings came that included outstanding Philly cheesesteak rolls, Chinese roll ups with sweet and sour dipping sauce. Nothing else
came until the end when rigatoni in red sauce arrived. I went back for second as experienced big eaters seemingly know this dish might be better than what is served in the main ballroom. From 5:10 to 6:15 the Happy Hour was buzzing with many people getting drunk (I'm kidding here!). My first "stop" was the small table filled with the Cocozza side of the Lanza family (three girls and one guy I believe) enjoying new people honoring Maria Lanza's relatives. I was tapped on the shoulder by John Durso. You might remember John is the son of Eddie Durso--the childhood friend of Mario's. Years ago Eddie published a small book about personal recollections of his friend Freddy (later to change his name to the more theatrical Mario. Then I was greeted by Frank Tenaglia's talented brother John, won I felt is the . He remembered me from the fine red spaghetti gravy" fest that unfortunately was repeated only one other time. I asked him he was going to sing but he shook his head negatively time. Last to meet was Kathy Tenaglia, Frank's widow. She remembered me from previous events in happier times. After two minutes reminiscing I turned away choking back tears.
The opened the main room's doors and we checked little cards telling all which table to sit at. I had taken with me a rare Lanza cigarette ad and one of the most handsome photo of Mario circa the Coke Show's time. I placed both on our table for all to enjoy.
b bill welcomed all, including men at the dais. Bill now has two young guys who are now part of the Institute and Museum. They were helpful throughout the evening. with one announcing and describing the Scholarship singers. Only three this year (in the past four or five were represented). Around 6:30 the contest started with Luke Houser accompanying them on a perfectly tuned grand piano. The three were chosen from 40 hopefuls by three judges. First "at bat" was the soprano, who was excellent in quality and volume. Next was the tenor who startled me with power galore and fine shading of tone. Last was the baritone who had the same qualities of the first two. You could tell by the applause he might be winner of first place. Ironically, they won in the same order of their performances.Each did two songs/arias. By 7:15 the ball officially began. Waiters and waitresses served us with first course, a delicious Italian wedding soup that was spicy and among the best I ever had. Next the main course of tender filet Mignon accompanied by one tasty cooked shrimp and perfectly cooked potatoes. (note that the CD I purchased is still going strong playing--I discovered all tracks were from the Coke Show and a few tracks are different than tracks I alredy like You Are Love where Mario fluffs with the line "where heave will always BE AH". I love mistakes like this that are endearing. During this time came the special tribute to Frank Tenaglia. What can I say but that ALL that he sang on screen would blow away all local and out of state vocalists. His chief talent showed with high notes that come close to sounding those of his idol Mario. He did Be My Love and Because your mine among others. Then came one of the evening's highlights--the duet from The Pearl Fishers with the two Tenaglia brothers singing it to perfection. This was followed by the surprise of a couple who were fifty-ish doing a rousing tune John Charles Thomas recorded decades before. I don't know the exact title but it contains the passage "come, come, I love you only". Hey Fred help me out here!. Before, during and afterwards our old friends in the three piece Tony Dee orchestra were playing a great variety of songs like "Sweet Caroline" and plenty of tunes lending themselves for dancing. I would say that the dance floor always had some people on it. The attractive girl who sat next to me kept dragging me onto the dance floor where we did impromptu dancing. I may as well tell you here that she spent hours on and off telling me about her 23 year old depressed daughter and surprisingly suggestions of which depression meds I should try for my own bouts of depression! I was forced to stop her at intervals where my recordings would be compromised. We enjoyed the presentation to Mario on video with big screen that Bill had prepared. Being the 60th anniversary of "For The first Time" he chose highlights like "Come Prima", the death of Otello,the scene in which a table of people are toasting each other when Mario stands and hits a gold and long held note, and the Aida finale to the film, and especially the Pagliacci aria with Mario made up to look like a clown. If a finer recrding of this exists I would be dumbfounded. Note that'll had the volume cranked up for a thrilling presentation.
The dancing at this point was at its maximum and included colorful umbrellas with Philadelphia mummer-like strolling. It was time to present the scholarship winners and also reveals the 50-50 winners. First was a stay for two at the plush Doubletree Inn, and second was 325.00 cash which was won by an Institute member who promptly gave it to the Museum funding. That is class! The band was winding down since the 10:00 departure time was approaching. We all stood up for the national anthem and then Bill played the traditional ending of the Ball that is Non ti score dar di me.
A few lingered as waiters offered some of the great looking floral centerpieces to take home. I had to empty the water or I'd mess up Marlene's comfy Volkswagen vehicle. So what did I do? I poured the water onto large linen napkins on one table, very naughty. I have to confess one other naughty thing---I swiped the heavy plate that traditionally held the NY style cheese cake and sweet strawberries with "Mario" written in chocolate. When I arrived home I cleaned up this plate and will add it to my Lanza memorabilia.
On the ride home we were "hit" by yet another crowd of football lovers. Carole deftly guided Marlene through the best places to make turns, etc. The riders, which also included diminutive and long time Institute member Dottie were having fun to break the traffic monotony by cracking jokes. Seated next to Marlene's husband John, i lathed at his playful stories , the best being his challenge to Dottie to hit his hard stomach and you just know how that turned into a slightly blue moment. Home by 11:00 PM, I dragged myself and the vase through the front door and then stayed up to 1"00 AM emailing back and forth with a friend who only attended one Balll (he resides in St. Louis) with communication about the finer points of the Ball and the food and performers.
Hey, I have been writing for nearly one hour and a half, so I bid everyone reading this adieu. If you do not read this, I will have John his HARD stomach into view, LOL.
.
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Sam Million 11-04-2019
01:13 AM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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Meeting Valeria was very nice. She came from so far away. I sat at the table that also had Marlene, Carole shea"s sister and her husband. They also drove me to and fro to the Ball. Great company to be in!I
I will post as much as I can tomorrow as it is 1:00 AM here and I am wiped out from so much eating and dancing and visiting all the tables. Since my wife Anna did not go, I brought home to her the very lovely floral centerpiece. It had water in the glass vase so I was a bad boy and dumped the water
onto one table sopping it up with four cloth napkins. Better yet, I swiped the ever present heavy duty plate with "Mario" written in chocolate which has the cheesecake on it. The chocolate is hard so this might be hanging on one of our walls!
"See" you all tomorrow.....
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Julie Page 11-03-2019
04:47 PM ET (US) IP: 74.79.51.67
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At last inquiry I found that Luisa and Johanna are still very much with us. Valeria , I'm delighted and surprised that you'll be at the ball. How I envy you and those who will get to meet you. Perhaps you are right about Sam's disclosures which made me so sad. I do think Elaine's was exaggerated. She's been such a devotee of Bill's luncheons in NYC and attended the ball weekend for so many years. I found her to be a lovely lady when I met her at the one time I was able to attend myself. Sorry to hear she won't be there this time. Oh, and I believe Marisa Alliasso is with us as well. How I wish we could speak to all of them. Enjoy it all, I'll be thinking of you with affection. Thanks again, Bill.
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Sam Million 11-03-2019
12:06 PM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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Martinno you expressed it right on the nose!
Well after FTFT I hoped SHOR would be the same but it fell short. The same brightness and sharpness is present but only the indoor scenes like Pepe's party (Come Dance With Me) have and rich contrast and better color. One would expect the helicopter sequence to be stunning but it is not. The widescreen helps like the train pulling to Rome and a few other spots. The soundtrack is clear and loud and all of Mario's songs ring out. Yet without a doubt SHOR is his weakest movie, though it is very pleasant, partly due to the personable
actors in it. I wonder if little Luisa DiMio is still alive? And the same goes for the amply buxom Marisa Alasio. It would be nice to research this. I also have wondered the same about Johanna Von Kozian from FTFT. There was a rumor floating around about her writing a biography but that has been for years past.
The Ball is now only a few hours away and I am getting excited. Say what you may about it always having the same dinner and appetizers and music but getting dressed up to the nines is always a highlight., not to mention the delight of having so many true fans in one place.
I have to leave the reporting this year to Bill because the just past illness has left me with very shaky hands. This should ease up in a couple of weeks thank God.
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Martino1 11-03-2019
08:01 AM ET (US) IP: 104.255.4.145
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I understand everything you are saying. To immerse yourself in a good home theater is an experience even better than going to the movies. The sound levels are adjusted just to your liking unlike the theater where it is usually too loud or too soft and never the right equalization. The list goes on with the ability to hit "pause" whenever you want being perhaps the biggest advantage. The experience you get of top quality movie theaters in your own home has more advantages than we have space for. I am glad you are enjoying yours.
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Sam Million 11-03-2019
01:36 AM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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Valeria, That is a good surprise. Where are you coming from?
PERFECTIONISTS ONLY SHOULD READ THE FOLLOWING!!!
WOW! I wish you could have been here to see FTFT with me. I never saw it on my big 4K EPSON Projector before. The blacks of the men in tuxedos was like india ink. The reds outstanding like technicolor. The scene where Mario delivers all those flowers was like a rainbow and the rich blue rippling waters below them was marvelous. This projector upscales DVDs so an ordinary one can come closer to blu ray quality. Now for the sound. The amp and big speakers I have turned up to beyond concert level was thrilling You are not going to believe me on what I am about to say but even the Rigoletto in the rain sounded darn good except for the last strained note. But even that note sounded more like a lesser tenor than a screaming, "white" note Lanza The new Museum wants to buy a good projector to run featuress and l will recommend mine. It is now two years old, so it can be had for half price on ebay. And it goes without saying that if the rainy Rigoletto can sound good imagine the great Vesti la giubba, the death of Otello, and of course the best ever O Sole Mio. And finally there is such brightness on the screen you would think it was a small screen TV turned up to maximum brightness. Small joke: I don't expect anyone but Martino to like this post, LOL.
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Valeria Pugiotto 11-02-2019
10:07 PM ET (US) IP: 65.242.102.2
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Sam, I will see you tomorrow at the Ball.
I was just concerned about the two ladies’ privacy you chose to ignore. Good night.
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Sam Million 11-02-2019
07:57 PM ET (US) IP: 107.77.202.69
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Val,, why not say what you liked about my long post that took a.long time to write?
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Martino1 11-02-2019
07:15 PM ET (US) IP: 104.255.4.145
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Sam, nice Italian poster. See, I knew you could do it. There are many ways to skin a cat!!
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Sam Million 11-02-2019
03:21 PM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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SUCCESS AND BY TRYING ANOTHER WAY!
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Sam Million 11-02-2019
03:20 PM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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MARIO LANZA POSTER
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Messages 57496-57495 deleted by author between 11-02-2019 03:12 PM and 11-02-2019 03:08 PM |
Valeria Pugiotto 11-02-2019
03:06 PM ET (US) IP: 65.242.102.2
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Sam, but you are giving private info about people who did not give you permission to disclose. One thing is speaking about yourself, another matter is talking about others without their consent. It is calked being considerate. I know I would have gone berserk if you would have done it to me.
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Sam Million 11-02-2019
03:02 PM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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Sorry if I did something you feel is wrong but people here know the aforementioned people well land I feel those folks would like to have folks rooting for them. I would I have told the forum of my bipolar condition many times and I appreciate their good wishes.
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Valeria Pugiotto 11-02-2019
02:48 PM ET (US) IP: 65.242.102.2
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Sam, I do not think it was appropriate to publicize pieces of information that relate to someone else’s health condition. It is such a private matter. Privacy, intimacy should be respected at all times.
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Julie Page 11-02-2019
01:25 PM ET (US) IP: 74.79.51.67
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I'm so very sorry to hear that Jeanette is ill and Carole Shea as well. My heart goes out to them both. They've both done so much for Mario.
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Martino1 11-02-2019
12:54 PM ET (US) IP: 104.255.4.145
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I have no experience with Mac, only Windows and Chrome operating systems. It seems to me that you should have the ability to send photos from your Iphone to your Mac in one easy step since both are Apple and compatible. Sending a photo to your mailbox initially does not make sense unless that is something required by Mac or you want to make it an email attachment. You need to send it to your photo files from which you can extract it to your heart's content - to places like forums, emails as attachments, folders, shared media such as Facebook, etc. Once you get the photo from your phone in your computer you have many options as what to do with it. I am sure Apple is no different but because I don't know that operating system I can't help you any further. However I can suggest you google something like "sending photos from Iphone to Mac". I am sure you will get many hits and the instructions as to how to do so will be shown in one of them.
There is another suggestion that might work. Place this forum on your phone by using google to find quick topic Mario Lanza. You will have to sign in since you are using another device other than your Mac. Select your photo from the phone and copy it. Then go back to the forum and hold down on the forum post screen until "paste" shows up and click on it. Maybe the photo you copied will be pasted as a post. I don't know if that will work as I never did it but it is worth a try.
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Sam Million 11-02-2019
12:28 PM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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Martino, I can't get past the first steps!! The photo is in my iPhone and I send it to the mailbox and then how do I find the PC photo file? I have a Mac if that helps. Sam
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Kristine Cimmy 11-02-2019
12:02 PM ET (US) IP: 96.59.1.174
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Prayers for Carole Shea. If "The Bell Telephone Hour" started in the '50's, maybe , Mario Lanza would have been invited to appear on it. Prayers for fires to end in California, also.
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Martino1 11-02-2019
08:57 AM ET (US) IP: 104.255.4.145
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Nice to see you back Sam. Take a photo of your poster and download it to your PC photo file (a jpeg is best). Give it a file name and save. Then come here and click on "upload an image", which you will see in the lower right hand corner of the posting screen, click on it. That takes you to a screen that asks for the image file's identity and click on "choose file". That will take you to your photo file folder from which you will select the file name of the poster photo you saved. Select the "open" option which will automatically send the file back here and you are all set, the picture should upload with no trouble.
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Sam Million 11-02-2019
06:38 AM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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Fred and others. Search YouTube "Voice of Firestone" to find actual stars that appeared on it like Jussi Bjorling.
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Sam Million 11-02-2019
06:03 AM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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Fred, you win!! The Nessun Dorma outtake is definitely the alternate take for the movie. It is mostly superior to the first recording but the last note is superior and is held longer.
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Sam Million 11-01-2019
11:18 PM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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Fred: I have heard the alternate Nessun Dorma (which is slower and has a better final note. This is NOT that recording. I have no idea where the Voice of Firestone TV or radio show comes into the picture. Youtube surely has all three, so your "assignment" is to find them all!
Oh yes, I cannot drive yet so Carole has offered to take me.
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Sam Million 11-01-2019
11:14 PM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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I was just looking at my favorite Lanza poster which goes from floor to ceiling and is foreign one of That Midnight Kiss that I would love to share with you but don't know how. Martino: Can you help me?
Here is what I have learned about the Ball and Museum from Bill Ronayne: 1-The attendance will be better than last year 2-The tribute to dear departed Frank Tenaglia will be shown (For my money, he had the best tenor voice with the best of them) 3-His brother John is the baritone equivalent of Frank and will be there with Frank's wife I think 4-Elaine Malbin will not do any more MCing as she is 90 and recorded the duet with Mario when only 19 5-Pray for Carole Shea who has pancreatic cancer. She is our last link to Mario outside of Elissa 6-The Museum work is progressing and is now being painted and hopefully will have more parking space and the building has 1,000 sq ft 7-Museum head Janette Frese is ill and going into assisted living facility 8-Former tour guide John Luciani is 96 and has a 61 year old girlfriend! 9-The Ball will start at 5 and will feature Bill's usual video presentation 10-Dinner follows the happy hour where drinks are plentiful, They charge at 6. They also have the best Apple Martinis I ever had and I plan to have three! 11-The scholarship winners will compete 12-The music for enjoyment and dancing will feature Tony and his band, who I once sang with 13-There will be a couple of money raising things like 50-50 and possibly CDs15-The affair usually runs to about 9:30 16-People get dressed formally and look wonderful. Wait until they see my snazzy vintage jacket! 17-There will be no pre-Ball this year 18-The old museum and church has been torn down 19-I just got out of the long depression as you know but what you don't know is that I am uneasy on my feet and need to grab a chair occasionally. Worse, my hands shake badly. These two lingering symptoms will ease in the next two or so weeks (the shaking hands were so bad when I was depressed that I was one step from having to be fed! So people at my table: Please forgive the way I eat 20-I have a fancy hat I'd love to wear (better than my bald head!) but my wife has said it is not socially accepted to keep wearing it, so I may leave it home WELL, that is all I know for now.You might have to depend on Bill for a review as my hands shake too much to write and heck I want to enjoy the 165.00 affair to the fullest.
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Fred Day 11-01-2019
10:13 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Sam: That Nessun Dorma is the alternate take one from the SERENADE sessions. Lanza never sang on the "Voice of Firestone" program. Ciao.
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Julie Page 11-01-2019
04:01 PM ET (US) IP: 74.79.51.67
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Hey Sam! Glad to hear you may be going to the ball after all. Don't forget your "Play by play" description. Best.Suzanne.
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Sam Million 11-01-2019
08:34 AM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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OMG! A friend told me to go to youtube and search Mario Lanza Voice of Firestone. The one called vocal range is worth the price alone with the great ending t Nessun Dorma. Do you folks know about this and know the source?
Here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DmSBJRE90K8
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Fred Day 10-31-2019
09:53 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Sam: How do I listen to your 3 songs without signing up to join?? Please advise. Thanks. Ciao.
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Sam Million 10-31-2019
07:41 PM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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Here is a letter I sent to Bill Ronayne. Easier to copy than write a new one...hi Bill,
I assume you got my general letter sent to lots of friends and family.
Well It looks like I just made it since I had no idea the Ball is this weekend! I either didn’t get the usual notice or it was mistakenly thrown out.
I will not be able to drive yet, so need to find someone to help me from my home. The last Ball I attended was three years ago!. Before that I was pretty regular.
Anna won’t go anymore for reasons I won’t discuss here.
In the past I have gone with AL and Lynn Gagliardi. Another who isn’t far from here is Carole Shea, Another is little Dottie.
Do you know if any of these folks are going? Or do you have anyone else you know of?
Put me down for the event and I will pay at the door if that is okay.
John Luciani told me Jeanette is very sick. That os so sad. He is amazing at 96 and with a 61 year old girlfriend!!
Here are some recordings I just made. hope you like them:
http://www.singsnap.com/karaoke/watchandlisten/play/c5b152857 Halloween special
http://www.singsnap.com/karaoke/watchandlisten/play/c2b02dbd7 My Way
http://www.singsnap.com/karaoke/watchandlisten/play/c1949deb7 Sea of Love
Fondly,
Sam
PS. I assume there is no pre-Ball this year. Heard the museum is not ready yet….
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Julie Page 10-31-2019
04:15 PM ET (US) IP: 74.79.51.67
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The collection "My Song, My Love", the greatest of all. Just as mesmerizing this afternoon as it was the first time I heard it. The wonder never goes away. Exquisite Mario.
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Vincent Ricciardi 10-29-2019
12:29 AM ET (US) IP: 68.132.115.121
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I’m not sure if she liked Mario, but there are some wonderful performances of Julie Andrews singing with Sergio Franchi.
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Kristine Cimmy 10-28-2019
02:42 PM ET (US) IP: 96.59.1.174
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I wonder if Julie Andrews liked Mario Lanza ? Kathryn Grayson replaced her in Broadway's "Camelot".
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Kristine Cimmy 10-28-2019
02:27 PM ET (US) IP: 96.59.1.174
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Happy Heavenly Birthday, Betty Lanza. I always thought, Mary Tyler Moore looked a little like Betty Lanza. Julie Andrews has another book out, "Home Work", about her movie career and AFI(American Film Institute)has honored her with their Life Achievement Award, for next year. TCM will honor her, too. Prayers for California , hoping the fires will stop, it's effecting the Palisades, Brentwood area, near Getty Museum, Pacific Palisades. I lived in Santa Monica, in the '60's and always feel heartbreak, when these fires happen ! Movie actor-turned movie mogul, Robert Evans passed away. RIP. I read his autobiography, "The Kid Stays In The Picture". He wrote, in the book, he asked Marissa Allasio for a date and that she was making a movie with Mario Lanza, at the time. He wrote she stood him up. I think he dated Kathryn Grayson, too.
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Valeria Pugiotto 10-28-2019
01:07 AM ET (US) IP: 5.90.147.117
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Today, on October 28, 1922, Betty Lanza was born in Chicago. Incidentally, she was born on the same exact day when Mussolini took power in Italy. Two weeks ago, at the BMLS get together in Reading, I told Ellisa Lanza about it, and she was very amused.
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Deleted by author 10-26-2019 01:25 PM
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Martino1 10-23-2019
01:09 PM ET (US) IP: 104.255.4.145
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I agree with you Diane. All you have to do is look and listen to the audience reaction between Eyvazov's performance and that of Kaufmann. That pretty much tells you all you need to know.
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Barbara Clifton 10-23-2019
12:33 PM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.66
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(aka Diane Cox)
Kaufmann was wonderful - definitely at his prime - in control, and deserved all his praise. Heard a wonderful dimuendo from him on another video this week. Should have made note of what it was, but I just enjoyed it and moved on.
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Barbara Clifton 10-23-2019
12:22 PM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.66
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(aka Diane Cox) Agree Martino. Competent, but not memorable. I've been fortunate to have lived when there were so many excellent tenors, and to have heard Lanza and Pav in their prime. I keep thinking another of that rank will come along. When I first heard Ayan I was hopeful, he sang with so much emotion at 24 - but he has lost that freshness, and become complacent. Beczala has improved in the last couple years, but is now having physical problems, so that will limit him. There may never be another Lanza. The comments on Yusif's video are basically what I saw on the dress rehearsal video - not all complimentary. Edited 10-23-2019 12:27 PM
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Martino1 10-22-2019
08:11 PM ET (US) IP: 104.255.4.145
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Diane, I have always considered Eyvazov to be a tenor of the second rank. I place Ayan there as well. Good but not memorable. Here is Eyvazov's "Nessun Dorma" from the wonderful, annual Wiener Opernball (a tradition at the Vienna State Opera going back a couple hundred years at least): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ch9B0zhJBC4.
His voice is not too light, it simply does not have the dramatic impact to do the role or even the aria justice. DiStefano and Bjorling had even lighter voices but could sing this aria with the proper intensity to make it sound convincing, not just singing the notes like Eyvaxov seems content in doing. What we have here is another Caballe/Marti situation - a great soprano married to a competent tenor, but nothing more. Not to say I would not give my right arm to sing as well as Eyvaxov sings but in the scheme of things I believe he will not be remembered beyond his days.
Here is a better example of what the Wiener Opernball can give us (plus in this excerpt we have the very fine Italian conductor, Speranza Scappucci, to help things along): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ur7F9qol1CA
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Barbara Clifton 10-22-2019
06:49 PM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.66
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(aka Diane Cox)
Tenor Yusif Eyvazov, husband to Anna Netrebko, got a standing ovation at the movie theater last week here in Pensacola for his "Nessun Dorma". I wasn't there, but did find the dress rehearsal for the production on u Tube. Unless he sang the performance of a lifetime, on that particular day, I can't say he would have moved me that much. Many of the comments spoke of his voice being too light for Turandot.
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Barbara Clifton 10-21-2019
01:37 AM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.66
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(aka Diane Cox)
FYI Atalla Ayan the Brazillian tenor has been singing with the Canadian Opera Co this year. He is probably as good as he is going to get, has his moments, but no goosebumps.
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Stephen of Las Vegas 10-20-2019
12:33 AM ET (US) IP: 68.108.106.251
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Youtube has the one hour and seven minutes 1983 documentary "Mario Lanza, the American Caruso" available. Dorothy Kirsten shares her opinions of Lanza, as do many others who knew him. Hosted by Placido Domingo. The availability of this video on Youtube comes and goes, perhaps because of copyright issues, so watch it now or it may disappear.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Jol5y_MVIU
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Martino1 10-19-2019
10:19 PM ET (US) IP: 104.255.4.145
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Thank you Armando for the response. Your biography of Lanza mentions that Kirsten was very critical of Lanza and she was probably upset at him mostly for choosing Hollywood rather than opera. Also the notion of jealousy and resentment coming into play is certainly a valid one, especially from Prima Donnas and other tenors who are notorious for hating being upstaged by anyone. I guess sometimes you can be TOO good!
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Cesari A 10-19-2019
08:25 PM ET (US) IP: 111.220.56.120
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I interviewed Dorothy Kirsten in 1977. Kirsten was your quintessential diva full of her self- importance.
Knowing that Rudolf Bing had crucified Robert Merrill for appearing in a Hollywood movie I asked her how she managed to get leave from the Met in order to make “Mr. Music” and “The Great Caruso.”
“Bing needed my Tosca’s, my Manon’s” she replied haughtily. She admired Lanza’s voice immensely but felt, rightly so, that he should have sung in opera, not films. She clearly resented his enormous success and popularity “Everywhere I go all they want to do is talk about Lanza!” She told me.
Kirsten was not alone, Kathryn Grayson is another example of sour grapes. Having been outclassed by Lanza in every department in the two films they made together, she came up with “How dare he say that I was in his first two films, they were my films! “ She made an even bigger fool of herself by stating in an interview that “Mario was jealous because I could hold on to the high notes longer than him.”
Similarly, Mario Del Monaco’s gigantic ego was unable to cope with being told that Lanza had been given a medal with the images of Caruso on one side and Lanza on the other, commenting sarcastically that, “Every medal has to have a reverse!”
Ultimately, the documented, positive, comments by Lanza’s fellow artists and colleagues far outweigh the negative ones.
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Julie Page 10-19-2019
12:48 PM ET (US) IP: 74.79.51.67
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I accept that Mario was a "bad boy" much of the time, but there had to be something else going on with him if he could sing the way that he did. I 'll use "The Palladium" performance as an example. Could anyone have been more charming and endearing than he was there? Audiences certainly loved him. Either it was real or he was a better actor than we thought. Maybe it depended on how the people he worked with treated him. He certainly had a big heart.,judging but the way he cared for his family and even his fans. Some of it was probably "bluff", trying to cope with the Hollywood "Elite" when they couldn't cope with him. I'll take him the way he was. and always love him. None of us are perfect!
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Al Canez 10-19-2019
12:27 PM ET (US) IP: 24.38.229.151
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This is Jim Thompson. Hope this works.
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Al Canez 10-19-2019
12:22 PM ET (US) IP: 24.38.229.151
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Hello Martino and all:
I hoped Dorothy K. looked at TGC and saw that charm between the characters she and Mario performed on screen. Great voices... that was it. No more. You should have let it go, lady. Mario's whole background certainly did not make for a well behaved, good mannered kid, He had Mom and Dad and a bunch of tough South Philly street kids. Moving up years, he and Betty did have well mannered children..I met, spoke at lenght with Colleen, Damon and have had a long relationship with Ellisa and Bobby Bregman. I never met Marc. So Freddy never quite made it to the well mannered young man everyone was falling for. Just sing, Mario! They will come around. And we still do today.
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Kristine Cimmy 10-19-2019
12:03 PM ET (US) IP: 96.59.1.174
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Regarding the article about Dorothy Kirsten in Opera News Magazine and she didn't like Mario Lanza as a person, I remember reading an article about Marjorie Reynolds, who was in "That Midnight Kiss" . She liked Mario Lanza, but didn't like Bing Crosby, whom she worked with, in the movie "Holiday Inn". Sometimes, it can be personality differences or a man making advances to a woman. Lana Turner didn't like Ezio Pinza, when she made "Mr. Imperium" with him. Ann Sothern didn't like Gene Raymond(who was married to Jeanette MacDonald). Ann made 5 movies with Gene Raymond in the 1930's. We all know Bette Davis and Joan Crawford disliked each other. Mario Lanza and Joan Fontaine didn't get along too well, in "Serenade". It was said, M-G-M told Mario Lanza to behave, when Ann Blyth was cast in "The Great Caruso".
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Martino1 10-19-2019
09:26 AM ET (US) IP: 104.255.4.145
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The latest issue of Opera News has a very good article on the famous American soprano, Dorthy Kirsten. She had a long and successful career at the MET and sang with all the great tenors of her generation. As I was reading her story I was waiting for some mention of Mario Lanza, with whom she appeared and sang with in TGC motion picture. There was only one brief paragraph that talked about the two movies in which she appeared: "Mr. Music with Bing Crosby (she loved him) and The Great Caruso with Mario Lanza (she decidedly did NOT love him)".
I have read Kirsten thought highly of the Lanza voice but it appears she did not care much for the man. We hear this time and again. Although there are plenty of fellow actors/singers who thought the world of Mario both as a singer and as a man, there is enough sentiment out there that clearly separates the voice from the person, the sentiment expressed by Kirsten of love the voice, not the man. I wonder why?
A lot of opera singers as well as movie actors have flaws but you seldom hear of such a line of demarcation drawn between the person and their talent. In Lanza's case it was not a widespread sentiment but enough so that it makes you wonder what caused people to react that way. Could it be they thought Lanza had a quick and bad temper, a big head, work ethic or lack thereof, sour personality, character flaws such as drinking, swearing and foul language or what? Although we have heard all of this at one time or another, everyone here only knows the voice, we never knew the man but there has to be an explanation somewhere as to why more than just a few people who worked with Mario and knew him loved the voice, not the man.
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Kristine Cimmy 10-16-2019
07:21 PM ET (US) IP: 96.59.1.174
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Rita Moreno will be one of The Grand Marshals of The Tournament of Roses Parade, in Pasadena, Calif., in January 2020. She will be 89 and looks great ! Of course, we know she was in "The Toast of New Orleans". She has received many honors. I am reading a book about Sir Paul McCartney. He wrote an oratorio called Liverpool Oratorio. The Three Tenors(Pavarotti, Domingo, Carreras)were considered to sing it, but, instead, it was late tenor, Jerry Hadley and soprano, Kiri Te Kanawa.
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Julie Page 10-15-2019
02:49 PM ET (US) IP: 74.79.51.67
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Love it,Bill. Thanks for your efforts for our Tenor.
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Al Canez 10-11-2019
08:34 AM ET (US) IP: 24.38.229.151
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Congratulations Bill ! The audience stands up and applauds you for the work you do for Mario!!!
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Barbara Clifton 10-11-2019
01:52 AM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.66
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Glad to hear it, Bill. Thanks again for all your work keeping the Lanza image out there.
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Bill Ronayne 10-11-2019
12:39 AM ET (US) IP: 68.192.185.59
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The Mario Lanza Institute went on the road tonight to do a fundraiser in Brooklyn, NY at Tommaso's Restaurant. We had a large group and enjoyed great food, great singing by featured performers tenor Paolo Buffagni and accompanist Ray Boutin and great company all in tribute to Mario Lanza. We also had entertainment by members of the Brooklyn Opera Company and a variety of recordings of Mario Lanza. It was a very enjoyable evening and a very successful fundraiser. Best Bill
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Martino1 10-10-2019
10:16 AM ET (US) IP: 104.255.4.145
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Yes Jim, that article on Gigli was one of the finest short pieces of writing on a singer and his artistry that I have ever read. The blending of an intelligent musicologist with an author of such clarity as Colin Bain, is seldom found in the musical essays of today. You are right, such an article on Mario Lanza, emphasizing the aesthetics of his singing would be welcomed as it would open a whole new and introspective view of why he sang as beautifully as he did. This article on Gigli is a must read not only to gain technical knowledge about one of the greatest singers who ever lived but to gain an appreciation of the aesthetics of his art.
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Al Canez 10-10-2019
09:20 AM ET (US) IP: 24.38.229.151
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Talk about an in depth article, Martino, that was was it! An article on Mario's artistry such as this one would be exciting. I may have mentioned this in years past (ah, memories...) but I'll put in down again. Back in the summer of 1954, I believe, my folks were stationed in Toronto in the Foreign Service and a friend of mine from college came up for a couple of weeks. Lo and behold we read that Gigli was to give a concert at Massey Hall. Both of us were also voice students so we had to attend. He was terrific...the sound can still be heard. After tremendous applause, Gigli came out with a coat and hat, put them on the piano and in broken English said, "I been singing for you now I sing for me". He proceeded to spend, I believe, at least a half hour singing some of his best known "sun of Italy" songs! I did not know back then that Massey Hall was where Mario had also sung. Nice chatting with you all.
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Martino1 10-09-2019
10:16 PM ET (US) IP: 104.255.4.145
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Thanks Dennis. Here is a link to a very informative article about Beniminio Gigli. It explains a lot about his voice, the good points and the bad ones, and gives a historical perspective to his artistry:
http://www.operavivra.com/articles/aesthet...ino-giglis-singing/
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Dennis1 10-09-2019
09:38 PM ET (US) IP: 76.126.57.19
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Martino: "the sun of Italy" in the voice. You have surpassed yourself with that brief description and examples. Thanks for your always interesting and educational opinions over the years. Now I have to go and listen again to Gigli who was not in my top ten.
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Barbara Clifton 10-09-2019
12:51 PM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.66
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(aka) Diane Cox
"The Italian tenor is defined by his heart and soul." That says it all, Martino.
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Martino1 10-09-2019
11:50 AM ET (US) IP: 104.255.4.145
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Jim, no one did the "Italian tenor sound" better than Mario Lanza. I love Gigli and so many of the other Italian greats from years past who had that certain "Italiante" sound and style. It was natural for them. It is harder to achieve if you are not born and raised in Italy because that is how it becomes part of your blood and soul. Like Mario Lanza, I was raised in an Italian neighborhood by an Italian family and growing up it seemed like you were in Italy more than in America. So I know first hand the influence Mario had in his formative years and what shaped his persona was Italian, even though he was an American. As much as we talk about technique and style and this and that, at the end of the day the Italian tenor is defined by his heart and soul.
Speaking of Gigli, they say he had the sun of Italy in his voice and no truer words have ever been spoken - all you have to do is listen. That honeyed, beautiful tone and wonderful expression was unmatched until Lanza came along. Caruso had it too but his was always more dramatic because he possessed a much larger, richer instrument than Gigli. DiStefano was closer to Gigli than was Caruso and can also be considered one of the great "Italian tenors". Jussi Bjorling, as tremendous a tenor that he was and as beautifully as he sang, never quite captured that warmth, that expression of soul - "the sun of Italy" - in the voice. The same can be said about Wunderlich. It is something you can not really define but you will know it when you hear it and I hear it in every note Mario Lanza ever sang.
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Al Canez 10-09-2019
09:13 AM ET (US) IP: 24.38.229.151
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Rainy, chilly, yucchi morning here in CT but at this stage I am loving being up and about indoors and when I checked in to the Lanza site, well, once again Martino you came up with an eye opening read that I enjoyed. Thanks. The "Italian Tenor" sound done well...my favorite. And we know who the king was!
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Martino1 10-09-2019
07:09 AM ET (US) IP: 104.255.4.145
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Barbara, I am first generation Italian American just like Mario Lanza and also grew up speaking the Italian language but I consider myself American and American only, and I am certain Mario did as well. When I refer to "Italian tenor", I am referring to tenors who ARE Italians. And yes, they as a class have recognizable singing styles, sounds and technique. Generally speaking, that technique is called a bel canto style of singing which emphasizes vocal beauty and tonal quality above all else. German style singing, eg, is a little different as it emphasizes text first and foremost and the technique is more in the mask and head than bel canto which insists on the sound starting lower down with a strong diaphragm and breath support. The registers of the voice are much more apparent in the Italian style of singing even where seamless registers are the goal. We can also point to the "Irish Tenor" style of singing that is a little different as well and is also instantly recognized. It is a long and complex subject and there is argument to this day regarding various techniques.
So, when I refer to "Italian tenor" I mean those Italian tenors in the mold of Caruso, Gigli, Corelli and Giordani. Those that practice the Italian tradition of singing called bel canto. Other singers from other countries can also sing in the bel canto style and Mario Lanza was one of them. Central and Eastern Europeans tend to have a darker, more husky sound even while singing bel canto style (Schmidt and Kauffmann come to mind). It is a distinct tint or hue over the voice. It happens with sopranos as well (Angela Gheorghiu, for example).
I spoke of Wunderlich earlier. Here is a quote that puts some of this in perspective when speaking of the uniqueness found in Wunderlich: "Wunderlich was solid all the way to his spectacular high C, and this is very rare for German tenors. Both the language and the training in Germany have historically tended toward high voices that are much heavier in the lower and middle registers than their Italian counterparts. This, in turn, can result in a short top. Tauber is a good example. He almost never sang above a Bb, (and there is nothing wrong with that), but it tends to narrow the singable repertoire. The big opera arias can only be transposed so far".
For Italian tenor the top notes are more important. Although every tenor would love to have solid high Cs it is not as important as it is for the Italians although there have been plenty of great Italian tenors who did not necessarily have great high notes. Franco Corelli had some of the best high notes anyone could dream of but to achieve them took years and years of practice and hard work. If he were born elsewhere and subscribed to a different technique he might not have made that kind of effort to get to the high C as his focus would be on other things. To other tenors those notes come more naturally and Lanza and Wunderlich are two good examples.
Here is a good essay to read to understand singing styles in general but with particular emphasis on the German style of training and singing. It is interesting but detailed and long so take your time with it as it explains these differences better than I can. The link to the essay is below. Also, if you can find it, read Richard Miller's book, "National Schools of Singing: English, French, German and Italian". I have not read this book myself yet and know it only by reputation and statements from others as being an excellent source for understanding different styles and techniques based on national association. It should define more clearly for you what I mean by "Italian tenor".
https://scholarworks.iu.edu/dspace/bitstre...uence=1&isAllowed=y
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Fred Day 10-09-2019
07:03 AM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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I have always called Lanza an Italian-American tenor. Completely at home in both languages. Ciao.
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Barbara Clifton 10-09-2019
12:58 AM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.66
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(aka Diane Cox) Martino - Mario's parents were born in Italy and immigrated to this country. I have always considered him and Italian tenor. Certainly the music he played as a child was Italian, and he spoke the language well. Or are you using Italian tenor as a category of recognizable singing techniques?
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Fred Day 10-08-2019
09:33 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Martino: Yes, I remember Konya. I have 3 of his DGG LP's. He was good on his records, but I recall a few Met radio broadcasts in the 60's when his voice cracked several times. Some days he was good and some days he wasn't. Pity -I felt sorry for him on those bad days. Ciao.
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Martino1 10-08-2019
04:10 PM ET (US) IP: 104.255.4.145
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The other day I posted about the death of Marcello Giordani, vis-a-vis, the extinction of the true Italian tenor. It got me thinking of non-Italian tenors of the past who, if you did not know their background, would think they were actually Italians. That certain Mediterranean style and sound ranging from quality of tone, fullness, vibrato and other vocal characteristics that instantly tell you this is an Italian tenor. There was no question Fritz Wunderlich had an absolutely gorgeous voice but you could tell right away this was not an Italian you were listening to, even when he sang in Italian. The singers I am referring to are in the mold of many of the Spaniards, such as Placido Domingo and Jose Carreras but a few Americans as well such as Richard Tucker and of course, Mario Lanza. When they sang you would swear they were Italians, not Americans.
One singer that fits this mold is relatively unknown today but at one time was considered more important than even Wunderlich. He was a Hungarian tenor by the name of Sandor Konya and sang many roles during his over dozen years at the MET. He was somewhat overshadowed by the real Italian superstars such as DelMonaco, Bergonzi and Corelli, but was considered an important addition to the MET roster nonetheless. He could sing heroic and Wagnerian operas as a Heldentenor but was still skillful enough to sing beautifully in the Italian lyric/spinto roles. Not many singers around can go from Parsifal one day to Alfredo the next. With that kind of versatility Konya was considered invaluable.
I have a few of his albums and just finished playing his recital of Puccini arias which was recorded in his prime. What a wonderful voice! I had forgotten how good it was and how Italian sounding it was - it was terrific in every way. He studied in Italy and his phrasing and diction are what you would expect from an Italian singing his native language. If Konya was singing today he would be in the top ranks of modern tenors. There are many clips of Sandor Konya on youtube and he is well worth a listen. Here is one example from the Puccini album I just listened to: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e-QmpyiBoA0
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Al Canez 10-07-2019
05:54 PM ET (US) IP: 24.38.229.151
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Very nice picture, Chris Johns. I think that would make a good CD cover showing a handsome young man and then the VOICE inside the CD!!!
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Julie Page 10-07-2019
03:16 PM ET (US) IP: 74.79.51.67
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Listened to Giordani and Casanova. Wonderful voices. I'm sorry for their passing.
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Julie Page 10-07-2019
01:00 PM ET (US) IP: 74.79.51.67
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RememberingMario with love today (as everyday) for the joy he brought us through his glorious voice. Always loved, never forgotten.Chris ,thank you for the photo, one I haven't seen before.
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Barbara Clifton 10-07-2019
12:01 PM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.66
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(aka) Diane Cox
The first time I heard the great Lanza voice, I was reduced to tears, and since that time it has never failed to move me. 1959 was a very bad year for me, and I had no radio, no phone, no newspaper. I mentioned Mario Lanza at work, and someone said "Oh didn't he die a couple months ago?" I called the Nashville public library (my research source before Internet) and asked them: that's how I received the news. A piece of my heart and life died that day - but the voice has lived on to bring so much joy all these long years. RIP.
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Chris Johns 10-07-2019
11:26 AM ET (US) IP: 69.142.223.152
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Today we remember the 60th anniversary of Mario’s death. To think of what he gave us in just a 10 year span..it was so great that we discuss and admire him 60 years after he passed. RIP
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Bill Ronayne 10-07-2019
08:26 AM ET (US) IP: 68.192.190.50
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Remembering Mario Lanza on the 60th anniversary of his passing. May his voice sing forever and may he always walk with God.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0J8nJaYOr7M
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Kristine Cimmy 10-07-2019
07:15 AM ET (US) IP: 96.59.1.174
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Mario Lanza, RIP. Happy Birthday, Fred !
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Fred Day 10-07-2019
05:15 AM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Well, today October 7th, marks the 60th anniversary of the death of the great Mario Lanza, in 1959, at age only 38 and a half. Never to be forgotten. Rest in Peace. Ciao.
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Martino1 10-06-2019
07:48 PM ET (US) IP: 104.255.4.145
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Fred, no I did not confuse the two tenors. Did I say anything that indicated that? If so I did not mean to.
Thanks Jim, I never had the pleasure of hearing Giordani in person but I have his CDs and of course have seen him in several performances during the MET broadcasts and HD telecasts. He was always excellent and had some of the best high notes of his generation. I heard part of his concert version of "Les Hugenots" and it was as close to Corelli's performance as you can get. In fact, Giordani took the high D that even Franco avoided.
Yes, 60 years tomorrow marks one of the saddest days in the history of the musical world. The firmament shown less brightly that day when one of its brightest stars was so untimely extinguished. I agree with you and hope he will always be guarded by the angels and always rest in peace.
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Fred Day 10-06-2019
06:09 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Martino: I hope you did not confuse Casanova with Terranova. Casanova died; Terranova is very much alive. Ciao.
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Al Canez 10-06-2019
03:53 PM ET (US) IP: 24.38.229.151
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Thanks, Martino for your interesting overlook of the "Italian" tenors. Had the pleasure on two occasions of hearing Marcello Giordani at the outdoor Sergio Franchi concerts held at his estate here in CT. Beautiful voice with much charisma. 59 years ago I got home around midnight from the late shift at WJAC Radio in Johnstown, PA where I worked following Army discharge. My late wife awoke me before 7 am saying she heard something about Mario and then turned the TV on for more news. Half asleep but it was clear what had happend. I threw some clothes on and drove back to the station and started to read the AP and UPI wire stories. What a shock and after the years of meeting Maria Lanza, Colleen, Damon and our good friend Elissa and Bobby Bregman, Derek Mannering Terry Robinson, Costa Callinicos and so may other folks who knew, worked with and loved Mario for his voice and the art he left us, I consider my first hearing of that voice and what it brought into my life a blessing. Rest in Peace friend and may God, Mary and all the angels guard you through eternity.
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Martino1 10-06-2019
03:04 PM ET (US) IP: 104.255.4.145
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A shame to hear of these two tenors passing away. Giordani especially is a great loss as he was the last of the breed of true Italian tenors in the same tradition of Caruso, Gigli, DiStefano, and Pavarotti. Marcello Giordani was the modern extension of those types of tenors and now there are no more. Alagna comes close but is well passed his prime, I think he is close to 60, (Alagna is actually a Frenchman but like Giordani, of Sicilian blood).
Gianluca Terranova has that kind of "Italiante" voice and style necessary but has not really made the required splash here in America to assume a place in line in that leadership role. I think it may be a little late for him since he is around 50 years old. He has a solid and varied repertoire and when he opens his mouth there is no doubt he is an Italian tenor. However, I don't think he is singing as often as he use to, at least I am not hearing much about him the last year or two and nothing at all here in America.
Vittorio Grigolo is of this lineage and could have easily been the heir apparent. He has all the necessary equipment. He has made the big "splash" all over the world, he has charisma to burn and is the right age to assume the crown. But now he is behind the eight ball because of his personal conduct and no telling what is in store in his future. He may get over all this and if he does he is well positioned to be the one to carry on the tradition. Certainly it looks like he is on his way (at least in Europe) as just a few nights ago he received huge ovations during his performance at La Scala as Nemorino in "E'lisir d'amore". But will he ever be considered the next Italian "Divo"? Only time will tell.
There are many fine tenors around but none at this moment that can maintain the legacy of the true Italian tenor. With the death of Giordani, that chain which started with Caruso as the first link has been broken. Let's hope some new Italian tenors emerge soon who are truly worthy of carrying that mantle.
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Fred Day 10-06-2019
01:32 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Two fine tenors have just died recently. Marcello Giordani died yesterday October 5th, at age 56, of a heart attack. Francisco Casanova died on Sept 26th, age 61 - I do not know the cause. Both can be heard on YouTube. Rest in Peace. Ciao.
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Fred Day 10-06-2019
12:01 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Thanks again for the birthday wishes - much appreciated.
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Al Canez 10-06-2019
11:53 AM ET (US) IP: 24.38.229.151
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A very Happy Birthday to you, Fred and many more healthy ones in the future!
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Valeria Pugiotto 10-06-2019
12:41 AM ET (US) IP: 93.42.98.163
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Happy birthday, Fred!
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Kristine Cimmy 10-05-2019
09:01 PM ET (US) IP: 96.59.1.174
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Happy Birthday, Fred and am sorry for the people we have lost. RIP, Jessye Norman and Diahann Carroll, who was married, briefly, to Vic Damone. I hope in 2021, there will be a stamp honoring Mario Lanza. I think "For The First Time" was a better title than "Silent Melody"(which was more somber). Peter Fonda and Carol Lynley passed away, last month. Terry Robinson knew Henry, Peter, and Jane Fonda. Leonard Maltin reviewed the "Judy" movie, about Judy Garland, starring Rene Zellweger. He likes her in the movie, thinks she will be an Oscar contender, but wasn't impressed with the movie, itself. She did her own singing and he didn't think her voice measured up with Judy Garland's voice(I wonder why Judy Garland's voice wasn't dubbed in ?). Leonard liked actress Judy Davis's movie about Judy Garland, better.
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Fred Day 10-05-2019
03:19 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Thanks for all the birthday wishes. Much appreciated. Ciao.
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Martino1 10-05-2019
02:48 PM ET (US) IP: 104.255.4.145
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Happy, Happy Birthday Fred, and many, many more!
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Len (UK) 10-05-2019
01:57 PM ET (US) IP: 86.169.160.41
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I have scanned the national TV and radio schedules here in the UK. It looks as if Monday’s anniversary will go unremarked. I think I have persuaded a local radio presenter to mark the occasion on his ‘Soundtracks’ show. He is fond of the music of Miklos Rozsa and intends to play ‘Lygia’; Lanza’s rendering of the Quo Vadis theme.
I wonder if the 2021 centenary will be equally ignored.
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Julie Page 10-05-2019
01:30 PM ET (US) IP: 74.79.51.67
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Happy Birthday, Fred. Mine was yesterday and I have a few years on you. Other people we have lost from the site, Mr. Greene from England , can't recall his first name, Generously sent me a Sammy Davis CD of his great impersonations. John Lawler from Albany who sang professionally , spent some winters in Fla. and friendly with Matt Minzer, who was so enamoured of Anna Netrebko, he no longer posted after the loss of his wife. Sorry for the loss of Frankie Dee., Frank Tenaglia, others not with us anymore. How I miss Ed McManus. He was a spark here. Had us all posting. Let's not let it all fall by the wayside if we can help it.Mario gone so long on Monday, Oct. 7. Still love that voice. He sings to me every day and I don't even have to put on the recordings! Jessye Norman, Diahann Carroll, too much sad news.The sun is shining today after so much rain.Best to all.
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Barbara Clifton 10-05-2019
01:09 PM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.66
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(aka Diane cox)
As an old woman who's seen a lot, I'm glad to see responsibility for harassment take place. But I also think that bringing up actions that took place years ago is not worth it. Should have been dealt with at the time of the event. Sad to see so many careers damaged, even if it's deserved.
On a happier note, Have a happy day, Fred.
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Fred Day 10-05-2019
05:30 AM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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PS: Today is my 77th birthday. Another year down the drain. Ciao.
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Fred Day 10-05-2019
05:27 AM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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According to published reports, Domingo's operatic career is ended in the USA. As for Mexico and South America, no mention is made. But in Europe, his career will continue to flourish, at least for the time being. Next January he will turn 79, so he is now in his twilight years, of his career. But his reputation has been permanently soiled. C'est la vie. Ciao.
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Martino1 10-03-2019
02:45 PM ET (US) IP: 104.255.4.145
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More like "Miami Vice" if you ask me.
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Barbara Clifton 10-03-2019
12:30 PM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.66
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Martino, it was titled "Miami Love"
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Martino1 10-03-2019
09:10 AM ET (US) IP: 104.255.4.145
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Barbara, thanks for posting that picture, I had never seen it before. That could be the most insulting photograph of Netrebko I have ever seen. Why in heaven's name would she post it? Click on the photo to get a close up and you will see what I mean. She looks like she had a rough evening of drinking and degeneracy and someone just dumped her on a beach to sober up. With her party dress still on and a hurricane approaching no less! She seems to be pondering whether she should get up or just lay there and let the storm consume her and end all her troubles. Could you imagine Maria Callas posting something like that?
Opera has always been an art form replete with shady dealings, sexual liaisons, all forms of excesses and backstage intrigue, most of which was critical and inappropriate but at least pains were taken to keep it secret from the public. Now it seems singers are making public things that are unflattering to themselves. Hard to figure.
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Valeria Pugiotto 10-03-2019
04:17 AM ET (US) IP: 5.90.167.213
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Chris Johns, Domingo molested many women, therefore, it is fair he gets what he deserves: public shame and legal suits.
He may have been a great tenor, and he was, but he is also a pig, and deserves punishment.
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Barbara Clifton 10-03-2019
01:02 AM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.66
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Anna Netrebko posted this photo today.
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artie_h 10-02-2019
07:48 PM ET (US) IP: 184.99.111.61
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Sorry to hear of Frankie Dee's passing. A great friend of Lanza's legacy.
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Chris Johns 10-02-2019
06:36 PM ET (US) IP: 69.142.223.152
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I just read that Domingo has just resigned as general director at the LA Opera.
I’m so saddened by all this crap!
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Bill Ronayne 10-02-2019
05:19 PM ET (US) IP: 68.192.190.91
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The October issue of "The Legacy of Mario Lanza" newsletter has just been published. It features coverage of a number of events in PA and NY, a look at Lanza's various recordings of Recondita armonia, a review of the latest CD release from Sepia, commemorations of the 70th anniversary of the release of "That Midnight Kiss," the 60th anniversary of the release of "For the First Time" and the 60th anniversary of his passing. For subscription information contact wjronayne@optonline.net. Best, Bill
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Fred Day 09-30-2019
05:22 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Frank De Simone (Frankie Dee) of GMMY radio has passed away on July 13, age 84. A close friend of Bob Dolfi and Damon Lanza, Frankie was a big Lanza fan. Rest in Peace. Ciao.
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Fred Day 09-25-2019
08:56 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Martino: Very well said, and very true. Ciao.
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Fred Day 09-25-2019
08:54 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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The late: Bob Davies from England. And, of course, Bob Dolfi and Damon Lanza. The late and wonderful Frank Tenaglia. And the wonderful Aaron Caruso, still very much alive. Ciao.
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Barbara Clifton 09-25-2019
03:17 PM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.66
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Ed McManus from Staten Island.
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Mike from L.I. 09-25-2019
12:54 PM ET (US) IP: 96.232.90.227
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Hello everyone. While reading the posts, got to reminiscing about posters when I first found this site. Sheig from Japan and Edna from California have both passed away. Also the man from England(met him at the Lanza tribute in Lincoln Center. Mack from Nebraska, Bruce from Cherry Hill NJ and a man from Hong Kong also used to post a lot.Can you think of others? The discussions used to be much more fun. Oh well I guess time marches on.
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Martino1 09-24-2019
11:06 PM ET (US) IP: 104.255.4.145
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Fred, the dismissals come as no surprise, it was just a matter of time. Grigolo's actions were in front of many witnesses and incontestable while many of the allegations against Domingo were substantiated by independent investigations. In fact, three dozen individuals witnessed Domingo in "inappropriate sexually tinged behavior". Anyone with common sense would know that would be the case as soon as the story broke. When 20 different women allege sexual harassment in different places in the world and in different eras with nothing to gain by making the charges, you can almost bet your last dollar there is something to it. That, coupled with his lame explanation and qualified denial placed a spotlight on his guilt that anyone could see.
We are in the times of "Me Too" and things are much, much different than they were even ten years ago. Grigolo especially should have been aware of current standards since he is a much younger man. He is also a very handsome man and did not need to harass anyone. As with most young tenors, there were most certainly groupies aplenty at every venue he visited.
When it comes to sexual harassment in opera, the film industry, sports or anywhere else, innocent until proven guilty is a good working description of a legal standard applicable only in a court of law but it means nothing in the court of public opinion. When you have such a preponderance of evidence, so many different accusers (anonymous or known makes little difference), so many witnesses, etc., the party accused must, in this day in age, virtually prove their innocence from the moment the first allegation is made - the burden is squarely on them right from the start. Right or wrong that is how it is.
No one more than I would have wanted to see Domingo, especially Domingo, come out of this exonerated. He has always been one of my favorites and a giant in the world of opera and classical music. But now because of poor judgement and the idea that with his fame and influence he could get away with it there will always be that little asterisk next to his name and that is a real shame. As bad as Placido's direct actions towards women were, it was the career consequences he imposed on those singers who did not submit to him that were at least the equal sin.
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Kristine Cimmy 09-24-2019
10:04 PM ET (US) IP: 96.59.1.174
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There is a magazine called Closer that is on magazine stands. They have had stories about Marilyn Monroe, Lucille Ball, and Judy Garland. Maybe they will write one about Mario Lanza. On the subject of Judy Garland , there is a movie coming out, called "Judy" starring Renee Zellweger as Judy Garland. Maybe there is still hope for a film biography about Mario Lanza and Aaron Caruso would be perfect for the part !!! I remember Ed McManus, too.
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Fred Day 09-24-2019
08:40 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Placido Domingo has left the Met, due to the allegations of sexual misconduct against him. And, young (age 42) tenor Vittorio Grigolo has been fired by both the Royal Opera of London, and the Met, also for sexual misconduct. It is in the news. Pity. Ciao.
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Julie Page 09-20-2019
02:10 PM ET (US) IP: 74.79.51.67
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Hi John.Glad you're back. It's been quite a while. Hope you will get to the Ball one day soon. It's a great event. Yes. Ed was very generous with CDs and knowledge of Mario. I was so fond of him. Best.
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John W 09-19-2019
10:30 PM ET (US) IP: 47.227.11.80
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Good evening, everyone. I haven't been on the forum for a while, but am glad to be back. Life has been a bit crazy. I, as Julie, also miss Ed McManus greatly. I still have a few of his old emails where he sent me music. I also still have the CDs he sent me when I lived overseas. Great and kind man! Ed told me back in the day that he met and briefly corresponded with Richard Tucker. Very impressive!
I hope to attend the Mario Lanza Ball someday. Blessings to all of you!
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Fred Day 09-18-2019
10:13 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Yes, I miss Ed McManus also. Not only a great fan of Lanza and Caruso, he was also very fond of Sergio Franchi, whom he saw on TV many times, as did I. Ciao.
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Julie Page 09-18-2019
02:53 PM ET (US) IP: 74.79.51.67
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Another thought. Thinking today of our friend , EdMcManus, such a great devotee of Mario, I still miss him and wonder how Darleen and his family are.
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Julie Page 09-18-2019
02:49 PM ET (US) IP: 74.79.51.67
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Hi, Jim! I've been reading again a bio of our Mario and it isn't the first time I've wondered who his friends really were. This one was by Terry Robinson who represented himself as Mario's best friend. However,both he and Callinicos seemed anxious to capitalize on the aspects of Mario that would sell books, before Mario was forgotten by some. This book, I found , came from the Escondido ,CA. library and was marked a "discard". Seems prophetic, somehow. I've had it for quite some time, but re-read all the books about him every now and then. Have another mentioning Mario by Jesse Lasky. He seemed to appreciate him. Found it some years ago at our local Historical society. A few writers I stay away from. Jim, I hope you're successful with WHYY. Best to everyone.
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Al Canez 09-18-2019
12:48 PM ET (US) IP: 24.38.229.151
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Jim Thompson here: thank you Bill Ronayne for the work you continue to do. I too am sorry that we can't make it to the balls. My first one was with Fred Desjarlais back in 1966 when we first met Maria Cocozza. The writing may be on the wall as the comments here have dropped off considerably. It is good to have the recordings to play for ourselves and especially others. If any of you are near NPR stations call or email them about playing Lanza recordings. I am going to try again with the Philadelphia station, WHYY, to see if they would be interested in having me do my "Mario Lanza and Friends" program that I have done for years here in Connecticut.
Bill, all the best with the Ball and I am sure you will update us nicely as to how everything went. To everyone...Ciao! as we all continue to keep the Lanza name and artistry before eyes and ears of those not in our realm!
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Julie Page 09-17-2019
02:19 PM ET (US) IP: 74.79.51.67
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I am unable to travel,so sadly will not be attending the Ball weekend. so thankful that I went once years ago, and met Damon. I hope someone will be able to attend and tell us all about it, as I don't think Sam will be going this year. He usually gives us a great play by play description of all the events. I enjoyed being there so much. Met lots of nice people, including Bill. Thanks for your effort,Bill.
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Bill Ronayne 09-09-2019
02:06 PM ET (US) IP: 69.116.80.48
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Mario Lanza Ball Weekend November 1 – 3, 2019 Carole Shea Welcoming Dinner November 1, 2019 5:00 pm La Viola West Restaurant (252 S 16th Street) 3 course dinner. $49 BYOB Reservations for this event only must be booked through Carole Shea at pastawithclams@gmail.com. Mario Lanza Movie night Saturday November 2, 2019 6:30 pm Mario Lanza Museum (1214 Reed St) A special screening of “That Midnight Kiss” to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the film’s premiere. Reception to follow. $20 per person. Mario Lanza Ball Sunday, November 3, 2019 5:00 pm. DoubleTree Hotel (Broad and Locust Streets) Cocktail Hour Scholarship Winner’s concert Two video presentations devoted to Mario Lanza. Frank Tenaglia posthumous award ceremony and video tribute presentation. Dinner and Dancing to the Tony Dee Orchestra $165 per person. Overnight accommodations are available at the DoubleTree Hotel for $189 per night plus tax. Remaining rooms must be booked by October 1, 2019 to get this special rate. Call 215-893-1600 to make a reservation. Reservations to attend the ball can be made by filling out the response card located at www.mariolanzainstitute.org and mailing it in with your check. If you cannot attend please consider making a donation by going to www.mariolanzainstitute.org and clicking on the donate button or by sending a check to Mario Lanza Institute PO Box 54624 Philadelphia, PA 19148 For more information call 215-238-9691 or email info@mariolanzainstitute.org. Edited 09-09-2019 02:51 PM
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Bill Ronayne 09-07-2019
09:36 PM ET (US) IP: 68.192.186.211
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From today's Mario Lanza Sociey of NY luncheon at Patsy's Restaurant. L-R: David Maiullo, Elaine Malbin and Teresa Castillo. It was a little challenging to get to the restaurant because of street closures but it was still a great afternoon with wonderful food and tremendous performances by Teresa and David! We also enjoyed audio selections from several of Mario Lanza's films as well as recordings of Ms. Malbin.
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Fred Day 09-05-2019
05:48 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Julie: Yes, I stayed home. I am thankful that it was very minor, here in Orlando. Ciao.
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Julie Page 09-05-2019
02:06 PM ET (US) IP: 74.79.51.67
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Fred, happy for you all there. Did you stay where you were? We don't have those things here,but it's feeling like Fall already, though it will warm up again, I know. Sorry for the Bahamians, and everyone who lost so much.
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Barbara Clifton 09-04-2019
01:35 PM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.66
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(aka Diane Cox) Glad to hear it, Fred. I always sigh when the storms pass us by. Went through Ivan in 2004 - enough for a lifetime.
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Fred Day 09-04-2019
10:06 AM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Well, here in Orlando, Florida, we were lucky; we got almost nothing from hurricane Dorian. It stalled and then moved northward. I sigh with relief. Ciao.
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Kristine Cimmy 08-31-2019
11:53 AM ET (US) IP: 96.59.1.174
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Thank you, everybody. I , pray, too, Hurricane Dorian will expire. The latest weather report now has it veering away from Florida's East Coast(I live on the West Coast of Florida)heading towards the Coasts of Carolinas, hopefully, it will pass them, too. Prayers, also, for Brazil and their Amazon Forest fires. For fans of TCM, in September, Sidney Poitier will be Star Of The Month, there will be a celebration of United Artists Movies 100th Anniversary(founded by Douglas Fairbanks, Charlie Chaplin, Mary Pickford), movies about football, the James Bond Movies, too. There are plans for TCM Classic Cruise, coming in November. Scheduled guests, for that, are Cicely Tyson and Mitzi Gaynor. Next April, 2020, will be TCM's Classic Film Festival. I hope , one day, they will show a Mario Lanza movie at , either, event. Have an enjoyable Labor Day Holiday week end !
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Bill Ronayne 08-31-2019
09:18 AM ET (US) IP: 68.192.180.20
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To all our friends in Florida and the path of Hurricane Dorian, be careful and safe. Best, Bill
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Fred Day 08-31-2019
05:03 AM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Yes, I will take care. I will probably go to a shelter. We will probably lose power for a few days. I hope and pray for the best. Ciao.
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Julie Page 08-30-2019
10:12 PM ET (US) IP: 74.79.51.67
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Fred, Kristine, feeling concern for you and everyone here who might be affected by the storm. Please take care.
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Barbara Clifton 08-30-2019
04:17 PM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.66
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Nor am I Barbara. (Diane Cox) I think it's the email address.
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Julie Page 08-30-2019
02:11 PM ET (US) IP: 74.79.51.67
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Silly, isn't it, "Al". I'm not Julie either (Suzanne). What's it all about?Can't it be reversed?
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Al Canez 08-30-2019
12:28 PM ET (US) IP: 69.121.88.171
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Oh well Fred. I'll put my name after so folks can know who it is if they care. Ciao.
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Al Canez 08-30-2019
12:26 PM ET (US) IP: 69.121.88.171
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James T.
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Fred Day 08-29-2019
02:55 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Jim Thompson: If your regular name doesn't work, perhaps, alter the spelling. James instead of Jim. Tompson instead of Thompson. But try your regular name first. Ciao.
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Al Canez 08-29-2019
09:10 AM ET (US) IP: 69.121.88.171
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First of all some help please: how do I get back to using my own name, JimThompson and not Al Canez? Thanks in advance. Beautiful job, Vince. That should be on the next CD. I watched about a half hour of "Two Sisters From Brooklyn(?) with all the MGM stars of the day...June Allyson, Kathryn Grayson, Jimmy Durante and other "faces"/ Lauritz Melchior was in it too. I wonder if he and Mario ever met? I met Melchior after a concert with my voice teacher around 1954 while at college. I also watched "The Best of Everything" again the other night. Delightful!
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Julie Page 08-27-2019
02:47 PM ET (US) IP: 74.79.51.67
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Wonderful photo. Must be a favorite of all of us.Thanks for showing it again.
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Martino1 08-27-2019
01:12 PM ET (US) IP: 104.255.4.145
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Glad to see you posting Vince (both of you!!). Everyone should click on the photo to enlarge it and see the detail up close. Very well done.
The other day I spoke of Sirius radio and the special performances offered for the coming week. This is not the only way to get the MET archive performances. Go to https://www.metopera.org/season/on-demand/ and you can subscribe to not only historic radio performances such as presented on Sirius, but the HD telecast library and many other video/audio performances. The videos can be played on any of your devices and unlike Sirius, you can select what you want to watch/hear and when. Check it out.
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Vince Di Placido 08-27-2019
12:22 PM ET (US) IP: 51.171.45.161
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For comparison.
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Vince Di Placido 08-27-2019
12:21 PM ET (US) IP: 51.171.45.161
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A colourised studio portrait I did of Mario today. Always loved this shot.
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Vincent Ricciardi 08-26-2019
09:26 AM ET (US) IP: 68.132.115.121
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Hello Everyone,
For anyone in the NY area, particularly Long Island, Emily and I will be headlining the Feast of Mother Cabrini in Brentwood this Sat August 31st starting at 7PM. As usual I do quite of a bit of Mario favorites as well as a little tribute to him, and much more. Just wanted to let everyone know. You can get more info at the link below. I hope everyone here is doing well.
http://www.eandventertainment.com/upcoming-performances
All the best,
Vincent
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Martino1 08-26-2019
08:46 AM ET (US) IP: 104.255.4.145
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Fred, my message to you was blocked for some reason. But basically what I said was no, there is no Corelli rebroadcast this week.
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Fred Day 08-26-2019
04:49 AM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Martino: Great performances indeed!! Anything with Corelli?? Ciao.
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Martino1 08-24-2019
03:40 PM ET (US) IP: 104.255.4.145
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I don't know how many people here subscribe to Sirius or even care what they present but for those that do I like to periodically highlight a broadcast week of MET performances that are truly outstanding. Coming up is just such a week. Here is a sample: tomorrow we can hear a truly great cast in Verdi's rarely heard "I Vespri Siciliani", starring Caballe, Gedda, Milnes, Diaz and conducted by James Levine. Here is an excerpt: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aUU5f9TK350.
Another Verdi opera, "Il Trovatore" from a 1967 broadcast with Arroyo, Tucker and Merrill, will come on Sunday. This will be followed by yet another Verdi opera, one of the great "Falstaff" performances of all time. In the title role is the basso Fernando Corena, who owned Falstaff for many years. The tenor role of "Fenton" is also taken on by one of the greatest of his generation, Alfredo Kraus. Later in the day is the incredible "I Puritani" from 1976, staring Joan Sutherland and Luciano Pavarotti who toss out high notes like confetti at a wedding! If ever there has been a certainty in life it is you will never hear this opera sung like this again.
On Monday another Verdi favorite, "Ernani" (1983), conducted by Levine and staring in the male roles we once again have some heavy hitters - Pavarotti, Milnes, Raimondi. The soprano in the cast is the superb Leona Mitchell. I am very close friends with a lady who went to school with Mitchell in Oklahoma and told me that star quality was written all around her as early as a teenager. Everyone knew she would be a success, even back then. Mitchell is not a household name today but listen to her in this Ernani (or see her brief appearance in Turandot with Pavarotti in the movie, "Yes, Giorgio!") and you will hear an outstanding soprano voice.
Then in Monday prime time, as it should be, the highlight of the week in my opinion, Verdi's "Rigoletto" from 1968. The very fine conductor Fausto Cleva leads an outstanding cast of Anna Moffo, Carlo Bergonzi and Robert Merrill. It does not get any better than this. Moffo was in her glorious prime here but just a couple years from her untimely loss of voice, which she was never able to salvage completely. And has there ever been a more beautiful voiced jester than Merrill?
On Tuesday another Bergonzi/Verdi collaboration, "Un Ballo In Maschera" from 1962. Once again with Robert Merrill and Regina Rysanek. This is conducted by another of the many wonderful Italian conductors of the period, Nello Santi. And finally, if you want to hear one of the truly great sopranos, Licia Albanese, in a full blown opera role just a couple years after she sang with Lanza, you can catch her "La Traviata" from 1959 later in the evening. Listen to this and you will understand why she is considered the greatest artist, male or female, ever to have sung with Mario Lanza.
These are a few of the highlights of the upcoming week. There are many more that I won't get into here but I hope these will interest you enough to tune in or, if not a subscriber, to become a member of the Sirius opera channel. You simply won't hear very many live performances today to match these.
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Fred Day 08-23-2019
09:50 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Julie: Yes, I wonder why also. If it was broadcast, somebody somewhere had to record it!! I hope it is found someday soon!! Ciao.
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Julie Page 08-23-2019
03:42 PM ET (US) IP: 74.79.51.67
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Interesting, Fred. Wonder why it's missing. The song "Yesterday" comes to me today as one usually does. If you haven't heard it lately, Youtube has it. So beautiful , as only Mario can sing it. Dennis , if you don't love it already, hear it again.
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Fred Day 08-23-2019
04:56 AM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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I wonder if Lanza's Celeste Aida from the 3rd Hollywood Bowl of August 16, 1949, will ever be found?? Strange that it has yet to be found. Hopefully, someday. Ciao.
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Fred Day 08-23-2019
04:41 AM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Still working. Just a temporary lull. Long Live Lanza!! Ciao.
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Dennis1 08-23-2019
02:28 AM ET (US) IP: 76.126.57.19
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Just wondering if the website is working. Been a long time without a post.
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Fred Day 08-17-2019
08:06 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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I don't know if Mary Jane Smith ever appeared in a movie. Perhaps she was only in the chorus. I think she died only a few years ago. Ciao.
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Kristine Cimmy 08-16-2019
09:48 PM ET (US) IP: 96.59.1.174
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Peter Fonda passed away at 79. RIP. Terry Robinson knew Henry, Jane, Peter Fonda. What happened to Mary Jane Smith ? You said here, she was under contract to M-G-M. How come she didn't make any movies ? It became competitive, probably, with Kathryn Grayson and Jane Powell under contract. Julie Andrews tested at M-G-M, back then, she was in her early teens, but nothing came of it.
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Fred Day 08-16-2019
08:43 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Jim Thompson: I believe Derek McGovern interviewed Mary Jane Smith several years ago. I think she was only 18 or 19 when she sang the Rigoletto duet with Lanza, in August 1949. I think she was under contract to MGM at that time, or soon after. Ciao.
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Al Canez 08-16-2019
05:35 PM ET (US) IP: 69.121.88.171
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Thank you Bill for the clip. I may have forgotten....How Did Mary Jane Smith get connected with Mario? Is she still alive? Was she ever interviewed? Memory is not what it was. And DerekMcG we many times accept too quickly what is put out there by someone. I agree with you. When a person such as Ms. Wulf's time has passed, it is easy to smear a person's name.
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Julie Page 08-16-2019
11:29 AM ET (US) IP: 74.79.51.67
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Hi Bill. thanks for the reminder. Glorious to listen to, as always. Wondering how the museum work is coming along. Hope everyone here will send a donation. Best.)(Suzanne).
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Bill Ronayne 08-16-2019
10:19 AM ET (US) IP: 68.192.181.175
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70 years ago today, Mario Lanza made his third and last appearance at the Hollywood Bowl as part of a Salute to MGM concert. Click on the link to hear a duet with soprano Mary Jane Smith from Verdi's Rigoletto in which he takes a D flat above high C in the end.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5wQzprULkv...gWFgyg4KLN0JJtFfw48
Best, Bill
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Derek McG 08-16-2019
09:20 AM ET (US) IP: 92.84.56.10
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Noting the recent tacit acceptance by several regulars of this forum that Plácido Domingo’s accusers are all telling the truth about his alleged sexual harassment, I decided to see if leading contemporary tenor Joseph Calleja had come to the same conclusion with equal haste.
The short answer is that no, he hasn’t. In fact, he’s made a point of retweeting this observation that Domingo’s only named accuser (so far), the former mezzosoprano Patricia Wulf, has been using her association with Domingo all this time to promote her real estate business on Linkedin.
I don’t know if Domingo is really guilty as charged, but I don’t see how Wulf can have it both ways: accusing him of being a sexual predator while happily cashing in on her association with him. As Calleja succinctly observes, the “mind boggles.”
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Fred Day 08-15-2019
09:36 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Rosa Ponselle did a screen test for the opera Carmen. She sang the major arias, and did them all superbly. She was slated to star in the film of Carmen, but she suddenly retired from the Met, and decided not to make the film. She was still in her prime. An unfortunate missed opportunity. Ciao.
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Kristine Cimmy 08-15-2019
01:50 PM ET (US) IP: 96.59.1.174
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Mike, I thought of Deanna Durbin, after I posted it. Muriel Lawrence(whom, some thought, looked like Jeanette MacDonald)made one movie "I Dream of Jeanie" about Stephen Foster with Bill Shirley and Ray Middleton. Muriel was a Hollywood Soprano, I think that was her only movie. Soprano,Gloria Warren made about 2 or 3 movies. Sally Ann Howe was only in "Chitty Chitty Bang ! Bang !" I thought of Peggy Lee in "Lady and The Tramp". Ginny Simms was in two movies. Mary Martin was in a few movies and Ethel Merman was in maybe 5 movies. Kitty Kallen was in one movie. Teresa Brewer was in one movie "Those Redheads From Seattle". In Anita Bryant's autobiography "Mine Eyes Have Seen The Glory", she wrote she screen tested , in Hollywood, but nothing came of it. Opera singer, Rosa Ponselle did a screen test, but nothing came of it. Opera singer, Lily Pons was in 4 movies. Maureen O' Hara had an operatic voice, but only made one movie musical. She didn't sing much or not all in her movies.
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Al Canez 08-15-2019
12:57 PM ET (US) IP: 69.121.88.171
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The Mario Lanza Forum.....all talk, ideas and opinions of the greatest singer who ever lived! We fans believe this, Wouldn't it be a treat if we could present our forum to the world of Lanza forums and interact about Mario from the early young man to the beautiful, tragic last recordings? I have enjoyed this forum but I did get off some years back as felt I did not have to have my beliefs slapped around by any one else or have me, as a person, redefined if you will. Mario Lanza...una voce dal cielo!!!
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Mike from L.I. 08-15-2019
11:22 AM ET (US) IP: 100.37.226.122
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The thing that separated Lanza from the rest is that he was always easy on the ears, even during extended listening. Gedda was like that and Jerry Hadley also was vey natural and unstrained. Wunderlich, too. Florez sounds like his vocal chords are going to snap.Many tenors can give you a headache after a while. Comments, please.
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Mike from L.I. 08-15-2019
11:15 AM ET (US) IP: 100.37.226.122
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Kristine--You forgot to mention my all time favorite, Deanna Durbin, who made many movies. How about Peggy Lee's cameo in "Lady and the Tramp?" You just knew the doggie was her and not just the voice. Grayson and Powell were a bit harsh on the ears, IMHO, but Jones was pleasant. She was multi-talented. Remember her star turn in "Elmer Gantry" with Burt Lancaster?
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Dennis1 08-15-2019
02:35 AM ET (US) IP: 76.126.57.19
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I am always baffled why a person would leave a forum such as this because of one individual. I am a committed season ticket holder at our local opera. Now and then there is an unwarranted boo of a singer by an individual. Do I stop going to the opera because of that one irritation? Of course not. I am a dedicated softball tournament player. Occasionally a player will act like a donkey and misbehave, usually ejected by the umpire. Do I stop playing softball because of one outrageous player? Of course not. I am a regular church goer. Occasionally an attender will behave in an inappropriate way and embarrass the congregation. Do I stop attending church because of one misbehaving member? Of course not.
If this forum became a regular site for political discussion, then I would likely turn to better sites for political discussion (there are thousands). But this is not such a forum. Outbursts from Linz are rare and irritating, but why should I turn from discussion of Lanza's music because of infrequent political forays. I agree with Martino that Jeff should censor his friend for violating the site's guidelines, and even prohibit his involvement if his rants become frequent, but why would I stop participating because now and then there is an incident? Ridiculous.
I received my latest Sepia disc, but have been on vacation and then too busy to listen yet, but I would like to read of others' impressions of it that have not yet responded. Onward, Mario!!
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Linz1 08-15-2019
02:30 AM ET (US) IP: 125.239.121.78
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Martino: your sanctimonious self-righteous pieties don't impress me in the least, given that it was YOU who couldn't wait to post the link to that scurrilous "expose" of Domingo. Pure filth. Not even an intimation of a nod in the direction of "shall we wait for some actual evidence to come in?" It wasn't overtly political but it was as political as all get-out in the way it encapsulated the postmodern nihilism that permeates our modern culture, a point that I note all the tut-tutters here conscientiously avoid, probably because they don't even get it. More fool they. And they wonder why Mario couldn't cope? No one here need worry: I shan't ever post here again. You all disgust me.
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Valeria Pugiotto 08-15-2019
01:31 AM ET (US) IP: 5.90.151.80
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I stopped watching tv 7 months ago, because I am not interested in listening to this nonsense called ‘politics’, slander, bickering.
I am part of this forum because I love Mario Lanza, and I consider it a ‘safe’ heaven from the junk we are surrounded by. I really do not appreciate, nor I am interested about, any comment that is not related to Mario’s work and life.
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Martino1 08-14-2019
08:43 PM ET (US) IP: 104.255.4.145
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Well as bad luck would have it my flight was cancelled today to the mountains of New Mexico to get away from this terrible Texas heat. I hope the flight tomorrow gets through so I can finally have some peace and relaxation! Peace and relaxation - that use to be a given in this country but now it seems we have to work to find those things.
Len, we have talked about this over and over that politics have no place at this forum, at least that is the opinion by the majority of the people that post here. However, until Jeff actually comes out and says so I suppose anyone can talk about it and those of us who think it is inappropriate will not. Simple as that. You have to understand most of these "talks" are started by Linz who thrives in the chaos of the times. He would be very unhappy if he did not have someone or something to be mad at at all times. Very few others here engage in political talk because we understand it leads to arguments and zero resolution - and it has nothing to do with music or things related to Lanza. So the question is, what place do these thoughts have here?
Linz knows his foray into these subjects are not welcome by 99% of the members here because he has been told that a hundred times but he does not care and more sadly, he just can't help himself. It is beyond his control. Linz must be heard even though he knows people don't want to hear it. He will never take the hint, therefore it will take an action by Jeff Rense to stop the political intrusions in what he created many years ago to be a music oriented forum and nothing else. Jeff has many other outlets where the talk is about almost everything, literally in and out of the heavens but this one he reserved for music in general and Mario Lanza specifically. I think we should thank him for that and more importantly, respect that.
Jeff has given us broad boundaries so we can discuss many aspects indirectly related to Mario Lanza and music but most here agree that discussions about subjects such as religion and politics breach those boundaries. Until Jeff addresses this topic directly you can expect Linz to continue whenever he sees a glimmer of an opening to turn the conversation to his nonsensical political opinions, which he is entitled to by the way, outlandish though they may be. We could engage him in argument and counter his positions point by point. We could do that easily because he leaves such wide openings but by having those conversations what would we learn about Lanza, music, films, opera, singers, etc.? The answer is nothing. So we don't bother with any specific retorts, only general admonishments in order to try to eliminate all the arguments that cause good people such as David Weaver and others to leave the forum.
Linz is wonderful to discuss music with, especially the music of Mario Lanza, (in fact I would say there are few better) but that is where it ends. One must always be at alert when someone calls their own country and parliamentary form of government a "police state", which he has done. At one of his sites he once said, "I am more than happy that The Free Radical can serve as a platform on which both (all?) protagonists can confront each other". I agree, such venues is where any political or philosophical "confrontations" should take place, not here. This little rant aside, we should leave the retorts to Jeff, if he chooses - and I hope he does.
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Kristine Cimmy 08-14-2019
05:53 PM ET (US) IP: 96.59.1.174
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Regarding another singer who had adoring fans, but critics disliked. It could be Elvis. He had fans, but after 1960, when he came home , from the Army, critics didn't like his later movies, except, maybe "Viva Las Vegas". I think the critics liked his pre-Army days movies, better. Though, I liked his movies, in particular, "Loving You", "Blue Hawaii", "G.I. Blues". Fabian had fans, but critics never thought he had a singing voice. It seemed most female singers, with exception, to Doris Day, didn't have long movie careers. Rosemary Clooney only made a few movies, Dinah Shore appeared in 4 movies, critics didn't like her last movie "Aaron Slick From Punkin' Creek"(also, co-starred Robert Merrill). Connie Francis only made 4 movies. Singer , Peggy King was in only 2 movies. Peggy Lee was in 3 movies "Stage Door Canteen"(she sang with Benny Goodman's Band), The second remake of "The Jazz Singer" with Danny Thomas, and "Pete Kelly's Blues"(though critics praised her dramatic performance in it). Singer, Ruth Etting was in only 2 movies, I think. The Hollywood Sopranos(Kathryn Grayson, Jane Powell, Jeanette MacDonald, Shirley Jones)had longer movie careers. Anna Maria Alberghetti made 4 movies, I think. Doretta Morrow only appeared in "Because You're Mine". Julie Andrews was in a few movies, "The Sound of Music", being the biggest hit, but critics didn't like her movie "Star"(about singer, Gertrude Lawrence). Barbra Streisand had a long movie career.
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Julie Page 08-14-2019
04:24 PM ET (US) IP: 74.79.51.67
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While listening again today to "Poetry and Passion" , I was rereadingCallinicos book from 1960 , The Mario Lanza Story. Always fascinating , it contains the more personal side of Mario that I like reading about(sometimes). Some of it is pretty grim, but some ,enlightening. Btw ,I don't know who the co-writer Ray Robinson was.There's a quote on the front page, that pretty much sums it up "We fooles that gaze on great ones and admire their outward light,feel not their inwarde fire. Our eyes behold them followed and attired like Gods on earth; but were our minds inspired to see them when these clouds are overblown, they are but wretches when they are alone. Anonymous.
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Len (UK) 08-14-2019
12:41 PM ET (US) IP: 86.169.160.108
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I hope never to see any further political comments on this forum. Completely out of order! Sigh! Edited 08-14-2019 01:40 PM
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Len (UK) 08-14-2019
12:32 PM ET (US) IP: 86.169.160.108
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A local radio host has asked me if I know of any singer in films who the public adored but was despised by the critics as much as Lanza. I cannot think of anybody. Any suggestions?
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Kristine Cimmy 08-14-2019
07:39 AM ET (US) IP: 96.59.1.174
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Once, again, this has political comment. I disagree with everything Linz has said. I will end it , here !!!!
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Linz1 08-14-2019
06:50 AM ET (US) IP: 125.239.121.78
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One of the worst features of this dying age is the acceptance of any old gossip and slander from anonymous sources and the presumption of guilt till proven innocent. Only one of Placido's accusers is not anonymous. Placido says he would never knowingly have participated in anything non-consensual and that the accusations against him are "inaccurate," which I take to mean they suggest coercion on his part which wasn't there. Lately we've had the grotesque spectacle of a total deformity telling complete lies for hours on end in her loathsome whiney fry-quacking voice about Justice Kavanaugh. Unadulterated lies from start to finish, egged on by an unspeakably corrupt partisan media and vicious toxic feminazis with an hysterically totalitarian political agenda. This deformity is a professor (!) on a six-figure taxpayer-funded salary, and she's still in her job. That's how sick this world has become. There is no journalism, no honesty, no decency, no justice ... just the Islamo-Marxist Hollywood-Academia-Media elite and its lickspittles who pass on their propaganda at the drop of a hat. When a member of that elite gets caught, he has to be murdered in his jail cell so the others won't be dobbed in.
Enjoy Sharia Law and Socialism, America. RIP, civilisation. You had a good run. Mario was among your finest, but he wouldn't have lasted five seconds in the current Inquisitions.
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Barbara Clifton 08-13-2019
10:20 PM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.66
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And we can't ignore the fact that ladies tend to fall down in hero worship of tenors.
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Fred Day 08-13-2019
06:47 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Actually, I am not really surprised about the story of Domingo's sexual escapades. I think the late Pavarotti also had his share of similar activity. Caruso also indulged, prior to his marriage to Dorothy. Di Stefano also indulged. Gigli lived a dual life with 2 families. And, of course, Lanza, is well known for his sexual escapades. Reminds me of the line from SERENADE, where Vincent Price says "I thought you noticed the woman I was sitting with!" - and Lanza replies: "I'm a tenor - I noticed!!"
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Martino1 08-13-2019
04:25 PM ET (US) IP: 104.255.4.145
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Yes, Julie, even in opera. First it was the great conductor James Levine, and now Placido. As I said before, it seems that no one with unlimited power (which these two men have) in their chosen field is immune from this kind of activity. "Absolute power corrupts absolutely".
Stephen, I have that SACD disk and have heard it many times through my Oppo player, which supports both stereo and multi-channel high resolution audio. I can also select whether to output the DSD signal in its native format (which I usually do) or convert it to PCM. The spaciousness of the sound played through high quality speakers is incredible and far better than a regular CD. That is what you notice first and foremost. It is an expansive sound stage which gives you a great sound presence. However, desirable as it may be, it at times can cause a distraction depending on the material. For example, in "Finiculi Finicula" the chorus is too front and center. It should be more in the background but on SACD the chorus on this recording is on equal terms with Mario's voice and that is a no-no.
For this disk, the engineers selected "The Vagabond King" and "Mario! Lanza at His Best". The two albums together is why this disk is 79 minutes long. I am sure you have the technical notes that came with the disk which talks at length about how this transfer to SACD all came about. It is interesting but too technical to repeat here what with the three channels used to the Siltech cabling to dcs converters, to this and that - so on and so forth. But suffice it to say that I agree with you that it is a shame this format was abandoned. Although not perfect, I believe it had great potential, especially in the area where digital "harshness" comes in to play. Why did these disks fail? Several reasons but I can give the synopsis of all the reasons in four letters: Ipod.
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Julie Page 08-13-2019
03:36 PM ET (US) IP: 74.79.51.67
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Martino, we were destined to hear this weren't we? Disappointments everywhere.I guess I just wouldn't have thought.
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Stephen of Las Vegas 08-13-2019
01:40 PM ET (US) IP: 68.108.106.251
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It's too bad that the digital music giants stayed with the original CD specs (created in the late 1970s) and never pushed for the adoption of a superior sounding digital format. There were at least 2 that were created, Super Audio CD (also called Direct Stream Digital (DSD)), and I believe another called DVD-Audio. I have a copy of the 2006 Sony-BMG copy of the "Living Stereo Mario! Lanza At His Best" CD that was created with a normal CD layer and a Super Audio CD layer. Product 82876-71625-2. If you play it on a DSD Super CD player it plays the superior sounding layer, but I've never heard that since I don't know anyone with such a player. I don't know how this format sounds compared to the vinyl. Of course, played on a normal CD player, that layer of the disc is played. The playing time of this CD is 79 minutes and 15 seconds, so they managed to squeeze that much Super Audio sound onto a normal sized disc.
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Martino1 08-13-2019
08:14 AM ET (US) IP: 104.255.4.145
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What a shame. No one who achieves unlimited power in their chosen field seems to be exempt from this kind of conduct these days. Oscar Wilde said it best, "Everything in the world is about sex except sex. Sex is about power".
https://www.msn.com/en-us/entertainment/ne...-AAFJ0jF?li=BBnb7Kz
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Barbara Clifton 08-13-2019
12:51 AM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.66
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As Julie posted, there were several hotels in that chain, with one in Munich.
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Valeria Pugiotto 08-12-2019
11:56 PM ET (US) IP: 5.90.150.124
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The Kempinski was the hotel in Berlin.
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Barbara Clifton 08-12-2019
04:59 PM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.66
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It was a 20 yr old fan in 1958 or 59. I was just doing a google search and it came up with a lot of other fan memories.
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Julie Page 08-12-2019
04:16 PM ET (US) IP: 74.79.51.67
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Sounds right Barbara. According to Callinicos book, It's mentioned. Apparently there are several , among them Munich, Hamburg. Berlin etc. Five star hotel. Do you remember who saw him there?
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Barbara Clifton 08-12-2019
03:46 PM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.66
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(aka Diane Cox) It might have been the Kempinski Hotel, Munich. There's a fan account of seeing him there.
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Fred Day 08-12-2019
12:46 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Valeria: The person who might know the answer to your question, is Steph in Germany. She often posts on Derek McGovern's Lanza website. She used to post here, but that was several years ago. Ciao.
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Valeria Pugiotto 08-11-2019
11:23 PM ET (US) IP: 5.90.152.181
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Hello, everybody!
Does anybody know which hotel Mario stayed at, while in Munich, in 1958?
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Barbara Clifton 08-11-2019
07:53 PM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.66
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(aka Diane Cox) Usually enjoy every day, with little complaints. Have what I need, and still have most of my mind. I conosider ,myself lucky to have lived during a time when Lanza, Sinatra, Streisand, Elvis and others were in their prime. My son and I have built a model railroad this last year and continue to add scenery, teeny people, cars and engines to it. Living in Florida is the perfect place for me, and I'm a content person, who learns something new every day.
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Martino1 08-11-2019
07:48 PM ET (US) IP: 104.255.4.145
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You are doing great! Keep it up. You remind me of an old saying someone much smarter than I wrote a long time ago: "'Age' is the acceptance of a term of years. But maturity is the glory of years". You are doing exactly what you should be doing and that comes only from life experience.
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Barbara Clifton 08-11-2019
06:36 PM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.66
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Right, Martino. Just transferring from CD to computer is stressful to me. When I used an IPOD, it was get my son's help everytime I even wanted to change anything. I'm fairly computer savy, and can do some stuff, but the cell phone is something I don't want to be tied to. Also I like to listen with headphones. I use my cell for outgoing calls, and to let my son know where I am when I'm out gallivanting. Hardly ever get an incoming call 'cause it's off most of the time. I refuse to pay a monthly fee for anything, especially music and genealogy material. Stuck in my ways. Do use utube on a fairly regular basis, but don't download anything. I'm 80 and have plenty of friends who won't even use a computer.
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Martino1 08-11-2019
03:20 PM ET (US) IP: 104.255.4.145
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You are precisely the kind of person I was talking about; you just don't want to bother with these kinds of transfers from CD to storage/play devices. You are not alone. A lot of people our age feel this same way, hence, disks are still popular but they will most certainly go the way of vinyl records and the dodo bird, although that is still a long way off. Ask anyone under 30 and they'll tell you CDs are something they don't use and are a dying form of media. I must say that I am pleased at the recent resurgence of records in recent times, but not surprised.
I've done my own audio testing over the years using Mario Lanza, among others. I still rate vinyl to be the warmest, most accurate reproduction of music - warts and all. This opinion comes with an important caveat - you must have excellent equipment. If Sam were still posting he could probably give you an in-depth explanation of how an analogue source can be the best at reproducing music, which of course is itself analogue, and therefore giving a more natural delivery of sound.
Digital requires far less maintenance than records and record players and that alone gives it an advantage that most people find very attractive. It is also more convenient in almost every way not just size and capacity. The pops and crackles are virtually eliminated as digital devices are less apt to be scratched, warped or damaged. The "purity" of sound, almost antiseptic in character (not to be confused with "clarity" of sound), although an advantage in some music is not so in opera, at least in my opinion, because of the compression required to reproduce the sound in digital formats. The "warmth" and tonal presence in a voice you hear in vinyl reproduction is almost always missing in digital formats and "warmth" is an essential quality of an operatic voice although I know in some kinds of music and voices it makes no difference whatsoever.
In a nutshell, CDs lose some "depth" in sound and this is just the nature of the animal. Even the outstanding Sepia reproductions sound more on the "brilliant" side than the "warmth" side. As good as any CD is, and Sepia may make among the very best, my preference is still vinyl, but only through very, very good equipment with the speakers being the most important component.
Then there is streaming. Not to belabor the point but streaming is the most convenient way to listen to Mario Lanza or anyone else for that matter because all you do is click your mouse and your music begins. The drawback is that it almost never achieves even CD sound in quality although great strides in this area are being made even as we speak. Vinyl, CD and streaming: all have advantages and all have disadvantages. Fortunately for us, Mario Lanza can be heard in every conceivable method available in the world today except for the most important one - live.
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Barbara Clifton 08-11-2019
01:57 PM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.66
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Someone just gave me a blue tooth unit that can hang on the wall, and use your phone, has a CD player, and a radio. All my music at present in on actual CDs, because when I got a new computer a couple years ago, I lost my Lanza playlist. It would take me some time to make another. I have a 5 CD player in my bedroom, which I usually listen to with headphones. I'm going to return this bluetooth thing, because I have no desire to spend the time transferring titles. Also never spend money on downloading music from the internet. I will try to make another playlist and burn a CD from that. Almost too much for my brain which isn't getting any younger. I found the 100 CDs in my collection last night. Edited 08-11-2019 01:57 PM
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Martino1 08-11-2019
01:44 PM ET (US) IP: 104.255.4.145
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Yes Len, this set is nothing more than a simple, very convenient package to carry around in your car rather than for critical listening. As you said, it certainly is an amazing value although the price seems to jump up and down almost daily, at least on Amazon.
My car, and most of today's automobiles, are capable of reproducing audio any number of ways including SD cards, the pen drives you mentioned, bluetooth from your Iphone, auxiliary inputs to play your mp3 player through the car's audio system and other ways. In fact, some cars are being made today that no longer even have a cd drive. This is the way of the future and like you, I have taken the very best sounding recordings of the songs I want on my playlist and transferred them to one of these forms of storage devices.
As compact as this cd package is, it certainly can't match the size of a mini SD card that is smaller than a postage stamp! But for people that don't want or know how to makes these digital transfers, CDs like this collection still represent a good value and no hassle listening convenience.
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Len (UK) 08-11-2019
12:24 PM ET (US) IP: 86.131.250.234
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Martino1, I also have bought the ‘100 hits’ CD set from Amazon and then free downloaded the tracks as MP3 files. All for the princely sum of GBP4.99. Amazing value!
I have to say that the it’s a ‘no expense spent’ collection. The singing is excellent but some of the reproductions are poor quality. ‘I’ll walk with God’ has an annoying level of hiss, and the ‘Recondita armonia’ sounds like two takes spliced together.
This doesn’t particularly bother me because I mostly listen via a USB stick in the car rather than giving the music my full attention. I have added ‘Song of India’ which is surprisingly missing.
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Mike from L.I. 08-08-2019
03:10 PM ET (US) IP: 100.37.226.122
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Or how about "I would never join a club which would accept someone like me as a member"
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Fred Day 08-08-2019
02:00 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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The great Groucho Marx had hundreds of great lines in his long career. One of my favorite Groucho lines: "I never forget a face but in your case I'll make an exception!!" What a line!! Ciao.
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Martino1 08-07-2019
07:31 PM ET (US) IP: 104.255.4.145
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 I'll never forget this classic line by Groucho Marx. He was asked by some reporter what he thought of the big movie hit of the time, "Samson and Delilah", starring Victor Mature and Hedy Lamarr. Groucho said he did not see it, "because I never go to a picture where the leading man has a bigger chest than the leading lady"! Or words to that effect. Edited 08-07-2019 07:44 PM
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Kristine Cimmy 08-07-2019
06:40 PM ET (US) IP: 96.59.1.174
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Howard Keel,wrote in his autobiography, that Mario Lanza had an eye for Amanda Blake. She was Miss Kitty on "Gunsmoke". Keel's daughter, Bodhi was married to actor Edward James Olmos, but I heard they divorced. I think,opera singers, today, have heard about Mario Lanza. As I wrote, before, Victoria Mature(daughter of Victor Mature)is an opera singer and loves Mario Lanza. She has sung in the San Diego area and I'm facebook friends with her. She, also, has a facebook page promoting her father. My late mother had a "crush" on Victor Mature.
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Kristine Cimmy 08-07-2019
06:32 PM ET (US) IP: 96.59.1.174
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I have heard of and seen The 100 Best Songs of entertainers. I wonder, if the day comes, there will be a Mario Lanza Collection of all his movies in one DVD's package ?
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Martino1 08-07-2019
05:30 PM ET (US) IP: 104.255.4.145
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I think I mentioned this before some time ago but since we have been discussing Lanza CDs I thought it is worth bringing up again. We all know that the recent Sepia disks represent some of the best sounding Lanza album reproductions available anywhere. But for less critical listening, such as playing through your computer disk drive or in your automobile where the remastering technology is negated somewhat, there is a bargain CD set that will suit such applications just fine. This CD set is part of a series called "100 Hits - Legends". The series is a compilation of 100 of the "best" recordings made by legendary artists. There are dozens of artists besides Lanza represented in this series, including Sinatra, Franklin, Martin, Armstrong, Cash, Garland, Como, etc. The Lanza offering contains five disks in one, compact package that can easily fit almost anywhere in your car. The sound is certainly acceptable and the disks are chock full of Lanza's "best" recordings. I'll let you judge if the 100 songs/arias included represent the "best" but I'm sure you won't find many missing. This could be the most complete compilation of Lanza disks available in one package. The notes are scant and there are no photos or fancy packaging but for the ridiculous price of $12 what can you expect? Two disks are dedicated - one strictly devoted to opera arias and the other contains only Italian songs. Keep the Sepia disks for playing through your main home system but the "Legends" package will work well enough for everything else. Just for your information, according to my playback device, these recordings are 44.1kHz/16bit which basically means cd quality. Technology has broken through this standard of course but at least it tells you these disks are not an inferior reproduction and more than good enough for most PC optical drives or while driving in a car. All the "Legends" packages are available at internet sources such as Amazon. Edited 08-07-2019 05:32 PM
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Martino1 08-07-2019
08:48 AM ET (US) IP: 104.255.4.145
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Linz highlights yet another example of Lanza influencing and inspiring singers, even 60 years after his death. How many other artists can claim that kind of inspiration? I listened to Sean Patrick Murtagh on youtube. His voice is pleasant enough, more Irish tenor in quality with the high notes nearly all in full head voice. Certainly a far cry from the spinto sound necessary to convey the dramatic quality of how Lanza sang but that is not the point; I am sure he will do a good job of honoring Mario both in his singing and the story he will tell. He seems sincere and understanding and his quote, "This show is not about what he (Mario) did wrong or could have done different. This show is about his accomplishments and legacy". That Murtagh has taken this position and highlighted it tells us a great deal and so I believe Mario's artistry and legacy will be well served.
The setting for Sean's show is a small one, cabaret in style, which is perfectly suited to his voice and personal style, at least judging from the few songs I heard him sing on youtube. He would be overwhelmed in a larger venue such as a concert hall so this intimacy found in the Green Room 42 should assist him in what he is trying to accomplish. If anyone is in NYC at the time (opens Aug. 14) try to take in the show (tickets seem cheap enough, even by "Hell's Kitchen" standards, where the club is located). If you can attend, please come back here with a review. And thanks Linz for bringing this show to our attention.
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Linz1 08-07-2019
04:02 AM ET (US) IP: 125.238.168.57
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Beautiful tribute to Mario here:
https://www.broadwayworld.com/cabaret/arti...en-Room-42-20190806
Excerpts:
BWW Interview: Sean Patrick Murtagh Debuts MARIO! at Green Room 42
Sean Patrick Murtagh has been making the rounds lately, hitting the open mic nights in the nightclubs and cabarets and wowing the crowds with a voice the like of which is not heard every day. This writer sat in one of those open mic crowds, eyes and jaw both wide open in wonder, and took mental note of the date August 14th because that is the night Mr. Murtagh will debut his new cabaret musical Mario! Mario! Is a tribute to an artist from the last century that was known as the golden tenor of Hollywood, Mario Lanza, and given the performance I saw, Mr. Murtagh is the right man for the job. A San Francisco native, Sean Patrick is still considered a fixture of the cabaret scene there, even though he has been living and working in New York City for a while, and with Mario! He will make his Manhattan solo cabaret debut. The intimate and nostalgic evening, directed by Chris Giordano and musical directed by Cody Dry, will feature music from classic Hollywood musicals, the world of Opera, and some Neapolitan favorites, all put on display by Mr. Murtagh's own golden vocal cords.
After witnessing his Herculean vocal performance at an open mic, I reached out to the singing actor, who told me a little about the enterprise and action of creating this one-man musical love letter to an idol worth remembering.
Sean, who is Mario?
Mario Lanza is the golden tenor. He's the icon, what to live up to, what to aspire to. He is, for me, a mentor from beyond. His legacy really sits with me and is an inspiration.
Mario Lanza's been gone a long time, you're a young dude - how did his first artistry reach your attention?
I was introduced to him by my voice teacher in San Francisco, Richard, who was another tremendous singer - big, huge, larger than life voice, touched by god and when I started training with him he said "You need to listen to Mario and that's how we need to start training your voice. It's what you need to aspire to be. Keep listening to him, don't mimic him but listen and find what he's doing and how he's doing it, how he's filling all that space with passion while still respecting his instrument." That's when my love affair with Mario began and has been going on ever since.
Why do you think it's important to put this spotlight on Mario now?
A lot of times when we talk about singers like Mario, whether or not people are familiar with him, for those who are, the constant sentiment is "Oh we just don't make singers like that anymore" or "What a gift, it's a shame nobody sings like that anymore". No, people DO! We just don't celebrate them, and we need to change that. We need to celebrate those singers and not forget that this is great singing. This is a beautiful art form and I think, especially, the bigger goal of mine is to introduce him to a newer audience. I'm glad to share this love affair with people who grew up listening to him, whose Nana's played the records growing up, who have such an experience with Mario - I'm glad to share that with them and relive those memories. But I think that it's really important, because he's a wonderful role model, as far as singing goes, for young artists to aspire to - to sing with full passion, everything you have, feel every moment, and to not let anything slip through. That's my bigger goal, to share him, because I think we need more mentors like that - people need singers like Mario to look up to.
This show is about more than just Mario, to you, isn't it?
Yes. Richard was a very influential man in my life. He took a chance on me, I worked for him in exchange for voice lessons and he really believed in me. I was almost like his protegee, but unfortunately, he had more in common with Mario than just a voice - he had his demons and it ended up spoiling our working relationship, and I left him as a student, as an employee, and as a friend - and he was more like family. It really hurt - it was as if he died. Richard did end up passing away and it was like I had to mourn him twice - and I got very angry, and all my experiences with him were soured. Then one day I was at work and I was listening to Mario, as I tend to, and I just started crying. Uncontrollable. But it was also beautiful and in that moment I felt that I had this healing with Richard, I was forgiving him. Mario kind of taught me how to forgive him. I realized that while Richard couldn't take care of himself and be there to protect himself, while he couldn't be the mentor for me, he had given me Mario, as somebody to look after me in his absence. It was a really beautiful moment of communion and reconciliation at the same time, and letting go and forgiving. I couldn't do the show if I didn't do it in honor of Richard as well - those are my two big tenors, two big influences. So now when I listen to Mario, I'm also hearing Richard as well.
Sean Patrick Murtagh in Mario! Plays Green Room 42 on August 14 at 7:00 pm
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Valeria Pugiotto 08-07-2019
12:02 AM ET (US) IP: 5.90.157.130
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Julie, I did drive by Villa Badoglio, but it was impossible to enter, since it is the Chinese Embassy. I also stopped at the Church where Mario’s funeral was held.
I work as a tour guide in Rome, and whenever I stop by a place where Mario did ‘The Seven Hills of Rome’, I mention it to my clients, if I know they are fans and/or Opera lovers.
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Fred Day 08-06-2019
08:21 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Lanza did meet Judy Garland. In Terry Robinson's book, Terry tells of an escapade Mario had with Judy in a parked car. Naughty!! Ciao.
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Kristine Cimmy 08-06-2019
07:47 PM ET (US) IP: 96.59.1.174
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I don't know if Mario ever met Marilyn Monroe, but Howard Keel did. He wrote about the romances he had with her, in his autobiography. I assume Mario was a fan of Joe DiMaggio. I heard that MM gave a Caruso recording to Joe. I wonder if she liked opera and Lanza ?
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Fred Day 08-06-2019
03:15 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Julie: No, I never lived in Port St. Lucie. My parents used to live in Fort Pierce, just below Vero Beach. But they are now deceased. Ciao.
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Julie Page 08-06-2019
11:41 AM ET (US) IP: 74.79.51.67
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Sorry Derek,I'm forgetful. No complaints. Still love it. You're puzzled!! Help! Fred , were you ever living in St. Lucie? Thought I read that. Hello, Valeria, just wondering ,have you ever driven by Villa Badoglio where Mario lived? Hear it 's the Chinese Embassy , or was. Might be tricky. Now to listen again to "Poetry and Passion".
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Derek McG 08-06-2019
08:58 AM ET (US) IP: 192.199.53.131
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Julie/Suzanne: I'm puzzled by your recent post about the new Sepia Records CD, "All the Things You Are." In it you wrote that it was a shame that Mario's recording of "Beautiful Love" hadn't been included on the disc. But that particular recording was featured on the *previous* Sepia CD (2018's "Poetry and Passion")! Surely it was a bit too soon to be repeating it?!
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Valeria Pugiotto 08-06-2019
12:02 AM ET (US) IP: 5.90.154.206
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Good morning from Rome!
I wonder if Mario and Marilyn Monroe knew each other. Does anybody know?
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Fred Day 08-05-2019
03:21 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Julie: No, I am in Orlando, Florida. That's in the center of the state. Ciao.
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Julie Page 08-05-2019
02:43 PM ET (US) IP: 74.79.51.67
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Yes., a happy Birthday wish for Antonio Benedetto, a favorite for so many years. I wonder if he will continue to sing occasionally. His bio never mentioned Mario though they were contemporaries. About Rita Moreno. I've read that she subsequently married a doctor and saw her lovely daughter on a show not so long ago. She was living in Pasadena when I wrote to her some time ago, no reply. btw, I misspoke the lyric of Beautiful Love. It's "reaching for Heaven ", still sublime.Fred. are you in Port St Lucie? My husband had some property left to him there but sold it without seeing it.
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Fred Day 08-04-2019
01:26 AM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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August 2nd was the 98th anniversary of the death of Caruso. Remember that Lanza was 6 months old on the day Caruso died. Lanza would now be 98 and a half. Di Stefano was only 9 days old on the day that Caruso died. Ciao.
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Kristine Cimmy 08-03-2019
10:16 PM ET (US) IP: 96.59.1.174
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Happy 93rd Birthday, Tony Bennett !
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Martino1 08-03-2019
01:35 PM ET (US) IP: 104.255.4.145
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I agree that any mention of "The Toast of New Orleans" and Mario Lanza during the Moreno documentary will be only in passing, if at all. That movie is considered nothing more than a footnote in Moreno's long and illustrious career. It was one of her first film roles but beyond that it was of no real significance to her or her career.
Rita's relationship with Brando, her botched abortion and her attempted suicide will take center stage in any documentary of her life, especially one that will be co-produced by Norman Lear. My guess is that Lear, because of his long history of political activism, will surely explore how this talented Latina was exploited by the establishment. That kind of stuff is what sells these days and what the public wants to know more about, not a two-bit role in a film that is for the most part a forgotten part of her career and movie history. Lear above all others understands that. The title of his documentary will give you a clue of Lear's direction: "Rita Moreno - The Girl Who Decided To Go For It".
I am looking forward to seeing this doco only because I am a fan of Rita Moreno, not because I am looking for some mention of Mario Lanza. Should she talk at length about Lanza or the movie they appeared together in so much the better but I certainly won't be holding my breath for that moment.
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Julie Page 08-03-2019
12:02 PM ET (US) IP: 74.79.51.67
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Kristine, I doubt there will be a mention of Mario, since Rita hardly mentioned him in her own bio. She was always too obsessed with Marlon Brando. Listened to the Sepia yesterday for the first time. Always like to listen to it more than once.Beautiful Love would have been a welcome addition."I was contented, Searching for Heaven".Sublime.
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Al Canez 08-02-2019
12:50 PM ET (US) IP: 69.121.88.171
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T read that the docu will be aired in2020
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Kristine Cimmy 08-01-2019
10:15 PM ET (US) IP: 96.59.1.174
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There will be a documentary about Rita Moreno on "American Masters" PBS. It will be co-produced by Norman Lear. I wonder if "The Toast of New Orleans" and Mario Lanza will be mentioned ?
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Kristine Cimmy 08-01-2019
02:49 PM ET (US) IP: 96.59.1.174
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Ann Sothern will also be one of the Stars honored with Summer Under The Stars, on TCM.
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Kristine Cimmy 07-31-2019
07:01 PM ET (US) IP: 96.59.1.174
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TCM's Summer Under The Stars starts tomorrow until August 31st. Some of the Stars' movies shown will be Henry Fonda, Shirley MacLaine, Lena Horne, Errol Flynn, Humphrey Bogart, Irene Dunne, Walter Brennan, Marlon Brando, Liv Ullman, Audrey Hepburn, Kirk Douglas, Susan Hayward(I'm facebook friends with her son, Tim Barker), and Rita Moreno("The Toast of New Orleans" will be shown). By the way, Colleen Lanza Davis was a screenwriter, at the time of her death. Does anyone know for what movies, she wrote screenplays for ?
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Fred Day 07-31-2019
05:52 AM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Chris: To answer your question, no specific reason was given. I think the probable reason is that Eva Franchi (Sergio's widow) can no longer handle the work involved, each year. I think she is about age 80 now. That is my guess. Ciao.
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Chris Johns 07-30-2019
10:23 PM ET (US) IP: 69.142.223.152
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Fred, why are the stopping the Sergio festival? I’ve had the new Sepia disk for a couple of weeks now...will post my thoughts soon. I would like to thank all those involved with the creation of these Sepia disks. I know a lot is involved. THANKS FOR KEEPING LANZA, THE MAN AND THE VOICE ALIVE.
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Kristine Cimmy 07-30-2019
07:02 PM ET (US) IP: 96.59.1.174
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Next month(August) Selected movie theaters will show 5 colorized episodes of "I Love Lucy", in a movie format, in conjunction with Lucille Ball's birthday(Aug. 6th). There will be DVD's of colorized "I Love Lucy" episodes, released, too. Tony Cocozza met both Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz. Lucy would him "Pops" , as did Elizabeth Taylor. It would be wonderful if any of Mario Lanza's movies would be re-released to movie theaters.
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Kristine Cimmy 07-30-2019
06:58 PM ET (US) IP: 96.59.1.174
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I listened to the new Mario Lanza cd. I like it. He sang "Besame Mucho". On You Tube, there is the audition of The Beatles, from 1962, for Decca Records. They sang "Besame Mucho". However, Decca Records rejected them. Are there any plans to release all of Mario Lanza's movies in one package of DVD's ?
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Barbara Clifton 07-30-2019
06:21 PM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.66
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(aka Diane Cox) Yes, Fred, Netrebko. Sorry should have been more specific. She travels widely and wears bright interesting clothes always. A Diva for sure, yet seems very down to earth.
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Fred Day 07-30-2019
05:27 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Diane: That photo is not Anna Moffo. Who is it?? Anna Netrebko?? Ciao.
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Julie Page 07-30-2019
02:51 PM ET (US) IP: 74.79.51.67
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DEREK still haven't had a chance to listen to the "new" CD, but have read the notes. You've exceeded yourself. Thank you.
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Barbara Clifton 07-30-2019
02:11 PM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.66
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Here's a treat for Anna's fans - in Strasburg recently
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Martino1 07-29-2019
08:50 PM ET (US) IP: 104.255.4.145
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A reminder to all that one of the greatest MET broadcasts of all time can be heard on Sirius on Wednesday, July 31 (6:00 pm Eastern). This was the first broadcast from the new MET Opera House and it took place on 12/3/1966 - and it was spectacular! Puccini's "Turandot" with Birgit Nilsson in the title role, Franco Corelli as Calaf, Mirella Freni as Liu, Bonaldo Giaiotti as Timur, with the young conductor Zubin Metha. This has to be the greatest performance of "Turandot" ever. You can go to Amazon and buy the record for $289.00 or get a subscription to Sirius for much less and hear it in the best sound possible. Chances are you will never hear singing like this again. Should you miss it the performance will be rebroadcast on Friday evening. Here is the entire riddle scene you can sample: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P_apPxxBMZ8
More highlights here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1lK8o9fl0L...T8IYQ&index=10&t=0s
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Fred Day 07-29-2019
01:08 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Note: Sat August 24th will be the final concert of the Sergio Franchi Music Foundation at the Franchi estate in Stonington, Connecticut. It is the 25th annual concert, and will be the final (last) concert. The grounds open at noon. The concert starts at 2pm. The address is 91 Sergio Franchi Drive, Stonington, Conn. 06378. Ciao.
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Barbara Clifton 07-27-2019
02:05 PM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.66
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(aka Diane Cox) Have been listening to the Sepia CD and trying to make sensible comments. Eventually I will make a post about it.
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Julie Page 07-27-2019
11:00 AM ET (US) IP: 74.79.51.67
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Mike, health wise, perhaps not, but I think he was ready and had enough of films.We can only wish, but still thankful for what we did have of him. Eddie Fisher didn't do so well,himself, by the way. I received my CD yesterday, but imagine the frustration. no time to listen until next week. Good weekend everyone!
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Mike from L.I. 07-27-2019
10:09 AM ET (US) IP: 100.37.226.122
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Barbara, Julie et.al. All the speculation about Mario seriously turning to opera--I don't know, I have serious doubts about his being able to pull it off health wise, vocally, dedication, and many other issues. My greatest regret was the Student Prince fiasco with MGM which caused us to lose at least another year of Coke show recordings when he was so young and vibrant. BTW, do you remember who replaced him on radio and then moved on to TV. Answer: Eddie Fisher. That could have been Mario's destiny.. What a shame.
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Julie Page 07-24-2019
04:28 PM ET (US) IP: 74.79.51.67
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My last post thanking Derek for the translation has disappeared or didn't make it here at all. Problems posting again for some reason. Mike and Martino, please keep posting. We're reading though not replying, not able to express our thoughts as you do. But appreciating everything. Can't imagine anyone treasuring Mario more than I do but maybe we all feel that way.Fingers crossed here.
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Barbara Clifton 07-23-2019
11:35 PM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.66
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Thanks for the reply, Mike. Also have what I thought was everything, but keep buying, thinking the newer ones will sound different. Fortunately my hearing is still excellent at 80.
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Mike from L.I. 07-23-2019
07:06 PM ET (US) IP: 100.37.226.122
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Martino-Thank you for responding-You have answered me before--maybe a year or more ago. It is always appreciated. Barbara I have almost everything Mario ever commercially recorded, but with my hearing deteriorating, it doesn't pay to get new releases. Unaided, my hearing is slightly muffled, and amplified, it sounds a bit tinny. My greatest joy is the 15 disk Coke set I bought directly from Damon Lanza years ago. We had a nice correspondence at the time. All in all I don't see the need to add these new Sepia releases to duplicate my collection.I also have the Jeff Rense collection and many LP's and CD's.
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Martino1 07-23-2019
01:15 PM ET (US) IP: 104.255.4.145
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Mike, join the crowd. We all get ignored from time to time when we post something and it happens more often than not. I have talked about that a hundred times and how frustrating it can be. Use to be I would talk here extensively about singers (new and old), operas and opera performances that I had heard either live, on radio or record and I would give fairly extensive reviews because I believed some people might find them interesting, as was the case here years ago. Instead, these sort of things became of interest to only a couple people, which I found a bit surprising considering the subject matter of this forum. Accordingly, I no longer bother with that except on very rare occasions. We were told time and again that we should post things no matter what because there are thousands of people who read the forum but do not participate. I called these people, our "phantom" Mario Lanza fans. Well guess what? I don't believe in shadowy apparitions. If they don't post, if they don't participate, if they don't ask or answer questions or make comments, as far as I am concerned they do not exist.
In your case I remember you asked questions and commented about Lanza singing off pitch and that you saw Howard Keel in a musical. I know I responded to your post, at least in part, regarding Lanza singing off pitch. It may not have been directly to your point or exactly what you were looking for but I think it was in the ball park nonetheless. Yes, I know the feeling you have and what you are talking about but we just keep plodding along, hoping that maybe one in a hundred posts starts a meaningful discussion. In any forum there are many, many words written but you always have to look hard to find the real chestnuts and words of wisdom that makes it all worthwhile. So don't get discouraged, you are not alone.
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Barbara Clifton 07-23-2019
01:13 PM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.66
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Mike from LI - I believe, looking back, that Martino gave a very long answer to your post. As he mentioned we have the discussion about flat and sharp singing every few years.
Have you listened to the new Sepia CD? Do you hear any flat notes on it?
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Mike from L.I. 07-23-2019
11:44 AM ET (US) IP: 100.37.226.122
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A while back on the thirteenth I posted a few comments and observations hoping to stimulate a discussion but got ignored as usual! Oh well. That's why I seldom post.
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Martino1 07-21-2019
04:46 PM ET (US) IP: 104.255.4.145
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Fred, btw, let me know when you get the disk and if it works.
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Martino1 07-21-2019
04:45 PM ET (US) IP: 104.255.4.145
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Yep, it was a typo, thanks for catching it.
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Fred Day 07-21-2019
03:09 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Caruso's most expensive 78's, during the acoustic period, was the Lucia sextet. In second place, price wise, was the Rigoletto quartet. He made 3 different recordings of the Lucia sextet, and 4 different recordings of the Rigoletto quartet. Ciao.
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Fred Day 07-21-2019
02:59 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Martino: You made a slight error: Caruso recorded Pour Un Baiser on Nov 6, 1909, not 1919. I think that error was only a typo error. And, by the way, the French lyrics were written by a man named Doncieux. I do not know if the song was ever sung in Italian. Perhaps, but I have never heard it sung in any language except French. PS: I also found a recording of it by Alfredo Kraus. Ciao.
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Martino1 07-21-2019
12:31 PM ET (US) IP: 104.255.4.145
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I also love "Pour un Baiser" but other than it being composed by Tosti, I really never knew much about it. While watching the "Open" golf championship on tv, a strange question just popped in my head for no real reason - just how much did the first record of this beautiful song cost? My computer was right next to me so I thought I would find out. Enrico Caruso recorded it 11/06/1919, and as was the case with all short songs recorded at the time (at least those recorded by Caruso) it was priced at $1.00.
It is interesting how RCA priced Caruso records, and maybe other artists of the time as well. If the song was short and only Caruso's voice was heard the cost was $1.00 (for a 10" record). If the song was longer and required a 12" record, the cost jumped up to $1.50. A short duet cost $1.50 even if it was on a 10" record because two voices were heard, but a longer duet cost $2.00. There were even a couple trios Caruso recorded (Faust, eg.) that fetched $2.50 because three singers had to paid. RCA apparently took the position that regardless if it was opera, popular song, Neapolitan or whatever, their pricing was based on two factors: number of singers and length (size) of the record, at least in the case of Enrico Caruso.
Putting this in perspective, $1.50 in 1910 dollars is something like $40.00 today in actual purchasing power (during this time, the real value of the dollar has decreased). That kind of money back then was big bucks, especially to the poor immigrants that came over from Europe who were dying to buy Caruso records, and managed to do so by the thousands. The inflation rate should be considered too. Back then the inflation rate was nearly 4.5% while today it is half that. So how much $1.50 in 1910 money is worth today on a dollar to dollar basis is irrelevant, it is how much buying power does it have in comparison. Yes, I know this is basic economics but it shows an interesting contrast between the cost of recordings of the great singers of yesterday and those of today.
The latest Sepia disk has 25 songs for about twelve bucks and in a quality that makes the Caruso records sound pre-historic. We've come a long way and I can't imagine anyone considering this disk "too expensive", especially when compared with just one Caruso song. Well, I am aware that none of this means much but in doing just a little digging around the edges of "Pour un Basier", I learned a few things I did not know and whenever I learn something, no matter how trivial, I consider it time well spent.
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Derek McG 07-20-2019
09:35 PM ET (US) IP: 91.134.2.190
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Hi Suzanne: Here's the English translation of the lyrics of Pour un Baiser. And, yes, what a haunting rendition of this song Mario left us! It's one of my favourite recordings. Pour un baiser sur ta peau parfumee, pour un baiser dans l'or de tes cheveux recois mon ame toute, o bien-aimee! Tu comblerais l'infini de mes voeux... Par un baiser! Pour un baiser distille dans tes levres, profond, tenace et lent comme un adieu, souffrir le mal d'amour, et de ses fievres bruler, languir et mourir peu a peu... dans un baiser! For a kiss on your scented skin, for a kiss amidst the gold of your hair, accept my whole soul, oh beloved! You would fill the infinity of my wishes... through a kiss! For a kiss hidden in your lips, deep, tenacious and slow like a farewell, to suffer love-sickness and to burn with its fever, to languish and to die, little by little... in a kiss! Edited 07-21-2019 06:16 AM
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Julie Page 07-20-2019
03:58 PM ET (US) IP: 74.79.51.67
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Fred, thank you! As soon as something else puzzles me I'll be sure to ask you. Yes, it really is a lovely song and I love the way that Mario does it justice. Can't get it out of my mind. "My Italian Soul" is a favorite CD and I listen to it often. How about you?
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Fred Day 07-20-2019
02:40 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Suzanne: Pour Un Baiser (For A Kiss) is a French song by Tosti. Caruso recorded it in 1909. Lanza in 1959. Jose Carreras also recorded it. Lovely song. What else do you want to know?? Ciao.
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Julie Page 07-20-2019
02:17 PM ET (US) IP: 74.79.51.67
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Julie Page(Suzanne) Sam, sorry to hear you're feeling unwell again. Hope it only lasts a short time. My thoughts are with you.I have a question I hope someone can answer. Since listening again recently to "My Italian Soul" I've had "Pour Un Baiser" in my subconscious constantly. This happens frequently , that one song will stay with me for days after I've heard it. Not a bad thing of course. But there's no information about this one, sung in French by Mario. It's haunting me. Anyone tell me anything about it?Thanks, if you can.
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Chris Johns 07-19-2019
08:09 PM ET (US) IP: 69.142.223.152
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Sam, hope you are well soon. Hang in there buddy!!❤️🙏
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Kristine Cimmy 07-19-2019
12:11 PM ET (US) IP: 96.59.1.174
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Sam, I hope you feel better again, soon.
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Fred Day 07-19-2019
11:47 AM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Sam: I hope you are well again soon, and that you return here, soon. You will be much missed. Ciao.
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Martino1 07-19-2019
09:47 AM ET (US) IP: 104.255.4.145
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Good luck to you, Sam.
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Sam Million 07-19-2019
09:12 AM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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To all my friends here. I am in a depression again and will not be posting or reading. Life is very tough for me.
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Barbara Clifton 07-18-2019
12:57 PM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.66
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(aka Diane Cox) Will do Martino.
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Martino1 07-17-2019
05:19 PM ET (US) IP: 104.255.4.145
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What I wanted to say to you Diane is to go back and read the comments and reviews of Perigo, McGovern and Sam Samulean (spl) as there is a lot of good information there that will help you. It may take some effort to find the posts. Or go to the McGovern forum site where you can learn about the people who worked to get this cd made and their various contributions. In the end, however, judge this disk for yourself and let us know what you think.
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Martino1 07-17-2019
05:04 PM ET (US) IP: 104.255.4.145
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I sent a message to Diane and it included a link to McGovern's forum. It was blocked. Why?
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Julie Page 07-17-2019
03:30 PM ET (US) IP: 74.79.51.67
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Julie Page. Derek, it isn't you, It's just that I never get enough of reading about Mario. Haven't received my copy yet,soon I hope.
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Barbara Clifton 07-17-2019
03:05 PM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.66
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(aka Diane Cox) My copy of the new CD arrived while I was out of town - just got in so will listen later in the day. Glad to have several reviews so I know what to expect and look for.
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Fred Day 07-17-2019
12:32 AM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Re: the wrong word (bring vs send) in Love Is The Sweetest Thing, there are 2 takes. Take 1, which had the error, was released on the old "Touch of Your Hand" LP. Take 2, which was broadcast, did not have the error - the error was corrected. The correct word is send. Ciao.
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Derek McG 07-16-2019
11:23 PM ET (US) IP: 91.134.2.190
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Martino: I was delighted to wake up to your superb review this morning, and I've taken the liberty of posting it on the Google forum as well. I've also forwarded it to Richard Tay, Managing Director of Sepia Records, who will be equally delighted, I'm sure.
By the way, I was fully intending to mention the fluffed line in "Love Is the Sweetest Thing" in my liner notes, but simply ran out of space! As you know, Sepia has always been very generous with their booklets (which is why I was a little taken aback to read Julie Page/Suzanne's recent lament here that the notes for previous Sepia releases haven't been long enough!), but on this occasion I well and truly exceeded the allotted word limit. Apologies to anyone who ends up resorting to a magnifying glass to read my notes :)
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Linz1 07-16-2019
10:25 PM ET (US) IP: 125.239.169.19
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Sensational review of the new CD, Martino. Every comment right on the money! A joy to read.
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Julie Page 07-16-2019
02:44 PM ET (US) IP: 74.79.51.67
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Julie Page. Thanks Fred. I'd never heard it before. Have to say that when I listened to Del Monaco singing it, it sounded harsh to me. Pavarotti's was much sweeter. Martino, thanks for your critique. Looking forward to getting the Sepia , soon. How do we never tire of hearing Mario and listening for "new" things?
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Fred Day 07-16-2019
02:04 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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"Un Amore Cosi Grande" was written in 1976 by Alberto Testa and Eros Sciorilli. I think Del Monaco was the first to record it, in 1976. Others that recorded it: Pavarotti, Andrea Bocelli, Claudio Villa, Il Volo (the 3 young men trio), Vladimir Atlantov, Jonas Kaufmann, and a few others. The Pavarotti recording is with Henry Mancini conducting - their second album together. Ciao.
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Martino1 07-16-2019
01:26 PM ET (US) IP: 104.255.4.145
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What a beautiful disk is Sepia's "All The Things You Are"! The sound is the best of any Lanza cd in existence and I don't mean just in eliminating pops and crackles or improvement of dynamic range, pitch correctness, etc. which of course it does all superbly. One exception for the last "Vesti", which is understandable considering the source. What I mean is in the remastering capturing the essence of the Lanza voice. Whoever did the remastering understood this voice completely, allowing the engineering to bring it to us in all its glory, natural and with nothing added or subtracted from the vocal quality itself.
We have many disks that show off Lanza's voice in terms of the characteristics we often talk about such as passion, enthusiasm, excitement, beauty of voice, diction, so on and so forth. But there is one adjective we often fail to include and that is "sweetness". No disk or album I own (and I think I have them all) shows off the element of Lanza's "sweetness" of voice as well and clearly as this one and I think that is why we don't talk very much about this wonderful Lanza characteristic. The disk brings out a more sweet, and along with it, a more youthful Lanza sound and there are many, many examples of this quality on this cd. "Gypsy Love Song" has always been a sugar coated song, wistful and melancholia in character but it never sounded so light and sweet as this. I attribute it to the clarity of sound that allows that maudlin sentiment to come through loud and clear. Even the little trill at the end is heard more clearly than ever before. I feel this is precisely how Lanza wanted this song to sound.
All the high notes are clear and more thrilling than ever; the low notes have more resonance; the accompaniments and orchestras are crystal clear and enhance the singing rather than overwhelm the voice (check out the piano in "Mamma Mia" which is clearly heard but without harshness and at just the right loudness, unlike the soundtrack). It is as though these recordings were made today, not 70 years ago.
We can talk about the actual singing of these songs forever but that has been done a hundred times, it is the quality of transfers that is the news here as far as I am concerned. The selections from the "Caruso Favorites" Italian song album are better than ever. For the first time the songs show the dramatic quality of Lanza's "mature" voice but allows for the brilliance to shine forth. On the album the studio engineers shamefully placed a veil over the voice with a dark hue that suppressed that brilliance. "Vieni Sul Mar" is a revelation and is as though I am hearing it for the first time. Listen to the ending of "La Mia Canzone". Have you ever heard a "mature and dramatic" voice sound more "sweet", for a lack of a better term? In Italian the musical term marking on the composer's compositions is marked "dolce" and it is this "dolce" quality of the Lanza voice that this disk captures better than any other I have heard. "O Soave Fanciulla" sounds like it should, from the throat of a very young man. In fact, Lanza makes it sound like some stupendous voice of a teenager! The disk brings this important, youthful quality of the duet out front and center.
Another quality of this transfer is the ability to hear how well Lanza emphasized his words. There are countless examples. One is "Love Is The Sweetest Thing". When he proclaims, "Love is the greatest thing" there is no mistake that that is exactly what he means, not love is a "nice" thing, not that it is a "good" thing or whatever - there is no doubt in anyone's mind that it IS the "Greatest" thing with a capital "G"! In "Do You Wonder" when Mario sings the word "Love" he means it, he does not mean like, nor compatible, not akin or anything of the sort - it is LOVE! and he makes sure you know it. Of course this kind of "clarity" also shows defects as well. For example, in "Love Is The Sweetest Thing", I noticed that Lanza messed up on a word or two that I missed in my previous hearings of this song because I did not notice the couplet was missing. In the phrase, "Whatever fate may send", Lanza inserts the word "bring" in place of "send". No big deal at all but the word used should rhyme (as all the others do with each verse) with the last word in the following verse which is "end". Without the rhyme it looses some of its effectiveness. The result is that it sounds a little funny because "bring" does not rhyme with "end" and throws the song's cadence off balance a tad at the couplet. But the few things like this we may notice because of the enhanced clarity are not even worth mentioning when looking at this disk as a whole.
The cd is a good, generous (25 tracks) compilation of some of Lanza's best singing and at a bargain price. No doubt we could spend days talking about this disk but I suggest you just go buy it. You will not regret it for a moment. Kudos to Sepia and everyone involved in bringing such a high quality product to fruition.
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Julie Page 07-16-2019
11:03 AM ET (US) IP: 74.79.51.67
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Julie Page(Suzanne) Yes, Derek, a delight to hear. Anyone know the origin of "Un Amore Cosi Grande"?
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Valeria Pugiotto 07-16-2019
03:01 AM ET (US) IP: 5.90.148.103
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Thank you, Derek! Always very efficient!
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Julie Page 07-15-2019
04:15 PM ET (US) IP: 74.79.51.67
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JULIE PAGE . Listened to Del Monaco's "Un Amore", but preferred Pavarotti's version., To both Del Monaco's and Boccelli's.Can't imagine what Mario's would have been like.Wonderful,I'm sure.
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Julie Page 07-15-2019
03:46 PM ET (US) IP: 74.79.51.67
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Julie Page(Suzanne). I agree that Mario, if he'd had the chance,would have pursued Opera again. as I believe he was "over" Hollywood by that time and was seeing things in a different light. We can only speculate and wish . He probably would have given Opera a whole new audience. Just imagine!Fred, I wasn't fond of the sensational aspect of that show, but did see it, and hope that people were convinced that the awful Mafia story wasn't true. His health was so bad then, that it wasn't meant to be. Of course, that was just as terrible to have happen.
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Derek McG 07-15-2019
05:56 AM ET (US) IP: 202.49.183.168
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Some weeks back, I posted the audio of Mario's extended radio interview in Italian for the RAI broadcast of "La Mia Vita per il Canto" on October 4, 1959. Thanks to the efforts of Steff Walzinger and Armando Cesari, the English translation is now available as well:
https://www.mariolanzatenor.com/audio-interviews.html#family
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Valeria Pugiotto 07-15-2019
12:15 AM ET (US) IP: 5.90.156.112
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Fred, I agree with you! The best ‘Un amore cosi’ grande’ is the one sung by Del Monaco. I have always thought that Bocelli is way too overrated. I find Bocelli quite a mediocre tenor...
Mario would have melted the heart of the world with his rendition of this song.
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Fred Day 07-14-2019
12:00 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Jim Thompson: My favorite "Un Amore Cosi Grande" recording is by Del Monaco, one of his last recordings. Pity that Lanza didn't live to record it. Neither did Sergio Franchi, unfortunately. Ciao.
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Al Canez 07-14-2019
11:07 AM ET (US) IP: 69.121.88.171
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Jim Thompson here Martino. As usual your comments and descriptions of the greatest voice we know are where they should be. "Marioisms" have inspired so many singers over these many years.
After playing "Un Amore Cosi Grande" in the car this morning by Bocelli, I imagine what Mario would have poured out into that song. My only other recording is Pavarotti's but my money sits with
Andrea on this one. Enjoy your week-ends.
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Martino1 07-14-2019
08:38 AM ET (US) IP: 104.255.4.145
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It seems we are going back once again to Lanza singing off-pitch. We have this discussion from time to time and I have made my thoughts known each time it comes up. In fact, we had this same discussion about a month or two ago so let me repeat once again (with minor alterations and additions) my input on this subject as I did then and at other times in the past:
"The fact of the matter is Lanza did sing "off-pitch" now and then, especially at the start of his career. But I must tell you I would rather celebrate the good singing Mario did and include the "bad" only as part of the whole song analysis, instead of concentrating specifically on sharp or flat notes or otherwise what people would consider "off-pitch" singing. The reason is that we have to go further to explain to people that in some cases that is not a terribly bad thing, or at least not as bad as it sounds. Singing sharp or flat is not what singers want to do of course, however, in some cases, such as Corelli and Lanza (and to a lessor extent, Jussi Bjorling), it could often enhance the excitement of the performance.
One thing that makes tenor singing exciting is that they often sing "on the edge", especially in the upper reaches of their voices. It is a very dangerous place to be and hitting every note spot on is of course the ideal but in so doing it could be suppressing the enthusiasm of the overall performance in lieu of "correctness". Will that "correctness" be as exciting to the audience? Is it the goal of the singer to be perfect in a technically enhanced way (Bergonzi comes to mind), in order to demonstrate artistic proficiency above all else, or is the goal to be as communicative and exciting as possible to the listener, which I believe describes Lanza? After the singer makes a stylistic choice based on training and personality, they sing accordingly.
Lanza singing sharp was usually a direct result of being too exuberant and we all know that Mario, especially in the first stage of his career, was one of the most "exuberant" singers of all time. The emotion gets the best of you and when you sing the way Lanza did with his trademark unrestrained enthusiasm, you are bound to go sharp sometimes and certainly more often than going flat although that happens now and then as well. It also results in some inconsistency from song to song, even during the same session. The ending of "Cielo e Mar" always struck me as a little sharp but still a glorious sound and a wonderful rendition overall. His early "Core 'ngrato" is bursting with this enthusiasm and the whole thing seems sharp but more noticeably towards the end. Yet who would trade that kind of enthusiastic singing for the more technically perfect but restrained renditions we hear today?
There are many other examples because Lanza's singing is dotted throughout his career with "Marioisms" - certain vocal characteristics that in most singers would be condemned but in Lanza's case, they actually added to his style and overall impact on the audience. Singing a little sharp sometimes was simply one of those little "Marioisms" that made him the singer he was. Lanza was seldom "too" far off pitch to be truly ear shattering and jarring, but just enough to show you he wanted to sing dangerously, on the edge and with all his heart and passion, not just with his technique. He was willing to risk it and that made him the exciting singer he was. He would not be the Lanza we know if he sang any other way.
I am not too bothered by this bit of Lanza inconsistency that seems to annoy some people because as far as I am concerned, as I said, he seldom sang SO sharp that it was a major distraction. Listen to Joan Sutherland if every once in a while you want to really cringe in your seat over "sharpness". Despite this episodic occurrence, overall, she was an incredible singer. In comparison you seldom "cringe" at the sound of Mario's "sharpness". It is there sometimes but appears like more of halo around the note than a defect.
I am not necessarily trying to justify anyone's singing off-pitch but only trying to explain that in some cases it might not be so bad as "singing off-pitch" sounds. So for me, at least in Lanza's case, I can accept it as one of those little "Marioisms" and is no big deal at all".
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Mike from L.I. 07-13-2019
08:39 PM ET (US) IP: 100.37.226.122
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HI FOLKS, Just catching up after a while away from the bulletin board and have a few observations and comments. Did someone actually say Mario never sang flat? may I refer you to an album named Lanza on Broadway. Filled with flat notes. Listen to You'll never walk alone then listen to the versions by Placido Domingo and the one by Kiri Te Kanawa--masterpieces both.
Mentioning Howard Keel and Camelot, I saw him at the Mineola Playhouse on Long Island. He played the Richard Burton role, not The Robert Goulet Lancelot. His singing was fine but his speaking was very strained and muffled as he tried to project his voice.
This may be of interest to some, when I saw the original on Broadway, the Julie Andrews role was played by Kathryn Grayson. She was wonderful.
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Fred Day 07-13-2019
07:01 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Yesterday, I heard on internet radio, a performance of Andrea Chenier, from about a month ago. Roberto Alagna sang the title role. He is now age 56. He still sounds good. If there is any vocal decline, so far, it is quite slight. I was pleased. Ciao.
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Fred Day 07-13-2019
06:55 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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I fully agree with Martino. Had Lanza lived another 10 years (as Caruso did), he surely would have gone into opera. It is known that RCA Victor had plans to record a few complete opera with Lanza. Pagliacci was to have been the first. I read this in Variety newspaper about a week after Lanza's death. And, of course, Lanza would have recorded more new songs. I feel sure he would have recorded The Exodus Song - it would have been a perfect choice. Sadly, cruel fate intervened. Ciao.
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Barbara Clifton 07-13-2019
05:58 PM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.66
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(aka Diane Cox) Martino, agree that if Lanza didn't sing he was out of the loop. Goodlooking, and a decent actor, but still the voice was the compelling star quality. At 39 he should have been close to his prime with his voice. Bezcala (SP) is in his 40s and his voice is at it's best so far. So it could have gotten even better for Mario - too bad we'll never have any answers.
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Martino1 07-13-2019
05:20 PM ET (US) IP: 104.255.4.145
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Kristine, I think if Lanza had lived longer he would have moved to opera rather than musical theater. I don't see summer stock in his genes. Everything about the last couple years of his life pointed towards a renewal of his interest in opera. His interpretations were deeper in every song and aria he sang and he sounded more like an opera singer even when singing "pop" songs than he ever did in his early years. He was more naturally dramatic in every way and I think he would have been smart enough to capitalize on that musical, interpretive and vocal growth. It was all perfectly positioned and it pointed directly towards opera. And as we all know, an opera career is what he trained and dreamed of from the very beginning. Hollywood created a detour to that dream but by the mid 50s musical movies were about to dry up and it would provide him the time for study so he could engage in complete, staged opera performances and recordings. That he ran out of time to do those things is an immeasurable loss to the musical world.
As his many film performances show, Mario was a natural as an opera singer on stage but I don't think that would have extended to musical theater which is so much different. You mention Howard Keel who was indeed a natural in that genre of musical theater, not only musically and vocally but physically, temperamentally and as an actor. In his case, when the musical movies dried up for the most part, he naturally and easily moved on to staring in Western movies and action films, such as "Waco" and "War Wagon". In fact, I liked him best when he assumed the non singing character of Clayton Farlow in the popular tv series, "Dallas".
I could be wrong but I don't think Lanza could have pulled something like that off. Unlike Howard, if Lanza did not sing he basically was out of the loop in films and opera would be his natural and favored alternative. But once again we hit upon a subject that has only one correct answer - "we will never know".
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Fred Day 07-13-2019
04:45 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Julie: I thought that program was pretty good. It featured Damon Lanza and Bob Dolfi, and Al Martino. They provided proof that Lanza was not bumped off by the mafia. I recorded it on VHS video cassette when it was first aired on the E! channel. I will have to hunt for my VHS tape. It was a 25 minute program. Ciao.
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Kristine Cimmy 07-13-2019
01:39 PM ET (US) IP: 96.59.1.174
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In Howard Keel's autobiography, he wrote of the Broadway Musicals , he appeared in, in his later years, as part of dinner theaters, etc. He and Jane Powell performed in "South Pacific" in San Diego area, he performed in "No Strings" with Barbara McNair, performed in "Man of La Mancha", "Camelot", portrayed FDR in a production of "Sunrise At Campobello". He was never much of a fan of opera, preferred Broadway Stage. One of his daughters married actor, Edward James Olmos. Howard also appeared on "Sonny &Cher Show". I wonder if Mario Lanza had lived, if he would have been on "Sonny &Cher", do Broadway Musicals ?
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Julie Page 07-13-2019
01:28 PM ET (US) IP: 74.79.51.67
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Fred, though you're a favorite poster of mine, I for one am grateful that show is no longer on the air.
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Fred Day 07-12-2019
02:28 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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I notice that the "Mysteries and Scandals" episode on Lanza, is no longer on Youtube. It used to be. It originally aired on the E! channel in 2000. The host was A. J. Benza. I wonder why it is no longer on YouTube?? Can anyone answer?? Thanks. Ciao.
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Martino1 07-12-2019
09:50 AM ET (US) IP: 104.255.4.145
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Tongue in cheek Linz, tongue in cheek.
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Linz1 07-12-2019
05:19 AM ET (US) IP: 125.238.168.62
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Bill: you're actually quite right. M is a little flat on the word "song." It's so marginal, unlike the sharpness of "the angel glow" that I confess I assumed no one else ever noticed it! I congratulate you! :-) Fred and Martino: Here, capitalised, are the flat notes in Fools and Danny. And Martino, I noticed and am puzzled by your vitriol but shall refrain from responding in kind: Though I SEE the danger THERE ...
The pipes the pipes are callING ...
And all the roses fallING ...
And all the flowers are dyING ...
The place where I am lyING ... All of that said, this is nit-picking of faults to be expected in performances that were often rushed because of time constraints and were never intended to see the light of day. Danny and Fools are among my favourites. "When we met I felt my life begin ..."??!! As moronnials would say, OMG!! Julie Page, I'm sure, has it right when she says Mario would never have had the temperament for golf. He'd have wanted just to get on with things. BAM!!!!!!!!!!!! Or, as I like to say, KASS!!!!!!!!!!!!! Edited 07-12-2019 05:20 AM
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Julie Page 07-11-2019
03:07 PM ET (US) IP: 74.79.51.67
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Phlegm. flat or sharp ,Mario was as close to perfect as we'll ever hear. Does anyone really think that Mario would have had the temperament for Golf? Man of action that he was, he played football. baseball and boxed, I believe. Read that he would try to put golfers off their game, just to get to them. That's my Mario! Have ordered the "new"CD. Even if there's nothing new, I'm sure to play it over and over and love it. I do wish though, that there were more notes with the Sepia and more of the audience reaction.
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Fred Day 07-11-2019
09:41 AM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Bill: I have listened carefully to that phrase, and I hear no phlegm on "lovely song". Sounds good to me. Ciao.
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Bill Ronayne 07-11-2019
09:07 AM ET (US) IP: 68.192.177.244
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Linz: He sounds a little flat on the line "...that trembles on the brink of a lovely song" in the Cavalcade "All the Things You Are." He has some phlegm on the word "lovely" and it affects the tone a bit on the word "song" which makes him sound a little flat here to me. Otherwise it's a wonderful recording. Best, Bill
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Martino1 07-11-2019
08:40 AM ET (US) IP: 104.255.4.145
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Fred, Linz is all confused about which rendition of "Danny Boy" he heard and from which Lanza throat it came from. Mario Lanza's rendition is perfect, as we all know. However, Linz must be referring to the rendition sang for him personally by Mario's son, Damon. Linz is on record saying that Damon's singing of "Danny Boy" was "excruciating" and it was an example to support Damon's own admission that he was "the world's worst singer". Linz went further to say that the great musical gene of Mario Lanza bypassed his son. You must give Linz a little leeway, or perhaps "liberty" would be a better term in this case. At his age now (and acknowledging his state of mind) such confusion from time to time is to be expected.
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Fred Day 07-11-2019
08:15 AM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Linz: I listened carefully to Danny Boy & Fools Rush In, and I cannot hear any low notes that sound flat. What specific phrases sound flat to you?? Please describe. Thanks. Ciao. (Both songs are superb!!)
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Linz1 07-11-2019
05:34 AM ET (US) IP: 125.238.168.62
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Oh my, we're really getting into the deep stuff here. Did Mario ever play golf?! Oh please!!
His singing, anyone?!
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Fred Day 07-10-2019
08:06 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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To my knowledge, Lanza did not play golf. I have never read that he did. Ciao.
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Chris Johns 07-10-2019
07:01 PM ET (US) IP: 69.142.223.152
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Kristine, I asked Andrew years ago if he was related. He was not aware at the time if he was.
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gary n.s. 07-10-2019
06:06 PM ET (US) IP: 108.175.132.78
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Well nothing much has changed here..that's why I left years ago..and will leave again now..
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Kristine Cimmy 07-10-2019
04:47 PM ET (US) IP: 96.59.1.174
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I won't discuss my political views, here. Does anyone know if Mario Lanza liked to play golf ? Howard Keel did, was friends with Robert Sterling(who was married to Ann Sothern, then, married Anne Jeffreys). They both played golf. I read, here, that Maria Cocozza liked the songs, "Al Di La" and " Mala Femmena". Imagine if Mario Lanza had lived to sing those songs. Connie Francis sang both "Al Di La" and "Mala Femmena" . Emilio Pericoli sang "Al Di La" from movie "Rome Adventure" starring Troy Donahue, Suzanne Pleshette(who met, here, then married, divorced), Rossano Brazzi. I think, Lou Monte , also, sang "Mala Femmena". "Come Prima" was also sung by Polly Bergen and The Platters. Does anyone know if State Senator, Andrew Lanza(R-Staten Island, N.Y.) is related to Mario Lanza ?
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Linz1 07-10-2019
05:43 AM ET (US) IP: 125.238.168.62
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Fred—Mario certainly did sing flat on a few occasions: just listen to the low notes in Danny Boy and Fools Rush In. In the context of the overall brilliance of the performances, it didn't matter a hoot. Besides, it's very clear from contemporary discussions that most people can't tell! I'm sure Mario didn't intend to go flat, whereas I think he did intend to go sharp when he did. The excitement factor. Jussi went sharp unintentionally, I suspect, just from a natural abundance of overtones, while Giuseppe went flat from a woeful failure of technique just as soon as it caught up with him. Lack of "cover" in particular. Edited 07-10-2019 05:48 AM
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Fred Day 07-10-2019
03:32 AM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Offhand, I cannot recall Lanza ever singing flat. Sharp, yes, on numerous occasions, but never flat, to my knowledge. Same for Jussi. Di Stefano, on the other hand, often went flat in his later years. Ciao.
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Fred Day 07-10-2019
03:15 AM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Jim Thompson: Since Damon Lanza and Bob Dolfi have both died, I presume Marlene Dolfi has saved all their belongings. She moved back to Canada, but I don't know where. Ciao.
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Linz1 07-10-2019
03:15 AM ET (US) IP: 125.238.168.62
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Here's where politics was brought up:
Jim Thompson here. Sorry, Sam. That Sinatra song was the worst piece of crap I've heard in a long time. The only people we have to thank are Veterans thoughout the years, not all those mostly white faces on the video or a fake bone spur person in the WH. Sorry in anyone is offended. Happy 4th week end!!!
It's over to the owner of this Forum what he does and does not allow, but I for one will challenge evil BS like this if it is uttered here. If Thompson and his PC ilk keep their politics to themselves, I'll follow suit. He knows I think he's evil, and I know he thinks I am. That should be sufficient, and we should indeed confine ourselves to Mario (who undoubtedly would share my view, as Damon once expressed in an article for my magazine, The Free Radical, which I quote in my book).
On the subject of Mario, I'd like to commend the latest issue of The Legacy of Mario Lanza. It was especially gratifying to see Bill reporting that the latest MLI luncheon concluded with everybody's singing Star-Spangled Banner and God Bless America.
Bill, I loved your review of the various versions of All the Things You Are. One thing piqued my curiosity: you say that Mario went flat in the Cavalcade version a couple of times. Where exactly do you mean? I can report with certitude that he goes sharp in both renderings of "You are THE ANGel glow" in the part I've put in caps. And I love every second of it. Where do you consider him to be flat?
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Kristine Cimmy 07-09-2019
07:09 PM ET (US) IP: 96.59.1.174
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Julie, Al, I agree with you that this is not a political views forum. In his autobiography, Howard Keel wrote how Vincente Minnelli didn't seem to have , in his heart, to direct "Kismet". He was more interested in directing "Brigadoon" and was giving Vic Damone , a difficult time,during filming. Keel also wrote he was very attracted to Marilyn Monroe. He wrote about the time, he heard, on the radio, when Mario Lanza passed away. He wasn't surprised because of his eating problems, weight gain and loss. He wrote, he will always have fond memories of Mario.
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Al Canez 07-09-2019
06:59 PM ET (US) IP: 69.121.88.171
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Fred...I asked Damon about films and interviews he might have. I remember he said there were many and that he would try to find the one I sent him. Unfortunately I didn't hear anymore about it.
Thanks for reminding me of that nice gentleman Gustl Breuer. By the way you were the one who took a picture of Maria and me in Philly when we drove down in 1966 in my new, red, Fiat convertible!
Ciao.
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Fred Day 07-09-2019
05:40 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Jim Thompson: Yes, I remember that day clearly. The RCA rep was Gustl Breuer. Maria, Terry, & Gustl were promoting the new LP "Lanza Sings His Favorite Arias" arias from the Coke Show. I remember that Maria said she was very fond of the pop songs Al Di La and Mala Femmena. Gustl wrote the liner notes, but his name was not credited. I did not know that part of that get-together was filmed. I wonder where that film is now?? I would love to see it. Ciao.
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Al Canez 07-09-2019
04:49 PM ET (US) IP: 69.121.88.171
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Hi Fred....I was playing a bunch of our tapes. We had lots of fun singing so many songs. A friend of mine from the WTIC days suggested I find someone to "clean them ". Sounds like a good idea.
I wish I still had some of those higher notes Not there anymore. Remember that day when you played and I sang "Dicitencello Vuie" for Maria Lanza? She and Terry and the nice RCA Victor fellow came to Springfield from Boston for the interivew I did' I believe I sent the film, yes, film, to Damon. Thanks for all the memories I have on tape, my friend. Ciao.
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Julie Page 07-09-2019
02:55 PM ET (US) IP: 74.79.51.67
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Julie Page -Just a matter of time until it all began again. Politics and name calling. Sorry for that. Shall we stick to the subject of music?More to the point, MARIO.
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Linz1 07-09-2019
04:18 AM ET (US) IP: 125.238.168.62
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It's instructive to be reminded that there were snowflakes long before there were moronnials. One wonders what on earth happened to our culture, the culture so beautifully embodied in the new Mario CD? To those now reading my book for the first time, I'd recommend my chapter on Adam Lanza vs Mario Lanza as perhaps shedding some light on current insanities. Thankfully, America seems to be pulling back from the brink in the nick of time.
Keep America Great!
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Fred Day 07-08-2019
04:00 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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I suppose I sometimes sit on a fence, but when I do, I always bring along a couple of thick pillows, for comfort. By the way, on that same CD, Frank Sinatra sang a lovely song that was written especially for him, by Jimmy Van Huesen & Sammy Cahn, called "California" - a wonderful song. Ciao.
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Al Canez 07-08-2019
10:20 AM ET (US) IP: 69.121.88.171
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Thompson here Linz1....I am not moving anywhere as I served my country in the military. As the foreigner, staying in yours and shutting up about our country would be acceptable. As I have no time for you or this babble, I sign off.
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Linz1 07-08-2019
07:07 AM ET (US) IP: 125.238.168.62
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Just listened again to the new CD, all the way through. Thrilling, from start to finish. This is the best single Lanza CD compilation ever. "You're a lucky fellow Mr. Smith" is wonderful too. The attack on it here was not for esthetic but political reasons, derived from Trump Derangement Syndrome. The attacker should move to Brunei and savour the joys of Sharia. The appeaser who pronounced himself down the middle on this matter should go to Accident and Emergency and get the splinters removed from his congenitally fence-sitting derriere. The best answer to such evil was the president's July 4 Salute to America, in which Mario would enthusiastically have taken part. Keep America Great!! Edited 07-08-2019 07:37 AM
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Kristine Cimmy 07-06-2019
05:38 PM ET (US) IP: 96.59.1.174
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Prayers for California, another earthquake hit 7.1 ! One patriotic song , I like, is from movie, "Tin Pan Alley"(1940)starring Alice Faye, John Payne, Jack Oakie, Betty Grable. The period depicted, in the movie, is pre-World War I, then, World War I happens. The song is "America, I Love You". I wonder why it's no longer sung ? One of the lyrics"A hundred million others like me" would have to be updated to "300 million others like me". Alice Faye and John Payne sing it with back up singers. You can find it on You Tube. While on the subject of "Tin Pan Alley", there is the scene when Billy Gilbert, harem girls appear. Alice Faye and Betty Grable sing "The Sheik Of Araby". The censors wanted the scene done over, because the harem girls' costumes were considered scanty(remember, this was 1940). The Nicholas Brothers did a great dance number,in the scene.
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Fred Day 07-06-2019
04:14 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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My feelings are half way between Jim and Sam. The song is "You're a Lucky Fellow, Mr. Smith", sung by Frank Sinatra with Fred Waring and his Pennsylvanians. It is from an album of patriotic songs, that also included Bing Crosby. The album must have sold fairly well, because the same 3 principals recorded another album, a year later, of Christmas songs. In my opinion, the above song is fair - not bad but not great. Ciao.
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Sam Million 07-05-2019
11:16 PM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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Well, Jim, no need to apologize. It's likely a matter of you say tomato, I say tomahto. Another example, my friend Ron just sent me a youtube piece of Mario Delmonaco doing O Sole Mio. His high notes are very good but his lower register sounds like he has something in his mouth. And his voice lacks sweetness. It reinforces something we all know. Mario Lanza was the greatest singer EVER.
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Al Canez 07-05-2019
04:39 PM ET (US) IP: 69.121.88.171
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Jim Thompson here. Sorry, Sam. That Sinatra song was the worst piece of crap I've heard in a long time. The only people we have to thank are Veterans thoughout the years, not all those mostly white faces on the video or a fake bone spur person in the WH. Sorry in anyone is offended. Happy 4th week end!!!
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Sam Million 07-05-2019
10:08 AM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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This is not Mario Lanza related (unless we stretch it by saying Frank knew Mario). But this if of interest to movie lovers, which I know many of you are. Don’t know if you recognize this song, but the link was just sent to me from a professional Sinatra singer named Steven Magio, a singer we first met on Long Beach Island. I do remember this song was first heard in the Abbott and Costello movie “Buck Privates” along with the Andrews Sisters. Then obviously Frank Sinatra recorded it. It is a fine sing and it swings too!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Eoof03y4__A
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Kristine Cimmy 07-04-2019
07:06 PM ET (US) IP: 96.59.1.174
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I heard, Ellisa and Bobby Bregman loved the Pavarotti Documentary.
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Kristine Cimmy 07-04-2019
07:04 PM ET (US) IP: 96.59.1.174
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California had a 6.5 earthquake, centered in Ridgecrest(in the desert). Bottles fell on the floors, etc. The last I heard, no fatalities, so far. If anyone, on this forum, lives in California(which I did)or has family, out there, I hope they are safe. George Hamilton did mention Mother Dolores Hart in his autobiograpy, wrote , she became a nun. There is a photo of him, celebrating his 21st birthday, on the set of "Where The Boys Are". In the photo, are George, Mother Dolores Hart, Connie Francis, Jim Hutton, Paula Prentiss, Frank Gorshin. He was friends with Sean Flynn(handsome son of Errol Flynn). He wrote that he had Sean be an extra in the movie.
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gary n.s. 07-04-2019
06:18 PM ET (US) IP: 108.175.132.78
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Sam...thanks for the info on the Pav. documentary,,I also will plan to see it theatrically.
Cheers..Gary..
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gary n.s. 07-04-2019
06:16 PM ET (US) IP: 108.175.132.78
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Hello David..thanks for the "Crouch" youtube ..he is very good indeed. Cheers..Gary
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Sam Million 07-04-2019
03:15 PM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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I just heard from a close friend of mine who knows i love Mario that the new Ron Howard Pavarotti movie is a "must see". It was released June 7th and I hope to see it theatrically rather than wait for the DVD. Here is a link to the trailer:https://www.amblertheater.org/films/pavarotti
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David Savage 07-04-2019
09:48 AM ET (US) IP: 64.35.204.168
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A very talented young tenor, age nineteen, singing my favorite Mozart aria. He may not make it in the world of Puccni and Verdi, yet he's already a world class Mozart tenor.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_0HeY8r3f-0
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Kristine Cimmy 07-03-2019
06:48 PM ET (US) IP: 96.59.1.174
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Happy 4th of July ! Yes, it was sadly, George Houston who passed away from a heart attack. George Hamilton was amongst the wealthy, his mother married 4 times. He attended a military school in Mississippi ,didn't like it, later withdrew from it. I am at the part where he makes his film debut in a movie "Crime and Punishment, USA"(1957)which led to his being signed by M-G-M in 1958. I am waiting to see if he commented about Mother Dolores Hart(he was in "Where The Boys Are" with her), while I'm reading it. He spent time , in Hollywood, back in late '40's, when he was about 9 years old, then, he and family moved out of state. Of course, some of us remember, when he was dating First Daughter, Lynda Bird Johnson, and when he got his draft deferment, during The Vietnam War, claiming he was the sole support of his mother. A Congressman or U.S. Senator criticized that, saying the poor, middle class boys get drafted, fight in Vietnam, but wealthy boys get deferments. Eventually, Hamilton and Lynda Bird end the relationship, she goes on to marry Chuck Robb, U.S. Marine Corps. veteran, served in Vietnam, later to become a U.S. Senator from Virginia. I always thought he was good looking and a good actor. He mentioned working out in Vic Tanny's Gym, where he met Robert Conrad("Hawaiian Eye", "Wild, Wild West", "Black Sheep Squadron"). I wonder if Terry Robinson knew Vic Tanny. Probably did. Marc Lanza was a fan of "Wild, Wild West".
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Sam Million 07-03-2019
08:46 AM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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Vincent: Yes, that is the title of the biography. Sorry I mixed the two up but glad that Keel lived to a respectable age. And that Raitt did too.
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Vincent Ricciardi 07-03-2019
07:35 AM ET (US) IP: 68.132.114.62
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Sam, is that the bio “Only Make Believe?”
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Fred Day 07-03-2019
02:32 AM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Yes, John Raitt died at the age of 88. Ciao.
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Fred Day 07-03-2019
02:29 AM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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PS: Howard Keel died at his home, of colon cancer - age 85. Ciao.
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Fred Day 07-03-2019
02:19 AM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Sam: I think Kristine meant that it was George Houston (not Howard Keel) who died of a heart attack, at age only 48. Ciao.
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Sam Million 07-02-2019
09:24 PM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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Kristine: I haven't started the Keel biography yet but from the few pages I read it looks like it will be very entertaining. His ghost writer captured his essence perfectly. You always post here with so many interesting tidbits. Shame how Keel died and even worse was the police thinking he was drunk! Didn't John Raitt live a fairly long life? I know his daughter Bonnie became a bigger star than her father. How is the George Hamilton biography? Celebrity biographies are my favorite way to read. I ordered from ebay about 26 biographies, most hardback, for the ridiculously low price of 18.00. The shipping cost almost as much!
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Kristine Cimmy 07-02-2019
06:30 PM ET (US) IP: 96.59.1.174
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Sam, also, Howard Keel studied with George Houston. Sadly, he passed away from a heart attack. He collapsed on the street, the police thought he was a drunk, took him to police station, where he died. Keel was performing in both "Oklahoma" and "Carousel"(when John Raitt was ill). Howard worked at Douglas Aircraft, during World War II. When he wanted to enlist, the military said you are needed in defense work. When he went for a physical at his draft board, his arm, which was effected by an injury, was a deferment. I'm also reading George Hamilton's autobiography "Don't Mind If I Do". He was friends with Sean Flynn, son of Errol Flynn. Sadly, Sean left acting, became a photojournalist covering The Vietnam War, when he was reported missing, never to be found.
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Sam Million 07-02-2019
12:31 AM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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Derek: The more I listen to "One Flower In Your Garden", the less objectionable it is. He does handle the high tessitura fine. A couple high notes are a bit "white" is all I will say. Now Musica Proibita on the other hand draws you in with its excitement and power.
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Sam Million 07-02-2019
12:23 AM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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One of the posts here mentioned that Howard Keel's biography included Mario and Terry Robinson. Naturally I ordered it after finding an excellent hardback copy on ebay for only $4.30 shipped. I counted 6 entries through the book that mentioned Mario. The first one is off-color so I'll skip it unless someone emails me for it. sms@bee.net. The second entry I'll transcribe:
"Mother and I had an apartment in Beverly Hills on Peck Drive and Olympic Boulevard. Mario Lanza lived nearby, and we would get together and sing. Mario's beautiful, powerful voice would make your hair stand on end. He'd been a piano mover in Philadelphia, and his 230 pounds were pure muscle. As a mercurial character, when sober he was a doll, but after drinking, he could be rough and foul mouthed. I felt I understood him. Maybe it was shades of my father. I only saw one incident of his bizarre behavior after a Warner Brothers showing of "Serenade". Terry Robinson, an extraordinary trainer who could handle anyone himself, was always with Mario. Terry had a good sense of humor and patience. When Mario died, Terry raised Mario's children.
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Kristine Cimmy 07-01-2019
10:44 PM ET (US) IP: 96.59.1.174
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Mae West knew Maria Cocozza. Happy 4th of July !
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Sam Million 07-01-2019
08:48 PM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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I tried to post in detail about the great new Logitech Computer Speakers (left and right speakers and a subwoofer) I just received from ebay. They can be used with computer, laptop, cellphone, or accessories like an iPad. I never had better sound with very full basss thanks to the bottom firing woofer, and sharp treble out of the two satellite speakers. If you turn up the bass more than half, your neighbors will complain, lol. On YouTube Mario was beautiful in "O Sole Mio" from For The First Time. Kenny Rogers in "She Believes in Me" had full fidelity. Let me know if interested and I can tell you more. When I put in links, my posts are blocked.
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Sam Million 07-01-2019
07:38 PM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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And as Mae West notoriously said: When I'm good I'm really good, and when I'm bad I'm even better! LOL, LOL. Edited 07-01-2019 07:40 PM
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Julie Page 07-01-2019
03:17 PM ET (US) IP: 74.79.51.67
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Julie Page. Listened today to Sepia's "One Alone". Still as beautiful and exciting as I remember it. The "Othello" has always been a treasure to me as well. Love the reviews and will order the new recording asap. Thank you all for being there for Mario as I am and will be . Sam, when you're good, you're really good!
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Dennis1 06-30-2019
08:28 PM ET (US) IP: 73.170.201.215
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I wonder why Sam is having trouble signing in and having to use a password. I reregistered and have had no trouble since. Curious. I, too, am pre-ordering the new Sepia offering after Sam's review and Derek's further information. Thanks, Sam. Edited 06-30-2019 08:29 PM
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Sam Million 06-30-2019
05:06 PM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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How gratifying it is to know how many of you appreciated my review and were moved to go and order the CD. Derek: One Flower In Your Garden IS in an impossibly high tessitura, which is why I feel Mario pushes and thereby thins out. Knowing that he recorded it only months before his death gives it an air of true sadness. But, hey, if that is my only real criticism of this wondrous CD, then that is saying something. Incidentally, last night I did four songs at a restaurant and one was in a tenor key. I also "thinned out". It happens. Finally, it is true that people writing long reviews should write the draft via a letter on their computers because this site can make posts disappear. Recently I am having to sign in with my name and password, which I find tedious.
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Martino1 06-30-2019
02:19 PM ET (US) IP: 104.255.4.145
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Absolutely Gary, that selection is one of my all time favorites. The entire aria is sung superbly but those last 60 seconds are to die for. It is extremely difficult because the music is fragmented and does not flow in the manner of most arias. As far as I am concerned Lanza's is the definitive recording of "Dio Mi Potevi Scagliar", made even better because we can see him act it out on film. Del Monaco comes close but it is the beauty of the Lanza voice that tips the scale. Even the iconic "Otello" of our time, Placido Domingo, pales in comparison.
Lanza's "O'Gioia!" at the end is one of the finest high notes he (or anyone else) ever recorded and I've talked about it many, many times here. The way that last Bb starts out and then takes on a bloom like a burst of sunshine to the end is unmatched. Even Lanza himself replicated that sound only rarely (the final note of "Passione" is yet another that comes to mind).
Here in the link below is Alan Glassman, a little known tenor who had some success singing "Otello" in the more provincial houses. This is a restaurant "performance" so don't judge him by this clip because he was better than this. His singing of the first part of the aria is not very good but his "O'Gioia" at the end is excellent. Listen to how well he hits the note and sustains it, but as good as it is it remains one dimensional in tone and character. Then listen to Lanza (the second link) and you will hear the "bloom", that golden halo that surrounds the note that enhances even further the beauty of his voice. Truly a magic moment!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ysm5f_IP8Kc
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F7HXVRZqSU8
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Barbara Clifton 06-30-2019
01:13 PM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.66
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(aka Diane Cox) Gar, 'Dio, mi potevi scagliar" is also a favorite of mine. I've often said here I prefer the more classical selections sung in Italian. Although after all these years I'm loving some more pop selections that I'd underestimated. Thanks to you gentlemen here.
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gary n.s. 06-30-2019
12:57 PM ET (US) IP: 108.175.132.78
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Sam..I have enjoyed reading your reviews re. the latest Derek McGovern/Sepia Mario Lanza CD.
You did a terrific job. Cheers..Gary
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gary n.s. 06-30-2019
12:55 PM ET (US) IP: 108.175.132.78
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Derek's mention of Massey Hall gave me thought to note..Many famous figures have appeared on the broad stage of this stately hall, including Montserrat Caballe, William Booth, Maria Callas, Enrico Caruso, Winston Churchill, George Gershwin, Jerry Seinfeld, Glenn Gould, Vladimir Horowitz, Dalai Lama, Gordon Lightfoot, Luciano Pavarotti, Ravi Shankar, Bob Dylan, Cream, Neil Young, Thomas Mann, The Kinks, Billy Joel, Lenny Kravitz, Oscar Peterson, Joe Satriani and Arturo Toscanini. Growing up in Toronto I was fortunate to see several wonderful singers there. The Hall is now closed for huge renovations and shall reopen sometime in 2020.
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gary n.s. 06-30-2019
12:29 PM ET (US) IP: 108.175.132.78
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F7HXVRZqSU8
Martino..speaking of a 60 second “magic moment”..For myself the last 60 seconds or so of this piece is just that.
Mario sings 'Dio, mi potevi scagliar' from Verdi's "Otello” His wonderful voice,his acting, and his passion are so evident.
Indeed there are hundreds of these moments, but this one in particular is one of my favourites. Cheers..Gary..
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Linz1 06-30-2019
04:27 AM ET (US) IP: 125.238.168.62
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Sam: spot-on review of the McGovern/Sepia latest. The unique combination of deep bass and sharp treble is what amazed me too. Details we've never heard before.
Martino: spot-on identification of a quintessential Mario moment. No one could emulate Mario's climax on For You Alone. The One Tenor!!
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Stephen of Las Vegas 06-30-2019
02:35 AM ET (US) IP: 68.108.106.251
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To Sam and others who sometimes write long posts. Never write directly into an online forum, including this one, for more than a few sentences. The chance of losing your work is too great. Always write long posts offline into a word processor and then "copy and paste" into the forum. You will never lose your work, and you will have a permanent copy.
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Barbara Clifton 06-30-2019
02:09 AM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.66
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(aka Diane Cox) After reading these reviews I just pre-ordered the new CD.
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Derek McG 06-30-2019
12:50 AM ET (US) IP: 68.15.212.78
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A P.S. to the message below: I'm sure Fred's eagle eyes will spot my Ray "Nobel" typo in the liner notes :) Unfortunately, the booklet had already gone to the printers when I discovered that mistake. But at least I spelled the poor man's name correctly elsewhere in the notes!
And to Martino: Thanks for highlighting the phenomenal final minute of singing on the RCA "For You Alone" on that YouTube offering. I'd never fully appreciated that recording (or the song, for that matter) until Armando sold me on its worth when we were compiling the Sepia CD "Never Till Now." Vince Di Placido found the most beautiful early reproduction of that recording, and---lovingly remastered by Robin Cherry---it sounds even more extraordinary on the Sepia CD.
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Derek McG 06-29-2019
11:08 PM ET (US) IP: 72.87.113.190
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Many thanks for your informative and enthusiastic review, Sam. I'm delighted that Sepia's remastering has given you so many thrills! Just to clarify a few things: The Toronto "Vesti" (track #15) was actually recorded at an indoor venue: the venerable Massey Hall. Yes, there is some background noise, but I've never heard this performance sound more vibrant or impressive. We're so lucky to have this recording, given that so few of Mario's live performances were captured for posterity. And to think that this was a concert by a then almost-unknown tenor. The following day in the Toronto Daily Star, the reviewer wrote that after Mario's opening aria, "he was called back for curtain call after curtain call, and toward the conclusion of the concert had to give two encores, so insistent was the applause." Sepia's remastered version of "Vesti" makes it abundantly clear why the audience reacted so enthusiastically. Yes, the three Cavalcade numbers have never sounded better. The warmth in the voice (and just listen to that lower register on the Gypsy Love Song!), the brilliance of the high notes, the passion of the singing, and the clarity of these recordings are just a joy to behold. Even the slightly shaky ending to "Lover, Come Back to Me" simply doesn't matter any more (and is entirely understandable given the emotional investment of Mario's singing here). I'm so glad you're happy with the sound on the three Caruso Favorites numbers. (They took a lot of work!) The sandiness is virtually gone now, while the high notes ring out as never before. And, yes, I agree that Mario sounds more youthful on "La Mia Canzone"---particularly in the first half of the song. There's still a hint of tiredness in the second verse, but that's neither here nor there. Besides, it features an exquisite ending. "Amor ti vieta" from the Serenade soundtrack was on the first Sepia CD that Armando, Vince and I worked on (the 2015 "Mario Lanza: Greatest Operatic Recordings"), but the reproduction here is a superior one, which is why we decided to repeat it. Given the very generous running time on this CD (over 75 minutes), I don't think anyone will object to its having a second airing :) "O soave fanciulla" is indeed with Kathryn Grayson, and for once I find her acceptable here. As for Mario's singing, wow! His phrasing here is even more beautiful than on the earlier Hollywood Bowl performance with Yeend. "Cielo e mar" is actually the RCA recording, not the later Coke rendition (which has already been featured on Sepia's "Greatest Operatic Recordings, Vol. 2," by the way). I'd always been uncomfortable with the repeated sharpness on this otherwise beautifully sung rendition, but the superior quality of this reproduction (much warmer but at the same time more vibrant than on the tinny, boxed-in RCA CD) minimizes the pitch problems to the extent that they no longer bother me. And I now appreciate more than ever before what an exciting and musical rendition this is! "Come un bel di' di maggio" is the same (Coke) version that appears on the 1967 LP "His Favorite Arias," but the source used here was the radio transcription. In spite of that, it sounds wonderful. I don't agree with you that "One Flower in Your Garden" is a lesser track. I was blown away by the strength and range of Mario's voice here, as he fearlessly tackles the terrifying tessitura of this song barely a month before his death. I also don't hear any thinness in his voice. "Summertime in Heidelberg" features a different take (as far as Ann Blyth's singing is concerned, at least) than the version heard in "The Student Prince" film. I find her singing on the actual soundtrack slightly better, but the Mario portion of their recording has never sounded lovelier. Yes, an appropriately dreamy way to conclude this CD! Edited 06-29-2019 11:17 PM
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Martino1 06-29-2019
09:30 PM ET (US) IP: 104.255.4.145
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Thanks Sam, as always a complete and well stated review. Can't wait to hear the CD now.
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Sam Million 06-29-2019
08:22 PM ET (US) IP: 107.77.204.51
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Heavens to Betsy! I totally forgot to tell you that a fine and informative booklet is included with the new CD.
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Sam Million 06-29-2019
06:05 PM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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MY REVIEW OF SEPIA RECORDS "MARIO LANZA: ALL THE THINGS YOU ARE
I just had the thrill of listening to THE Mario Lanza CD to top them all. And THE CD to give anyone who ever doubted that this is the greatest tenor voice of our time and beyond.
Overall the genius level technicians have produced an amazing CD worthy of the self proclaimed "World's Greatest Restoration System: From the first cut one immediately hears a richness and fullness of sound rarely heard on any other Lanza release. I ran it through my 5.1 stereo surround sound system and heard a good degree of bass along with a very sharp treble. That's the technical, let's move on to the listening experiences.
1-Besame Mucho: This track reverberates with ringing clarity. Not to mention a fine performance.
2- And Here You Are: Seldom heard song done by anyone else. It is the perfect vehicle for Mario since it is dramatic, his specialty.
3-My Wild Irish Rose: Another harder to find Lanza recording. Irish folk can be satisfied by this reading as well as the Italian sector.
4-Love Is The Sweetest Thing: Sung in a particularly exciting high tessitura. A grand song.
5-Do You Wonder: The sweet violins are soft and are in exact contrast to the Lanza voice. During the "bridge" to the song, tingling "triangles" or whatever musical instruments were used are so bright
6-Love In A Home: Another song rarely sung by anyone else except Lanza. He comes close to crooning in this one.
7-Lover Come Back To Me: A favorite from the LP, the unusual orchestration always grabbed me. Listen to his "S' sounds. They are more prominent and clear than ever before. The trumpet solo is right in your face!
8-Gypsy Love Song: Lyrical and sweet, Mario employs his exceptional falsetto here.
9-All The Things You Are: The title tune of this CD, it is worth the price of admission just to hear the glorious high note at the end. The greatness of the unbelievable ringing in his voice is my go to note when I'm on a desert island.
10-Mamma Mia Che Vo Sape: Early piano acetate recording but the background noise not withstanding, this is clearer than the later one as heard in Because You're Mine, which has him in fuller voice.
11-Lolita: The large orchestra stands out to make this more exciting. A bit of an echo is heard. The LONG held "moriere"is a feat of endurance.
12-Ciribiribin: Nice to hear Mario's pleasing voice as he introduces the song. A bouncy and fun composition. Listen carefully and you will hear him "growl" slightly at the end on "Fachin".
13-Veni Sul Mar: From the Caruso Favorites album, an LP long thought to be hard to listen to because of the distortion in it. This has a bit of that distortion but forget that it is hard to listen to. NOT! The Sepia technicians work wonders with the track.
14-La Mia Canzone: He sounds more youthful than the LP would lead you to believe, but his darker voice quality that came with age makes you think of the later recordings by his idol Enrico Caruso.
15-Musica Proibita: This has overtones galore. To my ears it sounds superior to the "Encore" CD, which up until now was the best quality for these later recordings.
16-Amor Ti Vieta: From the Serenade soundtrack, this is perfectly executed and thankfully has less echo. For a short piece, you get your money's worth.
17-Vesti la giubba: This Canadian recording has background noise having been recorded outside, but that hardly mars the excitement in the Lanza vocal chords. He sounds more youthful but not as much as he does in the Hollywood Bowl recordings. This is a very controlled voice, as if he had just been trained by a vocal coach.
18-O Soave Fanciulla: Again, more youthful and a promise of what was yet to come in recordings like those from the Coke Show. I believe that is Kathryn Grayson singing the duet. Far better than the version in Serenade, where the soprano sounds like "the brakes on the Rome express", lol.
19-Cielo E Mar: Is this from the Coke Show too? No matter what the source it is excellent all the way and is every bit as good as the Great Caruso version.
20-Come un bel di di maggio: From His Favorite Arias LP, wich was sourced from the Coke Show stable.
BONUS TRACKS:
21-Ah Moon of My Delight: This comes close to being an "art" song. The piece has the best sound heard so far on this title. I wasn't a fan of this before, but count me in now. Has lovely falsetto.
22-One Flower In Your Garden: It is clearer than the LP, but he pushes and his voice thins out in spots. A lesser track.
23-For simplify I will just call this The German track from For the First Time. Wait for the perfection in the long held high note.
24-Vesti la giubba: This is taken slower than most versions (and he did many of his "go to" aria. It allows you to hear richness in his voice.
25-Summertime In Heidelberg: A lovely ending to this CD. Ann Blyth's voice sounds particularly rich and full. Mario shows the now very much praised sound the entire Student Prince soundtrack shows.
"What else, what else can I say"--cue Come Prima! I am SO grateful to have been able to hear this outstanding CD before the general release time in mid July. I thank the one person who made this happen (he prefers to be nameless). This made my day, my night, and tweaked my psyche.
GO OUT AND BUY THIS OR FOREVER BE CHEATED BY WHAT IT OFFERS. I DON'T CARE IF YOU HAVE ALL THE SAME TITLES ALREADY. THAT ISN'T THE POINT. PLEASE TRUST ME ON THIS!!!
18-
11-
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Bill Ronayne 06-29-2019
02:09 PM ET (US) IP: 68.192.190.218
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Mario Lanza Museum Benefit Dinner
July 31, 2019 from 6:30pm – 10:00pm
The Victor Cafe in Philadelphia
Entertainment will be provided by the singing waitstaff and there will be a 50/50 drawing.
Admission is $70 per person with a cash bar per table.
The Mario Lanza Institute is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. If you can’t attend, please consider making a donation. Contributions can be made online at www.mariolanzainstitute.org or by sending a check to Mario Lanza Institute PO Box 54624 Philadelphia,PA 19148.
For more information email info@mariolanzainstittue.org. The flyer can be downloaded at the web site.
Best, Bill
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Julie Page 06-28-2019
02:43 PM ET (US) IP: 74.79.51.67
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Julie Page(Suzanne). Martino, I listened again to " For You alone". Then one thing led to another as it always does. All of Mario's Magic moments. Had to come back to the real world and do some chores. Trust that Mario will be waiting for me when I get back. Miraculous Mario.
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Martino1 06-28-2019
12:02 PM ET (US) IP: 104.255.4.145
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I call them magic minutes; 60 second clips of Mario Lanza singing that define his art, his passion, diction, etc. that made him the incredible singer that he was, all in a 60 second capsule. There are hundreds of them, heck you can find them in virtually every song and aria he ever sang but I came across one today I had neglected - "For You Alone". Check out the link below and pay attention to the last 60 seconds. There is so much contained in that minute that we could talk for hours about it. Truly a Lanza magic minute!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wSh959YQUIg
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Julie Page 06-27-2019
04:54 PM ET (US) IP: 74.79.51.67
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JULIE(SUZANNE)If anyone checked out the desk clock mentioned by Sam maybe they saw a photo of Elaine Malbin and another gal I can't place. Anyone? The clock was just a black record , all the others were Mario the little carpenter. Hoped it was a bit more interesting. I saw that Elaine had her glass of white wine as she did when I sat with her inPhiladelphia quite a few years ago. Maybe 2005. I liked her very much and hope she's well .
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Bill Ronayne 06-26-2019
05:34 PM ET (US) IP: 68.192.180.206
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 The July issue of "The Legacy of Mario Lanza" has just been published and mailed out. It includes coverage of several events in NY and PA, an article on Mario's recordings of "All the Things Your Are," photos and articles continuing the commemorations of the 70th anniversary of the release of "That Midnight Kiss" and the 60th anniversary of the release of "For the First Time" plus an article about Mario in Wildwood with the family. For those interested in subscribing, please email wjronayne@optonline.net. Edited 06-26-2019 05:35 PM
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Fred Day 06-26-2019
03:06 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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I'm In Love With Vienna was also recorded by Richard Tauber, and also by Richard Tucker. It is on Tucker's album of Viennese songs, all of which he sang in English. Ciao.
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gary n.s. 06-26-2019
09:09 AM ET (US) IP: 108.175.132.78
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From The Great Waltz.. There Will Come A time..
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_LHUwWqP6D...XV&index=236&t=128s
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gary n.s. 06-25-2019
10:35 PM ET (US) IP: 108.175.132.78
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Miliza
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gary n.s. 06-25-2019
10:30 PM ET (US) IP: 108.175.132.78
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It's been a long time since we discussed The Great Waltz here. My parents took me with them to see the movie circa 1951..I was 7 or 8 years of age.and I fell in love with Miliza Korjus. I loved her singing, and what a treat when she sang with George Houston. This movie and the Lanza movies I saw when I was a lad had such an impact on me..For years as I grew older I really wanted to sing like Lanza and Houston. But as with most of us, life goes on and we study in school, and go on with life, with jobs and marriage etc..My Dad always told me if I had a daughter I should name her Carla Donner. I am sorry I didn't..Linz..you are so correct re. I'm In Love With Vienna calling it a "true gem" . It still gives me goosebumps.
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Kristine Cimmy 06-25-2019
05:23 PM ET (US) IP: 96.59.1.174
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Body-builder, Mickey Hargitay was in Mae West's Muscle Men Show and was married to Jayne Mansfield. Their daughter, Mariska Hargitay, a superb actress, is on "Law &Order:SVU".
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Kristine Cimmy 06-25-2019
05:22 PM ET (US) IP: 96.59.1.174
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For those who may not know it, body-builder, George Eiferman was friends with Terry Robinson, the Lanzas, and Cocozzas. He was in Mae West's Muscle Men Night Club Act, along with Joe Gold(Gold's Gyms). George was in the Navy. He later worked with Debbie Reynolds(who could impersonate Mae West, Katharine Hepburn, Bette Davis, Zsa Zsa Gabor). His ex-wife, Toby had an operatic voice. He later opened a Health Club in Vista, California, then, moved to Las Vegas. Sadly, he passed away from a stroke, a few years ago.
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Kristine Cimmy 06-25-2019
05:15 PM ET (US) IP: 96.59.1.174
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Linz, George Houston also made a movie with Bobby Breen, was in movie "Wallaby Jim Of The Islands", was in "The Howards of Virginia" with Cary Grant(about The American Revolution), was in"The Lone Rider" cowboy western series of movies. "The Great Waltz" was one of my late mother's favorite movies. Sadly, Houston passed away from a heart attack in 1947. As for Miliza Korjus("The Great Waltz"), her name rhymed with gorgeous, was called an operatic Mae West , and I think was nominated for an Oscar-for "The Great Waltz". She was supposed to make another movie with Robert Taylor and Hedy LaMarr, but, sadly, she was in an auto accident, M-G-M didn't know if she would fully recover, didn't renew her contract. There were rumors, Jeanette MacDonald wanted her off the M-G-M Lot, but that was found to be not true. I think, in later years, Korjus was friends with Kathryn Grayson.
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Linz1 06-25-2019
05:09 AM ET (US) IP: 125.238.168.62
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Kristine: this is the first mention I've seen in a long time anywhere of George Houston. His "I'm in Love with Vienna" in "The Great Waltz" was a true gem. I had no idea Howard Keel learned from him. He, George, just seemed to vanish from the face of the earth. What happened?
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Linz1 06-25-2019
04:56 AM ET (US) IP: 125.238.168.62
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Sam: I did indeed see and enjoy your review of the last chapter, and certainly found nothing to disagree with. Thank you for taking the trouble. I also thought Martino was right on the money in honing in on my pointing to the insane dieting as the driving factor of the downward spiral, with all the factors becoming mutually reinforcing after that. Especially artistic frustration. This latter wasn't just that Curtis Bernhardt deemed his singing of one song to be too emotional; it was, on a much broader level, that Mario was despised musically not for his flaws but for his strengths—something that the very brilliant woman to whom Martino alludes would have identified as "hatred of the good for being the good." This is dealt with in my chapter, "Titanic Trio."
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Kristine Cimmy 06-24-2019
07:40 PM ET (US) IP: 96.59.1.174
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Terry Robinson knew Sheldon Leonard, who, with Danny Thomas, produced "The Andy Griffith Show"(Ron Howard as Opie). Does anyone remember when George Eiferman appeared on "Make Room For Daddy"(1959) ? It was the episode, when Pat Hannigan(Pat Harrington, Jr.)is hesitating to propose marriage to Terry Williams(Penney Parker). Uncle Tonoose(Hans Conreid)happens to visit, brings George Eiferman, with him. Danny thinks if Eiferman's character feels attracted to Terry, Pat will propose, which he does. George Eiferman did a Russian dance, bended knees, playing a harmonica, with Kathy Williams(Marjorie Lord)sitting on top of him. Hilarious ! I just obtained Howard Keel's autobiography, "Only Make Believe" from local library. He does mention Mario Lanza and Terry Robinson in the book. He wrote when Lanza was sober, he was allright, but when intoxicated, he had a foul mouth. But he, Howard, understood him, because his father was an alcoholic. Keel praised Lanza's singing voice, though. Keel studied with George Houston(who was in "The Great Waltz").
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Fred Day 06-24-2019
05:14 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Vincent Price has long been a favorite actor of mine. He was always excellent in every role he played. Ciao.
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Dennis1 06-24-2019
02:49 PM ET (US) IP: 73.170.201.215
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Suzanne: "Vincent Price drove up in a black hearse"...perfect! Gave me a smile for the day.
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Julie Page 06-24-2019
12:34 PM ET (US) IP: 74.79.51.67
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Julie(Suzanne) thanks Fred. I'll check out my collection again. Enjoying all the posts. You fellas are prolific.I can never express what I feel when I listen to Mario. You say it all. I'm just overwhelmed. Will order the Sepia asap. Just a mention of Vincent Price , who appreciated Mario as he wasn't always then. My son worked on the NYS thruway for a while just out of school when Vincent drove up in a black hearse on his way to an art exhibit at a small library in Canajoharie.He was very friendly and David was impressed.He never forgot the occasion.
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Sam Million 06-24-2019
08:55 AM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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Linz,
Did you read my review of your last chapter? I didn't read any response as to your agreement or disagreement of what I wrote.
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Linz1 06-24-2019
02:33 AM ET (US) IP: 125.238.168.62
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Fred: it's the 3rd (and best) take from the commercial recording session.
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Fred Day 06-24-2019
02:08 AM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Question: Re: the new 7th Sepia CD: track 24 - Vesti La Giubba - rare version from Lanza's archives - which version is this?? Date and place?? Curious. Thanks for any info. Ciao.
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Linz1 06-23-2019
10:03 PM ET (US) IP: 125.238.168.62
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'All the Things You Are'—Sensational Seventh Sepia CD!Is the latest Derek McGovern/Sepia Mario Lanza CD, their seventh, sensational? Back in the day, in cases where answers were obvious, one might have responded rhetorically, "Is the Pope a Catholic?!" To do so in our present circumstances might cast doubt on the CD's indeed being sensational, so let me just say flatly, "It is sensational." Here's what I emailed the good professor after my first hearing: "Just played it right through. I'm a bit shattered, I have to say. I didn't imagine it could get that good. I was resolutely supine with my Grant's Whisky, and lost count of the number of times I wanted to go bolt upright. Up until Lover [Come Back to Me] I thought, yes very good, but nothing startling as yet. I was even mildly disappointed that you didn't use the superior take of Love Is [The Sweetest Thing]. But with Lover, the earth moved. "With Gypsy [Love Song], honestly I started to shake with terror and disbelief, a kind of Dominique reaction that such beauty was ever permitted. I think for the first time I had the full realisation that recordings indeed couldn't really capture him, though these reproductions obviously come closer than ever and it truly scares the hell out of you, as Sammy observed. All the Things [You Are] was terrifying also. I was waiting for the walls to collapse or the speakers to rebel. "Coupla details: listening to the last note of Lover intently, I couldn't hear anything wrong with it. I always thought there was a wobble at one point, but I didn't hear it this time. The Coke Chenier sounds bloody amazing! And the sharpness in Cielo just didn't matter any more.. "It was a very good idea indeed to end with Summertime [in Heidelberg]. One needed that release from all the intensity. It sounded just the way I remember it at the age of 9 in the movie theatre! "The two Vestis are astonishing. "I can't praise it highly enough, but I'll do my best. Just give me a day to recover." That was last Friday, and this is Monday. I have recovered. I'll say nothing more of the singing itself, other than to say that every human with a heart that beats red blood should avail himself or herself of it. Engineer Robin Cherry has again done a superb job of combining clarity with depth and warmth, and Derek McGovern has surpassed himself in the imaginativeness of this compilation of The One Tenor's performances. It was indeed a master-stroke to end with Summertime, like drifting off to sleep in the delicious afterglow of prolonged, vigorous lovemaking (for those who can remember what that was like). It's the spirit of the thing that so shattered me. Amidst the grisly events of this year and the screeching advance of occasional cortices in the West, one becomes desensitised to ugliness and evil and the worship thereof, and assumes they are the norm. To hear this glorious voice from over fifty years ago pouring forth with such rapture from such a beautiful soul is to be reminded that ugliness and evil, however much they may be on the march, are not the norm, and should never be accepted as such. To Mario Lanza—and all the things he was! Edited 06-24-2019 01:48 AM
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Dennis1 06-23-2019
07:16 PM ET (US) IP: 73.170.201.215
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I found a line in my grandmother’s diary where she compliments me as a “fine, fat baby”. In the 1940s (and before) being fat as a child was equated to good health and good nutrition with the added benefit of being happy and contented.
Attitudes were different about weight. Think of President Howard Taft, a 300+ pounder, who was admired by the public for his girth—a “hearty man.”
I’m not sure that the general public was so concerned about Lanza’s weight. Yes, movie moguls often wanted their stars to be “slim”, and once Lanza began a movie career, there would be pressure for him to not be fat, but perhaps the pressure on Lanza to lose weight came more from himself.
Lanza was an athletic teen and young man. There are many pictures of his athletic frame and his barrel chest (which implies a taut abdomen). So he grows up, proud of his athletic physique. The women admire him. Perhaps Betty especially admired his stature.
In the army, no doubt Lanza was more fit and more powerful than the average soldier. Being 5’ 8” or thereabouts was an average height for a man, and Lanza surely wasn’t gaining much weight on an army diet and the limitations of finding snacks or putting away beer.
In other words, my theory is that Lanza had a self-image of which he was rightfully proud (especially by today’s standards). He was fit, athletic, strong…but he loved to eat! And eat he did, once coming into money. Being a fat tenor was not an impediment to his career, but it may have challenged his own self-image as his clothes became too tight, the stairs a bit more difficult to navigate, the teasing about his belly not so funny.
I think he was driven to diet, including foolish rapid weight loss diets, by his own frustration with his gained weight. Lose weight, then eat himself up again. Lose weight, then add it on.
Of course this was unhealthy, but I don’t know if the pressure from some cinema industry folks was any worse that his own vision of his self-image and what he did to constantly try to achieve his desired reflection in the mirror.
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Martino1 06-23-2019
05:46 PM ET (US) IP: 104.255.4.145
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Thanks again Sam, for the review of Perigo's chapter, "Mario's Magic Madness". I have made a couple reviews of this and posted them here both when the book was issued in Kindle form and, as you know, just the other day so I won't go into it again.
In reading your take on what Perigo was saying I get the impression you are justifying his conclusions in various ways and through various examples and that is all fine and good. But we need to go further and emphasize what is really important in understanding Perigo's logic. Although Linz wants the reader to agree with his opinion (naturally), I think he wants us to take a position after careful consideration of what Roland said during the interview. He expects us to weigh the pros and cons of each and establish our stands accordingly. A brilliant individual once said, "There are two sides to every issue: one side is right and the other is wrong, but the middle is always evil". This is from someone who has had a significant impact on Perigo through out his life (he will know instantly who it is) and if there is one thing he can not stand, it is that middle position. His conclusion in this chapter is clear based on critical assessments, not just a recanting of events or descriptions so I think we should refrain from that. He gave Roland his chance and Roland did an outstanding job with it but Perigo is not convinced - nor am I, as I have stated before.
The most important thing that Perigo attributes his conclusions to and which you touched upon but a bit to briefly I think, and almost in passing, is the toll that diet took on Lanza, not only physically but mentally. Let me give you examples from his book to show how important he considers this in forming his concluding opinion of a "Magic Madness": "I always thought Mario was ahead of his time. He was really quite gifted, but all they cared about was how much he weighed. He used to torture himself to take weight off". This is a quote attributed to the actor Vincent Price, who knew and worked with Lanza. Perigo's telling and all important statement in response to that quote is this: "And there in my view is the nub of it". Do you see what Lindsay is saying? This is the root factor. He goes further, "...I believe Mario was simply the case of the wonderful mania of genius, being progressively corroded by depression induced by deranged dieting; this depression was exacerbated by artistic frustration and unmitigated by the alcohol to which he repaired".
So, in my view, in order to get to the root of Perigo's theory in this chapter, we must understand where he is coming from and that is what we must explain thoroughly in a specific review of "Mario's Magic Madness". Lanza's behavior was not a result of BPD, in Perigo's opinion, it was the result of several factors with his constant struggle with weight being the driving force for his mood swings and much of his inappropriate conduct. We can talk about a lot of things but without that emphasis we miss the catalyst that drives Perigo to his conclusions.
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Sam Million 06-23-2019
04:32 PM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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MY REVIEW OF LINZ'S FINAL CHAPTER IN HIS BOOK "THE ONE TENOR":
The chapter is entitled "Mario's Magic Madness" and that says a lot. Mario abused his body with alcohol, some drugs Betty had around, drinking which hurt his liver, and his binges of eating like a pig. Howard Keel, movie star, said of him after listening to Mario do the wonderful Otello duet with Albanese, "only a madman can sing like that". This is utter bullshit because all of we fans know that this is one of Mario's best recordings if not THE best. Mario retorted something like "Howard let me give you a bit of advice: get mad, fuck up, and you'll be a better singer"! Mario had to endure the constant abuse from the media and magazines who only wanted to focus on his weight. Never mind how great a singer he was, he had to be svelte to be accepted. To have been diagnosed as Bipolar, something very familiar to me because I have suffered with it for ten years, misses the mark since back then bipolar disorder was not very well understood and treatment for it was primitive and the drug companies just used whatever was already on the market to "fix" it. I once was prescribed medicine for epilepsy! Linz goes on to say there is Good Madness (GM) and Bad Madness (BM) which is also known as a bowel movement. Yes, it was and is a shitty mess. GM attests to Mario's genius and a genius he was to be able to sing as he did and excel in both opera and popular songs. If GM implies over the top singing as in the Lanza On Broadway album, then why did people who were at that recording session say that Mario was coherent and even made suggestions as to how songs should be done. That he did Cavalcade of Show Tunes just a bit later, proves that he had the courage to do a very fine album that I never tire of. Mario's Bad Madness resulted him in being depressed and sometimes unable or unwilling to sing. This isn't the same Mario who would sing at the drop of a hat. He questioned why people invited him to parties. Was it for HIM or was it for The Voice? There were those who criticized his appearance on The Christophers by saying he was out of control and probably manic. Hardly. He was there with wife Betty for support and he mapped out how he came to have the career he did have. His singing of the three songs is excellent and his attitude is jovial. Andrew Solt wrote "He was a good husband and a good father. He was a lovable person, highly intelligent, very smart and fast and funny." I never knew that phlebitis, the disease that killed Lanza when a blood clot traveled to his heart, was passed down to him by his mother who also suffered from it. I never knew Betty Lanza didn't die from "an overdose of tears" as Costa proposed but rather from overdosing on the many pills she took during the last years of their marriage and after her Mario died. Who knows how many more years we might have enjoyed Mario if it were not for his self abuse which no one could stop him from doing. I wish he could have lived five or ten more years and died at the same age as his idol, Enrico Caruso who made it to 48. So, what are we left with? Many examples of his work from RCA record to Coke Show recordings to a few live performances. This has served to delight me since high school and it always will continue to do so.....
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Fred Day 06-23-2019
03:45 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Sam: Please try again with your review, when you can. Ciao.
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Fred Day 06-23-2019
03:44 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Sam: Thanks for that info - I will keep aware. Sounds good. Ciao.
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Sam Million 06-23-2019
03:36 PM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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MY REVIEW OF LINZ'S THE ONE TENOR FINAL CHAPTER:
I had written a full review and then it disappeared, frustrating me no end. So I refuse to do it again. At least not for today, unless my disgust wears off.
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Sam Million 06-23-2019
03:21 PM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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Stay tuned, as you might have one coming your way gratis!
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Fred Day 06-23-2019
03:03 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Sam: No I haven't, yet. Sorry. Ciao.
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Sam Million 06-23-2019
02:32 PM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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Fred, have you ordered your copy of the new Mario Lanza CD from Sepia records?
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Fred Day 06-23-2019
01:15 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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I, also, received a copy of Linz's wonderful book, "The One Tenor", recently. I am about half way thru it. When I complete reading it, I will also write a review, here. It is certainly a wonderful book. It is a smorgasbord of wonderful articles and reviews, many delectable morsels in that smorgasbord. I fully agree with Sam, who said "Lindsay writes beautifully and with great clarity." I would add the word "eloquently" to that description. More to follow in a few days. Ciao.
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Sam Million 06-23-2019
07:32 AM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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Linz. Now I am the one who is going to be exasperated waiting for the new CD review! Because of "conditions" in our marital relationship I was told not to order the new release since "you have it all anyway, nothing is new". So I went to a friend who owed me the exact amount of the CD and he ordered it for me. The only bad part is that I have to wait for Amazon to release it, which won't be until July 12th. Many Lanza fans have had the disc for weeks.
I was in SO much pain after my fall four days ago that I just couldn't continue to review the last chapter. I'm sorry but today will be the day. My ribs are so bad that a tiny move in the wrong direction has me wincing with pain.
I was hoping that at least YOU would comment on the lengthy post I wrote...
Very few people are commenting about anything, which doesn't make me feel like spending so much time writing the stuff. (That excludes Martino and a couple others). But even those who did write in appreciation did not take the time to discuss it. That is what makes forums like this a joy to visit. In the past more people would write.
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Linz1 06-23-2019
02:59 AM ET (US) IP: 125.238.168.62
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Sam: I'm here. Read your review, but was exasperated that you didn't include the most important thing—the final chapter, "Mario's Magic Madness." So I await that with limitless impatience! :-)
My own immodest belief is that that chapter in my book, which is explicitly not a biography, captures the truth in a way that no biography yet has.
Soon I shall be posting a brief but longer-than-one-word review of the latest McGovern/Sepia CD. Brief, because not a lot of words are necessary. Longer than one word, because the one that first comes to mind—"sensational"—doesn't quite suffice. Even three words—"Mario's Magic Madness"—don't quite suffice, even though that's exactly what's on display on this CD. Actually, no words suffice, but I'll submit a brief review anyway.
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Dennis1 06-23-2019
01:49 AM ET (US) IP: 73.170.201.215
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Sam, I go to restaurants without music because I can't think of one that does have live music in this area! Must be a California thing. I envy you the opportunity.
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Sam Million 06-23-2019
01:08 AM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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I just had the greatest night in a long time. Went to a favorite restaurant with live music. The keyboard artist called me up and we did a set of FIVE songs, whereas he usually only lets people do two each. Then I had special requests from a customer who wanted "Lady Is A Tramp" and I've Got You Under My Skin. I got up and sang them and he handed me a 20.00 tip. Wow, long time since I have been tipped and thought about Mario in the Great Caruso when he pulls out his money and says "tell the flour merchant I got this money FROM SINGING"!! Later a request was made for Ricky Nelson's Hello Mary Lou. I was sitting right at the stage and started doing harmony to Joe's melody. So he handed me down a mic and we did the rest of the song in two part harmony. Not to mention a great seafood combo platter of four baked clams, two clams casino, two crab balls, and two Shrimp LeJon (wrapped in bacon) with dipping sauces. Huge and only 15.00. The waitress Colleen knows me now and gives me extra cokes at no charge. Last, a friend who plays a fine harmonica came in and did two songs with harmonica and his voice. Why go to restaurants without music when you can have entertainment too and dance?
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Sam Million 06-23-2019
01:02 AM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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Where is Linz? He will probably see my two posts tomorrow with the time differences.
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gary n.s. 06-22-2019
06:51 PM ET (US) IP: 108.175.132.78
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Sam,,as Martino stated "Thanks for the time and effort to make your review" Good job.
Cheers..Gary
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Martino1 06-22-2019
02:02 PM ET (US) IP: 104.255.4.145
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Thanks for the time and effort you took to make your review. I look forward to the last chapter review coming up.
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Sam Million 06-22-2019
11:26 AM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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MY COMMENTS ABOUT LINDSAY PERIGO'S BOOK "THE ONE TENOR" I have now finished reading this fine work of love (few make money on publications like this, which I know because I wrote THE book on collectible motion lamps). Many of my comments are going to be in the "I didn't know that" realm or the "reinforced what I already knew" realm.
1-The Roland Bessette biography. His book is a good read and goes into factual information about Lanza's financial problems as well as his theory that Mario had Bipolar Disorder (which I share with Mario). In Mario's time there wasn't much to read about the disease (and a disease it is). Roland and Linz go back and forth about his theory but ultimately Linz doesn't buy the theory and neither do I. Mario had great depressive moments (like during the two to three year period he was inactive and by MGM's pronouncement he could not record anything new. There is a photo in the Callinicos book that says it all---it is a photo of Lanza sitting with his head resting on his hands looking quite overweight. Constantine wrote he was "a wasted fat man". Depression supreme!
2-Mario was depressed at other times in his life going back to his army days since he felt he should be entertaining and not peeling potatoes as he does in Because You're Mine". He was uncooperative with his higher ups.
3-Segue to his early films and the Coke Show. He was on top of the world and had gold records, was in great voice, and left us many, many recordings to enjoy. Was this the manic phase of BD? I don't think so. Any celebrity who has success isn't necessarily BP. However with success also comes the feeling that "I can do no wrong". The Student Prince is a great example of his rebellion. He was fairly tame in the movies that preceded that one. There were some upsets like his eating garlic to frustrate poor Doretta Morrow.
4-Serenade. I covered much about this film in a previous post. Suffice it to say that he put hiss heart and soul into making the WB feature only to have it flop. More depression until he decides to escape the evil press and his critics by picking up and taking the entire family to Rome. Here he was happy and the Italians accepted him much more. However he was still plagued by his lifelong habit of overeating and then dieting. Up and down, a strain on his heart.
5-Mario's mother suffered from phlebitis, the same disease Mario inherited which caused blood clots in his leg. He endured much pain and turned to alcohol as a pain killer.One of these clots caused his death.
6-Mario's height. Actually a silly thing to debate but the estimates ran from 5'7 inches to 5' 11 inches (that incorrect Army log). Elaine Malbin, who stood right next to him said he was likely 5'8 or 5'9. she also dispels the theory that he wore elevator shoes. Elaine vociferously says "not true, not true".
7-Mario lacked voice training. Wrong. He studied with Enrico Rosati for fifteen months and remember when he was young he studied with what's her name", who tried to impose a commission on any future learnings. Frank Sinatra had a similar bout with his first band leader who almost got away with it but ultimately freed Frank from that clause in his contract.
8-Marie Stuttards said Mario not only had a great singing voice but also a resonant speaking voice. When he entered a room his charisma was palpable. And he was articulate, unlike his South Philly roots. She noticed a change in his personality when he would try to get the press off his back. When they let him alone, he became very pleasant. A real turnaround? Yes, but not in a manic manner.
9-Jerry Lewis, who spotted Mario and family in the audience during one of his and Dean's shows demands that Mario come up and sing. Mario declined but Lewis pestered him until he gave in. Similarly Mario often felt he was invited to parties for his voice and not for himself. For the Lewis instance he received thunderous applause that resulted in Lewis saying "Ladies and gentleman there is no possible way we can follow that", ending their show abruptly.
10-Mario tells Costa "when I'm happy I don't do these things", referring to his mischievous behavior. Mania vs. depression? I say no. He simply transferred his frustration with boyish actions.
11-Psychiatrists interviewed by Linz feeling that Mario was indeed bipolar. But the most ridiculous proposition was that he was manic during the Christopher film. No way! He spoke very well and had Betty's support. His singing was not over the top (as in the LP Lanza On Broadway) but rather controlled and beautiful.
12-Terry Robinson and Al Tietelbaum taking advantage of Mario. I don't think so. Terry was his best friend and even helped raise Mario's children after his death. Al managed his affairs but did not steal part of Lanza's income.
13-John Wayne, who had a fine public image smoked four to six packs of cigarettes a day and also had weight problems (mostly for the latter part of his career).
14-Betty Lanza did not die from "an overdose of tears but rather an overdose of the many drugs she took.
That concludes what I am writing now. I will cover the revealing last chapter of Linz's book at a later time.
PS. I did not go back and correct typos so forgive me if I made some.
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Sam Million 06-21-2019
08:59 PM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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Several additional notes:
1-It has Chinese subtitles that can be turned off.
2-Mario is obviously singing with his recordings since you see his Adams Apple moving.
3-Vincent Price nearly steals the show with his witty comments.
4-Sarita Monteil was quite a beauty.
5-Joan Fontaine plays a bitch very well. Some years ago I wrote to her asking for her memories of Mario. Her secretary answered me, saying that "Miss Fontaine" no longer gives interviews". I wrote back pleading for just some "tidbits" but never heard from them again.
6-Carole Shea, Mario's cousin, considers this film his finest.
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Sam Million 06-21-2019
08:47 PM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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NEW CHINESE SERENADE RELEASE
Just finished screening the new Chinese DVD of Serenade that I purchased from ebay for 12.79 shipped. It is a somewhat mixed bag. First the picture is very clean and free of any specs or dirt. Second, the color is rich, perhaps more contrasty than the American DVD with rich blacks. Third, this has better color than the American DVD in that it has more blues, about 20 percent more blues making it more colorful. Fourth, on the menu of the disc Mario is heard singing the alternate Serenade in that impossibly high tessitura. Fifth, the radio is 4:3, which means it is “flat” and therefore is not in the original ratio of !:66:1. That being said, Mario for once looks like anything but a “ravioli on toothpicks”. Here is a slender Lanza by default. The sound is crisp and equal to the American disc. I must add, watching it again, that this is undoubtedly Mario’s finest acting job. He emotes well and is more mature than in the earlier films. His voice is a full tone lower and he never overacts as he does in a some of his other films. The film flopped, with the Internet Movie Database saying it lost 695,000 dollars. The singing is consistently great from the magnificent “Torna A Surriento to the near perfect “O Paradiso”. Some of the high notes are a bit pinched but that is forgivable on the whole. I am going to get a lot of flack for saying this (from Derek McGovern especially!) but even the final high C is great. It is rich and rings with the only flaw being that his pitch wavers up and down while he holds it. It probably should have been re-done. Well, I think I have pretty much covered what I wanted to express.
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Sam Million 06-21-2019
10:46 AM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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Jim, I think others here appreciate your efforts as much as I do. You aren't one to be intimidated.
Do keep fighting for the results we have wanted since I was in high school and was first exposed to the best voice ever heard. If we fail, then we know that Mario is in our hearts and no one or no thing can take that away!
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Al Canez 06-21-2019
08:03 AM ET (US) IP: 69.121.88.171
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Good morning Martino, Sam and everyone.At this momemt I have not been successful in contacting Mr. Howard. I have foung that it is a bit harder to get to people, even those I've interviewed over years, to answer yes when I am not "on the air" daily as I was in Greenwich for 30 years. However, I will continue trying. Speaking of Mario, here was my take for on getting him known to today's folks...young and older. You start with an exciting portion of a couple of high notes from songs and arias with a few of Mario's better still pictures..........words about this MOVIE STAR and a line or two about how he got there....but then you go to the start in Philly, parents and on to Koussevitzky (?) Who he worked with (Bernstein ec.) and his Armed Forces service. After service, NY and Rosati and Radio and RCA recordings. The Lanza story and it's progression is really what fantasy is make of.....a Hollywood Bowl concert after after the time spent on the road With Yeend and London. In the audience ? L.B. Mayer, the biggest studio head at the time who loves the voice and gets his folks to "make the guy look good"! So a star is born, hit movies, million selling records ,sings operatic arias mainificently which surprises some corners of the music world. But then the man with it all, wife, 4 kids fame pretty much loses it all through temperament and many other matters, financially and the deception of so called "friends". Italy follows with concerts throughout Europe, recordings and movies....and then sickness and death at 3 Oct. 7, 1959. My God...drama and so much more in this short life and shorter career. Well, there are my morning thoughts. All the best as we will keep trying. Always Mario!!!
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Fred Day 06-21-2019
07:41 AM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Ron Howard said he always loved Caruso, so we can safely assume he has seen "The Great Caruso" numerous times. He certainly knows who Lanza was. As for him making a Lanza film, it is up to asking him about that. Good luck. Ciao.
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Sam Million 06-20-2019
11:32 PM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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I have to agree with you completely Martino. It sounds as if Ron Howard had done what he set out to do and to make another film biography wouldn't interest him or even be in his best interests. Money becomes an issue here since, as you said, Lanza is not that well known these days (except perhaps in England and a few other countries) and such a film might flop. We fans here would like to see nothing more than a first class director make a film about Mario. But I really believe that window of time has passed. We may have to settle for the DVDs that honor his life and voiced and just not look back. But Jim, I am the eternal optimist so hope you keep plugging away at Howard.
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Martino1 06-20-2019
10:06 PM ET (US) IP: 104.255.4.145
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A few days ago Jim Thompson talked about seeking an interview with Director Ron Howard to discuss Mario Lanza, specifically to ask if Howard might be open to directing a movie about Lanza's life. Jim said he had interviewed Howard in the past but this time the interview would be more directed towards Lanza because Howard has recently directed a film based on the life of the Italian tenor, Luciano Pavarotti. Although Pavarotti is a great movie subject I have to believe Lanza's life story might be even more interesting on film. I think Jim would like to get Howard's thoughts on that. I felt that there might be a few problems with Howard doing with Lanza what he did with Pavarotti, one of which was that the audiences of today know the Pav quite well but only a relatively few modern movie goers are familiar with Lanza. The same might be said of Howard himself and I will explain what I mean by that.
The current issue of Opera News contains a brief interview with Howard concerning his Pavarotti project. Questions invariably got around to Howard's exposure to opera and I was hoping for a mention of Mario Lanza. However, the only tenor mentioned besides Pavarotti as an influence on Howard was Enrico Caruso ("I always loved Caruso", says Howard). Strange since Caruso was of an era very much removed from Howard, much more so than Lanza and the modernization of this music that he started and which I would have expected Howard to mention. This is especially true since Lanza actually appeared in modern kind of movies.
Then the big question, "What drew you to Pavarotti as your subject"? Howard responded, "His journey - his passionate pursuit of his art form..." In reading the whole interview I get the impression that first and foremost, Howard wanted to do this film as a document to an artist, an artist in the strictest sense who worked hard all his life in pursuit of excellence and artistic purity. It is that high level of achievement in the field of opera that it seems Howard seeks in his subject. In other words, a tribute to a work ethic that never came easy but achieved the highest level that could be achieved. I think that is what Howard wanted more than anything - a celebration of the journey this man took. I am not sure he would appreciate or even identify that kind of ethic displayed in Mario Lanza's career. I was left with the feeling that although the Lanza story might be interesting, even compelling, Howard's criteria for this kind of venture simply would not fit the man, the story not withstanding.
I hope Jim can speak to Howard and perhaps these questions could be put to rest.
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Sam Million 06-20-2019
06:00 PM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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Forgot to mention about the clock that it has a smooth sweeping hand rather than the type that are jerky.
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Sam Million 06-20-2019
05:19 PM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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Thanks to the good wishes regarding my health. My niece suggested taking ibuprofen and using heating pads. It worked wonders and now I can bend down, which I could not do this morning. I have an announcement:
CUTE NEW MARIO LANZA DESK CLOCK WITH STAND. This is a clock made by hand (each one is different) using original 45 rpm record centers. The clock is quartz and has a red minute hand. It also has the RCA logo on top. It comes with a handy stand too. They come from England and cost 20.00 plus shipping. I tried to upload an image but could not. So, if you want to see it just go to ebay and search "Mario Lanza Vinyl Record Single Clock". I love it!
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Fred Day 06-20-2019
04:48 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Julie (Suzanne): The RCA LP "A Mario Lanza Program" is the Albert Hall concert of Jan 16th, 1958. It is also the BMG CD "Lanza In London", which is still in print. The CD contains 3 additional tracks not on the LP: Lasciatemi Morire, Softly as in a Morning Sunrise, and La donna e Mobile. The CD has all of Lanza's singing. The only omissions are the 4 piano solos by Callinicos. Ciao. Edited 06-20-2019 04:54 PM
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Julie Page 06-20-2019
02:29 PM ET (US) IP: 74.79.51.67
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Julie Page. (Suzanne) Sam. No more superman stunts,OK? glad you're ok(well sort of). I believe that Jeanette MacDonald was married to Gene Raymond, the actor. Kristine, may be you can look that up. Think Jeanette passed away at an early age, with a heart ailment. The recording"A Mario Lanza Program" , released after his death, I've ordered, although I'm fairly sure most of it is on other CDs which I own. Going to look through them all, as I'm familiar with all the selections, but wondered if this might be slightly different .Anyone? Thanks.
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Fred Day 06-20-2019
09:09 AM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Sam: Please be careful so as not to injure yourself again!! That is most important, at our age. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Get well soon!! Ciao.
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Kristine Cimmy 06-19-2019
06:10 PM ET (US) IP: 96.59.1.174
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Sam, feel better soon.
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Sam Million 06-19-2019
06:00 PM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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WOW, what an afternoon I had. I was trying to move a very, very heavy Fisher tube receiver that is a very high end piece. Well, in trying to lift it, I faltered and then tripped over a cable and ended on the ground with the amp hitting my right arm. Blood everywhere, especially the right arm and part of the left arm. Being alone, I did the best I could with Peroxide and bandages. Hurt my ribs too. But tonight is among the best nights for singing at a restaurant I love, so I'm going to cover up the damage with my black Tesla auto jacket and go sing. I felt like Mario in The Great Caruso when he said to Dorothy: "The voice is not gone, why should I not sing?" or something to that effect. Ironically, the receiver suffered absolutely no damage!
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Dennis1 06-19-2019
05:47 PM ET (US) IP: 73.170.201.215
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I have watched all the MacDonald/Eddy movies more than once just as I enjoy rewatching the Lanza films (including Student Prince). Nelson Eddy is not in Mario's league although Eddy's performance in the Disney cartoon "Willie the Operatic Whale" is what started my love of opera as a young teen...and eventually led to discovering Mario. MacDonald's singing is close in quality to many of Lanza's co-stars but her beauty exceeds them all. Maybe I'll watch one of them again this afternoon!
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Bill Ronayne 06-19-2019
05:46 PM ET (US) IP: 68.192.181.58
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Regarding the Lanza Lives T-shirt, Willy Devlin from the United Kingdom has designed a t-shirt which he is selling to help raise funds for the Mario Lanza Museum renovation. With every t-shirt sold, a donation will be made to The Mario Lanza Institute.
Price is £25 in the UK, €28 in Europe and $32 in the USA and includes shipping. To order the t-shirt please contact: willydevlin58@gmail.com to give your preferred size and delivery address. Payment to be made with order through PayPal. Please note that the t-shirts are only available from Mr. Devlin.
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gary n.s. 06-19-2019
05:29 PM ET (US) IP: 108.175.132.78
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Kristine .. good to hear about a biopic about Mac/Eddy,
I have no knowledge of Lanza Lives T-Shirt.. Cheers.. Gary
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Kristine Cimmy 06-19-2019
04:20 PM ET (US) IP: 96.59.1.174
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Gary, there is a biopic about Mac/Eddy being planned, based on the book "Singing Sweethearts", by Sharon Rich, who is Head of Mac/Eddy Fan Club. It tells of their love affair. I read it a few years ago. By the way, that Lanza Lives T-Shirt, from the photos, I've seen , looks great !
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gary n.s. 06-19-2019
11:41 AM ET (US) IP: 108.175.132.78
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Kristine..your mention of Jeanette MacDonald brought back a flood of memories of her and Nelson Eddy singing wonderful songs in the movies they made together. I was just a kid when I first heard them and I loved their duets. I believe they had an on off (love) relationship for the rest of their lives and Jeanette had several miscarriages re. Eddy being the father. On a more recent and up to date movie,I recently saw Bradley Cooper and Lady Gaga in the movie A Star Is Born. Gaga like MacDonald is a terrific singer and a pretty good actor as well. Cheers..Gary. Edited 06-19-2019 11:42 AM
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Sam Million 06-18-2019
11:18 PM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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Linz: I am getting near that last chapter. But I must say for now that your book is chock full of revelations to me and I'm sure to others. I won't go into detail because I'm ready for bed at about midnight. But I will comment further.
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Kristine Cimmy 06-18-2019
06:26 PM ET (US) IP: 96.59.1.174
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Today (June 18th)would have been Jeanette MacDonald's birthday. She was also born in Philadelphia. It's also, Sir Paul McCartney's 77th Birthday ! Did you know , he , also, recorded "It's Now Or Never" ? I found it on You Tube. Are there any plans to release Mario Lanza's movies in one DVD package ? There are DVD packages of Clark Gable's movies, James Stewart's movies, Alice Faye's movies, and others.
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Linz1 06-18-2019
05:21 AM ET (US) IP: 125.238.168.62
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Linz to Sam: Phew! In the nick of time. I look forward to your continuing commentary, especially on the last chapter, given your current situation—from which I fervently wish you to emerge stronger yet. As Licia says, "Listen to Marrrrrrio!"
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Sam Million 06-17-2019
05:38 PM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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Sam To Linz: It is here, it is here! Now I can finish reading your fine book. Thank you very, very much!!
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Julie Page 06-17-2019
10:55 AM ET (US) IP: 74.79.51.67
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(Julie Page) Suzanne P. Thank you for telling about the new museum, and I will send a contribution . How I wish it could be more but send what I can occasionally for the love of Mario. Thanks again Diane and Bill. Guess what? The sun is actually shining here today after yesterday's washout. We're waterlogged. One thing , though, the flowers are blooming like they haven't in a long time.Best to all.
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Barbara Clifton 06-17-2019
09:58 AM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.66
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(aka Diane Cox) Sam on the the left side of the Institute page, under the pix of Lanza, it says photos - click on that and if you scroll down you will find more pix of construction.
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Sam Million 06-17-2019
09:55 AM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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Hi Bill,
I must be stupid or I have trouble navigating Facebook (I always have). I clicked under the bust and then was taken to a page where you could click on "museum", but all I got were you saying it was 2/3rds finished and also some photos of the finalists at the Ball. Is it possible for you to send more direct links? Thanks, Sam
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Bill Ronayne 06-17-2019
09:47 AM ET (US) IP: 68.192.182.185
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The Mario Lanza Institute has a page on Facebook. There are photos, event announcements, etc. Here is the link:
https://www.facebook.com/MarioLanzaInstitute/
You may need to have a Facebook account to view the photo album. If you do, please click Like near the top of the page under the photo of the bust. The photos show various stages of the renovation and some of them are several months old. I will be posting new ones in a few weeks. We are about 3/4 done but have a way to go yet. We have had a few delays over the past several months so it's taking longer than anticipated. As was mentioned, I have been very busy doing a lot of fundraising and this year so far we have done 4 events at various Italian restaurants in Philadelphia. We have another one coming up on Tuesday June 25th at Pizzeria Pesto at 1925 S. Broad St in Philly. It's a daylong event that goes from 11:00am-10:00pm. 10% of the day's profits will be donated to the MLI in addition to the two sponsor donations. Please patronize the pizzeria if you're in the area and if you can't consider making a donation. You can do so online at www.mariolanzainstitute.org or by mailing a check to Mario Lanza Institute PO Box 54624 Philadelphia, PA 19148.
Best, Bill
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Linz1 06-17-2019
02:54 AM ET (US) IP: 125.238.168.62
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Barbara Clifton 06-17-2019
01:37 AM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.66
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(aka Diane Cox) I didn't see any either, but I sent him a message to give up a report.
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Sam Million 06-17-2019
12:02 AM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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To Barbara from Sam
I'm not so good at navigating Facebook. I searched William Ronayne and found only one photo but it looked like the old Lanza Museum. Maybe you can send us some links? In any event, thanks for the updates. Linz, I liked the photo of you and Licia Albanese!
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Barbara Clifton 06-16-2019
07:33 PM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.66
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The new museum is being completed in stages. Bill Ronayne is raising money and shows photos as work is completed. He has a FB page.
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Sam Million 06-16-2019
06:15 PM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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I have not had the chance to thank EVERYONE here who have written in my support through this rough patch in my life. So, thank you all and may Mario's great voice inspire you all.
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Julie Page 06-16-2019
04:10 PM ET (US) IP: 74.79.51.67
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Hello everyone! Sam ,Im so sorry for your troubles. Enjoying everyone's posts, most of which we devotees of Mario are familiar with. Licia lived a very long time and was fond of Mario. If only he could have had a longer time on earth. Buisc RCA Victor in perfect condition "The Magic Mario", bought for me some time ago at an Estate Sale, with notes by Jack O'Brien. Most info seems correct except for his giving Mario's birth year as 1922 on New York's famous lower East side , with an Italian father and Spanish mother. I 'm sure we've all heard that one!He's very complimentary otherwise . This was 1956. Does anyone know how the new Museum location is doing and have the address? I would like to have my children take my collection there when the time comes . I don't imagine I'll be able to get there again, but would like to know what's happening with it. There's been nothing lately from Bill Ronayne, has there? I anyone has any info please tell me. Thanks. Happy Fathers Day to all you Dads.
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Sam Million 06-16-2019
03:32 PM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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Thanks Fred. I must have read that passage in Linz's book incorrectly. Anyway, this is an opportunity to wish everyone here who is a Dad a Happy Father's Day!
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Fred Day 06-16-2019
03:12 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Sam: According to Wikipedia, Licia Albanese, born in July 1909, died on August 15, 2014, at the age of 105!! However, she could not have sung with Caruso because she was only age 11 when Caruso sang his final performance on Xmas eve, 1920. Whether she ever heard Caruso in person is not known. However, in 1938, she recorded a complete La Boheme with Gigli. Ciao.
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Sam Million 06-16-2019
01:59 PM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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Linz: I am up to the Licia Albanese interview and absolutely adore what she says throughout. That she sang with the likes of Caruso is amazing. Anna and I met her at one of the Lanza Balls. She sang while there and although her voice had deteriorated somewhat and had a wobble, she was still thrilling. Do you remember how old she was when she died?Thanks for making it available to us. PS. Still haven't gotten your book and my library one is due tomorrow. Drat!
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Fred Day 06-16-2019
11:52 AM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Sam: That is true. RCA Victor threatened legal action to make MGM-Rhino delete the CD, and not issue any further Lanza CD's. We fans are the losers. Pity!! Ciao.
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Sam Million 06-16-2019
01:30 AM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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Linz: I am about half way through your book now. Enjoying the way you take each CD song by song and analyze them. I probably agree with you 90 percent of the time, which is a pretty darn good average. One of the few things I can't agree with is that the first Beloved gets better with each hearing. It is simply too over the top. One other thing for now (it is 1 AM here as I type this!) is that I too like the Mario's Greatest Performances CD. BUT were we not told at one point that they would never release a part two due to legal reasons? That is such a loss!
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Kristine Cimmy 06-15-2019
03:06 PM ET (US) IP: 96.59.1.174
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Mother Dolores Hart will be 81 this year and she went public, a few years ago, that she has peripheral neuropathy. She wears a habit, topped with a beret on her head. When her autobiography "The Ear Of The Heart" came out, she was touring, promoting it. She was a guest on the Catholic Cable Channel EWTN and , also, was guest programmer, with late Robert Osborne on TCM. She chose some of her favorite movies: "Lisa", which she made with Stephen Boyd, about a woman ,who survived a concentration camp, "The Song Of Bernadette", and I think, "The Rose Tattoo". She is still a member of The American Academy of Motion Picture Arts&Sciences, can still vote for Academy Award Nominees. I wonder, being a nun, if she , also, views the R Rated Movies ? She had stayed in touch with Karl Malden and stays in touch with Connie Francis and Paula Prentiss, who were in "Where The Boys Are" with her. Her book received accolades from Paula Prentiss,her husband, Dick Benjamin, late Tab Hunter, Pia Lindstrom(daughter of Ingrid Bergman), Maria Cooper Janis(daughter of Gary Cooper. She's married to pianist Byron Janis). Gary Cooper used to call her, Miss Dolores. I read it. Patricia Neal helped to get a theater built on the property of Regina Laudis Abbey, where plays are performed. The Abbey was in need of repairs, a few years ago, to the point, it became a health hazard for the nuns. When it went public about their dire situation, upon learning, she made two movies with Elvis and became known as "The Nun Who Kissed Elvis" , donations, from Elvis fans, poured in. I am happy for them. I wrote her a fan letter and she has sent nice replies. Imagine she gave up Hollywood(some thought she would be another Grace Kelly)and a fiancee', to become a nun. Her former fiancee' was an architect, would never marry anyone else. He still remained friends with her, until he passed away. She was also in a play "The Pleasure Of His Company" with George Peppard, on Broadway. The movie version starred Fred Astaire and Debbie Reynolds. You know, when she made her film debut in "Loving You"(Elvis's second movie)she wasn't familiar with him, when they were introduced and he couldn't believe it ! Their kissing scene, in the movie, caused her to blush, which showed on her face, so, re-takes had to be filmed. Her book is available from Ignatius Press, Fort Collins, Colorado. A few years ago, a documentary about her , was filmed, called "God Is Bigger Than Elvis". It was nominated for an Oscar, though it didn't win. She attended the Oscars , in her habit and beret.
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Kristine Cimmy 06-15-2019
02:42 PM ET (US) IP: 96.59.1.174
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Some corrections: Franco Zeffirelli passed away at 96.
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Kristine Cimmy 06-15-2019
02:41 PM ET (US) IP: 96.59.1.174
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Movie director, Franco Zefirrelli has passed away at 93. He also directed operas. RIP. I wonder if he was a fan of Mario Lanza ?
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Al Canez 06-15-2019
11:05 AM ET (US) IP: 69.121.88.171
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From Jim T. Sam.....I pray for your well being. Remember, you are you and you are important to many folks.
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gary n.s. 06-15-2019
09:16 AM ET (US) IP: 108.175.132.78
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Sam..so sorry to hear of your situation. I hope it all works out. Often times these situations result in a much better outcome than you have at present. Play your music, and don't give up hope. Cheers...Gary..
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Sam Million 06-14-2019
03:47 PM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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Tony Bennett is amazing. How he can still be performing and doing duets with younger people defies the law of averages. He has more of a "sandy" quality to his voice and can't always hit the high notes he once did, but it is hard to criticize someone his age. He has outlived probably all the singers from his prime time.
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Fred Day 06-14-2019
10:27 AM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Sam: I agree with Martino and the rest. I hope things work out well for you. Best wishes, always. Ciao.
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Fred Day 06-14-2019
10:25 AM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Kristine: Error - too soon. Tony Bennett will turn 93 on August 3rd of this year. He was born on August 3, 1926. Ciao.
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Martino1 06-14-2019
10:15 AM ET (US) IP: 104.255.4.145
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Sorry to hear of your troubles, Sam. Stay the course and be strong and listen to Mario whenever you feel down.
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Kristine Cimmy 06-14-2019
06:31 AM ET (US) IP: 96.59.1.174
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Sam, I'm sorry to hear it and hope things work out for you. That Mario Lanza record album, in Elvis's room, was the one, Hedda Hopper promoted , on Steve Lawrence's Talk Show, back in 1962. Tony Bennett just turned 93 ! Happy Birthday !
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Chris Johns 06-13-2019
11:30 PM ET (US) IP: 69.142.223.152
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Wow Sam, so sorry. I know this has come at a time when you were finally starting feel better from your depression.
I know it will be hard, but try not to slip backwards. We’re here for you.
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Sam Million 06-13-2019
10:44 PM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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There is no easy way to say this my friends here so I'll just say it Today Anna served me with divorce papers. She feels she has given up too much of her life taking care of me through my depressions and manic periods and wants to simplify her life and get a place of her own. In the meantime we will continue living together until we selll more of what is burdening us down--the many things I stuffed our home with. Moreover she prefer to stay here and prefers it if I move into an apartment. Everything I own and love is in this house and I never lived alone, so I am very frustrated, in denial, and very, very sad. We went to the nearby park to hear a concert but it poured the minute we arrived. Instead we went into our movie theater and watched a DVD I strongly recommend. It is the concert version of Carousel with the NY Philharmonic and a cast of very talented singers who border on the operatic. Much finer voices than in the movie version. There is a husky lady with an equally husky voice who sang at the end "You'll Never Walk Alone" and tears flowed down my face. I decided to record it myself just a few minutes ago.w
I was very moved by hearing this song tonight so recorded it myself. It left me in tears.
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Martino1 06-13-2019
09:03 PM ET (US) IP: 104.255.4.145
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Yes, the youtube video you posted clearly shows Lanza's album, "I'll Walk With God", which was not the TSP album but a record dedicated to religious and inspirational songs. The very first song on that album was the title song and the last song on the B side was the Addio alla Madre from the opera "Cavalleria Rusticana", and was the only aria on the record. Hart just might remember if that was the Lanza album she saw that day she was given a private tour of Graceland.
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Chris Johns 06-13-2019
07:43 PM ET (US) IP: 69.142.223.152
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Back a number of years ago I saw an interview with Priscilla Presley by Larry King. They were touring Graceland. One of the rooms the toured was Elvis’ music rooms and among his hundreds of records, sitting atop a table was Mario’s ‘I’ll Walk With God’ album.
I can’t believe it, but I found the interview on YouTube. Here’s the link. It’s 50 seconds in.
https://youtu.be/dVCAXZGNZwE
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Martino1 06-13-2019
07:20 PM ET (US) IP: 104.255.4.145
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He only owned one Lanza album? That seems strange. If it was TSP, I hope the last song Elvis played that night was "I'll Walk With God". We will never know for sure but wouldn't that have been something?!
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Barbara Clifton 06-13-2019
06:22 PM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.66
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(aka Diane Cox) According to an article I found Elvis' one Mario Lanza album was the sound track of the Student Prince.
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Martino1 06-13-2019
03:36 PM ET (US) IP: 104.255.4.145
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Jim, I hope you get to see and speak with Sister Hart before long. I don't know if she has ever had an in-depth interview about Mario Lanza although she usually mentions him in passing during her interviews. She probably has a great deal to say if someone would only ask the right questions and I can't think of anyone better to do the asking than you. Just think, the last voice Elvis heard in this life may very well have been that of Mario Lanza. An amazing thought! I wonder which Lanza album that was on top of the stack??? If you get a chance to speak with her be sure to let us know right away. Besides her acting career she has spent over 50 years in the convent in service to the Lord so although I have no doubt she is truly devote she will not live forever - time is mathematically simply not on her side.
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Kristine Cimmy 06-13-2019
03:00 PM ET (US) IP: 96.59.1.174
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Correction: Broadway.
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Kristine Cimmy 06-13-2019
02:58 PM ET (US) IP: 96.59.1.174
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Al, if and when you visit Mother Dolores Hart, at Regina Laudis Abbey, Connecticut, will you tell her, that Aretha Franklin was a fan of her Uncle Mario, as were Jackie Wilson, Mel Carter, John Raitt, Robert Goulet, Julius La Rosa ? Priscilla Presley and Elvis's mother, Gladys liked Mario, too. Some sad news, singer, Steve Lawrence and actor-singer, Johnny Crawford("The Rifleman", "The Mickey Mouse Club")have been diagnosed with Alzheimer's Disease. Steve hosted a daytime talk show, back in the '60's. Hedda Hopper was a guest and promoted one of Mario Lanza's recordings, which was being released. Steve Lawrence and Eydie Gorme' met on "The Steve Allan Show" in late '50's, then, married. They lost one of their sons, a few years ago, Eydie never got over it, passed away, a few years ago. I read, Eydie was first offered to play Fannie Brice in Boradway's "Funny Girl", but she wanted Steve to play Nicky Arnstein with her. The producers thought he wasn't right for the role, so, it ended up being Barbra Streisand and Sydney Chaplin(later, Johnny Desmond). Jule Styne, who wrote the songs for it, was uncle of Buddy and Bobby Bregman(who married Ellisa Lanza). Barry Bregman is son of Buddy Bregman and Jack and Flo Haley were his grandparents. I'm facebook friends with Barry. Paul Petersen ("The Donna Reed Show")is friends with Johnny Crawford and gives updates, about Johnny, on facebook. Johnny later became a singer with his own orchestra. Prayers for Steve and Johnny.
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Barbara Clifton 06-13-2019
01:23 PM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.66
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(aka Diane Cox) Agree that a great wound stayed with Lanza until his death. That sparkle went out of his eyes. For whatever reasons, his life was never the same. Now I agree that "Mario! At his Best" is one of his better recordings and it was done late, but that quality that could make you cry was rare after the STP fiasco. I don't have the knowledge to get into deep discussions with you guys - my reactions to Mario are more on an emotional level, with a bit of music background.
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Al Canez 06-13-2019
08:40 AM ET (US) IP: 69.121.88.171
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As we thank Jeff Rense for this "spot on the dial" where we chat, agree upon and disagree, we wish we had had a file system of written material. I find it facinating to read all the current thoughts from Martino, Linz and Mr. Million among others. I was just emailed a stamp of G.H.W. Bush on his brithday anniversary and I immediaately thought of Mario's non existant stamp. As the years go by I do not see one happening. On another topic, I may have mentioned before that Mother Dolores Hart's convent is not far from my home and I have to get there to meet her and chat. In an article in the local newspaper there was a q&a and other thoughs about her early movie career and her two movies with Elvis. Quote: "When I visited Graceland after his death, I received a private tour and in his study there were a pile of records that he played. On the top was an album of music by Mario Lanza, my Uncle. I thought it had been placed there because I was visiting but I was told that it was on the top because that was the last record he probably listened to before he died." Interesting! Everyone who knows me knows of my love for Mario and casual words drop out now and then.."listening to Mario?...."What's going on Mr. Lanza?" I grin and zap them back nicely! It is a rainy Thursday here in CT and a good time for some songs. Hmmmm?
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Fred Day 06-13-2019
08:17 AM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Martino: Very well said - that sums it up completely and perfectly. Ciao.
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Fred Day 06-13-2019
08:04 AM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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How about the rendition of All The Things You Are, that was recorded for the film Because You're Mine, but not used in the film. Absolutely gorgeous!! Pity that the MGM-Rhino CD was in print for only a short few months, till RCA caused it to be deleted. There was to be a volume 2, but sadly never came to be. Ciao. Edited 06-13-2019 08:05 AM
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Martino1 06-13-2019
07:51 AM ET (US) IP: 104.255.4.145
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Linz, yes, your opinions on "Beloved" have always been duly noted and commented on (and also questioned as to which take was the more appropriate - the first or the one used in the film). You said you wanted a comment and I did just that a while back, although without an archive here no one, including you, will remember it. That is the frustration in going back and constantly repeating ourselves. At that time I took it a bit further from just talking about the song itself to the entire TSP production and its problems and the adverse impact on Lanza, all in a response to what you wrote back then. I found it in my log which I spoke about yesterday and will re-post it again, in part:
"...I agree with what you said and a world "in which Curtis Bernhardt rules" made me laugh. We would all be goose stepping in unison to his totalitarian beat! Although Bernhardt was Jewish and no doubt hated Nazis, he certainly acted like one in Hollywood.
There is a story about the fine British actor Stewart Granger, who knew Mario Lanza, and also worked with Bernhardt. Granger said the problem between Bernhardt (whom he described as a SOB) and Lanza, was that Mario did not yet have the thick skin of a seasoned actor when he ran into Bernhardt, who by that time was an old pro in the film industry. Mario was still young and relatively inexperienced and responded better to a father figure like Louis Mayer, rather than the draconian types like Dore Schary or Bernhardt.
The story goes that Bernhardt carried a cane or stick of some sort and would poke people in the ribs with it. Before shooting a film, Granger went up to Bernhardt and told him that if he tried to use that stick on him he would end up in the hospital. He than grabbed the stick and broke it. Granger said that because Lanza was of a sensitive nature anyway, he was vulnerable and easily hurt. According to Granger, it was a difficult situation for anyone working with Bernhardt, but especially so for someone like Mario Lanza.
I have to believe Bernhardt did not understand Lanza at all and did not take the time to deal with him, not just as another actor but as a singer as well. Bernhardt ignored that all important part of the equation - the singer. The problem started (as you told Jeff Rense in one of your interviews with him) with the "Beloved" song, which was the first selection to be filmed. Bernhardt did not want all the emotion Lanza gave it - he did not understand how Lanza sang, how Lanza HAD to sing. By the same token, it is somewhat understandable why Bernhardt wanted a rendition more in keeping with a stuffy, Prussian Prince who would make the song's statement in a more rigid, matter of fact way. Although this is understandable, I do not believe it is correct, at least not at this point in the movie. Early in the movie perhaps this would work, but not at this point and not with a song like "Beloved", where more emotion is better than less. Besides, it is a love song for crying out loud, not a spoken script. Bernhardt did not differentiate between the two.
But Lanza is not without blame either. Rather than walking off the set leaving everyone holding the bag, Mario should have understood what Bernhardt was trying to do as a director and then talk him out of it by explaining his vocal interpretation and what he was trying to do both as an actor AND as a singer. Lots of what ifs I know but I still think there was a way to work around this problem if the parties really wanted to and were willing to work at it.
Like most younger people it is easy to loose your temper and overreact and perhaps that is what happened with Mario in this case. I still say there should have been a better mediation mechanism involved and the parties should have sat down and not left the table until some agreement had been reached. That would have been better for everyone and Lanza should have insisted on that since he had the most to loose (and he was an employee of the studio after all, not the boss).
MGM and Lanza's fans paid a price for it not working out but no one paid a bigger price than did Mario Lanza. The fact that TGC director, Richard Thorpe, ended up replacing Bernhardt as director of TSP (as Mario originally suggested) shows changes could have been made that were in Lanza's favor. As it turned out, I believe this unfortunate incident created a deep wound in Mario which stayed with him until the day he died".
BTW, only two or three of us are talking about these things and we have had lots of good stuff lately; where is everyone else's input and opinions?
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Sam Million 06-13-2019
07:32 AM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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Hi Linz, my partner in debate, lol. I think rather than get nit-pickey, we should let the forum tell us what they think. I am going to type the partial paragraph word for word, okay? "In July and August 1952, Mario recorded four of the songs that had been included in the movie sequel to The Great Caruso, Because You're Mine---a movie which he had loathed from beginning to end. It didn't show in his singing Lee-ah-loo while a non-event of a song, reveals the Lanza voice at its most voluptuous, AS DO YOU DO SOMETHING TO ME, Because You're Mine, and The Song Angels Sing. This last was adapted from the third movement of Brahms'Third Symphony" and so on....
Re the quality of his recordings of the songs: Lee-ah-loo is a breezy song that has an overweight Lanza dancing. It is a very warm interpretation that is a pleasant film experience. Because You're Mine, which resulted in earning Mario his third million selling gold record, is a song you never hear anyone else do. Maybe that's because they couldn't do for it what Mario did---turn a nice song into a great one. It served him well as he did it as late as the TV appearance in 1958 (I think) for the Brits. The Song Angels sing has a strong melody thanks to the genius of Brahms. Mario outdoes himself in his interpretation of it. Starting with a sweet and quiet beginning, he builds on it until he hits the sky with the last word's thrilling high note "MINE".
Shifting over to Beloved. I cringed when I heard the first version for the first time. It sounded to me like a way over the top tenor, practically a drunk Lanza. It was hard to listen to. I returned to the second version that was used in the movie. It sounded, like Mary Poppins, "practically perfect". Slightly darker in timbre too Eventually I went back to the first version and slowly the over emoting caught me up somewhat and I could listen to it without cringing. But, to me, it would never be as acceptable to an audience as the first take is. I should, and do, actually HATE the first recording because of how all by itself it managed to destroy his career and ended up costing him years of what should have been some of his peak recording times.
Well, Linz, what is our next juicy topic to discuss??!!
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Linz1 06-13-2019
04:58 AM ET (US) IP: 125.238.168.62
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Sam—here are my words on P 10:
"In July and August 1952, Mario recorded four of the songs that had been included in the movie sequel to The Great Caruso, Because You're Mine."
"Songs that had been included" doesn't mean "songs Mario sang"! I worded it that way for exactly that reason. No slip of the pen, though I'd happily plead guilty to one if I committed it.
Of far greater interest, I would have hoped, are my comments about his recordings of those songs. "We could justly call them quintessential Mario." We could indeed. They are indeed.
And I note my evolution on the "Beloved" renderings occurs on the very next page. Would be lovely to get some comment on that!
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Sam Million 06-13-2019
01:39 AM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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Linz, I wouldn't lie to you and certainly don't want to put you down over one slip of the pen, but it is here in black and white on page 10 where you said Mario sang YDSTM.
Thanks, Fred, for addressing some of my questions. You are "old faithful", no pun intended.
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Linz1 06-12-2019
06:20 PM ET (US) IP: 125.238.168.62
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Linz to Sam
I see Fred has already answered a couple of your questions. I'm pretty sure I would not have said Mario sang YDSTM in BYM because I'm fully aware that he didn't. :-)
I don't discount the commercial Lord's Prayer on account of the last note; indeed the magnificence of the climax from "For thine is the kingdom" on is matchless, and makes the sharping at the end all the more disconcerting. (Even more disconcerting is the fact that so many seem not to notice it!) I think he'd have been OK had he not succumbed to the temptation to aspirate the Amen: A—ha—men. He doesn't aspirate in the BYM version and alights on the last note dead on pitch. But overall, yes, the commercial recording is much more powerful.
My preferences have been known to shift over time. I think I document one such shift over the controversial "Beloved" for instance.
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Fred Day 06-12-2019
05:43 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Trivia question: In what film did Lanza sing The Loveliest Night of the Year?? Answer: Seven Hills of Rome. In The Great Caruso, it is sung by Ann Blyth, not Lanza. (Except for a tiny fragment, crooned softly by Lanza to baby Gloria, that is interrupted by a fit of coughing.) Ciao.
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Fred Day 06-12-2019
05:09 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Sam: The Coke show Lord's Prayer is on CD2 of "The Best of Everything". And yes, Lanza made an RCA record of You Do Something To Me, but he never sang it in the film - Doretta Morrow sang it in the film. Ciao.
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Sam Million 06-12-2019
02:31 PM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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Sam to Linz: I have been meaning to discuss a few things with that I wrote down as notes during the course of re-reading your book, so here goes: 1-You mention the pending release of the Coke Show Lord's Prayer. This whets my appetite. Has it ever been released and if so on what CD? 2-You wrote the Amen in the Christmas album version turns you off. I don't want to criticize you as everyone has their own opinion but personally I can't negate an entire recording for one slightly sharp note. The BYM version is certainly excellent but I feel it lacks the sheer power of the Xmas one. I have played and loved the recording countless times. 3-You said that Mario sang deliciously (my word) the entire BYM soundtrack and that this is amazing considering his aversion to the film itself. You mentioned several songs he sang including You Do Something To Me. Am I being forgetful or am I right in saying that song was sung only be Doretta Morrow in the telephone sequence? 4-I loved reading that Mario was in tears following his recording of I'll Walk With God". This title has been used to end nearly every Mario Lanza Ball that I know of, so it was always a fitting ending to a Ball evening. I also have love for the title since I sang it in high school as a duet with a very nice harmony intertwining with the melody. The recording of myself and my partner has recently been "unearthed" and I am enjoying it all over again. SO, that is all I have to say for now. I'll keep taking notes so we can keep our exchanges going. Thanks Linz for providing all of us the privilege of having your book. Edited 06-12-2019 06:27 PM
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Fred Day 06-12-2019
07:49 AM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Jim Thompson: Yes, key of C and then transpose to E-flat for the finale. Ciao.
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Al Canez 06-12-2019
07:15 AM ET (US) IP: 69.121.88.171
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All we have to do is play Mario's "Memories" !!! And you, Fred, would come up with my key as in the past!
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Fred Day 06-11-2019
11:59 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Thanks for the compliments. But the years are taking their toll, and memory is getting cloudy, as time marches on. Ciao.
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Linz1 06-11-2019
06:31 PM ET (US) IP: 125.238.168.62
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Martino—alas, it was my memory that failed this time. That was an excellent review you just reposted. Roll on the next one!
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Sam Million 06-11-2019
04:43 PM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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Fred indeed does have an encyclopedic memory. He is one of our treasures here. And if it were not for him, I would never have gotten a copy of the infamous Lanza Blue Tape. Fred actually added many other songs/artists to the recordings he sent including Ezio Pinza in "The Shit Song". Hilarious.
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Martino1 06-11-2019
02:56 PM ET (US) IP: 104.255.4.145
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No Sam, I don't have an encyclopedic memory. The only one here that comes close to that is Fred. In fact, as I get older I notice my memory now is nothing like it use to be. Heck, nothing is like what it use to be!! That is why over the past few years I have decided to keep a journal of some of my posts, at least those I think I might want to resurrect from time to time. Unfortunately, the forum does not have an archive as that would solve the problem as all our memories grow shorter and shorter. I could never remember all those posts word for word at this point in my life so that is why I keep a log by subject matter with cross references. If a subject comes up that I think I may have addressed previously I go to my log and find it, then just copy and paste it again rather than try to remember everything I once said. Saves me a lot of work and typing time that's for sure!
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Sam Million 06-11-2019
02:26 PM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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Martino,
Judging from your review below and actually ANY of your reviews I must say you have an encyclopedic memory. I could discuss what you wrote point for point. But I just want to ask---if you have an encyclopedic memory, then how many volumes are there, lol?
Being impatient, my only regret is that for reasons that fall into the "long story" category, I did not order directly from Sepia but rather from Amazon. They promise delivery July 12th. If you go directly to Sepia, the price is about a dollar lower and they will send the CD immediately. So, it is a month away, drat.
The real truth? I wanted to be first to review it, writing hog that I am!!!
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Martino1 06-11-2019
06:40 AM ET (US) IP: 104.255.4.145
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Linz, these are older Sepia issues and we have already had plenty of discussions about them. I am not sure what more needs to be said until the next one is released. I think most of the regulars here have given their opinions and reviews, at least of those disks that they purchased. I recall the "One Alone" disk you mention being talked about here quite a bit. In fact, Sam and I had a back and forth about it shortly after it was released and he went through it virtually song by song. Here is my part of that conversation:
"One Alone" is an excellent anthology of Mario Lanza's art of singing American song. As Sam pointed out, the chronological sequence of recordings is telling not only in Lanza's vocal sound from light to darker sound, but also in his approach to these songs.
He had a true operatic voice but you would never know it - when he knew it was appropriate for the listener not to know it. When Lanza needed to be operatic he could sing with the best of them and when he needed that "pop" sound he could be a true crooner. Such was his talent and versatility. I also agree with Sam that the original "Love Me Tonight" sounds strange or "distorted" because of the heavy chamber sound the engineers placed on the entire album of the "Vagabond King". Sepia has reduced that effect to virtually nothing, allowing us to hear it as close to natural as possible. The heaviness of Lanza's voice at this end point of his career is still there but it is not nearly as "heavy" sounding as the original recording would suggest.
My favorite moment is the "Tell Me Oh Blue, Blue Sky" rehearsal recording - I consider this a gem. Lanza shows once again he knows exactly what the words of a song should convey and how to use his voice to do just that. He wants the blue, blue (and bright by extension) sky to provide him with what (hopefully) is a bright and cheerful answer to his dark question. Just listen to how beautifully he sings the final title words, especially how he languishes on the word "oh" at the end. It is almost as though he anticipates a positive answer to his question of why he and his sweetheart parted but is still somewhat afraid and apprehensive that the answer might not be what he wants to hear. He sings so beautifully those words at the end that they remind you of a plea, perhaps even a prayer - and maybe that is precisely what he wanted to convey. Most of the two and a half minutes of this song is as beautiful a two and half minutes of sound as one will ever hear, as well as a masterpiece of interpretation and vocal nuance. The Serpia disk abounds with this sort of insight in meaning and interpretation that set Lanza apart.
Overall, a very fine compilation of songs. Everyone involved with this project should be given a great deal of credit, and especially Sepia for producing the disk and taking the time to do the engineering right and in a way that does not smother the Lanza voice".
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Linz1 06-11-2019
05:34 AM ET (US) IP: 125.238.168.62
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Your book is on its way, Sam. Yes, the more I reflect on it, the more inferior the Sky doco seems. The postmodern thing about it is that the "hacks" I refer to are professors, one of whom refers to "Ernesto Caruso" and says Mario never came out of the Clinic he entered in April, 1959. Professors nowadays have no brains, and gain their qualifications just by being women or trans-genders who utter Politically Correct bromides. Mario would be horrified. That said, the nerdy film critic who says at the end that Mario's greatness transcends all the nonsense about weight, the Mafia, etc., does seem to mean it. The Best of Everything by contrast is just that. I hope everyone here has acquired it. The new McGovern/Sepia CD will be as stellar as its predecessors no doubt. The other night I played My Italian Soul right through, twice, bawling the entire time. Now listening to One Alone. Superb sound, even if one has to turn the bass down and the treble up. It's a shame one can't get discussion going on these CDs. They are masterpieces. Edited 06-11-2019 05:43 AM
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Sam Million 06-10-2019
07:07 PM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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Still waiting for it Linz. I only have about five days left on the library loan. There were some strange things said in the bio. For example, Kathryn Grayson refusing to ever work with him again. Heck, she took care of his kids for awhile after he died. And that Betty Lanza died of suicide. You always hear "she died from an overdose of tears". Overall, I enjoyed watching it. The biggest criticism I have is how they cut away from his singing at the oddest times, like right before a high note, to allow the people being interviewed to speak.
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Linz1 06-10-2019
06:47 PM ET (US) IP: 125.238.168.62
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Sam—the speeds are indeed wayward in some of the Sky Arts tracks. I think this is overall not as good as The Best of Everything, where all the contributors know what they are talking about and believe it passionately. The Sky doco wheels out the same hacks they use in *all* their docos and they're just going through the motions.
Has the copy I sent of my book arrived or are you still reading the one from the library?
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Sam Million 06-10-2019
05:27 PM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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Thank you Linz! Even though there is little new information to glean, the bio is well done and entertaining. I noticed that the speed of some of the recordings in the background don't sound like Mario as they are either speeded up or are very early Lanza recordings. BTW, I am enjoying your book all over again. I am anxiously awaiting the new Lanza CD Derek was involved in.
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Fred Day 06-10-2019
10:23 AM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Yes, Vince Di Placido posted it on youtube. A wonderful doco, which runs 43 minutes. Most enjoyable. I wonder if the Caruso and Pavarotti docos are also on youtube?? Ciao.
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Linz1 06-10-2019
01:19 AM ET (US) IP: 125.238.168.62
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The schedule I posted was for Sky TV here in NZ. I assume this doco has already played in the UK and Australia. As well, someone seems to have posted it on YouTube! :-)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-CPWOBh5x8s&t=60s
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Fred Day 06-09-2019
10:20 AM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Second question: The series covers 12 operatic singers. Six names are listed. Who are the other six names?? Thanks. Ciao.
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Fred Day 06-09-2019
10:14 AM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Question: When the Caruso & Lanza programs air on Friday June 21st, what time will they air - eastern (New York) time?? Please let us know. Thanks. Ciao.
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Al Canez 06-09-2019
07:51 AM ET (US) IP: 69.121.88.171
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J. Thompson here saying thank you. Linz 1 for the link to Legends of Opera. Once I get it open I will certainly check out many of the presentations.
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Linz1 06-09-2019
04:33 AM ET (US) IP: 125.238.168.62
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We may be disappointed that there's been no Mario movie to date, but the docos have served him well, including of late "The Best of Everything" and this one, about to be screened here in NZ on Sky Arts: LEGENDS OF OPERA
FRIDAYS 7.45PM FROM 21 JUNE CHANNEL 020
This series travels to the great opera houses of the world, from Milan and Venice, to London and New York, to pay tribute to the greatest opera singers of our time. Hosted and narrated by operatic soprano, Danielle de Niese.
Featuring classic moments in the careers of twelve legends of opera, from Luciano Pavarotti to Enrico Caruso, Joan Sutherland to Kiri Te Kanawa and Jessye Norman to Mario Lanza. Filmed in the United Kingdom and Italy, each episode features historical archival footage, performance highlights and contributions from artists, critics and directors.https://www.sky.co.nz/sky-artsEdited 06-09-2019 04:34 AM
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Sam Million 06-09-2019
01:18 AM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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Valeria, I went to ebay closed auctions and saw your scrapbook. It is even better than I imagined. Whoever made it laid the photos and clipping out in a very artistic manner. Again, congrats!
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Sam Million 06-09-2019
01:14 AM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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Congratulations Valeria. I scan Mario Lanza stuff regularly on ebay. You have to be quick as there is lots of competition. But, as they say, the early bird gets the worm. I had a friend who once had three full scrapbooks of Lana material but he sold them to another friend of mine, who was happy to get them.
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Valeria Pugiotto 06-09-2019
12:22 AM ET (US) IP: 93.42.98.163
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Just won an auction on Ebay to purchase a vintage Scrapbook with beautiful pictures of Mario. Can’t wait to get it!
These days, a lot of good stuff is coming out on Ebay!
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Sam Million 06-08-2019
10:41 PM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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Hi Martino. As usual you hit the nail on the head regarding Mario and the chances of them doing a biopic of him. How many years have we heard this? There was one producer, whose name eludes me, who was going to do a film shortly after Mario died. In all the intervening years more talk and talk only followed. At one point he was going to be ported by a guy who used to post here. Darn, I can't think of names tonight. He had dark features like Mario and had a fine voice himself, but was there ever any question that only Mario's own voice would do? I think a biopic on him could write itself since Mario's life is full of drama and conflict and of course music. The Callinicos book would make a good basis for a movie since he captured Mario and is the only author who knew him. Not to say that the other books aren't very fine works. Armando's, Derek's, Roland's, etc. Oh well, it is my bedtime so I'll stop for now.
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Kristine Cimmy 06-08-2019
05:35 PM ET (US) IP: 96.59.1.174
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There is a film bio being planned for Jeanette MacDonald and Nelson Eddy, based on Sharon Rich's book "Singing Sweethearts". She is head of Mac/Eddy Fan Club. Maybe this will lead the way for a Lanza film bio, since, Mac/Eddy are from days gone by. There have been magazines , on magazine stands, that center on past movie stars, Presidents, athletes, religious symbols, etc. They have included Marilyn Monroe, Elvis, Lucy, JFK, Judy Garland, Shirley Temple, The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, Babe Ruth, etc. There is also a magazine called Closer, which has had stories about Judy Garland, Fred Astaire. Maybe one day, there will be a magazine about Mario Lanza. There is a Doris Day magazine out, now, in tribute to her.
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Al Canez 06-08-2019
12:13 PM ET (US) IP: 69.121.88.171
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Martino, thanks a lot. I will read the article and try to follow up. I interviewed Ron Howard a couple of times years ago but did not mean to say I have any ongoing relationship with him but I'll contact friends in Greenwich. Barbara, if you want to pass on any contact info you have for Ron might be helpful... my email addie is jthompson52@optimum.net.
On another note, I just ordered Mario's Sepia CD and Calleja's tribute to Mario. As Fred would say, Ciao!!
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Barbara Clifton 06-08-2019
11:07 AM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.66
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(aka) Diane Cox Jim, I don't know Ron Howard but have communicated with him several times and suggested a doc film about Mario. You can make a better case to him, I'm sure. Want to see the Pavoratti film, as his other docs have been fantastic.
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Martino1 06-08-2019
08:53 AM ET (US) IP: 104.255.4.145
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That is an excellent idea Jim, and reaching out to Howard especially since he knows you may actually do some good. I found an article written a month or so ago by Vanessa Thorpe, titled "The minefield of fame: how accurate do biopics need to be?" that touches on the very subject of the sensitivity directors and producers must have when dealing with bio-pics.
Here is a quote from the article, “There is a sweet spot to hit, somewhere between making a film about someone really obscure and about someone who is so well known that there is little to add,” he says. “In that case you can end up warming-over the myths that are already out there and having your audience simply waiting for the arrival of the ‘eureka moments’ they already know about in a life.” I am sure Howard is a good enough director to be well aware of that. Lanza would be on the more obscure end, at least to modern audiences while Pavarotti is still very well known to everyone. Both men are dead but their lives would have to be treated somewhat differently as much of Lanza's information from first hand accounts is gone. How many people are left to interview? We simply do not have the high level of accuracy with Mario's life that we have with Pavarotti. There lies one of the minefields that might discourage a director.
Of course a director like Howard might find Mario's life a challenge, much like the terrific work done in "Raging Bull" and "Lincoln", both resulting in Academy Awards. Raging Bull had the benefit of having the subject alive and available to assist in the production and Lincoln's life is not only a life story like all people have but a complete historical accounting because he was a President.
For many reasons a major film production on the life of Mario Lanza, although it would be nice, presents many obstacles. More likely would be a made for tv movie biopic, which have become increasingly popular during the past few years and that would not take the enormous resources of a studio to bring the story to major theaters throughout the world on the big screen.
Please let us know if you are able to talk to Howard and what he has to say. If you want to read the entire Thorpe article you can find it here: https://www.theguardian.com/film/2019/apr/...kien-nicholas-hoult
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Al Canez 06-08-2019
07:12 AM ET (US) IP: 69.121.88.171
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Good morning all: this is Jim Thompson. Had the pleasure of interviewing Ron Howard in Greenwich, CT where I was News Dir. for 28 years. A delightful guy. I thought he had moved out of the town but he and family are still there. I hope to see the Pavarotti film if it plays in our area. But I also want to try to connect with Howard somehow and suggest a film about Mario. We all know the drama that could bring to the screen: from youth the boy has a voice...progression to being heard by great conductor...studies with names which will be world famous...gets drafted and serves his country (no bone spurs there) a twist of fate after NY radio and study with Rosati when L.B. Mayer hears him and then world wide fame. The tragedy of such an early death following a very tought personal journey...drama and the backgound is all of the (for the most part) magnificent singing or arias and songs! Would it help if many of us tried and succeeded to get to Ron Howard on such a project? Let us hope so. Mario deserves the best in this kind of effort as opposed to some past presentations. My best to you all!
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Sam Million 06-07-2019
11:47 PM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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Hi Kristine. FYI: The new Lanza CD is available right now! Just go to Sepia Records dot com and you can order it shipped from London for less than 12.00. I have mine coming in.
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Kristine Cimmy 06-07-2019
04:22 PM ET (US) IP: 96.59.1.174
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Today, Ron Howard's documentary about tenor, Luciano Pavarotti is being released to movie theaters. I don't know if there is reference to Mario Lanza, in the documentary. By the way, for "I Love Lucy" fans, there are plans to release 5 colorized episodes of "I Love Lucy" to the movie theaters, as a movie, in conjunction with Lucille Ball's birthday(August). These episodes will be released in DVD's,too. One is Vitameatavegimen, a pie falling on William Holden, at The Brown Derby, and others. Tony Cocozza met Lucy and Desi(some think he looked like Mario Lanza)and whenever, Lucy saw Tony, years , later, she would call him "Pops",as Elizabeth Taylor did, too. The new Mario Lanza CD comes out next month(July).
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Sam Million 06-07-2019
12:03 PM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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For some reason the site is not letting me announce the availability of the new exciting Lanza CD and the new Frank Sinatra rare DVD biography. So write me for information on how to get them. The CD is 12.00 shipped and the DVD ia 19.95 shipped. My email address is sms@bee.net. Edited 06-07-2019 12:04 PM
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Sam Million 06-07-2019
11:02 AM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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Here is something I just recorded in duet both unison and harmony with a girl who sings well. You won’t believe it——It is Come Prima, Mario’s own. It starts out the way he sang it and then goes into full Italian only mode!
Here:
https://www.singsnap.com/karaoke/singAndRe...108&song_id=1001881
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Sam Million 06-06-2019
11:10 PM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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Having more fun singing at 11:00 PM while others are going to bed. Added my voice to a girl's whose voice is perfectly suited to the Patsy Cline recording of Crazy. If you'd like to hear, go to the link below--and I think you can leave comments even if you aren't a member.
http://www.singsnap.com/karaoke/watchandlisten/play/c19258ccd
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Fred Day 06-06-2019
03:05 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Sam: Sounds interesting. After you get it and play it, please let us know your thoughts with a review. Ciao.
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Sam Million 06-06-2019
12:43 PM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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Addendum: The Sinatra DVD is so new that it isn't being released until June 11th. A must have for this Sinatra fan.
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Sam Million 06-06-2019
12:34 PM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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Fred, I did a search and here is what I came up with. Sounds like something I would like.
Palm Springs, a small desert oasis 100 miles east of Los Angeles, was Frank Sinatra's home for fifty years. During his brief yet turbulent marriage to Ava Gardner, Palm Springs was center stage. And for the rest of his life, the Rancho Mirage compound on Frank Sinatra Drive was the sanctuary he called "My Heaven." Palm Springs still feels the ghost of the legendary performer.
In this documentary film, director Leo Zahn explores Sinatra's deep attachment to Palm Springs and the Coachella Valley, capturing the spirit of the Sinatra era and paying tribute to his unique lifestyle. Featuring more than fifty clips from his movie and television appearances as well as revealing interviews with Barbara Sinatra, Mel Haber, Tom Dreesen, Bruce Fessier, Trini López, Michael Fletcher and many others who knew and lived and played with Mr. Sinatra, Zahn offers a fascinating insight into a true icon of entertainment.
Bonus Features
Nine Featurettes: The Actor, The Compound, Sinatra Style, Traveling in Style, The Best Tipper, The Worst Driver, Golf Tournaments & Jack Daniels, Friendships, Funeral
Trailer
Product Information
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Fred Day 06-06-2019
12:03 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Sam: Sorry, I am not familiar with that particular Sinatra DVD - I have never seen it. Ciao.
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Sam Million 06-06-2019
09:06 AM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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Fred: Are you familiar with a blu ray DVD called "Sinatra In Palm Springs---The Place He Called Home by his last wife Barbara Marx? Just happened to see it on Amazon with no description or reviews.
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Sam Million 06-06-2019
01:14 AM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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The link is no good, but I have an alternate link that is a VIDEO. This is when I performed it way back in 2002 at our Park concert that netted us the best money we ever made singing for an hour and a half---750.00! The good old days. Here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kZq4REe8OSA
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Sam Million 06-06-2019
01:09 AM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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I entered a karaoke contest tonight and Nessun Dorma (in baritone key) put me at the top. I thought I was competing for 300.00 but that is only at the final night of July 31st. Instead I won a gift certificate for a complete dinner and drinks. I happily accepted it. Crawled into bed at 1 AM, don't see how Sinatra lived this sort of lifestyle. Mario might have had his bad habits but I don't remember reading that he stayed up until the wee hours partying. He was more of a family man I suppose. Here is my Nessun Dorma: cid:FB521DFA-05AA-47BA-9F03-D2AFF6537FF5/3...1-E8C7FB2FA4B8@home
Please let me know if it doesn't work as the above doesn't look like a proper link.
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Fred Day 06-05-2019
06:43 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Sam: Wonderful Sinatra song - you sang it very nicely. I used to sing it when it was new. Cheers!! Ciao.
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Chris Johns 06-05-2019
06:29 PM ET (US) IP: 69.142.223.152
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Wow Sam, I really enjoyed that. Thank you
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Sam Million 06-05-2019
05:54 PM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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I was itching to sing this afternoon and did I'll Walk With God" but I wanted a duet with myself that didn't happen so I'll try again tomorrow. In the meantime, I would like to share with you my recording of "Cycles", made famous by Frank Sinatra. This was done on a great singers' site called Singsnap. com
http://www.singsnap.com/karaoke/watchandlisten/play/bd77b39ad
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Sam Million 06-04-2019
08:35 AM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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I was sitting around doing searches on ebay for Mario Lanza and found there were over 4,000 listings. Many were repetitive but what stood out was a newer release of Serenade. It was only 12.79 shipped so I immediately ordered it hoping it might be better quality than we have already seen. Ask me for the link since I tried posting this yesterday three times and with a link it doesn't work!
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Kristine Cimmy 06-03-2019
06:57 PM ET (US) IP: 96.59.1.174
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Sam, thank you for kind words. Ron Howard's documentary about tenor Luciano Pavarotti will be released to movie theaters on June 7th, according to Parade Magazine(in Sunday Newspapers). I wonder if there is reference to Mario Lanza in the documentary ? By the way, Parade Magazine wrote a story about what was new with Mario Lanza's family in 1962. There was a photo of Tony and Maria Cocozza, with Colleen, Ellisa, Damon , and Marc. They were sitting at a table, having a lunch or dinner.
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Sam Million 06-02-2019
11:51 PM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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fSam to Linz: My home address is 2305 West Deerfield Drive, Media, PA 19063. This is such a nice thing you are doing and I hope I can return the favor sometime.
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Fred Day 06-02-2019
10:11 AM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Dear Linz: Please give me your email address. I, too, would love a copy of your wonderful book, "The One Tenor". I will give you my snail mail address. I read the kindle edition several years ago, when I had kindle only for a short time. Thanks. Ciao. Fred Day.
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Linz1 06-02-2019
05:44 AM ET (US) IP: 125.239.122.77
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Linz to Sam: I am relieved to learn that Martino has captured my essence. I wondered where it had gone, and am relieved to learn it ended up in such good hands.
As you say you must have acquired the Kindle version. After that, much was added for the hard copy, including the Joseph Calleja Foreword, and, as you observe, many beautiful colour photographs (hat-tip Derek McGovern). Unfortunately the photos pushed up the price Amazon insisted I charge, but I think it's a small price for such beautiful photos and such smart insight. :-) The transcripts of the Malbin and Albanese interviews alone are in my view worth the price of admission. Martino captured the spirit of it very well in his typically and uncommonly astute way, but was wrong about one thing: it is not a "hodge-podge" without beginning, middle or end. The book is divided into four clearly defined categories, to which the chapters coherently conform. For my part, I think my riposte to Bessette is the most important chapter in all of it.
If you e-mail me your snail-mail address I'll send you a hard copy so you'll have it even after you return the present one to the library.
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Sam Million 06-01-2019
09:46 AM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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Great review as always Martino. You captured the essence of the book---and Lindsay.
And you answered the mystery of how I read the book as it was obviously on my Kindle.
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Martino1 06-01-2019
08:04 AM ET (US) IP: 104.255.4.145
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Sam, this is my review of "The One Tenor" which I posted here shortly after it was released (I have added or subtracted a sentence or two since my original post):
"I have read the Kindle book by Lindsay Perigo titled, "The One Tenor" and will offer my review. It should be pointed out that this is not intended to be a biography of Mario Lanza, but a compilation of recording critiques and reviews, essays and interviews conducted through the years (some go back decades) by Perigo, a New Zealand journalist and media personality. More than that, it is a hodgepodge of opinions, evaluations and assessments on Lanza's music, career and life. As such, there is no real beginning, middle or end, with the emphasis seemingly to be portraying the correlation between Lanza's art and life rather than any kind of chronological story telling.
Perigo explores the musical aspects of this extraordinarily talented singer in a way few others have. He detects every subtlety found in the many Lanza recordings he talks about and is as quick to pass harsh judgement as he is to praise. His approach is a balanced one of merit and demerit.
One of the highlights of the book is Perigo's interview with Roland Bessette, author of the Lanza biography, "Tenor in Exile". I would have expected a typical, go for the throat Perigo attack of Bessett's theory that Lanza suffered a bi-polar disorder, a notion Perigo rejects in his retort section, "Mario's Magic Madness". However, the question and answer went back and forth between the two in a rather gentlemanly like manner. The Q&A was fascinating, not to mention a pleasure to read such elegant musings, especially from Bessette. For the first time, Bessette made his case (more convincingly than in his book I might add) but did so in typical attorney fashion. Although his theory has merit, it is not persuasive. I have often said that defining a person as "bi-polar" requires medical protocols and actual examinations under clinical conditions, which is something that could not be done at that time. I agree that where there is smoke there is fire and Lanza demonstrated some characteristics that we have come to associate with this disorder. But here we have an exception because of the complexity not only of the disorder itself, but of the subject himself and the situations in which he found himself. You sometimes can be the cause of the situation, other times you are drawn into it. Perigo does well to point this out to Roland, even as compelling as Bessette makes and supports his case. He may be right but Perigo's theory of a "Magic Madness" has just as much validity.
Interesting stories and anecdotes abound, making the book more personal than most biographies can be due to a biography's inherent limited nature to factual reporting. Perigo is at his best when he has no such limitations. This can lead to a somewhat abrasive quality at times but it is also why he succeeds with this tricky kind of format (it probably would not work as well in a formal biography). It allows him to give his opinions on everything and conjure up all sorts of things and ideas without restraints. Best of all, again unlike a biography, it allows him to be personal to the extreme and that comes through loud and clear in every "chapter". This is the work of someone who does not need to be mentally objective, as a biographer must be, but one who sincerely feels what he is saying - and feels it from the heart. You can argue a "fact" found by a biographer but you can not very well argue opinions that are supported with examples and references. Perigo is a master of bringing those opinions to the extreme without falling off the edge by making a statement of fact. There is never a doubt that this is the work of someone who truly loves Mario Lanza, but is smart enough to realize that to understand why he loves him takes an in depth and objective understanding of the subject, his strengths and his weaknesses, both vocally and personally.
"The One Tenor" is a quick and easy read and I highly recommended it to Lanza fans. You probably won't learn anything new but reading the thoughts of one of the world's foremost experts on Mario Lanza, whether you agree with those thoughts or not, will give you a perspective on Lanza's art and life that you won't find anywhere else".
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Sam Million 05-31-2019
10:22 PM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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Sam To Linz: Anna took "The One Tenor" out of our local library so I could read it again. I had forgotten you used a favorable quote by me on the back cover. Now, the part that really gets me is that I must have read the book to have been able to speak about it. But I have no copy, paperback or hardback, here. I have all my Mario Lanza books on one shelf so I'm sure I know what I'm talking about Do you think you had a copy online I could have read or possibly had it on Kindle? Need to solve this mystery but in the meantime will enjoy reading the book again. No kindle version will have the fine color photos!
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Jeffrey12 05-28-2019
10:52 PM ET (US) IP: 68.228.35.17
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Hi all, here is the link to the Sepia CD announcement for "All the things you are". If you have not yet heard and seen the Sepia productions, I do urge you to do so, all of them (with this latest release, seven!)are superb CD's in production values, sound and booklet presentations. A great line-up of songs and arias in this latest CD to look forward to! https://www.mariolanzatenor.com/news
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Valeria Pugiotto 05-28-2019
01:45 AM ET (US) IP: 93.42.70.50
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Thank you Sam! And thank you, Derek! The funny thing in the interview is that when the interviewer asks Mario when he was born, Mario answers ‘1925’. But he was born in 1921.
He does a GREAT imitation of the Abruzzese dialect. I laughed so loudly when I heard him. His Italian is very good.
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Kristine Cimmy 05-27-2019
06:24 PM ET (US) IP: 96.59.1.174
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Hope all had an enjoyable holiday week end, though, we know the true meaning of Memorial Day and that it's not only barbecues and furniture store sales. Is Derek McGovern's Mario Lanza Group, still active ? I once applied to it, but was refused to become a member, for some reason. I'd like to apply, again, but wonder if it would be allright to do so ? I just read on his website, there's a new CD of Mario Lanza, coming out in July, called "All The Things You Are" from Sepia. That sounds great and exciting ! I am happy about that. I listened to the radio interview , Mario speaking Italian. There's an radio show called "Old Time Radio" , which broadcasts old radio shows. I wonder if they have the "Life With Luigi" episode when Mario Lanza was guest, as himself ? There is also , a magazine called Nostalgia Digest, published in Chicago, Illinois, which has stories about old radio shows, movies, t.v. etc. The recent issue has Martin &Lewis on the cover. They did a radio show, in early '50's. I hope they will do a story about Mario Lanza. A few years ago, Classic Images, a publication for fans of old movies, t.v. shows, had a story about Lanza. On a recent issue, there was a story about Doretta Morrow and there was a picture of the movie poster from "Because You're Mine" on the cover of it. They also publish another publication, Films Of The Golden Age Magazine. Both publications are published in Muscatine, Iowa. I used to subscribe to them. I enjoyed reading them. But for financial reasons, I had to discontinue the subscriptions. But sometimes, I'll buy a single issue. The Library of Congress, LACMA(Los Angeles County Museum of Art)show old movies and hope they will show Lanza's movies, someday. UCLA(University of California, Los Angeles)Film and Theater Archives shows old movies, has film retrospects, too. I have written to them, asking about showing Lanza's movies. The Eastman House(Rochester, N.Y.)has film retrospects. It's a museum of photography and motion picture history. The Library of Congress will be showing "Angels With Dirty Faces" James Cagney, Pat O'Brien, Ann Sheridan, The Dead End Kids. Terry Robinson studied Art Classes and James Cagney was a fellow student in one of them.
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Sam Million 05-27-2019
05:34 PM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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Derek McGovern asked me to post this link of Mario's Italian interview in Rome before he died. Go here: https://www.mariolanzatenor.com/audio-interviews.html#family Near the end Mario speaks to his kids and his wife. This is priceless and you can just about understand everything even though he is speaking Italian because he covers some of his life that we are all familiar with. Kristine: Want you to know I always enjoy your posts. They are always "meaty". Derek: Do you have a track listing of the Sepia record you could send me. I suppose there is nothing new but hopefully the sound will be superior. f Edited 05-27-2019 11:06 PM
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Martino1 05-26-2019
06:23 AM ET (US) IP: 50.75.138.131
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Interesting notion - a Caruso playing the life of a man who played the life of a Caruso. Keep it in the family at least.
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Kristine Cimmy 05-24-2019
07:46 PM ET (US) IP: 96.59.1.174
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There is a biopic about Jeanette MacDonald-Nelson Eddy being planned. It will be based on Sharon Rich's book "Singing Sweethearts". I read it, years ago. She is head of Mac/Eddy Fan Club in New York. According to the book, Mac and Eddy were in love, but Louis B. Mayer interfered. They married others, but continued their relationship. Maybe there will be a Mario Lanza biopic,someday, and Aaron Caruso should portray him. He resembles his physical stature.
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Sam Million 05-22-2019
10:28 PM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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Fred has said no one mouths the words better than he. The film is so full of music that it is overflowing and Larry Parks is exceptional in the role. Ludwig Donath plays his father, the cantor. Anna noticed that he looked like Mario's business manager in The Great Caruso and I told her he is one and the same. So I put GC on the projector and watched it up to the point when Donath shows up a rather broken man. I was thrilled with Jolson Story because my projector took an old standard DVD and upscaled it to look like a blu ray. Hope everyone has a nice holiday.
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Sam Million 05-22-2019
12:28 PM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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Hi Kristine,
Thanks for sharing your knowledge with us. I was unaware of many things you posted about. One of the more interesting things was how they built up the role of Hugo for Bobby Rydell. As a teen he was one of my idols and I have followed his career ever since. My wife and I once saw him locally and he looked and sounded terrific. With age he tends to be more like Sinatra. I thought Janet Lee was delightful in Bye Bye Birdie. She didn't age very well but here she was in her prime.
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Kristine Cimmy 05-22-2019
11:43 AM ET (US) IP: 96.59.1.174
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As for movie version of "Bye Bye Birdie" , though, I liked Janet Leigh, I think , Chita Rivera should have reprised her role as Rosie in the movie. She also lost out to reprising her role of Anita in movie version of "West Side Story". She did appear with Shirley MacLaine, Paula Kelly(not the Paula Kelly of Modernaires fame)in movie version of "Sweet Charity". There was no speeding up of the Russian Symphony Orchestra in Broadway's "Bye Bye Birdie". Bobby Rydell said the part of Hugo was built up for him, because in Broadway version, Hugo has one song. By the way, Hugo was played by Michael J. Pollard("Bonnie and Clyde"). Dick Gautier played Conrad Birdie(a parody of Conway Twitty's name, though, the musical was based on Elvis being drafted). Gower Champion(who danced in M-G-M Movie Musicals)choreographed "Birdie". As for lip synching, yes, Edmund Purdom did a great job lip synching. Also, Larry Parks did a great job lip synching as Jolson. I would also like to add, Susan Hayward did a great job lip synching as Jane Froman.(Hayward did her own singing, when portraying Lillian Roth). Eleanor Parker did a fantastic job lip synching to Eileen Farrell's voice (Marjorie Lawrence wasn't able, physically, to do it)in "Interrupted Melody"(about opera singer, Marjorie Lawrence's comeback, after being stricken with polio). George Hamilton lip synched to Hank Williams, Jr.'s voice for the film biography "Your Cheatin' Heart"(about Hank Williams,Sr.).
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Sam Million 05-22-2019
11:17 AM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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We agree on everything with one exception. I still feel it is "Lanza Lite" when I hear his singing in SP. I know I'm far outvoted in this area but I cannot change what my ears hear. By the way, I just wrote to Steff Waltzinger, who has not posted here for ages. I hope she is doing well. Enjoy your trip Martino. The inkeeper in SP said something at the end of the film. Gaudeamus Igitur: enjoy life while we can.
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Martino1 05-22-2019
07:45 AM ET (US) IP: 50.75.138.131
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I am out of town and don't get on the pc often but I just checked in and saw your post on TSP. I think Purdom did a good job under the circumstances and Blyth was always a delight in everything she played. The character actors were all more than competent. It was a good movie lacking in only one area - no Mario. That is a mixed bag in my opinion. I really don't think he would have succeeded in this role dramatically. It just did not fit his style and personality. I can see Lanza as a bar brawler but not in a fencing duel, which Purdom nailed down almost as well as Flynn. Physical build and in looks Purdom was every bit the Prince and that image just does not fit Lanza. Maybe Mario could have pulled it off but I just don't think so and it would have made his character seem awkward.
Vocally it is another matter entirely. Here we have some of Lanza's finest singing and the standard all must rise to who hope to sing this operetta. Although I believe he would not have made a great impression acting as the Prince, I still would have loved to have seen him try.
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Sam Million 05-22-2019
07:19 AM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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Hi Fred,
I forgot how good Larry Parks was. I agree that he is number one. Shame that his career was poor because he was typecast as Jolson. At least he was great once more in Jolson Sings Again. And yes, Mayer's getting the boot was very bad timing for Mario's career. But I still have a small bit of doubt as to whether he could essay the role of the prince. We'll never know sadly. He usually played himself in his movies with the possible exception of Serenade where his acting was the best.
'
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Fred Day 05-22-2019
03:47 AM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Sam: I guess I was lucky - I didn't have to change my name to re-enter this forum. Yes, Purdom was excellent at lip-syncing, second only to Larry Parks as Jolson. His British accent served him well as the Prince. However, I think Lanza would have risen to the occasion and turned in an excellent performance as the Prince. Pity that Louis B. Mayer had been ousted as head of MGM. If he had remained in charge, Lanza would have performed well as the Prince. Alas, it was not to be. Ciao.
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Sam Million 05-21-2019
09:44 PM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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Seems kinda dead here. I posted my mini review yesterday and no one commented. Tonight we saw one of my favorite musicals. "Bye Bye Birdie" in cinemascope. The always alluring Ann Margret, the lovable DIck Van Dyke, Bobby Rydell and so many others in a perfectly cast film. Then I put on a VistaVision DVD of a movie I can watch and watch and never tire of. "The Five Pennies" starring the multi talented Danny Kaye and a host of great music from Louis Armstrong and the rest.
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Sam Million 05-20-2019
11:26 PM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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I just had to go through hell to enter this website. What has Jeff done to make it so difficult?!
What I wanted to do is share some thoughts about The Student Prince, which tonight I watched all the way through.
In my honest opinion Mario's singing is "Mario Lite" as he has a very soft and youthful quality to his voice. A notable exception is "I'll Walk With God" where his voice is richer and definitely Beloved since it was recorded about a year later when Mario Lite was back to Mario Spinto. The film's production values are first rate and we all know how Edmund Purdom is the best lip synch man ever. It is debatable whether or not Mario could have essayed the role as the "Prussian Pickle" since his acting might have been less than that. When Carl Franz becomes the gentler Student Prince Mario would have been more at home. Kudos to Ann Blyth who does a very competent job singing with her own voice. And Cuddles Sakall, like J. Carrol Naish in previous Lanza films, practically steals the show with his trademark "sheesh" and the like. The Ansco color isn't as good as Technicolor but still very pleasing and having in Cinemascope wide screen is a treat over the old DVD of the title which was "pan and scan" flat format. The choral work is also commendable and the film moves at a good pace with plenty of music/songs to please anyone.
Okay, that's my mini-review. I welcome your thoughts....
(Now I am Sam Million)
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Fred Day 05-19-2019
12:53 AM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Even Pineapple Pickers, a nothing song, is redeemed by a superb high B-flat at the end. It is comedic, and shows off Lanza's versatility. I suppose the same could be said about "There's Gonna Be a Party Tonight". Ciao.
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Sam Samillion 05-18-2019
10:22 PM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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I ran Toast of New Orleans in our theater today and was kinda blown away. The DVD release of TONO and TMK was the best effort they put into any Lanza movies. What surprised me, though, was that the track was always low and you had to raise the volume on TONO. TMK fared a bit better. But the revelation was that I had no distortion when raising the volume, the high notes rang our via both Mario and Kathryn Grayson. And the pic quality was razor sharp. Too bad some his other features didn't get this first class treatment. So what if he had to sing songs like Boom Biddy Boom and Tina Lina. Both were showcases for his great top notes.
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gary n.s. 05-18-2019
07:25 PM ET (US) IP: 108.175.132.78
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gary n.s. 05-18-2019
07:03 PM ET (US) IP: 108.175.132.78
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Martino..thanks for mentioning Dalida. It has been a long while since I've listened to her. Also her captivating singing and yes her physical beauty, urged me to spend a lot of time reading about her and her shortened life. Which also led me to read about Alain Delon with whom she (Dalida) had an affair. Isn't it amazing how our combined affection of Mario Lanza leads us to listen too and read about other singers throughout the world..cheers..Gary
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Kristine Cimmy 05-18-2019
06:34 PM ET (US) IP: 96.59.1.174
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Tony Martin sang "There's No Tomorrow" in movie "Two Tickets To Broadway"(Howard Hughes produced it)and the Prologue to "Pagliacci". He sang the Prologue , also, in movie "Kentucky Moonshine"(1938). Wasn't "It's Now or Never", the first song, Elvis sang, after he was discharged from the Army ? He also sang "Surrender" which had the tune of "Return To Sorrento" and sang a few notes of "Santa Lucia" in "Viva Las Vegas". Mario never had a chance to sing "Cara Mia".
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Barbara Clifton 05-18-2019
05:30 PM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.66
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(AKA Diane Cox) If I posted the right clip, when they go to English, it's the word's to It's now or Never. This group is now in their 20s and in danger of becoming another Il Divo.
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Fred Day 05-18-2019
03:58 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Not to forget: It was Tony Martin who first sang O Sole Mio in English, titled There's No Tomorrow. It was a big hit for him on RCA Victor. In later recordings, he sang a part of it in Italian. By the way, he recorded the Pagliacci Prolog in part Italian and part English - in the original key. The finale is in Italian, with a fine high A-flat and high G at the end. Ciao.
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Fred Day 05-18-2019
03:48 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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The LP, Enzo Stuarti Sings a Tribute To Mario Lanza, was recorded and released in 1960, on various budget labels. There was usually a picture of Lanza on the cover (not Stuarti), but Stuarti's name was always mentioned as being the singer. However, the first CD issue of this record, issued around 2000, had Lanza's picture on the cover, but no mention of Stuarti. Therefore, this CD was very confusing, because buyers thought the singer was Lanza, until they played it at home. I don't know if the CD company ever corrected the error. I presume that CD has been deleted for quite some time. Ciao.
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Martino1 05-18-2019
03:47 PM ET (US) IP: 104.255.4.145
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Yes Fred, Sergio was certainly one of those singers who could bridge both genres. Diane, I did not pick up "Its Now or Never" in the Il Volo clip. Sounded to me it was "O Sole Mio" from start to finish.
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Fred Day 05-18-2019
03:38 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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One fine tenor who could sing O Sole Mio & It's Now Or Never, equally well, was Sergio Franchi. He recorded the song in both formats. Ciao.
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Barbara Clifton 05-18-2019
02:56 PM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.66
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(aka Diane Cox) A fun video of Il Volo when they were still teenagers doing a meld of O Sole Mio and It's Now or Never. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FjKUdtiFbiQ
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Martino1 05-18-2019
08:22 AM ET (US) IP: 104.255.4.145
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Since we have been speaking quite a bit about "O Sole Mio", someone posted a page or two back that Elvis sang "O Sole Mio" as an updated version titled, "It's Now or Never". This was a huge hit for him and I believe that it was done specifically as a tribute to Mario Lanza. It is no secret that Elvis was a big fan of Lanza and collected all his records. Elvis requested that the song be given new English lyrics for him shortly after Mario died and his wife, Priscilla, said Elvis considered "It's Now or Never" to be his favorite song. I found an old post I wrote to Gary a couple years ago on the Elvis song and will repost it below:
"Here is a little more for you, Gary. "It's Now or Never" was extremely popular in Europe as well as America. Many European performers sang it, or at least sang "O Sole Mio" but used the Presley arrangement, often preferring it over the traditional, original arrangement. This was almost exclusively true of the "pop" singers.
The other day I referenced a youtube clip with Roberto Alagna and Angela Gheorghiu, singing "O Sole Mio", which they then turned to "It's Now or Never" at the refrain. I commented that they were not as effective in displaying the sensuality Presley brought to the new beat, especially considering the English lyrics he chose. It is my feeling that opera singers should stick with "O Sole Mio" and forget "It's Now or Never" and, for the most part, that is exactly what they do.
In the link below is an example of one of the great and beautiful, although very, very tragic, "pop" singers of the last century - the multi-cultural and linguist, "Dalida". No one was bigger during her time in the Mediterranean specific European region, and she even enjoyed a fleeting moment of success here in America but chose to stay in Europe for the most part. Notice how she sings "O Sole Mio" in the original Italian, but with the Elvis flavor of "It's Now or Never". It works for her where it failed for Alagna/Gheorghiu. I think the reason is that they tried to sing "It's Now or Never" the way they sang "O Sole Mio" and it just does not work very well that way. "Dalida" on the other hand, sings "O Sole Mio" the way she would sing "It's Now or Never". There is a difference because the two opera singers tried it in a way it can't be done (although I have no doubt Lanza might have been able to make it work). However, "Dalida", relying on her "pop" roots, sang the Italian text of "O Sole Mio" effectively even when using Elvis' arrangement. Depending on the voice type and style (and of course the level of talent), one way can work, the other can't. Here is "Dalida's" example of how a "pop" singer can make the two come together in a way that eludes most opera singers".
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nHx0DkKcNiI
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Barbara Clifton 05-17-2019
05:48 PM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.66
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I bought that Stuarti album years ago, thinking it was Mario.
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Sam Samillion 05-17-2019
05:45 PM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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There has been a record that has long been out called something like "A Tribute to Mario Lanza By Enzo Stuarti"
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Mike from L.I. 05-17-2019
05:25 PM ET (US) IP: 100.37.226.122
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Does anyone remember several years back that a new lp came out with supposedly different versions of Mario singing but it sounded terrible and it eventually came out that it was uncredited versions by Enzo Stuarti. How they screwed that up is beyond me.
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gary n.s. 05-17-2019
12:44 PM ET (US) IP: 108.175.132.78
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Thanks Martino..Indeed a very revealing interview..and I agree with "O Sole Mio " as he stated one must deliver all he has..and certainly Mario Lanza does as well. Cheers..Gary..
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Martino1 05-17-2019
08:43 AM ET (US) IP: 104.255.4.145
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Thank you Gary for posting about the DelMonaco interview. I had never seen that one before. Very revealing and heartfelt. One of the things I found interesting is that he said singing the Neapolitan songs was more difficult than singing opera and he pointed to "O Sole Mio" as the most difficult of all. He explained how the singer must deliver all he has in this song, especially at the "sta 'nfronte a te!". What I think he meant was that you had to be an honest singer with this song and you can not cheat or hold back even a little. We can hear and see in the Mario Lanza clip from FTFT that he understood this as well.
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gary n.s. 05-16-2019
08:21 PM ET (US) IP: 108.175.132.78
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In addition to what Martino beautifully wrote earlier re. O Sole Mio I recalled listening to Mario Del Monaco talking about singing Neapolitan songs, in an interview..If you Google "Mario Del Monaco in Last Film Interview" you should get the video. (On YouTube) Pay attention to 2:50 where he speaks of O Sole Mio. Very interesting in my opinion. Cheers..Gary.. Edited 05-16-2019 08:50 PM
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Sam Samillion 05-16-2019
05:00 PM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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Forgot to mention a vintage John Wayne Biography and I am done treating my Columbia Upright with Kotton Kleanser and steel wool. It shines!
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Sam Samillion 05-16-2019
04:57 PM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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More Xmas time:
Well. now my new computer 27inch iMac can get mail, do Internet and he made the print BIG for my eyes.
Your Sinatra DVD set is in and look excellent.
Got my three tubes to restore my transcription player.]
https://www.quicktopic.com/cgi-bin/post.cg...Ny&rand=9ZQYJ3nBuQh
And finally I got in four picture LPs, one naked Marilyn Monroe, and three Disney classics like Snow White and Lady and the Tramp
AND tonight we have our first spag and claim sauce in ages..
LG= Life Is Good!
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Sam Samillion 05-16-2019
04:21 PM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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More "Xmas" gifts are coming in from ebay:
Well. now my new computer 27inch iMac can get mail, do Internet and he made the print BIG for my eyes.
Two Disc greatr Sinatra DVD set is in and look excellent(for my friend Ron, I have the blu ray of same.
Got my three tubes to restore my transcription player.
And finally I got in four picture LPs, one naked Marilyn Monroe, and three Disney classics like Snow White and Lady and the Tramp
AND tonight we have our first spag and claim sauce in ages..
LG= Life Is Good!
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Barbara Clifton 05-16-2019
04:21 PM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.66
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(aka Diane Cox) Linz - Rand is my favorite author. Could not believe someone wrote down what I actually believe.
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Sam Samillion 05-16-2019
09:26 AM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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Sam to Linz. Everything you wrote I agree with one hundred percent. It's exciting exploring the "lost" Lanza world again. For a change of pace, here is my "Music of the Night" from2016. I must have deleted last night's version (damn!) since I falsetto all the high notes. The top notes might be F sharps. Carry on....
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Linz1 05-16-2019
05:50 AM ET (US) IP: 125.238.168.139
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Linz to Sam—I hope you do re-acquire a hard copy of my book, since you are quoted on the back cover! Also, I want you to know that the Royal Albert Hall CD that you facilitated contains my favourite Mario material. "Tell Me Oh Blue Blue Sky" is Mario's best, most beyond-stunning, singing ever, except you wouldn't know it from the official RCA release. Your CD made it necessary for me to clean all my equipment, since the power of Mario's top notes blew my speakers off their plinth. And yes, the recording posted by D McG of Mario speaking in Italian near the end of his life is beautiful. For someone like me with semi-functional Italian, his rapid-fire delivery is hard to keep up with. But it shows the truth of what I was trying to communicate to Martino: the guy was super-intelligent as well as super-spiritual. And there's no conflict or paradox involved. Y'all need to read Ayn Rand. Hahahahaha! Edited 05-16-2019 05:59 AM
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Sam Samillion 05-15-2019
06:15 PM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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I just got in more Lanza material from ebay. One is a 10 by 12 magazine ad in color of Mario smoking! Another is a tube for my transcription player which will allow me to play the Lanza transcription (only one I have) that I also ordered. Finally, a non Lanza piece but truly neat and unique---a cellphone case that is called "Waterfall" because it has tiny little flakes of gold in the rear that cascade when you move the phone.
Life is good!
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Sam Samillion 05-15-2019
03:12 PM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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Neapolitan and other songs associated with Mario. The title of the record is A Vocal Portrait Of Mario Lanza after all....
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Fred Day 05-15-2019
01:00 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Sam: The man who sold you that "rare" Lanza CD should have said that Lanza does not sing on it. It is a baritone singing a tribute to Lanza. What other songs does he sing?? Curious. Ciao.
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Sam Samillion 05-15-2019
10:36 AM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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That is the big disappointment, as Mario sings NOTHING! The baritone is okayish and gets no credits.
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Fred Day 05-15-2019
10:14 AM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Sam: Yes - so what does Lanza sing on that "rare" LP?? I am not familiar with a song called Notte Roma or Notte a Roma. I wonder who is the baritone who sings it?? Curious. Ciao.
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Sam Samillion 05-15-2019
09:09 AM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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Fred: No comment on the "rare" Lanza record?
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Sam Samillion 05-15-2019
08:01 AM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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Here is a real rarity and is fascinating. It is Mario speaking in darn good Italian as he is being interviewed late in his life. Just use this link and go about half way down the page. Thanks to Derek for providing it.
https://www.mariolanzatenor.com/audio-interviews.html#family
You may have to copy the link rather than click on it....
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Valeria Pugiotto 05-15-2019
01:56 AM ET (US) IP: 93.42.98.163
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I had that program transferred on CD together with other radio programs he did in Italy. I did an extensive research on a tv program called ‘Il Musichiere’, where Mario appeared in 1958, but the part where he appears was stolen, or anyway disappeared, from the archives long time ago. It took me 3 months to get an answer from them... Edited 05-15-2019 02:26 AM
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Derek McG 05-14-2019
11:10 PM ET (US) IP: 220.92.65.19
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Sam: If you never use that email account, why did I receive two emails from you---from that very account---in the last few days?! But not to worry; I've replied to you at sms5565@gmail.com. Edited 05-14-2019 11:10 PM
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Sam Samillion 05-14-2019
10:27 PM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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Gosh Derek, I never use that account. It is actually sms5565@gmail.com. No number 4. Can you try one more time at sms@bee.net. As I said, my computer wants me to get Flash and I can go no further after that. Did you remember I'd like to get in touch with Steffi and her Mom too? Thanks, Sam
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Derek McG 05-14-2019
10:08 PM ET (US) IP: 220.92.65.19
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Hi Sam: I've already replied to you (twice). Please check your other email account (samsamuelian4@gmail.com), as that's the one you wrote to me from.
It's really very easy to play the audio file at https://www.mariolanzatenor.com/audio-interviews.html#family. Just click on "Enable Flash," and it'll play in an instant.
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Sam Samillion 05-14-2019
09:59 PM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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Fred,
I got the Lanza LP with the pic of Mario on the cover and it was SUPPOSED to have "On An Evening in Roma" but instead the track was Notte Roma, a different piece. But this is the bad part....it isn't Mario at all who is singing but some fair high baritone who goes uncredited. I'll keep the LP rather than sending it back. I got MINT copies of Be My Love and If You Are But A Dream and they sound SO good on my tube stereo system because there are no pops or clicks.
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Kristine Cimmy 05-14-2019
05:42 PM ET (US) IP: 96.59.1.174
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Tim Conway, RIP. Peggy Lipton had been battling cancer.
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Fred Day 05-14-2019
04:42 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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The very funny comedian Tim Conway died this morning, at age 85. He was a regular on the Carol Burnett TV show. Rest in Peace. Ciao.
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Sam Samillion 05-14-2019
02:27 PM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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Hi Derek. I would love to hear the Italian interview but I cannot play it as it wants me to get Flash. I don't know how to do this or if there is way you can send an audio file. Thanks in advance for your trouble. Sam
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Sam Samillion 05-14-2019
08:12 AM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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Would anyone here like to buy my second copy (excellent condition) of the Iodice Mario Lanza book for only 18.00 plus shipping. Please let me know ASAP as Anna is perturbed that I ended up with two of them!
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Sam Samillion 05-14-2019
07:08 AM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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Hi Derek,
I no longer have your email address which is not a good thing since our friendship goes way back. Would you please send it to me at sms@bee.net. One of the things I want to ask you is about Steffi and her Mom as I haven't had an update about their lives in about four years!
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Derek McG 05-14-2019
04:38 AM ET (US) IP: 220.92.65.19
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Hi Wendy and Valeria: That September 1959 interview in Italian can be heard at Mario Lanza, Tenor: https://www.mariolanzatenor.com/audio-interviews.html
It was recorded for an intended weekly radio programme ("La Mia Vita per il Canto"), featuring Mario being interviewed in Italian about his life and career, but only one show was broadcast before his death. Thanks to Armando Cesari, I have that entire first programme, and I'm planning to upload it to Mario Lanza, Tenor in the near future.
Mario fibs outrageously on it about his age, height, and weight, but it's fascinating to hear him talking at some length in Italian. Just weeks from his death, he also sounds *so* happy---a far cry from the supposedly "impaired" man described by one biographer.
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Wendy Stilwell 05-14-2019
03:07 AM ET (US) IP: 90.216.33.158
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Hi Valeria
That interview you mentioned has been around for 30 years or more, I had it on an audio cassette tape from the 1980's and it included other interviews with Mario. Unfortunately, I no longer have the tapes, I have no idea where they went to! The interviews have never been transferred to disc.
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Sam Samillion 05-13-2019
11:05 PM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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Kristine: I hadn't heard about Peggy Lipton. A real shame. What killed her? Doris Day I'm sorry about but she lived a very long life,, some good, some scary.
Is anyone on this site going to the Lanza Ball? I would like to know.
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Kristine Cimmy 05-13-2019
07:14 PM ET (US) IP: 96.59.1.174
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Doris Day, RIP. She and Mario Lanza received awards and posed , together, in a photo. Also, Peggy Lipton("The Mod Squad")passed away at 72. RIP. She was married to Quincy Jones, composer, who wrote the theme song for "Ironsides"(Raymond Burr).
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Sam Samillion 05-13-2019
12:04 PM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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I see that Bill has corrected me already. I like the sound of the three day package. Bring money as the two events will cost The trip to the new Museum I assume will not.
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Sam Samillion 05-13-2019
12:01 PM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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One more correction via Bill Ronayne. There is NO pre-Ball this year so save 65.00.
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Bill Ronayne 05-13-2019
11:58 AM ET (US) IP: 68.192.186.165
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The price for this year's Mario Lanza Ball is $165 which is the price it has been for the last two years. The Mario Lanza Ball Weekend is November 1st - 3rd. Friday November 1st event is Carole Shea's dinner and we are planning something different than the usual restaurant dinner for Saturday November 2nd. Sunday November 3rd will include an open house reception at the new museum and then the Ball at the DoubleTree hotel. More information will be posted on our site www.mariolanzainstitute.org once everything is finalized. Best, Bill
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Len (UK) 05-13-2019
11:43 AM ET (US) IP: 86.169.160.100
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So sad to hear of the death of Doris Day. 97 is a good age and she lived a full life. Such a clear sonorous voice.
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Sam Samillion 05-13-2019
11:08 AM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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Just wanted to let people with interest in going to the Ball that the price I quoted is wrong. It is 175. So what's is more money when it comes to this fine event and interest ini Mario?!
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Sam Samillion 05-13-2019
08:04 AM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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Linz,
I am very happy to have The Best of Everything as it is excellent and not only informative but entertaining. Regarding your book, I could swear I ordered it when it was first released but can't find it on the shelf holding all my Lanza biographies. I'm going to hunt some more but might have to bite the bullet and buy it again!
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Sam Samillion 05-13-2019
08:02 AM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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Valeria, is there any way you could share the recording of Mario and family with us here? Sounds fascinating!
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Sam Samillion 05-13-2019
08:00 AM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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Hi Martino. As usual your excellent way with words has clarified things for me enough to the point I won't debate anything. I very much appreciate your in depth answers as I know they take time! Have a good week my friend.
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Martino1 05-13-2019
07:18 AM ET (US) IP: 104.255.4.145
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Linz, I never said that "The One Tenor" was devoid of "spirituality". There are many things that can not be explained about Mario Lanza any other way. You are not a scientist, you are a journalist. Iodice is not a poet, he is an educator. I simply used "scientist" and "poet" as metaphors to help explain how I saw the two of you going to the same place but coming from different directions. Different approaches to the same conclusion. It was not a review of your book which I did separately some time ago, it was a review of what I saw in Iodice's method and intent and used your book only as a contrast.
I also used the stars as a metaphor to illustrate that whereas your book is a thinking man's approach (pondering the place of the stars in the universe, seeing constellations, etc.), Iodice is content to view the firmament as it is, no more and no less, all the while basking in the glory of the stars. Metaphors used as they are in highlighting the different approaches to explain the Lanza voice. Here is the example from Iodice's book that I used before that helps define it: "Concentrate on his (Lanza) words and the feelings they evoke. Let it fit your life and experiences. Forget everything else". I could never hear you say, "Forget everything else", at least not when trying to explain the Lanza phenomena. No more than I could see a chapter in Iodice's book that would talk and debate "Mario's Magic Madness". Such an exercise would be uncomfortable for him, indeed, he would see it as completely unnecessary.
I suggest every Lanza fan read both The One Tenor and The Kid From Philadelphia and draw their own conclusions. They are both worth the time and are easy reads.
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Linz1 05-13-2019
04:23 AM ET (US) IP: 125.238.168.139
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Linz to Martino: Thanks for re-posting your review of my and Emilio's books. I'd remind people that mine is available in paperback, not just Kindle. The seemingly high price of it, $35, has nothing to do with me. Amazon insisted that was the minimum that could be charged on account of the beautiful colour photographs. But I'd like to say one thing which I intended to say at the time: in calling me the scientist and Emilio the poet you are embracing a soul-body dichotomy that is not valid. I believe my approach is every bit as "spiritual" as Emilio's. But spirituality does not occur in a vacuum, and is capable of being fleshed out. I believe I pointed out what some of the components of the "vacuum" were, for those who were interested, while touting the spiritual supremacy of Mario's singing, which indeed is what made him "The One Tenor." This should be abundantly clear from my final chapter, Mario's Magic Madness. I should add that I think Mannering achieved this also in his chapter, The Best of Everything, and that the contributors to the splendid documentary of that title (which just aired on NZ television!) had both the spirituality and its components foremost in their minds. Just listen to Joseph Calleja, who wrote one of the many Forewords to my book! Edited 05-13-2019 04:47 AM
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Wendy Stilwell 05-13-2019
03:31 AM ET (US) IP: 90.216.12.158
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Hi Diane
The only roses left in the UK now are the ones that members purchased at the time for their own gardens. I had two, and one is still thriving.
(Hello, Valeria, look forward to seeing you in October!)
Wendy
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Valeria Pugiotto 05-13-2019
12:32 AM ET (US) IP: 93.42.98.163
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Hello to you all!
I ‘ve just got a book called ‘Mario Lanza. Everything you need to know. 152 success facts’. I found it on Ebay.
There is a wealth of info regarding his movies and life. Quite interesting.
Through a friend, I was able to listen to the recording of the last radio interview Mario did in Rome, a few days before he passed. During the interview, he, Betty and the children speak in Italian. It is very moving. I admit I shed some tears....
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Sam Samillion 05-12-2019
05:24 PM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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I still had some time left so took apart a lovely cream colored plastic table radio from the fifties and looked into it to find it needs only one Electrolytic capacitor which I will order promptly. I think I better stop now, the aching back and fingers sticky from Tung Oil have made it so.
In case some of you would rather read a post about Mario, here it comes. I found a sealed copy of the LP Be My Love and ordered it in the hope it will sound flawless with no pops or distortion. Also, I wrote to Bill Ronayne about the Lanza Ball. It will be the weekend of November 1st to 3rd. with the pre-ball costing 65.00 and the Ball is 135. I thin. There probably will be no visit to the church Mario sang in because the Institute had to move out of there. I'll be there God willing and hope to see some of you. If not you can depend on one of my posts that will make you feel like you were there!
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Sam Samillion 05-12-2019
03:58 PM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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I did not write correctly. The Sony Tape deck was running half step too low, so I took it apart cleaned it and now I A-B the record and tape and they are identical, so I am as happy as the proverbial pig in shit! Then I took apart the transcription player and found one dead tube and broke two others trying to fit them into the delicate sockets. So now I'm so glad that I decided to Tung Oil a 20's Atwater Kent radio with rag and hand treatment. Finally, I will sing better tonight with the good feeling this has left me with. I hope I am not boring the less technical friends of mine!
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Sam Samillion 05-12-2019
02:26 PM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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Thank you so much Martino for going bsack and finding your review for me. I still hold my opinion that Iodice repeats himself far too much and gets very religious with his many references to God which I'm is not what the reader wants to hear. My memory of Linz's book ism that it was very good to excellent and one I would far prefer to read. I don't think he constantly repeats himself (Iodice uses articles so repetition was bound to happen) and as a true fan makes Mario shine.
If you have any comebacks, please fire away. I just took apart an old but exc. Sony tape deck and a transcription record player. Even with my shaky hands I managed some fixing but I broke two "peanut tubes by pressing on the sockets too much and the fragile prongs bent and then snapped. So, I'm not having a good Mother's Day but good old ebay had the three tubes and they were very reasonable and should get here by next week.
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Barbara Clifton 05-12-2019
02:24 PM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.66
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(aka Diane Cox) Thanks Wendy. This is basically what I remembered. Do any still exist in England?
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Wendy Stilwell 05-12-2019
02:09 PM ET (US) IP: 90.210.244.162
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Hi Rose Lanza
The Mario Lanza Rose was indeed purchased by the members of the British Mario Lanza roughly 20 years ago. However, Warley Roses went out of business many years ago, and also strict rules meant that the rose could not be exported.
Wendy (British Mario Lanza Society)
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Martino1 05-12-2019
11:57 AM ET (US) IP: 104.255.4.145
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Sam, I reviewed the Iodice book "A Kid From Philadelphia", a long, long time ago and then later on I compared it to the Perigo Kindle offering titled, "The One Tenor". I did so to draw a contrast since both were tributes rather than biographies, hence were unusual in their approach of subject study. Here is my review of the Iodice book and my contrast of it with the Perigo book. Keep in mind my first review of this book dealt with content, this is more my opinion of Iodice's intent:
"I recently reread the Mario Lanza book titled, "A Kid From Philadelphia", by Emilio Iodice. It is in paperback and available from Amazon. We talk a lot about the various Lanza biographies and the books by Lindsay Perigo but seldom do we touch on Iodice's book. To reintroduce it, I will give a general review similar to what I gave the first time I read "A Kid From Philadelphia". This is a review more on the book's intent than of its content because I find Iodice's approach interesting, even unique, in the way Mario Lanza is presented. This is not a biography but a series of essays and within that context at least, it is somewhat similar to the Kindle book and its update, "The One Tenor", by Lindsay Perigo. But that is where the similarities end.
According to Amazon, Iodice is an Italian professor and University administrator who has studied most of the great tenors of the last century. He considers Lanza among the best of them. Amazon says, "This book is...an introduction to those who wish to learn about this marvelous entertainer...". The author calls Lanza an "entertainer" and of course he was but Iodice is really placing his subject along side the great Italian opera tenors of the past and that is how he assess Mario, rather than in the framework many here in America do of considering Lanza only a Hollywood movie star and "pop" singer. However, he does not ignore that important "pop" part of Mario's career and refers often to the many songs from the American Songbook that are associated with Mario Lanza. Because this book is more similar to Perigo's ebook than the works of Mannering or any of the other Lanza biographers, I will use "The One Tenor" in comparison to more clearly define the method Iodice uses.
Those of you who read my review of "The One Tenor" know I thought it was very well written and presented. Perigo used a strange but effective analytical approach in assessing the Lanza phenomena. That is to say, he dissects his subject like a lab animal. He checks to be sure every "i" is dotted and every "T" is crossed and if it is not he wants to open it up and know why. Such is how his mind works. By approaching his subject this way he feels he can better understand why Lanza sang as he did. Saying he "examined" Mario is not meant to be unkind, on the contrary, Perigo made us think and use our heads to come to the conclusion he wanted us to come to - that Lanza was indeed a great singer and phenomena. He presented various points of view (such as the discussion on the bi-polar issue with Lanza biographer, Roland Bessette). Perigo wanted to tell us through his opinions why we should come to the conclusion Lanza was great and to understand why we should share those points of view.
Iodice draws us to that same general conclusion of Lanza's greatness but he takes a much different path. Where Perigo is the scientist, Iodice is the poet. Perigo looks at the stars, sees constellations and ponders their place in the universe while Iodice looks at the stars and is satisfied to do nothing more than bask in their glorious, shimmering beauty. In fact, Iodice does not want you to think at all, rather, he wants you to lay back and keep your ears open and to think with your heart instead of your head. That way the conclusion will come to you naturally - the evidence being the voice of Mario Lanza itself, nothing else required. At least that is the impression I get as I read through this book. Here is a telling quote contained in the book, "Listen to Mario as he takes you into the world of love, drama, emotion and passion. In minutes you will be on a magic carpet and on an unforgettable journey beyond time, space and place into a world only he can create".
Perigo spells out the evidence and offers personal opinions why Lanza sang as he did, based on those factors he presents. Iodice seems to not want you to draw conclusions about Mario Lanza, at least not from complicated musical factors, questions of this technique or that technique, or differing points of view about his life because he believes none of that matters. He appears to be saying that the sound you hear from Mario Lanza's voice and how it affects you is at once both the evidence AND the conclusion at the same time. Yet another quote by Iodice, "Concentrate on his words and the feelings they evoke. Let it fit your life and experiences. Forget everything else".
In getting to his point, Iodice, like Perigo, uses essays and personal reflections to help you better understand Mario Lanza. Where Perigo felt it was important to understand the man in order to better understand the singing, Iodice believes it is more important to understand the singing so you can better understand the man. Emilio talks about Lanza within the context of the man and his background of course, but not using that background as a subject matter per se. Where Perigo sees Lanza as a complex force of nature, Iodice senses something more divine when he says: "We could assemble a collection of examples of the Spiritual Mario Lanza....he felt responsible to sing from his soul so he could touch our hearts and minds and bring us to new heights of spirituality".
"A Kid From Philadelphia" is hard to categorize but if I had to give it a single definition it would be - "A Tribute". And a heart felt one at that. Although I do not read Italian as well as English, from what I could make of it the English translation provided was honest and accurate. I think you will enjoy this book as long as you are not expecting a biography or a lot of fact filled information about Lanza's life every step of the way (although Emilio does bridge that ever illusive Lanza fact from fiction quite well).
As with the Perigo book, I recommend "A Kid From Philadelphia" to all Lanza fans and those wanting to know more about him, even though the presentation is very unusual. And like Perigo, it is always a pleasure to read nice things about Mario Lanza, especially from an intelligent man who knows what he is talking about. In this regard, Emilio Iodice, does not disappoint and satisfies both the most informed and demanding Lanza fans as well as the most novice readers".
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Sam Samillion 05-12-2019
11:24 AM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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Happy Mother's Day to all! Anna is a mother to two small dogs. Some people have called me a "mother" at times.LOL. We will celebrate the day with a light dinner followed by guitar and vocal entertainment that leads into karaoke. I hope to do four or five songs of good music. And fortunately the other voices are pretty darn good. No rap allowed!
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Sam Samillion 05-12-2019
10:53 AM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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I'm afraid the 2017 Lanza biography is very simplistic. I am half way through, which took only half and hour! The author has all his facts straight and apparently this is a collection of various articles he wrote over the years. He is very repetitive with his saying Mario has a great voice which he gave to the world and he discussed his movies but never describes them!
I asked before but no one answered---have any of you read this paperback book that is English on the left and Italian on the right. 174 pages and cheap to buy on ebay.
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Al Canez 05-12-2019
06:58 AM ET (US) IP: 69.121.88.171
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Hi Fred...I remember that meeting in Springfield . We did have a good time with Maria and Terry and Gustl. Two weeks ago I set up my LP player and cassette recorder/player in their own corner and am ejoying the warm sounds of my albums. We can all regret the fact that, as far as I know, there was never any filming of Mario in live recording sessions. Today it would have been videos. Every now and then the classical channel on out TV provider shows singers recording arias and songs. Once in a great while they will show one of Mario's UK TV presformances or the Christopher songs. Hope all this good talk continues. All the best and where appropriate. Happy Mother's Day! I should say again, Jim Thompson here.
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Sam Samillion 05-12-2019
05:57 AM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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Fred, I have always had great respect for the Theme from Exodus In fact I discovered it is still on the laptop Anna and I loaded with tracks we could sing to at our shows. Coincidentally, I started practicing it while still depressed. I sang in the hopes it would help me get out of the funk. At the time I didn't think so and I was unhappy that I was struggling to hit the highest notes and also had some old age wobble.
RE the song on the Lanza album I'm expecting, it was PRINTED clearly on the back of the photo the dealer took. Probably will be a few more days until it arrives....
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Fred Day 05-12-2019
01:48 AM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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If Lanza had lived a few years longer, I am sure he would have recorded the Exodus Song. It would have been superb, for sure. Richard Tucker and Jan Peerce both recorded it. Steve Rossi also made a nice record of it. So did Enzo Stuarti. Unfortunately, Sergio Franchi never recorded it. I am not aware if he ever sang it in concert or on TV. I wish he had. Ciao.
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Fred Day 05-12-2019
01:35 AM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Gary: Here is the story. Back in 1966, RCA Victor issued a new LP, "Lanza sings His Favorite Arias", all from the Coke show. Maria Lanza Cocozza, Terry Robinson, and Gustl Breuer of RCA, went on tour to promote the new LP. They made a visit to Springfield, Mass. My good friend, Jim Thompson, arranged a meet and greet at the Kimball Towers hotel, and he invited several members of the press. It was held in the ballroom - there was a piano, and food - hors dervs. Only 5 of us were there - Maria, Terry, Gustl, Jim, and myself. No one else showed up. But we all had a nice time. Jim and I both sang, I played piano, and we all chatted. Maria mentioned that she was fond of Al Di La and Mala Femmena, as 2 hit songs at that time. I believe Jim sang Mamma to Maria. I wish I had asked her if Mario had ever sung it, but I didn't think of asking. She was a lovely lady, very sweet. A wonderful visit. Ciao.
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Fred Day 05-12-2019
01:15 AM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Sam: I predict that the ebay seller made an error - the song is probably Arrivederci Roma - the Italian version with the little girl, from Seven Hills of Rome. Let us know when the DVD arrives. Ciao.
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Sam Samillion 05-11-2019
11:03 PM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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Anna and I just returned from our regular Saturday night eatery with friends and at my door were orders from ebay 1-A beautiful Victor His Master's Voice hat that also has RCA in gold on one side 2-An RCAa 78 in excellent condition of Serenade and My Destiny 3-A second pair if 3D glasses so now my wife can enjoy 3D with me since we only had one rechargeable pair. 4-The fairly recent Mario Lanza biography by Emilio Iodice. The print looks large, it is a paperback and may not have much new but I'll report on it unless others here have. What a nice night! And tomorrow we have karaoke and dinner and Monday we celebrate ou 29th anniversary at an exc Italian restaurant that will have Opera Night where the waitstaff sing while you dine. Guess it's time to go to bed!
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Sam Samillion 05-11-2019
10:37 PM ET (US) IP: 108.52.204.187
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Fred: I ordered a rare Mario Lanza DVD from ebay and "On An Evening In Roma" was clearly marked as one of the tracks. So, we will see in a few days when it arrives! Ciao.
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gary n.s. 05-11-2019
09:21 PM ET (US) IP: 108.175.132.78
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Hi Kristine Cimmy..how interesting to see you wrote about the Cocozzas' possibly meeting with Fabian,Avalon, and Rydell. Cheers...Gary..
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gary n.s. 05-11-2019
09:18 PM ET (US) IP: 108.175.132.78
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Fred, Mamma is a beautiful song, and I have adored the song since I first heard it years ago. If I had been fortunate enough to be born with a fine tenor singing voice I would have sung it to my Mamma. Fred, did you have a chance to speak with Mario's Mom..or did I misread what you wrote.? Cheers..Gary..
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Kristine Cimmy 05-11-2019
09:18 PM ET (US) IP: 96.59.1.174
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"More" was from movie "Mondo Cane".
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Kristine Cimmy 05-11-2019
09:17 PM ET (US) IP: 96.59.1.174
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I know, Connie Francis sang "Mama". It's too bad, Mario never had a chance to sing the song "More" and "Al-Di-La"(from movie "Rome Adventure"). It was sung by Emilio Pericoli and Connie Francis. He never had a chance to sing "How Great Thou Art", either. I wonder if he liked '50's rock'n'roll and doo wop music ? I know, Aretha Franklin, Jackie Wilson,Mel Carter, Elvis liked Lanza. I think the Lanzas, Cocozzas met Fabian, Frankie Avalon, Bobby Rydell.
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Fred Day 05-11-2019
07:01 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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I have often wondered if Lanza ever sang the song "Mamma" by Bixio. Gigli introduced it in 1940. Lanza is not know to have ever sang it, but it is possible he might have sung it privately to his own mother. I wish I had asked her when she was still alive. Ciao.
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Fred Day 05-11-2019
06:52 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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The song "On An Evening In Roma" was a hit for Dean Martin. As far as is known, Lanza never sang it. It was not the type of song Lanza would sing. It was a popular crooner's song. Ciao.
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Linz1 05-11-2019
05:49 PM ET (US) IP: 125.238.168.139
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Linz to Sam: I did read your recent posts, and was delighted to learn you'd come through. I was also delighted to see the level of discussion going on, prompted by Martino's sparkling analysis of O Sole Mio. I've never heard of 'An Evening in Rome' so it may be that indeed you've unearthed a treasure.
Derek McGovern, who has overseen some glorious CDs these past few years with Sepia Records, reads this forum intermittently, but I'll let him know you were asking after him in any event.
I have only just acquired a turntable and retrieved my vinyl collection after 20 years of being without. No idea what "analogue" means but am enjoying the rich warmth of my old LPs.
That Mario was drunk during Desert Song is very evident in several numbers. The trick is to BE drunk while you listen! :-)
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gary n.s. 05-11-2019
01:19 PM ET (US) IP: 108.175.132.78
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Indeed a Happy Mother's Day (tomorrow). And thanks all for the birthday wishes. It is good to be back here on the forum..thanks to Mario for all our friendships. Cheers...Gary.
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Kristine Cimmy 05-11-2019
11:31 AM ET (US) IP: 96.59.1.174
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Happy Mother's Day ! Happy Birthdays, Gary , Diane Cox !
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gary n.s. 05-11-2019
10:07 AM ET (US) IP: 108.175.132.78
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Re. Lanza and early voice/late voice. Martino, as you said in your post "So, to me the late vs early Lanza is a mixed bag with great performances coming from both periods."
I couldn't say it any better than that..my feelings precisely. No matter the case Mario influenced so many tenors to come in the future such as Carreras,Placido,calleja,Pavarotti,and a host of others. Whether it was early or late (voice) he was heard by the world. Cheers..Gary..
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Sam Samillion 05-11-2019
09:11 AM ET (US) IP: 100.14.204.100
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Sam To Linz: Forgot to add two more things: "No water for me to eternity when a flagon of wine will do" ( I drink mostly socially in reality). And I wonder if you play Lanza LPs and if you have a tube ANALOG sound system which makes all the old records sound sparkling new, save for some surface noise which is minor. Finally, Martino certainly does have a way with words. He is one of our treasures here.
PS. Are you at all in touch with Derek McGovern. I'd like to know his email address.
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Sam Samillion 05-11-2019
09:02 AM ET (US) IP: 100.14.204.100
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Linz...you are a voice from the past but I am too. You may have read my post here which explained in detail the hell I was in for 2 1/3 years in deep depression with hight anxiety. If you didn't see it I can send it to you if you are interested. As to Mario, I am going 100 mph trying to get some music of his I never heard (like buying a rare LP that has "An Evening In Roma" on it. That's a song people remember Dino singing, not Mario. I need to pray every day that I want to stay on the up swing and never again go to hell. It may be pie in the sky but I need to feel positive. My email is sms@bee.net if you would rather say somethings to me in private.
Please read my previous posts here because I think I made some discoveries like the forementioned recording, like possibly the "new" 2017 biography on Mario, etc.
Stay well and be happy!
Sam, about to turn 70.
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Linz1 05-11-2019
07:40 AM ET (US) IP: 125.238.168.139
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Linz to Sam and Martino: magnificent posts! Just what the doctor ordered. I hope others will follow suit. For my part I'll add to the discussion as time permits and as soon as possible. That's not a promise but a threat! ;-)
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Fred Day 05-11-2019
03:22 AM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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To Diane Cox: Belated Happy Birthday wishes to you also. Ciao.
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Barbara Clifton 05-10-2019
06:52 PM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.66
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aka Diane Cox Missed my 80th on here as I was still blocked.
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Fred Day 05-10-2019
06:48 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Happy Birthday wishes (belated) to both Jim Thompson and Gary Maidens. And many more. Mine will be on October 5th. The years seem to fly by!! Ciao.
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Julie Page 05-10-2019
04:47 PM ET (US) IP: 74.79.51.67
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Julie Page(Suzanne)Happy birthday Jim. always look forward to your posts. Enjoy others as well. Stay as young as you are. Mario, Mario,wonderful young, older and in-between.Joy and wonderment at every hearing.So true.
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Sam Samillion 05-10-2019
03:43 PM ET (US) IP: 100.14.204.100
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Forgot this part of The Desert Song Review which gives some background:
Callincos wrote that this was a poor way to record since Mario dubbed in his voice later, but he also said that it took three sessions to get it all due to Mario being drunk. However each was done in one take and Betty and the kids cheered him on. This, I believe was his very last LP. The song “One Good Boy Gone Wrong” was like a prophecy.
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Sam Samillion 05-10-2019
03:41 PM ET (US) IP: 100.14.204.100
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The Desert Song Review:
Just listened to Desert Song. Anna is FURIOUS that I had two exc. copies here and ordered one for 6.00 because I thought I had lost it. The singing is commanding and Mario throws around high notes with abandon. Even Judith Raskin is good, as they blend well together. I only heard side one so far, but I”m sure it is consistent. ANALOG sound!
Anna is FURIOUS that I had two exc. copies here and ordered one for 6.00 because I thought I had lost it. (The dealer graciously let me cancel the order)..The singing is commanding and Mario throws around high notes with abandon. Even Judith Raskin is good, as they blend well together. I only heard the whole record and it is consistent throughout. ANALOG sound!
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Martino1 05-10-2019
08:54 AM ET (US) IP: 104.255.4.145
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Very good response, Sam, thanks for the contributions and talking points. Perhaps others will chime in on the main question of Lanza's younger vs older voice.
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Sam Samillion 05-09-2019
10:28 PM ET (US) IP: 100.14.204.100
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HI MARTINO. WHAT A WONDERFUL POST THIS IS. I WANT TO MAKE IT EASIER ON MYSELF AND COMMENT WITHIN THE BODY IN CAPS:
Sam, we have often discussed the "mature" Lanza voice of his later years vs his "young" voice of the '40s and early '50's. We have many people here who have given a preference to the older voice but just as many who stick with the early Lanza voice that first captivated the world and established Mario as a musical force. I know David Weaver is a big fan of the early Lanza, not so much the late one.I THINK HE DOWNRIGHT DOESN'T LIKE THE LATE LANZA. Mario Lanza became a household name precisely because of the way he sang and sounded from around 1946 to 1953. YES, HE SURE DID. I MIGHT WANT TO SAY FROM 1949 ON SINCE EARLIER THAN THAT (LIKE HOLLYWOOD BOWL) HIS VOICE WASN'T AS MATURE OR RICH. GREAT SQUILLO NEVERTHELESS.
Personally, I find enjoyment at both extremes. The "Mario!" album of Italian songs is perhaps his finest effort and it represents the best example of his "older" voice. TOTALLY AGREE. IT IS ONE OF MY MOST PLAYED ALBUMS. MY BEST FRIEND DENNIS BOUGHT THIS AS HIS ONLY LANZA RECORD IN THE SIXTIES. HE PLAYED IT A LOT TOO. The sensitivity of his singing is more apparent than it was in the same songs earlier in his career. Listen to Lanza's Coke show version of "Santa Lucia Luntana" which is nowhere at the point it should be and then compare it to his "Mario!" take, which is exactly where it should be. HIS SANTA LUCIA LUNTANA FROM COKE SHOW IS NOT ENJOYABLE. AND THE TAPE RECORDING I HAVE OF THE RECORDING SESSION MAKES YOU LISTEN TO IT TIME AND AGAIN AS HE MAKES MISTAKES ALONG THE WAY. We hear this time and again when comparing his early recordings of the same songs with his later ones.
There are always exceptions of course. The Student Prince of his soundtrack was a young voice that sang as the movie would be portrayed and acted. It was wonderful in every respect.I AGREE WITH HIS SENSITIVITY AND EMOTION. DEREK McGOVERN PRAISES THE SOUNDTRACK HIGHLY. I'VE ALWAYS HAD A PROBLEM WITH ONE ASPECT OF IT. FOR SOME REASON, AND THIS MAKES NO SENSE, HIS VOICE IS THINNER SOUNDING....MORE LYRIC THAN SPINTO. BELOVED, THE ONE RECORDED A YEAER LATER IS BACK TO HIS SPINTO SOUND. The later Student Prince was not recorded as a soundtrack but just as a bunch of songs and Lanza went in other directions. Listen to the two versions of "I'll Walk With God", for example. For the soundtrack Lanza sang this as a prayer where the Prince is in church overlooking the body of the King,TOUCHING AND MEMORABLE SINGING EVEN IF YOU AREN'T WATCHING THE MOVIE (AND BEINIG DISTRACTED BY EDMUND PURDOM, THE BEST LIP SYNCER IN THE MOVIES)while on the later recording he sang it more like an aria than a prayer. The first few bars tells you the approach he selected in both. What we have learned is that as good as the later version was, it was not as effective as the earlier one because this song is better served up as a prayer - and virtually everyone who hears it believes that to be true. The more heavy handed treatment simply does not convey the same message. YES SIR! IT WAS TOO OPERATIC AND AT TIMES SOUNDS LIKE HE IS TIRED. MAYBE IF HE HAD KNOWN WHAT WAS GOING TO HAPPEN TO HIS CAREER BECAUSE OF THE STUDENT PRINCE, HE WOULDN'T HAVE SUNG SO TENDERLY, LOL.
We should keep in mind too that Mario was moving more towards opera during his later years as well and his voice also darkened to a heavier and more dramatic hue. AGEE AGAIN. HE HAD OFFERS FROM OPERA HOUSES. OFFERS THAT WERE NEVER TO BE. HE WAS FAR TOO GONE BY THEN. AND LET'S BE HONEST, HE PROBABLY FEARED BEING ON THE LIVE STAGE...AND MAKING A LOT LESS MONEY THAN IN THE MOVIES. Late in his career virtually everything about Mario Lanza was pointing to a renewed emphasis on opera. All this, along with the more studious approach one always takes with gained maturity and experience, and we can understand why he sounded and sang a bit different towards the end. The early Mario was all about exuberance and aplomb while the later Mario was more about interpretation, studious and with a dramatic overtone. WELL STATED. WHAT A THRILL RIDE HAD HE HAD BOTH SIMULTANEOUSLY.
So, to me the late vs early Lanza is a mixed bag with great performances coming from both periods. The same can be said of the inconsistencies which crop up now and then throughout his career. I THINK WHAT I HAVE WRITTEN ABOVE SPEAK TO HIS INCONSISTENCIES. FOR EXAMPLE IN FOR THE FIRST TIME EVERY SONG OR ARIA IS EXCELLENT EXCEPT FOR THE DREADFUL FORCED AND PINCHED NOTES HE WAS "SINGING IN THE RAIN". WELL, I GUESS THAT'S ALL FOLKS!!
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gary n.s. 05-09-2019
08:31 PM ET (US) IP: 108.175.132.78
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Hi Fred and Sam. Would each of you be kind enough to contact me via e-mail.
dgm56buick@gmail.com
Many thanks Gary
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gary n.s. 05-09-2019
08:28 PM ET (US) IP: 108.175.132.78
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Martino I have read and re-read your post on O Sole Mio and I must say thank you for your insight into this piece of music.. I place Mario's rendition near the top of my list of favourite Mario songs.. Cheers..Gary.
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Martino1 05-09-2019
08:16 PM ET (US) IP: 104.255.4.145
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Sam, we have often discussed the "mature" Lanza voice of his later years vs his "young" voice of the '40s and early '50's. We have many people here who have given a preference to the older voice but just as many who stick with the early Lanza voice that first captivated the world and established Mario as a musical force. I know David Weaver is a big fan of the early Lanza, not so much the late one. Mario Lanza became a household name precisely because of the way he sang and sounded from around 1946 to 1953.
Personally, I find enjoyment at both extremes. The "Mario!" album of Italian songs is perhaps his finest effort and it represents the best example of his "older" voice. The sensitivity of his singing is more apparent than it was in the same songs earlier in his career. Listen to Lanza's Coke show version of "Santa Lucia Luntana" which is nowhere at the point it should be and then compare it to his "Mario!" take, which is exactly where it should be. We hear this time and again when comparing his early recordings of the same songs with his later ones.
There are always exceptions of course. The Student Prince of his soundtrack was a young voice that sang as the movie would be portrayed and acted. It was wonderful in every respect. The later Student Prince was not recorded as a soundtrack but just as a bunch of songs and Lanza went in other directions. Listen to the two versions of "I'll Walk With God", for example. For the soundtrack Lanza sang this as a prayer where the Prince is in church overlooking the body of the King, while on the later recording he sang it more like an aria than a prayer. The first few bars tells you the approach he selected in both. What we have learned is that as good as the later version was, it was not as effective as the earlier one because this song is better served up as a prayer - and virtually everyone who hears it believes that to be true. The more heavy handed treatment simply does not convey the same message.
We should keep in mind too that Mario was moving more towards opera during his later years as well and his voice also darkened to a heavier and more dramatic hue. Late in his career virtually everything about Mario Lanza was pointing to a renewed emphasis on opera. All this, along with the more studious approach one always takes with gained maturity and experience, and we can understand why he sounded and sang a bit different towards the end. The early Mario was all about exuberance and aplomb while the later Mario was more about interpretation, studious and with a dramatic overtone.
So, to me the late vs early Lanza is a mixed bag with great performances coming from both periods. The same can be said of the inconsistencies which crop up now and then throughout his career.
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gary n.s. 05-09-2019
07:19 PM ET (US) IP: 108.175.132.78
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I failed to mention in my last post that the singers I named were all of Italian descent.
Cheers.. Gary
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Sam Samillion 05-09-2019
06:29 PM ET (US) IP: 100.14.204.100
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Hello Jim Thompson from me too! I hope you remember me since I've been gone a long time, exactly 2 1/3 years. But we won't talk about something I've already covered in my previous posts.
What I want to talk about is what I'll call The Late Show. That is, Mario's late recordings which I want to critique here. I listened to The Student Prince of 1959 I believe. Mario's voice is rich and commanding. Rich is good, the commanding part is not as he is very heavy handed in most tracks. The most subtle and lovely is his duet with Norma Giusi in
Summertime in Heidelberg. Then there is the often criticized late Christmas Album. Again, the voice is solid, no straining and again it is so heavy handed that one might cringe.
I"d appreciate some feedback from you guys. If you switch to the earlier recordings of the above it's an entirely different voice. His earlier Christmas album is carefree, maybe a little sloppy. Best track is the expansive and just about perfect The Lord's Prayer.
See you "later"!
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gary n.s. 05-09-2019
05:15 PM ET (US) IP: 108.175.132.78
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Hello Jim..nice to see you here again..I too came back to post..
Just a few days ago I was checking some youtube clips from Dick Clarke's American Bandstand. I used to watch this show regularly when I was a kid, back in 1957, up to about 1960. Many of the rock singers who appeared on the show such as (Frankie Avalon.Bobby Rydell. Fabian, Jimmy Darren) and others were all born in Philly. Of course Mario was born there as well. I then wondered, if Mario was born around the same time as the aforementioned singers would he have become another singer to go on Bandstand. Just a thought...Cheers..Gary..
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Sam Samillion 05-09-2019
12:43 PM ET (US) IP: 100.14.204.100
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The good news is that what I wrote about The Vagabond King Side One is the same for Side Two. Brilliant singing and excellent sound with no distortion. Onward, onward, swords against no one!
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Kristine Cimmy 05-08-2019
09:37 PM ET (US) IP: 96.59.1.174
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Happy Birthday, Al !
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Chris Johns 05-08-2019
05:53 PM ET (US) IP: 69.142.223.152
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Hi Sam, welcome back. I agree with you 200% Every so often I brake out my vinyl. YES! Where Mario’s studio recordings are concerned, the vinyl is way superior.
Be well my friend.
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Martino1 05-08-2019
05:37 PM ET (US) IP: 104.255.4.145
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Thanks Jim, a compliment from you always has special value. With Gary and now Sam back we seem to be moving on in the right direction after a bit of a lull here. As always, hope to hear more from you, especially stories from the days of your radio show and your collaborations with Fred.
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Al Canez 05-08-2019
04:26 PM ET (US) IP: 69.121.88.171
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I should have clarified that I'm Jim Thompson. Have to us a family name as mine was not accepted after the problems the site went through.
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Al Canez 05-08-2019
04:25 PM ET (US) IP: 69.121.88.171
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Every time you post I enjoy reading your comments on the artistry of Lanza and so, Martino, after such a long time when I just "tuned" in here I was overwhelned. And Sam...what can I say...welcome back! I have been staying away for many reasons and one is that I'm not always at my computer. Just turned 86 and thank God I am still mobile...just slower all around. Whenever I play a recording by Mario at home on in the car I am still transported to a special place of wonderment and joy. Fred, I have been gathering all the cassettes we did with my singing and your playing! Where did my breath control go now??? We had such fun! My best to everyone and let us all try to stay together and keep that voice going.
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Kristine Cimmy 05-08-2019
03:52 PM ET (US) IP: 96.59.1.174
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I liked Mario Lanza's recording of "The Vagabond King". Some said they didn't like the recording sound of it. I, especially, like the duet "Someday" with the chorus arrangement. Wasn't Ennio Morricone involved with it ? Didn't he write the song "More"(from "Mondo Cane") ? Imagine if Mario had lived, maybe he would have sung it. "Someday" was recorded by Frankie Laine and Kathryn Grayson, Oreste sang it. Didn't Jeanette MacDonald sing it with Dennis King in first movie version of "The Vagabond King " ? Lanza recorded "The Desert Song" with Judith Raskin, too.
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Martino1 05-08-2019
03:32 PM ET (US) IP: 104.255.4.145
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A quick check of Google shows that the Lanza rose was introduced in England by the Warley Rose Gardens, LTD. You might call them and ask where the plant can be purchased. Here is a link: https://www.helpmefind.com/rose/pl.php?n=24537The American Rose Society is located in Shreveport, LA. and may have information for state side purchasers. After reading your post again I see you already checked with Warley so perhaps the American Rose Society might help you locate a Lanza rose. Edited 05-08-2019 03:34 PM
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Barbara Clifton 05-08-2019
03:26 PM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.66
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Rosa Lanza - I've also tried to order a rose, but they didn't ship to the states. I have read of one being planted in England at one of the Lanza shrines, and also in Italy - perhpas in the city where his father was born or Rome. They do exist. Try here 1515 × 1148Images may be subject to copyright. Learn More British Mario Lanza Society www.bmls.co.uk Edited 05-08-2019 03:31 PM
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Sam Samillion 05-08-2019
01:35 PM ET (US) IP: 100.14.204.100
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Some of you are going to think I’m bat shit crazy for what I’m about to tell you. I listened to the entire Caruso Favorites album non-digitally on my tube stereo system. This is a mono album. I liked it very much (I know many have criticized it but you haven’t heard it analog). He recorded it only four months before his death. He sings full voiced throughout with a meaty quality and his high notes ring out clear. No distortion on this album like you find on some other late recordings. He only goes falsetto one or two times like the end of Luna d’estate (the recording Dorothy Caruso first allowed herself to hear after Enrico died.
So give it a listen on your record player and try to give it a chance. You may still not like it but remember you are not hearing it analog. Mario is very, very consistent throughout, has his usual feeling in place, and I dare say that some of these titles are better sung than similar Coke show tunes of which there are not too many. I also give him credit for singing such a group of songs which he never had before. He does his idol justice.
Also I just listened to side one of The Vagabond King. More good news! it was thrilling, especially Love Me Tonight. His voice is expansive and his high notes great. Judith Raskin I can live without but she does a nice job. The Only A Rose duet was also good. There was one track that had some echo and I forget now which one. I can’t wait to play Side Two. Wish you were all here to experience the sound I’m getting. I’m going to delve into other late recordings soon!
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Martino1 05-08-2019
09:14 AM ET (US) IP: 104.255.4.145
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Sam, I think there are many people on this board who can understand what I am saying. I have spent an entire lifetime listening to opera singers so I should know a little something and I try to pass some of that knowledge to others if I can. Sharing opinions and knowledge should be the goal of all posters. I get frustrated at times that I often get no response because I want to carry on a discussion on a particular topic but I can't do that by talking to myself. I don't think that is because people don't understand what I am saying. It is probably more due to some of the stuff I get into is simply of not much interest to them.
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Martino1 05-08-2019
09:03 AM ET (US) IP: 104.255.4.145
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Fred, the "You Are My sunshine" and "O' Sole Mio" both use the sun as the primary theme but in much different ways. As you say, the two are very different songs. In "O Sole Mio" the singer contrasts the sunshine in the sky with the "sunshine" in his heart (the sun being used as a metaphor for the radiance and power of his love). It is this love, his love so radiant, that he sees on the girl's face. It is a positive song with great expectations even though he sings of feeling blue when the sun sets.
"You Are My Sunshine" is not as positive, in fact it is a bit bleak, because it implies of impending doom if he is forced to love another thereby totally taking his "sunshine" away. "O Sole Mio" talks of the radiance on his lover's face caused by the power of his love but "You Are My Sunshine" suggests that his beloved does not even know she is loved and if that unawareness continues he may be forced to find another, which he warns that she will one day regret. She IS his sunshine whereas in "O Sole Mio", he is the sunshine.
Musically the two could not be more different. One is composed in classic, nearly operatic style while the other is certainly catchy and pleasant but more of a country ballad with the most simple musical construction. It is the kind of song anyone can sing almost instantly and make it sound good but "O Sole Mio" takes a bit more to do it right. That's what I get out of the comparison anyway but it is certainly open to interpretation.
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Sam Samillion 05-08-2019
08:37 AM ET (US) IP: 100.14.204.100
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I forgot to tell you folks that there is a wonderful regular DVD on the musical South Pacific. But this is not the movie, it is the CONCERT version where the performers stand near each other with books of lyrics and dialogue. Best in the show is Brian Stokes Mitchell, a baritone with a commanding and ringing voice who also is a superb actor. (He is talents are somewhat wasted on the new TV show Fam). He is Emile, the lead. The girl lead is a surprising Reba McIntire. She brings a freshness to the songs, acts well too. The guy who plays the Lieutenant has a lyric tenor voice that also is ringing. And kudos to the black girl who plays Bloody Mary. Her Bali Hai is haunting. Alec Baldwin plays Luther Billis and is quite appealing. He gets by with his singing. One of the funniest moments comes when Baldwin loses his place in his book. Reba tries to prompt him while he furiously pages back and forth. When he finally secures his place and the audience stops laughing he holds his hands up to signify all is well again. I strongly recommend this DVD to anyone who loves good music. The disc goes far beyond the movie by repeating songs and snippets of songs that move the show along very well. It is available on Amazon and other places. Enjoy!
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Sam Samillion 05-08-2019
08:29 AM ET (US) IP: 100.14.204.100
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Hi Martino! I only just now saw your incredibly studious post on the Lanza voice and his use and interpretation. My goodness this is indeed a "mini thesis". Rather than pick what you wrote apart, I want to say simply that I agree with EVERYTHING you have written across the board. The only thing I wonder about is are there in general enough people who post here who can understand your level of proficiency.
On another note, I decided to go to the eBay site and type in the search simply "Mario Lanza". I was floored when what came back were over 4,000 listings. I made it up to 80 pages with 50 items per page and then had to stop because it was nearing midnight. Here is what I ordered, and the prices were great. For example the 2017 biography on Mario was only 599 while the two hard to find 78s (I have a restored electric phono on which to play them as well as transcriptions) were about 5.00 each. The only negative is that shipping will double the price.
I have coming the following:
1-This Land and Earthbound (both exc. performances and not too common) in a dust jacket
2-Serenade and My Destiny. Shiny surface 78 with a dust jacket.
3-A Kid from Philadelphia,: Mario Lanza: The Voice of the Poets by Emilio…A new biography written on Mario around 2017. Cost was a reasonable 18.97 with free shipping. 200 pages long. Guess what? Looking at more pages I saw the same book for only 5.59 shipped so I cancelled the first order immediately! Have you read it or heard about it?
I also saw on eBay two Marioi Lanza 8 tracks. Interesting but I have nothing to play them on so passed.
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Rosa Lanza 05-08-2019
05:30 AM ET (US) IP: 217.42.158.242
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Hello! I am looking for "Rosa Mario Lanza" to plant at Mario's ancestral home in Italy as part of an art piece.
I would greatly appreciate any advice or suggestions to aid me with my search.
The details of the rose are as follows:
Yellow blend Hybrid Tea.
Registration name: HORaardvark
Exhibition name: Mario Lanza
Bred by Colin P. Horner (1933-2005) (United Kingdom, 1999).
Introduced in United Kingdom by Warley Rose Gardens, Ltd. in 2000 as 'Mario Lanza'.
It was last listed in the UK's RHS Plant Finder in 2005 and has not been commercially available since.
I have so far been unable to find a living plant. It would be so amazing to be able to plant this in Italy to commemorate him.
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Dennis1 05-08-2019
02:41 AM ET (US) IP: 73.170.201.215
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Sam, welcome back. We have missed your distinct voice in your support of Lanza and the many musical and dining activities you participate in. May there be much more of all of that in the months ahead.
Martino, your analysis of Lanza's voice was so brilliant that I had to go back and listen to both him and Corelli again with O Sole Mio. Thank you for your insights.
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Kristine Cimmy 05-07-2019
10:02 PM ET (US) IP: 96.59.1.174
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Hello, Sam, welcome back and hope you are feeling better. As we know, the tune of "O Sole Mio" became "It's Now or Never" sung by Elvis in 1960 and "There's No Tomorrow" sung by Tony Martin. Regarding Franco Corelli, they were thinking of replacing Mario Lanza in "For The First Time" with Corelli, because, Lanza wasn't doing well in his physicals for the insurance. But it was said, Corelli had a heavy Italian accent so they decided to keep Lanza, in the movie.
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gary n.s. 05-07-2019
09:28 PM ET (US) IP: 108.175.132.78
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Hello Sam...wow..long time no see...I also returned to the forum a couple of weeks ago, after being away for a number of years..so nice to see you back and feeling well.
Martino thanks for your interesting post re. O'Sole Mio.
Cheers..Gary
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Fred Day 05-07-2019
09:19 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Martino: How would you compare and contrast O Sole Mio with the old English song, "You Are My Sunshine"?? The 2 songs are very different, but perhaps there is some similarity in the words?? Ciao.
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Fred Day 05-07-2019
09:14 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Sam: Where did you see a review by me of the audio 2-CD set "The Best of Everything"?? I do not recall ever writing a review of it. I do not have the video. I have only the audio 2-CD set. There are a few new to CD tracks on it. Let me know if you need a listing of the contents. Ciao.
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Martino1 05-07-2019
08:06 PM ET (US) IP: 104.255.4.145
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Sorry, I posted the Corelli rendition twice. The Lanza FTFT is here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1X27O50Xq4U
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Martino1 05-07-2019
07:57 PM ET (US) IP: 104.255.4.145
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I agree Sam. The Vesti from this film is probably his best although the Toronto concert version is quite good, as is TGC - heck, they are all good! His O'Sole Mio is one of the best as well. I think he goes higher on the final note here than he does on any other of his renditions which is always my favorite way of ending this great classic. Corelli's O'Sole Mio is the best I have ever heard, at least when it comes to that final note which simply makes your jaw drop: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AZZMP_KnAyU.
Here is Lanza singing the O'Sole Mio you mention that comes from the film "For The First Time": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AZZMP_KnAyU.
Shall we compare the two? Why not? Corelli without question had a more robust higher register than Lanza but it was not as beautiful, nor was the Corelli voice as beautiful within its entire range when compared to Mario's voice. As intensely passionate as Franco could sing he was no match for Mario Lanza, perhaps the most passionate of all tenors and this can be heard clearly in O'Sole Mio. The feeling Corelli gives the song is appropriate in every respect but Lanza takes it one step further to the inner core of the text. It is in the text that Lanza pulls away by ten lengths, as he usually does. In this regard, let me repost my interpretation of what O'Sole Mio is all about and then listen within that context to Mario's rendition. If you agree with my translation of the song, then I think you will clearly see why Lanza's version is the more true and faithful to the composer:
"...there was a discussion on the translation of "O Sole Mio". There were some differing opinions and no one was completely wrong, nor were they completely right - at least not from my understanding of the term "right" within the context of the song itself. In almost every Italian song, a literal translation, ie, word for word from Italian into English, never fully captures the author's meaning. It is the intent and understanding of those words within the context of the song, more than the individual words themselves, that must be established, understood and in the end given the greater weight overall. I believe Mario Lanza's incredible diction comes in part not so much from correctness phonetically, but his emphasis on certain words, even certain vowels within those words (as Linz and Rense so rapturously explored in one of their interviews) that set him apart from many other singers. He knew the words of course, and knew what they meant, but more than that he understood what those words meant WITHIN the context of the song. Either intuitively or through study, he seemed to have a good sense of what the author/composer had in mind. The words had true meaning to him, not just words that were simply translated for literal understanding.
Let us then explore this in regards to Lanza and his understanding of what words really mean and how this understanding of TRUE meaning enhanced his performances. And we can certainly use "O Sole Mio" as an example. First, the term "O Sole Mio" must be worded separately for a literal interpretation. "O" is the Neapolitan dialect's equivalent of the "proper" Italian "Il", meaning "the". "Sole", as everyone understands, means "sun" and "Mio" translates to "me". So, literally it means "The Sun Me". Well, that does not make sense so the proper interpretation must move from the literal to one that makes sense in English such as - "My Sun" or "My Sunshine", it could even be interpreted as "My radiance". But what is important and what I think Lanza understood very well is that it in no way meant the sun in the sky. It was MY sunshine, literally and personally.
We can hear this emphasis on "My" (MIO) as early as his 1949 recording or all the way up to FTFT, where we can go further and actually see his interpretation on film, such as his use of his hands and eyes as he differentiates between the two "suns" that he sings about in the song. When Lanza sings, "Che bella cosa na jurnata ’e sole" he is singing about the sun in the sky and that is where he is looking as his voice, eyes and hands move upwards in unison. The same is true of the phrase, "Ma n’atu sole cchiù bello, oi ne’". But then listen to what he does when he sings "O Sole Mio sta nfronte a te!" A whole new tone comes to his voice and it is more from within, more personal than as simply an observer because he is no longer referring to the "sole" (sun) in the sky, he is now referring to his personal "sole", his inner sun which is manifest through his love. It is this which he sees reflecting in the face of his beloved. What he sees in her face is his love, through his sun-like radiance that shines more powerfully than the sun in the sky. Lanza emphasizes it to an extreme (as the music requires but not as many singers do) to make the point that nothing is more radiant or powerful than the sun except for one thing - love. It is a greater radiance than even the sun in the sky to which he was singing about before and he leaves us with no doubt about it. When he reaches this point of singing "MIO" (in the movie FTFT) he is not looking up like before but rather down, towards the deaf girl which has smitten him in the movie. His voice in all his recordings moves to a more powerful yet personal way here because he understands that "O Sole Mio", within the context of the entire song, means that the radiance of his love (his sole) is greater than the radiance of the sun itself and it is that radiance which he sees on the face of his beloved. What Lanza understood that many people do not who take only a literal translation, is that the "sunshine" the composer most wants to emphasize comes from within the singer's heart, not from the sky.
We all agree Lanza was a master at singing words and I believe one of the reasons for that was that he understood what they really meant, not just literally, but within the context of the composer's intent. And more importantly, using the music and his voice to enhance the words themselves".
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Sam Samillion 05-07-2019
06:57 PM ET (US) IP: 100.14.204.100
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Fred. I saw your review of the audio Lanza: The Best of Everything. Does it differ from the video that I have? Thanks for any info you can provide. Ciao.
All: I just enjoyed For the First Time on our huge screen and sound system. I have always loved ALL of the singing in this film (except when he's out in the rain and strains on the two arias). But this time around the arguably best O Sole Mio was in my humble opinion matched by the best Vesti La Giubba of the many he sang in his life.
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Sam Samillion 05-07-2019
12:25 PM ET (US) IP: 100.14.204.100
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Sam Samillion:
To Bill Ronayne: Are the Lanza Balls still happening? I haven't received an invitation for at least two years. Don't know why. Also, is there any way I can be in touch with Al and Lynn Gagliardi via email? I will probably call Carole Shea. Is John Luciani still with us?
I have been SO enjoying the Lanza films in my collection and running them on the great Epson 5040UB projector I bought right before I spiraled down. It puts out a fantastic picture with gorgeous colors, rich blacks, and sharp image. I'm going to go out on a limb and say Seven Hills of Rome is a very good movie. It moves well and Mario's voice is solid and there is plenty of music counting Renato Rascel's contributions. Well, overall I guess there are no bad Lanza films!
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Fred Day 05-07-2019
12:12 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Yes, welcome back, Sam!! I fully agree with Martino. Glad you are feeling better and glad to have you back. It has been quite a while since you left. We all hope your improvement continues. Best wishes always. Ciao. Fred Day.
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Martino1 05-07-2019
11:31 AM ET (US) IP: 104.255.4.145
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I knew you were lurking somewhere, Sam. Welcome back! We all hope your recovery is permanent and that you will be a frequent poster here once again. Looking forward to having you join us in celebrating the life and legacy of Mario Lanza.
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Sam Samillion 05-07-2019
10:06 AM ET (US) IP: 100.14.204.100
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Hello to all my old friends here. I am anxious to make a comeback and post. Here is a letter explaining:
Hello to all my friends and family,
Some of you might know that I have been in a bad depression with high anxiety which has lasted an unbelievable two years and three months. That is the bad news. The good news is that practically overnight my depression has gone away leaving me with a mind that works again. THANK GOD! Unfortunately I still have shaky hands and am unsteady on my feet thanks to being so housebound and getting practically no exercise. I’ve started trying to work on these problems. About a month ago I started singing (not recording yet) and that has helped me pass the time and off my bed that has seen much use for the long downtime. I am having some trouble with the highest notes and some wobble, these things can also be attributed to total lack of practice.
My goals are many, in fact I don’t know where to start first “attacking” all the projects that had been stilled so long. Anna and I have celebrated the big change by eating out at DiFabio”s restaurant, always a favorite place of ours. The dinner consisted of pecan chicken strips with two dipping sauces, a salad with mandarin oranges and feta cheese and blue cheese dressing, a main course of linguini with two huge meatballs and two large hot sausages, finished by one of the best carrot cakes with thick cream cheese icing surrounded by fresh whipped cream. That was heaven for a guy who only went to one restaurant the past few weeks aided by two klonopin (an opiod) which enabled me to get there and stay until the numbing effects wore off. I am grateful to my dining companions for welcoming me back to their weekly venture to Stinger’s restaurant..
I have a list of projects as long as my arm and realize I mustn’t push myself to get too much done because it wears me out very easily and then I’m handicapped. Also, with feeling better comes a big negative which is not being able to go to bed without the assistance of over the counter sleeping pills. I take as many as three, which sounds like too much but my psychiatrist has said not to worry about taking them.
I welcome hearing from all of you so I know I haven’t been forgotten (that’s an exaggeration!) and even more to hear what you have been up to. I welcome seeing those of you who are close enough to visit. Anna and I took hours to clear all the accumulated papers and items which made using my cinema area usable. We watched “The Music Man” and were thrilled by the best picture and sound quality I have ever had, since the electronics were established before I spiraled downward. Even our two dogs came down with us and snugged into the blankets we have when it becomes cold. I couldn’t even touch them when I was down and certainly wouldn’t allow them to sit on my lap despite earnest pleas from them to do so.
Well, this letter has gone on far too long. I’ll end by wishing all of you happiness and health. I hope no one has had anything even remotely close to what I had. Thoughts of suicide were happily kept at arm’s length since I was convinced the depression would have to go away at least sometime. Now that my prayers have been answered I pray that the good times last with the help of my therapist and psychiatrist keeping their close watch on me. My psychiatrist is leaving town for good to be with his family in Texas, so I need a replacement as good as he was. Above all, as my pal Todd Tuckey always says,
“Enjoy Life”. Amen as life is much too short.
With fondness from this 70 year old guy,
Sam
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Fred Day 05-06-2019
01:25 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Lanza himself said it best: "There is no word that is not important (in a song or aria). I sing each word as if it were my last on Earth!!" How true!! Ciao.
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Julie Page 05-05-2019
07:28 PM ET (US) IP: 74.79.51.67
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I think Mario was the very best when it came to interpreting lyrics. Not hearing him for just a few days lets me fall in love with his singing all over again. Priceless Mario. Never another. Loved always.
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Len (UK) 05-03-2019
11:51 AM ET (US) IP: 86.141.119.199
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 I had half convinced myself that the English tenor David Hughes had recorded Song of India. This was because the sheet music I acquired a couple of years ago was branded with his image on the front sheet. I can not find a recording, and based on the information on the cover it can be assumed that he performed it on his BBC radio show in the 1950s. I note that cost of the sheet music back in 1953 was two shillings and sixpence (£0.12 in today's money). I paid £5 in 2017! Edited 05-03-2019 11:52 AM
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ianmugoya 05-03-2019
03:44 AM ET (US) IP: 64.145.65.15
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Mario Lanya and intriguing piece that connects the artistic and education aspect. I would recommend this to students with low self esteem and abundance in self hate. You will love this. Ian M. | Art | http://www.epoxyflooringmeridian.comEdited 05-03-2019 03:45 AM
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Fred Day 05-02-2019
09:59 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Re: Song of India - I have often wondered if Johnny Mercer had Mario Lanza in mind when he wrote those fantastic new lyrics which Lanza recorded. Perhaps. The song has probably been sung in many different languages. I do not recall hearing it sung in Italian. The original language is Russian. Gigli recorded it in French. Jussi made an early record of it in Swedish. Years later, Jussi sang it in English on radio. It was Charles Kullman who sang it in English in the film, and he made a record of it. The lyrics were written by Jack Brooks - nice lyrics, but not fantastic like the Johnny Mercer lyrics. After Lanza, only one other tenor recorded the song with the Mercer lyrics: the late Vincenzo La Scola, on his CD tribute to Lanza. Very nicely done. Of course the Lanza record remains the ultimate version and always will. Ciao.
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Len (UK) 05-02-2019
09:52 AM ET (US) IP: 86.142.85.245
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As posted last Christmas, I performed Song of India at our last village concert. I only wish that I could have found the sheet music in a key to suit a bass-baritone. E-flat was a struggle. With one exception nobody had previously heard Song of India but there were appreciative comments regarding the beauty of the melody.
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gary n.s. 05-01-2019
01:44 PM ET (US) IP: 108.175.132.78
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Thanks all. It was Vince's clip on Youtube I watched last night. This shall always be one of my all time favourite arias. Cheers..Gary.
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Kristine Cimmy 05-01-2019
01:36 PM ET (US) IP: 96.59.1.174
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I, too, always liked Mario Lanza's version of "Song of India". In the movie "Song of Scherezade" starring Jean Pierre Aumont, Yvonne DeCarlo, Eve Arden, which was the film biography of Rimsky-Korzakov, it was sung, but I don't remember who sang it . Also, there was Tommy Dorsey's Big Band version of it. In Mel Torme's autobiography, "It Wasn't All Velvet", he wrote, he wasn't a fan of Mario Lanza, but when he heard Lanza's version of "Song of India" on his car radio, he was impressed !
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Martino1 04-30-2019
04:16 PM ET (US) IP: 104.255.4.145
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Mike and Gary have better memories than me, that's for sure! I do not recall when I first heard Song of India but it has captivated me from whenever that first hearing was. Rimsky-Korsakov wrote the original tune for his opera "Sadako", that in turn inspired the version by Johnny Mercer which Lanza so hauntingly sang. This is an aria that a few great tenors have recorded in the past (Bjorling's rendition is one of my all time favorites). But the more modern version by Lanza updates the aria to a sublime and charming song that was so good that the country of India felt it did more to promote tourism to their country than anything else. Listen to the phrasing. This is one of the best examples of why Lanza is considered so expert at singing the text of a song. No tenor of today comes close to this ability.
One of the best video to music clips on youtube was put together by Vince DiPlacido for this song. This is a wonderful editing job, adding a visual bonus to what is already one of Lanza's
best efforts - a must see and hear:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0kpBge6lCu4
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Mike from L.I. 04-30-2019
12:07 PM ET (US) IP: 100.37.226.122
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It was about 1953 and my father took me to Jahn's ice cream parlor and the juke box had Song of India and if you were mine. I played them over and over and then bought it on 78 rpm when I got home. I was 13 and like you I was hooked
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gary n.s. 04-29-2019
09:37 PM ET (US) IP: 108.175.132.78
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I first heard The Song Of India sung by Mario Lanza when I was a young lad aged 11 or 12 years. Likely around 1955 or 56.
I played it endlessly..I believe it was this particular song sung by Mario that first turned me on to his most wonderful voice. Also, since we had no such thing as headphones, everyone else in the house could here the recording. And strangely enough no one complained of the same song over and over again.
I was transfixed by Mario’s voice, the clarity, and the power; Indeed over and over again his voice gave me goosebumps. I used to pray the Good Lord would one day, allow me to sing like Mario.
Of course as the months and years slid by I spent much time listening to Elvis, and other rock and rollers.
But no matter the terrific singers that appeared in the fifties,sixties and on, it was always Mario I came back too..He was indeed The Voice, and continues to be as I reach my 75th. birthday next month.
Mario has been a wonderful part of my life. Cheers..Gary.
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gary n.s. 04-22-2019
06:51 PM ET (US) IP: 108.175.132.78
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Two handsome Marios and two wonderful singers..
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gary n.s. 04-22-2019
06:50 PM ET (US) IP: 108.175.132.78
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Mario Frangoulis
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gary n.s. 04-22-2019
06:49 PM ET (US) IP: 108.175.132.78
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Mario Lanza
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Deleted by author 04-22-2019 06:48 PM
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Kristine Cimmy 04-18-2019
10:57 PM ET (US) IP: 96.59.1.174
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Blessed Passover and Happy Easter! I forgot to mention, Anna Magnani was also in "The Secret of Santa Vittoria". When Mario Lanza appeared in England, did Sir Winston Churchill attend the Command Performances with Queen Elizabeth ? I wonder if he was a fan of Mario Lanza ? I heard he liked Deanna Durbin. Any more CD's of Mario Lanza, being released ? Marvin Gaye postage stamps are out, now. Maybe one day, hopefully, Mario Lanza will be on stamps.
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gary n.s. 04-18-2019
10:44 PM ET (US) IP: 108.175.132.78
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bc05JAZ97Y...V&index=183&t=1397s
Dennis..many thanks for your kind words..I am glad you enjoyed. The link above is another wonderful Mario...Mario Frangoulis who I have followed for several years. He is a wonderful singer and truly has a passion for music which comes across as he speaks. Cheers..Gary
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Deleted by author 04-18-2019 10:38 PM
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Dennis1 04-18-2019
09:27 PM ET (US) IP: 73.170.201.215
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Gary from Nova Scotia, you are a joy! Welcome back and I have enjoyed the links you are providing. Of course, once I go to a link, then there are other related sites and I end up with a couple of hours of watching. Again, it is so refreshing to have you providing stimulating information.
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gary n.s. 04-17-2019
09:41 PM ET (US) IP: 108.175.132.78
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yfKdoQlMchY
I remember years ago posting here about one of my most favourite Neapolitan songs..Indeed Core n'Grato still remains just that and hearing it sung by some of the best tenors is always a wonderful treat to the ears and the heart. Cheers..Gary.
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gary n.s. 04-15-2019
09:15 PM ET (US) IP: 108.175.132.78
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Hi Barbara..indeed they have reached a plateau..I would be happy to see them all enjoy success as individual singers, as you say. Piero Barone is my favourite of the three and I believe his lovely voice can be developed over time making him an excellent tenor. Cheers..Gary.
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Barbara Clifton 04-15-2019
01:33 PM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.66
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(Diane Cox) Il Volo has been singing together about 10 years, and last year plus this year, they seem to have reached a plateau - where most of their songs follow a pattern and if you listen to 5-6 in a row, they sound alike. Still have high hopes for them individually.
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gary n.s. 04-14-2019
10:16 AM ET (US) IP: 108.175.132.78
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And speaking of young tenors such as Mark Vincent, I also have enjoyed Il Volo the last 2 or 3 years. These three young Italian men do a fine job with Nessun Dorma while Placido directs. It is great seeing young tenors singing with such love of the music. Cheers..Gary
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pWffUAg8zyc
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Martino1 04-14-2019
06:36 AM ET (US) IP: 104.255.4.145
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Gary, email sent to you.
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gary n.s. 04-13-2019
09:52 PM ET (US) IP: 108.175.132.78
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Martino, could you kindly contact myself at my e-m: dgm56buick@gmail.com Many thanks..Gary
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gary n.s. 04-13-2019
09:42 PM ET (US) IP: 108.175.132.78
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No doubt this young man has been seen and discussed, here but I want to share his delightful "duet" as Mark Vincent sings Because You're Mine. Obviously Mark is a huge fan of Mario. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BO9PawEuTvY Cheers..Gary
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Kristine Cimmy 04-09-2019
06:28 PM ET (US) IP: 96.59.1.174
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I'm facebook friends with Sergio Franchi's widow and she has a foundation in his name. He only made the one movie "The Secret of Santa Vittoria" with Anthony Quinn, Virna Lisi, Renato Rascel and appeared in a Broadway Musical "Do I Hear A Waltz ?" with Elizabeth Allen and songs by Richard Rodgers(he never had another partner, after Oscar Hammerstein II passed away). It was a musical version of the movie "Summertime"(starring Katharine Hepburn and Rossano Brazzi). In the 1980's, Sylvia Fine(wife of Danny Kaye)hosted a t.v. musical show of scenes from Broadway Musicals. Sergio Franchi and Bonnie Franklin did a scene from "South Pacific". She played Nellie Forbush and Sergio was Emile deBecque. She sang "Wonder How It Feels", then,he sang "Some Enchanted Evening". My late parents and I knew a comedian-radio talk show host, Ralph Romano, who was from Rutland, Vermont. He hosted a radio talk show, in Utica, N.Y. from 1971 -1973 . Ralph knew Palumbo's in Philadelphia, knew Sergio Franchi and Frankie Laine.
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Kristine Cimmy 04-09-2019
06:16 PM ET (US) IP: 96.59.1.174
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Tenor , Alfredo Sidel or Sadel ? sang "Granada" as did Deanna Durbin in one of her movies. I receive catalogs in the mail which sell CD's of music of the past. They sell songs by Tony Bennett, Frank Sinatra, Perry Como, Nat King Cole, Jane Powell, even, Buddy Holly, Elvis, Bill Haley &The Comets, Ritchie Valens, The Big Bopper, etc. Mario Lanza is included, either, combined with other singers of the '50's or by himself. The Best of Everything with Mario Lanza is sold through these catalogs. One such CD is Leading Men of Hollywood , Singing, including Gene Kelly, Fred Astaire, James Cagney("Yankee Doodle Dandy" ) and of course, Mario Lanza. So, he is being heard and maybe a new generation sees the CD's in these catalogs.
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Fred Day 04-09-2019
05:18 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Len: You are absolutely right, of course. Caruso recorded a different song, an older song, called A Granada, written by Alvarez. Alvarez also wrote La Partida. Caruso recorded both of those 2 songs by Alvarez. Alfredo Kraus also recorded both of those 2 Alvarez songs. There are 4 different songs about the city of Granada. Such errors are rather common. Wikipedia should be informed. Ciao. Edited 04-09-2019 05:20 PM
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Len (UK) 04-09-2019
03:47 PM ET (US) IP: 86.169.160.57
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I am unsure whether to laugh or cry. According to Wikipedia at https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Agust%C3%ADn_Lara the song ‘Granada’ was published in 1932 and was sung by Caruso among others. We all know that Caruso died in 1921.
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gary n.s. 04-08-2019
07:52 PM ET (US) IP: 108.175.132.78
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gary n.s. 04-08-2019
07:35 PM ET (US) IP: 108.175.132.78
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Fred..how well I remember Sergio Franchi on those tv shows. A very debonair chap, and a wonderful voice. Cheers..Gary
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gary n.s. 04-08-2019
07:31 PM ET (US) IP: 108.175.132.78
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Dennis thank you so much,and Jim T thanks as well. It feels like I have come home after being on a lengthy trip..My goodness how the years fly by..Now in my mid seventies I feel so lucky to have lived this long,and something urged me to come back here in celebration of Mario Lanza, and how prominent he has been in all our lives. I have missed this forum.
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Kristine Cimmy 04-08-2019
07:05 PM ET (US) IP: 96.59.1.174
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Hello, Julie(Suzanne), I couldn't get back in this new post, for awhile, due to the Forum not accepting my name . So, perhaps, that's why, I missed your posted comments. I had to make a change in my name, too. I had to use both first and last names to get back in. I also heard a recording of Rosemary Clooney and a recording of Jane Froman singing "I Only Have Eyes For You".
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Al Canez 04-08-2019
05:47 PM ET (US) IP: 69.121.88.171
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Hello, this is Jim Thompson. So good to come home and find all these interesting posts! Gary, your article on having Mario in your life was excellent and I agree with Martino on pretty much anything he writes! Corelli, bravo..Franchi, bravo. Tenaglia, bravo. and Kristine, a beautiful, slow rendition was given to "I Only Have Eyes For You" by the great Al Jolson. Forgetting all the black face stuff he did back when, the Jolson voice at the end of WW II, deeper and right on with the pronunciations of lyrics always thrill me. The lower voice Al had then was because of his service to our troops all over the world. He caught malaria and had to have a lung removed. It's all the "The Jolson Story" and "Jolson Sings Again", both movies about his life with Larry Parks in the role of the man himself.
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Julie Page 04-08-2019
04:20 PM ET (US) IP: 74.79.51.67
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Julie Page(Suzanne) . Guess you haven't been reading the posts lately, Kristine. I've had to take another name as I was blocked in error some time ago. Look back and you'll see that I mentioned Jane Powell's birthday and the song from the movie "Rich Young and Pretty" just before you did! "Wonder why".
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Dennis1 04-08-2019
03:48 AM ET (US) IP: 73.170.201.215
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What a delight to see Gary from Nova Scotia posting here again. I used to occasionally email him since we were regular posters and shared a similar love of great tenors as well as Lanza. My research shows that our last email and response was in May of 2009. That's a looooong time to be gone from this forum. I shared with Sam Samuelian a year later that I tried Gary's new site, but it didn't have the same appeal for me. Sam...there's another old friend that seldom posts anymore. I hope he is doing well.
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Fred Day 04-08-2019
01:35 AM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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And another tenor birthday just passed by - the late Sergio Franchi, born April 6, 1926, died May 1, 1990, age 64. It was always a pleasure to see him on the Ed Sullivan show, and other TV shows in the 60's, 70's, and 80's. I saw him in person 7 or 8 times, always a great pleasure. Gone but not forgotten, thanks to his many recordings. Ciao.
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gary n.s. 04-07-2019
09:48 PM ET (US) IP: 108.175.132.78
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Martino..indeed Corelli one of the greatest tenors..I never tire of watching him and hearing him perform..here is a short clip of Corelli and Nillson being interviewed and they speak of singing together.. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=52WVVEzc5Zg&t=17s Cheers..Gary Edited 04-07-2019 09:49 PM
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Deleted by author 04-07-2019 09:43 PM
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Kristine Cimmy 04-07-2019
07:31 PM ET (US) IP: 96.59.1.174
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Frank Tenaglia, RIP. I was watching a DVD of the movie musical "Dames" starring Dick Powell, Ruby Keeler, Joan Blondell. The song "I Only Have Eyes For You" came from it. There have been singers who have performed this song, through the years. It was sung by Gordon MacRae in one of his movies and of course, The Flamingos sang it, doo-wop style(which, I also liked and still do)back in 1959. Art Garfunkel sang it, back in the 1980's or 1990's. I thought, it's too bad, Mario Lanza didn't have the opprotunity to sing it. It was written by Harry Warren(real name:Salvatore Guaragna)and Al Dubin. Does anyone know what happened to Suzanne Palmiero, who used to post comments, here ?
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Martino1 04-07-2019
07:11 PM ET (US) IP: 104.255.4.145
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Tomorrow, April 8, marks the birth in 1921 of one of the greatest tenors of all time - Franco Corelli. We have spoken of him many, many times here over the years and there is not much more to add. His incredible voice and disarming good physical presence gave us the definition of what an opera tenor should be. Youtube has literally hundreds of Corelli clips, both video and audio. He owned many roles and no one has come close since in many of them. Corelli's "Calaf" in Turandot remains definitive to this day.
Here is just a brief, five minute clip from a performance of this opera with Birgit Nilsson who possessed one of the most powerful soprano voices of all time. Corelli goes toe to toe with her where no one else could. There are dozens of these clips available at various sites on the internet, including youtube. Look him up and enjoy because the chances of hearing anything like this live again may not be impossible but is remote at best: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1lK8o9fl0L...T8IYQ&index=10&t=0s
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gary n.s. 04-07-2019
06:43 PM ET (US) IP: 108.175.132.78
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Many thanks Martino..indeed Ed will be missed. I shall stick around and try to contribute posts of interest. Cheers to you and all...Gary
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Martino1 04-07-2019
05:40 PM ET (US) IP: 104.255.4.145
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Nice to see you back here, Gary. That was a very nice article concerning your early remembrances of Mario Lanza, and the long lasting and profound influence he had on your life. Much of what you wrote could be applicable to me as well, even the bit about hockey and baseball! Not much going on here these days as our numbers are dwindling but stick around and contribute whenever the inspiration hits. Take care and always remember our old friend, Ed. He is surely missed.
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gary n.s. 04-07-2019
04:46 PM ET (US) IP: 108.175.132.78
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Re. my post 'lanza the spark'..I believe it was written 5 or six years ago..
Sorry to see that Frank Tenaglia passed recently..he was such a fine tenor.
Cheers..Gary.
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gary n.s. 04-06-2019
08:38 PM ET (US) IP: 108.175.132.78
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It has been many years since I read and posted here. It was pleasing to have a look at the forum tonight. Please check out the URL which I post and it shall give you a brief look at my world concerning Lanza. https://www.mariolanzatenor.com/lanza-the-spark.htmlEdited 04-07-2019 04:47 PM
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Barbara Clifton 04-06-2019
07:20 PM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.66
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(Diane ox) Fred - thanks for that easy to understand explanation of major and minor chords. My personal preference has always been sad songs, and minor keys. Edited 04-06-2019 07:22 PM
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Fred Day 04-06-2019
10:03 AM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Today's Met radio broadcast is Tosca, with tenor Joseph Calleja. Lanza was one of his idols. Good choice. And yes, the late Frank Tenaglia deserves to be remembered. Lanza was his idol, also. There is no article in Wikipedia about Tenaglia - there should be one, hopefully someday soon. Tenaglia sang many tributes to Lanza. He can be heard on YouTube in many selections. Ciao.
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Fred Day 04-06-2019
03:13 AM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Mike: A major chord sounds happy - a minor chord sounds sad, as in a funeral dirge. To change from major to minor, simply flat the middle note. C major chord consists of the notes C, E, and G - while C minor chord consists of C, E-flat, and G. This rule applies to any key. Ciao.
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Mike from L.I. 04-05-2019
04:59 PM ET (US) IP: 108.74.19.115
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Got a question for our resident experts here. I know C sharp is the same thing as D flat, just like in boxing super welterweight is the same as junior middleweight (154 lbs.) . But what is the difference between C major and C minor?? On another topic, didn't Jane Powell also record "Wonder Why"?
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Kristine Cimmy 04-04-2019
05:52 PM ET (US) IP: 96.59.1.174
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Happy 90th Birthday to Jane Powell ! Heavenly Birthday to Debbie Reynolds(who appeared on one of Mario Lanza's Coke Radio Shows). Doris Day turned 97 years old. Happy Birthday ! She and Mario Lanza posed in a photo, when they received awards. Marvin Gaye and Gregory Hines are on postage stamps as part of Black Heritage Stamps series. One day, I hope Mario Lanza will be on a stamp. Edited 04-04-2019 05:53 PM
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Julie Page 04-04-2019
04:49 PM ET (US) IP: 74.79.51.67
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Julie page(Suzanne)Listened this AM to Mario's wonderful recording of "Wonder Why". So beautiful. It ws sung to Jane Powell by Vic Damone in the film "Rich,Young and Pretty" in 1953. Jane turned 90 onApril 1. That has to be an April Fool's joke!Mario brought something so special to the song. One of my favorites.
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Julie Page 04-04-2019
04:30 PM ET (US) IP: 74.79.51.67
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Julie Page(Suzanne) Frank had a wonderful voice. sorry to lose him.
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Al Canez 04-03-2019
07:31 AM ET (US) IP: 69.121.88.171
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Jim Thompson here. Thanks Bill for your new "Legacy". I haven't heard from John Durso, Frank Tenaglia's close friend and manager for many years, however I think a comprehensive article about Frank's life, love of Mario and career along with his wife, Cathy, would hit the mark. Frank was quite a guy with an incredible voice. He deserves more than one line in the magazine. All the best and continued success with the new museum.
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Bill Ronayne 03-27-2019
02:44 PM ET (US) IP: 68.192.184.120
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The April issue of "The Legacy of Mario Lanza" has just been published and mailed out. It features coverage of several Mario Lanza events, an article on the Mario Lanza Bust, Lanza's various recordings of the aria "Che gelida manina" and a variety of photos and some articles devoted to the 70th anniversary of "That Midnight Kiss" and the 60th anniversary of "For the First Time." For subscription information contact wjronayne@optonline.net.
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Julie Page 03-27-2019
12:05 PM ET (US) IP: 74.79.51.67
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Julie Page{Suzanne) Hope I'm back. Disliked seeing what happened with this site. We shall overcome! Hi. Jim, Fred. all the old friends.
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Al Canez 03-24-2019
10:23 AM ET (US) IP: 69.121.88.171
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Al Canez here...Jim Thompson. You're right Fred. What an albun/CD that would have been: 12 religeous arias by Mario from the opera world and from his Catholic faith's music. On a jump here; one of my top favorites are the music, lyrics and delivery by Mario of the song "Beautiful Love"! Busy in the house most of the time but the big release is being in the car with the speakers at my level of sound!! Have wonderful Sunday from sunny, but still cold, Connecticut.
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Fred Day 03-24-2019
07:11 AM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Len: Lanza is not known to have ever sang the Panis Angelicus. However, he may have rehearsed it at home at some point, with Callinicos at the piano. I have often wished he had sung the Ingemisco from the Verdi Requiem. The same might apply. Ciao.
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Julie Page 03-22-2019
05:23 PM ET (US) IP: 74.79.51.67
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Artie, thank you for your thoughts. I was so sad to lose him. Talked with him now and then.
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Julie Page 03-22-2019
05:20 PM ET (US) IP: 74.79.51.67
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Remembering our dear friend Ed McManus. He will always be missed. A true devoted fan of our Mario.
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Len (UK) 03-21-2019
06:23 AM ET (US) IP: 86.169.160.119
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I am hoping to persuade our village choir to add Cesar Frank's Panis Angelicus to our repertoire. I am surprised that I have never encountered a recording of Lanza singing this work. So many fine singers have recorded it going back decades.
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Bill Ronayne 03-19-2019
09:38 AM ET (US) IP: 68.192.188.144
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Mario Lanza Institute Luncheon
Sunday April 28, 2019
1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Johnnie’s Restaurant
2240 South 12th Street
Philadelphia, PA 19148
Performers to be announced.
50/50 Raffle
Admission price: $65 per person (BYOB)
For information and to receive an invitation e-mail info@mariolanzainstitute.org
***** Kindly RSVP by April 24, 2019. *****
No refunds or credits. No exceptions.
Seating is limited and on a first come first serve basis.
Parking available on the street.
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Barbara Clifton 03-18-2019
01:11 PM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.66
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(Diane Cox) Dennis, I was inadvertently blocked during the troll attacks, and although the moderator tried I was never reinstated. So finally figured out I have a second email addy,and using my first name and my maiden name, was able to log on. Edited 03-18-2019 04:21 PM
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Mike from L.I. 03-18-2019
12:56 PM ET (US) IP: 108.74.19.115
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To Jim Check amazon under Seipi and London. You can get B'way CD separately or in combo with Cesare Siepi (SP.) a better deal
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Kristine Cimmy 03-17-2019
05:57 PM ET (US) IP: 96.59.1.174
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Happy St. Patrick's Day ! On magazine stands, I have been seeing magazines about the lives of Elizabeth Taylor, Lucille Ball, The Rat Pack, Elvis, JFK, Marilyn Monroe, The Beatles. I am wondering if there will ever be a magazine about Mario Lanza ? Also, Packard Theater, at The Library of Congress, has been showing "It's Always Fair Weather" with Gene Kelly. I wonder if they will ever show a Mario Lanza movie, also, LACMA(Los Angeles County Museum of Art)shows vintage movies and wonder if they will ever show a Lanza movie, as does The Aero Movie Theater, Santa Monica, Calif. Movie-t.v. actor, Richard Erdman passed away. He was in the movie "The Men"(1950)starring Marlon Brando and Jack Webb, about paralyzed veterans. RIP. Also, guitarist, Dick Dale-"King of The Surf Guitars', passed away. He was in the "Beach Party" movies. TCM will have a salute to Stanley Donen, Monday, March 18th. He passed away, about the same time as Andre Previn's passing. RIP.
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Fred Day 03-14-2019
09:06 AM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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How about Alka Seltzer - or Al K. Seltzer?? Or Al Cohol?? Ciao.
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Dennis1 03-14-2019
12:19 AM ET (US) IP: 73.170.201.215
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Hello Al Canez (wink, wink). I have not had a single email from a Russian lady. Perhaps she has a personal interest in you? I am a bit puzzled by all the name changes. When I updated my address, I merely added a 1 to my true name and it went perfectly. As a Californian, I am intrigued by the mysterious Al Catraz.
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Al Canez 03-13-2019
06:25 PM ET (US) IP: 69.121.88.171
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Good evening...thanks Mike for getting in touch. (Jim T. Here) I guess by mistake when I requested to stop getting emails they fook me off this site completely but I was able to get back on right away with the "new" name. Whew, the Russian lady does get stuff out. I have a couple hundred LP's in super condition and that includes all Mario's American RCA versions. Nice to play them now and then. A shame George London's Broadway LP was never put on CD. Superb and emotinal singing! Have a pleasant evening folks.
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Barbara Clifton 03-13-2019
04:25 PM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.66
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(Diane Cox) Chris - that's just right. Witness protection. I sent Ed a vinyl copy of Magi Mario along with several others that I had duplicates of. Still have some vinyl, keep intending to move it on. There is a used record shop not too far from my home - it's only open sporadically though. This is indeed my birthday month, and I'm surely getting older. Edited 03-13-2019 04:26 PM
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Mike from L.I. 03-13-2019
01:55 PM ET (US) IP: 108.74.19.115
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Hi Jim: remember Bonnie and me.We spoke on the phone quite some time ago.I wanted to sign up for your newsletter but you wouldn't take any money. Anyway, be thankful it is only e-mail. The robo calls on the phone are ten times worse. You can't tell me the phone company or congress can't put a stop to it. Someone has to be making a lot of money on it.
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Al Canez 03-13-2019
09:01 AM ET (US) IP: 69.121.88.171
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Good morning all. Is anyone being inundated with emails as I am from the Russian lady and others? I have requested no emails to be sent permanently but they are still coming. Appreciate any thoughts. By the way, I'm Jim Thompson!
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Fred Day 03-13-2019
02:49 AM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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I agree - Ed McManus was a wonderful and generous man, and a true Lanza enthusiast. He was also an avid fan of Sergio Franchi. He is still very much missed. Ciao.
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Dennis1 03-13-2019
02:09 AM ET (US) IP: 73.170.201.215
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artie, a lot of us on this forum miss Ed McManus. He could get a bit touchy and have his feelings hurt at times, but he had a good heart and surely was a dedicated fan of Mario. I think of him often and his enthusiastic ways of introducing Mario to others (as you plan to do).
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artie_h 03-10-2019
09:23 PM ET (US) IP: 184.99.108.211
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It's been a long time since I've posted here. I have been lurking, and I'm glad to see the spammers gone.
I'd like to remember Ed McManus, a good friend to many of us here. Ed and I spoke often, comparing notes on many of the Lanza albums we enjoyed. Magic Mario was a particular favorite of Ed's, and he asked me if I could make hime a copy on CD. Unfortunately, his favorite track from the album seemed to be the previous owner's favorite also, and it was impossible to copy from the LP. Fortunately, I had enough duplicate copies of that cut, that I could find the same version and add it to the Cd. Ed was a good man, and a great fan of Mario Lanza. I bring this up, because many of us are getting alder and "shedding this mortal coil." While I am still here, I plan to do everything I can to increase the awareness of Mario Lanza and "sell" him to a new generation.
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Chris Johns 03-09-2019
11:11 PM ET (US) IP: 69.142.223.152
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WOW! all these new names we have to get use to. It’s like we all went in to the witness protection program and found our way back to Mario.
Be well, all.
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Barbara Clifton 03-09-2019
07:57 PM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.66
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(diane cox) I checked out at least one more Lanza FB site while I was blocked. They have good photos, some I never saw before, but no info like we have here, not much discussion. My life has gone on as before - no major change of any kind.
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Fred Day 03-09-2019
07:03 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Jim: And also Al Capon - or add an e and make it Al Capone. Oh well, welcome back!! Remember that great Irish tenor, Mari O'Lanza??!! Ciao.
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Barbara Clifton 03-09-2019
06:01 PM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.66
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so did I Jim. As Diane Cox I've been blocked for months.
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Al Canez 03-09-2019
04:25 PM ET (US) IP: 69.121.88.171
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Well Fred, good to finally be back here. I had to come up with a new name in order to put in a new email address to get on here so I used my middle name Alfred and a family name on my mother's side. But I do like Al Catraz.
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Fred Day 03-09-2019
04:03 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Welcome back, Jim Thompson. Who is Al Canez?? At first I thought it was Al Catraz!! Then I thought of Al Cocozza. Hope you are well. Ciao.
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Chris Johns 03-09-2019
02:48 PM ET (US) IP: 69.142.223.152
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On this day in 2006 we lost the the beautiful and talented Anna Moffo. One of my favorites since I was a kid.
https://youtu.be/hf9FbUF2S38
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Al Canez 03-09-2019
09:04 AM ET (US) IP: 69.121.88.171
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My God....I cannot believe it!!! I am actually and finally on this site. It has been months of trying so many ways and again thank you, David Weaver. My name is Jim Thompson. May I start by saying the shock I felt on hearing of the death of Frank Tenaglia still is fresh. A devastating time for Cathy and his dear friend and agent, John Durso. We last saw Frank and heard him sing with Peter Nero and the Philly Pops in a Lanza tribute some years ago. We always saw and heard him sing at the Franchi Estate concerts. I hope this site will return to good, informative and fresh chats about our Man. I am being urged by the owner of my former radio station to air my show "Mario Lanza and Friends" again. Seriously thinking of doing it.So this Saturday morning is a good one for me. Still can't believe I am ON!! All the best to you and a special hello to my old accompanist, Fred Day. Ciao!
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Barbara Clifton 03-09-2019
12:37 AM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.66
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I'm actually Diane Cox - had to reregister under my maiden name to defeat the blocking system. I've missed this site and all you guys. Hooray forno trolls
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Stephen of Las Vegas 03-08-2019
06:18 PM ET (US) IP: 68.96.227.110
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Valeria...here is a transcript of that episode of Third Rock From the Sun:
https://www.springfieldspringfield.co.uk/v...-sun&episode=s01e10
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Kristine Cimmy 03-07-2019
03:24 PM ET (US) IP: 96.59.1.174
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Luke Perry, RIP. Alex Trebek has announced he has stage 4 pancreatic cancer, will fight it, has a 2 year contract, on "Jeopardy", to fulfill. Prayers for him. The Grammy Museum has had exhibits on Placido Domingo and Andrea Bocelli. I wonder if they will have an exhibit of Mario Lanza ? "For The First Time" soundtrack record album was nominated for the Grammys in 1960. It lost to the soundtrack of "Porgy and Bess".
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Valeria Pugiotto 03-07-2019
03:18 AM ET (US) IP: 93.58.124.208
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2 years ago, an Irish singer released a son in honor of Mario. It is called ‘Mario Lanza’.
https://www.imro.ie/news/paddy-hanna-annou...single-mario-lanza/
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Valeria Pugiotto 03-07-2019
12:38 AM ET (US) IP: 5.90.146.47
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Last night, I was watching a re-run of ‘Third Rock from the Sun’, and at the beginning of Episode 10 (First Season), you can hear ‘Be my Love’ and one of the characters commenting on his voice. I literally jumped on the sofa where I was sitting....
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Fred Day 03-06-2019
03:08 AM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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The Philadelphia Inquirer newspaper has a good obit on Frank Tenaglia. It can be seen on the internet at their website - click on obituaries. Ciao.
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Bill Ronayne 03-02-2019
07:44 PM ET (US) IP: 69.122.144.230
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Today's Mario Lanza Society of NY luncheon was another fine afternoon. There was great food provided by Patsy's Restaurant and excellent musical performances by baritone Daniel Rich and accompanist David Maiullo. We also listened to recordings from Elaine Malbin's career and recordings by Mario Lanza from his films and of Italian songs. The afternoon was dedicated to Leasa Mancusi, Alba Mazza and Frank Tenaglia all of whom passed away recently. It was also an early birthday party for myself and Patsy's chef Sal Scognamillo. We both have the same birthday on the 14th. In the photo are Mr. Rich, Ms. Malbin and Mr. Maiullo. Best, Bill
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Bill Ronayne 03-02-2019
07:42 PM ET (US) IP: 69.122.144.230
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On Thursday I attended the wake for Frank Tenaglia. The room had many photos of him and his recordings were played. There was a large turnout and it was very touching. He will be missed and now sings with the angels. Best, Bill
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Fred Day 03-02-2019
04:58 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Thanks. Note: Charles Previn is listed as the music director for "That Midnight Kiss". He was the uncle of Andre Previn. Ciao.
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Dennis1 03-01-2019
08:47 PM ET (US) IP: 73.170.201.215
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Fred, you are a fountain of knowledge as usual. I appreciate your posts.
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Fred Day 03-01-2019
08:40 AM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Note: On Sept 8, 1947, Lanza made 2 test recordings at MGM - Che Gelida Manina and Vesti La Giubba. The pianist was young Andre Previn. Ciao.
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Kristine Cimmy 02-28-2019
09:08 PM ET (US) IP: 96.59.1.174
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I saw a photo of Mario Lanza, Andre Previn, and I think, Johnny Green, at M-G-M. Andre Previn, RIP. Also, Stanley Donen passed away at 94. He and Gene Kelly co-directed "Singin' In The Rain" and Donen directed "Seven Brides For Seven Brothers". RIP. There are a few Life Magazine Books on the magazine stands. They are of Marilyn Monroe, Elvis, The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, political leaders, Presidents,etc. I wonder if they will publish a Mario Lanza publication ?
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Len (UK) 02-28-2019
05:28 PM ET (US) IP: 86.177.45.83
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The death of Andre Previn has been announced. Somewhere I read that he was involved in the 1948 Hollywood Bowl concert that was so influential for Lanza’s career. I know he was a prodigy on the piano, but he would only have been 19 at the time. I feel sure that one of you has the facts.
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Bill Ronayne 02-25-2019
04:42 PM ET (US) IP: 69.116.81.135
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For those in the Philadelphia area: Here is the obituary and the arrangements for Frank Tenaglia: Obituary for Frank Tenaglia February 17, 2019. Devoted husband of Catherine “Cathy” (nee Eckl). Beloved brother of John (Joan) Tenaglia. Devoted uncle of Richard (Holly) Tenaglia and Francesca (Matthew Tobin) Tenaglia. Son of the late Frank and Dorothy (nee Cavella) Tenaglia. Son in law of Earl and Joan Eckl. Brother in law of Marie Eckl. Also survived by many loving aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. Frank was a world-renowned tenor performing symphony concerts at prestigious venues and Italian Festivals around the United States and the World. Relatives and friends are invited to his VIEWING THURSDAY 6-9 P.M. and FRIDAY 9 A.M. at THE MONTI-RAGO FUNERAL HOME, INC., 2531-35 S. BROAD STREET. Services to begin at 10:30 A.M. (at Funeral Home). Ent. Calvary Chapel Mausoleum, Cherry Hill, NJ. In lieu of flowers, family requests contributions be made in Frank’s Memory to the Mario Lanza Museum and Institute, PO Box 54624 Philadelphia, PA 19148 or online at https://www.mariolanzainstitute.org. For those making donations in Frank's memory to the Mario Lanza Institute, please indicate that either on your check or in the message area when doing it online. This way the Tenaglia family can be given a list of those that made donations. Best, Bill Edited 02-27-2019 10:28 AM
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Valeria Pugiotto 02-25-2019
01:25 AM ET (US) IP: 5.90.159.163
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Mario was a registered Republican. However, this is a forum about the beauty of his voice. Politics have no place, nor reason here.
Personally, I have stopped talking or reading about politics in my daily life. It is a waste of time and energy.
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Kristine Cimmy 02-24-2019
06:01 PM ET (US) IP: 96.59.1.174
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In the first place, who knows what Mario Lanza's political views were ? I remember his parents said, Pacific Palisades was heavily Republican, when they lived there. Do you know if he voted for FDR, Truman, Eisenhower ? Had he lived, would he have voted for JFK, Reagan, Nixon ? What would have been his views about The Vietnam War ? How did he feel about The Korean War ? Congresswoman Cortez recently said she isn't opposed to airplanes, how would she visit her relatives in Puerto Rico ? Of course, by airplane ! I'm sure, she has eaten a hamburger,now and then. Vegetarians have been around for years, long before Congresswoman Cortez was born ! If someone wants to be a vegetarian, that's their choice, their personal decision ! I'm sorry, I didn't mean to discuss politics, but I am tired of the nastiness, insults, conspiracy theories !
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Martino1 02-24-2019
11:31 AM ET (US) IP: 104.255.4.145
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Linz, we agree.
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Linz1 02-24-2019
09:31 AM ET (US) IP: 122.62.61.33
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Martino: I think you know that you and I are among those at the forefront of the parties best able to discuss "Lanza, music and his legacy." My point is that the Islamo-Marxists (and yes, in these crazy times that seemingly oxymoronic term is meaningful) want to bring their agenda here. I've said it before and I'll say it again now: I'll keep my politics out of these discussions as long as they do the same with theirs. Mario would most assuredly have loathed the likes of the clearly brainless Occasional Cortex, who wants to ban meat-eating and aeroplanes. Mario said, "I am an individualist. Regimentation is a word I hate. I hate the very sound of it, and I hate everything the word means." But I shall refrain from pointing this out as long as the Clintonistas keep their Chicago Obamarxism to themselves also. I don't trust David to do this given the nature of political comments by him going way back. This is a good opportunity to hit the re-set button. David himself has said he wants to step down, and I'm saying this is an opportune moment for someone else without his postmodern predilections to step up. David's posts, when he confines himself to music, are always exemplarily literate and challenging; it would be good to have those without the snark.
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Martino1 02-24-2019
08:16 AM ET (US) IP: 104.255.4.145
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David has done a great job for us over the years and unless there has been private emails between him and other members I have not seen any criticism of how he has handled things. Hopefully he will reconsider. I check in often and now that the trolls are gone we can get back to discussing Lanza, music and his legacy. I certainly don't come here to discuss politics and neither do most people and I think we have made that clear time and again. And I guarantee you that anyone who did a google search to find this forum did not type Republican or Democrat in the search box - they typed in Mario Lanza.
Linz has a political agenda, although he intimates he does not, and that has been clear since day one. No problem with that as long as he keeps it away from a forum that has repeatedly rejected politics as a talking point. He holds his opinions fairly close when he comes here and his musical contributions are always excellent but on occasion it seems he can't help himself and it is clear he is upset. When that happens his posts become incoherent and hard to follow. He becomes argumentative, disruptive, condescending, even disdainful and says things totally irrelevant to what people want to discuss at this forum. Everyone was showing support to David and his politics had nothing to do with it. Then Linz comes in and makes it a whole different kind of discussion. "Obama/Hillary Mafia"? What absurdity is this? "Islamo-Marxists"? Proof positive that a Libertarian has no clue that such a term is not even real (nor can it be) since the terms work at cross purposes, or at the very least, are contradictory at their core. The cornerstone and fundamental predicate of Marxism is the rejection of religion in terms of social maintenance, while Islam is a religion unto itself. It is an impossibility to accept both Marxism and Islam at the same time other than on the most superficial basis.
If I and others leave this forum it will be because we no longer talk about Mario Lanza in a meaningful, informative way (which has pretty much been the case for a long while now and I have mentioned this several times). Every time I and a few others try to start a discussion it is met with silence. Little response is given even though the topic is always about Mario Lanza or related to him. No one can ever accuse me of starting a political discussion here. I would expect some people to carry on with the musical discussions, or tell me I am wrong and off base - something, anything to at least begin a discussion, but rarely is anything said at all. It seems no one has anything more to say here. I will still check in often in hopes this will change but I won't at all if people have turned away from Mario Lanza to a new passion - politics.
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Kristine Cimmy 02-24-2019
06:44 AM ET (US) IP: 96.59.1.174
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Hello, I finally got back in, again. Let's see, what happens next. This is not a political forum. David, you have done the best you can do. If this starts as a political forum, I will leave it. I have expressed my political views, on facebook, and some of the Trump supporters have been nasty, insult me ! I am civil in my views. If this starts to happen, here, I will leave it !!!! I won't discuss politics, here. I would like to say, though, Thank God for the FBI and Coast Guard, who thwarted an almost massacre ! Sadly, Peter Tork(The Monkees)passed away. Clark Gable's grandson, John Clark Gable, passed away at 30 ! He was handsome. RIP. Also, Johnny Crawford has been diagnosed with Alzheimer's Disease. Sad. He was one of the original Mouseketeers on "The Mickey Mouse Club", was on "The Rifleman", served in the Army, and became an orchestra leader, singing, playing Big Band Sounds. Linda Ronstadt has Parkinson's Disease, can no longer sing, as does Neil Diamond. Alan Alda, Leonard Maltin have it, too. One day, hope there will be cures for these horrible diseases. I wonder, if Mario Lanza was approached to be on "What's My Line ?" ? A number of celebrities appeared on it. Any new Mario Lanza CD's coming out this year ?
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Linz1 02-24-2019
05:24 AM ET (US) IP: 122.62.61.33
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The problem is that this Forum became a platform for the Obama/Hillary mafia—even though the Far-Left agenda was supposedly completely irrelevant to this site—and no deviation was allowed. Politics was prohibited, unless it was their Islamo-Marxist politics. Messrs Weaver and Mannering were part of that, so if they bowed out, I'd consider that an advance. I fear Jeff, however, while he hates said Mafia privately, is inexplicably beholden to it somehow and will defend it to the end publicly. The Islamo-Marxists have him by the balls. Remember all the snide posts by Weaver over the years, straight out of Matt Bernard/Teitelbaum? The smarmy repudiations of the idea that Mario's problems might have had something to do with a "cruel, ungrateful world"? None of you gets this. There is a battle for Western Civilisation going on. If we are to be victorious in that battle, Mario, as a glorious exemplar of Western Civilisation, will thrive and endure. If we are not, he won't. This site has a choice to make. And no, I was not one of those who berated David behind the scenes as described by him: any berating of anyone I ever do is always up front and in public. I'd urge David to stick to his resolve and stand down, and urge anyone here without a political agenda to step up. Edited 02-24-2019 05:30 AM
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Bill Ronayne 02-23-2019
08:33 PM ET (US) IP: 68.192.183.215
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Yes David, please reconsider. I know that everyone appreciates all the hard work and time you've put into keeping the forum going and removing all the trolls. People need to be a little understanding and patient if things don't work right away. It feels great to be able to post here again and discuss Mario and other things of relevance. Best, Bill
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Dennis1 02-23-2019
03:37 PM ET (US) IP: 73.170.201.215
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David, please reconsider. You were exceedingly patient constantly removing the trolls. Few would be able to hang in like that. Don't let a few frustrated users take away your valuable and conscientious moderating of this site. You are so valuable to we posters.
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Fred Day 02-23-2019
05:04 AM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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To David: I fully agree with Chris. Please reconsider and stay. You are still needed more than ever. I am sure Martino will agree also. And so will Jim Thompson, also. Please do not leave us. Ciao. Edited 02-23-2019 08:05 AM
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Chris Johns 02-22-2019
11:28 PM ET (US) IP: 69.142.223.152
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David, PLEASE reconsider this drastic action. You are extremely appreciated! There are some of us who know how difficult a job you have, and appreciate it. Again please reconsider. This forum will definitely not be able to function with out you!!!
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David Weaver 02-22-2019
09:04 PM ET (US) IP: 98.31.1.186
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Since we switched to the new sign-in system, most people have figured out how to do it. However, there are some who seem to have had nothing but trouble. Their reaction to having difficulties it to berate me. The only alternative is go back to the old system, and be inundated with spam. Which everyone hated. Ergo, you're damned if you do and damned if you don't. I've tried my best at Jeff's request, but fact is it's neither fun nor pleasant to be the moderator of this forum. To be honest, interacting with some of the people on these various forums over the years has made it hard for me at times to even listen to Lanza. I don't know what Jeff will do this forum. But from this point on, I'm bowing out. Edited 02-22-2019 09:05 PM
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Bill Ronayne 02-22-2019
04:33 PM ET (US) IP: 68.192.185.149
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Here you go Chris: Mario Lanza Society of NY Luncheon Saturday, March 2, 2019 1pm-4pm Patsy's Restaurant 236 W 56th St New York City Performances by Daniel Rich, baritone and David Maiullo accompanist. Mr. Rich is the 2018 first place winner in the Mario Lanza Scholarship Auditions in Philly. Special video presentation by Lou Barrella Recordings of Mario Lanza in Italian song and recordings from the career for Elaine Malbin. 3 course lunch with a cash bar. 50/50 raffle. $85 per person nonmembers and $75 per person members. Those wishing to attend should contact me at wjronayne@optonline.net. Best, Bill Edited 02-22-2019 04:36 PM
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Dennis1 02-22-2019
04:28 PM ET (US) IP: 73.170.201.215
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No problem signing in again. However, my computer gives me the option of saving my password so I don't have to enter it each time. That I did...and now I don't remember my password. Hopefully I will never have to use it again to sign in.
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Chris Johns 02-22-2019
11:15 AM ET (US) IP: 69.142.223.152
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Bill, can you please post/repost the information on the Lanza lunch on March 2nd at Patsy’s. Thanks
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Bill Ronayne 02-22-2019
09:54 AM ET (US) IP: 68.192.185.149
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No problem posting.
We're doing another fundraiser for the Mario Lanza Museum renovation project which is a little more than half done as of the last time I was in Philly. Here are the details:
Mario Lanza Museum Benefit Dinner
Wednesday, March 13, 2019 6:30 pm - 10:00 pm
The Victor Café
1303 Dickinson Street
Philadelphia, PA 19147
Entertainment by the Singing Waitstaff
50/50 Raffle
Admission price: $65 per person with a cash bar.
For information and to receive the invitation e-mail info@mariolanzainstitute.org. Invitations can also be downloaded from the web site listed below.
***** Kindly RSVP by March 9, 2019. *****
No refunds or credits. No exceptions.
Parking available through valet service or on the street.
If you cannot attend and would like to make a donation, you can do so online at https://www.mariolanzainstitute.org or
by making a check out to Mario Lanza Institute and mailing to the following address:
Mario Lanza Institute
PO Box 54624
Philadelphia, PA 19148
Best, Bill
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Fred Day 02-22-2019
03:42 AM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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I am not having any problem posting - so far. Ciao.
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David Weaver 02-21-2019
08:53 PM ET (US) IP: 98.31.1.186
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Apparently a number of folks are having difficulty signing in . . . or registering . . . or once they do successfully register and then go back to sign-in, they're told either their password is invalid or being used by another poster. Here's the bad news, folks: I have no clue whatever as to why this is happening. And I am unable to find out from QuickTopic the reason why this is happening. Or why some people seem to be having great difficulty, while others have no difficulty at all. Again, the problem is not reading the forum - you don't need to sign-in to do that - it's being able to post. So if you're having trouble posting, please email me: dweaver_52@hotmail.com. Edited 02-21-2019 09:02 PM
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Vincent Ricciardi 02-20-2019
03:01 PM ET (US) IP: 68.132.114.62
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There was a nice tribute post put up on YouTube about Frank. It's a nice watch.
https://youtu.be/IEZLz4Oewvo
Frank was a great guy. He always made me feel like a little brother. He had the best voice in the Italian Tenor circuit and had a heart even bigger than his voice. As a young tenor new to the scene, and an avid Mario Lanza fan myself, he often called me offering words of advice and encouragement. We’ll all miss his humor, his caring nature, and one of the best voices many of us have ever heard or had the pleasure of singing with.
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David Weaver 02-20-2019
02:05 PM ET (US) IP: 156.63.68.178
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Details re Frank Tenaglia's funeral are still pending, but I can tell you its Monti Rago Funeral Home in Philadelphia that is handling the arrangements: https://memorials.monti-ragofuneralhome.co...service-details.phpAt that link, you will be able to see details once they're posted. You can also leave a tribute on the Memory Wall or send flowers. As you can see from the site, Frank just turned 54 on January 22. Edited 02-20-2019 02:06 PM
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Dennis1 02-20-2019
02:22 AM ET (US) IP: 73.170.201.215
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Once Frank was featured on this forum years ago, I set about finding and listening to everything Frank had on YouTube. What hours of enjoyment I had as I listened over and over across the years. Probably the one I listened to the most was the duet from Pearl Fishers that he sang with his brother (also a remarkable talent). I was excited for him when it seemed opportunities were opening up here or in Europe. I wonder if any of them panned out. I will certainly miss this talented giant and am saddened that no new music will come from him. And I especially enjoyed his celebration of Lanza and singing Lanza favorites in humility. Are there any more "Frank Tenaglia's" coming along? I hope so. But he will be irreplaceable as a person. Rest in Peace, Frank.
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Martino1 02-19-2019
05:36 AM ET (US) IP: 104.255.4.145
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Sad news indeed. Condolences to Frank's family and his many friends and fans.
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Chris Johns 02-19-2019
03:29 AM ET (US) IP: 69.142.223.152
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OMG, I’m so sad to hear this horrible news. Such a beautiful man and great talent. Rest In Peace Frank and my God Bless his family 🙏💔
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Fred Day 02-19-2019
02:47 AM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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I am very sad to learn of the death of the wonderful Frank Tenaglia. How old was he?? Please find and post his obit. Probably in the Philadelphia newspaper. He does not have a page in Wikipedia. Rest in Peace, dear Frank. You will not be forgotten. Ciao.
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David Weaver 02-18-2019
02:19 PM ET (US) IP: 98.31.1.186
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Some of you may have already heard this sad news, but Frank Tenaglia died yesterday in Florida. He had been vacationing in the Keys since Friday with his wife Cathy. He suddenly took ill Sunday afternoon, and by the time the rescue squad arrived in response to Cathy's call, Frank was unconscious. He died a short time later. As most of you know, Frank was a great talent, with a splendid tenor voice. And his idol was Mario Lanza. Frank appeared in many Lanza tributes, including two with the Philly Pops - conductor Peter Nero was a great fan and promoter of Frank's. Frank had health challenges from the time he was a small boy, and in many ways it was a miracle - for which Frank gave the credit to Padre Pio - that Frank survived to adulthood. His wonderful voice and personality will be missed, but long remembered. Our condolences to Cathy and all of Frank's family, and to his closest friend, mentor, manager, and champion, John Durso. There are many splendid recordings and videos of Frank on YouTube, and here is one of my personal favorites. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ZxJTS7xvkAEdited 02-18-2019 03:33 PM
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Jytte M 02-16-2019
11:17 AM ET (US) IP: 77.97.250.172
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So Happy to see this forum up and running again. Have been here for over 20 years under the name Brian Harrison in Birmingham England.
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Dennis1 02-15-2019
08:52 PM ET (US) IP: 73.170.201.215
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Ah, what a relief to not be flooded with trolls, although I did hate to part with my old name after a decade. What a shame that society wouldn't accept a woman composer, despite the entrancement and quality of a song like "Because". The song is certainly declining in popularity in today's world, but it was popular for decades. I last heard it sung at a wedding in the '60s. Reminds me of some of the prejudices against Lanza and his voice because he didn't go through the proper hoops to establish his classical operatic chops.
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Len (UK) 02-15-2019
10:36 AM ET (US) IP: 86.177.45.10
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Our company choir will be celebrating International Women’s Day (8th March) by performing music composed by women. I have provided the sheet music of ‘Because’ which was published under the name of Guy d’Hardelot as composer.
The composer was born Helen Guy in the family home which was Chateau d’Hardelot in France. She was Anglo-French and it seems that back in 1902 neither society was accepting of lady composers; hence the male pseudonym. There is more detail at https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guy_d%27Hardelot
Anything to promote music associated with Lanza!
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Valeria Pugiotto 02-11-2019
12:32 AM ET (US) IP: 93.58.124.208
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Kristine, Bret’s biography is not worth buying. It is the ‘thrashy’ kind. I have read it and I found it very biased. The best biographies are the ones written by Cesari and Mannering.
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Kristine Cimmy 02-10-2019
11:09 PM ET (US) IP: 96.59.1.174
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I'm watching The Grammys(61st Annual One). Dolly Parton is 73, sang. She was honored. Diana Ross and Smokey Robinson performed. Diana Ross turns 75, this year. Motown will be celelbrating 60 years and it will be televised in April. There will be a tribute to Aretha Franklin, in March. By the way, she was a fan of Mario Lanza. Ron Howard 's documentary about late tenor, Luciano Pavarotti, is coming out this Spring. I wonder if there is a reference to Mario Lanza, in it ? Some far out costumes, at The Grammys, but great dancing !
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Martino1 02-10-2019
01:36 PM ET (US) IP: 104.255.4.145
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Mike, those songs from the film, "Serenade", can sound a little better if the reverb you mention was reduced or eliminated somehow. I agree that they are offensive if listened as the original soundtrack, either on record or while watching the movie. Some years ago there were acetate recordings available of these "Serenade" tracks that did reduce the reverb and made the sound much better. I think they were brought to our attention by Lindsay Perigo. In fact, I think these recordings were discussed in depth during one of the three interviews Jeff Rense conducted with Lindsay and may still be available on our home page. Here is what I said about these recordings at the time:
"I listened to all the clips of Lanza's "Serenade" recordings from the Warner Bros. acetates. The sound is quite good and probably the best available for this film that are still in existence. There is a reduction of the reverb that engineers inserted which to me is very distracting, both on the album and while watching the film. One of the problems I always had with "Serenade" as a movie was that the musical selections sounded too much recorded and engineered, and not a natural part of the settings in the film. The Lanza voice was beautiful of course, but the realism of the singing was lost. Right from the very first scene, where Lanza is on a tractor in the middle of a wide open vineyard and sings "La Danza", you do not hear the sound of a natural voice in the outdoors. Instead, as soon as Mario opens his mouth you are suddenly transported from the vineyard to an indoor recording studio! The engineers did a terrible job of "naturalizing" Mario's voice and it did not get much better as the film went on. With "Torna a Sorrento", Lanza's voice seemed like it was being heard in an empty concert hall in Munich, rather than in a small, intimate cafe. These acetates improve on those shortcomings a great deal, although not totally as some of the reverb can still be heard. What these acetates do best of all is give a bright and airy quality to Lanza's voice that was for the most part covered in the soundtrack. His voice was "Liberated" and I suppose that is as good way as any to describe it. It also sounds more powerful and in your face. The one exception is "O Paradiso", where the piano is way too up front. At least the engineers solved that problem when it was transferred to the soundtrack. But in the acetates, the piano is too metallic sounding and hurts your ears, especially at the beginning.
There are a few pops and clicks in these recordings but overall I must say this is as good a representation of Lanza's voice in "Serenade" as you are likely to find. It goes a bit beyond just tweaking the dynamic range and probably even a remastering would not achieve better results - unless they had these acetates to work from. Maybe then the echo chamber might be further reduced or even eliminated. It was interesting to hear Lanza singing the La Boheme duet without Jean Fenn, whose voice was dubbed to the Lanza recording. It must have been weird for Mario to record it that way but probably not as weird as it was for Fenn to follow along by herself later on. I still don't understand why they did things that way. RCA did the exact same thing with other recordings Lanza made. A big mistake if you ask me".
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Mike from L.I. 02-10-2019
12:01 PM ET (US) IP: 108.74.19.115
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Martino---One quick comment. All of his reverbs sounded horrible--so offensive to the ear-Title song from Serenade and MY Destiny as a quick example. Why did they do it??
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Martino1 02-10-2019
09:25 AM ET (US) IP: 104.255.4.145
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Now that some calm has come back to the forum I think we might be able to once again have some real discussions about Mario Lanza, his life and legacy. I recently read some accounts of his life on the internet, such as Mario Lanza reassessed, and Intriguing Questions. There was the usual good and bad and some misinformation as always seems the case. Why was Lanza treated so badly by some musical people back then, especially the opera establishment? We talked about this some time ago and I will post again my contribution to that discussion:
"That is an interesting question because it involves several factors. I have had many opera loving acquaintances over the years and I have discussed Mario with virtually all of them, including a couple who could be considered part of the "opera establishment". Almost without exception, everyone (including the most snobbish, for lack of a better term), acknowledges that Mario Lanza had an excellent natural voice and talent. Most of them, however, believe he squandered it through bad choices and not training that voice properly. They understand why he went down the movie star path rather than going to opera and some have even said they do not fault him in the least for doing so. That is my position as well and I think it is also the position of most of us here.
The problem that some of these opera aficionados have is not that Lanza did not share his voice with the world because he did that through films and records more than most opera singers, but that the voice and talent itself was misdirected and abused, and at the very least, misused. In other words, it was a gift from God or nature, take your choice, that could and should have been directed in a more serious manner because the voice itself was serious. These people consider "serious" to be defined in one way - opera. They believe he reduced himself by taking the easier way to fame and fortune rather than using his voice "as it was intended". The opera establishment seldom forgives but today, after so many years, you will find many opera buffs among Mario's most ardent fans. It was not that way during his time although there were some notable exceptions in the opera world back then who sang his praises, including most of the great singers who were Lanza's contemporaries. The other singers understood perfectly where Mario was coming from.
One fellow I spoke to about this many years ago gave it another twist. He did not care for Lanza the man and that made him a bit prejudiced to begin with. He did agree that Mario's voice was a very good one, at least on the surface as a natural talent. He was against Mario because he felt everything he did was fake and he displayed no work ethic whatsoever. He listed the infamous "Be My Love" on tv that was performed as a lip sync and believed Lanza coming back on tv shortly after to sing live was out of desperation due to the terrible feedback he had received. It was his opinion Mario Lanza would sing before an audience only if he absolutely had to. When I told him a lot of singers did the lip sync back then he said he was aware of that but it should not have been done with a voice such as Lanza had. He did not believe a "real" singer would do such a thing. He was wrong of course as sometimes even full fledged opera singers performed lip sync only appearances on tv.
There were other examples that might fuel this kind of "fakeness" quality such as making people believe Mario was singing live and before an audience on his radio show when in fact, the songs were nothing more than recordings made in a studio prior to the broadcasts. Unlike in front of an audience, multiple takes could have been made if necessary to clean up mistakes and "applause" would be inserted later. After he became a big movie star, Lanza seldom sang before the public until he went to live in Italy, leading many people in the opera world feeling that maybe the voice was not as great as everyone pretended it was. To opera buffs, singing live, on stage before an audience means everything. Mario even got out of singing live in Las Vegas and if it was truly due to a sore throat, the controversy that he "copped out" of this important engagement followed him everywhere adding more fuel to the fire. That he did not sing live very often after his first few films in turn gave rise to the incorrect assumptions that his vocal power was fabricated through recordings and soundtrack enhancements. Some of that foolish thinking exists even today. It was not until years later that Mario would prove them wrong during his European concerts, but even then, the concerts were not considered by opera fans to be ambitious in their diversity, content or length, although they were enough to satisfy the general "pop" public. Once again, that impression that haunted Mario from the start would not go away - that he was the kind of person who always took the path of least resistance and did only the minimum, just enough to get by and no more. Call it lack of work ethic, discipline, whatever, there were in fact enough examples to set this kind of thinking in motion. The opera establishment wants to see their singers shed blood on stage and their feelings about Lanza was that he was doing just the opposite, all the while making tons of money. That creates resentment and they took it out on him by dismissing him as a serious artist. I think that hurt Mario more than anything. There are still other examples that some people who think along these lines could interpret as "tricks", such as dubbing duets with another singer after the fact leading one to believe they were actually singing together and even dubbing entire choruses after the fact, or adding sound chamber and reverb to enhance his voice on records. Many singers did this, at least many of the "pop" singers, but singing "duets" with the two singers at opposite ends of the earth was not considered acceptable in the world of opera.
The point is many people felt that because of all of these sorts of things, Lanza was not "real", at least not in comparison to the great opera singers of the stage who were unable to fake or trick anyone. They were always exposed, night after night, in front of live audiences and without microphones or engineering gimmicks or re-takes to help them. The opera establishment forgot what came before his fame when Lanza sang in front of audiences all around the country, working hard at his gigs like every other singer. And they never forgot the great potential he had - they only wish he saw it through by their definition. What they were concerned about was what he was doing with his voice once fame came and what he was doing did not meet with their approval".
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Kristine Cimmy 02-10-2019
07:03 AM ET (US) IP: 96.59.1.174
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I wonder if the quiz show "What's My Line" (1950's)ever contacted Mario Lanza to be a guest ? Celebrities like Lucille Ball, Desi Arnaz, Ann Sothern, Ronald Reagan, Eddie Fisher and Debbie Reynolds appeared on it and the panelists had to guess who the guest was. By the way, Julie Adams passed away at 92. She was married to actor, turned director, Ray Danton. She appeared in "The Creature From The Black Lagoon" and "The Private War of Major Benson". RIP.
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Kristine Cimmy 02-10-2019
06:56 AM ET (US) IP: 96.59.1.174
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Martino1, I saw David Bret's book advertised in Oldies.com's catalog. Are there any more CD's of Mario Lanza, coming out this year ?
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Martino1 02-10-2019
05:55 AM ET (US) IP: 104.255.4.145
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Mike, Edna Fallon passed away some time ago.
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Martino1 02-10-2019
05:51 AM ET (US) IP: 104.255.4.145
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Kristine, although Lindsay Perigo has some political and world views not shared by all of us, I believe the author in question is David Bret. He is a British biographer who wrote "Mario Lanza, Sublime Serenade".
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Bill Ronayne 02-09-2019
09:11 PM ET (US) IP: 69.116.83.236
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For some reason the photo in my post is sideways. Maybe David or Jeff can turn it?
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Bill Ronayne 02-09-2019
09:09 PM ET (US) IP: 69.116.83.236
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 Hi all: Glad to see we're getting back on track. It's been a while since I've posted about the new location for the Mario Lanza Museum so I thought I would give you an update. The renovation project for the new location for the Mario Lanza Museum is moving forward. Yesterday the wood framing was completed. The electrical will come next and eventually the sheet-rock etc. This is a photo, which unfortunately isn't totally clear, that shows the section of the room where the large screen TV and some of the display cases will go. I will post more as the project continues. We still need to raise funds for this project so please consider making a donation. You can do so online at this link: www.mariolanzainstitute.org or by making your check out to Mario Lanza Institute and mailing it to Mario Lanza Institute PO Box 54624 Philadelphia, PA 19148 Best, Bill Edited 02-09-2019 09:10 PM
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Kristine Cimmy 02-09-2019
07:31 PM ET (US) IP: 96.59.1.174
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Shirayley, thank you for correction. Does anyone know what happened to Suzanne Palmiero, who used to post comments on this website ? I hope she is well. Today would have been Kathryn Grayson's 97th Birthday. I am facebook friends with her granddaughter, Kristin Towers Rowles. Kristin sings, too. 60 years ago, Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and The Big Bopper passed away. RIP. In October, it will be 60 years, Mario Lanza passed away. I think it was Linz, who wrote a book about Mario Lanza. He started to discuss politics, political issues, here, and that started others to oppose his views, politically, which started arguments.
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Mike from L.I. 02-09-2019
05:34 PM ET (US) IP: 108.74.19.115
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Hi everyone.I have been here for many years as Mike M. but just now have been informed that someone else has that sign-in. Strange! Never saw it used by anyone else..So many have gone. Remember Sheigh(sp.) from Japan. I know he died. Is Edna still alive? Mack from Nebraska. Bruce from Cherry Hill N.J.Got the Coke 15 cd set directly from Damian. Got a bunch of K. Grayson CD's direct from her secretary. Sally Sherman, as I recall. Spoke to Jim Thompson by phone, one time. Remember me and Bonnie?? What ever happened to that guy who wrote a book about Lanza and had a fight with practically everyone on this site?? Maybe about five years ago. Knew Clyde Smith personally but haven't heard from him in years..Could go on and on, but hopefully this site will become fun again. BTW, I live seven months a year on Long Island and five months in Lake Worth FL.
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Chris Johns 02-07-2019
05:12 PM ET (US) IP: 69.142.223.152
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Thanks Fred.
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Shirayley 02-07-2019
07:53 AM ET (US) IP: 92.0.89.127
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Small correction to Kristine's post; "Runaround Sue" was not recorded by Dion & The Belmonts - it was recorded by Dion. He had already split from The Belmonts at that time.
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Kristine Cimmy 02-06-2019
10:55 PM ET (US) IP: 96.59.1.174
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I have to make a correction : The song on the Applebee's Restaurant t.v. commercial, is "Runaround Sue" sung by Dion &The Belmonts. I became facebook friends with Victoria Mature, daughter of movie star, Victor Mature("The Robe", "Samson and Delilah"). She is an opera singer and has performed in the San Diego , Calif. area. She loves Mario Lanza !
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Fred Day 02-06-2019
09:40 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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To Chris Johns from Fred Day: The supposed "final recording" of Lanza singing The Lord's Prayer on Sept 10, 1959 is indeed still a big mystery. Supposedly it was recorded by Lanza with Callinicos at the piano, and was sent back to RCA in New York, for Costa to add an orchestral track and chorus. But the recording got lost or stolen and was never found. Or, did RCA find errors in the recording?? Or was the entire story made up by Costa to make a fitting end to Lanza's recording history, in his 1960 bio of Lanza?? Who knows?? If it exists, we all hope it will someday be found. But after all these years that is not very likely. It remains a big mystery. Ciao.
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Fred Day 02-06-2019
09:22 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Test post to see if this is working. Fred Day in Orlando, Florida. Long Live Lanza!! Ciao.
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Kristine Cimmy 02-06-2019
11:25 AM ET (US) IP: 96.59.1.174
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Thank you, David.
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David Weaver 02-05-2019
06:46 PM ET (US) IP: 98.31.1.186
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Hi Kristine, glad you got back in!
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Kristine Cimmy 02-05-2019
06:30 PM ET (US) IP: 96.59.1.174
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Well, I finally got back in. What a time , I had getting back in this group ! Applebee's Restaurant is playing singers , from the past, and one current singer, during their t.v. commercials. They've played Dean Martin singing "That's Amore", Dolly Parton singing "There You Come Again", and now playing Dion &The Belmonts singing "The Wanderer". I wonder if they will ever play Mario Lanza ? How about Lanza singing "There's Going To Be A Party, Tonight" ?
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Chris Johns 02-04-2019
01:54 PM ET (US) IP: 69.142.223.152
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I hope all is well with everyone!
I’d like to know if it’s fact or fiction: does Mario’s discography #398 The Lords Prayer really exist. I first read of it years ago in Callinicos’ book, and read it was Callinicos’ imagination. Lately I’ve seen it pop up again on several discography’s!! Does anyone know? If it does exist..it was Mario’s last recording. Much more fitting then ‘One Good Boy Gone Wrong’
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Valeria Pugiotto 02-03-2019
11:55 PM ET (US) IP: 5.90.142.148
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Stephen, I have just found a copy on Ebay for USD 25!
Thank you!
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Stephen of Las Vegas 02-03-2019
10:04 PM ET (US) IP: 68.96.227.110
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Valeria...it was published in October 1955 in the publication "Silver Screen." You can purchase a copy through Amazon for the reasonable price of $195.00, and that includes shipping!! I didn't find a copy of the article anywhere else. Great idea to have us sign in. At least the trolls will have to do the same if they want to continue and perhaps that will help identify them.
https://www.amazon.com/Screen-Jane-Russell...-1955/dp/B07HVZBNZ8
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Shirayley 02-03-2019
09:06 AM ET (US) IP: 88.106.52.232
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Thank goodness - let's hope this has solved the problem!
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Valeria Pugiotto 02-03-2019
09:01 AM ET (US) IP: 93.58.124.208
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Hi, everybody! Jeff, thank you for everything!
A question. Does anybody know where the article entitle ‘Will Mario sing again?’ was published?
It must have been 1955 or 1956.
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Martino1 02-03-2019
08:55 AM ET (US) IP: 104.255.4.145
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Thanks for the response Jeff. We all know you (and David) are doing all you can and maybe these extra steps will help. For example, I had to register again to post but since I forgot my original password I had to use a new sign in name. Now I am Martino1 instead of just Martino. Small price to pay if we can keep the riff raff away.
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Chris Johns 02-03-2019
02:34 AM ET (US) IP: 69.142.223.152
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Thanks for everything Jeff!
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Gail Swartz
02-02-2019
11:52 PM ET (US) IP: 74.6.128.84
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Thank you Jeff. Knowing that you are trying to help us to stay connected is so very much appreciated and I will wait eagerly for all that you are going to share about Mario.
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Deleted by topic administrator 02-03-2019 12:45 AM
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Kristine
02-02-2019
09:24 PM ET (US) IP: 96.59.1.174
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Jeff, Martino, David, Gail, I am glad , hopefully, this problem will be solved. My late parents and I knew Terry Robinson and I stayed in touch with him and his wife, Silvia, until they passed away. I talked with Silvia, by phone, after Terry passed away. She was very nice, friendly. I miss them and Terry's artwork on his postcards. My late parents and I met Betty Greenland. She was quite a devoted fan of Mario Lanza. She had a cutout cardboard of Mario Lanza in the kitchen. We also met Jerry and Rita Steinburg, who were, also, fans of Lanza.
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RenseWebmaster 02-02-2019
07:42 PM ET (US) IP: 98.31.1.186
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On behalf of Jeff Rense to Martino:
The PRIME DIRECTIVE of attacks like these is to BENEFIT OTHERS. You know the expression ‘cui bono… WHO benefits? This will point directly to the person or people involved. Did you know you can hire attacks like these? You can also hire DDOS attacks. They are inexpensive to do. The cause of the attacks here is pure, jealousy, envy and hate. The goal is to ruin the fun and enjoyment our people have and then open another location to attempt to lure our posters to it. Make NO mistake, this is being done by people in the ‘Lanza world’. I have been operating sites for nearly 30 years and I am 100% correct in what I am writing here. Make that 1,000%. I have had to deal with all manner of attacks. It is truly pathetic that the very same kind of maggots and sociopaths who hounded and played key roles in taking Mario’s peerless gift from the world far too soon are involved in trying to force our Forum members and friends to move to another location. David has been FAR beyond heroic in trying to shovel the excrement from the perps out of your view. There are two things to be done. We will revise the Forum so that our members will do a simple sign up and receive a password to allow them to post. The second is that our wonderful members not to be forced into submission and move to another suddenly available location. I repeat…these attacks are being paid for or implemented by someone in the ‘Lanza world’. I suspect many of you realize that. Human filth comes in all shapes and sizes. Thank you, Martino, and to everyone who posts here and to those who just stop by to read and enjoy. Thank you all for your loyal, caring friendship and commitment to the greatest natural voice all. I have a number of pending projects to post to the site soon, including Colleen’s own personal thoughts and memories of her father. I am in the unique and fortunate position of having known Terry for at least 35 years and have dozens of his wonderful letters...some of which I would also like to share. I knew Al for the last 12 years of his life and have all of his ‘Mario papers’ and contracts, and his entire photo collection. I was also friends with Bob for over 30 years. The point is simple, just because people don’t agree on everything does not rule out friendship. (Sorry to say there are some exceptions to that axiom). I am also in possession of former Mario Lanza Fan Club president Betty Greenfield's entire Mario database of photos and many other things. And much more, including the three large scrapbooks of Mario’s life and career put together by Terry and Mary shortly after Mario’s passing. I just need to find the time to format and present these. The newspaper clippings and reviews of his performances and films are worthy of their own book on their own. Again, my appreciation and respect to all of you, and especially David, who have stood up to the lowlife abuse intentionally directed at our-your Forum.
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Messages 56714-56687 deleted by author between 02-02-2019 07:41 PM and 02-01-2019 12:44 PM |
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Martino to Gail
02-01-2019
05:52 AM ET (US) IP: 104.255.4.145
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I hope it is more than us here that make up the Lanza legacy you are talking about. David does a great job of getting rid of the intruders but he can't be here constantly and they are now overwhelming. It is not worth going through them all to see who or what is posted legitimately and we can see that in the sharp decrease of discussions over the past year or so.
I still check in on nearly a daily basis but if I see there is a slew of troll posts I just go on to something else. Our members are dwindling, the discussions that do take place every now and then are only occasionally inspiring or informative (the two factors I look for in a forum) and new people joining our ranks are virtually non existent. I hate to be the profit of gloom but I have said for some time now that I am not sure how long the forum can endure under those conditions.
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Messages 56685-56676 deleted by author between 02-01-2019 12:45 PM and 01-31-2019 09:35 AM |
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Gail Swartz
01-31-2019
07:35 AM ET (US) IP: 74.6.133.123
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Mario fans...Mario would have been 98 today...we are his legacy...we will remember his life,his singing,his films, his concerts, his magnetic personality, his zest for life, his love of family, his million dollar smile, and most of all his glorious golden voice that even today is recognised as the one to whom tenors aspire to sing like.
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Messages 56674-56615 deleted by author between 01-31-2019 09:36 AM and 01-28-2019 01:26 PM |
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Gail Swartz
01-28-2019
12:39 AM ET (US) IP: 74.6.128.84
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My husband had radical neck surgery on Jan 22...set the DVR for the two Mario movies w/ K Grayson...notification indicated that they were to be recorded, but did not happen....so disappointed!!! Hubby is doing well...lots of doctor visits to come.
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Messages 56613-56611 deleted by author between 01-28-2019 01:25 PM and 01-27-2019 11:28 PM |
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Kristine
01-27-2019
10:28 PM ET (US) IP: 96.59.1.174
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Appleby's Restaurant had Dean Martin singing "That's Amore" during one of their t.v. commercials and Dolly Parton's song, "Here You Come, Again" has been on a t.v. commercial. Mario Lanza singing "There's Going To Be A Party, Tonight" (from "Seven Hills of Rome")would be ideal for a restaurant, tourist spot t.v.commercial, a party supply store, etc.
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Messages 56609-56458 deleted by author between 01-27-2019 11:28 PM and 01-22-2019 11:00 PM |
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Kristine
01-22-2019
06:42 PM ET (US) IP: 96.59.1.174
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Gail, I don't have the room to save them, all, but I pass them onto friends, who like Mario Lanza. I have sent some to UCLA Film and Television Archive, LACMA(Los Angeles County Museum of Art), requesting they show a Mario Lanza movie. Some sad news, Kaye Ballard passed away at 94. I remember, the Cocozzas said they met her, one time. RIP.
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Messages 56456-56436 deleted by author between 01-22-2019 11:00 PM and 01-22-2019 12:52 AM |
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Gail Swartz
01-21-2019
11:44 PM ET (US) IP: 74.6.133.125
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Kristine, do you save the ML newsletters? I do and I place them in a notebook. Just wish that I had all of ones prior to 2010. Bill, here is an idea...is there an alphabetical listing of Mario's songs already published?
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Messages 56434-56423 deleted by author between 01-22-2019 12:52 AM and 01-21-2019 06:10 PM |
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Kristine
01-21-2019
05:32 PM ET (US) IP: 96.59.1.174
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Bill, I agree, The Mario Legacy Newsletters are always informative and I like the photos. Carol Channing passed away at 97. RIP.
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Messages 56421-56389 deleted by author between 01-21-2019 06:05 PM and 01-19-2019 06:17 PM |
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Linz to Bill Ronayne
01-19-2019
05:50 PM ET (US) IP: 122.62.65.222
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Bill—great job on the January edition of Legacy! Enjoyed the review of all the Mamma Mias in particular.
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Messages 56387-56376 deleted by author between 01-19-2019 05:02 PM and 01-18-2019 05:50 PM |
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Fred Day
01-18-2019
02:23 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Carol Channing died a few days ago, 16 days shy of her 98th birthday. She and Mario Lanza had one thing in common: they were both born on the same day: January 31, 1921. Rest in Peace. Ciao.
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Messages 56374-56370 deleted by author 01-18-2019 05:51 PM |
Chris Johns 01-18-2019
11:07 AM ET (US) IP: 69.142.223.152
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Gail, all the best for you and your husband. He will be in my prayers.
God Bless🙏
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Messages 56368-56367 deleted by author between 01-18-2019 05:51 PM and 01-18-2019 05:52 PM |
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Gail Swartz
01-18-2019
10:39 AM ET (US) IP: 74.6.135.42
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Mario fans...been listening to the CD The Ultimate Collection...wow! If his critics had heard all of these songs like we can they would have had a greatly different opinion...their loss!please pray for hubby...radical neck surgery ...tumor on a lymph node under his left ear....doctors are optimistic about the removal...radiation treatment will follow after healing. God has control of this, but let him know that you want His will .
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Messages 56365-56219 deleted by author between 01-18-2019 10:27 AM and 01-12-2019 10:19 PM |
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Kristine
01-12-2019
07:23 PM ET (US) IP: 96.59.1.174
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Singer Pat Boone's wife, Shirley passed away at 84. RIP. She was daughter of Country &Western singer, Red Foley. Terry Robinson knew Pat Boone.
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Messages 56217-56187 deleted by author between 01-12-2019 10:18 PM and 01-11-2019 11:46 PM |
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Kristine
01-11-2019
10:49 PM ET (US) IP: 96.59.1.174
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I am sorry to read Lisa Mancusi passed away. RIP. My sympathy and condolences to Aldo Mancusi and family. I just saw a photo of Aaron Caruso on his facebook page. He reminds me of Mario Lanza, even the same physical stature. He should portray Lanza, if a film biography of Lanza is ever filmed. I watched the last part of movie "8 1/2" , starring Marcello Mastrioanni, Anouk Aimee, Claudia Cardinale, on TCM. In the ending credits, Rossella Como was in the cast. She was in "Seven Hills of Rome". Her name sounded like Perry Como's wife's name, Roselle Como. I wonder what Rossella is doing today ? A few years ago, the Broadway Musical "9" was a musical version of "8 1/2" starring late Sergio Franchi.
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Deleted by topic administrator 01-11-2019 11:47 PM
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Chris Johns 01-11-2019
10:15 PM ET (US) IP: 69.142.223.152
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Hi everyone,
I have some sad news, Lisa Mancusi, wife of Aldo, from the Enrico Caruso Museum, has passed away. She had been suffering from Alzheimer’s for several years.
It would be nice if we could send Aldo a kind word.
Aldo Mancusi
1942 East 19 Street
Brooklyn, NY 11229
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Messages 56183-56139 deleted by author between 01-11-2019 11:47 PM and 01-10-2019 07:36 PM |
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Kristine
01-10-2019
07:16 AM ET (US) IP: 96.59.1.174
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LACMA(Los Angeles County Museum of Art)shows old movies. They will be showing "Viva Las Vegas"(Elvis, Ann-Margret), "Cabaret", "Easy Rider", "Hello, Dolly". I hope they will show one of Mario Lanza's movies, sometime. Send letters to LACMA,requesting that.
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Messages 56137-55992 deleted by author between 01-10-2019 07:37 PM and 01-05-2019 11:12 PM |
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Gail Swartz
01-05-2019
10:31 PM ET (US) IP: 74.6.135.41
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Thanks, Kristine. Your info is greatly appreciated. I will set the DVR for the Mario and Kathryn movies. Mario made movies so that people would want to hear opera and enjoy it. He just happened to be a natural in front of the cameras and very pleasant to watch...he looked like a movie star...no wonder that he became a superstar.
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Messages 55990-55989 deleted by author between 01-05-2019 11:13 PM and 01-05-2019 07:05 PM |
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Kristine
01-05-2019
04:28 PM ET (US) IP: 96.59.1.174
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David, it's allright. There is so much interference on this website, now ! Here is what I posted. Daryl Dragon passed away . RIP. He was part of The Captain &Tennille Duo in the 1970's. He and Toni Tennille were married at that time. He was once a keyboardist with The Beach Boys and graduated from Samohi(Santa Monica High School, Santa Monica, Calif.)in 1960 and his father was Carmen Dragon who conducted the Hollywood Bowl Symphony. The Captain and Tennille once lived in Pacific Palisades, Calif. (Where the Lanzas and Cocozzas once lived). Their first hit was "Love Will Keep Us Together"(written by Neil Sedaka ). Kathryn Grayson is Star Of The Month on TCM. They will be showing "That Midnight Kiss"and "The Toast of New Orleans" on January 22nd. I am facebook friends with her granddaughter, Kristin Towers Rowles, who, also, is a singer. I enjoyed reading The Mario Lanza Society of N.Y. Publication, by William Ronayne. It's the 70th Anniversary of the release of Mario's first movie "That Midnight Kiss" and the 60th Anniversary of the release of his final movie "For The First Time". Happy New Year, Everybody !
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Messages 55987-55968 deleted by author between 01-05-2019 07:05 PM and 01-04-2019 06:00 PM |
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David Weaver
01-04-2019
11:42 AM ET (US) IP: 156.63.68.174
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Kristine, I apologize for inadvertently deleting your last post about Daryl Dragon, which was caught in a long stream of spam! Please post again.
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Messages 55966-55919 deleted by author between 01-04-2019 11:37 AM and 01-02-2019 06:52 PM |
Chris Johns 01-01-2019
09:43 PM ET (US) IP: 69.142.223.152
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HAPPY and HEALTHY NEW YEAR to everyone!!
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Messages 55917-55848 deleted by author between 01-01-2019 09:25 PM and 12-29-2018 06:57 PM |
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Gail Swartz
12-29-2018
03:08 PM ET (US) IP: 74.6.129.82
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Most of the entertainment in homes of the celebrities was not done in their music rooms. Remember, Mario had a music room where he recorded for his own use. When he had people to visit his entertainment was around food,etc. When Tebaldi visited no one remembered to record....our loss.
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David Weaver
12-29-2018
02:46 PM ET (US) IP: 98.31.1.186
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Mike, the Merriman-Webster Dictionary gives as one of the definitions of transcribed: "to record (as on magnetic tape) for later broadcast," and defines transcription as "a recording (as on magnetic tape) made especially for use in radio broadcasting." Whether it was on tape or on disk, Mario recorded his radio series at Radio Recorders, which was not only the premiere studio for recording transcriptions on the west coast, but also a place where many artists made commercial recordings.
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Mike M.
12-29-2018
01:53 PM ET (US) IP: 108.74.19.115
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Another curiosity perhaps some are not aware of, the announcer was Bill Baldwin, and if you would like to see what he looked like, he was the fight announcer in several of the early "Rocky" movies.
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Mike M. to David
12-29-2018
01:48 PM ET (US) IP: 108.74.19.115
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Interesting. You said the change for the better came in 1947. However, my mind is playing in my head "Transcribed songs by Gisele McKenzie...." Sound familiar? This is 1951 & 1952. What gives???
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David Weaver
12-29-2018
12:52 PM ET (US) IP: 98.31.1.186
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When Lanza was in Hollywood and singing at those parties, the magnetic tape recording machines as we know them had not yet been introduced. That didn't happen until after World War II, with Ampex. Bing Crosby was the person who really made them popular, after he began pre-recording his radio shows using Ampex, starting in October 1947. Prior to that, radio shows were either done live, or using transcriptions (disks recorded for broadcast that didn't nearly have the sound quality of live performances). So it is not likely at all - unless one of those celebrities mentioned had an advance type of tape recorder not yet available commercially - that they caught Mario Lanza in performance at their parties. Perhaps some of them caught him on a home movie camera - which were very popular, especially with the well-to-do - but even if they did, they would not have sound. Edited 12-29-2018 12:54 PM
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Messages 55842-55814 deleted by author between 12-29-2018 12:43 PM and 12-28-2018 06:58 PM |
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Dennis
12-28-2018
06:45 PM ET (US) IP: 73.170.201.215
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Joe, I agree with you. Lanza's crowd were wealthy celebrities and were more likely to have a home recording device. Surely some took the opportunity to record him and brag to their friends about the wonderful voice that visited their home. Unfortunately, I am not as optimistic as you about the recordings' survival. Most of these celebrities died decades ago, their possessions were passed on, many were sold or dumped, the homes sold to others, and the surviving family would not likely have kept many home recordings. But, why not keep hoping. Makes the new year more exciting to anticipate! Happy New Year to you and all other Lanza fans on this site.
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Deleted by topic administrator 12-28-2018 06:38 PM
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Joe
12-28-2018
03:16 PM ET (US) IP: 71.225.163.141
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Are there any undiscovered gems??? As the young, undiscovered Lanza was coming up, it has been noted that he frequently entertained for many in the homes of the Hollywood crowd, e.g Frank Sinatra, Walter Pidgeon, Irene Manning, Hedda Hopper and etc. I just have to believe that somebody had the sense to record these songs on a private tape recorder. How could they not? I don’t know how anyone could check this out but how sad it is to know there exists music by Mario that we have yet to hear. Maybe something will pop up in 2019. Let’s all drink to that!! Happy New Year to All. 70 years and no other singer has come even close. Edited 12-28-2018 03:17 PM
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Messages 55810-55768 deleted by author between 12-28-2018 04:24 PM and 12-26-2018 11:41 AM |
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Kristine
12-26-2018
06:41 AM ET (US) IP: 96.59.1.174
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On New Year's Eve, TCM will show the "That's Entertainment" series of movies. In the first one, is the segment showing Mario Lanza and Kathryn Grayson singing "Be My Love" from "The Toast of New Orleans", narrated by Debbie Reynolds. Merry Christmas, Happy New Year to all !
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Messages 55766-55754 deleted by author between 12-26-2018 11:40 AM and 12-25-2018 11:33 AM |
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Fred Day
12-25-2018
09:43 AM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Merry Christmas to all. And best wishes in the new year. Ciao. Fred Day. Long live Lanza!!
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Deleted by topic administrator 12-25-2018 08:33 AM
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Linz
12-24-2018
11:57 PM ET (US) IP: 122.62.58.186
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I should add a "fifth" observation about the new documentary: note that the series is called "Legends of Opera." Please absorb, those right here who claim that Mario cannot be classified as an opera singer!! Only someone who confused Verdi with Donizetti and endorsed the leftist hatred of the good for being the good could make such a claim!
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Messages 55750-55749 deleted by author 12-24-2018 10:24 PM |
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Kristine
12-24-2018
05:25 PM ET (US) IP: 96.59.1.174
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Merry Christmas , Happy Holidays, Happy New Year to all on Jeff Rense-Mario Lanza Group website ! I have to specify, due to all the interruptions, by other website groups, here. I have seen the documentary, it's good. As I wrote, before, "Jailhouse Rock" starring Elvis, will be shown at LACMA(Los Angeles County Museum of Art)on January 8th, which would have been Elvis's 84th Birthday. Maybe, one day, LACMA will show one of Mario Lanza's movies. Send letters to them, requesting it. I have.
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Deleted by topic administrator 12-24-2018 06:01 PM
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Bill Ronayne
12-24-2018
04:14 PM ET (US) IP: 68.192.186.209
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Merry Christmas and all the best for the holiday season to all.
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Chris Johns 12-24-2018
02:34 PM ET (US) IP: 69.142.223.152
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Vincent, thank you so much for posting that documentary. Thank God, little by little, Mario’s true talent is finally being recognized by the “long hairs.” The one thing that kind of stunned me was the mention of Betty “committing suicide” That was the first time I have heard it put so bluntly. I have always believed she accidentally overdosed.
To get away from that sad note, I would like to wish everyone here a very Blessed and Merry Christmas! God Bless you all!
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Jim Thompson
12-24-2018
10:17 AM ET (US) IP: 69.121.88.171
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A very Merry Christmas to all who are left on this beleaguered site. Vince, I am intrigued: where and when will your documentary be available to be seen? (I live in Connecticut) All the best.
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Messages 55743-55737 deleted by author between 12-24-2018 10:51 AM and 12-24-2018 08:23 AM |
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Linz
12-24-2018
02:07 AM ET (US) IP: 122.62.58.186
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Vince: thanks so much for posting the new documentary. Instructive in a number of ways. First, a couple of the commentators refer, accurately, to the "revolution" Mario effected in opera singing, and how the "elites" hated and relentlessly denigrated him for it. Not much changes in life, does it?! We must hope that one particular contemporary object of the green-eyed monster, of the snotty elites, of the haters of the good for being the good, is better able to withstand their diabolical viciousness than Mario was. Second, it is stated flatly that Betty committed suicide. No evidence is elicited for this claim, even though it's a suspicion that arises naturally in the circumstances. This is the era of Fake News, and documentary makers in response should be beyond fastidious in reaching their conclusions. Third, at last a documentary that acknowledges the existence of Serenade and includes at least a modicum of discussion about it. Fourth, a generous helping of movie clips—albeit some of them playing too fast—notably absent from The Best of Everything. How was this possible? In any event, hugely enjoyable. I look forward to seeing it on the Arts Channel here.
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Messages 55735-55732 deleted by author between 12-24-2018 08:23 AM and 12-24-2018 01:22 AM |
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David Weaver
12-23-2018
10:22 PM ET (US) IP: 98.31.1.186
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Hi Vince, Bill Ronayne emailed me about Diane's problem. I went back to an old posting of hers - saw that inadvertently I had blocked that number. So I went on the Toolbox for QuickTopic and unblocked it. So she should be able to now post - unless she's using another IP number that has also been blocked.
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Vince Di Placido (Jnr)
12-23-2018
07:39 PM ET (US) IP: 51.171.45.161
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David Weaver, I received a message from Diane, she asked me to let you know she was accidentally blocked in a mixup with troll activity, I’m not sure can you do anything for her but I promised her I would let you know...
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Deleted by topic administrator 12-23-2018 10:20 PM
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Gail Swartz
12-23-2018
06:56 PM ET (US) IP: 74.6.133.43
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Vince, I love the DVD you did of Mario on Youtube. Can you do one of this from Opera Legends?
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Gail Swartz
12-23-2018
06:19 PM ET (US) IP: 74.6.131.43
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Blessed Christmas from a warm south Alabama. Here's hoping that your Mario rip will work for me!
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Vince Di Placido (Jnr)
12-23-2018
05:25 PM ET (US) IP: 51.171.45.161
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Here is a link to my upload of the documentary to YouTube.
https://youtu.be/-CPWOBh5x8s
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Vince Di Placido (Jnr)
12-23-2018
04:11 PM ET (US) IP: 51.171.45.161
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Buon Natale!
Sky Arts are doing a series entitled "Legends of Opera" & the 8th episode is about our Mario. It's great to see him included with the other Legends.
I made a rip from the broadcast & I have uploaded it to my Google Drive so you can all watch it. Unfortunately I can't upload the link as it blocks the message each time.
But I have added it as an image attachment so you'll have to type it in your address bar manually.
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Joe
12-23-2018
03:34 PM ET (US) IP: 71.225.163.141
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HAPPY AND HEALTHY HOLIDAYS TO ALL THE FORUM MEMBERS!!
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David Weaver
12-23-2018
02:56 PM ET (US) IP: 98.31.1.186
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Yes, Mike, I have that same album, released in 1958, and featuring the beautiful photo of Mario in the scene from TGC where he sang "Vesti la giubba." The original cover, from 1951, featuring Mario in costume as the Duke of Mantua from "Rigoletto," also had a photo of Caruso. As you note, these are studio recordings versus soundtrack. And four of the arias are not performed at all in the film. Eight tracks seemed very skimpy for a 12-inch LP - usually that would be the number of tracks on a 10-inch LP, as "Mario Lanza Sings Christmas Songs" or the "Because You're Mine" album.
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Deleted by topic administrator 12-23-2018 02:47 PM
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Mike M to David
12-23-2018
10:58 AM ET (US) IP: 108.74.19.115
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Memories!! I had Great Caruso on 12" LP-Mario in a tuxedo-but none of the songs were from the sound track. Showboat on a small 10" LP and Christmas songs on a boxed set 45 RPM on a clear red see through four disc set..
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Messages 55720-55711 deleted by author between 12-23-2018 08:14 AM and 12-22-2018 06:43 PM |
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Kristine
12-22-2018
03:21 PM ET (US) IP: 96.59.1.174
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On January 8th, LACMA(Los Angeles County Museum of Art), they will show "Jailhouse Rock", Elvis Presley, which would have been his 84th birthday. I hope, one day, LACMA will show a Mario lanza movie. Victor Mature was born in January. I became facebook friends with his daughter, Victoria Mature. She is an opera singer, has performed in San Diego, Calif. area, and loves Mario Lanza !
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Messages 55709-55708 deleted by author between 12-22-2018 06:44 PM and 12-22-2018 06:43 PM |
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David Weaver
12-22-2018
02:40 PM ET (US) IP: 98.31.1.186
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TCM is airing the Grayson films in chronological order of release. So on January 22, 1948's "The Kissing Bandit" is at 8 p.m., followed at 10 by "That Midnight Kiss." "Grounds for Marriage," with Van Johnson, which was Grayson's first film of 1950 (and her last in black and white), is on at midnight, which means "The Toast of New Orleans" doesn't come on until 1:45 a.m. (on the east coast anyway). But I'm sure we've all seen both Lanza/Grayson films enough times that we could almost play their parts. The final Grayson Tuesday on January 29 features her biggest film, "Show Boat," at 8 p.m.
Interesting bit of trivia: Billboard's #1 album of 1951 was the MGM soundtrack of "Show Boat." It held the #1 spot for 18 weeks, longer than any other album. The album it displaced at #1 was Mario's "Great Caruso," which had held the top spot for 10 weeks. The album that knocked "Show Boat" out of the #1 spot - was "Mario Lanza Sings Christmas Songs."
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Messages 55706-55700 deleted by author between 12-22-2018 01:37 PM and 12-22-2018 11:31 AM |
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Kristine
12-21-2018
11:40 PM ET (US) IP: 96.59.1.174
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Kathryn Grayson will be Star Of The Month on TCM, in January. "That Midnight Kiss" and "The Toast of New Orleans" will be on January 22nd. Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays and New Year !
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Messages 55698-55675 deleted by author between 12-21-2018 11:06 PM and 12-19-2018 07:07 PM |
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Kristine
12-19-2018
03:59 PM ET (US) IP: 96.59.1.174
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David, thank you for the correction, in fact, the thought came to my mind to correct it, when you posted the correction. I had mentioned, one time, if Ralph Edwards and "This Is Your Life" thought of having Mario as a subject. Usually, it was a surprise invite, the 2 exceptions were Eddie Cantor(who had a heart condition, by then, and it was a concern, if the excitement could bring on a heart attack, so he was asked, and Frances Farmer was asked, due to concern about her re-living the horrible memory of being in a mental institute). TCM showed the excerpt of Mario Lanza, singing "Ave Maria", with Boys Choir, at Christmas Eve, from "The Great Caruso". The other morning, TCM showed a film noir "Backfire"(1950)starring Edmond O'Brien(who knew Mario from "Winged Victory"), Gordon MacRae, Virginia Mayo, Dane Clark, and Gordon's real life wife, Sheila. Since Gordon was a singer, did this dramatic role, I wondered how it would have been , if Mario Lanza had filmed a film noir story. Dick Powell(Star Of The Month on TCM)made the transition from a crooner in 1930's movie musicals to playing hard boiled detectives. Sorry to read, hear that Penny Marshall("Laverne & Shirley", later became a director)passed away at 75. RIP. She was once married to Rob Reiner and was sister of Garry Marshall.
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Messages 55673-55644 deleted by author between 12-19-2018 07:08 PM and 12-18-2018 09:31 AM |
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David Weaver
12-17-2018
11:40 PM ET (US) IP: 98.31.1.186
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Kristine, you're mixing up two different game shows - but both were produced by the team of Goodson and Todman. "What's My Line," moderated by John Charles Daly, featured a weekly "mystery guest." Four panelists, also celebrities, had to wear blindfolds, and ask one question in turn, trying to guess the identity of the guest, who would usually disguise their voice in an effort to throw the panel off. The goal was to correctly guess the celebrity before ten "no" answers were registered. "I've Got a Secret," whose best known host was Garry Moore, came a few years later, and on this show, celebrity guests would be known to the panelists - but they had a secret that, while revealed to the studio and viewing audience, was unknown to the panel, who attempted to correctly guess it thru questioning. The co-creator and producer of "I've Got a Secret" was Allan Sherman, who in the 1960s became a sensation for his record parodies. As you say, Kristine, many celebrities appeared on both "What's My Line?" and "I've Got a Secret." Was Mario Lanza ever approached? We don't know, but certainly he would've made for an interesting guest. We do know that Costa, in his 1960 bio, said in the period when Mario isolated himself from the public, "offers poured in," as he put, for films, concerts, personal appearances, radio and television appearances. And we know that the first offer Mario eventually accepted was for television - the 1954 "Shower of Stars," for which he received $40,000. By contrast, guests on quiz and game shows - no matter how big a star - got scale. Usually the reason for their guesting was to plug or promote a new film, TV show, or other appearance. Maybe Mario didn't want to work for such a small fee - and he very much needed the large sum he was offered for "Shower of Stars." Edited 12-17-2018 11:42 PM
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Deleted by topic administrator 12-17-2018 10:40 PM
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Kristine
12-17-2018
09:54 PM ET (US) IP: 96.59.1.174
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There were entertainers who appeared on "I've Got A Secret". Was Mario Lanza ever approached to be a guest on it ? For those, not familiar with the t.v. show, a celebrity or famous person would be a guest and the panelists had to guess what the guest's secret and identity was.
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Messages 55640-55592 deleted by author between 12-17-2018 10:40 PM and 12-16-2018 03:56 PM |
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Gail Swartz
12-16-2018
03:18 PM ET (US) IP: 74.6.134.42
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Here's hoping that the singer that I let hear a small bit of a Mario Lanza song will go to YT to listen to Mario and to share with his friends the wonderful voice and talent we know we The Voice of the Century. The young man was impressed with the range of Mario's voice in just the bit he heard!
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Messages 55590-55501 deleted by author between 12-16-2018 03:55 PM and 12-13-2018 08:12 PM |
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Kristine
12-13-2018
03:58 PM ET (US) IP: 96.59.1.174
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The Library of Congress has announced 25 more movies added to their film registry. "On The Town", "My Fair Lady", "Brokeback Mountain", "HUD", "Days of Wine and Roses", Disney's animated cartoon "Cinderella"among them. As usual, none of Mario Lanza's movies have been added or his recordings to their registry. Next year, Marvin Gaye and dancer, Gregory Hines will honored on stamps for Black Heritage Month. I like the way, Marvin Gaye sang "I Heard It Through The Grapevine" and Gregory Hines was a great dancer ! Happy Belated Hanukkah, Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays and New Year ! Will there be more Mario Lanza CD's released, next year ?
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Messages 55499-55498 deleted by author 12-13-2018 06:42 PM |
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Martino to Len
12-13-2018
02:28 PM ET (US) IP: 104.255.4.145
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It is always a pleasure to hear stories like that, Len. Every once in a while I come in contact with people who still remember Lanza, seemingly out of the blue and at times you least expect. About a month ago I was attending a club association meeting where I live and a few of the people in the meeting room got into an argument over something a board member had said. One of the people shouted, "we need a strong voice here"! Another member then got up and replied, " A voice? ...we don't need Mario Lanza here, we need someone that can make decisions!!"
Anyway, like you pointed out, invariably those that do remember Mario Lanza are elderly, just like your Irish soprano and as was my fellow club member. And that is my fear. I almost never hear things like this from young people, or anywhere near "young" for that matter. He will never be completely forgotten of course but I just wonder what Mario's legacy will look like 50 years from now.
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Deleted by topic administrator 12-13-2018 06:42 PM
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Len (UK)
12-13-2018
02:03 PM ET (US) IP: 86.147.143.44
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It’s amazing how many Lanza fans and their memories are still out there. Last night was the choir’s final run-though for our village pre-Christmas concert, and I warbled through Song of India as a solo. I did not expect anyone to know the song and initial questions afterwards seem to confirm this.
The exception was an elderly Irish lady in our soprano section: “Oh my God. My father loved that song. He was always playing it. It was Mario Lanza, but you are too young to remember him.” I pointed out in my case it was my mother who was a fan, that I have the majority of his recordings and that I once shook Damon Lanza’s hand. That may have impressed her more than my singing!
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Messages 55494-55479 deleted by author between 12-13-2018 06:41 PM and 12-12-2018 10:46 PM |
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Gail Swartz
12-12-2018
03:02 PM ET (US) IP: 74.6.129.43
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I have put on the Mario Lanza Christmas CD to listen to while working in the house. Wow, what a voice to hear in the world of new arrangements of the carols! Keep safe everyone!
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Messages 55477-55393 deleted by author between 12-12-2018 10:45 PM and 12-08-2018 10:23 PM |
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Joe
12-08-2018
06:48 PM ET (US) IP: 71.225.163.141
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Thanks, Diane....I actually prefer the first version and I find it hard to hear what the director found so objectionable.
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Dennis
12-08-2018
06:10 PM ET (US) IP: 73.170.201.215
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Diane, thanks for your interesting link. I enjoyed both versions of the song. I prefer the first version and, yes, it is more emotional...but why not! He is in love with a beautiful woman and hoping for an ongoing relationship. However, I don't think that Purdom had the chops to sing it in a more emotional way and thus the matching of actor and singing seems more in synch to me with the second version. It works fine with the movie version and is still a moving and beautiful melody, especially when she rushed from the terrace and into his arms! Maybe if Lanza acted it out he might have been able to pull it off as he does with other emotional songs in live performance.
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Messages 55390-55388 deleted by author 12-08-2018 05:57 PM |
James Bierney 12-08-2018
12:31 PM ET (US) IP: 94.247.48.145
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Len:In the score, The Song of the Indian Guest is sung in the key of G. Which, I suppose, is the key that Mario Lanza uses. For the lower voice the key of E flat is fine – remembering that with this aria the difficulty is in the chromatics rather than the range. Good luck with it!
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Deleted by topic administrator 12-08-2018 11:29 AM
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Len (UK)
12-08-2018
10:14 AM ET (US) IP: 86.181.243.87
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Could some kind soul with a proper understanding of such matters please inform me in what key Lanza sings "Song of India"? I have a score in E-flat-major and it seems significantly higher.
A local vocal coach has retrieved my top (baritone) E that I lost decades ago, but it's a bit of a strain.
Thanks.
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Messages 55384-55377 deleted by author between 12-08-2018 11:29 AM and 12-08-2018 08:25 AM |
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Diane Cox
12-08-2018
02:01 AM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.66
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To help with our discussion about Lanza and the student prince, here is the version of Beloved deemed too emotional. This is the outtake from the movie.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sWf8r5rIhWo
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Messages 55375-55372 deleted by author 12-08-2018 08:24 AM |
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Karl Hopkins
12-07-2018
09:25 PM ET (US) IP: 168.103.40.4
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This CD can be ordered at Norpete.com (YSL T-746) for $19.90.
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Messages 55370-55364 deleted by author 12-07-2018 08:27 PM |
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Gail Swartz
12-07-2018
11:59 AM ET (US) IP: 74.6.133.42
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Linz, Wow, Wow! Thank you for posting this review. I had to read it twice. Is this collection going to be available any time soon? Listened to the Poetry and Prose cd last night with new appreciation for Mario's voice, talent, interpretations of the songs....just all he put into singing the selections.
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Messages 55362-55351 deleted by author between 12-07-2018 08:27 PM and 12-07-2018 08:28 PM |
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Linz
12-07-2018
02:46 AM ET (US) IP: 122.61.3.86
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Rave review for Mario by Henry Fogel, forwarded to me today:
MARIO LANZA, w.Callinicos Cond.: Arias from L'Africaine, La Boheme, Martha, Carmen, Cavalleria, Forza & Aida; w.ELAINE MALBIN: Duets from La Traviata & Madama Butterfly - all recorded 1949-50; w.LICIA ALBANESE: Otello - Dio ti giocondi; Dio mi potevi scagliar - recorded 1955. (Canada) St Laurent Studio YSL T-746. Transfers by Yves St Laurent. (V2586)
"This important collection may lead a new generation to appreciate the remarkable gifts of Mario Lanza, who achieved enormous fame in the 1950s, perhaps comparable only with Caruso and Pavarotti. Although he sang on radio, in recitals, and in Hollywood films but not in the opera house (save for a single performance of MADAMA BUTTERFLY in New Orleans), Lanza was by any reckoning a great tenor. That he had neither the desire nor the discipline to learn complete operatic roles is our loss, and the fact that he died at 38 is heartbreaking. However, this should not take away from his achievements, which are fully on display here.
What I believe to be Lanza's greatest recording is the big third act scene from Verdi's OTELLO with Licia Albanese as Desdemona. Recorded in 1955 for the movie SERENADE (I don't believe the full 14 minutes were used in the film, which I have not seen), Lanza displays not only a shining tenor voice, but also a deep understanding of Verdi's style and the psychology of the scene. One suspects that Albanese, a very successful Met Desdemona, coached him. Whatever the cause, if you were to play this recording for any opera lover without identifying the singer, he would guess that this was an experienced and knowing Otello. The hushed and very beautiful singing in the monologue 'Dio mi potevi' will take your breath away. Lanza's interaction with Albanese in the preceding duet is explosive. The irony he puts in his voice and inflection when he seems momentarily to be forgiving Desdemona is just one example of imaginative vocal acting. Throughout, the voice exhibits a ring and beauty that ranks him with the best.
There are other examples of imagination that have merits far beyond just a lovely voice. The lyricism and honeyed tone that Lanza exhibits in 'M'appari' from Flotow's MARTHA reflects the dreamy quality of the music and text. In the LA BOHEME aria he uses no transposition, and the high C rings out gloriously. Lanza's sense of phrasing in Don Alvaro's aria from LA FORZA DEL DESTINO is absolutely right. As you listen, you feel that this is precisely the way Verdi wanted the music to go.
In FANFARE 5:4, I wrote the following while reviewing a Lanza collection on RCA: 'I may be jumping to conclusions, since I only know his voice from recordings and never heard him in person, but it is my belief that Lanza possessed one of the most naturally lovely tenor voices of the postwar era, and even without training he managed to sing more interestingly and affectingly than many a more skilled performer, because of the inherent quality of the voice and the innate sense of just how the music should go that he seems to have been born with'. That was written in 1982. Now, some 36 years of listening later, this collection only reaffirms my belief.
St. Laurent Studio's transfers of the monaural originals are clean and fresh-sounding. Elaine Malbin is a competent lyric soprano in her two scenes, and Albanese's Desdemona is unforgettable. Constantine Callinicos was Lanza's choice as a conductor, and he accompanies the singer knowingly without bringing in any of his own personality. Ray Heindorf's conducting in the big OTELLO scene is slightly more involved and dramatic. The recorded sound, as you would expect when the tenor is being showcased, relegates the orchestra to the background.
I cannot recommend this release urgently enough. When you hear it you will understand why so many great musicians and singers (not least among them Placido Domingo) have enthused over Lanza. Don't waste emotional energy weeping over what might have been. Rather, celebrate what was.
St. Laurent Studio recordings are available through Norbeck, Peters & Ford (www.norpete.com)."
- Henry Fogel, FANFARE
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Messages 55349-55317 deleted by author between 12-07-2018 08:29 PM and 12-06-2018 11:49 AM |
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Dennis
12-06-2018
12:30 AM ET (US) IP: 73.170.201.215
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I don't miss Lanza acting in the Student Prince. His singing is marvelous and I watch it over and over because of that. Purdom was fine in the role, although not noted as a great actor otherwise. His lip-synching was fantastic which is why, contrary to the late McManus who never watched it, I am not bothered at all by Purdom. I agree that it would have been difficult for Mario, not a trained actor, to step so far outside of his other successful roles in films to play the role of a stuffy, prideful prince, although Mario could have done very well in the love scenes!
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Messages 55315-55311 deleted by author between 12-06-2018 11:49 AM and 12-05-2018 10:06 PM |
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Martino to Joe
12-05-2018
06:38 PM ET (US) IP: 104.255.4.145
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I have often maintained that the SP would not have suited Mario Lanza dramatically, as an actor that is although we all know that he owned the music. In my opinion he would have been out of his element and comfort zone. However, my opinion has often proven wrong. I would hope this would have been one of those times.
In other words, I would love to have seen Lanza star in the film. It would have made it complete and I am certain his presence would have made it a much bigger hit at the box office than it was. Maybe Mario would not have been as good a "Prince" as Purdom but who knows, he might have surprised us all. As Diane said, it would certainly have been a different kind of Prince. I am not going to speculate if the SP would have turned out bad, good, better, worse or whatever if Lanza had actually played the part - all I am saying is that I would love to have seen him try.
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Messages 55309-55308 deleted by author 12-05-2018 10:06 PM |
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Gail Swartz
12-05-2018
01:51 PM ET (US) IP: 74.6.128.34
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I am not quite sure that SP would have been poorer if Mario had started in the film...lots of rewrites would have been necessary. Even the silent film was different than the 1953 version. Mario's fans would have gone to view the film...the singing being superb and his handsome face so dear...we fans would love some videos of Mario singing the songs we love.
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Messages 55306-55283 deleted by author between 12-05-2018 01:28 PM and 12-04-2018 08:41 PM |
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Diane Cox
12-04-2018
05:33 PM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.66
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it would have been a different kind of prince. A
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Messages 55281-55280 deleted by author 12-04-2018 04:26 PM |
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Joe
12-04-2018
01:55 PM ET (US) IP: 71.225.163.141
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The following is to simply ignite discussion.: Would the SP movie been A) better, B) the same or C) poorer if Mario had actually played the prince? I know for sentimental reasons, many here would have preferred Mario in the role (over Purdom) but I contend that “C” is the most realistic choice. In all of Mario’s other movies, there was a little piece of Mario’s personality in the role. But the Prince role had no traits in common with Mario and I think Lanza would have had more difficulty pulling off the stuffy, pompous “Prussian Pickle “that Purdom with his slim, stiff posture and mannerisms did so well. Also, his voice synchronism was perfect. Overall, a great job of acting. Edited 12-04-2018 01:58 PM
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Messages 55278-55251 deleted by author between 12-04-2018 01:22 PM and 12-03-2018 06:35 PM |
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Gail Swartz
12-03-2018
10:25 AM ET (US) IP: 74.6.135.124
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Thank you, David and Amando. I remember reading about that in his book but needed an uncluttered explanation.
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Messages 55249-55241 deleted by author between 12-03-2018 06:34 PM and 12-03-2018 08:46 AM |
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David Weaver
12-02-2018
11:49 PM ET (US) IP: 98.31.1.186
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Gail, the question about voice placement, and specifically as it pertained by Mario, was addressed in an article by Armando Cesari that can be found on Derek McGovern's Lanza website at this link:
https://www.mariolanzatenor.com/vocal-placement.html
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Deleted by topic administrator 12-02-2018 11:43 PM
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Gail Swartz
12-02-2018
10:49 PM ET (US) IP: 74.6.128.84
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Mario fans... I have been listening and marveling at Mario's voice One question..when it is said that his voice was perfectly placed...just what did that mean? Was his voice so matured and so could give out a glorious sound without extensive training? Okay, so I had two questions!
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Messages 55237-55227 deleted by author between 12-02-2018 11:43 PM and 12-02-2018 09:06 PM |
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Kristine
12-02-2018
02:42 PM ET (US) IP: 96.59.1.174
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I became facebook friends with Victoria Mature, daughter of movie star, Victor Mature. She is an opera singer and has performed in San Diego , Calif. area. She loves Mario Lanza. My late mother had a crush on Victor Mature. I read, somewhere, that Yasmin Khan, daughter of Rita Hayworth and Aly Khan, has an operatic voice. I am sorry about the spam interference, on this website. I hope it's resolved , soon.
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David Weaver
12-02-2018
02:35 PM ET (US) IP: 98.31.1.186
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In the past 10 days, a total of 370 messages have been posted. Of these, 356 were spam, while 14 were legitimate posts about Mario Lanza. Today is the most posts we've had in a single day, prompted by Jim Thompson's post decrying the spam. I do, as Fred says, my best to keep up with deleting the spam. And it is relatively easy (since Jeff authorized switching to the Pro version of Quick Topic) to do so. I just have to be sure I'm not deleting legit posts when I delete a chain of spam. But that's usually not a problem. The fact is, there aren't many people who seem interested in posting. They made read - but they don't post.
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Diane Cox
12-02-2018
01:50 PM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.66
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If this has been a targeted attack on this forum, I'd surely like to know who is behind it. Will be here until the site is down. Not a real authority on Lanza, but I've loved him and his music since the early 50s.
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Fred Day
12-02-2018
09:57 AM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Dear Jim: Do not leave us!! This forum has not been destroyed. David does a good job deleting the spam. Please continue to post occasionally, as you can. You are a very valuable member here!! We both go back many years!! Ciao.
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Jim Thompson
12-02-2018
09:36 AM ET (US) IP: 69.121.88.171
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It is such a shame, sad really, that a forum like Jeff's, that brought so many interesting and interested Lanza people together, has been destroyed. I hope restoration to the site will prevail. If I do not come here again may I wish you, my forum friends, a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
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Messages 55221-55119 deleted by author between 12-02-2018 08:16 AM and 11-29-2018 09:03 AM |
Chris Johns 11-29-2018
07:22 AM ET (US) IP: 69.142.223.152
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Sorry, My mistake about Betty Lanza. Better late then never.
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Messages 55117-55103 deleted by author between 11-29-2018 09:02 AM and 11-29-2018 12:46 AM |
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Valeria Pugiotto
11-28-2018
11:53 PM ET (US) IP: 209.85.128.45
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Betty Lanza’s birthday was October 28.
On Thu, 29 Nov 2018 at 05:52, QuickTopic daily digest <
qtopic-30-ECKcxtRbxUTNy@quicktopic.com> wrote:
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Messages 55101-55097 deleted by author 11-28-2018 11:47 PM |
Chris Johns 11-28-2018
06:21 PM ET (US) IP: 69.142.223.152
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Let’s remember Betty Lanza today for her birthday. God Bless
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Messages 55095-55009 deleted by author between 11-28-2018 06:00 PM and 11-25-2018 12:16 PM |
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Linz
11-25-2018
02:03 AM ET (US) IP: 122.61.3.86
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I love it when Mario goes sharp, most of the time, especially when it's clearly intentional. It's one of the reasons I ended up preferring, once I got used to it, the original, wild Beloved that anal-retentive Curtis Bernhardt hated so much. I think the (very!) sharp singing in the commercial recording of Cielo e Mar is inadvertent, and is so bad Mario should have done a re-take. On the words "mare" and "l'orizzonte" he's not only sharp but strangled. He's spot on in the Coke version. Anyway, sharp is infinitely preferable to flat. Here's poor Carlo flat as a pancake on the last B-Flat of Celeste Aida. Oh dear:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sdDP39F75U8
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Messages 55007-54963 deleted by author between 11-24-2018 10:42 PM and 11-23-2018 09:50 PM |
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Martino to Joe/Gail
11-23-2018
07:23 PM ET (US) IP: 104.255.4.145
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(From one of my earlier posts): The fact of the matter is Lanza did sing "sharp" now and then and he knew it, especially at the start of his career. But I must tell you I would rather celebrate the good singing Mario did and include the "bad" only as part of the whole song analysis, instead of concentrating specifically on sharp or flat notes or otherwise what people would consider "off-pitch" singing. The reason is that we have to go further to explain to people that in some cases that is not a terribly bad thing, or at least not as bad as it sounds. Singing sharp or flat is not what singers want to do of course, however, in some cases, such as Corelli and Lanza (and to a lessor extent, Jussi Bjorling), it could often enhance the excitement of the performance.
One thing that makes tenor singing exciting is that they often sing "on the edge", especially in the upper reaches of their voices. It is a very dangerous place to be and hitting every note spot on is of course the ideal but in so doing it could be suppressing the enthusiasm of the overall performance in lieu of "correctness". Will that "correctness" be as exciting to the audience? Is it the goal of the singer to be perfect in a technically enhanced way (Bergonzi comes to mind), in order to demonstrate artistic proficiency above all else, or is the goal to be as communicative and exciting as possible to the listener, which I believe describes Lanza? After you make your stylistic choice based on your training and personality, you sing accordingly.
Lanza singing sharp was usually a direct result of being too exuberant and we all know that Mario, especially in the first stage of his career, was one of the most "exuberant" singers of all time. The emotion gets the best of you and when you sing the way Lanza did with his trademark unrestrained enthusiasm, you are bound to go sharp sometimes and certainly more often than going flat. It also results in some inconsistency from song to song, even during the same session. The ending of "Cielo e Mar" always struck me as a little sharp but still a glorious sound and wonderful rendition overall. His early "Core 'ngrato" is bursting with this enthusiasm and the whole thing seems sharp but more noticeably towards the end. Yet who would trade that kind of enthusiastic singing for the more technically perfect but restrained renditions we hear today?
There are many other examples because Lanza's singing is dotted throughout his career with what we fans call "Marioisms" - certain vocal characteristics that in most singers would be condemned but in Lanza's case, actually added to his style and overall effect. Singing a little sharp sometimes was simply one of those little "Marioisms" that made him the singer he was. Lanza was seldom "too" far off pitch to be truly ear shattering and jarring, but just enough to show you he wanted to sing dangerously, on the edge, and with all his heart and passion, not just with his technique. He was willing to risk it and that made him the exciting singer he was. He would not be the Lanza we know if he sang any other way.
I am not too bothered by this bit of Lanza inconsistency that seems to annoy some people because as far as I am concerned, as I said, he seldom sang SO sharp that it was a major distraction. Listen to Joan Sutherland if every once in a while you want to really cringe in your seat over "sharpness". Despite this episodic occurrence, overall, she was an incredible singer, one of the greatest sopranos of all time. In comparison you seldom "cringe" at the sound of Mario's "sharpness". It is there sometimes but appears more like a halo around the note than a defect.
I am not necessarily trying to justify anyone singing off-pitch but only trying to explain that in some cases it might not be so bad as "singing sharp" seems to be. So for me, at least in Lanza's case, I can accept it as one of those little "Marioisms" and is no big deal at all.
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Deleted by topic administrator 11-23-2018 06:30 PM
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Gail Swartz
11-23-2018
05:29 PM ET (US) IP: 74.6.131.124
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Mario knew how good he sounded..Listening to play-backs, he was his worst critic.He did mention that he sometimes sang sharp..listen to songs where he was sharp and the orchestra modulated and then the sound melded. Awesome...this was unlearned..a talent that was ingrained into his musicality.
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Messages 54959-54957 deleted by author 11-23-2018 04:33 PM |
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Joe
11-23-2018
12:15 PM ET (US) IP: 71.225.163.141
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As you all know, when we sing the voice we hear within our heads is very different from what actually comes out and what others hear.. This is why we are so surprised when we hear the playback of our own recorded voice. So, in a way, we (including Mario) all have two voices. I have often wondered whether Mario KNEW the beautiful sounds he was making at the time or was even he, himself, surprised at hearing the first playback. Another example: did he KNOW when he was off key or sharp, which he occasionally was. The singers here would have a better appreciation of this. It is unimportant but nonetheless I have often wondered about this. (maybe I need to get a hobby!).
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Messages 54955-54921 deleted by author between 11-23-2018 04:33 PM and 11-22-2018 04:00 PM |
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Gail Swartz
11-22-2018
02:28 PM ET (US) IP: 74.6.133.124
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Jeff, you are so right! Come on Mario Lanza fans, share some insight and help us new ones.
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Gail Swartz
11-22-2018
02:23 PM ET (US) IP: 74.6.130.42
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Thank you, Phil. Two weeks since surgery..getting around very well..with so many doctors to see about the many issues involved, thinking..over medicated? Knowing that Mario had heart attacks, I wonder if he had had the care that has been given my husband is receiving that he would have lived longer. The new Bel Canto Trio...my kindle is not able to let me hear their sound...thinking that Christmas will arrive a month ahead. Listening to cds of Mario...marveling in The Voice!
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Jeff
11-22-2018
01:53 PM ET (US) IP: 209.180.237.137
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I wish everyone a warm, happy and peaceful Thanksgiving. I am always grateful to those who participate and offer their thoughts and feelings. There is a lot of diversity...as it should be...but the common thread is timeless. There are many, many visitors to the site who never post. I've received notes from them over the years expressing their great enjoyment of just reading the posts here. So, don't forget about the 'silent' ones out there. We are living in rapidly changing (if not crazy) times and the stability of our 'family' is always comforting. So, thank you, all, for caring and for the kindness you share.
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Messages 54917-54904 deleted by author between 11-22-2018 03:59 PM and 11-22-2018 12:45 PM |
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Phil uk
11-22-2018
08:44 AM ET (US) IP: 78.32.131.250
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To Gail.Mario really gives comfort when the chips are down,try Somebody bigger than you & i,it works.Take care.
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Messages 54902-54855 deleted by author between 11-22-2018 12:46 PM and 11-21-2018 04:57 PM |
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Valeria Pugiotto
11-21-2018
01:40 PM ET (US) IP: 93.58.124.208
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I do not recall in which of the biographies, I read that Betty used to see a lady who gave her massages, and substances to cope with her inability to support Mario.
Does anybody know more about her? Her name? Anything.
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Messages 54853-54806 deleted by author between 11-21-2018 01:44 PM and 11-19-2018 10:32 PM |
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Gail Swartz
11-19-2018
09:10 PM ET (US) IP: 74.6.134.43
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Oh, Ronald, how wonderful! Please share more info !
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Deleted by topic administrator 11-19-2018 09:19 PM
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Peter Christopher
11-19-2018
06:05 PM ET (US) IP: 209.85.219.177
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This used to be a site dedicated to MARIO LANZA, out of the last ten posts ,it seems to be dedicated to the personal info on some members . Should we not get on track why we are here?
On Sat, Nov 17, 2018, 7:38 AM QT - Rene <
qtopic-30-ECKcxtRbxUTNy@quicktopic.com wrote:
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Messages 54802-54799 deleted by author between 11-19-2018 06:16 PM and 11-19-2018 05:48 PM |
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Ronald Sarbo
11-19-2018
04:26 PM ET (US) IP: 207.38.144.153
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Columbia Artists is celebrating the 70th anniversary of the Bel Canto Trio. They have formed a new Bel Canto Trio and this new trio will re-create the tour the original trio made. They will perform the same program and play the same cities in the same order. It is being promoted as the anniversary of the tour that launched Lanza to stardom.
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Messages 54797-54761 deleted by author between 11-19-2018 05:49 PM and 11-19-2018 07:37 AM |
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Gail Swartz
11-18-2018
10:39 PM ET (US) IP: 74.6.134.125
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Thanks, Kristine. My husband is getting better...lots of post-surgery appointments, etc. He does not really understand my obsession with Mario. But he lets me be.
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Martino to Gail
11-18-2018
07:06 PM ET (US) IP: 104.255.4.145
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Gail, you have hardly missed a beat (no pun intended!!). Take it easy and best wishes for a speedy recovery.
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Kristine
11-18-2018
06:28 PM ET (US) IP: 96.59.1.174
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Happy Thanksgiving, everybody ! Prayers for California, in aftermath of fires . Gail, get well wishes to you.
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Messages 54757-54751 deleted by author between 11-18-2018 06:57 PM and 11-18-2018 01:25 PM |
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Gail Swartz
11-18-2018
11:49 AM ET (US) IP: 74.6.129.124
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Triple bypass...home! Listened to ML cds on the trips to and from hospital..looking forward to watch his films and YT again
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Messages 54749-54728 deleted by author between 11-18-2018 11:36 AM and 11-17-2018 02:45 PM |
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Phil uk
11-17-2018
08:04 AM ET (US) IP: 78.32.131.250
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Martino.yes Mario gives the monologue his all,vocally & acting wise,however i disagree re Del Monaco.Yes its an exciting sound but Gigli tops him on the interpretation,at least for me.Chenier was Gigli's finest role & i feel Mario(Lanza) would also make this his defining role.Its amazing that delMonaco could get that sort of volume vocally when he was of small stature.
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Messages 54726-54707 deleted by author between 11-17-2018 07:53 AM and 11-16-2018 05:50 PM |
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Martino to Phil
11-16-2018
12:04 PM ET (US) IP: 104.255.4.145
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Gigli is wonderful as always but I would put several others in front, including Domingo and Del Monaco's renditions. Their voices were more suited to the role but Gigli was so good he could make individual arias, such as the Dio Mi Potevi, sound great. I do not think Gigli would have succeeded as well in the entire opera and although he sang almost everything else, Otello was (wisely) not in his repertoire. Nor was it among the operas of Franco Corelli but that was a shame as Corelli would have been utterly fantastic as Otello.
You said Iago's line in the Serenade version was left out but it was there, if it is the one where Iago sings, "Cassio e'la" (Cassio is here). Watch this clip:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kz9Wmb0oxc0. As you can see, the baritone (Iago) answered Otello's request for proof. Is this the line you are referring to?
Lanza's singing here is as good as any operatic singing by anyone at any time in history. I consider it one of his very best with every note, word and sentiment expressed in an absolutely flawless manner. Gigli, as good as he is here, does take an embellishment liberty here and there. Lanza's high note at the end, "O Gioa!" with its spectacular "bloom" in the middle, is as good as it gets - or possibly can get. But even his facial expressions are right on the money. After Iago tells Otello that Cassio is here, Otello says "La?" (Here?). Then look at his face with that quick, subtle smile. The proof he has been seeking is at hand. This gives far greater impact to his declaration of happiness with the climatic "O Gioa!". This was lost by Gigli in his clip but then again, we could not see his face as clearly as we could Lanza's expressions. A great performance in every respect and one which alone should put to bed any notion that Lanza could not have been a great opera singer.
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Phil uk
11-16-2018
10:36 AM ET (US) IP: 78.32.131.250
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To Gail.Ok,but have a look at Gigli singing Otello.As said the two best ever monologues.
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Gail Swartz
11-16-2018
08:56 AM ET (US) IP: 74.6.134.123
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Phil UK, being new..Mario's singing in Serenade is the first time that I heard anyone sing those songs...super impressed...found an opera "script" with the Italian/English words ..fun to follow along with Mario. He was so natural in films that some would have hired him without the singing...plus he looked like a movie star!
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Messages 54703-54701 deleted by author between 11-16-2018 01:58 PM and 11-16-2018 01:59 PM |
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Phil uk
11-16-2018
06:06 AM ET (US) IP: 78.32.131.250
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To all.Having viewed virtually every version of "Dio mi potevi" Verdi Otello i have come to this conclusion that the two best versions in my humble opinion are exhibited in movies.Mario of course in Serenade & Gigli,yes Beniamino Gigli in a 1930's movie i think called Mama.Gigli gives a great interpretation of this monologue,though the acting is pretty dire.Which is best,both are superb & differently sung.On the Serenade version,just wished they would have left the Iago line in as they have on the Gigli movie.
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Messages 54699-54692 deleted by author between 11-16-2018 01:58 PM and 11-16-2018 01:05 AM |
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Diane Cox
11-16-2018
12:44 AM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.66
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Checking to make sure i can still post. My last post was deleted, I think. I found this site doing an internet search. Edited 11-16-2018 12:44 AM
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Gail Swartz
11-15-2018
11:42 PM ET (US) IP: 74.6.128.84
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I actually do not recall how I found this site....not sorry...just glad that there were and are Mario fans that can give insight to the mysteries and wonders of the man who sang so gloriously. I have asked questions and have been rewarded with the answers....still have some questions.
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Messages 54689-54687 deleted by author between 11-16-2018 01:05 AM and 11-15-2018 10:44 PM |
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Jim Thompson
11-15-2018
09:14 PM ET (US) IP: 69.121.88.171
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As always Martino's thoughts on Mario fans is spot on. It is such a shame that this Rense forum has been hacked almost to oblivion. Not being an internet nerd I cannot figure it out. I have seldom gone on the McGovern site although some years ago I had nice feed backs with Mr. McGovern. Ah, for the days when so many shared memories and ideas on Mario and his legacy. My friend Fred Day always there as he was when he accompanied this old baritone here in CT. I guess we can listen, enjoy, try to bring on new folks who will be as enchanted as we all are with Mario's artistry. Every now and then I still record my show, "Mario Lanza and Friends" and some stations in CT and RI still air it. So, my friends, as he used to say: May I wish you the very best in life always.
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Messages 54685-54679 deleted by author between 11-15-2018 10:44 PM and 11-15-2018 08:44 PM |
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Joe
11-15-2018
05:41 PM ET (US) IP: 71.225.163.141
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Getting back to Martino’s correct point on the forum needing new blood, something I have never understood is this: It seems we have at least four different “camps of posters: 1) the current Rense forum,2) the “Museum Group”,3) the previous McGovern group and 4) the always active Facebook group. There is some, but very little, “crossing over”. I’m not sure why this is, but I know there is strength in numbers and ALL Mario fans should unite into one body. I even had one person question me when I posted on the Rense forum as to my motives, like I was a traitor or something. Strange.
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Messages 54677-54624 deleted by author between 11-15-2018 08:43 PM and 11-14-2018 01:09 PM |
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Martino to David
11-14-2018
11:49 AM ET (US) IP: 104.255.4.145
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Yes, back in those days we had a vibrant and informative forum with many knowledgeable and interesting members. Now, as you say, we are down to only a handful. We can survive format changes, trolls, etc. but as I said a few days ago, what we can not survive, at least for very long, is the lack of new blood.
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Deleted by topic administrator 11-14-2018 01:09 PM
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David Weaver
11-14-2018
10:59 AM ET (US) IP: 156.63.68.237
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Fred, the current forum began March 5, 2005, after the website Jeff had been using completely eliminated its message forum services without notifying him, which resulted in a short period where there was no Lanza forum. Unfortunately, it meant that all the messages over a number of years since that forum began were expunged. I don't have exact dates of when that first Rense forum began, but you are correct it was the mid-to-late 1990s. I know I first posted in 1998, at which time Edna Falloon was the overseer. I still laugh when I think of the rows she used to get in with our friend, Fred Phillips. I scrolled back to the start of the new forum - amazing to see how many people there were then. Many who posted are gone. It's down to a handful now.
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Messages 54620-54613 deleted by author 11-14-2018 10:38 AM |
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Fred Day
11-14-2018
05:52 AM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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David: I get the daily posts in my email every day, for the past several years. I presume I probably still have the deleted posts in my email. I will check it out. What was the exact date that this forum began?? Was it in 1997 or 1996?? Please refresh my memory. Thanks. Ciao.
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Messages 54611-54561 deleted by author between 11-14-2018 10:27 AM and 11-12-2018 11:44 PM |
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Kristine
11-12-2018
10:13 PM ET (US) IP: 96.59.1.174
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Harve Presnell sang "Mariah" in movie version of "Paint Your Wagon".
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Kristine
11-12-2018
10:12 PM ET (US) IP: 96.59.1.174
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Prayers for the people of California, enduring the horrible ,devastating fires out there !
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Messages 54558-54553 deleted by author between 11-12-2018 11:43 PM and 11-12-2018 09:43 PM |
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David Weaver
11-12-2018
06:23 PM ET (US) IP: 98.31.1.186
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My apologies to everyone - in deleting a block of spam posts a short while ago, I inadvertently put in a wrong number. The result: I expunged posts going back to August 19.
Alas, the power delete option of Quick Topic Pro cannot be reversed, once the submit button is hit.
My apologies for deleting a good number of legit posts, as well as the spam (which was the vast majority).
So now you can begin again with whatever Lanza discussions you like. And I will be more careful in deleting the spam.
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Messages 54551-52535 deleted by author between 11-12-2018 06:18 PM and 08-19-2018 11:30 PM |
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Mike M.to Jim
08-19-2018
04:22 PM ET (US) IP: 74.101.54.85
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I have two very different versions of Maria, one by John Raitt and the other by the Kingston Trio complete with bongo drums.Love them both.
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Deleted by topic administrator 08-19-2018 11:52 AM
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Jim Thompson
08-18-2018
08:36 AM ET (US) IP: 69.123.160.19
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In a London label album titled "George London on Broadway", Mario's friend sings a gorgeous version on "They Call the Wind Maria". As a used-to-be baritone, I loved this song!
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Messages 52531-52530 deleted by author 08-18-2018 01:41 AM |
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Gail Swartz
08-17-2018
11:58 PM ET (US) IP: 74.6.134.43
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Mario sang 'Somebody Bigger Than You and I' which was sung on the Gaithers' programs...this can be found on an album of faith songs. Someone commented that Mario's voice was quite suited to that genre.
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Messages 52528-52527 deleted by author 08-18-2018 01:41 AM |
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Doug
08-17-2018
10:21 PM ET (US) IP: 71.215.87.71
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Well. Let's be thankful for that!
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Kristine
08-17-2018
08:30 PM ET (US) IP: 96.59.1.174
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The song "They Call The Wind, Maria(pronounced Ma-rye- A)" from Broadway Musical "Paint Your Wagon" could be sung with an operatic voice. Mario never had a chance to sing it. Harve Presnell sang it in movie version of "Paint Your Wagon". That movie was a flop, because Lee Marvin, Jean Seberg, Clint Eastwood were not known as singers. Clint Eastwood said he knew he was no Howard Keel, before appearing in the movie. Picturing Mario Lanza sing "Ghost Riders In The Sky" would have been unique or sing "Oklahoma" from Broadway Musical-movie. Mario Lanza never sang gospel music, songs, either.
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Doug
08-17-2018
03:11 PM ET (US) IP: 71.208.86.207
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I looked up "Ghost Riders". Published and released in 1948, Written by Stan Jones. Yes, Mike, many people recorded it over the years and it was big hit for V. Monroe. If anyone is not familiar with Mario del Monaco, he was a loud, stentorian tenor back in the '50'- '60's. Perhaps the leading "Otello" of his time. He blasts through this song with all stops pulled. Amazing. Edited 08-17-2018 03:19 PM
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Diane Cox
08-17-2018
01:39 PM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.66
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Love Ghost Riders in the Sky. I believe Sons of the Pioneers also recorded it.
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Mike M.
08-17-2018
10:56 AM ET (US) IP: 74.101.54.85
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Gail-"I'll See You in my Dreams"??
Doug-Vaughn Monroe?? Perhaps his most famous recording. 1947--I was seven years old and it was my second favorite. First? Nat Cole's Nature Boy..
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Gail Swartz
08-17-2018
09:37 AM ET (US) IP: 74.6.129.123
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Mario sang a soft song that had the line 'someone came and took you out of my arms". Maybe ,since the 50s country/western songs and performers were not as urban as now, the song did not fit that genre. Most C/W songs are about 'who's doing me wrong now'.Roy Rogers could sing as well as any of the other cowboy...maybe even better...he made it look and sound so easy...and he was humble about it too, like Mario when he took his bows.
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Doug
08-17-2018
07:57 AM ET (US) IP: 71.208.86.207
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I don't know who wrote it but there is a cowboy song called "Ghost Riders in the Sky". It apparently took the fancy of one high-powered tenor, Mario del Monaco, who even recorded it. In Italian. "Il Cavalieri del Ciel". It must be heard to be believed. Edited 08-17-2018 07:59 AM
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Kristine
08-16-2018
04:51 PM ET (US) IP: 96.59.1.174
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Aretha Franklin, RIP. She was a fan of opera. I don't think Mario sang any Country & Western songs, though he liked horses and I saw a photo of him, wearing a cowboy hat, while sitting on a horse. I wonder if he liked Country & Western songs ?
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Deleted by topic administrator 08-16-2018 04:32 PM
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Bill Ronayne
08-16-2018
08:52 AM ET (US) IP: 68.192.184.65
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This is a brief interview that I gave for an Italian Radio program out of Delaware that also reaches parts of Philadelphia. It takes about a minute before the interview starts. Listen all the way to the end and you will hear Mario Lanza singing two songs.
Please support the Mario Lanza Institute's Capital Campaign fund for the new museum location by making an online donation at www.mariolanzainstitute.org or by sending a check made out to Mario Lanza Institute to the following address: Mario Lanza Institute PO Box 54624 Philadelphia, PA 19148.
https://www.spreaker.com/user/9808974/8-12-18-seg-2-final-1
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Messages 52516-52505 deleted by author 08-16-2018 04:46 PM |
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Gail Swartz
08-16-2018
02:27 AM ET (US) IP: 74.6.128.33
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Mario fans...did he sing any country/western songs? I can think of only one that sounds similar to the genre.
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Messages 52503-52470 deleted by author between 08-15-2018 09:44 PM and 08-13-2018 05:25 PM |
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Bill Ronayne
08-13-2018
09:18 AM ET (US) IP: 68.192.187.70
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Here is an update on the capital campaign for the new Mario Lanza Museum location.
Currently we have raised a little more than a quarter of the funds needed. Time is of the essence and your support now is needed more than ever so please consider making a tax-deductible donation. No amount is too small and whatever you can afford to give will be greatly appreciated and of considerable help.
I am sure you have heard that Mario Lanza's home was demolished so that condos could be built. Many of our traditions are disappearing and it is important to keep the name and memory of Mario Lanza alive while at the same time contributing to the growth of the City of Philadelphia.
Donations may be made online though our web site at www.mariolanzainstitute.org or by check or money order made out to Mario Lanza Institute and mailed to Mario Lanza Institute PO Box 54624 Philadelphia PA 19148.The Mario Lanza Institute is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and all donations are tax deductible under IRS regulations and as prescribed by law. .
Best, Bill
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Messages 52468-52462 deleted by author between 08-13-2018 05:25 PM and 08-13-2018 12:47 AM |
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John W
08-12-2018
06:47 PM ET (US) IP: 107.147.162.237
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Hello, everyone. It's been a while since I've been on the forum. Life has been a bit crazy. I've used Mario's singing to bring back a little sanity. I hope you all are doing well.
John
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Gail Swartz
08-12-2018
04:30 PM ET (US) IP: 74.6.134.42
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Welcome, Valeria. We share a love of all things Mario Lanza. listenened to Mario on the way to church...God really knew what He wanted when He knitted the wonderful talent in Mario' vocal capabilities. We are so blessed to have his recorded legacy. May it never be misused or forgotten.
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David Weaver
08-11-2018
09:39 PM ET (US) IP: 98.31.1.186
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To Valeria Pugiotto: a welcome on behalf of forum host Jeff Rense and all the Lanza fans who post here.
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Diane Cox
08-11-2018
12:10 PM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.66
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Note to my earlier post about Atalla Ayan - he is presently performing Rigoletto in Australia.
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Jim Thompson
08-11-2018
09:43 AM ET (US) IP: 69.123.160.19
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To my old buddy, Fred, and all of Mario's fans here and in other sites that are shared with love, all of the best!
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phil uk
08-11-2018
06:24 AM ET (US) IP: 78.32.131.250
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may i urge ALL admirers to ONCE again listen to Mario's Improviso & Lamento rehearsals on Youtube,as raw recordings with no orchestra it shows us Mario for what he was,the greatest of tenors & at least to my mind not nearly enough has been done in the serious music media to acknowledge his input to classical music & countless other singers.Gramophone magazine for example has not done this but still i'm sure deride Mario's true talent.maestro Pappano to his credit did Mario proud but this praise is few & far between.
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Valeria Pugiotto
08-11-2018
03:36 AM ET (US) IP: 46.232.151.182
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I am a new member of this forum, but I am devoted Mario Fan. Thank you for being Here!
Ciao from Rome, Italy!
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Gail Swartz
08-11-2018
01:13 AM ET (US) IP: 74.6.135.41
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Mario fans...does anyone of you have the 2007 production of "Be My Love" on cd? I am always looking for anything Mario-related.
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Diane Cox
08-11-2018
12:15 AM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.66
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Agree, not going to happen.
Atalla Ayan, the Brazilian tenor, has just won a prestigious award from the San Franciso Opera as an up and coming tenor.
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Deleted by topic administrator 08-10-2018 11:39 PM
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Doug
08-10-2018
08:44 PM ET (US) IP: 71.215.138.15
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I'm still here too....hopefully for a few more years....(I just turned 75 a couple of weeks ago). Yes, ML was a great mimic of other peoples' voices but I always cringe when I hear him imitating Armstrong in that SHOR scene. I want to scream and say, "Don't DO that, Mario". But he knew what he was doing so no harm done. Another tenor who was a fabulous mimic and voice imitator was Dennis Day. As far as anyone convincingly imitating Lanza's voice...it just ain't gonna happen. Edited 08-10-2018 08:51 PM
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David Weaver
08-10-2018
06:20 PM ET (US) IP: 98.31.1.186
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Sammy Davis, Jr. sang "Be My Love" impersonating both Mario and (oddly) Louis Armstrong on a 1962 album called "The Sammy Davis, Jr. All-Star Spectacular."
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Sammy_Da...ll-Star_Spectacular
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Joe to Anyone
08-10-2018
05:39 PM ET (US) IP: 71.225.163.141
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Most famous singers, as well as people famous for other reasons, have had voice imitators of themselves (which actually is a compliment). Mario, himself, was a great imitator of some of his fiends. MY question is: Do we have recordings of anybody trying to imitate Mario??? I thought that Tony Dalli sounded a little like Lanza and of course, we always have the infamous Victor Lanza (who DID have some of the Lanza color in his (microphone only )voice..... I guess the Lanza sound was so beautiful that nobody dared. Edited 08-10-2018 05:42 PM
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Diane Cox
08-10-2018
01:20 PM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.66
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Also still here, but I do get discouraged by the spam. I do check the board every day.
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Fred Day
08-10-2018
12:14 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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I recently heard about a man who was arrested at a local sperm bank. He was trying to make a night deposit!! This was uncovered by the press - no photos were taken!! His DNA gave him away!! Ciao.
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Fred Day
08-10-2018
11:50 AM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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I recently heard a part of a local radio program, from a man who arranges loans for people needing to borrow money. He has an interesting handle. He calls himself...The Loan Arranger!! Very clever!! I think he gives a silver dollar to some of his select customers. Very appropriate. Ciao.
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Fred Day
08-10-2018
11:44 AM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Jim: Martino and I are still here. Most of the posters are still here. A few have passed on - may they rest in peace. We have been inundated with a lot of spam from overseas, lately. But David deletes the spam as often as he can. It is part of the territory, I guess. As they say, hang in there!! I hope you are well. You are one of our senior members here. A part of the old guard. God bless you!! Best always. Ciao.
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Jim Thompson
08-10-2018
11:08 AM ET (US) IP: 69.123.160.19
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Correct me if I'm wrong, but it is a shame that this site, so well run by Jeff Rense, has deteriorated to what I see of late. The wonderful fans and writers such as Martino and Fred Day and many others are gone. Something has taken over and, not being a total techie, I am at a loss. Thank God nothing takes away from Mario, his life and his artistry. Depressed or happy, we always seem to find the right songs or arias to comfort our moods! May I wish you all the best of everything!
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Mike M to Kristine
08-10-2018
10:41 AM ET (US) IP: 74.101.54.85
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Was she Aunt Eller in Oklahoma or am I thinking of someone else??
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Messages 52442-52403 deleted by author between 08-10-2018 09:42 AM and 08-08-2018 09:50 AM |
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Gail Swartz
08-07-2018
04:56 PM ET (US) IP: 74.6.133.124
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Well, I thought that I would say hi to the Mario fans...lots of my Mario pins have been picked up for other boards...so glad others are noticing the talent of our tenor. Glad to see that Mario ranks in the YT spots for "greatest of the 20th century". For me, no tenor could sing as he did!
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Messages 52401-52366 deleted by author between 08-07-2018 04:36 PM and 08-06-2018 01:44 PM |
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Kristine
08-06-2018
07:29 AM ET (US) IP: 47.248.47.59
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Happy Birthday, Tony Bennett ! Some sad news, Charlotte Rae passed away. RIP. She was on "The Facts of Life" sitcom, also, played Mammy Yoakum in original Broadway cast of musical "Li'l Abner" starring Peter Palmer and Edie Adams. I think, Peter Palmer may have been a fan of Mario Lanza. He made reference, once, to Mario's recording of "Love In A Home" from "Li'l Abner. Peter Palmer and Edie Adams sang it as a duet in the musical. It was deleted from the movie version.
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Messages 52364-52355 deleted by author 08-06-2018 01:44 PM |
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Fred Day
08-05-2018
09:10 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Happy Birthday to Tony Bennett - he turned 92 on August 3rd. He is still active, singing and painting. God Bless Him!! Ciao.
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Fred Day
08-05-2018
07:16 AM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Re: Joe Musumeci: Perhaps someone here (Stephen or anyone) can become a Facebook friend to Joe, and post here further info & photos of Joe. That would be most welcome. Is there any singing by Joe on Youtube?? I will check it out. Ciao.
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David Weaver
08-05-2018
12:33 AM ET (US) IP: 98.31.1.186
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Apparently neither Lauren or Joe is active musically. Lauren still lives in Philly, is now married (last name Martignetti), a graduate in accounting from Temple University, and a CPA with PayPal. On her LinkedIn profile page, she lists her past experience as including:
Operatic Concert Artist
Lauren and Joseph Musumeci
January 2000 – December 2009 (10 years)International
- Featured in numerous television and radio broadcasts: NBC, ABC, CBS, FOX, Comcast, NPR, and PBS
- Debuted at Carnegie Hall as a soloist in New York City
- Debuted internationally in Tokyo, Japan, Tokyo International Forum
- Donald Trump’s Private Birthday Dinner, Atlantic City, New Jersey
I couldn't find any other info re brother Joe, except that he has a Facebook page that still lists him as living in Philadelphia. You have to be a friend of his on FB to see any photos or info.
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Stephen of Las Vegas
08-04-2018
05:48 PM ET (US) IP: 68.96.227.110
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About 12 years ago, some of us celebrated a young Philadelphia brother-sister singing pair of whom Damon Lanza stated "Joseph and Lauren Musumeci: The Next Mario Lanza and Kathryn Grayson, says Damon Lanza !!
That is at the top of this still existing link: http://www.italiausa.com/ra/2106.htm from May 2, 2006. I found this link among some old bookmarks. There doesn't seem to be any current information about them on the Internet. Does anyone know what came of them? They would be 24 and 31 years old today.
The opening sentences of this link also states: Joseph, only 12, a tenor, won the Mario Lanza singing competition in NYC in
July, coming in ahead of adult men.
Lauren, 17, a soprano, will make her Carnegie Hall debut May 21.
Lauren and Joseph have won the annual award presented by the Sergio Franchi
Foundation to opera singers.
They seem to have fallen off the opera cliff.
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Messages 52350-52344 deleted by author between 08-04-2018 10:51 AM and 08-03-2018 11:16 PM |
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David Weaver
08-03-2018
06:38 PM ET (US) IP: 98.31.1.186
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I would not advise anyone to click on any of the links provided in these scam messages. It almost seems as if they are programmed to hit at the end of one month/beginning of the next, for they come one-after-another in rapid fire succession. I've spoken to Jeff Rense, and he in turn has talked to the tech person who runs the site, and there seems to be nothing we can do. Except keep on deleting them as soon as we're aware of them. And for every one here who is a legit reader and poster to ignore them. Edited 08-03-2018 06:39 PM
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Deleted by topic administrator 08-03-2018 06:34 PM
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Joe to Anyone
08-03-2018
02:40 PM ET (US) IP: 71.225.163.141
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All these scam messages are getting to be a pain, are they not?. But I must admit I am curious as to what they are selling; does anyone know? Are they dating services, porn what?.I have never opened one and do not plan on doing so......but I thought someone here might know.
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Messages 52340-52333 deleted by author 08-03-2018 06:35 PM |
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David Weaver
08-02-2018
10:25 AM ET (US) IP: 98.31.1.186
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Hi Fred, Jim's message wasn't deleted (Message #52274), nor your response (Message #52303). It's just that they are several pages back, due to the influx of spam. But thank you, Jim, for posting the link again. Edited 08-02-2018 11:42 PM
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James Bierney 08-02-2018
09:01 AM ET (US) IP: 94.247.55.90
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Here is the link to the Mario Lanza Tribute broadcast on South East Radio. Thanks again for the lovely comments.
https://soundcloud.com/user-834086752/a-tr...mario-lanza/s-LWe7y
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Linz
08-02-2018
04:45 AM ET (US) IP: 122.61.7.18
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Thank you Stephen for the link. I enjoyed the programme very much—very cleverly compiled. I hope the primary link will be re-posted here.
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Deleted by topic administrator 08-02-2018 10:20 AM
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Fred Day
08-02-2018
12:27 AM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Thanks, Stephen. Anyone who has not heard that Lanza tribute from Irish radio should listen to it. It is excellent. Ciao.
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Deleted by topic administrator 08-02-2018 10:21 AM
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Stephen from Las Vegas
08-01-2018
09:51 PM ET (US) IP: 68.96.227.110
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Fred...I also noticed that link to the radio program was removed and I was able to retrieve it from my computer history. Here it is:
https://soundcloud.com/user-834086752/a-tr...mario-lanza/s-LWe7y
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Gail Swartz
08-01-2018
08:59 PM ET (US) IP: 74.6.128.35
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Thank you, Jim...lightning g took out my modem, again! Just got back online this afternoon...it was hard not to weep during the playback...Hope others will discover Mario as a result...can find no other tenor who can sing so beautifully!!!
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Fred Day
08-01-2018
08:38 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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David: I think you accidentally deleted a message that was not spam. It was from James Bierney. He provided a new link to his Irish radio Lanza program, for those who missed it. And he thanked me for my previous post. Perhaps you can retrieve it?? Or perhaps James will re-post the link. Ciao.
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Martino to David
08-01-2018
07:51 PM ET (US) IP: 104.255.4.145
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Thank you. Your instructions solved the problem.
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David Weaver
08-01-2018
04:20 PM ET (US) IP: 98.31.1.186
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Martino, we have been inundated with spam messages that basically have filled an entire page. Even though they are deleted, it's as if the space they occupied is still there. Go to the bottom and click on the All Messages or specific numbered messages to see other posts. Once a page fills with new messages, you'll see them. It's just that for now, and the past few days, nearly all messages coming in have been spam.
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Martino
08-01-2018
12:53 PM ET (US) IP: 104.255.4.145
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Why am I only seeing one or two posts instead of an entire page?
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Messages 52320-52304 deleted by author between 08-01-2018 08:54 AM and 07-31-2018 12:13 AM |
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Fred Day
07-30-2018
03:35 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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I enjoyed that Lanza tribute from the Irish radio station - very nicely done. It runs only 25 minutes. Congratulations to all involved. Wonderful!! Ciao.
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Len (UK)
07-30-2018
03:14 PM ET (US) IP: 86.171.161.118
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There is an hour long programme on BBC Radio 2 hosted by the award winning lyricist Don Black. It runs from 11pm to midnight so you have to be dedicated to listen unless you download it from the BBC i-Player. Typical recordings played are Matt Monroe, Vic Damone, Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald, Julie London etc. In five years of listening; no mention of Lanza. Not a good fit for the programme.
He often ‘name drops’ Johnny Mercer who he met and admired. I emailed the programme a couple of weeks back to remind him of ‘Song of India’ which is a Mercer lyric. I thought this a possible way of getting him to play Mario.
Last night he said that listeners had written in about Mario Lanza but the ‘operatic stuff’ was not suitable for the programme. He said that he admired Lanza’s voice and then played BYM. Typically he felt obliged to mention a hearsay anecdote of Lanza’s short temper. Why do people feel the need to always do this?
I can think of several contemporaries with substance abuse issues, dubious sexual morality, connections to criminality etc., but their music is played without the need to continually reference their human frailties. Ggrrrr!!
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Derek Mannering
07-30-2018
02:43 PM ET (US) IP: 67.184.23.235
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Delighted to hear that, Valeria. I'm hoping Ellisa will be there too, so you'll have the opportunity to meet her and other Lanza friends on the night.
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Messages 52300-52299 deleted by author 07-30-2018 02:21 PM |
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Valeria Pugiotto
07-30-2018
03:47 AM ET (US) IP: 5.90.174.149
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Derek, I will be in Dublin too. I cannot wait to see the show!
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Messages 52297-52280 deleted by author between 07-30-2018 02:22 PM and 07-30-2018 12:32 AM |
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Derek Mannering
07-29-2018
01:08 PM ET (US) IP: 67.184.23.235
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Congratulations to James Bierney on his excellent tribute to our favorite tenor. It's beautifully done. I had the pleasure of hearing a preview (thank you, James and John!) as did Ellisa, who loved it. We both especially enjoyed the generous use of spoken comments by Mario heard throughout.
The show is also a reminder of how cherished the Lanza voice still is in Ireland. I'll be heading back there soon and look forward very much to greeting old friends again at the next staging of "The Loveliest Night of the Year," the wonderful stage tribute to Mario at Dublin's National Concert Hall on September 30. If you plan to be in Ireland at that time and haven't seen it yet, make a note of the date. It's not to be missed.
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James Bierney
07-29-2018
05:55 AM ET (US) IP: 185.152.73.31
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Thanks for clarifying, David. Yes, the link below will take you straight to the “Listen Live” page of South East Radio. Because of the time difference (zones and all that), when the show has aired, I’ll post a link here so that anyone who wishes to listen can do so at their own convenience.
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David Weaver
07-28-2018
11:50 PM ET (US) IP: 98.31.1.186
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Gail, as I understand Jim's message, anyone can listen live via the link he provided. The time difference for eastern US is 5 hours. The show is to air Monday in Ireland at 8:04 p.m., which is 3:04 in our eastern time zone, 2:04 central, 1:04 mountain, and 12:04 pacific.
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Gail Swartz
07-28-2018
11:36 PM ET (US) IP: 74.6.134.125
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Thanks, Jim B. Wish that it was going to be available for the Mario fans in the U.S.....anyone going to record it?
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Deleted by topic administrator 07-28-2018 11:05 PM
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James Bierney
07-28-2018
07:18 PM ET (US) IP: 185.152.73.31
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 On July 30th, 2018 at 8.04 p.m.(GMT+1), South East Radio (broadcasting from Wexford, Ireland) will air a short documentary exploring the life and career of the American tenor Mario Lanza. Listen live at: http://www.southeastradio.ie/listen-live/Edited 07-28-2018 07:19 PM
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Messages 52273-52248 deleted by author between 07-28-2018 01:48 PM and 07-25-2018 05:08 PM |
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Kristine
07-24-2018
05:52 PM ET (US) IP: 173.169.36.195
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Great article about the Mario Lanza Museum move to a new location. Much success in your new home ! Tab Hunter liked Mother Dolores Hart's autobiography, "The Ear Of The Heart" and wrote a good comment about it in the book, along, with Maria Shriver, Paula Prentiss &Dick Benjamin, Maria Cooper Janis(daughter of Gary Cooper). Mother Dolores's book is now in paperback, from Ignatius Press. For those, who don't know it, her uncle was Mario Lanza, by marriage. She did mention her Uncle Mario and Aunt Betty in the book.
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Bill Ronayne
07-24-2018
04:22 PM ET (US) IP: 68.192.189.132
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Thank you Gail and also those of you that have made donations already. Try saving the picture on your computer and then printing it from there. Best, Bill Edited 07-24-2018 04:23 PM
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Gail Swartz
07-24-2018
10:32 AM ET (US) IP: 74.6.134.123
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Thank you for this post, Bill. My donation is in the mail. Is it possible to have a reprint of the article for my Mario scrapbook?
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Bill Ronayne
07-24-2018
08:24 AM ET (US) IP: 68.192.189.132
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Here's an article about the Lanza Museum and our capital campaign for the new location. Please consider making a tax deductible donation. No amount is too small.
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Messages 52243-52242 deleted by author between 07-24-2018 05:04 PM and 07-20-2018 08:33 PM |
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Vincent Ricciardi
07-19-2018
05:47 AM ET (US) IP: 24.190.100.146
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For anyone in the Milwaukee area this weekend I’ll be headlining Festa Italiana with my friends Aaron Caruso and Sam Vitale as the Sicilian Tenors. Think the Rat Pack meets Andrea Bocelli. 5pm - Friday 7/20, Saturday 7/21, & Sunday 7/22 Miller Light Oasis Stage For more information visit the Festa website below. http://festaitaliana.comEdited 07-19-2018 06:03 AM
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Kristine
07-17-2018
06:45 PM ET (US) IP: 173.169.36.195
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Tab Hunter passed away at 87. RIP. The May 2018 issue of Classic Images has a story about Doretta Morrow. There are photos and a movie poster from "Because You're Mine" in it. Classic Images is a publication for vintage movie-t.v. show fans and is published in Muscatine, Iowa.
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Bill Ronayne
07-16-2018
09:02 AM ET (US) IP: 68.192.187.181
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Help support the Mario Lanza Institute's capital campaign fund for the new museum location. This is an exciting time in the history of the Mario Lanza Institute and one that will also benefit the city of Philadelphia. Time is of the essence and no amount is too small. Donations of $5, $10 and $25 quickly add up and everything helps. You can donate online at www.mariolanzainstitute.org or by sending a check made out to Mario Lanza Institute to Mario Lanza Institute PO box 54624 Philadelphia, PA 19148. Those overseas can also send a donation via Western Union in US dollars but the conversion fee must be paid on the donor's end. Please email me at wjronayne@optonline.net with any questions. Best, Bill Edited 07-16-2018 09:03 AM
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Kristine
07-15-2018
06:44 AM ET (US) IP: 173.169.36.195
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Nancy Sinatra, RIP. She was friends with Barbara Stanwyck.
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Fred Day
07-14-2018
07:19 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Nancy Barbato Sinatra, the first wife of Frank Sinatra, died yesterday, age 101. Rest in Peace. Ciao.
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Ronald Sarbo
07-14-2018
02:42 PM ET (US) IP: 207.38.144.153
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Except for TGC where his childhood sweetheart marries another Lanza is always the male in a triangle with 2 women. TMK: Grayson and Marjorie Reynolds TONO: Grayson and Rita Moreno BYM: Doretta Morrow and Mara Corday Serenade: Montiel and Joan Fontaine SHOR: Alasio and Peggy Castle FTFT: Von Kozian and Zsa Zsa Gabor Everyone thought MacDonald's husband Gene Raymond was a Nelson Eddy Look-a-Like. One bio quotes Nelson telling a friend "She couldn't get me so she married him." Nelson and Jeanette had their ups and downs. One of their spats caused her to request Allan Jones for "The Firefly" and gave Jones his signature song. Edited 07-14-2018 02:43 PM
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Doug
07-13-2018
09:02 PM ET (US) IP: 71.208.105.68
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Eddy, as they used to say, "was not the marrying type". However, at the stern command of Louis B. Mayer, he did get married in 1939 to a slightly older divorced woman whom Mayer found for him. She apparently, was happy to just be known as Mrs. Nelson Eddy. It must have worked out OK because they stayed together until Eddy's death in 1967. Eddy and MacDonald were great friends and mutual admirers. Since he recorded many of those operetta songs from their movies, I assume Mario saw them all back in the '30's and 40's and liked what he heard. Edited 07-13-2018 09:06 PM
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Diane Cox
07-13-2018
05:44 PM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.66
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Oh no. I depend so on my computer - my whole life revolves around it.
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Gail Swartz
07-13-2018
04:09 PM ET (US) IP: 74.6.135.43
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Thanks, Diane....lightning took out all of my electrical devices...lost all of the Turner movies with Mario..and lots of classical MUSICALS. .am blessed to have the dads.
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Diane Cox
07-13-2018
12:28 PM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.66
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https://youtu.be/C4tlvqQRkMk
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Gail Swartz
07-13-2018
12:09 AM ET (US) IP: 74.6.131.41
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If you could view the out-take of One Love of Mine from Kiss you would see just how good Mario was as an actor. As for Eddy/MacDonald, they were in love but Mayer would not let them marry. Watch the document on YT.
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Martino to Dennis
07-12-2018
10:34 PM ET (US) IP: 104.255.4.145
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Yes, our interpretations of what you meant by "love struck" were slightly different but does not change things that much. I do agree with you that by your meaning, Grayson was the one that swept Mario away more than anyone else in his films. Just look at Lanza during the "Toast" boat parade scene when he became so bewitched at her sight that he crashed the boat ashore! Swept away for sure!! Also the scene when Mario first sees Grayson and steps up to the car to stare at her. He looked like a deer caught in headlights. As far as Eddy/MacDonald are concerned, I had heard they may have had an off screen relationship but I really don't know what the true story was with them off set. They were so tightly intertwined as a couple with their audience and fans that maybe the studio hatched some spicy rumors. Who knows? Edited 07-12-2018 10:36 PM
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Dennis
07-12-2018
08:22 PM ET (US) IP: 73.170.201.215
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Martino, you are insightful as always. I consider love-struck to be the feeling that "this is the one I'm going to marry", even at first meeting. You focus more on love-"stuck", which I admire as the more important love, one that will last for a life. So I was thinking more of which gal swept Mario away from the beginning. It is ironic that it seems that Kathryn was not too impressed by Mario, so it would REALLY take some acting for Mario to be lovestruck when he knows he is a bit dissed by his co-star.
On your slightly different point, that of Eddy/MacDonald, I agree with you that they really convey their love through their faces and their eyes. It seems that Eddy is the first to swoon or press the point of love, and then MacDonald (perhaps emotionally unable to stop flirting), follows through and responds with love. Your linked film clip is a perfect example. Note how MacDonald looks away a few times as he sings to her, but eventually she becomes laser-focused on his face. I, too, am a great fan of the two and have watched all of their operettas repeatedly—at first because I admired his voice and the song choices, but now it is indeed pleasant to get lost in her eyes as if she were singing to me. Agree?
P.S. Wasn't there some gossip that despite both being evidently happily married, that they were actually in love with each other...and maybe lovers?
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Martino to Dennis
07-12-2018
11:18 AM ET (US) IP: 104.255.4.145
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I talked about something very similar to your question not too long ago. It was in comparison between Lanza/Grayson and Eddy/MacDonald. E/M were the movie sweethearts of the '30s and early '40s and made quite a few films together, mostly adaptations of already popular operettas. L/G collaborations were mostly used as vehicles to introduce Lanza to film goers although I am sure MGM would have loved to have had another success such as E/M. It was not to be as L/G only made two pictures together. I feel there were several reasons why L/G did not achieve the heights and popularity of E/M, and one of those reasons was what you mentioned - "sold himself best as love struck".
I have often said you could never take Lanza seriously as having been truly "love struck", a deep and mature love. "Serenade" might have been an exception, as would "The Student Prince" if he had starred in it. TGC seemed as though Mario married out of convenience or the "Italian thing to do", although it was clear his love deepened later on. In SHOR, Lanza's commitment was not shown until the very end. BYM displayed Lanza as a confused lover, he never knew what he wanted, again, until the end. And FTFT, I was never sure if Lanza's love was perhaps felt mostly out of pity, at least not until the Ave Maria.
The two Grayson films were not love felt at all. Sure, Kathryn and Mario were playful and fun together but you could never believe their romance was based on a deep love and commitment of the heart. Eddy and MacDonald always displayed a love that was sincere and mature, whereas Lanza and Grayson were puppy love in comparison. Here is just one example of dozens: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qRl6_4uWsjc. Look at their faces as they sing to each other. Where in any Lanza film is that kind of look of true "love struck" shown? Mario came close several times but not like this. It is precisely this authenticity in virtually all their movies that established E/M and bound them as one, a single unit, to their audience - and it is precisely this authenticity that escaped L/G.
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Stephen of Las Vegas
07-12-2018
10:35 AM ET (US) IP: 68.96.227.110
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In 2007 Flare Records produced a CD of Ann Blyth recordings from several of her movies "Deep in my Heart." Included are songs from The Great Caruso and The Student Prince. A bonus recording she did by herself of Deep in My Heart, Dear that wasn't in the movie is included at the end. Available new and used from Amazon. Check it out here, which includes a list of the songs: https://www.amazon.com/Deep-My-Heart-Golde...ywords=ann+blyth+cdOf course, some of these are on Youtube. A shame to see the old Lanza home destroyed! Edited 07-12-2018 10:50 AM
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Teal
07-12-2018
07:59 AM ET (US) IP: 104.1.167.27
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Mario Lanza's childhood home on Christian Street, South Philadelphia, is no more. It was demolished to make way for a new gentrified development that, according to critics, is not complementary to the landscape. This is the site of the historic marker for Mario's birth. If memory serves, his aunt Julia, who passed away 15 or so years ago, was the last of the Lanzas to live there.
http://www.philly.com/philly/entertainment...ished-20180629.html
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Bill Ronayne
07-11-2018
08:21 PM ET (US) IP: 97.33.73.0
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Joe that is Blyth's voice in TGC. It's also her voice on the soundtrack of TSP.Best Bill
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To Dennis from Joe
07-11-2018
06:29 PM ET (US) IP: 71.225.163.141
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Dont get discouraged Dennis, this forum has always had long dry spells and then, seemingly out of nowhere, soaking rains. As re my vote on your very good question, I will go with Ann Blyth in the GC. I have often wondered if the song she sang to Enrico(Mario) in the restaurant scene was her own voice. Does anyone here know?
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Dennis
07-11-2018
04:20 PM ET (US) IP: 73.170.201.215
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For years I have enjoyed the camaraderie and love for Mario's voice represented on this site. But I feel we are lacking in praise for one another and our mutual efforts. Recent trolls have called our site: "unbelievably pleasant", "great information", "stunning", "astonishingly friendly", "astounding". Sounds like reviews of a movie that the producers want you to patronize.
Yes, I realize it is a waste of my time to even read the trolls, and certainly to send out this message, but we haven't had a legit post since Bill Ronayne's announcement about relocating the museum.
Here's a summer diversion question: of all of Mario's leading ladies in films, for which one do you think he "sold" himself best as lovestruck? My vote, without rewatching them all, is Kathryn Grayson, but maybe it is because I saw one of her films with Mario before I saw The Great Caruso.
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Messages 52222-52212 deleted by author between 07-11-2018 08:33 PM and 07-05-2018 08:57 PM |
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Bill Ronayne
07-05-2018
01:30 PM ET (US) IP: 68.192.189.63
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Here is an article about the new location for the Mario Lanza Institute and Museum. Please contribute to our capital campaign fund if you can. No amount is too small. Donations may be made online at www.mariolanzainstitute.org or by check made out to Mario Lanza Institute and mailed to Mario Lanza Institute PO Box 54624 Philadelphia, PA 19148. Best, Bill
https://southphillyreview.com/mario-lanza-...square-24694d4df002
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Messages 52210-52205 deleted by author between 07-04-2018 05:58 PM and 07-02-2018 06:43 PM |
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Fred Day
07-02-2018
12:55 AM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Vincent: Yes, you sang an excellent rendition of Be My Love, that day!! Very well done!! Bravo!! Ciao.
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Vincent Ricciardi
06-30-2018
01:50 PM ET (US) IP: 24.190.100.146
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Hello Everyone,
I finally figured out how to download this live performance of "Be My Love" from the 2016 Columbus Italian Festival, Columbus, OH off of Facebook. I just edited it for YouTube. I hope you enjoy!
https://youtu.be/pAd68DSf4l8
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Martino to Derek
06-29-2018
03:12 PM ET (US) IP: 104.255.4.145
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I also do not like any kind of doctoring of the human voice. Engineers do this often with echo or "cathedral" sounding reverb, which Lanza was the victim of more than once. As far as these simulated duets are concerned they are only curiosity pieces and should be considered nothing more. Dubbing the soprano at a later date to the tenor voice is also absurd in my opinion but was commonplace in Mario's day.
I did not like the "engineering" done with Elvis by Celine Dion and Martina McBride either. Both these women are super talents but the simulation with a man who died many years ago can not be justified, even as an experiment. It may be interesting sometimes but it is always fake and will never be anything but fake. I don't like pitch alterations either and we see that all the time too. All of this is why I so much prefer live performances before an audience, be it in the opera house or concert hall. Unfortunately, in Mario's case, we have precious few of these.
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Derek McGovern
06-29-2018
11:56 AM ET (US) IP: 112.153.216.167
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I'm sorry, but I didn't enjoy that Mario-Anna audio doctoring at all. To make it seem as though they really were singing together, Mario's vocal part was slowed down so much that his voice was scarcely recognizable. No thank you!
But I *do* wish they had sung together. And it nearly happened too. At some point in 1958, Anna was actually scheduled to record The Student Prince with Mario for RCA (in stereo)---and this is mentioned in one of impresario John Coast's letters. But for whatever reason, an infinitely lesser soprano---Norma Giusti---ended up replacing Moffo on the album. What a missed opportunity!
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Jim Thompson
06-29-2018
09:48 AM ET (US) IP: 69.123.160.19
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Martino, thanks so much! What a treat for early morning. Ah, engineering. They would have made some team on records, TV and movies and both from Philadelphia! Have a great day.
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Kristine
06-29-2018
07:25 AM ET (US) IP: 173.169.36.195
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In July, Steve McQueen will be Star Of The Month on TCM and TCM will honor Leonard Bernstein , who would have been 100 this year ! As we know, Bernstein was a classmate of Mario Lanza(tnen, Alfredo Cocozza)at Tanglewood. I wonder if they stayed in touch ? I always liked Bernstein's "Young People's Concerts" which introduced classical music and opera to the younger generation. Anna Moffo was also from Philadelphia. She did a recording with Sergio Franchi and I think they sang "Someday" from "The Vagabond King" on it, but can't find it on You Tube.
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Martino to Jim
06-28-2018
06:00 PM ET (US) IP: 104.255.4.145
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Alas, this is about as close as we can get to pictures of the two together. And through the tricks of engineering, it is all we can do to hear them "together": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SD56qr1bZyI. Forgot to mention, look at their eyes at about the 1:20 mark. Extraordinary. Edited 06-28-2018 06:04 PM
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Deleted by topic administrator 06-28-2018 08:16 PM
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Jim Thompson
06-28-2018
11:18 AM ET (US) IP: 69.123.160.19
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Forget the music...that, I hope, would have been terrific. But can you picture the album cover photo? At their best, magnificent!!
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Chris to Martino
06-27-2018
11:17 PM ET (US) IP: 69.142.223.152
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I agree with you 1,000%!!! Just one more thing to put on the “I wish Mario had recorded” list. The duet album with her and Franchi, was my introduction to Sergio in the 1960’s.
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Martino to Chris
06-27-2018
04:17 PM ET (US) IP: 104.255.4.145
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One of my biggest musical disappointments is that no one had the vision to record Moffo and Lanza together, both in opera duets and "pop" songs and operettas. I believe these Americans would have been stupendous together and would have given any Italian tenor/soprano duo a run for their money. At least we have Moffo with another American tenor, Richard Tucker, on several wonderful recordings. Here is one video of them together, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CgN6BbfOz7E.
The period of roughly say 1955 to 1959 would have found Moffo at the start of her career and in great voice prior to her quick decline. Although that period would also show Lanza in erratic voice - sometimes lacking, sometimes fantastic, I believe with Moffo he would have risen to the occasion and sang magnificently with her. A big disappointment, huge!
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Chris Johns
06-27-2018
09:10 AM ET (US) IP: 69.142.223.152
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Today would have been the lovely Anna Moffo’s 86th birthday. A gorgeous woman with a gorgeous voice. Let’s take a minute to enjoy that lovely woman.
https://youtu.be/alpnKgyLy7M
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Messages 52192-52191 deleted by author between 06-27-2018 05:20 PM and 06-26-2018 11:41 PM |
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Fred Day
06-25-2018
08:10 AM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Valeria: I will email you later today. Ciao.
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Valeria Pugiotto
06-25-2018
12:31 AM ET (US) IP: 93.58.124.208
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For Fred Day: my email address is aquila67@gmail.com
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Martino
06-24-2018
03:43 PM ET (US) IP: 104.255.4.145
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The performance just ended and it was enjoyable. Fabiano did do well, as did everyone else in the cast. Very good picture and camera work too which is a little hard in the dark scenes and with a live audience to contend with.
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Diane Cox
06-24-2018
01:59 PM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.66
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Saw that performance and Fabiano did well. Agree with Fred. Edited 06-24-2018 01:59 PM
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Fred Day
06-24-2018
01:53 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Martino: Actually both operas (Boheme & Tosca) are from early this year - Tosca from Jan. & Boheme from Feb. Sonya Yonchiva is in both. I recorded them from the radio broadcasts. Both were generally good, but not great. Ciao.
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Martino to Fred
06-24-2018
01:04 PM ET (US) IP: 104.255.4.145
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The description was wrong. The performance being broadcast has the American tenor Michael Fabiano in the lead. This is from last year's production. Well, might be worth the watch anyway.
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Martino to Fred
06-24-2018
12:42 PM ET (US) IP: 104.255.4.145
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Well, we have the same tenor and the same composer at least!!
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Fred Day
06-24-2018
12:15 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Martino: Here in Orlando, our local PBS station is today airing Tosca, with Vittorio Grigolo and Sonya Yoncheva. Ciao.
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Martino
06-24-2018
11:47 AM ET (US) IP: 104.255.4.145
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Puccini's enduring opera, "La Boheme", is being rebroadcast on some PBS stations today from the original MET HD series. In my market it will be shown at noon (Central time). Check local listings for the time in your area. I believe this MET performance was from three or four years ago, starring Vittorio Grigolo and Kristine Opolais as the doomed lovers. Both are good singers and excellent, passionate actors with voices ideally suited to this opera. I heard this performance originally on Sirius and highly recommend it. I doubt that there has been a better performance of "La Boheme" since.
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Fred Day
06-24-2018
08:14 AM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Valeria: I can make you a copy of that set, at a reasonable price. Give me your email here, and I will email you. Ciao. Fred Day.
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Deleted by topic administrator 06-24-2018 01:07 PM
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Bill Ronayne
06-23-2018
11:06 PM ET (US) IP: 68.192.186.187
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The Mario Lanza Institute and Museum hasn't had copies of that for quite a few years. I think we sold the last one about 5 or more years ago. Best, Bill
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Mike M.to Valeria
06-23-2018
07:39 PM ET (US) IP: 74.101.54.85
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I got mine years ago directly from Damon Lanza but you might try the Mario Lanza Institute in Philadelphia. See Bill Ronayne's post further down this page.. It is a must have for any Lanza lover and I think it runs about $150 but has 15 CD's with many rarities.
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Martino
06-21-2018
09:25 PM ET (US) IP: 104.255.4.145
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Seven Brides for Seven Brothers playing right now on TCM. Not to be missed. One of the great movie musicals from the '50s.
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Deleted by topic administrator 06-21-2018 05:52 PM
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Valeria Pugiotto
06-21-2018
05:36 AM ET (US) IP: 5.90.149.174
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Can anybody help to find all the CDs of the Coca Cola Shows? I live in Italy and here is not possible to find them.
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Messages 52174-52172 deleted by author between 06-21-2018 05:51 PM and 06-19-2018 05:56 PM |
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Bill Ronayne
06-19-2018
11:27 AM ET (US) IP: 68.192.183.135
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The July issue of "The Legacy of Mario Lanza" newsletter has just been published. It features coverage of the Mario Lanza Museum Benefit Luncheon from April and the recent MLSNY luncheon in NYC. There is a guest article by Roland Bessette and also an article on Lanza's various recordings of "Because" as well as several articles on his life and career plus many photos. For information on how to become a member and receive the newsletter, contact me at wjronayne@optonline.net. Best, Bill
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Messages 52170-52168 deleted by author between 06-18-2018 06:16 PM and 06-15-2018 08:40 PM |
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Bill Ronayne
06-14-2018
02:53 PM ET (US) IP: 69.113.210.141
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For those who will be in Philadelphia on June 26th:
Pizzeria Pesto along with Alexstone Marble & Granite proudly supports
“The Mario Lanza Institute & Museum”
10% of ALL proceeds (dine-in, take-out & delivery) benefit the Mario Lanza Institute’s Capital Campaign.
Tuesday, June 26th, 2018
11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
1925 S. Broad St., Phila. PA
215-271-6840
The Mario Lanza Institute is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that was incorporated in 1962 to provide scholarships to young classically trained singers aspiring to achieve professional vocal careers. Unfortunately, we have lost our lease. We are interested in a location in South Philadelphia that is currently experiencing a renaissance but before we can move in some renovation will need to be done. Your help is needed now more than ever. Mario Lanza was born in South Philadelphia and we hope that you will patronize Pizzeria Pesto on this special date. To make a donation, please make your check out to Mario Lanza Institute and mail it to Mario Lanza Institute PO Box 54624 Philadelphia, PA 19148. For those wishing to donate online there is a Facebook fundraiser which can be accessed at https://www.facebook.com/donate/182047352448630/
Best Bill
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Gail Swartz
06-13-2018
04:34 PM ET (US) IP: 74.6.128.83
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Wow, something new about Mario Lanza! I knew that he collected and gave away watchers, but to have one for timing calls?....this was way cool! Mario 'rang'up many a phone bill in his time.
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Chris Johns
06-13-2018
03:52 PM ET (US) IP: 69.142.223.152
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First photo
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Chris Johns
06-13-2018
03:49 PM ET (US) IP: 69.142.223.152
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Hi everyone,
Found this on a Christie’s instagram listing. Thought you all will be interested.
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Fred Day
06-13-2018
06:50 AM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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This Sat June 16, on wfmt in Chicago, the broadcast will be Bellini's I Puritani with tenor Lawrence Brownlee. He has fine top notes. Starts at 1pm eastern time. Enjoy. Ciao.
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Kristine
06-12-2018
11:32 PM ET (US) IP: 173.169.36.195
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TCM is showing "That Midnight Kiss" as part of Mad About Musicals, this month, on Tuesdays and Thursdays. They are showing movie musicals from 1920's and 1930's to 1970's. Leslie Howard is Star Of The Month.
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Kristine
06-12-2018
11:29 PM ET (US) IP: 173.169.36.195
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This coming Thursday, June 14th, TCM will show "That Midnight Kiss" -Kathryn Grayson and Mario Lanza(his film debut) at 8:00 A.M. Eastern Time Zone . I watched the Tony Awards. There are two Broadway Revivals, "Carousel" with Josh Henry as Billy Bigelow(the first time, an African-American is playing the part)and opera singer, Renee' Fleming and "My Fair Lady" on Broadway.
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Messages 52160-52159 deleted by author between 06-12-2018 07:47 PM and 06-11-2018 07:13 PM |
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Bill Ronayne
06-09-2018
06:56 PM ET (US) IP: 68.192.185.135
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Today's Mario Lanza Society of NY luncheon was another fine afternoon at Patsy's Restaurant. Elaine Malbin was the special guest and the featured performers were soprano Teresa Castillo, who was superb, and David Maiullo who excellently accompanied her and surprise performer tenor Federico Campisano who also sang very well. We listened to recordings from the Mario Lanza Show and also recordings by Elaine Malbin and Giulio Gari. In the photo are L-R: Federico Campisano, Teresa Castillo, Elaine Malbin and David Maiullo. Best, Bill
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Fred Day
06-09-2018
06:10 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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I pretty much agree with Martino. La Colla was rather average. Not bad but not great. Routine. My memories of Corelli as Calaf cannot ever be forgotten. Ciao.
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Martino to Fred
06-09-2018
01:24 PM ET (US) IP: 104.255.4.145
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I am not familiar with La Colla either but I went to youtube where he is featured singing several selections in concert and in opera performances. Not bad but certainly not memorable either. The middle of his voice is strong but the top notes are very thin and "white". Pretty much a Licitra clone but without the softness. You can form your own opinion but the Nessun Dorma I heard had one of the worst final "Vincero!" I have ever heard. Maybe he will do it better in Chicago. Here it is: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bt-zON-aRUM
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Fred Day
06-09-2018
11:02 AM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Today's opera broadcast on wfmt in Chicago is Turandot, at 1pm eastern time. The tenor is Stefano La Colla who is not familiar to me. I will listen, and report back. I hope he is good. Ciao.
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Fred Day
06-08-2018
08:40 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Dennis: You are right - enough is enough. When I look in a mirror, I sing: "I groan accustomed to my face"!! Now we can both groan. Ciao.
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Dennis
06-08-2018
07:38 PM ET (US) IP: 73.170.201.215
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Fred, that is quite a groaner. Time to stop, despite my enjoyment of your first foray to Boe and harrow his name. lol
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Fred Day
06-08-2018
12:29 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Len: Didn't Sarah Boe sing a duet with Doris Day?? "Boe sarah sarah, whatever will be, will be!" Brings back memories! Ciao.
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Fred Day
06-08-2018
12:24 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Thanks, Brian. Remember the late Bob Davies?? He too loved that Boe constricter line. Pity he is no longer with us. Ciao.
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Len (UK)
06-08-2018
12:16 PM ET (US) IP: 86.141.210.64
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Brian, I wonder if Sarah Boe is equally amused. She may think that she has been trolled.
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Brian Harrison, England
06-08-2018
10:21 AM ET (US) IP: 80.194.233.91
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Hi Kristine and all Mario fans. I read all the postings here. Pity about the trolls but they happen with modern technology. Turned 81 the other week and still appreciating the wonderful Lanza voice. I've been contributing to this Forum for over 25 years, (not very often now}, long may it continue to inform and educate. Fred, I too thought your quip about Alfie Boe was very amusing. Best wishes to you all. Brian
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Gail Swartz
06-08-2018
08:41 AM ET (US) IP: 74.6.128.82
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Hi, ML fans. I watched the Caruso film and wondered if the sketches on the dressing room wall were originals that Caruso had done while he was alive. Mario did a fantastic job in the singing and acting in the film. Too bad an award for him will not be made after so long after his passing from us.
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Messages 52147-52146 deleted by author between 06-08-2018 05:57 PM and 06-07-2018 07:56 PM |
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Stephen of Las Vegas
06-06-2018
11:02 PM ET (US) IP: 68.96.227.110
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Fred: Pacific Time Zone...so all the celebrities traveling between here and LA don't have to keep adjusting their watches! Edited 06-06-2018 11:57 PM
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Fred Day
06-06-2018
08:13 AM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Stephen: Is Las Vegas in the Mountain time zone, or the Pacific time zone?? Curious. Thanks. Ciao.
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Fred Day
06-05-2018
04:26 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Stephen: Yes and it is lovely - Como even mentions Lanza's name at the song's conclusion. This was 4 months after Lanza's death. Ciao.
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Stephen of Las Vegas
06-05-2018
11:49 AM ET (US) IP: 68.96.227.110
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Perry Como sings "Be My Love" in tribute to Lanza in early 1960:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Jlq8lBx1LA
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Fred Day
06-05-2018
10:56 AM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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PS: On youtube there is a most amusing clip of Como & K. Grayson singing "Ain't We Got Fun" from 1956. Priceless!! Pity that Lanza never guested on Como's tv show. Ciao.
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Fred Day
06-05-2018
10:50 AM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Thanks Bill. I had that youtube clip from a few years ago, but this one is better sound. Same for Como's Be My Love from Feb 10, 1960 - sound is even better than the clip I had previously. Como sang many songs on TV that he never recorded for RCA Victor. Thanks again. Ciao.
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Bill Ronayne
06-05-2018
07:49 AM ET (US) IP: 68.192.184.64
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Fred: I haven't seen anything that said that Como and Lanza met. They may have but I can't say for sure. By the way Como did sing Because You're Mine on his TV show in 1952. Here's a link to the clip:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9F5VxjlXRQ0
Best always,
Bill
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Messages 52138-52137 deleted by author 06-05-2018 06:02 PM |
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Fred Day
06-04-2018
06:43 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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I made an error. Perry Como did make 5 films - the first 4 were for 20th Century Fox. The 5th, Words And Music, was made for MGM. Sorry for the error. Ciao.
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Deleted by author 06-04-2018 06:12 PM
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Fred Day
06-03-2018
11:30 AM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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When Harry Cohn (head of Columbia Pictures, one of the most hated men in Hollywood) died, thousands of people turned out at his wake - just to make sure he was really dead!! Red Skelton made a brilliant comment: "Well, this proves that old show business axiom, give the people what they want and they'll turn out for it!!" Ciao.
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Fred Day
06-03-2018
11:12 AM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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I think Perry Como made 5 films, but not at MGM. He was glad when his film contract expired, because he was never comfortable making movies. He went on to become the king of the small screen - television. Ciao.
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Fred Day
06-03-2018
11:08 AM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Good question. I am not aware if Lanza & Como ever met - perhaps their paths might have crossed one day at RCA Victor?? Perhaps Derek Mannering or Derek McGovern or Bill Ronayne can answer?? Hopefully they will respond. Ciao.
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Kristine
06-03-2018
08:17 AM ET (US) IP: 173.169.36.195
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I, too, watched the Perry Como Special on PBS TV and enjoyed it. As we all know, Mario Lanza impersonated Perry in "The Seven Hills Of Rome". I wonder if Perry Como ever met Mario Lanza ? I read that when Perry Como filmed "Words and Music" at M-G-M, he had an argument with Louis B. Mayer and that was the end of any chance, M-G-M would sign Perry Como to a contract. He had made two movies, with Vivian Blaine, "Something For The Boys" and "If I'm Lucky"(a re-make of "Thanks A Million" with Dick Powell)at 20th Century Fox Studios.
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Fred Day
06-02-2018
10:15 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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This evening I watched the new PBS doco on Perry Como. Most enjoyable, and nostalgic. Brought back many childhood memories. Highly recommended. Ciao.
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Messages 52129-52128 deleted by author between 06-02-2018 08:08 PM and 06-02-2018 12:59 PM |
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Fred Day
06-01-2018
05:55 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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One more: I believe Alfie Boe is married to Little Boe Peep. Good for the sheep. Enough!! Ciao.
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Fred Day
06-01-2018
05:42 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Joe: Thanks for the "award" compliment. I told that same line here some dozen years ago. Here's another: I believe Alfie Boe was also an expert at archery. He always carried his Boe and arrow while on tour. Ciao. That was two thirds of a pun - P U.
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Fred Day
06-01-2018
05:34 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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As far as I am aware, Lanza & Gigli never met. But Gigli, having heard several Lanza records, praised his singing, and said Lanza's voice belonged in the opera house, not Hollywood!! But remember that Gigli made about 20 films of his own. Lanza always praised Rosati, saying that Rosati taught him how to sing properly for lengthy periods of time, without tiring. Very important. Ciao.
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Kristine
06-01-2018
04:30 PM ET (US) IP: 173.169.36.195
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I wanted to add , also, Mad About Musicals , on TCM, will also, include "Cabin In The Sky" Ethel Waters, Eddie "Rochester"Anderson, Lena Horne, directed by Vincente Minnelli, "Strike Me Pink"-Eddie Cantor, and "Broadway Melody of 1936".
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Kristine
06-01-2018
04:24 PM ET (US) IP: 173.169.36.195
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This month on TCM, Leslie Howard will be Star Of The Month. There will also be a look back at Hollywood Musicals called "Mad About Musicals" from 1920's-1970's and yes, they have included Mario Lanza in "That Midnight Kiss(Thursday morning, June 14th at 8:00 A.M. Eastern Time Zone). Other movie musicals will be "Going Hollywood", "Anchors Aweigh", "Singin' In The Rain", "Bye Bye Birdie", "Beach Party", "Viva Las Vegas"(Elvis, Ann-Margret), "The Unsinkable Molly Brown", "Hard Day's Night"(The Beatles), "Yankee Doodle Dandy", "Cabaret" Liza Minnelli and Joel Grey.
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Gail Swartz
06-01-2018
04:02 PM ET (US) IP: 74.6.130.124
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Joe, Mario admitted that he sang along with the tracks during the filming of his movies...especially Serenade. Some of his critics were amazed at how well his lip-sync was accomplished. The only one that can catch a bit off is in TTONO. Some of the scenes were filmed many times that the sound had to be right all the time. When you sing the same song over and over you can be easily distracted. What I would like to see is the shooting schedule for each scene, 're-takes and some oops.
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Chris Johns
06-01-2018
03:55 PM ET (US) IP: 69.142.223.152
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Joe, what a great thought! Thinking about it, they probably weren’t running tape for those dubbing scenes. But it would be great if they did and they are in some vault somewhere.
I have a couple of questions, what was Lanza’s relationship with Rosati after becoming famous? I have seen numerous photos of Gigli and Rosati together..having dinner and even on a cruise. Also, did Mario and Gigli ever meet or speak?
Another just came to mind, did Gigli ever express his opinion on Mario’s voice? Thanks everyone.
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Joe to ALL
06-01-2018
03:33 PM ET (US) IP: 71.225.163.141
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Fred, who we all know is so talented, wins the 2018 funniest remark for his boa-constrictor comment. It really cracked me up!
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Joe to Anyone
06-01-2018
03:26 PM ET (US) IP: 71.225.163.141
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This is probably a dumb question, and one I have brought up before….but I still need some clarity. Mario, like all singers, prerecorded his sound track for his movies. And then when the movie part required, he either sang the lyrics again or simply mouthed them and the studio cut in his previously sung lyric. Now the synchronization is so good that I believe he actually sang the words (probably very softly?). If so, then there are singing tracks we are not aware of (even though not at full voice). Can anyone bring me up to speed on this?. Thanks, Joe
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Deleted by topic administrator 06-01-2018 07:40 PM
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Fred Day
06-01-2018
06:51 AM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Gail: "Oh Fred!!" That's what Ethel Mertz used to say to her husband on the old "I Love Lucy" show. Brings back memories. But, in real life, they hated each other!! Ciao.
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Messages 52116-52115 deleted by author between 06-01-2018 06:58 AM and 05-31-2018 06:36 PM |
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Stephen of Las Vegas
05-30-2018
06:53 PM ET (US) IP: 68.96.227.110
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Looks like the PBS Perry Como special is on either June 1, June 2, or June 3, depending on the market. It may be repeated online at PBS and someone may post it on Youtube afterwards.
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Messages 52113-52112 deleted by author 05-30-2018 04:26 PM |
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Gail Swartz
05-29-2018
10:39 AM ET (US) IP: 74.6.130.123
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Oh, Fred!!! Glad that Mario did not have any constrictor s in his voice! I marvel at his freedom in any vocal and genre output...especially his chuckle and giggle in the recording studio and the films. Wish that his time with the children had been taped.Blessings on all of you!
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Messages 52110-52109 deleted by author 05-29-2018 11:55 AM |
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Fred Day
05-29-2018
03:07 AM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Yes, it was Alfie Boe. I'm glad he does not have a tight, constricted tone. If he did, he would be a Boe constrictor. Ciao.
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David Weaver
05-28-2018
10:24 PM ET (US) IP: 98.31.1.186
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Spammers begone.
I didn't see the Memorial Day concert, but the tenor slated to appear was Alfie Boe, who was a sensation as Valjean in "Les Miserables."
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Fred Day
05-28-2018
11:27 AM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Martino: Yes, I saw that doco - excellent. Robert Merrill once told this story about Leontyne Price. Once in a performance of Aida, when Amonasro (Merrill) came onstage, captured, with 3 seedy looking extras (his army), he whispered to Price: "With this army, it's no wonder I lost the war!" She whispered: "Please Bob, don't make me laugh!" I can picture that vividly. Ciao.
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Deleted by topic administrator 05-28-2018 10:15 PM
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Martino
05-28-2018
09:05 AM ET (US) IP: 104.255.4.145
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Speaking of PBS, they recently presented a Great Performances show titled "The Opera House". It was broadcast in my market on May 25th and featured Leontyne Price. It was a pictorial history of the new MET at Lincoln Center, how it was designed, the problems in land acquisition and in the construction of the structure itself and a general over view of the cultural life in NYC during the '50s and '60s.
There was plenty of music and some fantastic footage from the stage of the opera house, both the old MET and the new one. Rudolf Bing, the MET's Impresario at the time, gave several interviews that were filmed and that give a good idea and insight of how the new MET came to be. Only one tenor was mentioned very much and that was Franco Corelli. Price told a story of when they were singing together in Europe and Bing attended one of their performances (in Verona I believe she said). He came back stage and "demanded" they both appear at the MET in the same performance and he would take no for an answer. In 1961, both Corelli and Price made their MET debut in Il Trovatore and a new chapter of MET history began. Price said the problem with singing with Corelli was that he was an "Adonis" and she could hardly concentrate on the music! There were several other references and photos of Corelli and I suppose he was mentioned so predominately because he was the star tenor during the transition from the old opera house to the new - which was what this show was really all about. Check your listings as it might be broadcast again sometime soon.
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Fred Day
05-28-2018
07:20 AM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Kristine: I'm still here. I didn't see the PBS Memorial Day concert, maybe David knows who was the tenor who sang. David will soon delete the 10 spam messages. Happy Memorial Day. Ciao.
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Kristine
05-28-2018
06:47 AM ET (US) IP: 173.169.36.195
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Where are everybody from Mario Lanza Forum ? Something must be done about all these comments not related to the forum ! I wish everybody an enjoyable Memorial Day, though, we know the true meaning of it. Last night, on PBS, there was the annual Memorial Day Concert. There was a tenor performing, I didn't catch his name.
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Messages 52101-52086 deleted by author between 05-28-2018 10:16 PM and 05-26-2018 12:19 AM |
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Gail Swartz
05-25-2018
09:51 AM ET (US) IP: 74.6.135.42
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Good news...my PBS will have the Perry Como document on June 1. Listening and wishing all of you could hear Mario on some "raw" cassettes that I am blessed to have...his voice is so full and rich..his recording demeanor is relaxed, and his LOB is truly wonderful. Have a great weekend...looks like coastal AL will be WET!!!
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Messages 52084-52080 deleted by author between 05-26-2018 12:19 AM and 05-26-2018 12:18 AM |
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Fred Day
05-24-2018
12:11 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Thanks, David. I look forward to that Como special on PBS. Ciao.
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David Weaver
05-24-2018
11:25 AM ET (US) IP: 156.63.68.184
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The Como special debuts June 2, but as always, airing dates and times vary by PBS station markets. So to use the old catch phrase, "Check your local listings." Broadway World did a preview about the show, built around 14 of Como's biggest hits:
https://www.broadwayworld.com/bwwtv/articl...PBS-June-2-20180521
Of course the thing that makes a show like this possible: so many clippings of Como from his decades of being on television.
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Fred Day
05-24-2018
08:50 AM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Ron Sarbo: I presume that Perry Como PBS program is a new doco, probably 90 minutes?? I definitely want to catch it, for sure!! Thanks. Ciao.
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Messages 52076-52075 deleted by author 05-24-2018 11:19 AM |
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Ronald Sarbo
05-23-2018
03:58 PM ET (US) IP: 207.38.144.153
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"Perry Como Classics: Till The End Of Time" to air on PBS in June. Hosted by Peter Marshall and Nick Clooney.
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Messages 52073-52066 deleted by author between 05-20-2018 02:03 AM and 05-17-2018 02:08 PM |
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Phil uk
05-17-2018
10:18 AM ET (US) IP: 78.32.131.250
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To Derek McGovern & the Sepia guys.At the risk of sounding like an 8 track on repeat play(remember those) i was listening AGAIN to THE KING interpreting Frederico's lament on the rehearsal vid.NO ONE sings like this & that last note is out of this world,you have to put this onto commercial cd for all to listen & marvel.The pause's can be edited by Mr Cherry(who does a great job on the other cds)& the sound can be enhanced somewhat.So Derek to shut me up please try to include this on a future presentation.This is Mario at his most explosive.Nuff said for now.Take care.
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Deleted by topic administrator 05-17-2018 09:49 AM
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Martino
05-16-2018
07:16 AM ET (US) IP: 104.255.4.145
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May 17 will mark the anniversary of the 100th birthday of the great dramatic soprano Birgit Nilsson. There is nothing I can say in addition about her that has not been said before. Nilsson was a tremendous singer whose legacy still shines bright in the world of opera. She was mostly known as a Wagnerian specialist but also sang many Italian roles and with great distinction, especially "Turandot". Many have said she was the greatest "Turandot" of all time and to listen to her performances of this role confirms that opinion. She once said, "Isolde made me famous but Turandot made me rich".
To celebrate the birthday event tomorrow, Sirius will play several MET archive broadcasts of Nilsson in some of her famous roles (Electra, Turandot, Tosca). The Turandot will be especially great as it marks the historic first broadcast from the newly opened MET Opera house at Lincoln Center. The date of this broadcast is 12/3/1966, and is considered one of the best ever performances of Puccini's opera. This performance has never been released to Sirius (as far as I know) until this week and I guess it was saved especially for this occasion. It also stars Franco Corelli, who is simply magnificent beyond words as Calaf, and the vocally shimmering Mirella Freni, as Liu. The conductor is the young Zubin Metha.
I have heard this performance from other sources and it is not to be missed. It is without a doubt the most electrifying performance of Turandot I have ever heard - or ever will hear. A subscription to Sirius would be worth it for this performance alone. Check your local zones for time.
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Deleted by topic administrator 05-16-2018 04:31 PM
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David Weaver
05-15-2018
12:57 PM ET (US) IP: 156.63.68.184
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Maybe all Andrew recalls is that it was one of those Italian singers who has a last name ending with the letters "nza," which both Lanza and Pinza do.
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Messages 52060-52059 deleted by author 05-15-2018 12:52 PM |
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Fred Day
05-14-2018
09:13 AM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Lanza used to sing a fragment of Some Enchanted Evening when he did his Pinza impression, but no recording of that exists. Ciao.
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Fred Day
05-14-2018
09:10 AM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Dennis: Sorry, I have nothing on youtube. Ciao.
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Doug
05-13-2018
08:06 PM ET (US) IP: 71.215.109.110
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A.L. Webber has, perhaps, a vivid imagination rather than a vivid memory. It's too bad Mario didn't record "Some Enchanted Evening". It's a song right up his alley, that he could have done extremely well....(as long as it would not be destined for the 'Lanza on Broadway' album). Edited 05-13-2018 08:37 PM
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Kristine
05-13-2018
05:39 PM ET (US) IP: 173.169.36.195
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Giorgio Tozzi would later play Emile deBecque in a production of "South Pacific" with Florence Henderson as Nellie Forbush.
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Doug
05-13-2018
05:34 PM ET (US) IP: 71.215.109.110
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Gail, the singing voice of Rossano Brazzi in the SP movie was Georgio Tozzi. A Met basso from the late '50's to the 70's or 80's.
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Kristine
05-13-2018
05:19 PM ET (US) IP: 173.169.36.195
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Happy Mother's Day ! Mario Lanza didn't sing "Some Enchanted Evening". He sang "This Nearly Was Mine" and "Younger Than Springtime' from "South Pacific". Besides,Ezio Pinza singing it, Perry Como and Paul Robeson sang it. A little trivia about "South Pacific". George Sanders was first chosen to play Emile deBecque, he had a baritone singing voice. But he withdrew from it. Originally, "Getting To Know You" was the song intended for Lt. Cable to sing to Liat, after they spent the night, together. But it didn't fit for that scene. So, instead, "Younger Than Springtime" was written and it did fit the scene. "Getting To Know You" was put in "The King and I"(Doretta Morrow played Tuptim in Broadway Production). The family, of Oscar Hammerstein II , would like to open a museum in his name, on the farm, he owned in Doylestown, Pennsylvania(I think it's in Bucks County). I wish it much success ! Kitty Carlise Hart and Moss Hart had a house in Bucks County and late Barry Nelson retired to Bucks County. Nelson made movies at M-G-M in the 1940's, knew Mario Lanza, was married to Teresa Celli(who was in "The Great Caruso"). He had dated Janet Leigh(she mentioned meeting Mario Lanza, through Barry, in her autobiography, "There Really Was A Hollywood"). Barry Nelson was the first James Bond, co-starring Linda Christian(who was married to Tyrone Power)on t.v. in early '50's. Prayers for Hawaii, regarding the volcano.
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Gail Swartz
05-13-2018
04:42 PM ET (US) IP: 74.6.134.124
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I do not recall that Mario ever sang or recorded Some Enchanted Evening. I think Enzio Pinza did, or even Rossini Brasso did....for the movie South Pacific.anyone.
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Ray
05-13-2018
12:42 PM ET (US) IP: 88.106.139.52
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I've just started reading the new Andrew Lloyd Webber autobiography. He tells of his vivid memory of his father playing Mario Lanza's recording of Some Enchanted Evening to him.
Oops!
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Dennis
05-12-2018
06:43 PM ET (US) IP: 73.170.201.215
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Fred Day, Jim's recent post whetted my appetite again. Do you happen to have any music on YouTube where one could listen to you or you with Thompson?
As to the trolls, I must admit that they are sometimes good for a chuckle until they are deleted. Gertie the Troll say she has bookmarked our site! Yeah, really likely. And Dirk the Troll gives a boilerplate intro to his post and then neglects to list his site that he is hawking. LOL
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Jim Thompson
05-12-2018
09:15 AM ET (US) IP: 69.123.160.19
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Always good to hear from you via this site. Fred. Ah, if we could only get to the piano with your excellent accompaniment and sing our "songbook"! Thank God for the old cassettes which I have of my singing with you. As someone said...thanks for the memories!!
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Deleted by topic administrator 05-13-2018 01:38 AM
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Fred Day
05-11-2018
05:33 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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I asked a friend, "Do I look like I'm pushing 75?" He replied, "No, you look like you are dragging it!!" As Rodney Dangerfield would say, "I don't get no respect!!" C'est la vie. Ciao.
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Fred Day
05-11-2018
05:20 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Jim: I'm still here. Jim and I have been personal friends since 1966, I believe. That was in Massachusetts. I moved to Florida in 1976. Ciao.
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Jim Thompson
05-11-2018
04:18 PM ET (US) IP: 69.123.160.19
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I miss all the writers of old who dispensed much interesting info on Mario Lanza on this site. There are always nuggets which are new when dug up by the right folks. I will soon pass along some information on how to listen to my new series of "Mario Lanza and Friends" internet and radio shows.
Happy Mother's Day to all Mothers with us and in Heaven!
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Messages 52044-52043 deleted by author between 05-13-2018 01:38 AM and 05-09-2018 03:17 PM |
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Len (UK)
05-09-2018
12:52 PM ET (US) IP: 86.169.160.35
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Phil,
Laugh, Clown, Laugh was originally a 1928 silent Lon Chaney MGM movie. See https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Laugh,_Clown,_Laugh Maybe they intended to rehash it as a musical. Mario's untimely death may have spared us a hideous mistake; I can not imagine what the outcome would have been (apart from Mario's awesome voice!).
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Phil uk
05-09-2018
05:47 AM ET (US) IP: 78.32.131.250
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Does anyone know the storyline for "laugh clown laugh" i know this was to be the next movie for Mario,also what was the musical content.
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Messages 52040-52038 deleted by author between 05-09-2018 09:27 AM and 05-08-2018 09:58 AM |
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Doug
05-06-2018
11:42 PM ET (US) IP: 71.215.109.110
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Ah! You're right Gail. Getting the movies mixed up. That Otello excerpt with Licia Albanese in "Serenade" is one of the best things in any ML movie.
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Gail Swartz
05-06-2018
06:11 PM ET (US) IP: 204.29.186.2
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Doug, look for the movie For The First Time for the trio . In Serenade, Mario had no trio, but he did sing a duet with Jean Finn and the Otello duet with Alicia Albanese. See if you can get your VHS put on DVD.
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Doug
05-06-2018
05:41 PM ET (US) IP: 71.215.109.110
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I haven's seen the movie in a long time...(Serenade).. but I recall a snippet of a trio from "Cosi fan tutte" which was quite good. I must somehow listen to it again. I have "Serenade" on VHS but alas no longer have a VHS player.
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Gail Swartz
05-06-2018
05:37 PM ET (US) IP: 204.29.186.68
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Thank you, David. Mario sang so many arias that I was hoping that this was one that was ready to be 're-discovered.I am so grateful that he recorded the ones he did, and filmed the arias in his movies.
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David Weaver
05-05-2018
06:45 PM ET (US) IP: 98.31.1.186
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Except for that scene in "Serenade," Mario did not commercially record the aria "Il mio tesoro" from Mozart's DON GIOVANNI. It's one of the most lyric pieces in all opera, and not ideally suited to Mario's voice and style, which was more romantic and dramatic. Truth be told, it's not Domingo's forte, either. It's generally considered that the definitive performance of "Il mio tesoro" was by John McCormack, and his recording of it was added by the Library of Congress to the National Recording Registry in 2006. Edited 05-05-2018 06:46 PM
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Gail Swartz
05-05-2018
12:45 AM ET (US) IP: 204.29.186.64
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Went to an estate sale...bought a Domingo cd of his greatest hits.listened..noticed one aria was the one Mario could not sing in Serenade...now I know why the other singers were shaking their heads at Mario. Mario really had to work hard to mess this up this aria....did he record it correctly ..Is it on any of the cds already out?
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Doug
05-04-2018
08:46 PM ET (US) IP: 71.215.109.110
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Diane: I was 8 when I first heard 'the voice'. My parents had taken me with them to a Sunday matinee showing of TGC. They always said that I was never the same after that. I'm 74 now, so 'the voice' has been with me for 66 wonderful years.
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Diane Cox
05-04-2018
07:21 PM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.66
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Thanks Dennis. Been thinking the same, but am getting aggravated with the trolls.
Only 12 or so when I heard that miraculous voice - tried to listen to some others on the Sat and Sun classical programs on the radio - but there was no comparison to the emotions the Lanza voice provoked. I'm now 79 and it still gives me goosebumps or creates tears.
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Dennis
05-04-2018
05:24 PM ET (US) IP: 73.170.201.215
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Happy May Day everyone. This has nothing to do with Mario, but since no one else has posted for 8 days except trolls, I thought we needed a shoutout from someone who knows Lanza and loves his voice.
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Messages 52028-52022 deleted by author between 05-04-2018 09:44 PM and 04-27-2018 02:33 PM |
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Gail Swartz
04-26-2018
08:52 AM ET (US) IP: 204.29.186.8
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Good morning, Mario fans. Listening to Poetry and Passion cd...when Mario started "love me tonight" I almost lost it. He sang so emotionally charged. If I had been there at the recording session I would have gone to hug him !
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Messages 52020-52017 deleted by author between 04-27-2018 02:33 PM and 04-24-2018 09:23 AM |
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Bill Ronayne
04-22-2018
10:53 PM ET (US) IP: 69.122.148.209
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The Mario Lanza Institute would like to thank all those that attended our Mario Lanza Museum Benefit Luncheon today as well as those that made donations. It was a successful afternoon filled with fine food and great music including a special surprise performance by tenor Dominick Chenes. Mario Lanza was heard in a variety of recorded songs as well as seen in operatic selections from his films and a television appearance. Photos of the event will be posted on our web site soon. Best. Bill Edited 04-22-2018 11:06 PM
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Diane Cox
04-22-2018
07:03 PM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.66
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Anna and her husband have been performing together all the past year - he has improved some since singing with her, but he is not in the 'great' category, which she certainly is.
Kristine - surely they can't ignore The Great Caruso or the impact he made at the box office.
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Kristine
04-22-2018
06:44 PM ET (US) IP: 173.169.36.195
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In June, TCM will have a look at The Hollywood Musical, from 1930's to 1970's. There will be a free online course, in conjunction with Ball University, in conjunction with TCM, about The Hollywood Musical. Last year , there was such a course about Film Noir. I don't know if any of Mario Lanza's movies will be included in a look at The Hollywood Musical on TCM.
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Martino to Diane
04-22-2018
06:00 PM ET (US) IP: 104.255.4.145
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I also read the review and it was indeed a rave one. She must have done a superb job of this benchmark role. With this and a few of her other recent roles showing a move from lyric to dramatic, she has officially arrived as a true Prima Donna. Marcello Alvarez was suppose to sing the role of Mario in this series but Netrebko's husband is taking over with no explanation given for the switch. I really don't think an explanation is necessary in this case. I would like to hear him to see if he is worthy of such an event.
Reminds me a bit of Montserrate Caballe and her tenor husband, Bernabe Marti. I heard Marti in person once and he was not too bad but certainly not in the class of his wife. The opposite was true of Franco Corelli and his singer wife, Loretta, who was wise enough not to sing anymore as she could do only secondary roles and theaters, and rather managed her husband (both his major career and his major temperament!). Roberto Alagna and his soprano wife, Angela Gheorghiu, were that rare couple that were pretty much equals.
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Diane Cox
04-22-2018
04:49 PM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.66
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Anna Netrebko has debuted as Tosca on the Met stage, and received a rave review from the NY Times. Her husband sang Caravadossi.
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Fred Day
04-20-2018
06:17 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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I agree - good idea!! Ciao.
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Kristine
04-20-2018
05:51 PM ET (US) IP: 173.169.36.195
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Maybe Progresso Soups should have Mario Lanza singing during their t.v. commercials.
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Fred Day
04-20-2018
11:55 AM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Perhaps the soup in Madrid is very good. I like Italian soup, such as pasta fasule with beef. So did Lanza, I am sure. Ciao.
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RenseWebmaster 04-20-2018
11:13 AM ET (US) IP: 156.63.68.209
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There were several spam messages and "Jack" was a ringer from Madrid, Spain. They've been deleted.
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Deleted by topic administrator 04-20-2018 11:10 AM
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Chris Johns
04-20-2018
10:03 AM ET (US) IP: 69.142.223.152
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Glad to hear Progresso is now making gourmet soup..can hardly wait to try it.
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Deleted by topic administrator 04-20-2018 11:10 AM
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Gail Swartz
04-20-2018
02:10 AM ET (US) IP: 204.29.186.6
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Jacquette, have you even listened or viewed Mario Lanza?If not, please leave this site for his fans!!!!
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Deleted by topic administrator 04-20-2018 11:10 AM
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Fred Day
04-19-2018
10:30 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Jack: Is that good or bad?? Progresso makes a very good soup, better than Campbell's. Ciao.
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Diane Cox
04-19-2018
08:13 PM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.66
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Jack, you're welcome to your opinion, but what you have here are people who have been Lanza devotees for many years - and consider him the voice to compare all others to. If you want to discuss specifics, you will get all the info you can handle, and then some.
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Deleted by topic administrator 04-20-2018 11:12 AM
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Doug
04-19-2018
01:07 PM ET (US) IP: 71.215.168.43
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Fred: Lay some heavy hints among your family and friends a month or so before your birthday or Christmas! Miracles DO happen!
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Fred Day
04-19-2018
05:31 AM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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I would love to have a copy of the new Caruso book by Aldo Mancusi, (hard cover, only 100 pages), but it is very expensive - $75.00!! Unfortunately, I can't afford it. Pity. Ciao.
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Chris Johns
04-18-2018
07:09 PM ET (US) IP: 69.142.223.152
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Here is the book
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Chris Johns
04-18-2018
07:08 PM ET (US) IP: 69.142.223.152
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Hello Everyone,
Hope all is well. I was Blessed to be at the Met Saturday for Luisa Miller. It was wonderful!!
Everyone was fantastic, but Placido was PHENOMENAL!!!
Here is a photo of Gloria Caruso Murry’s son, Eric with his family, at The Enrico Caruso Museum of America, taken in 1998.
Also a photo of the new book that Aldo Mancusi wrote. It is Aldo’s story of why and how he created this one of a kind temple of love and admiration for the Great Caruso. It’s filled with wonderful stories and photographs of Caruso, his family and of the collection it self.
I loved every minute of reading this book. It’s a must have
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David Weaver
04-17-2018
10:38 AM ET (US) IP: 156.63.68.209
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Colin Murray, now 69, still lives in Jacksonville, FL. Eric - his first name meant to be a variation of Enrico - is 73. Aldo Mancusi had Eric as a guest when the Enrico Caruso Museum in New York City celebrated its 25th anniversary a few years ago. Perhaps Bill Ronayne would something, since he and Aldo are friends and Aldo has come to a number of Bill's lunches.
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Kristine
04-17-2018
06:47 AM ET (US) IP: 173.169.36.195
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No, I don't know if that's the same baby. By the way, Sherry Jackson played Caruso's first girl friend , as a child, in "The Great Caruso". She also was one of the children in the movie "Miracle Of Our Lady of Fatima", and later, was on "Make Room For Daddy".
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Diane Cox
04-16-2018
11:59 PM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.66
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Realized that Doug - but it was too late to delete my post. Sorry, will try to keep up better.
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Doug
04-16-2018
05:47 PM ET (US) IP: 71.215.168.43
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Diane: We're talking about the film "The Great Caruso". Not the posted photo.
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Doug
04-16-2018
05:00 PM ET (US) IP: 71.215.168.43
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Another historical inaccuracy in the TGC film occurs in this party scene...... they give the impression that "Because" is Caruso's newest recording. He recorded that song in 1912, long before Gloria, or Dorothy for that matter, were on the scene. BTW....Kristine......is the newborn baby in bed with Dorothy earlier in the film and the baby at the party the same child? I'll bet you know, don't you?
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Diane Cox
04-16-2018
05:00 PM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.66
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The caption with the photo here says it's Gloria.
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Doug
04-16-2018
04:34 PM ET (US) IP: 71.215.168.43
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Interesting and sad that she and EC Jr. both lived in Jacksonville, FL. but never saw or communicated with each other except once, as EC Jr. writes, "she graciously accepted my invitation" to his second marriage, in 1982. Kristine: If anybody knows who the baby was......it's YOU!!
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Kristine
04-16-2018
04:20 PM ET (US) IP: 173.169.36.195
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Eric Murray has visited The Enrico Caruso Museum in N.Y. Does anyone know who the baby was, Caruso(Lanza)is holding, while they are listening to "Because" on the Victrola , in that scene ?
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Diane Cox
04-16-2018
02:10 PM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.66
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Gloria's sons are named Eric D Murray and Colin D. Murray - could not find info on either.
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Martino to Doug
04-16-2018
01:23 PM ET (US) IP: 104.255.4.145
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Nope, don't know a thing about Gloria's sons but they might still be alive. That transition from horn to the record was interesting. I don't know if that is the real method used at the time to make the transfers but it might have been.
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Doug
04-16-2018
12:23 PM ET (US) IP: 71.215.168.43
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Martino: I found the articles on Gloria! Sorry to read that she passed away some years ago at age 79. Edited 04-16-2018 12:32 PM
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Doug
04-16-2018
12:07 PM ET (US) IP: 71.215.168.43
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Martino: I was thinking specifically of the scene just before the one you refer to where he is in the recording studio singing into a horn and then seeing the machine cutting into the wax disc. They made a nice transition from the spinning disk in the studio to the spinning record on Caruso's Victrola. I didn't know about Gloria trying to be a singer. I know his son, EC Jr., had some small success in that regard. I don't suppose Gloria is still alive....would be around 98 now I guess. Also had not seen that particular picture of Gloria and EC. Thanks for posting it! Gloria had two sons that I know of. Do you have any info on them to share?
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Martino to Doug
04-16-2018
11:41 AM ET (US) IP: 104.255.4.145
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Photo of Caruso with Gloria.
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Martino to Doug
04-16-2018
11:31 AM ET (US) IP: 104.255.4.145
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Yes, I love that scene from the movie especially while Caruso is holding his daughter, Gloria. It is interesting to read the story of Gloria Caruso and her life after her father died; I don't think she was even two years old when he died and only knew him through his legacy and legend. I won't go into her full story here but look it up and I think you will find it interesting. When Caruso looked down her throat he proclaimed she had vocal chords just like his. That put the pressure on her for many years as the public demanded to hear the voice of Caruso's child. She tried to have a singing career (and was even coached by the great tenor, John McCormack) but unfortunately she had no such voice.
Have you also noticed during his singing of "Because" the actors in that scene were set by the director in a very contrived portrait-like look? You can see a couple shots where every stance of the listeners and every tilt of their head was perfectly orchestrated and it really looked like a sitting portrait rather than a scene in a motion picture. That would be considered cheesy in these days of "al naturale" film making, but that kind of screen mosaic was often used by movie directors back then.
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Doug
04-16-2018
08:26 AM ET (US) IP: 71.215.168.43
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Martino: 'Because' was the first ML recording I ever owned. I was 7 or 8 years old. 45 RPM, red vinyl, B side was 'For You Alone". I love the scene in the movie when (Caruso) was recording it. It's one of the few historically accurate things in the whole flick.
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Gail Swartz
04-15-2018
11:57 PM ET (US) IP: 204.29.186.18
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My favorite is Granada. I need to say that my real favorite is the one that I am listening to at that given moment.
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Diane Cox
04-15-2018
11:18 PM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.66
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Recondita, and E Lucevan le Estella.
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Martino to Doug
04-15-2018
09:46 PM ET (US) IP: 104.255.4.145
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Because (TGC). When I first heard it I said to myself that no one, ever, sang like that before.
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Doug
04-15-2018
07:52 PM ET (US) IP: 71.215.168.43
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Well, it's not "those" fans and connoisseurs anymore.....they have passed on to oblivion. (RIP!) As far as singing opera, listen to ML's extended excerpt from "Otello" in Serenade. It is just awesome. It has always been my favorite, A-#1 recording of his. No one can say he couldn't have been tenore primo on the world's opera stages if things had worked out differently. Perhaps we've been through this before but, what is everyones' single, favorite ML recording? Edited 04-15-2018 08:43 PM
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Martino to Gail
04-15-2018
06:19 PM ET (US) IP: 104.255.4.145
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I think most of Mario's critics at the time were opera buffs who either thought Lanza was a product of movie and recording gimmickry or who were simply upset at him for "wasting" his voice outside the opera house. I don't think people criticized his singing of "pop" songs, either those in Italian or English. There may have been a few people I suppose that felt his approach was too startling with some of those old tunes perhaps but I think those old songs as well as his singing the songs of his generation are what made him famous. It was always the opera end of things that people found fault with. Today, it is the opposite. It is precisely those opera fans and connoisseurs of the vocal arts that now understand what a great voice he possessed and they appreciate his opera singing more than ever.
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Gail Swartz
04-15-2018
05:41 PM ET (US) IP: 204.29.186.5
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To Martino and Fred...wondering..if Mario put a modern touch on some of the old songs, maybe his critics were unknd because they felt he had messed up their songs. Some of the songs of our 60s and later are being recycled now into almost unrecognizable ones. No matter what they do no one will ever sing like Mario Lanza!!!
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Martino to Fred
04-15-2018
03:17 PM ET (US) IP: 104.255.4.145
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I agree, Fred, Lanza sang all those songs from "New Moon" like they had never been sung before. It should be pointed out that the more famous "New Moon" starring MacDonald/Eddy was the second movie adapted from Romberg's operetta. The first, about ten years earlier, starred Grace Moore and Lawrence Tibbett. Listen to Eddy and Tibbett (various selections from "New Moon" are on youtube) and although they are very good, the sound of Mario Lanza was so much fresher with better diction and more feeling for the words. This goes to the point I have made many times, that Mario Lanza brought a "modern" sound and approach to old tunes that made them relevant to his generation and those to follow.
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Fred Day
04-15-2018
08:57 AM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Martino: The 3rd song from "New Moon" was Softly As In A Morning Sunrise, an old favorite, sung by many, but especially fine by Lanza. Ciao.
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Diane Cox
04-14-2018
03:40 PM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.66
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Thought I might go, but bad weather was predicted so made no effort. So far, no bad weather, either.
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Fred Day
04-14-2018
09:33 AM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Today's Met opera broadcast is Verdi's Luisa Miller, with soprano Sonya Yoncheva, tenor Piotr Beczala, and Placido Domingo in the baritone role. Beczala is one of today's best tenors. It starts at 12:30 pm eastern time - a half hour earlier than usual. Enjoy. Ciao.
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Kristine
04-14-2018
07:07 AM ET (US) IP: 173.169.36.195
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There is a Mac/Eddy Fan Club, headed by Sharon Rich, who wrote the book "Singing Sweethearts"(about Mac/Eddy). So far, they haven't been on postage stamps, yet. Jeanette MacDonald was married to Gene Raymond, who resembled Nelson Eddy, a little. Raymond made movies with Ann Sothern, back in the 1930's. Jeanette MacDonald was, also, from Philadelphia and her sister, Blossom Rock played Grandmama on the '60's tv sitcom, "The Addams Family". Blossom appeared in movies, at M-G-M, using the name,Mary Blake. The tv version of "The Desert Song" starring Nelson Eddy and his later, singing partner, Gale Sherwood, is out on DVD.
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Emely
04-14-2018
05:55 AM ET (US) IP: 107.173.29.42
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Maintain the ɡood job аnd generating tһe gгoup! Ηere іs mｙ homepagе Edited 04-14-2018 05:55 AM
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Diane Cox
04-13-2018
06:22 PM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.66
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DVR'd three Jane Powell movies a couple nights ago. Two were mid fifties, at the end of the Hollywood musical phase, and I must admit, the plots were thin and the music inane. But I enjoyed seeing Jane mature, and even heard some stories about her that I missed in my teens.
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Martino
04-13-2018
05:20 PM ET (US) IP: 104.255.4.145
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Between 1935 and 1942, the popular singing stars Jeanette MacDonald and Nelson Eddy made 8 motion pictures together. Some of these films we have talked about before here and some are good enough that they will never be forgotten. On Tuesday, April 17, TCM will show in order of their release all the movies they made together except one - "New Moon". Why that one film was omitted I have no idea, maybe time restraints because it is not a bad film. It is Romberg after all and a few of his best songs are featured, such as those sung by Mario Lanza years later - "Wanting You", "Lover Come Back To Me", and one or two others. In any event, MacDonald/Eddy fans will delight in seeing all their other films and they will be presented in the best sound and picture available. Check the TCM schedule for your local times.
Once again, a reminder to stream those you want to see but missed by using the "Watch TCM" app I have spoken about several times in previous discussions. The other day was Errol Flynn day and I missed it. I always enjoyed watching Flynn movies and I was able to catch a couple the following day by using this streaming app. Because many of TCM's movies are shown at weird hours (at least it seems that way for the films I want to see), this app has become a very convenient feature.
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Messages 51966-51963 deleted by author between 04-13-2018 12:38 PM and 04-09-2018 03:29 PM |
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Kristine
04-07-2018
06:48 AM ET (US) IP: 173.169.36.195
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Martino, thank you. I have a Mario Lanza T-Shirt, which was purchased from The Mario Lanza Museum.
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Diane Cox
04-07-2018
01:10 AM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.66
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Gail, are there any in particular you would like to have?
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Gail Swartz
04-06-2018
11:10 PM ET (US) IP: 204.29.186.62
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I wore my Mario t-shirt to a big estate sale and had several people ask where I had gotten it. Maybe they will look Mario Lanza up on the internet and rediscover him and his music. I always check the boxes of LPs for ML recordings. No luck today! I do not know what kind of weather you are having in your area, but it is a lovely Spring here in south Alabama!
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Martino to Kristine
04-06-2018
07:42 PM ET (US) IP: 104.255.4.145
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Your knowledge of these old movies and their stars sometimes astounds me.
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Kristine
04-06-2018
05:03 PM ET (US) IP: 173.169.36.195
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Martino, I have seen "The Gay Desperado" and agree with you. Leo Carrillo was also in "Love Me, Forever" with Grace Moore and played Tony Pastor in "Lillian Russell" with Alice Faye. My late parents and I met his brother, Ottie Carrillo, who was a realtor in Santa Monica, years ago. He had a photo of his brother, Leo in his office. Leo Carrillo was later on t.v.'s "The Cisco Kid" with Duncan Renaldo. I received the latest TCM Catalog. They sell DVD's of vintage movies, etc. After you open it, on the first page, you see, are some of Mario Lanza's movies: "That Midnight Kiss", "The Toast of New Orleans", and the DVD of the documentary, "Mario Lanza: The Best of Everything(which I have). For some reason, WEDU-PBS TV, Tampa, Fla. so far, hasn't showed it. Maybe it's a matter of funding. Perhaps, they didn't have the money to acquire or rent it. Nino Martini also made another movie "Here's To Romance". By the way, Erik Rhodes, who, also, was in "Music For Madame", had a tenor voice, had a tenor voice. He, sometimes, played an Italian with an accent, in some of the Astaire-Rogers movies. During World War II, he worked with an intelligence unit, I think. In the early 1960's, he appeared on "Car 54, Where Are You ?" sometimes.
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Martino to Kristine
04-06-2018
02:07 PM ET (US) IP: 104.255.4.145
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The other day we were talking about TCM and all the musicals they had on tap for last Friday. One of the movies shown was "Music For Madame", staring Metropolitan opera tenor Nino Martini, and Joan Fontaine. A year or two before he made "Music For Madame", Martini was featured in the film farce, "The Gay Desperado", co-staring the honoree you mentioned, Ida Lupino. I have "The Gay Desperado" DVD and watch it every now and then. Although Lupino would have probably wanted to forget this movie, I thought the singing of Martini was darn good with the highlight being "The World is Mine Tonight", which Mario Lanza sang years later with great success.
As good as Martini was, and Lupino wasn't bad either, IMO, "The Gay Desperado" belonged to the great character actor, Leo Carrillo, who played the hysterical (maybe "crazed" is a better word) role of "Braganza", the music-loving Mexican bandit who fell incessantly in love with Martini's voice. The movie is worth the watch just to see Carrillo's antics.
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Kristine
04-06-2018
07:17 AM ET (US) IP: 173.169.36.195
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Happy Birthday, Jim ! I, too, hope Sam Samuelian and wife, Anna are well. The UCLA Film and TV Archive is honoring Ida Lupino and her movies. She ,also, was a director. I have written to them about showing Mario Lanza's movies. Maybe if more of his fans write to UCLA Film and TV Archives, they will have a retrospect about him. UCLA Film and TV Archive is also planning to restore a Laurel &Hardy movie short "Perfect Day"(1929). They have honored director Michael Curtiz, too. UCLA Film and TV Archive is part of UCLA(University College of Los Angeles)in Westwood-Los Angeles, Calif. Have an enjoyable week-end.
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Fred Day
04-06-2018
02:13 AM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Haven't heard from Sam Samuelian in quite a long while. Hope he is okay and posts here soon. Best wishes always, and to his wife Anna, also. Ciao.
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Fred Day
04-06-2018
02:02 AM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Happy Birthday and many more, to Jim Gary Owens in Springfield, Ohio, long a staunch Lanza fan. I hope he is okay, and hope he posts here soon. Best wishes always, and to his wife Cindy, also. Ciao.
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Diane Cox
04-04-2018
12:18 PM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.66
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Troll taking a different tack.
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Doug
04-04-2018
09:35 AM ET (US) IP: 71.215.168.43
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What?
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Deleted by topic administrator 04-05-2018 11:27 AM
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Len (UK)
04-02-2018
06:40 AM ET (US) IP: 86.168.107.215
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Last evening we treated my wife’s sister-in-law to a concert by Russell Watson (she is a huge fan). He is what Kire Te Kanawa has described as a faux tenor; someone who has not necessarily put in the years of slog in an opera company but who has a following singing arias and crooning.
However, he gains my approval because he inevitably references Lanza as an early inspiration. Whatever anyone thinks of the likes of Russell Watson and also Paul Potts, the fact that they constantly draw attention to Lanza may introduce a new generation to Mario so that the legacy carries on.
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Deleted by topic administrator 04-01-2018 12:12 PM
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Diane Cox
03-31-2018
06:15 PM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.66
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1951 Production, published by Ziff-Davis. #5 of 6 issues. Amazon has one for 12.99.
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Kristine
03-31-2018
04:51 PM ET (US) IP: 173.169.36.195
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That was an interesting comic book about Mario Lanza. I remember years ago, there were comic book versions of entertainers' lives. I had a comic book about Annette Funicello's life. There were comic book editions of Martin &Lewis, Bob Hope, The Three Stooges, "I Love Lucy", comic book versions of t.v. shows like "Bonanza", "Sugarfoot", and movies like "King of Kings"(Jeff Hunter version in 1961). Does anyone remember the Classics Illustrated Comic Books ? They were comic book versions of famous, classic novels, fairy tales. Superb artwork, too. Happy Easter and Blessed Passover, everybody ! "The Ten Commandments"(Charlton Heston)is on ABC, tonight. Tomorrow night, NBC will show the t.v. version of the Broadway Musical, "Jesus Christ, Superstar".
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Martino to Victor
03-31-2018
03:28 PM ET (US) IP: 104.255.4.145
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That is interesting. A bit hard to follow but if it were a Marvel comic they would make a movie of it, just like Iron Man! I never saw that comic before. You might want to hold on to it as it could be worth some money.
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Victor Oraham
03-31-2018
02:00 PM ET (US) IP: 104.223.94.82
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7 of 7
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Victor Oraham
03-31-2018
01:59 PM ET (US) IP: 104.223.94.82
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6 of 7
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Victor K. Oraham
03-31-2018
01:49 PM ET (US) IP: 24.13.124.71
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Here's a little something you may not have seen before. The Mario Lanza Story in comic book form. Sorry, but I don't know any other way to provide it other than one page at a time per message.
Page 5 of 7
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Victor K. Oraham
03-31-2018
01:48 PM ET (US) IP: 24.13.124.71
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Here's a little something you may not have seen before. The Mario Lanza Story in comic book form. Sorry, but I don't know any other way to provide it other than one page at a time per message.
Page 4 of 7
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Victor K. Oraham
03-31-2018
01:48 PM ET (US) IP: 24.13.124.71
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Here's a little something you may not have seen before. The Mario Lanza Story in comic book form. Sorry, but I don't know any other way to provide it other than one page at a time per message.
Page 3 of 7
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Victor K. Oraham
03-31-2018
01:47 PM ET (US) IP: 24.13.124.71
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Here's a little something you may not have seen before. The Mario Lanza Story in comic book form. Sorry, but I don't know any other way to provide it other than one page at a time per message.
Page 2 of 7
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Victor K. Oraham
03-31-2018
01:47 PM ET (US) IP: 24.13.124.71
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Here's a little something you may not have seen before. The Mario Lanza Story in comic book form. Sorry, but I don't know any other way to provide it other than one page at a time per message.
Page 1 of 7
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Bill Ronayne
03-29-2018
06:16 PM ET (US) IP: 97.33.73.125
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Thanks for the kind words. May I wish everyone a happy Easter and Passover. Best Bill
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Martino
03-28-2018
07:15 PM ET (US) IP: 104.255.4.145
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I agree with everyone. Bill does as much as anyone in America to promote the legacy of Mario Lanza. And even more than that, it is his mission to maintain Lanza's presence front and center for fans everywhere. As long as Bill Ronayne is around Mario Lanza will never be forgotten. His hard work, dedication and accomplishments should not be taken for granted or underestimated.
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Kristine
03-28-2018
05:20 PM ET (US) IP: 173.169.36.195
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Bill, you have a great, informative newsletter and I like the photos in the publication. On the subject of Lily Pons, I heard there is a city or town named for her in Maryland, called Lily Pons, Maryland. Has anyone heard this, too ? I know opera great, Rosa Ponselle married the son of a former Baltimore, Maryland Mayor and Dorothy Lamour lived in Maryland, for awhile, when she was married to a military officer. Pons was married to orchestra conductor, Andre Kostelanetz. She didn't have a long movie career. Is opera singer , Juan Pons related to her ?
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Chris Johns
03-28-2018
03:52 PM ET (US) IP: 69.142.223.152
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I second all the posts praising Bill. Thank you for all you do.
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Jim Thompson
03-28-2018
03:29 PM ET (US) IP: 69.123.160.19
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A very full voice shout-out to you Bill, and so well deserved, from me and Dima.
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Gail Swartz
03-28-2018
02:38 PM ET (US) IP: 204.29.186.68
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I thank Bill, also. He has been so helpful.
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Joe to ALL
03-28-2018
11:34 AM ET (US) IP: 71.225.163.141
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Bill Ronayne has been the center post for so many of the Lanza activities that it is easy to take him for granted. But indeed, his fund raising, hand-holding, Museum management, arranging of the many events are outstanding. His leadership IS greatly appreciated by all but I just wanted to make a specific shout-out to him. You’re the best Bill and we all appreciate the unselfish,tireless and unpaid job you consistently and so well perform.
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Bill Ronayne
03-28-2018
10:50 AM ET (US) IP: 68.192.184.213
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The April issue of "The Legacy of Mario Lanza" newsletter has just been published and mailed out. It features coverage of the Mario Lanza Birthday Remembrance party and the recent MLSNY luncheon as well as a guest article by Lanza biographer Roland Bessette, a look at Lanza's recordings of the aria Lamento di Federico, a continued commemoration of the 60th anniversary of the release of "Seven Hills of Rome" and many photos throughout. For subscription information contact wjronayne@optonline.net. Best, Bill
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Kristine
03-28-2018
12:10 AM ET (US) IP: 173.169.36.195
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Martino, thank you for the information about opera singers' movies on TCM. I was surprised they didn't any show of Grace Moore's movies, unless, they don't have any in their film library. "That Girl From Paris" also starred Gene Raymond(who was married to Jeanette MacDonald and looked like Nelson Eddy, a little bit)and Lucille Ball. Lucy was also in another Lily Pons's movie. "I Dream Too Much" which also had Lucille Ball and Henry Fonda. Pons resembled Imogene Coca. I heard that Pons later retired to Palm Springs, Calif. and Merv Griffin had her as a guest on his talk show. I have never seen the movie about Nellie Melba, starring Patrice Munsel. On the subject of TCM, William Holden will be Star Of The Month, next month, April. He would have been 100 this year. There will also be a night of Tyrone Power's movies and a night of Jane Powell's movies, also, Minorities In The Movies.
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Martino to Kristine
03-27-2018
09:34 PM ET (US) IP: 104.255.4.145
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Kristine, since you are an old movie buff I think you will enjoy TCM this Friday when the theme will be opera stars/stories in movies. Here are some of the highlights so get your DVR ready as the festivities start bright and early at 6:00 am Eastern:
The day starts off with the bubbly Lily Pons in the 1936 musical "A Girl From Paris". What a voice she had! A year later Pons made another movie and it too will be on the schedule for Friday - "Hitting A New High". Her coloratura was displayed in all its glory and in this film she is referred to as the "bird girl". I'm sure you can guess why! Nelson Eddy and Jeanette MacDonald could never be left out on a day such as this and one of their very best films will be shown, "Maytime", adapted for film from the Sigmund Romberg operetta.
A fine lyric tenor from the Metropolitan Opera (and one of my father's favorites), Nino Martini, made several fair to middling films during the '30s and '40s. The one to be shown Friday is "Music For Madame" (1937), co-starring the very young Joan Fontaine (I think she was still a teenager when this movie was made). Twenty years later she would co-star with another famous tenor in "Serenade". And of course Mario is included in this musical cavalcade with showings of "For The First Time" and "Toast Of New Orleans" with Kathryn Grayson. Speaking of Grayson, she is also featured on Friday in the 1951 movie "Grounds For Marriage". Kathryn is really cute in this movie and displays an elevated acting ability not found in her Lanza collaborations. Not to be missed is the 1936 "Song Of Freedom", starring the great Paul Robeson.
So there you have it. One of the best singing and musical oriented days on TCM in a long, long time with not a dog in the bunch, in fact, a couple are really terrific movies. Don't forget that if you miss one of these films just wait a day and you can stream them anytime you want during a seven day period with the TCM app known as "Watch TCM". I have mentioned this before and you can download it from the ITunes store free of charge.
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Doug
03-27-2018
09:29 PM ET (US) IP: 71.215.168.43
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The Neapolitan songs ARE Lanza at his best. The Vagabond King and everything else he recorded in 1959 are NOT Lanza at his best. I cannot bear to listen to this stuff. It's just not Mario Lanza anymore.
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Fred Day
03-27-2018
08:17 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Lanza's The Vagabond King has been on CD for many years. It is paired with the great "MARIO!" album of Neapolitan songs from 1958 - The CD is titled "Lanza At His Best". Ciao.
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Kristine
03-27-2018
07:00 PM ET (US) IP: 173.169.36.195
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Anymore Lanza CD's coming out ? How about "The Vagabond King" ?
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Kristine
03-27-2018
06:47 PM ET (US) IP: 173.169.36.195
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The movie "The King of Jazz" (1930)is now out on DVD's. Paul Whiteman and Orchestra performed Gershwin's "Rhapsody In Blue" and this was Bing Crosby's film debut. Tenor John Boles was in it , also, jazz guitarist, Eddie Lang and violinist, Joe Venuti were in the movie. Eddie Lang was born Salvatore Massaro in Philadelphia.
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Messages 51924-51922 deleted by author between 03-28-2018 11:19 AM and 03-23-2018 09:54 AM |
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Kristine
03-22-2018
08:06 AM ET (US) IP: 173.169.36.195
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The Library of Congress has announced more additions to its Registry of Recordings. Mario Lanza not included. Bill Haley &The Comets were included. That was good because some think he has been forgotten as a pioneer of rock'n'roll. People can send suggestions to Library of Congress about who should be registered for movies and recordings preservation. I have done so.
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Martino to Kristine
03-20-2018
08:18 PM ET (US) IP: 104.255.4.145
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I can only speculate as to Mario Lanza's tastes in virtually anything. I don't know what kind of movies or music he enjoyed (other than the type he sang of course), who his favorite actors/actresses were, what kind of books he liked to read, favorite foods/wine or anything else of that nature. That information may be out there but I never paid much attention to it. It would take a family member or close friend to know some of those things for sure. I know he liked certain singers such as DiStefano and Bjorling and before them I believe he admired Pertile and Gigli and Deanna Durbin. I don't think he liked Martinelli very much! Of course Caruso was his inspiration and favorite singer of all. As far as "pop" singers go he knew Frank Sinatra and I think they got along but what he thought of rock and roll, jazz and other popular music I can't say. But really, if things such as Mario's personal tastes ever came up during my readings I probably skimmed through them and did not take much note.
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Kristine
03-20-2018
06:01 PM ET (US) IP: 173.169.36.195
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Some women did take male names, back in olden days, due to being a man's world. Dale Messick , who drew the Brenda Starr, Reporter comic strip, was really Dalia Messick. Back then, the comic strip artist profession was male dominated.
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Kristine
03-20-2018
05:58 PM ET (US) IP: 173.169.36.195
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Martino, that was a fun trivia quiz and good mental exercise. During the Met Opera Broadcasts,(on PBS Radio-NPR Radio) there was an opera quiz during the intermission. I have always wondered if Mario Lanza had favorite movie actresses ? I think he liked John Garfield and Tyrone Power, for movie actors. Did he have favorite singers ? Did he like Country&Western Music, Rock'n'Roll ? As for authors, I read he liked Damon Runyon(named his son, Damon, after him). There is a photo of Mario and Betty reading Hemingway's novels . I wonder if Ernest Hemingway wanted to meet him, if he saw that photo. Did Mario have a favorite U.S. President ? Did he like "I Love Lucy" ? Tony Cocozza knew Lucille Ball. She and Elizabeth Taylor used to call him "Pops". Did he have favorite comedians and comediennes ?
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Martino
03-20-2018
12:39 PM ET (US) IP: 104.255.4.145
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Ha, you are right, Doug. Guy d'Hardelot was a woman. David got the song right, at least the one I had in mind, "Gypsy Love Song". I knew Lanza sang many songs by Victor Herbert, who was one of the earliest stage show/musicals/operetta composers in America, and this song was the earliest I found. It beat out "My Wild Irish Rose" by one year. Herbert was raised in Germany but found his success here in America.
Fred, I think there were some Christmas songs sung by Lanza that were actually penned in the 1700s but they were foreign. There is one notable exception which Lanza sang, "We Three Kings", composed by a church pastor in Pennsylvania before the Civil War. I don't consider Christmas carols to be part of the Great American Songbook necessarily but this one is as American as apple pie because the pastor wrote it especially for a Christmas festival in New York City. I am sure there may be other early American carols or songs Lanza sang, but I think "Gypsy Love Song" will pass the test for what I was looking for.
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Fred Day
03-20-2018
12:17 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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The Rosary by Ethelbert Nevin dates from 1898 also. Deck The Halls dates back to about 1860, but it is from England, not the USA. Ciao.
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Doug
03-20-2018
12:10 PM ET (US) IP: 71.215.123.39
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Martino...Guy d'Hardelot should not be referred to as "He"!! It was a woman named Helen Rhodes who used the pen name Helen Guy ....hence Guy d'Hardelot.
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David Weaver
03-20-2018
11:40 AM ET (US) IP: 156.63.68.235
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I would guess Herbert's "Gypsy Love Song," from one of his earliest shows, "The Fortune Teller" in 1898.
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Martino
03-20-2018
10:31 AM ET (US) IP: 104.255.4.145
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Doug, Danny Boy was actually not set to the tune until 1913, when it officially became a song. Fred, yes, the Christmas songs are among the oldest that Mario sang in English but nearly all of the real old ones were written in languages other than English and adapted to English translations. I was looking for original, American songs. A song such as "Because" would not qualify even though it certainly is an oldie, because it was composed in French by Guy D'Hardelot. He also wrote the words to the song (Parce Que) with the English words added later by someone else. Caruso recorded it in the original French around 1913. However, a song such as "For You Alone", also recorded by Caruso and written about the same time as "Because", would qualify as it was an English language song from the get go. Nonetheless, we still need to go to the 19th century for the answer. Edited 03-20-2018 10:31 AM
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Fred Day
03-20-2018
09:06 AM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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I suppose the oldest songs (in English) that Lanza recorded were several of the Christmas carols. As for which was the oldest, I am not sure. Ciao.
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Doug
03-20-2018
08:54 AM ET (US) IP: 71.215.123.39
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Londonderry Air/Danny Boy? It's an old tune but the lyrics are early 20th century.
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Martino to Kristine
03-20-2018
08:18 AM ET (US) IP: 104.255.4.145
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You named one of them - "Ah, Sweet Mystery of Life". The third one in addition to your original guess of "I'm Falling In Love With Someone", is "Tramp, Tramp, Tramp".
Here is a hint for you, Kristine, on the original question of which of Lanza's American classic songs was the oldest: The one I "think" is the correct answer is even older than "My Wild Irish Rose", written in 1899 by Chauncey Olcott from Buffalo, NY. Olcott wrote it for his stage play, "A Romance of Athlone". That means we must go to the 19th century for our answer so take another shot at it.
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Kristine
03-20-2018
06:17 AM ET (US) IP: 173.169.36.195
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Martino, I don't know what other songs, he sang, from it. I do know he didn't sing "The Italian Street Song" from it. That's sung by sopranos(Jane Powell sang it in one of her first movies). Mario Lanza sang these old tunes : "My Buddy", "Trees", "Wanting You" , "Ah, Sweet Mystery of Life", "Yours Is My Heart Alone", "Lover, Come Back To Me", "Thine Alone", "Softly, As In A Morning Sunrise", " A Pretty Girl Is Like A Melody"(I wonder if Irving Berlin liked it and ever met Lanza ?) . Terry Robinson knew Cole Porter. I wonder if he ever met Mario ?
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Martino to Kristine
03-19-2018
09:03 PM ET (US) IP: 104.255.4.145
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Good guess Kristine. In fact, you are not far wrong. BTW, Mario sang other songs from "Naughty Marietta" (1910). Can you name the other songs that Mario recorded from this operetta?
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Kristine
03-19-2018
06:14 PM ET (US) IP: 173.169.36.195
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Was the oldest song, sung by Mario Lanza, "I'm Falling In Love With Someone', written by Victor Herbert, from "Naughty Marietta" (1900's ) ?
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Martino
03-19-2018
05:16 PM ET (US) IP: 104.255.4.145
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We have been talking about Mario Lanza singing and modernizing old classic songs. Does anyone want to venture a guess as to the oldest song Lanza ever sang? I don't mean Italian songs or opera arias but the classic American songs, either composed individually or from stage works and musicals. I think I know the answer but I'm not sure so take a guess and include the composer and year of composition.
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Kristine
03-19-2018
04:56 PM ET (US) IP: 173.169.36.195
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Dinah Shore sang "They Didn't Believe Me" in movie "Till The Clouds Roll By" the film bio about Jerome Kern, who was portrayed by Robert Walker. Dinah Shore also sang "The Last Time I Saw Paris" in that same movie. Years later, Ann Sothern(who sang it in "Lady, Be Good")was upset, her scene , singing the song, instead of Dinah Shore's scene , singing it, was in "That's Entertainment 2". She blamed Gene Kelly(who co-hosted the movie , with Fred Astaire), said he must have had a say in that, because she claimed Kelly didn't like her.
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Ronald Sarbo
03-19-2018
01:11 PM ET (US) IP: 207.38.144.153
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Prior to Lanza Dick Haymes on Decca and a young Vic Damone on Mercury recorded "They Didn't Believe Me". How "modern" their versions are is a matter of opinion but the song was well known by the time of the Lanza/Grayson duet and Lanza's subsequent RCA recording.
Johnny Mercer on Capitol and Dinah Shore on Columbia also recorded the song prior to Lanza.
After Lanza Al Martino made 2 recordings of the song. First on Capitol and later on 20th Century Fox.
Frank Sinatra sang it on his first TV series.
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Gail Swartz
03-19-2018
10:25 AM ET (US) IP: 204.29.186.11
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So glad to be home...been without computer access...p l aced 10th in Sweet Adelines competition in Houston....so busy ...Missed all of you! I may rest while listening to my favorite singer. Mario was in my head even though there was no sound except when snippets surfaced and my voice just opened up and sang. We are so blessed to have had Mario to sing.
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Jim Thompson
03-19-2018
08:59 AM ET (US) IP: 69.123.160.19
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Again, Martino, so well said. Mario's understanding of lyrics, superb emphasis of the words and feeling for the exact moment for taking a breath brought the perfect meaning to it all. Oh, yes, and the voice!!
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Martino
03-19-2018
07:26 AM ET (US) IP: 104.255.4.145
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Giannina Mia is but one example of how Lanza modernized old songs in a way to make them relevant to modern audiences. I consider this to be one of Mario Lanza's greatest contributions to music. It is interesting to go through his discography and compare songs written during the golden age with those renditions which came before him. Let's look at another old classic, "They Didn't Believe Me", sung by Mario Lanza and Kathryn Grayson in Mario's first motion picture, "That Midnight Kiss". This song was written by Jerome Kern for his 1914 musical "The Girl From Utah". It was very popular from that time right up to the '60s and was sung by many artists through that fifty year span.
Here is one of the first recordings of this song by Walter Van Brunt and Gladys Rice - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VLn8fyE0saQ. This is what Kern had in mind for the song but it is a product of its time and it would never be mistaken for a "modern" version, such as sung by Mario Lanza and Kathryn Grayson. Although many recordings were made after this Van Brunt record, most of them showed the same kind of "old time" phrasing and rhythm. No one gave it a modern, upbeat version until Lanza. Even Kathryn Grayson's solo version of this tune falls short of her duet with Lanza. He obviously had an influence on her. Just compare this movie duet with the Rice/Van Brunt recording mentioned above and you can hear the "modernization" that made this old song much easier on the ears of audiences of the day and even to our time. This trend or evolution continued as we can hear in the 1964 recording by Dean Martin, who sings it entirely different (for better or worse) for an even more modern audience: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sgIgYkzqiEc. Perhaps the best examples of how Lanza influenced singers who came after him can be heard in George Sander's recording of this song. Sanders takes the same care and slower tempo as Lanza to emphasize the importance of the words. The same can be said of Edward Woodward's even more modern and beautiful rendition, with an equally beautiful orchestral background.
The point is that Mario Lanza came along at just the right time when pre war tastes were rapidly loosing favor to post war enthusiasm and confidence. No one gave to songs, new or old, this enthusiasm and confidence better than did Mario Lanza.
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Kristine
03-19-2018
06:57 AM ET (US) IP: 173.169.36.195
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Hope everyone had a Happy St. Pat's Day ! In the film clip of M-G-M's 25th Anniversary, in 1949, Mario Lanza is seated in between Angela Lansbury and Janet Leigh(at the time, she was dating Barry Nelson, who was friends with Mario. In her autobiography, "There Really Was A Hollywood", she wrote that she met Mario Lanza, through Barry). Jeanette MacDonald and Deborah Kerr were seated near Angela Lansbury, Mario Lanza, and Janet Leigh. I think Jeanette MacDonald was talking to Lanza, in the film clip(she was from Philadelphia, too). Lena Horne is also in that film clip. The stamp honoring her, for Black History Month, is out, now. Later this year, Beatle John Lennon and Mr. Rogers("Mr. Rogers's Neighborhood")will be on stamps. Hoping one day, there will be a Mario Lanza stamp, along with Perry Como, Astaire-Rogers, Gene Kelly, Mac/Eddy, and a stamp honoring doo wop music. I wonder if Mario Lanza liked doo wop music ? On the subject of "The Firefly" , I wonder if Allan Jones was a fan of Mario Lanza ?
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Linz
03-19-2018
04:38 AM ET (US) IP: 122.62.63.127
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Martino—super critique of Giannina. Undoubtedly one of Mario's most thrilling performances. I'll always remember buying the EP 45 as a child, playing it for the first time and thinking, as he got to "there you shall rule ..." portending a High C finish, "Oh no, he won't, will he?" Then Kaboom! He did!
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Joe toMartino
03-18-2018
05:15 PM ET (US) IP: 71.225.163.141
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Thanks for your heads up on Firefly; watched and enjoyed it today. I wonder if Mario had ever met Jeanette MacDonald?
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Gerald Matthews. UK
03-18-2018
08:24 AM ET (US) IP: 217.42.42.156
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Many thanks Martino for your enlightenment of " The Firefly " and Mario's association with it. Very much appreciated.
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Martino
03-17-2018
04:51 PM ET (US) IP: 104.255.4.145
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"The Firefly" will air tomorrow morning on TCM. Mario Lanza sang some songs from this musical, the movie of which was made in 1937, with Jeanette MacDonald and Allan Jones. It is a pretty good movie, although today mostly forgotten. When you hear the songs "Giannina Mia" and "Donkey Serenade", you will know why Lanza sang them as he did. Speaking of that, a few years ago I wrote about Lanza's "Giannina Mia" and for those wanting to watch the movie tomorrow, repeating that post might give you some background for reference:
"Tomorrow morning TCM will present the delightful 1937 movie, "The Firefly" with Alan Jones and Jeanette MacDonald. Two or three years ago I wrote a post about one of the songs from this operetta, "Giannina Mia", which ended up on our home page. I made some additions and subtractions to that post and since few people visit the home page very often (we should!), I thought I would repeat it in honor of tomorrow's showing on TCM:
"It seems that every great legacy begins with a clean slate, ie, the canvas is blank and history has not been recorded yet. Of course there were great voices before Lanza but none were used the way Mario used his. Lanza could sing everything from opera arias to simple songs, all in a way to please his audience. His opera singing was so good it even inspired other great singers and his "pop" singing pleased a broader, more general audience. Lanza's uniqueness came from singing songs to people who would not normally listen to, let alone be captivated, by an operatic style voice no matter what they sang. Mario was the first to bring his extraordinary talent to those people and provide an awareness of what a truly great voice is capable of bringing to music - any music. Other singers tried but it took Mario Lanza to really succeed. This is the basis and foundation of his legacy.
I had a few moments to myself this morning and listened to several youtube clips of "Giannina Mia", the hit song from Rudolph Friml's "The Firefly". Many singers, male and female, sang this song, including Richard Tauber, Jeanette MacDonald (who starred in the film version), Alan Jones (who starred with MacDonald in the film and actually sang the song to her), Eleanor Steber, and many others.
One of those "others" was Deanna Durbin, who sang it live in a Texaco radio concert. Like many other singers, she sang the introduction and, also like the others she sang it in old style phrasing. We can hear that same style from Tauber and MacDonald especially. Jones was a little more modern, but not much. Lanza on the other hand discarded the introduction entirely and burst right into the meat of the song in his usual style, which as always was so much more modern and distinctive than any of the other classical singers of his time and those I mentioned just preceding him.
It should be pointed out that when you watch "The Firefly", you are not seeing the plot of the operetta which is a rags to riches story of an Italian street singer falling in love and eventually becoming a great opera Diva. The plot for the movie, although it keeps most of the songs Friml wrote in 1912 for the Broadway show, deals with spies and espionage with Jeannette MacDonald playing the role of a secret agent for Spain. So although the movie has nothing whatsoever to do with the operetta, at least one good thing came from it - the cute "Donkey Serenade", which was adapted especially for the movie from the "Chansonette" written by Friml.
Of the other tenors who sang "Giannina Mia", Richard Tauber took a truly classic turn to this song, even using violins during the orchestral break (with Lanza they inserted a chorus at this point instead). Although Richard does very well as always, he seems to sing the song for its own merit - wonderful musical notes and enchanting, poetic words but with little thought to the actual seduction. The same can be said of Jones in the movie version, except he never seemed serious enough while singing it to MacDonald - and she responded in like measure, as can be seen in the movie clip. Lanza, however, finally sang it with the aplomb he gave many of these older songs and in so doing, breathed a new life in the music that made them more relevant to modern audiences. Unlike the others who sang it like a simple romance, when Mario sang "Giannina Mia" there was no question what he had in mind and that he would succeed with "Nina" - he knew it and she knew it. And more importantly, the audience knew it. And if there was any question of it in anyone's mind, his confident, blazing interpolated high C at the end (which no one ever did before or since, to my knowledge) removed all doubt.
Friml lived to an old age and I am certain he heard the Lanza rendition of his song. I wonder what he thought of that high C? The movie plot is Spanish in flavor with the tenor lead being sung by the character "Don Diego", and Lanza's smoldering, confident Latin way with it might just have been what Friml had in mind for his Italian oriented plot. The other familiar tune from The Firefly's movie version, "Donkey Serenade", was also sung by Lanza in a different style than most of the singers who came before.
All these "Giannina Mia" renditions I have spoken of are at youtube and if you listen to several of them back to back you will see how truly blank the canvas was from when the operetta was composed until Lanza burst on the scene forty years later and gave not only this song new life, but made relevant to modern audiences many of the older songs as well. "Giannina Mia" was always good, but never this good. The Lanza legacy lives on to this day because his unique style was the great communicator and bridge to modern times - and it has never aged, even after half a century".
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Bill Ronayne
03-15-2018
11:01 AM ET (US) IP: 68.192.191.228
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You are cordially invited to our annual Mario Lanza Museum Benefit Luncheon in Philadelphia. This is a special afternoon filled with fine food and the music of Mario Lanza. We will be listening to his recordings and watching a very special video presentation. There will also be a memorabilia auction and a 50/50 raffle. The Mario Lanza Institute is currently searching for a new location for the museum as the building that houses the space we lease is being sold. Your support now is needed more than ever so if you cannot attend, please consider making a tax-deductible donation. No amount is too small and whatever you can afford to give will be greatly appreciated and of considerable help. Three-course lunch $65 per person (Includes coffee, tea and ice tea only). An invitation form is available at our web site which can be used if you are attending or making a donation. Please go to this link to download the form: https://www.mariolanzainstitute.org/wp-con...-Luncheon-flyer.pdfIf you have any questions feel free to contact the Institute at mariolanzainstitute@verizon.net or by calling 215-238-9691. If you are making a donation, please make your check out to Mario Lanza Institute and mail to the following address: Mario Lanza Institute PO Box 54624 Philadelphia, PA 19148 Please RSVP by April 14th. Luncheon begins promptly at 1:00 pm. Latecomers will be seated at appropriate interval. No refunds or credits. No exceptions. The Mario Lanza Institute is a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit organization. For more information on the Mario Lanza Institute please visit www.mariolanzainstitute.org. Please note that no items currently on display in the Mario Lanza Museum will be auctioned at this event. Edited 03-15-2018 12:05 PM
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Diane Cox
03-14-2018
05:17 PM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.66
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Yes. Back when you posted about the film, 3-4 years ago, I watched it in sic or eight segments on youtube. Thought it was extremely good and Terranova did a wonderful job.It was in Italian with sub titles, so by the time it was over, I was sure I could speak Italian. LOL
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Pam Latham
03-14-2018
02:25 PM ET (US) IP: 86.18.204.16
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Diane, was the 4 hour Italian film bio of Caruso ‘Caruso -La Voce d’amore’? I have this on dvd, my very dear friend, tenor Gianluca Terranova was Caruso, using his own voice. It was originally a two part Tv mini series on Italian tv then they produced the dvd. The storyline followed much more closely to the real life of Caruso than TGC, where of course no mention is made of his first ‘common law’ wife, Ada Ghiachetti or his sons. Gianluca now has a brilliant career on the operatic stage, adding to his ever increasing repertoire year on year. I last saw him as Lt. Pinkerton in Madama Butterfly at the Arena Di Verona, unfortunately it was rained off at 1.00am at the end of act 2, but He sang a wonderful “Stolta Paura”.
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Deleted by topic administrator 03-14-2018 03:52 PM
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Fred Day
03-13-2018
05:10 AM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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In the Italian film, The Young Caruso, Ermanno Randi played the part of the young Caruso, and lip-synced to the singing voice of Mario Del Monaco, who was heard but not seen. The film was black & white only - I have it on an old VHS copy. Ciao.
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Kristine
03-12-2018
06:54 PM ET (US) IP: 173.169.36.195
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There was another movie about Caruso, released in 1951, called "The Young Caruso" starring Gina Lollobrigida and Mario Del Monaco(I think). I have never seen it. Gina , originally, wanted to be an opera singer, but didn't continue to pursue it. She did sing on Pat Boone's variety t.v. show, in late '50's.
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Diane Cox
03-12-2018
03:26 PM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.66
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The 4 hour Caruso bio pick done in Italian follows the book the son wrote, which is very detailed and comprehensive.
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Martino to Mike
03-12-2018
02:18 PM ET (US) IP: 104.255.4.145
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Yes, the bio pics seldom do justice to the real life story of the subject. Most of the stories have to be embellished a bit since the majority of us humans lead rather boring lives overall, even if our accomplishments are great ones. The term, "based on a true story" should never be taken too literally.
I thought "The King's Speech" with Colin Firth depicted the life, misery and final ascension of King George rather well, at least from what little I know about his history. The events were accurate I think although I do not believe the King stuttered nearly as bad as was shown in the film; however, it is clear why they augmented this handicap to such an extent.
The other night I watched (for the second time) the Tom Hanks' movie "Charlie Wilson's War". Wilson was a US Congressman from right here in my state of Texas and everything I know about him was pretty much accurately portrayed in the movie - although the CIA agent, played by Philip Seymour Hoffman, may have been a stretch.
I have no problem with a little creative license as long as it does not go overboard to where you no longer can recognize who the movie is about.
My favorite movie biography is "Raging Bull", although I recognize that a few liberties were taken here as well. DiNiro's "Jake LaMotta" is as nearly perfect a depiction of another, real human being an actor is capable of. I consider DiNiro's portrayal a work of art. Lanza did not have this level of acting ability and therefore was never asked to delve deeply into the character of Enrico Caruso. But the movie's premise and assertion was never to do that anyway. It was to showcase Lanza and his magnificent voice - and in that regard he certainly did not disappoint.
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Mike M
03-12-2018
11:05 AM ET (US) IP: 108.74.19.115
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Martino-re the fictional account of Caruso's life. Try watching Cary Grant's portrayal of Cole Porter.Total fantasy in story and looks and personality, but an enjoyable movie, mainly because of the music. IMHO, of course.
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Jude godfrey
03-11-2018
01:25 PM ET (US) IP: 24.12.194.98
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I just notice on the Sony-Entertainment CD titled “Magic Moments” (Original Masters, Vol. 3) presents the 1950 recording of Mario Lanza singing “Be My Love” and does not credit Mario Lanza as the singer. Instead, the Jef Alexander Choir is credited! Mario Lanza, s name should be printed next to that song title because it is his voice we hear singing it.
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Chris Johns
03-11-2018
09:34 AM ET (US) IP: 69.142.223.152
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58 years ago today the Lanza tragedy continued with the death of Betty Lanza. RIP Betty
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Bill Ronayne
03-10-2018
08:10 PM ET (US) IP: 68.192.189.11
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From today's Mario Lanza Society of NY luncheon. L-R: Accompanist David Maiullo, tenor Mario Arevalo, Caruso Museum Founder Comm. Aldo Mancusi and presenter Lou Barrella. It was a wonderful afternoon filled with great music and food.
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Linz
03-10-2018
05:07 AM ET (US) IP: 122.62.63.127
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I give all Mario's movies an A-plus. If we're going to dismiss any of them for being "cliche-ridden" then we must also dismiss most movies ever made. Just watch Turner Classic Movies for a day and you'll know what I mean. The comment was made somewhere that Mario made trite songs sound far better than they had any right to sound just by his sheer zest and abandon. He did the same with movies. He enabled the films in which he appeared to transcend their cliches, just by the sense of life that radiated from his being, even in—in fact especially in—his "darkest" movie, my favourite, Serenade. The acting chops he displayed there make me wish he'd played Dmitri in Brothers Karamazov: he could have got that more right than Yul Brinner, with a far better mix of dissoluteness and nobleness. He could equally have done Alyosha without William Shatner's wig (Mario's natural pompadour being much more impressive). And that's not even considering the beyond-sublime singing! So what if in Serenade Mario was fat in some scenes: we put up with far greater obesity from the later Brando, and from Elvis in his comebacks. We proceeded to accept the likes of Travolta and di Caprio getting fat, and remaining fat for entire movies. I'd like someone to name an actor with greater versatility of facial expressions than Mario—or a singing actor whose singing remotely approaches his—or whose sense of life is more irresistible. Since all of these are on display in all Mario's movies—even Seven Hills—I give them all an A plus. That, of course, to invoke Martino, is as a Lanza fan. As a critic, I might well drone on about cliches, etc, etc. Not for long though—I'd shoot myself for the crime of dullness within five minutes. :-) Edited 03-10-2018 02:33 PM
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Diane Cox
03-10-2018
12:04 AM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.66
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Also have lots of older Mario records. Gave some to Ed that were duplicates.
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Doug
03-09-2018
09:38 PM ET (US) IP: 71.215.123.39
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I still have all my old ML LP's. The only one in my collection that has "Earthbound" on it is the "Seven Hills of Rome" album which with its very limited worthwhile music, takes up only side 1 and side 2 is filled with other songs. At least 3 (including "Earthbound") are with Henri Rene recorded in Aug. and Oct. '56. The other three are the "Serenade" title song, "My Destiny", and lastly, "Never til Now" (recorded in Rome Nov. '57) but no conductor listed for that. Edited 03-09-2018 09:41 PM
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Joe to Gail
03-09-2018
05:05 PM ET (US) IP: 71.225.163.141
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Gail, are you saying you have a LP of Mario's that has never been played?. If so, the "Sepia group" might be very interested in some of the tracs. , particularly since vinyl recordings have superior "warmth"...but a pristine record, wow! Or did I misunderstand you.? What is the title of the record and what does it contain?
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Joe to Doug
03-09-2018
04:46 PM ET (US) IP: 71.225.163.141
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Doug, your very valid points are not late and worth a lot more than "two cents". Thanks for contributing and keeping the thread going. I always enjoy your posts....Joe
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Doug
03-09-2018
04:40 PM ET (US) IP: 71.215.123.39
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Gail: The original post from Joe asked for our "overall rating" of ML's films, not just Mario. Edited 03-09-2018 04:41 PM
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Jim Thompson
03-09-2018
10:45 AM ET (US) IP: 69.123.160.19
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As usual. Martino, you are on the mark. We went, have on DVD and still enjoy Mario's movies because they had one thing: MARIO! Thanks for your dissertation.
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Gail Swartz
03-09-2018
07:34 AM ET (US) IP: 204.29.186.49
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Thank you, Martino.Well said.
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Martino
03-09-2018
07:21 AM ET (US) IP: 104.255.4.145
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I think that Doug may be looking at the films of Mario Lanza as a critic would, relying on experience and exposure to films in general and then making comparisons. Some of us take an opposite approach and look at his movies as simply fans of Mario Lanza, keeping them within a narrow track that does not place important considerations on things such as script, story line, co-stars, editing, direction, etc. Admittedly, none of Lanza's films stand up to a critical review such as you could give with "Citizen Kane" or "Gone With The Wind" because they are not that kind of movie. And unlike those movies (and most movies) which are judged on how well actors tell a story, Lanza films were mostly one dimensional. By that I mean they relied almost exclusively on Mario Lanza, and more specifically, the voice of Mario Lanza. Even in his most successful film (The Great Caruso), the script and story line would never pass the test because the biographical sketch portrayed of the main character was nowhere near an accurate account of the life of Enrico Caruso. It was less a biography of Enrico Caruso than it was a vehicle for Mario Lanza. But oh what singing!
Lets look at some of the more successful musicals such as the MacDonald/Eddy movies, which came just before Lanza's arrival in Hollywood. Most of their films were based on operettas or established musicals which had time tested story lines. In contrast, Lanza movies were made up or greatly altered from the original (such as the novel which was the inspiration for Serenade). The films became one dimensional because all Lanza ever played was an opera singer or wannabe opera singer. The situations may have been different but that was the common thread. The other musicals of the time actually paid attention to what movies are suppose to do - tell stories, but Lanza movies were all about his voice with little regard for anything else. Not a bad thing actually but look at "Seven Brides for Seven Brothers" and you will see a musical that is fluffy and fun like many of the Lanza films, but that also takes all the elements of good movie making into consideration. "Singing in the Rain" is yet another example.
Even the important connection of leading man/leading lady gets lost in some of Lanza's films (Serenade a notable exception). FTFT could have been an exception as well but I was never sure if Lanza's love was based on true romantic feeling or pity, at least not until the Ave Maria in the hospital. These romantic connections are crucial and was one of the things that made the MacDonald/Eddy films work as well as they did. There was never any doubt of their love for each other, the truly deep love between them, that made the fluff during the movie believable. "Maytime" could be the best example. Grayson and Lanza were playful and fun together but you never could take their relationship seriously. I think that lack of a true romantic connection is why they fell short of MacDonald/Eddy and why they only made two films together. MacDonald and Eddy always portrayed a mature relationship while Lanza/Grayson seemed like puppy love.
So, I think most of our reviews and opinions of Lanza films are based on accepting them for what they are and not as towering achievements of movie making and cinematography.
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Gail Swartz
03-09-2018
07:15 AM ET (US) IP: 204.29.186.50
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Phil, I enjoyed listening to Earthbound from P and P.....this was new to me. Why? I have an unsealed LP that it is on. The sound quality is wonderful especially since my quality of hearing is quite diminished. I would rather listen to Mario than anyone else.
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Phil uk
03-09-2018
06:13 AM ET (US) IP: 85.12.76.63
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well not many comments on the latest Sepia release which is really surprising as it is GREAT.The enclosed booklet is also GREAT,so lets have some encouragement for this venture.
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Doug
03-08-2018
10:32 PM ET (US) IP: 71.215.123.39
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It's just that they could have been a lot better than they were.....but, you know, you can't argue with the front office.
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Gail Swartz
03-08-2018
10:08 PM ET (US) IP: 204.29.186.8
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Oh, Doug! So you did not like Mario's movies...well, some of do!!!
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Doug
03-08-2018
07:49 PM ET (US) IP: 71.215.123.39
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If I can add my 2 cents a little late, for me:
TMK B Silly story and Grayson is awful.
TONO B+ - A- a mildly enjoyable fun entertainment
TGC A Technically the film is fine; misses + for the ridiculous fictitious story of Caruso's life.
BYM B Ho-Hum
TSP F Hesitate to rate this since I've never seen the whole film. However ML's spectacular voice and singing coming out of someone else's mouth is intolerable.
SER C- Turgid, cliché-ridden story/screenplay, ML's bloated appearance and hideous pompadour hair-do make this one nearly unwatchable. The one redeeming feature is the "Otello" duet with Albanese, and monologue. Nobody has done this better. I'm amazed every time I listen to it.
TSHR C Just not a very interesting film. It needs more serious singing by ML.
FTFT B Better than TSHR but still pretty slim and again cliché-ridden story. (I can always do without Zsa Zsa Gabor) BUT another fine chunk of "Otello" by ML!
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Joe to All
03-08-2018
12:43 PM ET (US) IP: 71.225.163.141
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Thanks all for participating in my little “rate Mario’s films” Questionnaire. It appears that there is a general overall ratings agreement, with TGC and TONO being favorites. I was a little surprised by David placing Serenade in last place but this is why Howard Johnson made 31 flavors. I DO agree that Serenade needed some deep editing. For example,I never understood how Mario became so quickly infatuated with Fontaine. . But Most of all I was disappointed by Mario’s weight in the scene where he sang the Ave Maria (the most beautiful version I’ve ever heard). His head looked like a watermelon; It was such a shame they didn’t pick a slimmer Mario period but maybe it wasn’t possible during this picture. Also, I think there was a very distracting camera angle of Mario singing Nessun that made him appear extremely short. But overall I did enjoy the film and Mario was given a chance to sing some serious music and do a little acting as well. Edited 03-08-2018 01:59 PM
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Kristine
03-06-2018
06:13 PM ET (US) IP: 173.169.36.195
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I liked all his movies, though, I think his fans probably didn't want him in a dark drama like "Serenade". I heard that he didn't pass his physical exam , before starting to film "For The First Time" and some thought of tenor , Franco Corelli replacing him. Though, he had a good voice and movie star good looks, his Italian accent was heavy, so they decided to keep Mario in the movie. I heard the Poetry and Passion CD, enjoyed it. There are some books that mention Mario Lanza. One is "All Talking ! All Singing ! All Dancing !" written by John Springer. I think he was Henry Fonda's agent. Springer had a photo of Mario, from "The Great Caruso" in the book which was about movie musicals. Another book was "Stars In Khaki" about movie-t.v. stars-entertainers who served in the Army. Mickey Rooney, Desi Arnaz, Elvis, Mario Lanza, Martha Raye(was an Honorary Col., U.S. Army Reserves, as was Marlene Dietrich),Alan Ladd, Ronald Reagan, and others were mentioned. There was also, "Stars In Blue"-movie and t.v. stars in the Navy, Coast Guard, Merchant Marines.Paul Newman, Henry Fonda, Tony Curtis, Jack Lemmon,others were in the Navy. Cesar Romero, Buddy Ebsen, Victor Mature, Gower Champion, Sid Caesar, John Carradine were in the Coast Guard, Peter Falk, Carroll O'Connor, Cliff Robertson , James Garner were in the Merchant Marines. Garner also served in the Army. "Stars In The Corps. " was movie-t.v. stars who were in the Marines, Tyrone Power, James Whitmore, Hugh O'Brien, William Lundigan, Robert Ryan, Lee Marvin. Interesting , informative books.
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Diane Cox
03-06-2018
05:20 PM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.66
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Like Martino's list.
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Martino
03-06-2018
03:40 PM ET (US) IP: 104.255.4.145
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A+ TGC
B+ TONO
B Serenade
B TMK
B- BYM
B- TSP
C FTFT
D SHOR
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David Weaver
03-06-2018
03:26 PM ET (US) IP: 156.63.68.244
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I'm not a critic, but here is how I rank the films in order of my enjoyment of them:
1 - Toast of New Orleans
2 - The Great Caruso
3 - Because You're Mine
4 - Student Prince
5 - That Midnight Kiss
6 - For the First Time
7 - Seven Hills of Rome
8 - Serenade
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Diane Cox
03-06-2018
11:57 AM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.66
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I'll play. Would swap That Midnight Kiss and Because You're Mine. But I love them all - to me he was magnetic on the screen - you didn't look at anyone else.
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Joe to All
03-06-2018
10:59 AM ET (US) IP: 71.225.163.141
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Just to spark some discussion I am giving you my list of overall ratings of Lanza movies. I am sure there will be much disagreement. I realize 7 Hills was a real money maker and popular in Europe but I thought it was a bomb! I am genuinely curious as to how others see these movies. Lanza Movies: The Great Caruso………….A+ Serenade…………………………A Toast of New Orleans….B+ The Student Prince………B Because Your Mine………..B- That Midnight Kiss……….C+ For The First Time……..C The 7 Hills OF Home…..F Edited 03-06-2018 11:08 AM
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Diane Cox
03-05-2018
04:15 PM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.66
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From the Mario Lanza Tenor site: In her 2013 autobiography, A Memoir, Rita Moreno describes Lanza as "wild, woolly and mischievous" on the set of The Toast of New Orleans (1950), adding that she "couldn't help but like him" .
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Jim Thompson
03-05-2018
08:35 AM ET (US) IP: 69.123.160.19
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I cannot recall what Rita Moreno wrote in a book some years ago but it was not nice about Mario. It was not that Mario did anything uncalled for but I go back here to "If you can't say..." Imagine if the clip with her in Mario's arms had been shown and she had come back with "What a voice Mario Lanza had and that was my first picture!"
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Len (UK)
03-05-2018
04:29 AM ET (US) IP: 86.161.60.105
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I see that Rita Moreno was at the Oscars. At the age of 86 she is remarkable. I read that the she wore the same dress last night, albeit a little altered, in which she collected her Oscar for West Side Story at the 1962 ceremony. Clearly not a case of “I have nothing to wear”!
I presume that she is the last survivor from The Toast of New Orleans.
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Dennis
03-04-2018
12:20 AM ET (US) IP: 73.170.201.215
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Doesn't seem to be an indication that Mario was doing a concert in Portugal, but if the gentleman was a singer, then he would likely have recognized Mario if he were vacationing there, and might have been bold enough to introduce himself. I once went up to Joan Baez on the beach a few years ago and introduced myself and thanked her for her music—her folk songs in particular.
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Gail Swartz
03-04-2018
12:07 AM ET (US) IP: 204.29.186.6
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Thanks, Martino. I plan on talking more with my friend on Tuesday. Will let you know what she says.
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Martino to Gail
03-04-2018
12:04 AM ET (US) IP: 104.255.4.145
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When was Mario in Portugal? He may have visited Portugal while living in Italy but I don't recall him appearing in a concert or theater in that country. I am not saying your friend got locations mixed up but my mind is blank about Lanza ever having been in Portugal.
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Gail Swartz
03-03-2018
11:38 PM ET (US) IP: 204.29.186.52
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Site is alive.....question..a friend told me that her father met and talked to Mario while Mario was in Portugal. Her dad was in the theater and was a singer. He loved Mario and collected all of his LPs. Do any of you have any input? My friend loves opera singers, especially Mario as do I.
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Dennis
03-03-2018
07:25 PM ET (US) IP: 73.170.201.215
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Just wondering if the site is working. No posting for 5 days. Even our trolls have not posted! lol
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Mac Rust
02-26-2018
01:24 PM ET (US) IP: 69.28.0.148
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Messages 51853-51852 deleted by author between 02-26-2018 09:33 AM and 02-26-2018 09:34 AM |
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Diane Cox
02-24-2018
10:36 PM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.66
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Enjoyed La Boheme today, the Met HD broadcast.
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Messages 51850-51848 deleted by author between 02-24-2018 11:06 PM and 02-23-2018 03:01 PM |
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Gail Swartz
02-23-2018
09:31 AM ET (US) IP: 204.29.186.57
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Phil, you are correct. The sound is great. With the title of the new cd.I was expecting to hear the poems that had been put to music like Trees, If,The trembling of a Leaf, Only the Lonely Heart, etc. Maybe a new idea for another great Mario cd. For those still experiencing winter...it is a lovely warm morning...the Japanese magnolias, azaleas,Jasmine,and trees beginning to leaf.
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Chris Johns
02-22-2018
10:24 AM ET (US) IP: 69.142.223.152
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I watched SP once many years ago. Have no desire to ever see it again!
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Phil uk
02-22-2018
09:47 AM ET (US) IP: 85.12.76.63
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To Derek McGovern & the Sepia guys.Just got my copy of the latest cd & i have to say that ONCE AGAIN Mr Cherry has got that LP sound onto the tracks making them oh so listenable.That Nocturne was a revelation to my ears & yes most of the items us admirers already have,so what,this is a great compilation & i applaud you all.
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Doug
02-22-2018
08:31 AM ET (US) IP: 71.215.123.39
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Ed's not alone in that. I've never seen the entire TSP movie in one sitting either. Just bits and pieces here and there. But then, I've never seen Gone With The Wind all the way through either!
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Chris Johns
02-22-2018
08:29 AM ET (US) IP: 69.142.223.152
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Yes Diane, you are correct, Ed refused to watch SP
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Diane Cox
02-22-2018
01:00 AM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.66
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Am I correct that Ed never watched TSP?
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Dennis
02-22-2018
12:12 AM ET (US) IP: 73.170.201.215
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Thanks again to the administrator for rapidly removing the irritating trolls. I have been bombarded for the last 8 days by 25-30 trolls a day, all females, all offering sexual services, and thankfully, all being caught by my spam file. I usually get a couple a month of this nature, but now I am overwhelmed. And the odd thing is, I was not home the week when this started and not using my computer!
Joe, I agree with your argument about Purdom. I am one of the Lanza fans who listens and re-listens to the SP for the beauty of the music and am not bothered at all by Purdom, particularly because his lip-syncing was so excellent. I understand why others do not find it enjoyable (especially our late friend Ed McManus from Staten Island), but I still find it pleasant.
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Messages 51840-51838 deleted by author between 02-21-2018 04:22 PM and 02-21-2018 10:29 AM |
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Doug
02-20-2018
09:24 PM ET (US) IP: 71.215.123.39
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In all his movies except for TGC, it always seemed to me that Mario was pretty much playing himself. Not much "acting" required. I agree Joe, ML would not have made a convincing 'Student Prince' in 1952. Perhaps he could have pulled it off in 1948/49.
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Gail Swartz
02-20-2018
05:12 PM ET (US) IP: 204.29.186.18
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Mario loved the music of SP...but he looked a great deal older than a student. Even Purdom looked older than the other students! When Mario was his thinnest, he would have looked great in the costumes, but some of the scenes would not have shown him in favorable light.Had he not sought the role , we would not have been blessed with several major songs that came out of the film.
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Joe to All
02-20-2018
04:16 PM ET (US) IP: 71.225.163.141
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I know I am going to get killed on this one, but it’s been too quiet on the forum and TSP always kicks off a discussion.
I am one of the few who feels that Purdom made a much better Prince than Mario would have (plus the voice dubbing was seamless). The role called for a stiff, pompous and stately figure- everything that Lanza was not. Mario perfectly fit the bill in all his other films, but he was not ideal for this one. I am not saying that Mario would have been unable to play the prince, I am simply suggesting that the necessary fallback to Purdom actually worked out better for the movie.(Mario’s non-appearance certainly did not hurt the huge record sales that followed).
I also further theorize that the sequence of the motion picture may have impacted some of the problems Mario got into with the studio: For example, imagine, if you will ,that the SP had been the very first movie of his career. I think as a “newbie” Mario might have been more cooperative……But this movie was filmed after the Great Caruso and others which made Mario a world recognized star. Mario certainly “felt his oats” more as a well-established star than had he been a novice.
Just a theory.
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Messages 51834-51829 deleted by author between 02-20-2018 12:31 PM and 02-20-2018 12:07 PM |
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Gail Swartz
02-18-2018
05:12 PM ET (US) IP: 204.29.186.17
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Oh, Joe, if only those stiff-necked critics of Lanza's had done what you just did! Mario Lanza was a force that they wanted to control, but no he sang the way he knew he was supposed to sing. We are better because of it!
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Chris To Joe
02-18-2018
03:35 PM ET (US) IP: 69.142.223.152
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Already done, Joe
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Joe to Chris
02-18-2018
12:45 PM ET (US) IP: 71.225.163.141
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Chris, I am so happy you have seen the light (maybe I should say heard the sound!). Your post was great so why not essentially say what you wrote as an endorsement for the CD on AMAZON. I think others may also be reluctant to purchase "Poetry and Passion" for the same reason (they already have much of the music) so your endorsement would be very revealing and helpful! I wouldn't change a single word Edited 02-18-2018 12:54 PM
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Chris Johns
02-18-2018
11:55 AM ET (US) IP: 69.142.223.152
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Hi everyone, I hope this posting finds you all well. This is my confession and apology to all my dear Lanza friends, ESPECIALLY Derek McGovern, Armando Cesari and Vincent Di Placido.
When Sepia began their association with Mario Lanza’s music, I thought it wonderful that a new avenue was opening up to introduce Mario to a new sector of people. Once I saw the cd’s I wasn’t moved to purchase them, since me, being a self proclaimed audiophile, snob and idiot, why would I buy music I already had. I would only purchase them if some or all tracks were taken from the original masters!
Last week was my birthday and being one more step closer to total senility and the fact that ‘Poetry and Passion was being released the next day, I purchased it. I only had a chance to listen to it last night, and that I did, over and over and over again. HOLY S- - T! WHAT A JERK I’VE BEEN!!!🤪😜 WHAT AN ACCOMPLISHMENT!!! The sound was wonderful! Mario’s voice was brilliant and so out in front.
Look, I can go on forever. Please know I am impressed and sorry for being such a jerk.
Vincent, I really think you should make a small documentary on your YouTube channel, about this entire process from beginning to end, ie how Derek gets everything on track with Sepia, how the songs are selected, how you go on you quest to find the albums and what happens when you turn everything over to Sepia.
WELL DONE GENTLEMEN!!! GREAT JOB!! I’m so sorry.
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Messages 51824-51819 deleted by author 02-20-2018 12:08 PM |
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Gail Swartz
02-16-2018
03:23 PM ET (US) IP: 204.29.186.1
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My new cd arrived today...quite surprised with some of the selections...all were unique in presentation and vocally awesome. I realize that Mario rarely sang the songs same way, so some tunes were ear-opening. Mike, I find myself closing my eyes during the songs that Purdom mimed .
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Kristine
02-16-2018
01:06 PM ET (US) IP: 173.169.36.195
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Susan Hayward did her own singing when she portrayed Lillian Roth in "I'll Cry Tomorrow". I heard that Roth was disappointed she didn't have her voice used. Larry Parks did well lip syncing to Al Jolson's voice and Eleanor Parker was great, lip syncing Eileen Farrell's voice in the film biography of soprano , Marjorie Lawrence(who was stricken with polio, then, made a comeback) "Interrupted Melody". I read Marjorie Lawrence wished her voice had been used, but due to the effects of polio, her lung strength had been weakened. By the way, Kathryn Grayson wanted to play Marjorie Lawrence, but it was said, Lawrence thought Grayson was too pretty.
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Mike M
02-16-2018
12:12 PM ET (US) IP: 108.74.19.115
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Whoops!! got Haywood-Froman backwards.
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Mike M
02-16-2018
12:10 PM ET (US) IP: 108.74.19.115
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To Gail:
I was fine with Susan Hayward dubbing Jane Froman and Marni Nixon dubbing Deborah Kerr among others, but I find Edmund Purdom dubbing Mario a terrible distraction. Maybe because I am such a big Mario fan!
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Vítor Calabaça (vimafeca)
02-15-2018
06:13 PM ET (US) IP: 85.138.177.209
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Mario Lanza
Um cantor sempre actual
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Gail Swartz
02-15-2018
04:42 PM ET (US) IP: 204.29.186.11
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Still waiting on my cd! Did any of you notice Edmond Purdom in the 1953 version of Gigantic that was on TCM today?He was helping women into lifeboats.He did a good job in TSP miming Mario'wonderful singing.
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Kristine
02-15-2018
03:05 PM ET (US) IP: 173.169.36.195
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Doug, yes, I know Constantine Callinicos was the conductor, I may have erred, meant to say, Ennio Morricone did the musical arrangement. Some criticized the sound of that recording, but I liked the way it sounded.
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Joe to ALL!
02-15-2018
10:42 AM ET (US) IP: 71.225.163.141
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Come on guys, only two endorsements for the new great CD, P&P, on Amazon! They DO help promote the product and there is power in numbers.
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Doug
02-15-2018
09:54 AM ET (US) IP: 71.215.123.39
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Kristine: Callinicos was the conductor for "The Vagabond King" not Morricone.
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Deleted by topic administrator 02-15-2018 09:29 AM
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Vince Di Placido
02-14-2018
01:17 PM ET (US) IP: 86.45.100.19
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I’m so glad to see everybody appreciating & enjoying the new Lanza Sepia release, “Poetry & Passion”, and Derek thank you SO much for that post, it’s always a pleasure working on a Lanza project, each of the 6 CDs has truly been a labor of love & really the money spent has been worth it, if for no other reason than I now have a dream Mario Lanza vinyl collection. :-)
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Kristine
02-13-2018
06:20 PM ET (US) IP: 173.169.36.195
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I have the audio cassette of Mario ! with "The Vagabond King". By the way, Ennio Morricone was the musical conductor on "The Vagabond King". He is very famous, today, as a musical conductor-arranger.
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Joe to Michele
02-13-2018
05:45 PM ET (US) IP: 71.225.163.141
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After Mario’s Royal performance, didn’t the Queen of England say “I never knew the human lungs could produce such volume”. While she was not a music critic, that’s nevertheless a pretty reliable endorsement of Mario’s power!
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Gail Swartz
02-13-2018
05:15 PM ET (US) IP: 204.29.186.63
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Diane, yes, you are correct....but I only have the Mario, At His Best on vinyl and on my Kindle..a few years ago Clyde Smith sent me some cassettes on which were the song's with just Mario's voice and orchestra. You can hear Mario huffing, squeaking, clearing the vocals, and giving the conductors instructions, too. My new cd will be delayed...maybe the bad weather has something to do with the delay.
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Diane Cox
02-13-2018
04:35 PM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.66
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Isn't the Vagabond King at the end of the Mario! CD?
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Gail Swartz
02-13-2018
04:28 PM ET (US) IP: 204.29.186.10
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Kristin...I have The Desert Song on a dual cd that came out in 1989....found Siboney on a 100 Hits Legends 5disc set.
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Kristine
02-13-2018
06:49 AM ET (US) IP: 173.169.36.195
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Does anyone know if the Mario Lanza recordings of "The Desert Song" and "The Vagabond King" are out on CD's ? Is "Siboney" on any CD's ? I was thinking , the other day. When Kirk Douglas filmed some movies at M-G-M ("The Bad and The Beautiful", "The Story of Three Loves", "Lust For Life"), I wonder if he met Mario Lanza ? I know that Terry Robinson trained Douglas for "Champion" . Terry said people thought he and Kirk Douglas looked alike. I recently read his book "I Am Spartacus"(about the filming of "Spartacus")and read his autobiography, "The Ragman's Son" back in late 1980's. I liked when he and Burt Lancaster(a fan of opera, who saw Rosa Ponselle perform. He and his friend, fellow acrobat, Nick Cravat would listen to Caruso's recordings)were a screen team.
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Messages 51801-51800 deleted by author 02-13-2018 09:15 PM |
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Derek McGovern
02-13-2018
05:32 AM ET (US) IP: 112.153.216.167
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It's great to read such positive reviews of "Poetry and Passion." Thank you for going to so much trouble, Joe and Martino! Sepia's recording engineer, Robin Cherry, has been rightly praised for ensuring that Mario's voice was front and centre on this release and presented, as Martino points out, with abundant detail and presence. But an unsung hero on this project is Vince Di Placido, who helped track down the best-available vinyl for the CD and looked after all the vinyl-to-digital transfers. Bearing in mind that with the exception of some ancient radio transcriptions, acetates and reel-to-reel tapes, the tracks on this CD had to be sourced from original LPs and 45rpms from the 1950s, it was vital that the transfers be of the highest quality. And in Vince's hands they were. Martino has already singled out the sound quality on "Tell Me Tonight" as an aural highlight; I would add several more, including "Beautiful Love," which has never sounded more vibrant or luscious. And to think that the sources for both these tracks were two lovingly preserved albums from the mid-1950s ("Magic Mario" and "A Kiss and Other Love Songs"), courtesy of Vince's extensive collection. So take a bow, Signor Di Placido! Edited 02-13-2018 05:35 AM
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Michele
02-13-2018
01:53 AM ET (US) IP: 211.26.103.29
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To Martino, You are so right. I just received my copy of Poetry and Passion and listening to it, when it came to the L'Arlisiana track I thought the same thing (would you believe it). I have heard this nonsense about Mario's voice being technically produced that I could not help thinking as you did. I've heard this home recording with Costa before and considering when it was done, surely some one must have heard it too. What about when he was at the recording studio making records? These so called "experts" should or could have gone to them when he was singing and heard him in person. I've been a huge fan of Mario for a long long time, my parents took me to see "The Great Caruso" when I was about 9 and that was when I wanted to be a singer. There is no doubt about it Mario Lanza had an amazing voice and certain Italian songs he recorded when I listen to them just make me cry. Edited 02-13-2018 01:55 AM
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Jim Thompson
02-12-2018
09:06 PM ET (US) IP: 69.123.160.19
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A really superb singer with a glorious voice passed away today. Vic Damone, in my opinion, had the truest and most remarkable voice of all his contemporaries. Around 1982, I believe, I went to a Damone show in Connecticut. I had spoken to him prior and requested a little time to chat. Well, after the show Vic, his rep. a friend or two and I went up to his suite. There was food and drinks and we talked! And we talked until around 1:30 am.
Vic spoke with great admiration for Mario's voice and Mario as a man. He told me of times spent together and how they spoke about the songs they both loved from the American Songbook. Vic was delightful and I will always remember his kindness in spending time with me after a delightful performance.
Rest in peace, my friend.
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Joe to ALL
02-12-2018
08:46 PM ET (US) IP: 71.225.163.141
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I posted the following description of the great CD" Poetry and Passion on Amazon:
The great Lanza voice takes you through a roller-coaster of emotions with this thrilling edition of vocal art. Mario proves once again that he is THE master of making lyrics come alive with a range of soft crooning through hair-raising, blazing highs. Yes, we have heard many of these works before, but never with this brilliant clarity. Mario sounds like he is in the same room as the listener, thanks to the artistry and technology of Sepia’s sound engineer Mr. Cherry. Even the home recordings give us some insight as to the raw power and overflowing musicality of this great artist that, sadly, the world lost much too soon.
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Kristine
02-12-2018
06:31 PM ET (US) IP: 173.169.36.195
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David, thanks for information. I heard that Mario Lanza could impersonate Billy Daniels, by the way. Lucille Norman was a soprano, who sang "What Is This Thing Called Love ?" with Gordon MacRae in the movie "Starlift"(it was thought this would be as successful as "Hollywood Canteen". It was about entertainers performing for U.S. Troops during The Korean War. Stars like Doris Day, Ruth Roman, Jane Wyman, Gene Nelson appeared as themselves. It's out on DVD's). Norman also sang in movie musical short with baritone , Carlos Ramirez. She did recordings with Gordon MacRae, too. Sorry to hear Vic Damone passed away. He was cousin of Doretta Morrow. RIP.
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Diane Cox
02-12-2018
06:23 PM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.66
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Ordered my copy today.
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Martino
02-12-2018
04:18 PM ET (US) IP: 104.255.4.145
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I am going out of town tomorrow and I really wanted to take "Poetry and Passion" with me. I was looking forward to the postman today because with any luck the disk would be delivered, and sure enough, it was.
As usual, Sepia did not cut corners. Their presentation of the disk was excellent and the packaging, notes and photos were all first class and on par with most high end releases. In the included booklet, Derek McGovern once again gave an excellent summation of the contents. If you want a complete, expert's review of this disk you need go no further than reading his notes.
I played the disk from start to finish through my home stereo system, disabling any sound processing and all other speakers except the two front main speakers. 2-channel sound using only the front speakers is the best way to judge the sound in its purist form and Sepia's transfer processing did not disappoint. The difference in clarity between these tracks and the same songs from other sources was very apparent, some tracks more than others. "Tell Me Tonight" being a prime example - Mario's voice seemingly coming from right in front of you with unrestrained energy. "Say with those lips divine..." never sounded more intense. No one other than Mario Lanza could have sung that phrase that way. I even did a couple A/B tests and the difference was even more pronounced. There were less pops and click and the Sepia sound seemed in most cases much brighter. I have most of these songs already and the only reason I buy new Lanza disks is if I hear that the recordings have been remastered or the sound is otherwise enhanced. I also played several selections through headphones and although very good, I think with most of these selections I prefer the wide open and spacious sound of the speakers.
The performances are quite good and speak for themselves and we have previously discussed most of these songs and the merit of Lanza's singing. Although I made no real new discoveries in these songs, I nonetheless found myself enjoying them more and that is really what it is all about. There was one exception, "Nocturne" which I found a new appreciation. I never cared much for this song but I actually enjoyed it on this disk. The live "Lamento" should put to rest any notion that Lanza was an artificially trumped up voice, lacking power and vibrancy. THIS is the definition of power and vibrancy. The home recordings even sound acceptable for once. And speaking of vocal power and vibrancy, can there be a better example than Lanza's "Improvviso"? If there is one miss hit on the disk I would consider it "I'm falling in love with someone". He sang it better at other times but as Derek points out, he fell earlier that day and hurt his ribs. However, Mario's high note at the end of the song was great.
It is the "presence", detail and beauty of the Lanza voice that seems augmented through these engineering techniques (which does not artificially add or subtract from the vocal characteristics themselves). What it does is help us to better appreciate how great the voice of Mario Lanza really was, which after all is the reason this disk was made. To that end it has exceeded its goal and kudos to everyone associated with this project.
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Fred Day
02-12-2018
03:35 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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According to Wikipedia, Vic Damone died yesterday, Feb 11th, in Miami Beach, Florida - age 89. Rest in Peace. Ciao.
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David Weaver
02-12-2018
02:54 PM ET (US) IP: 156.63.68.244
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Kristine, a singer I am not familiar with at all named Lucille Norman sang "Be My Love" at the Oscar ceremony in 1951. The song that won that year was "Mona Lisa," and it was sung at the ceremony by Robert Merrill.
Nightclub singer Billy Daniels, most famous for his interpretation of "That Old Black Magic," sang "Because You're Mine" at the 1953 awards, which were the first to be televised. The winning song was the theme to "High Noon," performed by the man who also sang it in the film (off-screen), Tex Ritter.
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Chris Johns
02-12-2018
10:37 AM ET (US) IP: 69.142.223.152
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Some sad news. Vic Damone died today. He was 89. May he RIP. He had a beautiful crooner voice.
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Mike M
02-12-2018
08:57 AM ET (US) IP: 108.74.19.115
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Ann Blyth sang "Secret Love" from Calamity Jane-the Doris Day song- at the Oscars while she was very pregnant with her first child. It was an endearing moment. BTW, she was married to Dennis Day's brother. The closing line was "and my secret love's no secret any more."
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Kristine
02-12-2018
07:01 AM ET (US) IP: 173.169.36.195
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Maybe that dating website that manages to appear, here, may have some Mario Lanza fans or if they don't know who he is, will learn about him.
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Deleted by topic administrator 02-12-2018 11:44 AM
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Linz
02-11-2018
11:24 PM ET (US) IP: 122.62.70.52
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I'm looking forward to the responses of folk here to the new CD. Don't forget to plug it on Amazon. Must do all we can to keep Mario in the public eye. Speaking of which, I hope everyone here is subscribing to Bill Ronayne's newsletter. His recent retros on Mario's recordings and movies in particular have been great. Martino—glorious Corelli/Gounod. I sent it on to a singing friend—we both agreed it was miraculous. Edited 02-12-2018 03:16 AM
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Kristine
02-11-2018
03:54 PM ET (US) IP: 173.169.36.195
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Diane, thanks for information about Su-mi Hwang. Maybe one day, she will be in Puccini's "Madame Butterfly". Did anyone see Justin Timberlake's performance during half time of Super Bowl ? Great dancing ! I bet Mario Lanza would have been proud his hometown team, The Philadelphia Eagles won The Super Bowl ! I just purchased the Passion and Poetry CD of Mario Lanza and am waiting for its delivery. I watched "The Great Caruso" on TCM. It was chosen, because Douglas Shearer won Oscar for his sound recording of the movie. His sister was Norma Shearer. I know "Be My Love" and "Because You're Mine" were Oscar nominated Best Songs, though , they didn't win. Who sang these songs at Oscar Ceremonies, those years ? A few years ago, The Academy honored singers on film, included Bing Crosby, Frank Sinatra, I think, Elvis, and Mario Lanza, with Kathryn Grayson, singing "Be My Love", was the chosen film clip and it, along with the other singers, received applause !
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Deleted by topic administrator 02-12-2018 11:58 AM
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Diane Cox
02-11-2018
01:44 PM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.66
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Su-mi Hwang sang the Olympic Anthym at the opening ceremonies. A little background:
Following her victory in the 2014 Queen Elisabeth Competition in Brussels, Korean soprano Sumi Hwang joined the ensemble of Theater Bonn, where her roles have included Pamina (Die Zauberflöte), Almirena (Rinaldo in a new production by Jens-Daniel Herzog), Liù (Turandot) and Leïla (Les pêcheurs de perles – concert performance). The 2015-16 season in Bonn will see her as Fiordiligi in a new production of Così fan tutte, Marzelline in Fidelio and as Lena in Vom Mädchen, das nicht schlafen wollte by Marius Felix Lange, which was premiered in 2014. The young artist also made her debut at the Grand Théatre de Geneve in January 2016 as Pamina.
Her operatic roles also include Norina in Donizetti’s I pazzi per progetti, conducted by Ulf Schirmer at the Prinzregententheater in Munich in 2012, and, at the Korean National Opera, the Princess in Ravel’s L’enfant et les sortilèges and Ilia in Idomeneo. (And more)
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Deleted by topic administrator 02-12-2018 11:59 AM
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Kristine
02-10-2018
05:50 PM ET (US) IP: 173.169.36.195
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Last night, I watched part of The Opening Ceremony of Winter Olympics in Pyongchang, South Korea. There was a , I think, a South Korean woman, with an operatic voice singing. Beautiful voice ! I thought she would be a perfect Madame Butterfly !
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Deleted by topic administrator 02-12-2018 11:59 AM
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Diane Cox
02-10-2018
04:01 PM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.66
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Saw La Elixir de Amore in HD today. Pretty Yende, in the lead soprano role, got the confetti treatment - a rare sight. The tenor was good - but not great or even that memorable.
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Joe to DEREK
02-10-2018
12:26 PM ET (US) IP: 71.225.163.141
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Dear Derek, Like so many others here I really look forward to reading your always sparkling liner notes but my eyesight is really challenged by that tiny font size. I am sure you have retained a copy and I was wondering if you would ALSO consider posting it here or elsewhere.
Anyone else have this problem or is it simply my fading eyesight? At any rate Derek, thanks for your consideration and keep up the excellent work!
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Deleted by topic administrator 02-12-2018 12:00 PM
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Joe to ALL
02-09-2018
11:05 PM ET (US) IP: 71.225.163.141
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LINZ summed it up perfectly: All 23 tracks sound better than ever. My toes are still uncurling! WOW. Hats off to Mr Cherry’s technical skill and thanks to Prof McGovern and biographer Mr Cesari for their tireless efforts in promoting these releases with SEPIA.
I am somewhat biased since this CD has so many of my favorites, but I think it is the most exciting Sepia release yet on Mario. I am curious as to who came up with the title “ POETRY and PASSION.. Was that you Derek? At any rate, it was perfectly apt!!
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Gail Swartz
02-09-2018
01:27 PM ET (US) IP: 204.29.186.20
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Watched TGC twice since yesterday....want an experience? Go to the scene where Caruso sings Sorrento...close your eyes and just listen...Mario's singing is like warm honey flowing all over you. This is crooning at its best.
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PhilUk
02-09-2018
10:22 AM ET (US) IP: 85.12.76.63
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These wonderful new photos of Mario along with many others should really go into a new work like the DK Sinatra volume which is the ultimate book on OL Blue Eyes.
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Deleted by topic administrator 02-09-2018 09:31 AM
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Gail Swartz
02-08-2018
06:33 PM ET (US) IP: 204.29.186.4
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Wow! So glad to read what all of you have posted today!!! Thanks for the "new"" photos. Mario was one good-looking guy that could SING and make me want sing, too! Wish everyone would want to hear him sing.
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Martino
02-08-2018
05:21 PM ET (US) IP: 104.255.4.145
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"The Great Caruso" is being broadcast on TCM right now. It will be over soon but if you want to catch it at your own convenience (for the next seven days), use the Watch TCM app I spoke about a few pages back when we were discussing "That Midnight Kiss" and "The Student Prince" showings.
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Diane Cox
02-08-2018
12:29 PM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.66
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Based on the reviews here, I will order a copy tomorrow.
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Martino to Linz
02-08-2018
09:02 AM ET (US) IP: 104.255.4.145
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Good review as always. I look forward to my copy of "Poetry and Passion", which should arrive next week. I believe Amazon's stock will be available for purchase tomorrow.
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Derek McG to Kristine
02-08-2018
08:31 AM ET (US) IP: 112.153.216.167
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Glad you enjoyed them, Kristine. I should also mention that Steff Walzinger has contributed many photos as well, and has also unearthed numerous pics for the "Lanza Musical Who's Who" section on our site: https://www.mariolanzatenor.com/a-lanza-musical-whos-who.html. If you haven't already checked out that feature, I can highly recommend it.
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Kristine
02-08-2018
08:22 AM ET (US) IP: 173.169.36.195
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Phil,Derek, Armando, I'm very impressed with the photos of Mario Lanza, with others. There is also a photo of Jimmy Stewart visiting the set of "Serenade", with Mario Lanza and director , Anthony Mann. Stewart was friends with Anthony Mann, who directed some of his western movies and probably, Jimmy Stewart knew Lanza from M-G-M. Imagine if Time-Life Books published a magazine about Mario Lanza, with those photos ! They have published magazine books about Lucille Ball, Marilyn Monroe, John Wayne, Elvis, The Beatles, Frank Sinatra, JFK.
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Derek McG to Phil
02-08-2018
07:09 AM ET (US) IP: 112.153.216.167
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Thanks, Phil. As for a printed collection of photos, I can't speak for Armando, but I do know his published Lanza bio includes over 260 pics, a good number of them quite rare. Many of the photos were purchased by him in Italy (often at considerable cost), and some of them can be seen at https://www.mariolanzatenor.com/photos.html. He's also contributed many of the rare photos featured in the Sepia CD booklets. I hope you enjoy the new CD, which I recommend playing from start to finish for maximum impact! Edited 02-08-2018 08:16 AM
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Phil uk
02-08-2018
06:34 AM ET (US) IP: 85.12.76.63
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To Derek McGovern.Thanks for your reply & i understand what you say.Onto other things some of those photos including the new additions should really be in a printed collection,perhaps Armando might consider this venture.Cant wait for the new cd.
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Derek McG to Gail & Phil
02-08-2018
04:24 AM ET (US) IP: 112.153.216.167
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Hi Gail: Armando was true to his word, sending me a batch of 10 rare photos (with more to come), and I've already uploaded them here: https://www.mariolanzatenor.com/with-friends--colleagues.html
Hope the CD induces at least as many tears as Linz's beautifully written review :)
Hi Phil: I don't think my answers to your questions will be the ones you were hoping for :)
For copyright reasons, the Great Caruso outtake of Celeste Aida featured on the 1998 Rhino CD can't be released by Sepia. But bear in mind that it's already in good sound on that CD (which is still readily available secondhand via Amazon & ebay at a reasonable price). As for the Hedda Hopper "Vesti," that was nicely remastered for Jeff Rense's Live Concert and Radio Performances (BMG Special Products) CD and, as far as I know, is still available from both the Mario Lanza Institute and mariolanza.net.
I honestly don't know if the home rehearsal of the Lamento can be improved soundwise. It really is very badly recorded, and for that reason it's hard to say if Sepia would be willing to include it on any future CD. They would have to weigh up whether the majority of their customers would tolerate such poor sound. And people can be very picky. There were even complaints voiced here about the sound quality of the 1948 live "Lord's Prayer" on Sepia's previous Lanza compilation ("One Alone"), despite the historical significance of that performance. And I don't need to tell *you* that The Lord's Prayer was far better recorded than the Lamento rehearsal!
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Messages 51763-51762 deleted by author between 02-08-2018 12:47 PM and 02-08-2018 03:57 AM |
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Linz to Gail
02-07-2018
11:49 PM ET (US) IP: 122.62.70.52
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Thank you Gail. If the review made you cry, wait till you hear the CD!! :-)
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Gail Swartz
02-07-2018
11:22 PM ET (US) IP: 204.29.186.13
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Linz, you made me cry just reading your post. Waiting to hear Mario at his best ever! Wish those photos that Armando said that he would send to Dr. M. would have been available at the same time.
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Linz
02-07-2018
05:19 PM ET (US) IP: 122.62.70.52
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My review of the new Sepia/McGovern CD, posted at various locations:
"Pretty much as close to technically perfect as you can be."
Hot contemporary tenor Joseph Calleja describes one of his most illustrious predecessors, Mario Lanza, in this way in the 2017 Screenbound Pictures documentary, Mario Lanza: The Best of Everything.
One doesn't notice that Lanza's technique is near-perfect until it's pointed out—near-perfection, being near-perfection, is not obvious until one pays conscious attention to its components. What is obvious, always, in Lanza's singing is its passion, its purveyor's commitment to "sing each word as though it were my last on earth."
Emotional urgency and technical mastery abound in all tracks on the new Sepia CD, Mario Lanza—Poetry and Passion, the latest in a string of stunners master-minded by noted Lanza aficionado Derek McGovern, Associate Professor of English Literature at Pukyong National University, Busan, South Korea. Dr. McGovern and his co-conspirators, who include definitive Lanza biographer Armando Cesari, have chosen pieces from all the many genres in which Mario was ultra-proficient in a compilation that will leave any listener with a beating heart and functioning ears deliriously and dangerously euphoric. Worse, an unheralded twist before the final song has the potential to cause those such as I—the unsuspecting, the vulnerable and the susceptible—to unravel altogether.
Every single one of these twenty-three tracks sounds better than we've ever heard it, thanks in significant measure to the expertise of Sepia engineer Robin Cherry. I have never noticed the rhythmic drive of the double basses in the second verse of Come Prima the way it is manifest here, superbly complemented by Mario's impeccable timing. The two home recordings of arias from Pagliacci and Andrea Chenier are knock-outs among a whole CD of knock-outs and stand-outs. Nocturne from The Vagabond King, recorded just before and released just after the singer's death, is unbearably poignant, a sublime epitaph. The first and last tracks both end with blazing, sustained High B-flats, testament, almost sixty years on, to the imperishable glories that were Mario Lanza's voice and spirit. Not just the technical prowess, but also the unique "swagger and sway" and "purity of heart" noted by Russell Watson and Lesley Garrett respectively in the same documentary—it's all here in spades.
Poetry and Passion comes with a classy little booklet with super-informative liner notes written by Derek McGovern himself.
Profuse thanks and congratulations are due to him and his associates, to Robin Cherry, and to Sepia Managing Director Richard Tay for keeping these Lanza CDs coming, in accordance with Sepia's mission "to preserve the great recordings of our musical heritage."
Keep them coming still!
http://www.sepiarecords.com/
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Phil uk
02-07-2018
10:40 AM ET (US) IP: 85.12.76.63
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To the Sepia guys.looking forward with anticipation to the new cd & am asking apart from the Lamenting obvious is it possible for the Rhino Celeste Aida to be released,as i understand its a different version to TGC rendition,also perhaps the Hedda Hopper Vesti which is amongst his best i feel.Thank you.
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Gail Swartz
02-07-2018
12:59 AM ET (US) IP: 204.29.186.18
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Waiting is almost over...newest cd is coming next week! Listened to the cd All the Things You Are ...these songs are from the radio shows and feature many spoken intros.by Mario. His speaking voice was just as clear as his singing voice. If he indeed, chose the songs he sang, then he had to have spent much time listening and reviewing music. If he had not chosen, some of the songs would have been lost forever.
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Diane Cox
02-06-2018
11:47 PM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.66
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Read everyday but it is discouraging that the trolls won't go play somewhere else. For various reasons I Have not been to a single HD production this year. Hope to make La Boheme, which is coming soon. These HD viewings are wonderful, better than being at the actual performance almost, and with the interviews and behind the scenes peeks, very interesting.
Also waiting on new CD from Il Volo.
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Martino
02-06-2018
08:07 PM ET (US) IP: 104.255.4.145
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One post here a week won't get it folks. If that is all we can muster our days are numbered.
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Messages 51754-51751 deleted by author between 02-06-2018 02:13 PM and 02-05-2018 09:35 AM |
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Martino
02-02-2018
06:13 PM ET (US) IP: 104.255.4.145
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Earlier today I was listening to excerpts by various artists from Gounod's opera, "Roméo et Juliette". Then I came to one of my favorite arias sung by one of my favorite tenors, Franco Corelli. We have talked about him a million times here and although this aria by Romeo, "Ah! lève-toi soleil!" may not have suited him as well as "Nessun Dorma" or "Celeste Aida", Corelli nonetheless made it unique and priceless.
There are a lot of reasons for loving this rendition (linked below) but most of all, the incredible diminuendo on the final Bb represents one of the most difficult things any singer can do, especially one with a big, dramatic voice. Franco made it sound like it was a piece of cake yet I doubt more than three or four tenors in the history of singing could have accomplished the feat anywhere near this well. Listen closely as he leads up to the finale in almost mezza voce and in a dreamy, melancholy way thereby setting us up by creating a stark distinction with what was to follow. And what followed, for me at least, represents one of the greatest single notes (and role interpretations at the same time) ever to come from a human throat. He attacks that final Bb with a precise and stupendous fff which alone would distinguish it even if he had ended it that way. But this was a student as well as an exceptional singer and he went beyond that to bring this fff exclamation down to a hushed whisper - and all in one breath.
This was not done to show off, he had a purpose in singing the aria this way. Romeo had been bewitched and is longing for Juliette to appear on her balcony. It is this longing and expectation he has that is sung in the final phrase. The fff denotes how anxious he is for her arrival but the diminuendo brings it yet further and to a whole new level, one of deep tenderness which is lost by most tenors who sing this role. You see, this is a man who truly has fallen in love, not in lust, and only Corelli (and Alfredo Kraus in my experience), have understood the importance of this and made the distinction by ending the aria tenderly.
That this was done during live performances on stage makes it even more remarkable. Only a singer with supreme confidence in his technique would even attempt such a thing. We have heard nothing even close since. Listen then to this clip and the final "Viens! Parais!" (come thou, appear!) and you will hear not only an exceptional voice used in a truly exceptional way, but also an exceptional artist performing an exceptional interpretation - all at the same time. (The soprano in the "Romeo" photo is Mirella Freni).
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xslJO4YfgL...5Mgd6mT8IYQ&index=3
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Messages 51749-51744 deleted by author between 02-05-2018 09:35 AM and 02-01-2018 05:05 PM |
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Gail Swartz
01-31-2018
07:10 PM ET (US) IP: 204.29.186.67
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What wonderful find....Margery Honey was a real fan to have kept all of this intact.
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Sharon austin
01-31-2018
04:34 PM ET (US) IP: 90.210.55.85
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I also forgot to mention my email address :- sharonuniverse@hotmail.com
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Sharon austin
01-31-2018
02:36 PM ET (US) IP: 90.210.55.85
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I forgot to mention below that the books are signed by others including Joseph siciliano curator if the Lanza museum and Ellisa Lanza. All books are 1st editions Edited 01-31-2018 02:37 PM
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Sharon austin
01-31-2018
02:23 PM ET (US) IP: 90.210.55.85
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Margery Honey, one of Britains biggest fans...this is part of her collection below
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Sharon austin
01-31-2018
02:22 PM ET (US) IP: 90.210.55.85
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See below for description, all found in a flea market in Kent England and all for sale
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Sharon austin
01-31-2018
02:21 PM ET (US) IP: 90.210.55.85
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The Eddie Durso books
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Sharon austin
01-31-2018
02:20 PM ET (US) IP: 90.210.55.85
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See below, inside one book of three
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Sharon austin
01-31-2018
02:19 PM ET (US) IP: 90.210.55.85
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Another inside of book
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Sharon austin
01-31-2018
02:17 PM ET (US) IP: 90.210.55.85
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Inside one book
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Sharon austin
01-31-2018
02:16 PM ET (US) IP: 90.210.55.85
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More pics
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Sharon austin
01-31-2018
02:13 PM ET (US) IP: 90.210.55.85
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I recently visited a local flea market and came across a suitcase full of Mario Lanza records, books, articles etc. It apparently belonged to a lady called Margery Honey who was probably one of Britains biggest fans. She combined her love for Mario with her hobby of embroidery and one of her tapestries is in the Mario Lanza museum in Philadelphia. She travelled to the US and met his family and friends. I have a large collection of original LP's and singles. A newspaper article about Margery, and I also have 5 books, three of them are Derek Mannering's biography and are signed by author and also signed by Damon Lanza and others and 2 of them are the Eddie Durso book of Lanza memories one of which is signed/dedicated to Margery. I would be interested in selling the whole lot, either as a job lot or individually. I will post pictures on here.
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Bill Ronayne
01-31-2018
10:58 AM ET (US) IP: 68.192.186.221
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Suzanne asked me to post for her as for some reason she is still being blocked and cannot post on the board. She wanted to let everyone know that she reads the board everyday and is thinking of Mario on his birthday and that he is never forgotten. Best, Bill
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Bill Ronayne
01-31-2018
09:24 AM ET (US) IP: 68.192.186.221
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Remembering Mario on what would have been his 97th birthday. La donna e mobile from The Great Caruso. Best, Bill
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9xVic0_Eo48
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Gail Swartz
01-31-2018
09:07 AM ET (US) IP: 204.29.186.16
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Mario Lanza's 97th birthday...remembering the man, the voice of the 20th century, the record-breaking films, the unsurpassed cross-over talent in singing, and the outstanding legacy of recordings made in his brief but prolific career. Thank you, Mario for what you did in your time on this planet.
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Kristine
01-31-2018
07:19 AM ET (US) IP: 173.169.36.195
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Happy Birthday Tribute, Mario Lanza .
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Martino to Diane
01-31-2018
06:26 AM ET (US) IP: 104.255.4.145
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Happy birthday to Mario Lanza, my favorite singer of all time.
Diane, I will re-post the review you asked me to make of last year's MET "La Traviata", featuring Atalla Ayan as Alfredo. Your impression of him now was predictable from what I heard then. He can still be passionate and exciting once in a while but the problem is his lack of individuality and uniqueness. I find little distinction in his voice, or in his interpretation and presentation of the role. Without this individualism, a singer can easily get lost in the shuffle and perhaps that is what has happened to Ayan.
"Diane, I don't give these reviews very often anymore because no one is too interested, but you specifically asked for it so here you go.
I just listened to the live broadcast of "La Traviata" from the MET and made these notes as I was going along. I was very disappointed that the singer I wanted to hear most, Italian soprano Carmen Giannattasio, was announced at the start of the broadcast as being ill and was replaced by Olga Peretyatko, who lost some of my interest when she did not take the high notes at the end of "Sempre Libera". Yes, I know that E flat was never written in the score but Sutherland spoiled this aria for me forever when sung by mere mortals. Olga did not even take the C that Verdi gave as a second option to the lower A. Don't get me wrong, Peretyatko has a fine, lusty, voluptuous voice, not unlike her fellow countryman, Anna Netrebko, who sometimes left out the high note as well. But Olga left me a bit flat all the way around although I understand she was a substitute and never sang this role at the MET before. Netrebko's voice can kill or caress depending on the moment and that kind of always present flare was simply not with Peretyatko tonight. Under the impossible circumstances, however, Olga reached beyond what would be expected and she was rewarded with an enthusiastic ovation at the final curtain.
Tenor Atalla Ayan sang very well indeed and is ideally suited to the role of Alfredo. But it is not a distinctive voice. I could hear it a dozen times in a row and still not tell you the next day with certainty who was singing. Nor would I consider it very beautiful. He is a competent singer and, as you said, passionate in his approach (I would also guess that he is very animated on stage). His strongest suit is his excellent diction - every word was clear and understandable in perfect Italian. He has the high notes for sure but they are not as rich and full bodied as I would like, even for a lyric tenor. But this may come in time. He already has come a long way from that "La Boheme" we were introduced to five or six years ago.
Atalla's big aria at the start of the second act, "De Miei Bollenti Spiriti" and the cabaletta, "O Mio Rimorso" were well sung with the aplomb with which all Verdi cabaletta's must be sung. Ayan sang the high C at the end although it was simply touched and not held very long thereby losing the thrill the piece can provide (Verdi did not write this high C in the score either but gutsy tenors always try it). I think he was most effective in the Act 2 scene 2, at Flora's party where his passion could have no limits in confronting Violetta - and it showed as he sounded like he was killing her! He reminds me a lot of Ramon Vargas, (which is not a bad thing at all), although he does not have the experience and polish Ramon has. Like Vargas, I think Ayan will have a very good career but I don't think it will be a spectacular one. He is simply not sufficiently distinguishable from a dozen others, maybe two dozen others.
Domingo as Germont? Well, at this point St. Placido can do what he wants and no one has the right to say a word, especially someone like me. I must say that I was pleasantly surprised and impressed with his big aria, "Di Provenza il Mar" in which he gave a text book lesson in legato singing.
Overall I enjoyed the performance - I've heard better and I have certainly heard worse".
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Diane Cox
01-31-2018
02:02 AM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.66
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Martino: Don't know if you saw Atalla Ayan's latest performances in La Boheme in Paris. I'm afraid he has peaked - did not find this performance exciting or promising. Perhaps it was the spaceship setting. Each season I've looked forward to seeing how he improved, but this year, was disappointed. He had some instruction and help with his career from Villazon, and it was at that point he lost the passion in his singing. Now he paces himself, and if he sings a little better technically, it is not as exciting to me. So he is doing well, performing in large venues, but not going to become great after all, IMO.
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Janina
01-31-2018
01:01 AM ET (US) IP: 107.152.210.74
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Rather revealing looking forwards to visiting again.
Stop by my web-site tinder dating (tinyurl.com)
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Doug
01-31-2018
12:16 AM ET (US) IP: 76.3.170.69
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Happy 97th birthday, Mario. You sang like a son-of-a-bitch. Thanks from all of us.
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Cinda
01-30-2018
10:01 PM ET (US) IP: 104.144.161.98
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The material is extremely interesting.
my blog; tinder dating site (tinyurl.com)
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Deleted by topic administrator 01-30-2018 02:11 PM
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Jim Thompson
01-29-2018
04:13 PM ET (US) IP: 69.123.160.19
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It is a cold and dreary day in Connecticut. But if we are lucky my wife and I will get a quick sale on our condo as we move to Palm Coast, FL where one of my sons is living. Cannot wait for the warmth. Good thing is that I hope to see my old friend Fred Day and author Andrew Farkas when we move!
I may start doing some Lanza shows again as I did at Christmas last but in the meantime if any of you want to hear some of my old shows, my engineer friend has them at: Internetwork.com/mariolanzaandfriends. Hope you'll enjoy. All the best.
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Deleted by topic administrator 01-30-2018 02:11 PM
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Gail Swartz
01-27-2018
11:09 PM ET (US) IP: 204.29.186.14
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Looks like a wonderful celebration.. I wonder if Mario would have been pleased that the Philly Eagles are in the Super Bowl this year since he played football as a young man?
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Bill Ronayne
01-27-2018
10:54 PM ET (US) IP: 68.192.182.169
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The Mario Lanza Institute would like to thank everyone that attended today's Mario Lanza Birthday Remembrance party. It was a fun afternoon with great food and the wonderful recordings of Mario Lanza. Pictured is the birthday cake.
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Kristine
01-26-2018
06:31 AM ET (US) IP: 173.169.36.195
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Jim, I read that about Roberta Peters,too. She dated George London, one time. London was with Mario Lanza, Frances Yeend, as The Bel Canto Trio. I also read Maria Callas had wished she sang with Mario Lanza. Actor Paul Sorvino(who can sing), Sophia Loren, Walter Pidegeon liked Mario,too. I wish Los Angeles County Museum of Art, UCLA Film and TV Archives, The Library of Congress would show Mario's movies. They do show vintage movies. UCLA Film and TV Archive is honoring movie director Michael Curtiz and there is a book about him , by Alan Rode, out , now. On a sad note, singer Neil Diamond has been diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease and will retire. This happened to singer ,Linda Ronstadt, too.
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Deleted by topic administrator 01-27-2018 07:09 PM
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Jim Thompson
01-25-2018
04:41 PM ET (US) IP: 69.123.160.19
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Yes, Kristine, Goulet and Raitt told me they admired his voice. I forgot to add Roberta Peters who said in her luncheon show inteview with me that she would have loved to sing with Mario.
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Kristine
01-25-2018
03:15 PM ET (US) IP: 173.169.36.195
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Jim, were Robert Goulet and John Raitt, fans of Mario Lanza ? I think , Peter Palmer was. He was in Broadway's and movie version of "Li'l Abner" and mentioned Lanza sang "Love In A Home"(from "Li'l Abner" sung as a duet with Edie Adams and Peter Palmer). Was Allan Jones a fan of Mario Lanza, especially, that Mario sang "The Donkey Serenade" and "Cosi Cosa"(sung by Jones) ?
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Jim Thompson
01-25-2018
12:22 PM ET (US) IP: 69.123.160.19
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Thought I would add an item or two here. Kaufmann or the "writer" or whoever writes about Mario in a strictly operatic manner is off base at the start. Here is my premise: Mario Lanza's voice, what God gave him, his thought process in delivery through the almost perfect pronunciation, his interpretive skills in operatic arias and songs in all styles are simply unique. Now over the years in radio especially, I interviewed many opera singers as well as Broadway and popular singers. One thing always stood out in their observation of Lanza's voice: big voice and "he knew what to do with a song."
I include here the following after speaking with them live in studio or by phone: Richard Leech, Lucino Pavarotti, Renee Fleming, Jerry Hadley, Robert Goulet, John Raitt, Vic Damone, Kathryn Grayson, Jane Powell, Sherrill Milnes, Robert Merrill, Anders Bjorling (Jussi's son on what his father thought of Mario) Giuseppe Di Stefano and of couse Licia Albanese and Elaine Malbin. The list may be longer but that's enough. My God, that voice and the joy it brings every time a note comes at you in and from whatever for and language is, well to die for! Whether with people around or alone, listening is a thrill that never leaves.
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Bill Ronayne
01-25-2018
10:27 AM ET (US) IP: 68.192.176.143
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Mario Lanza Birthday Remembrance Party Mario Lanza Museum (712 Montrose St Philadelphia) Saturday January 27th Noon-3pm Come join fans and family of Mario Lanza for a celebration including coffee, cake, sandwiches and more as we remember his special day. A tour of the museum will be available and Lanza’s recordings will be played. Admission is free. Call, 215-238-9691 or email mariolanzainstitute@verizon.net for more information and with any questions. For those that cannot attend and would like to make a donation in honor of Lanza's birthday, please make your checks out to Mario Lanza Institute and mail to the following address: Mario Lanza Institute P.O. Box 54624 Philadelphia, PA 19148 Edited 01-25-2018 10:28 AM
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Vincent To Gail
01-25-2018
10:19 AM ET (US) IP: 24.190.100.146
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Thank you so much.
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Deleted by topic administrator 01-25-2018 10:47 AM
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Phil uk
01-25-2018
08:14 AM ET (US) IP: 85.12.76.63
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Armando,thanks for your input re the Kaufmann book comments.Jussi was a great OPERA artist but still could NEVER convey the music like our Mario did & does.Awaiting the new Sepia cd with excitement.Again at the risk of sounding like an old record,this is why i go on about that Lamento rehearsal item because to my ears its Mario at his most exciting & raw emotion which very few singers can match.
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Fred Day
01-25-2018
07:11 AM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Note: Jussi never sang the Improviso from Andrea Chenier. He sang only the Come Un Bel Di Di Maggio. He once stated that he would like to sing the complete role, but never got around to it. Ciao.
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Gail Swartz
01-24-2018
11:45 PM ET (US) IP: 204.29.186.7
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Met I, have YOU listened to Mario Lanza sing?
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Deleted by topic administrator 01-24-2018 09:11 PM
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Gail Swartz
01-24-2018
08:02 PM ET (US) IP: 204.29.186.11
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Wonderful!!!!
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Armando Cesari
01-24-2018
07:32 PM ET (US) IP: 139.216.64.73
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Hello, Gail. The answer to your question about unpublished photos of Mario is yes. In the coming weeks I'll be sending Derek Mc Govern some of them to add to his site:
https://www.mariolanzatenor.com/
So keep a lookout for them.
I'm sure you'll enjoy the new Sepia CD-there are wonderful things in it!
Best wishes to you.
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Gail Swartz
01-24-2018
07:03 PM ET (US) IP: 204.29.186.63
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Thank you, Armando. I have enjoyed your book . Do you have any more photos of Mario that have not been published..that you are willing to share. I am rather like you in that I can not get enough Mario that will satisfy for all time. Waiting for the new CD...Mario sings while I drive, usually quite loud! Blessings on you.
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Armando Cesari
01-24-2018
05:19 PM ET (US) IP: 139.216.64.73
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It would have been more acceptable had Thomas Voigt said that due to his limited experience Lanza could not hold a candle to Bjorling as an opera singer (and even then he'd be skating on thin ice!) but stating that Lanza could not do that in "vocal terms" is simply laughable and merely reveals the author's total ignorance when it comes to vocal matters. Edited 01-24-2018 06:01 PM
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Kristine
01-24-2018
04:37 PM ET (US) IP: 173.169.36.195
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This afternoon, on TCM, they showed the silent movie "The Student Prince In Old Heidelberg"starring Ramon Novarro, Norma Shearer. Being silent, there were no songs,though Novarro did have a tenor voice. He was called Prince Karl Heinreich. Ben Mankiewicz did call Mario, the great tenor, but said he was fired from the movie, due to problems with Dore Schary and M-G-M. Lanza and Schary didn't get along, as Lanza and Louis B. Mayer did. I wonder if Edmund Purdom ever met Mario ? "The Student Prince" has a sad ending, the Prince can't marry Katy, The Barmaid, his true love, due to ascending the throne. It reminded me of "Roman Holiday" starring Gregory Peck and Audrey Hepburn. She has to return to England,as a Princess, and can't marry her true love, who is Peck. Is "The Student Prince" still performed, today ?
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Gail Swartz
01-24-2018
03:36 PM ET (US) IP: 204.29.186.64
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Vincent, I love your clean sparkling top notes.
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Diane Cox
01-24-2018
12:40 PM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.66
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Watched TSP last night on Turner. Must confess I was disappointed in the comments about Mario Lanza by the host both last night and the other day when they ran TMK. It seems the attitude about Mario that Hollywood had in the 50 continues to this day.
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Phil uk
01-24-2018
11:36 AM ET (US) IP: 85.12.76.63
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on second thoughts Kaufmann must have proofed the book before publishing so the statement re Mario is not at all worthy.I think he should listen to Mario living Cheniers Improviso on the upcoming Sepia cd,Bjorling could NEVER sing like that.
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Phil uk
01-24-2018
11:20 AM ET (US) IP: 85.12.76.63
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my apologies to Jonas re that terrible statement.
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Vincent Ricciardi
01-24-2018
10:06 AM ET (US) IP: 24.190.100.146
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Hello All,
I know a number of you have purchased my album in the past, but for those of you who haven’t I created a small promo video for it that I thought you would appreciate. The album contains standard tenor arias, Neapolitan songs, famous selections by Mario, as well as some new “crossover” selections. The album can be purchased on my site if you are interested. If not, I just hope you enjoy the clips.
https://youtu.be/MV_n8hvXJ_k
http://www.eandventertainment.com/store/
All the best,
Vincent
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Derek McGovern
01-24-2018
09:27 AM ET (US) IP: 112.153.216.167
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It's not Kaufmann making the ridiculous claim in that book that Mario "vocally speaking, couldn't hold a candle to Bjorling;" it's the actual author, press consultant Thomas Voigt.
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Martino to Phil
01-24-2018
08:55 AM ET (US) IP: 104.255.4.145
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Everyone is entitled to their opinion and I am sure there are many, many people (especially opera buffs) who would agree with Jonas. The fact is Jussi and Mario admired each other and I doubt one would have spoken this way about the other. From all accounts, they also enjoyed each other's company as well as each other's talent.
Perhaps Jonas is not speaking entirely of voice but also as a stage performer. Jussi and Mario were entirely different - one was an opera singer who sang around the world for many years in many different roles and was universally acknowledged as a legitimate heir to the likes of Gigli and Caruso. Lanza was a movie star and recording artist whose fame was primarily in "pop" music. Lanza might not have been able to hold a candle to Jussi in the opera house over an entire career - we will never know. What we do know is that Bjorling could not hold a candle to Lanza in terms of a movie career. Bjorling made a couple movies but that is not what he did for a living, just like Mario sang a couple of opera performances but that is not what he did for a living.
In strictly vocal terms you can not go wrong with either choice but for me, Lanza's incredible versatility, warmth and passion tips the scale in his favor. BTW, you asked for our comments - what is your comment on what Jonas said?
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Phil uk
01-24-2018
08:39 AM ET (US) IP: 85.12.76.63
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To all.Jonas kaufmann states on page 10 of his book that "Mario Lanza could not hold a candle to Jussi Bjorling" comments please.
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Kristine
01-23-2018
05:39 PM ET (US) IP: 173.169.36.195
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Chris, I'm sorry you lost items , due to Hurricane Sandy.
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Kristine
01-23-2018
05:38 PM ET (US) IP: 173.169.36.195
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Chris, best wishes to you and you are welcome. Yes, your dad resembled Mario Lanza.
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Martino to Chris
01-23-2018
05:33 PM ET (US) IP: 104.255.4.145
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Chris, your dad bears as close a resemblance to Mario Lanza as I have ever seen. It would be worth your while to see if it can be restored. Good luck with your return to singing. Cheers to you!! Edited 01-23-2018 05:34 PM
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Chris Johns
01-23-2018
03:14 PM ET (US) IP: 69.142.223.152
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Kristine, I can’t thank you enough for that compliment!
Fred, there was a time when I sang everyday of my life. I did concerts, plays, etc. I would even sing at work. Then 7 years ago I got this horrible infection, which caused the loss of my right leg and 2 strokes.
Not to bore everyone, but I had to learn how to walk and talk again.
Thank the good Lord, I’m almost back. The voice isn’t what it once was, but I have recently joined a local chorus, hopefully I can get some of my confidence back.
I had many reel- to- reel recordings of my singing, but they were all lost in Hurricane Sandy.
I would like to share this photo of my dad from 1951. (Also extremely damaged by Sandy) now HE looked like Mario!!
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Bill Ronayne
01-23-2018
02:26 PM ET (US) IP: 68.192.187.31
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This Saturday:
Saturday January 27, 2018 noon-3pm
This is a free event open to all and includes sandwiches, birthday cake, soda, coffee and other goodies. Lanza’s recordings will be played and a tour of the museum will be available for all to enjoy.
For more information call 215-238-9691 or email mariolanzainstitute@verizon.net.
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Fred Day
01-23-2018
10:05 AM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Chris: I would like to hear you sing. Do you have anything on youtube?? If not, would you please record a few selections onto youtube?? Please let us know. Thanks. Ciao.
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Messages 51687-51684 deleted by author 01-23-2018 10:09 AM |
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Kristine
01-22-2018
10:49 PM ET (US) IP: 173.169.36.195
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Chris Johns, you should portray Mario Lanza in a film biography ! I agree with you, Fred, Chris resembles Mario Lanza !
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Chris To Fred
01-22-2018
10:11 PM ET (US) IP: 69.142.223.152
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How nice of you to say that, Fred. Yes I’m a tenor and my great grandmother was a Cocozza..... a cousin to Mario. When I was a kid my uncle Mike, who is long gone, used to tell me he always got letters from Mario when Mario was in the army.
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Fred Day
01-22-2018
09:26 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Chris Johns: Nice pic of you and Placido. One thing surprised me: you look very similar to Mario Lanza - a strong facial resemblance!! Shave off the moustache and the resemblance will be even stronger. Are you a tenor?? Ciao.
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Deleted by topic administrator 01-22-2018 09:56 AM
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Chris To Martino
01-21-2018
08:22 PM ET (US) IP: 69.142.223.152
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Yes, they were great moments. Before this photo was taken we just had a good 10 min. conversation about OUR love for Mario. It was mind blowing to hear this GREAT tenor tell me how Mario’s voice mesmerized him as a young man. Domingo credited his parents AND Mario, for the dream he got to persue.
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Martino to Chris
01-21-2018
05:37 PM ET (US) IP: 104.255.4.145
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Lucky you! I heard Domingo as well but never got close enough to speak with him or get my picture taken with him. I'm sure you will never forget that moment.
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Chris Johns
01-21-2018
02:55 PM ET (US) IP: 69.142.223.152
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I’ve had the pleasure of hearing Domingo many times over the years. I also had the honor of meeting and speaking with him and his wife a few times. Such a lovely couple. Placido is a true down to earth man AND he loves Mario.
We’re going to see him in April, at the Met, in Luisa Miller.
Here is a photo of me and Domingo in the late 1990’s (Notice we both still had dark hair)
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Diane Cox
01-21-2018
01:13 PM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.66
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Agree, Martino. I have learned to appreciate Domingo. And he worked with Il Volo and gave them a push into a more classical approach, although I think their next album is going back to a Latin theme and a pop sound.
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Martino
01-21-2018
12:15 PM ET (US) IP: 104.255.4.145
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 Happy Birthday to one of the greatest tenors that has ever lived. Placido did not possess as beautiful and sensuous a voice as say, Jose Carreras, nor was it as pure and high flying as Pavarotti. But he could sing anything from Rossini to Wagner and make it sound good - better than good - and in any language. He is the consummate musician. His longevity is unmatched and although I don't care a whole lot for his transition to baritone, it just goes to show how much he loves to sing and he will probably continue to do so until the day he dies. His contributions to opera and the arts in general, not just his singing on stage, can not be over emphasized. We tend to take Placido Domingo for granted but when he is gone we will then realize what a giant force in music he truly was. Edited 01-21-2018 12:16 PM
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Fred Day
01-21-2018
08:38 AM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Placido Domingo turns 77 today, Jan 21st. Happy Birthday and many more. Ciao.
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Gail Swartz
01-20-2018
08:50 PM ET (US) IP: 204.29.186.18
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Did we forget Domingo'sbirthday yesterday? He was inspired by Mario.
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Jeffrey Campbell
01-20-2018
07:17 PM ET (US) IP: 68.231.187.49
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Congratulations to all involved in the production of the latest superb Sepia release,"Poetry and Passion". For me, the highlights include Earthbound, with that stunning ending My Destiny, sounding fuller and richer than ever, the jaw-dropping Otello extract, so moving, and the final Only a Rose, yes heart-stopping and simply tear-up singing, with the final high note indeed true and ringing, even so close to the end of his life. Everything is to love about this release, and proof yet again that he could really sing anything with poetry and passion. Bravo tutti!Highly recommended!
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Diane Cox
01-20-2018
01:59 PM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.66
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I always liked Englebert Humperdink, and not only for his voice. And of course, Elvis. Very selective about whose fan I am. Streisand, about the only woman I can listen to.
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Chris Johns
01-20-2018
01:56 PM ET (US) IP: 69.142.223.152
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John Gary had a beautiful voice. He also sang ‘Be My Love’
Here is a link to his ‘Once Upon A Time’
https://youtu.be/jqjLA-CquHQ
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Kristine
01-20-2018
01:11 PM ET (US) IP: 173.169.36.195
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On the subject of non-tenors, there are pop or rock'n'roll singers , who had potential to be opera singers. These singers come to mind, Tom Jones, Englebert Humperdinck, late Jackie Wilson, Roy Orbison, Jay, from Jay and The Americans, when they sang "Cara Mia". Late Steve Rossi, who was part of Allen &Rossi Comedy Team, had such a voice. On the subject of John Gary, he was the young boy, who sang a song in one of the early scenes in movie "The Time Of Your Life" starring James Cagney. Bobby Breen was a boy soprano, but when he became an adult, his voice wasn't operatic. By the way, Dorothy Malone passed away and Bradford Dillman passed away. RIP. Dillman played St. Francis of Assisi in movie "Francis of Assisi" also starring Stuart Whitman and Dolores Hart, one of her last movies, before she left Hollywood and became a nun, now Mother Dolores Hart. Dorothy Malone won an Oscar for "Written On The Wind" and was on t.v. version of "Peyton Place" in 1960's.
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Martino to Mike
01-20-2018
12:49 PM ET (US) IP: 104.255.4.145
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My favorite non tenor you ask? Well, it depends on what side of the bed I get up on and decide to listen to that day. One day it might be Tebaldi, the next day Callas and the next perhaps Sutherland. Ezio Pinza is pretty high on the list if I have to stick with non tenor men. John Gary was a very good singer of course but my favorites in "pop", which I admit I never listened to very much, are Celine, Elvis and if I'm in my seldom mood for Country, I was always disposed to the beautiful western style and voice of Marty Robbins.
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Mike M
01-20-2018
12:11 PM ET (US) IP: 108.74.19.115
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thank you, Martino..Saw Franchi live twice,Las Vegas and New York. Very personable gentleman. On another note, my favorite non-tenor was John Gary. Opinion, please
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Fred Day
01-19-2018
03:21 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Martino: Will do - many thanks!! Ciao.
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Diane Cox
01-19-2018
12:55 PM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.66
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Domingo's Spanish Eyes quite enjoyable. Thanks
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Martino
01-19-2018
11:52 AM ET (US) IP: 104.255.4.145
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Here is another version of "Spanish Eyes" sung by another guy with an accent but also adding that accent to the exotic context and beat of the song. The lyrics are different and so is the title of the song, "Moon Over Naples" but the song itself is unmistakable: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SExau55zoSw
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Martino to Mike
01-19-2018
11:47 AM ET (US) IP: 104.255.4.145
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The song you are thinking of is "If We Were In Love" by the famous composer John Williams. It was nominated for various awards, including an Academy Award nomination. You are right about Domingo recording quite a bit in English and yes, his accent was pronounced. But here is one of my favorite songs sung in English by Placido and I think you will agree it is wonderful in every respect with the accent adding to the flavor of the song:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TjOvH8pE1ek
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Mike M
01-19-2018
11:31 AM ET (US) IP: 108.74.19.115
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Mention of Yes Georgio got me thinking he sang a wonderful song in English from a hot air balloon and he very seldom recorded in English. Domingo recorded very often in English but his English dialect was much worse to the point of distraction.
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David Weaver
01-19-2018
10:13 AM ET (US) IP: 156.63.68.244
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Dennis . . . deleted your "I" message as requested.
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Kristine
01-19-2018
06:39 AM ET (US) IP: 173.169.36.195
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In the movie "The Great Waltz"(1938)Fernand Gravet, Luise Rainer, and Miliza Korjus, also, showed a adulterous affair(Strauss, played by Gravet, falls in love with Korjus's character), so, at that time, there was The Legion of Decency(Catholic Church's rating system. I am Catholic), they probably criticized it. They even criticized "Miracle On 34th Street"(Maureen O' Hara version)for having O' Hara's character as a divorced, single mother. One extreme to the other. By the way, Miliza Korjus(the slogan was Korjus rhymes with gorgeous)was ready to do another movie with Robert Taylor and Hedy LaMarr. Then she was injured in an auto accident. M-G-M didn't know if she would recover, so they terminated her contract. There was a rumor that Jeanette MacDonald wanted her off the lot, but that was said to be false. Some thought Miliza looked like an operatic Mae West. Before "That Midnight Kiss" started, on TCM, Ben Mankiewicz told a little about Mario Lanza, mentioning his real name, Alfredo Arnold Cocozza, Frances Yeend, etc. Ben is grandson and grandnephew of screenplay writers and director, Joseph L. Mankiewicz and Herman Mankiewicz.
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Dennis
01-18-2018
10:04 PM ET (US) IP: 73.170.201.215
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Am reposting below under my real name. Have no idea how I became identified as "!". And I am not a troll, so please, Mr. Administrator, you can delete "!", but not my real postings.
Gail, thanks for the info about Purdom's three-month effort to learn the lip-syncing for the role. I have always thought his lip-sync ability in this movie was outstanding. He does a better job than some singers do to their own voice in some movies. And I think I agree with Martino that Mario may have had difficulty portraying a prince. And despite his muscular frame, can you see Mario leaping on the table to sing "Drink! Drink" with the extra pounds he was carrying?
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Gail Swartz
01-18-2018
09:33 PM ET (US) IP: 204.29.186.9
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I can recall my dad not wanting to take me to see a Mario Lanza film because Mario did not have "a good reputation". Can recall BYM scenes and thinking ' he only wants to sing!' Good note...I located an original copy of Arrivederci, Roma sheet music and Torna a Sorrento, Lady of Spain and several others. I am trying to collect tunes Mario recorded....I may have tackled a task beyond my resources.
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Martino
01-18-2018
07:50 PM ET (US) IP: 104.255.4.145
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Diane is right. I don't think PG was even a rating during Mario's life. TCM uses some service as do most tv networks, in order to give the films they present a rating. If TCM shows a PG for a film, another network (such as ABC) might rate the same movie differently. At least that is my understanding of it. Modern movies are rated by the film industry I believe but films shown on tv are rated differently and usually at a higher standard.
I have no idea why a Lanza film would be rated PG but I suppose they do so to be safe and cover their butts in case someone finds an objectionable word or scene. Lanza got into fights and brawls in several of his pictures so that might cause a censor or whatever they are called, to consider the film's content to contain "violence". I remember that the Pavarotti film, "Yes, Giorgio" was rated as "unacceptable" by some Christian network because it showed his character in an adulterous relationship. And so it goes. Bottom line is it all depends who is doing the rating.
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Diane Cox
01-18-2018
06:08 PM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.66
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Movies did not get ratings until 1968, so these films were not rated when they came out.
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Kristine
01-18-2018
05:59 PM ET (US) IP: 173.169.36.195
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Does anyone know why "That Midnight Kiss" got a PG Rating from TCM ? Was it because of the scene, where Jules Munshin starts smashing Thomas Gomez's dressing room ? I think some of Mario Lanza's other movies got PG Ratings, too.
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Martino to Fred
01-18-2018
05:05 PM ET (US) IP: 104.255.4.145
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The "Adriana" was mailed today. Please let me know when you receive it and if I finalized the disk properly. If I did, it should play in any dvd player.
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Messages 51653-51652 deleted by author between 01-19-2018 10:12 AM and 01-19-2018 10:07 AM |
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Martino to Gail
01-18-2018
09:37 AM ET (US) IP: 104.255.4.145
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I like to watch TSPl now and then. Lanza's voice is great but Purdom (who was never a great actor) is at least a believable Prince acting the part. In fact, I have often said he fit the role better than Lanza would have. We will never know of course but I just don't think Mario would have pulled it off that well from an acting point of view. I can picture Mario Lanza as a bar room brawler but not a swashbuckler, and it is a swashbuckler you need for a Prince. Lanza was effective playing his familiar role of Opera singer or wannabe Opera singer. This role would have been entirely different from anything else he did in films up to that time. I could be wrong and he might have surprised me and done very well but something tells me he would have been awkward at best and out of place at worst. Awkward in the same sense you feel when handed a birthday card at the office to sign for a coworker you despise. I think Mario would have felt the same way once he got into this role on the actual set. Simply put, I think he would find playing this part uncomfortable. But like I said, we'll never know.
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Gail Swartz
01-18-2018
09:08 AM ET (US) IP: 204.29.186.52
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The Student Prince is to be shown next Tuesday late evening...has not been seen for a long time. Purdom took 3months to learn to lip-sync Mario's singing. Mario never saw the film. Close your eyes and listen to Mario's wonderful voice.
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Martino
01-18-2018
08:51 AM ET (US) IP: 104.255.4.145
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I agree with you ladies. Although the plot is paper thin, "TMK" is a fun movie to watch and the slim, handsome Mario seemed a natural as a romantic leading man. Combine that with an extraordinary voice and you have star quality written all over you. He was an instant success and MGM rewarded Mario with a $10,000 bonus, which came back to them many times over with future Lanza movie profits.
Incidentally, as we often see and as was the case last night, TCM plays Lanza films very late in the evening or early morning hours. Most people remedy that with DVR recording but there is another way to see the films at more suitable times. TCM has a streaming service called "Watch TCM". Within a few hours of the channel broadcast, films are available for streaming via their "Watch TCM" service. It is available as an app for computer viewing or via Fire Stick or Roku for tv streaming. The films are available with no loss of quality from the original broadcast, however, I have found TCM's stream is sometimes spotty with many error messages along the way. If the connectivity is good, you can watch the films anytime you want for about the next seven days after the tv channel broadcast. Just a heads up for those of you who stream and hate to stay up that late to watch a movie.
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Deleted by topic administrator 01-18-2018 11:02 AM
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Diane Cox
01-18-2018
02:01 AM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.66
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Was just going to watch the opening few minutes of TMK, but it pulled me right in and I watched the whole thing - loved it as always. I have it DVR'd also. He was magnetic.
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Deleted by topic administrator 01-17-2018 05:47 PM
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Gail Swartz
01-17-2018
02:40 PM ET (US) IP: 204.29.186.18
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Thanks,Martino. I have TMK on DVR already...still like it. For those who feel that something is missing, go to YT for the duet "One Love of Mine" that was deleted from the film...Clyde Smith gave me a clip showing multiple takes of the song's filming...very eye-opening. Stay safe during this crazy winter weather.
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Martino
01-17-2018
02:01 PM ET (US) IP: 104.255.4.145
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Tonight, TCM is highlighting "Midnight" movies. One of the featured films is Mario Lanza's first motion picture, "That Midnight Kiss", with Kathryn Grayson. It starts at 11:15 pm here in Central Time, check your local listings for show time where you are. Although I do not think this picture is as good as his next two or three, it introduced him to an eager American public longing for singers to take the place of the aging Eddy/MacDonald romantic duo. Lanza and Grayson were not quite that successful but "TMK" was Lanza's launching pad that would determine if he could indeed become a movie star, or if he needed to return to the opera house. The vote by the public was unanimous and Lanza would never look back or set foot on an opera stage again. For better or worse, "TMK" was a major turning point in his career and life.
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Deleted by topic administrator 01-17-2018 05:47 PM
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David Weaver
01-16-2018
11:49 PM ET (US) IP: 98.31.1.186
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Brad Netherton posted on his personal Facebook page that his brother Tom had come down with the flu. It developed into pneumonia - Tom was taken to the local hospital on Friday where he died that Sunday. Brad said Tom's survivors included their mother and two sisters - no mention of a wife or children.
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Deleted by topic administrator 01-16-2018 11:13 AM
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Kristine
01-16-2018
07:09 AM ET (US) IP: 173.169.36.195
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I just saw opera great Leontyne Price and operatic type singer, Sandi Patty sing "Give Me Your Tired, Your Poor" on You Tube. Superb ! I didn't know that Irving Berlin wrote that song. Imagine if Mario Lanza had sung it.
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Deleted by topic administrator 01-16-2018 11:13 AM
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Fred Day
01-15-2018
02:44 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Kristine: I don't know if Tom Netherton ever married. Pat Boone was Tom's idol. Tom decided to follow the same path that Pat followed. Ciao.
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Fred Day
01-15-2018
02:40 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Phil-uk: I am sure Lanza & Costa rehearsed many times over the years. I would guess that very few were recorded on tape. Pity that some of those were overloaded on the volume level of the tape recorder. We are thankful for the few we have. Ciao.
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Kristine
01-15-2018
02:29 PM ET (US) IP: 173.169.36.195
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Fred, I heard he had been in an accident and never recovered from his injuries. Was he married ? I remember, Lawrence Welk would say on the show "And girls, he's single".
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Fred Day
01-15-2018
02:26 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Tom Netherton died on Jan 7th, 4 days shy of his 71st birthday. Cause-?? Rest in peace. Ciao.
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Kristine
01-15-2018
11:51 AM ET (US) IP: 173.169.36.195
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Remembering MLK,Jr. , today, on his birthday holiday. I heard he liked opera. On a sad note, movie actress, Jean Porter, passed away at 95. She was in "Abbott &Costello In Hollywood" and other movies, back in the '40's. RIP. Also, singer Tom Netherton passed away. RIP. He was a singer on "The Lawrence Welk Show". He was tall, blond, good looking, and had a good voice. Some wonder why Hollywood didn't grab him for movies. It's because it's not the Hollywood of the 1930's, 1940's, and 1950's.
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Messages 51633-51626 deleted by author between 01-16-2018 11:14 AM and 01-16-2018 11:28 AM |
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Phil uk
01-12-2018
06:08 AM ET (US) IP: 85.12.76.63
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To All..listening to several home recordings of Mario,i cant fathom why he & Callinicos only seemed to rehearse just ONE aria at a time!For example the Madame Sans Gene/The Chenier Improviso etc,etc surely they would have done more & if so were they put to tape.It just seems strange to me that this happened.Any thoughts?
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Phil uk
01-10-2018
10:27 AM ET (US) IP: 85.12.76.63
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To Doug.. yes it must have been very frustrating to those who knew Mario & his true talent & vocation etc.With Albanese on the set of Serenade he could have recorded the love duet & few other excerpts from Otello while he was in that frame of mind so to speak,bet alas he did not.
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Jeffrey Campbell
01-09-2018
08:03 PM ET (US) IP: 68.231.187.49
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Just ordered the new Sepia "Poetry and Passion" CD directly from their website, and a friendly note that it is in the post! Can't wait! The currencyexc hange works out to $ 11.99 so why wait for Amazon?http://sepiarecords.com/sepia1319.html
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Deleted by topic administrator 01-09-2018 01:06 PM
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Doug
01-08-2018
11:10 AM ET (US) IP: 76.3.171.92
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Re: Phil uk I've always wished for a ML "Si pel ciel" duet with Warren, Merrill, or Bastianini!
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Bill Ronayne
01-07-2018
11:26 AM ET (US) IP: 69.113.210.159
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Mario Lanza Birthday Remembrance
Saturday January 27, 2018 Noon-3pm
Come join fans and family of Mario Lanza for a celebration including coffee, cake, sandwiches and more as we remember his special day. A tour of the museum will be available and Lanza’s recordings will be played. Admission is free. Call, 215-238-9691 or email mariolanzainstitute@verizon.net for more information and with any questions. For those that cannot attend and would like to make a donation in honor of Lanza's birthday, please make your checks out to Mario Lanza Institute and mail to the following address:
Mario Lanza Institute
P.O. Box 54624
Philadelphia, PA 19148
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Messages 51619-51618 deleted by author between 01-08-2018 12:01 PM and 01-06-2018 12:16 AM |
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Phil uk
01-05-2018
06:38 AM ET (US) IP: 85.12.76.63
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To Derek McGovern..thanks for your response to my mail.Sorry to go on about that Lamento but for me Marios Performance is raw emotion & that last note(a high B?) makes me wonder what ESULTATE(OTELLO) would be like,we can only wonder.Thanks again for your input into the new cd.I intend to purchase several copies & give them as gifts.
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Gail Swartz
01-04-2018
12:02 AM ET (US) IP: 204.29.186.16
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Looking forward to the newest cd of Mario Lanza's legacy to us. I am always pleased with the cds because I love to hear him sing.
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Derek McGovern to Phil UK
01-03-2018
10:30 PM ET (US) IP: 112.153.216.167
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Hi Phil: Thanks for your interest in the forthcoming Sepia CD (and thanks also to Joe and Jeffrey for their enthusiasm).
Please don't expect any major improvement in the sound quality on the Home Improvviso on this new CD. It's been cleaned up a bit by Sepia's engineer, but overall there was little that could be done to improve the recording given its inherent distortion and (especially) its narrow dynamic range. The home recording of Un Tal Gioco, on the other hand, may please you more: somehow it reveals to a greater extent that jaw-dropping power that you admire so much on the Home Lamento, despite being even more primitively recorded than the Improvviso.
Then there's the seldom-heard "Saturday Spectacular" live TV performance of "I'm Falling in Love with Someone" (performed two days after Mario's first Albert Hall recital). Again, it's primitively captured, but the excitement of Mario's singing comes through on the CD loud and clear. It's quite a thrill!
By the way, the Albert Hall version of the Lamento had already been confirmed for this CD some months before you started posting your wish here that Sepia would restore the 1952 home rehearsal for their next release. So you were a little late! By way of compensation, however, this performance (to my ears, at least) has never sounded better.
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Phil uk
01-03-2018
12:01 PM ET (US) IP: 85.12.76.63
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To Derek McGovern..look forward to the new cd & how the home Chenier Improviso sounds decently restored.I know that Lamento has poor sound quality but i still feel it should be on commercial cd sometime as it shows Mario with more squillo in this rendition than the others,at least to my ears.Thanks again for your effort in this venture.
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Deleted by topic administrator 01-03-2018 09:28 AM
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Kristine
01-02-2018
05:04 PM ET (US) IP: 173.169.36.195
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Buster Keaton was also in "The Lord Don't Play Favorites".
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Kristine
01-02-2018
05:03 PM ET (US) IP: 173.169.36.195
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I watched "The Lord Don't Play Favorites" on You Tube. It was very good and I wonder if it will be released on DVD 's ? Kay Starr, Robert Stack, Louis Armstrong, Dick Haymes starred in it. There are t.v. plays,musicals from the 1950's being released on DVD's. "Lady In The Dark" (Ann Sothern in a tv version from 1954), "Annie Get Your Gun", tv version, 1958, starring Mary Martin and John Raitt, "The Desert Song"(tv version, 1950's), starring Nelson Eddy and his singing partner, Gale Sherwood. "This Land" , from "The Lord Don't Play Favorites", as you said, was sung by Dick Haymes. After the show ended, there was a promotion of a record album with Kay Starr singing the songs from "The Lord Don't Play Favorites", RCA Victor Label, and I assume , she sang "This Land" on the recording. Was she ever a guest on Mario Lanza's "Coke Time" Radio Show ? I wish, Mary Martin and Ezio Pinza had done a t.v. version of "South Pacific".
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phil uk
01-02-2018
10:26 AM ET (US) IP: 85.12.76.63
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To Derek McGovern..i think the inclusion of LYGIA is a wise choice as to my mind its a great example of Marios romantic style & one i feel would be of interest to first time younger listeners.
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phil uk
01-02-2018
07:47 AM ET (US) IP: 85.12.76.63
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to Derek McGovern..Once again a great prospective cd of Mario from Sepia,looks like a great selection(no Lamento rehearsal?)Great cover photo too.Thanks in advance.
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Kristine
01-02-2018
06:41 AM ET (US) IP: 173.169.36.195
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I watched my DVD of "The Best of Everything-Mario Lanza", last night. A good production. So far, WEDU Channel 3-PBS TV, Tampa, Fla., hasn't shown it.
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Deleted by topic administrator 01-02-2018 01:30 PM
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Joe to Jeffrey
01-01-2018
06:48 PM ET (US) IP: 71.225.163.141
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Thanks Jeffrey for bringing the new Sepia release to our attention. It contains several of my favorites as well as some excellent(but seldom heard) songs. I am surprised that this forthcoming release did not get more publicity. Thank you again for the"heads up"
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Kristine
01-01-2018
06:15 PM ET (US) IP: 173.169.36.195
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Dick Haymes was one of the best crooners. I just read about the new Mario Lanza CD coming out this year and read that Derek McGovern lives in South Korea. The Winter Olympics will be there next month and I hope, pray, it will be safe and peace, there. I don't mean to discuss politics, but let there be peace on earth and Happy New Year !
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Jeffrey Campbell
01-01-2018
04:29 PM ET (US) IP: 68.231.187.49
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Happy New Year to all! I haven't seen it mentioned here as yet, so great news for all Lanza fans. Another stunning compilation coming down the pike from our friends at Sepia Records in the UK. thanks to Derek McGovern and co. for what is sure to be another Lanza Bonanza from Sepia. here is the link for details. http://www.mariolanzatenor.com/news
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Diane Cox
01-01-2018
12:59 PM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.66
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2018 - already feels different - cold here in Florida
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Teal
01-01-2018
12:56 PM ET (US) IP: 104.1.167.27
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Lanza aficionados: If you would like to see the apparent debut of the song "This Land" from "The Lord Don't Play Favorites (1956)," YouTube now carries the entire show. Dick Haymes sings "This Land" at about 58:35, near the beginning of the third act. I can't find that he, or anyone save Mario, recorded it. This Producers Showcase series show also features Louis Armstrong and strong performances by Kay Starr and Robert Stack. I am so glad it has been preserved. Enjoy.
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Gail Swartz
01-01-2018
12:35 AM ET (US) IP: 204.29.186.63
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A blessed new year to all!
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Fred Day
12-31-2017
07:33 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Happy New Year to all!! Viva Lanza!! Ciao.
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Bill Ronayne
12-31-2017
03:49 PM ET (US) IP: 68.192.184.45
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Wishing everyone a healthy, prosperous and happy New Year! Best, Bill
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Messages 51598-51597 deleted by author 12-31-2017 01:02 AM |
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Kristine
12-30-2017
05:29 PM ET (US) IP: 173.169.36.195
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Does anyone know if Don Porter liked Mario Lanza off the set of "Because You're Mine" ? I know that he played an Army officer, who wasn't a fan of Renaldo Rossano(Lanza)in "Because You're Mine". Porter played Peter Sands on "Private Secretary" with Ann Sothern(one of my favorites) and Mr. Devery on "The Ann Sothern Show". He also played Gidget's father on "Gidget" t.v. series with Sally Field. Rose Marie passed away. RIP. She was Rose Marie Mazetta and started as Baby Rose Marie. She played Sally Rogers, comedy writer on "The Dick Van Dyke Show". In 2018, Beatle John Lennon and Lena Horne will be honored on postage stamps. Good choices. Still keep hoping, one day, Mario Lanza will be on a stamp. So far, Gene Kelly, Astaire-Rogers, and Mac/Eddy haven't been on stamps. Happy New Year weekend, everybody !
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Messages 51595-51593 deleted by author between 12-29-2017 09:45 AM and 12-28-2017 12:04 PM |
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Fred Day
12-27-2017
08:09 AM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Martino: You named him - Gigli recorded ten different Ave Marias. Di Stefano was also very prolific in the recording studio, but he didn't record a single Ave Maria. Surprising. Ciao.
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Martino to Fred
12-27-2017
06:35 AM ET (US) IP: 104.255.4.145
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If it is not Andrea Bocelli, who I know recorded many religious songs, then any other would be only a guess as it is based on nothing. Among the most prolific recorders overall were Pavarotti and Gigli so the more you record the better the chances but I don't know the answer. I checked youtube real quick just now and found the Tortorella "Ave Maria" was recorded by one other singer besides Corelli and that was by the Italian "pop" tenor, Claudio Villa. I have not listened to Villa's rendition but I am sure it is very different than Corelli.
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Fred Day
12-27-2017
06:03 AM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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The Tortorella Ave Maria was recorded by Corelli only. I know of no one else who has recorded it. It may have been written especially for Corelli, I would guess. Ciao.
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Fred Day
12-27-2017
06:00 AM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Martino: No, not Bocelli. Bocelli has recorded many religious and semi-religious songs, but I count 5 Ave Marias by him. Guess again. This tenor is one of the all-time best. Ciao.
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Martino
12-26-2017
08:30 PM ET (US) IP: 104.255.4.145
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Could this be the rarest of all the "Ave Marias"? Besides Corelli, who else recorded it?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mV30jjAM2R0
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Martino to Fred
12-26-2017
08:23 PM ET (US) IP: 104.255.4.145
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Just a guess, Fred, but I would probably put a small (very small) wager on Bocelli. I say that because I don't know of any Italian tenor who has sung more songs of Religion/Devotion/Faith than Andrea.
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Fred Day
12-26-2017
06:12 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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No one answered my trivia question, so I will ask it again. What famous Italian tenor recorded ten different Ave Marias?? Should be easy to guess the answer. Ciao.
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Fred Day
12-26-2017
06:08 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Len: I am very fond of the Mascagni Ave Maria. John McCormack recorded it around 1920. Tito Schipa recorded it around 1928. Besides Domingo, Andrea Bocelli also recorded it. Ciao.
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Deleted by author 12-26-2017 04:06 PM
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Suzanne Palmiero
12-26-2017
02:53 PM ET (US) IP: 97.33.67.233
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Deleted by topic administrator 12-26-2017 05:01 PM
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Len (UK)
12-26-2017
06:33 AM ET (US) IP: 86.169.160.117
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There is a version of Ave Maria set to the Intermezzo from Cavaliera Rusticana and sung by Placido Domingo. It can, of course, be found on YouTube. It is musically interesting but I am not sure that I actually like it.
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Kristine
12-25-2017
11:08 PM ET (US) IP: 173.169.36.195
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Sorry to hear that Heather Menzies passed away at 68. RIP. She played one of the Von Trapp children in movie version of "The Sound of Music" (Julie Andrews). She was married to late actor Robert Urich.
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JIM OWENS
12-25-2017
01:34 PM ET (US) IP: 65.29.202.89
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DIANE,THANK YOU,HAVE A NICE NEW YEAR.YOUR FRIEND,JIM
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Kristine
12-25-2017
12:13 PM ET (US) IP: 173.169.36.195
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Merry Christmas and Happy Hanukkah, Holidays, Buddhist, Hindu Blessings, Kwanzaa , Eid, everybody ! A few days ago, "Jailhouse Rock" with Elvis Presley was on TCM. In the scene, where Vince Everett(Elvis)records his first demo, on the walls of the recording studio, there were photos of singers. I think the photos were of The Ames Brothers, Eddie Fisher, Tony Martin, Julius LaRosa, Lena Horne, Harry Belafonte, Perry Como. I wondered why there wasn't a photo of Mario Lanza, especially, since Elvis was a fan of his. But then I figured maybe they only wanted photos of pop music singers, not operatic, though Mario Lanza sang popular songs, operetta songs, Italian songs, even Calypso("There's Going To Be A Party Tonight and "Pineapple Pickers'). On a sad note, Judy Tyler, co-star in "Jailhouse Rock", was killed in an auto accident, after the movie was released. She was a singer and was Princess SummerWinterFallSpring on "The Howdy Doody Show". They say, Elvis was quite shaken, upon hearing of her death.
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Fred Day
12-25-2017
11:06 AM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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How many different musical settings of Ave Maria are there?? I would say at least 100 - probably more. What famous tenor recorded ten different Ave Marias?? That should be easy to guess. Ciao. Merry Christmas to all.
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Fred Day
12-25-2017
10:39 AM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Merry Christmas to all. I just learned that the Ave Maria of Giulio Caccini was not written by Caccini - it was written by Vladimir Vavilov, a contemporary, who died in 1973. You can read more about him in Wikipedia. Two tenors have recorded it (under the Caccini name): Andrea Bocelli and Vittorio Grigolo. Lovely melody. Ciao. Edited 12-25-2017 10:41 AM
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Ambrose
12-25-2017
07:27 AM ET (US) IP: 198.144.176.112
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Many thanks very useful. Will certainly share tinder dating site free with my friends.
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Messages 51574-51573 deleted by author 12-25-2017 02:16 PM |
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Doug
12-25-2017
01:44 AM ET (US) IP: 76.3.171.90
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There are several posts of the "Caccini" "Ave Maria" on YouTube. My own favorite is by Elina Garanca a mezzo who sings (in a lower key)just as beautifully and skillfully as Galante. I happened to see a movie a few days ago on TV about a young boy who wants to sing like Mario Lanza when he grows up. The film is a bit of a snore until the very end when the boy, now a mature man and apparently an established singer, has returned to his hometown and visits his family's gravesite. The music at this point is Bach/Gounod "Ave Maria" gorgeously sung by a remarkably beautiful tenor voice. I tried to catch the singer's name in the credits but didn't. It is not Lanza or any other famous tenor. I had never heard of this movie and it is 30 years old already. I'll have to see if it's available on Amazon. Edited 12-25-2017 01:45 AM
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Vincent & Emily Ricciardi
12-25-2017
12:10 AM ET (US) IP: 24.190.100.146
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It's the most wonderful time of the year. Merry Christmas from E&V!
https://youtu.be/R52VCt_URhM
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Deleted by topic administrator 12-24-2017 11:12 PM
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Martino
12-24-2017
08:45 PM ET (US) IP: 104.255.4.145
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Anyone wanting to hear this rare "Ave Maria" (composed by a Russian I believe) that was played on Jim's show, go to the link below. I can't imagine it ever being sung better than does Inessa Galante. Exquisite! Do not be mislead by the photo that accompanies the clip which is that of Cecilia Bartoli. The artist is indeed Galante and represents singing of the highest order.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ru8Yah-CMv0
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Doug
12-24-2017
08:24 PM ET (US) IP: 76.3.171.90
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Jim: Ah! Good! Excellent choice for a program finale. I couldn't think how BML would fit into a Christmas program. I do hope to hear it sometime. Good music on the radio is non-existent here in SW Florida. Warm best wishes for happy holidays to you too (76 degrees here right now) and thank you for giving our old friend Mario some long-overdue public exposure to both new (and hopefully) younger people who have never experienced him.
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Jim Thompson
12-24-2017
07:47 PM ET (US) IP: 69.123.160.19
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Yes, Doug. at the end of two hour program I used Mario's greeting for Christmas from his Coke show. He wished everyone a Merry Christmas and then he said, as always, May I wish you etc. and the last couple of bars of Be My Love were played. Seemed to work well! Merry Christmas to you and yours!
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Diane Cox
12-24-2017
05:51 PM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.66
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Glad you checked in with us, Jim. We miss Ed and his comments.
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JIM OWENS
12-24-2017
04:33 PM ET (US) IP: 65.29.202.89
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MERRY CHRISTMAS TO EVERYONE HERE.THIS IS BROTHER ED'S FRIEND.
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Gail Swartz
12-24-2017
04:23 PM ET (US) IP: 204.29.186.2
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Have yourselves a Merry Christmas...and the best of everything in life always.
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Doug
12-24-2017
03:37 PM ET (US) IP: 76.3.171.90
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"Be My Love"? On a Christmas program?
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Martino to Jim
12-24-2017
02:38 PM ET (US) IP: 104.255.4.145
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Thanks for the good wishes and same to you. Yes, I noticed there were a lot of spots but stations do that more and more these days, same with tv (thank God for DVRs). Galante is a singer I am not familiar with. She was quite good and sounded like Caballe - I will have to look her up. Let us know when the program is on youtube. I was glad you ended the show with "O Holly Night", my favorite Lanza Christmas song. The "Be My Love" high C was the icing on the cake!!! Hope you do more Lanza programs in the future. Just found Galante's "Ave Maria" on youtube. Edited 12-24-2017 02:41 PM
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Diane Cox
12-24-2017
02:08 PM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.66
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Merry Christmas to you all! Not sure how many years I've been posting on this site, but still look forward to reading daily. Have learned much, and enjoyed being able to share my love of the greatest tenor voice ever!
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Jim Thompson
12-24-2017
01:45 PM ET (US) IP: 69.123.160.19
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Thank you Martino. I think you are referring to the Caccini "Ave Maria" by Inessa Galante, a wonderful Latvian soprano. My producer, John Iannuzzi and I were, however, disappointed that the station put so many spots in the show. They got me out of retirement to do the show and I enjoyed it! I will post how to get it on YouTube without commercials! Again thanks and a Merry Christmas to you and your family.
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Joe to Doug
12-24-2017
01:28 PM ET (US) IP: 71.225.163.141
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Good for you Doug for saying that about Lanza's Christmas Carols/ I agree 100%. They just seem to lack the usual Lanza "juice". I don't kmow what the cause was: poor arrangement's or his heart just wasn't "in to it"......but few ever bring this up.
Happy Christmas and healthy New Year to All......Joe Fagan
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Martino
12-24-2017
12:58 PM ET (US) IP: 104.255.4.145
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Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all members of the forum!
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Martino to Jim
12-24-2017
12:39 PM ET (US) IP: 104.255.4.145
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Just caught a little of your radio program and it was great! Thanks for putting it together. Really enjoyed the Lanza songs of course but there was one song by (I believe) Montserrat Caballe that was hauntingly beautiful. What was the name of that song? It was the one just before your break and the Domingo song, which is playing right now. BTW, you could not have picked a better song to end your program with - good job!! Edited 12-24-2017 12:57 PM
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Doug
12-24-2017
11:30 AM ET (US) IP: 76.3.171.90
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Chris Johns: The overly fast tempo of "O Holy Night" might be due to the fact that 78 rpm records were still being made when ML recorded it. Despite their 12" size, they had a time limit of something a little over four minutes. OHN clocks in at 4:05. They could have easily shortened the arrangement a little and taken a slower tempo. For me, the 1959 Christmas album, and for that matter, any of those last recordings from 1959, are so bad that I cannot bring myself to listen to them. It's just not Mario Lanza any more.
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Brian Harrison
12-24-2017
10:45 AM ET (US) IP: 80.192.173.76
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Sorry about the typo in my last message. Should have read MERRIE OLDE ENGLAND.
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Brian Harrison
12-24-2017
10:41 AM ET (US) IP: 80.192.173.76
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May we wish all you lovely people a Very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Our Christmas Mario Lanza c.d. is sitting in the player ready for tomorrow. O Holy Night is our favourite, that final note is something to die for. Compliments to you and your families from Christine and Brian in MERRY OLDE ENGLAND.
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Bill Ronayne
12-24-2017
10:08 AM ET (US) IP: 68.192.179.179
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Merry Christmas to everyone! Below is a link to Mario's RCA recording of Silent Night. Best, Bill
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Begqja_34Zw
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Jim Thompson
12-24-2017
09:34 AM ET (US) IP: 69.123.160.19
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Merry Christmas everyone! If you go to WGCH RADIO GREENWICH, CT this morning (eastern time) from 11 to 1 pm you can listen to my Mario Lanza and Friend Christmas Special. The show also will air on Christmas Day from 1 to 3 pm.
The show will also be on WADK in Newport, RI tomorrow. I will have a ling for the youtube version which is a little longer than the two hour radio version. I hope you enjoy the music especially Mario's voice! Again Merry Christmas and a Happy 2018 to all.
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Deleted by topic administrator 12-24-2017 01:07 PM
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Diane Cox
12-23-2017
07:21 PM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.66
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Gail, after the new year let me look and see if I still have two. Some of the duplicate items I gave away or sold several years ago. As I said I used to buy movie magazines with articles about Mario on line, and I had several autographs. Both of the ones I kept are addressed to me. I gave Ed some LPs a couple years ago, still have a lot, but no turntable. My kids aren't interested in any of it, so will get trashed when I'm gone.
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Gail Swartz
12-23-2017
05:41 PM ET (US) IP: 204.29.186.58
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Diane, are you willing to let one of them go?
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Diane Cox
12-23-2017
04:29 PM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.66
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Have a couple copies of the Time magazine. I love the old movie star magazines too. Edited 12-23-2017 04:30 PM
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!
12-23-2017
03:31 PM ET (US) IP: 73.170.201.215
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I had a Camden Christmas Hymns and Carols album. I bought it in the mid 60s in a discount bin in a store. At the time, Lanza was not a familiar voice to me, although I had undoubtedly heard it now and then on the radio. I loved the album and began to watch for more Lanza recordings! A wacky friend of my wife's also heard this album at Christmas time and she LOVED Mario's voice. I ended up loaning it to her—she played in over and over, then she moved, and I never got it back! That December was my first in a while without Lanza contributing his voice to welcome Christmas morning. Then I found a Pickwick release of it, bought it immediately, and ever since this LP is the first played on Christmas morning. My only irritation is that Guardian Angels is not a Christmas song, so I often lift the needle and skip past it to not spoil the Christmas mood. In a couple days, Mario will again bring his special touch to my Christmas morn. I deliberately don't play it with my Christmas music before Christmas so as to heighten the excitement. Merry Christmas to all Lanza fans on this forum.
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David Weaver
12-23-2017
02:09 PM ET (US) IP: 98.31.1.186
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The TIME cover - compare the portrait to the Camden LP painting.
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David Weaver
12-23-2017
02:08 PM ET (US) IP: 98.31.1.186
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That first terrible Camden cover was taken from a Lanza photo that first appeared in TIME magazine in February 1951 and that was then used to create the portrait of Mario for the TIME cover in August of that year. Edited 12-23-2017 02:08 PM
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Chris Johns
12-23-2017
01:58 PM ET (US) IP: 69.142.223.152
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I love all the Lanza Christmas songs. Especially the Coke ‘Silent Night’. My only slight complaint is: I’m saddened Mario never re-recorded ‘O Holy Night’. I don’t know what Costa was thinking....he arranged it with the speed of ‘La Danza’. Listening to Mario’s Christmas songs, more so then any of his other songs, brings me back to my childhood when I got Mario’s Christmas album from my mom and dad. I wish everyone a blessed and merry Christmas and a happy Chanukah. God bless.
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Kristine
12-23-2017
06:30 AM ET (US) IP: 173.169.36.195
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Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, and Happy New Year ! When I was a child, my late parents had the Lanza Christmas Album, with his photo as an insert in a Christmas ornament. As a reminder, at 4:00 P.M., Eastern Time, today, Saturday, Dec. 23rd, EWTN (Mother Angelica's Catholic Channel)will show "A Time To Remember"(1980's)starring Donald O'Connor and Morgana King(who played Mama Coreleone in "The Godfather"). It's about a tenor, whose story is told in flashback, to his childhood, when he was a fan of Mario Lanza. Donald O'Connor played the boy's priest.
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Fred Day
12-23-2017
05:17 AM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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I have always liked the 1959 stereo Xmas LP, altho some Lanza fans dislike it. Nice cover. Lanza's voice is darker and more baritonal than on the earlier albums. Sometimes the orchestra and choir overpower Lanza's voice on the stereo LP and CD, but on the mono version of that LP, the balance is better. I wish Lanza had recorded O Holy Night in 1959, but unfortunately he didn't. Ciao.
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Deleted by topic administrator 12-23-2017 01:58 PM
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Diane Cox
12-23-2017
01:28 AM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.66
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Yes, David - worst cover ever.
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David Weaver
12-23-2017
12:22 AM ET (US) IP: 98.31.1.186
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The 1968 re-release of the Camden LP had a much better cover.
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David Weaver
12-23-2017
12:21 AM ET (US) IP: 98.31.1.186
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That's why I always liked the 1963 RCA Camden release, "Christmas Hymns and Carols" best of the Christmas albums - combining the 8 tracks recorded with Ray Sinatra in 1951, five of the tracks with Rene from 1956, and closing side 2 with the "O Holy Night" recorded with Costa in 1950. Unfortunately, the 1963 cover was God-awful.
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Doug
12-22-2017
10:52 PM ET (US) IP: 76.3.171.90
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I always wished that "O Holy Night" was on the record instead of "The Lord's Prayer". (NOT Christmassy) But, the record is certainly full from edge to center. RCA Victor was very generous back then. Edited 12-22-2017 11:12 PM
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David Weaver
12-22-2017
10:09 PM ET (US) IP: 98.31.1.186
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Yes, Doug, that 1956 "Lanza Sings Christmas Carols" had the 8 numbers that appeared on the 1951 album, plus seven new songs Mario recorded with Henri Rene in 1956.
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David Weaver
12-22-2017
10:05 PM ET (US) IP: 98.31.1.186
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Fred, you are correct in that the "LP" as we know it wasn't introduced until 1948, but Billboard began issuing an "album" chart in 1945, an album being defined as 2 or more records packaged in a set. The first Billboard album chart was published March 24, 1945, and the first #1 album was The King Cole Trio, a 4-disc set with 8 songs. After the 33-1/3 was introduced, all the songs could be contained on a two-sided record, either 10 or 12 inches.
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Doug
12-22-2017
10:05 PM ET (US) IP: 76.3.171.90
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I got my LSCC in 1956. It had a different album cover....grey background with wrapped Christmas boxes and a slightly different pic of ML. 15 tunes....$3.98.....no sales tax. I still have it.
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Fred Day
12-22-2017
09:56 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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PS: So, in 1945, 46, & 47, record albums were 78rpm only. Ciao.
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Fred Day
12-22-2017
09:46 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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David: Slight error. Columbia made the first 33&1/3rpm LP in 1948. RCA Victor made the first 45rpm record in 1949. In 1950 they pooled their resources and issued records in all 3 speeds. Ciao.
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Diane Cox
12-22-2017
09:23 PM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.66
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A quote from an old friend - info I didn't know. Dave Bailey "I saw Mario Lanza in San Antonio back in '53 - his stage mike quit working, so he laid it down and continued the rest of his perfomance w/o a mike and when he finished, he received 3 standing curtain calls... I'll never forget that evening - have a 33-1/3 vinyl album of his."
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David Weaver
12-22-2017
08:21 PM ET (US) IP: 98.31.1.186
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Sixty-six years ago today, December 22, 1951, "Mario Lanza Sings Christmas Songs" hit the #1 spot on the Billboard album chart. It was the first time that a Christmas album other than Bing Crosby's "Merry Christmas" held the #1 spot. "Merry Christmas" had been #1 every Christmas since the Billboard LP chart began in 1945. For six years straight, Bing's was the only Christmas album to reach #1. It wasn't until 1951 that the streak was broken, by Mario. "Mario Lanza Sings Christmas Songs" would remain at the top of the Billboard LP chart for three weeks, giving Mario his 4th #1 record of 1951, after his million-selling single, "Be My Love" and the albums, "The Toast of New Orleans" and "The Great Caruso."
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Bill Ronayne
12-21-2017
04:36 PM ET (US) IP: 68.192.183.124
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The January 2018 issue of "The Legacy of Mario Lanza" newsletter has just been published. It features coverage of the recent MLSNY luncheon, the Lanza Ball Weekend and assorted articles on Lanza including one on the various versions of La donna e mobile that he recorded. For subscriptions contact wjronayne@optonline.net. Best, Bill
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Messages 51528-51522 deleted by author between 12-21-2017 12:42 PM and 12-21-2017 12:41 PM |
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Gail Swartz
12-20-2017
11:31 PM ET (US) IP: 204.29.186.9
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Weeding through the non-Mario comments. New question...has a photo of Mario's great-grandson been seen by any of us that post about our Tenor Extraordinaire? Having viewed Elvis's grandson, I was just wondering...Merry Christmas everyone...think what kind of world we would have hadn't Jesus chosen to be born. Mario sang of Christ's birth with the same passion and excellence as he did all of his songs. Give a listen to his "O, Holy Night".
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Messages 51520-51518 deleted by author between 12-20-2017 11:35 PM and 12-20-2017 01:14 PM |
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David Weaver
12-18-2017
11:21 PM ET (US) IP: 98.31.1.186
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Keely Smith recorded all three of Mario's million-selling hits, with two of them as the title tracks of albums: "Be My Love" was her first album for Dot in 1959 (after several years at Capitol), and three years later, "Because You're Mine," in which she sang that song plus "The Loveliest Night of the Year." The LP was comprised entirely of songs made famous by male singers, including "Canadian Sunset" (Andy Williams), "Memories Are Made of This," (Dean Martin), "No Other Love" and "Prisoner of Love" (Perry Como). The album also included "Because," which of course was associated with both Lanza and Como.
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Kristine
12-18-2017
04:51 PM ET (US) IP: 173.169.36.195
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I just read that Keely Smith passed away at 85. RIP. She and Louis Prima were a hit act, especially, when they sang "That Old Black Magic". She also recorded "Because You're Mine". I wonder if she and Louie ever met Mario Lanza ? So far, WEDU TV, PBS, Tampa, Fla., hasn't aired "The Best of Everything-Mario Lanza".
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Messages 51515-51510 deleted by author between 12-17-2017 11:26 PM and 12-17-2017 02:16 AM |
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Dennis
12-16-2017
03:21 PM ET (US) IP: 73.170.201.215
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These persistent trolls are an irritation for sure, but I am feeling a little sympathy for them as they are obviously told they will be rewarded if their efforts bring a visitor to their site. Who would ever respond to such obvious scams? They are wasting time trying to catch some suckers. I was curious about a recent one by Byron (which our efficient topic administrator has likely deleted by the time you read this), so I did a google search on the obscure site and found it was an online gambling site in Indonesia! I think I will listen to some Lanza instead of risking an international visit which may offer malware instead of riches.
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Messages 51508-51506 deleted by author between 12-16-2017 10:26 PM and 12-15-2017 07:36 PM |
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Kristine
12-15-2017
07:44 AM ET (US) IP: 173.169.36.195
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EWTN, the Catholic Cable Channel, will, again, show "A Time To Remember"(1980's)starring Donald O' Connor and Morgana King(who played Mama Coreleone in "The Godfather"). It's a movie about a tenor, told in flashback, to his childhood and how he idolized Mario Lanza. Donald O'Connor played the boy's priest. It will air on Saturday, Dec. 23rd, 4:00 P.M., Eastern Time Zone. It's out on DVD, too. So far, WEDU PBS TV, Tampa, Fla., has not aired "The Best Of Everything-Mario Lanza". I don't intend to discuss politics, here, but as you know, the FCC voted to repeal the Neutrality of The Net(internet)Act, 3 to 2. It will be challenged in the courts. 80% of Americans, Dems and Repubs opposed repealing Neutrality of The Net Act. I brought this up, only to say, I hope it doesn't effect how we will connect to this website. It's been said that some speeds , on websites, will be blocked or slowed down, if you want a faster speed for connection, there will be a fee. Facebook supported the Neutrality of The Net Act.
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Messages 51504-51503 deleted by author 12-14-2017 01:06 PM |
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Diane Cox
12-13-2017
12:15 PM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.66
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Thanks Doug. Perhaps I don't know the Lanza voice as well as I thought. The Luna d'estate was the one I thought was him, although I did think it was odd to use his voice as he was from a later era.
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Doug
12-13-2017
11:34 AM ET (US) IP: 76.3.175.33
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Diane: The Miss Fisher episode did NOT feature Mario Lanza's voice. The singer is the same one throughout the film. (not multiple tenors) Three times you hear a bit of "La donna e mobile" from Rigoletto and about 2/3's of the way through, a barely audible snippet of a neapolitan song called "Luna d'estate". I'm not absolutely 100% certain but I would be willing to bet the voice belongs to Giacomo Lauri-Volpi, a very popular Italian tenor in the 1920's and 30's. Fred: The title was "Murder and Mozzarella". (!) Season 3, episode 3.
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Messages 51500-51499 deleted by author 12-14-2017 01:06 PM |
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Diane Cox
12-12-2017
07:01 PM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.66
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It was a Miss Fisher episode, from Australia - actually set in the 20s. But I don't think any of the tenors was from the right time period - unless the last one was Caruso. It was a clear recording, so I wasn't sure if it was him. Mario seemed to be the first, then a robust tenor and the third, possible Caruso. I'm not that good at recognizing voices except the Lanza tones. The plot was about two Italian families, and the tenors were just in the background, so you had to listen carefully. Edited 12-12-2017 07:03 PM
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Fred Day
12-12-2017
06:46 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Diane: What was the title of that Christmas movie?? Curious. Ciao.
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Deleted by topic administrator 12-12-2017 09:30 PM
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Diane Cox
12-12-2017
12:00 PM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.66
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Also heard Mario Lanza singing in a Christmas movie last night. They actually played 3 arias in the background, but only one was Mario Lanza. Not sure who the other three tenors were, but Mario's voice is always easy for me to identify.
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Doug
12-12-2017
10:48 AM ET (US) IP: 76.3.175.33
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Had to go to Home Depot last night to pick up a couple of things. As I walked in, guess who was singing "O Christmas Tree" over the sound system? Edited 12-12-2017 11:46 AM
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Messages 51493-51490 deleted by author 12-11-2017 11:12 AM |
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Diane Cox
12-10-2017
06:25 PM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.66
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Deanna Durbin: 171 Success Facts - Everything You Need to Know About Deanna Durbin
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Doug
12-10-2017
05:00 PM ET (US) IP: 76.3.175.33
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The Trovatore scene gets a much better representation in SERENADE.
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Kristine
12-10-2017
03:51 PM ET (US) IP: 173.169.36.195
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David, thanks for the correction. "Miserere" was also sung by Allan Jones and Kitty Carlisle in "A Night At The Opera" and by Mario Lanza in the scene, when he and James Whitmore are in the Army Guardhouse,in "Because You're Mine". I don't know if "Something In The Wind"(Deanna Durbin) is out on DVD's. That movie and "Up In Central Park"(Deanna Durbin and Dick Haymes)would be her final two movies. "Something In The Wind", also starred John Dall and Donald O'Connor. I remember, now, Cary Grant was in a guest appearance, when he suffered the stroke. Johnny Carson tried to have him appear on the "Tonight Show", but it never happened. I heard that talk show hosts like Joe Franklin and I think, Merv Griffin, tried to have Deanna Durbin as a guest. I wish she had written an autobiography. William Powell's final movie would be "Mr. Roberts", then he retired to Palm Springs area.
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Doug
12-10-2017
02:13 PM ET (US) IP: 76.3.175.33
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I have never seen the movie. BTW, Cary Grant made many personal appearances after leaving films. In fact he was in a Davenport, Iowa theatre preparing to do his one-man show, "Conversation with Cary Grant" when he suffered a massive stroke and passed away.
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David Weaver
12-10-2017
01:36 PM ET (US) IP: 98.31.1.186
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She means the "Miserere" scene from Verdi's IL TROVATORE.
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Doug
12-10-2017
01:06 PM ET (US) IP: 76.3.175.33
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"Duet from prison scene in "Tosca"??? You'll need to clarify that one, Kristine.
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Bill Ronayne
12-10-2017
11:04 AM ET (US) IP: 68.192.186.235
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 From the December 9th Mario Lanza Society of NY Christmas Luncheon at Patsy's Restaurant in NYC. L-R: soprano Justyna Giermola, accompanist David Maiullo, Elaine Malbin, Lou Barrella and Gloria Gari. It was another great afternoon and a wonderful way to celebrate our 18th anniversary and ring in the holidays. Best, Bill Edited 12-10-2017 11:05 AM
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Wendy Stilwell UK
12-10-2017
05:57 AM ET (US) IP: 109.153.151.223
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Have been in touch with Ellisa and they are fine. She does say that these are the worst fires Southern California have ever seen.
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Kristine
12-10-2017
12:34 AM ET (US) IP: 173.169.36.195
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I read that Mario Lanza and M-G-M wanted Deanna Durbin for "That Midnight Kiss". I wonder if she had been a fan of Mario Lanza ? I read that she liked Barbra Streisand and The Beatles. Jan Peerce made his film debut in "Something In The Wind", starring Deanna Durbin. In the scene, she is in jail and he played a policeman. Together, they sing the duet from prison scene in "Tosca". That would be his only movie. Like Cary Grant and William Powell, she never again would make any public appearances, once retired. Robert Stack gave Deanna Durbin, her first screen kiss in "First Love". It was quite an event. His family was in opera and took the name , Bonelli.
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Gail Swartz
12-09-2017
11:42 PM ET (US) IP: 204.29.186.18
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Joe, Deanna Durbin left Hollywood in 1948 at age 27 and never looked back.She and husband, Charles David reared their family in France. Yes, a duet with Mario and Deanna would have been a great listen.
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Deleted by topic administrator 12-10-2017 11:59 AM
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Joe to anyone
12-09-2017
07:20 PM ET (US) IP: 71.225.163.141
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Did Mario and Deanna Durbin ever meet? Imagine those two in a duet!!
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Kristine
12-09-2017
12:17 PM ET (US) IP: 173.169.36.195
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It would have been Sammy Davis's birthday, yesterday. I heard he was a fan of Mario Lanza and impersonated him. Today is Kirk Douglas's 101st Birthday ! Happy Birthday ! Terry Robinson knew him and trained him for the movie "Champion"(1949). Some thought Kirk Douglas and Terry looked alike.
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Gail Swartz
12-08-2017
07:21 PM ET (US) IP: 204.29.186.1
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Jim, your feature sounds a lot of Mario music for us to enjoy...thank you for all of your hard work on this.
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Jim Thompson
12-08-2017
06:22 PM ET (US) IP: 69.123.160.19
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Hello everyone. 1st day of HANUKKAH in on the 13th so have a happy one everyone who celebrates and a very MERRY CHRISTMAS to YOU who celebrate that day! I had a wonderful time at my home this afternoon recording a two hour "Mario Lanza and Friend Christmas Special" A former newsman I hired and worked with in Greenwich CT. is now a producer and a great guy...John Iannuzzi. He came up with the idea, along with his lovely wife, Sonni to have me do this. It has been a long time since I was on the air but with the equipment we have today we were able to spend four hours putting it all together. John already has some stations in the "yes" corner to broadcast the show and it will also be on youtube! All of this is wonderfully new to me!
I will alert you to when it will be ready and how you can access the show if you would like. The best of holidays to everyone.
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Kristine
12-08-2017
05:49 PM ET (US) IP: 173.169.36.195
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If Ellisa Lanza Bregman lives in Bel Air, I hope she, family, are safe from the fires in California. Jim Nabors also had a t.v. variety series, after "Gomer Pyle, USMC" ended. He had Karen Morrow, Ronnie Schell, Frank Sutton as regulars. Schell and Sutton were on "Gomer Pyle, USMC", with him. It lasted about 2 years. When his t.v. variety series was cancelled, he said CBS TV never notified him of it. Vikki Carr, Shirley Jones had been guests on it.
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David Weaver
12-08-2017
02:55 PM ET (US) IP: 156.63.68.242
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Going thru the Newspapers Archive site, the earliest reference I could find for Nabors is from the Montgomery Advertiser, June 8, 1952, re a wedding that took place on May 30: A program of music was presented by Caldwell Stewart, organist, and James Nabors of Sylacauga, vocalist. Mr. Nabors sang "At Dawning," "I Love Thee," and "The Lord's Prayer." Nabors would've been 22 at the time - 1952 is the year he graduated from the University of Alabama. Edited 12-08-2017 02:58 PM
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Deleted by topic administrator 12-08-2017 12:53 PM
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Fred Day
12-06-2017
06:21 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Yes, I think Jim Nabors admired Lanza. Nabors is one of the few pop singers to record I'll Walk With God. Nabors also recorded The Lord's Prayer and the 2 Ave Maria's that Lanza sang. Rest in Peace. Ciao.
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Gail Swartz
12-06-2017
06:13 PM ET (US) IP: 204.29.186.7
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I, too, read this site every day. .checking off each day as sing-outs occur..taking advantage of % off sales...listen to the fabulous voice of The Great Lanza to and from each venue. If you do not have the Damon Productions cd You Do Something to Me you owe it to yourself to get it from the ML museum..wonderful cd!
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Kristine
12-06-2017
04:46 PM ET (US) IP: 173.169.36.195
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Happy Hanukkah ! Prayers for people , in California. I hope the fires end soon !
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Diane Cox
12-06-2017
04:01 PM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.66
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Reading every day - doing holiday things.
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Dennis
12-06-2017
02:56 PM ET (US) IP: 73.170.201.215
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Just checking if this site is working. No postings for going on six days.
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Messages 51466-51465 deleted by author between 12-01-2017 12:31 PM and 12-01-2017 12:00 AM |
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Gail Swartz
11-30-2017
09:26 PM ET (US) IP: 204.29.186.16
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I always liked Jim Nabors...voice and acting...have wondered if he went to the Bel Canto performances in his home town in Alabama...and was he influenced by Mario to sing with his big sound? My chorus getting ready to perform a big Holiday program this weekend...lots of flu affecting the members.
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Kristine
11-30-2017
08:32 PM ET (US) IP: 173.169.36.195
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Jim Nabors, RIP. He sang "Only A Rose", "The Desert Song" on an episode of "Gomer Pyle, USMC". He survived a few more years with a transplanted liver. Carol Burnett had helped to find it.
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Fred Day
11-30-2017
05:47 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Sad to read about 2 more deaths: Jim Nabors, fine singer-actor, age 87; and John Hillerman, actor on Magnum PI, and many films, age 84. Rest in Peace. Ciao.
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Messages 51461-51458 deleted by author between 11-30-2017 07:45 AM and 11-29-2017 10:54 AM |
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Fred Day
11-27-2017
09:03 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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I believe Mario, in his last 2 years, was able to refrain from smoking when he felt it necessary to do so. In the FTFT interview, which can be seen on youtube, Hans Sockner offers Johanna and Mario a cigarette. Johanna accepts, but Mario declines, pointing to his throat. However, Mario loved his beer - his favorite was Lowenbrau, as the son of the head of the clinic mentioned, in an interview. Mario tipped him generously when the boy got him Lowenbrau. Sadly, Mario died at that clinic, on Oct 7, 1959. The loss is still felt now, after 58 years!!Ciao. Edited 11-28-2017 05:29 AM
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Bill Ronayne
11-27-2017
05:02 PM ET (US) IP: 69.113.210.151
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Giving Tuesday is November 28th. Please consider making a tax deductible donation to the Mario Lanza Institute. Our web site is below. Please make checks out to Mario Lanza Institute and mail to the following address:
Mario Lanza Institute
PO Box 54624
Philadelphia, PA 19148
www.mariolanzainstitute.org
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Diane Cox
11-27-2017
12:07 PM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.66
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Thanks, I'm sure I have it, so will take a look.
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Doug
11-27-2017
10:48 AM ET (US) IP: 76.3.175.33
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Diane: In the Cesari book alone there are at least three photos of ML writing.
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Messages 51453-51452 deleted by author between 11-27-2017 10:58 AM and 11-27-2017 10:59 AM |
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Diane Cox
11-26-2017
06:04 PM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.66
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In answer to a fan's question, Derek McGovern replied that Mario was right handed. Guess that settles it.
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Gail Swartz
11-26-2017
04:18 PM ET (US) IP: 204.29.186.55
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Mario signed his signature with his right hand...BYM and photo of him singing things in Italy.
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Diane Cox
11-26-2017
02:37 PM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.66
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Found several photos of Mario holding things like music and papers in what appeared to be his left hand, but none of him actually writing.
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Messages 51448-51444 deleted by author between 11-26-2017 08:20 AM and 11-25-2017 11:46 PM |
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Chris Johns
11-25-2017
10:24 PM ET (US) IP: 69.142.223.152
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Well, another mystery solved. We’re doing pretty good with checking into this smoking thing! If only solving other Maro mysteries were as easy.
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David Weaver
11-25-2017
09:27 PM ET (US) IP: 98.31.1.186
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The other photo from the session.
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Deleted by author 11-25-2017 09:21 PM
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David Weaver
11-25-2017
09:20 PM ET (US) IP: 98.31.1.186
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The photo is not flipped, as evidenced by two other well-known photos taken the same day. Note the placement of the pin on Licia's dress - it's on the left.
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Chris to Joe
11-25-2017
08:01 PM ET (US) IP: 69.142.223.152
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About Mario smoking with his left hand....it’s not unusual, in the film days of photography, for the negative to be flipped (intentionally or unintentionally)
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Diane Cox
11-25-2017
12:06 PM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.66
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I smoked off and on in my youth, but never had a habit. Never actually wanted a cigarette, just did it look "cool"
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Martino
11-25-2017
06:13 AM ET (US) IP: 104.255.4.145
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In Lanza's day cigarettes were quite strong and unfiltered for the most part (almost as bad as Caruso's Egyptian cigs). Filters make smoke smoother on the throat but they do not reduce the harmful effects very much. Besides, filtered cigarettes, although there were a few filtered brands around in the '50s, did not become popular until after Mario's death. If Lanza smoked more than a few every once in a while he eventually would have hurt his throat and singing voice. But only smoking now and then is rare. Once you start smoking nicotine becomes very addictive and it is hard to just have one every so often. I know because I smoked in my younger days and there was no controlling it, I had to quit cold turkey. Some people can do it and Mario may have been one of them but those "occasional" smokers are few and far between.
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Joe to Chris
11-24-2017
05:52 PM ET (US) IP: 71.225.163.141
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Good detective work Chris on Mario smoking. I was also surprised to see him holding the cigarette in his left hand(smokers usually used their writing hand for this). Was Mario left handed? Not important,just curious.
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Chris Johns
11-24-2017
03:25 PM ET (US) IP: 69.142.223.152
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like The idiot I am I forgot to up load the photo
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Chris Johns
11-24-2017
03:22 PM ET (US) IP: 69.142.223.152
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Hi everyone,
Hope your thanksgiving was wonderful! Ever since I read the question about Mario’s smoking, I’ve Been looking for this photo.
It’s of Mario and Licia Albanese, during the recording session of the Otello duet. He is smoking!! He most likely smoked when he was on edge, and that seemed to be most of the time.
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Kristine
11-24-2017
09:53 AM ET (US) IP: 173.169.36.195
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So far, WEDU Channel 3-PBS TV, Tampa, Florida doesn't have "The Best of Everything"-Mario Lanza documentary on its schedule. "American Masters", next week, on WEDU, is a look back at Bob Hope's life and career, also, they will show Ron Howard's documentary about The Beatles' Tours of the middle '60's, and the 50th Anniversary of Beatles' Sgt.Pepper Record Album(I wish Lanza's photo was on that album showing the famous people's photos, behind The Beatles. Maybe they weren't fans of his). Not all PBS TV stations have the funds to show every program. A few years ago, some PBS TV stations showed a look back at The Lennon Sisters' lives and careers, but WEDU never showed it. I called them, at the time, asking if they would. They said no, due to lack of funding. In the movie, "Elvis and Me", based on Priscilla's book, it showed "The Student Prince" record album, with full face photo of Mario Lanza. Larry Peerce(son of tenor Jan Peerce)directed the movie, which aired in the 1990's.
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Deleted by topic administrator 11-24-2017 08:16 AM
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Stephen of Las Vegas
11-23-2017
11:03 AM ET (US) IP: 72.193.72.62
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Mario was one of Elvis Presley's and Priscilla's favorite singers and this influenced their early relationship when they met in Germany when Elvis was in the army and Priscilla's family was living there. In 2007 Priscilla gave a tour of Graceland to Larry King, marking the 30th anniversary of Elvis' death. King broadcast this tour on his program on CNN. I believe it was a special broadcast. About one minute into this third part of the tour on Youtube, Priscilla mentions their mutual love of Lanza's singing:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dVCAXZGNZwE
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Doug
11-23-2017
10:45 AM ET (US) IP: 76.3.175.33
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William Olvis was from Los Angeles and sang secondary tenor parts at the Met. I remember a broadcast of The Flying Dutchman on March 5, 1960. He sang the role of The Steersman. This was less than 20 hours after Leonard Warren dropped dead on stage the previous evening. Before the opera began, Rudolf Bing said a few words of tribute to Warren and the orchestra played the prelude to the fourth act of La Traviata.
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Diane Cox
11-23-2017
10:39 AM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.66
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Happy thanksgiving to all. This site is important to me, and I look forward to reading your posts daily. Have learned a lot here, and relish the outlet for my opera enthusiasm.
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Chris Johns
11-23-2017
09:56 AM ET (US) IP: 69.142.223.152
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Happy Thanksgiving to all. Let’s please reflect on the wonderful things we are grateful for: our Lord, our families, friends, Mario and all those whose who enriched our lives, and are no longer with us, like our dear friend Ed McManus.
Please enjoy your day! And please say a prayer for those less fortunate, who have no food or shelter on this day of giving thanks. HAPPY THANKSGIVING and GOD BLESS
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Bill Ronayne
11-23-2017
09:08 AM ET (US) IP: 68.192.191.113
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Happy Thanksgiving to all!
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Deleted by topic administrator 11-23-2017 12:19 PM
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Kristine
11-22-2017
06:21 PM ET (US) IP: 173.169.36.195
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"Deep In My Heart" was filmed at M-G-M. Kurt Kasznar was in some of the movies, at M-G-M, such as "Give A Girl A Break" and was in "For The First Time". He played Max in the Broadway Musical ,"The Sound of Music."
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Kristine
11-22-2017
06:15 PM ET (US) IP: 173.169.36.195
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David Cassidy and Della Reese, RIP. One of Della Reese's hit songs was "Don't You Know ?" an adaption of "Musetta's Waltz Song" from "La Boheme". I heard that Lanza was supposed to be in "Deep In My Heart", but he left the studio, by then. Merle Oberon played Dorothy Donnelly, the lyricist for Sigmund Romberg's songs. Cyd Charisse said the dance number, she and James Mitchell did,in the movie, to "One Alone"("The Desert Song"), passed the censors, surprisingly. Maybe because the story was told, in dance, the censors didn't notice it was sultry, sizzling. Eugene Loring choreographed it. He also choreographed "The Toast of New Orleans". I think William Olvis was also in "Interrupted Melody". Happy Thanksgivng !
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Deleted by topic administrator 11-23-2017 12:19 PM
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Jim Thompson
11-22-2017
12:38 PM ET (US) IP: 69.123.160.19
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Dimitri Hvorostofsky was a Magnificent singer. Even though I could not understand Russian, his cds of songs are gorgeous. His cd of Neapolitan songs, is in my opinion, sensational. And he loved Mario Lanza and paid him credit for starting his interest in singing. A handsome young artist with a beautiful wife and a God given talent. I will miss him. RIP, Dima.
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David Weaver
11-22-2017
11:59 AM ET (US) IP: 156.63.68.230
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Although that blurb about Olvis replacing Lanza in "Deep in My Heart" appeared in all the obits I've seen of him, fact is that particular film didn't even begin production until late April, 1954, a full year after Lanza's relations with MGM came to an end.
Looking at casting notes in AFI Catalog of Films, there is no mention of Lanza re the production. It does say that press releases in early 1954 said the cast would be headed by Kurt Kasznar as Romberg, Louis Calhern as Flo Ziegfeld, and Donna Reed as Romberg's wife Lillian. Those three roles were ultimately filled by Jose Ferrer, Paul Henreid, and Doe Avedon.
Nearly every big MGM musical star on the lot appeared in DIMH. Although it did well at the box office, it was almost universally panned by critics. Writing in the New York Times, Bosley Crowther said the film "calls for a strong digestive system and a considerable tolerance for clichés."
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Vincent & Emily Ricciardi
11-22-2017
11:39 AM ET (US) IP: 24.190.100.146
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Christmas Album 2018
Hello Everyone,
Since our partnership formed in 2008, Elegant and Vintage Entertainment has focused on bringing our well-rounded, traditional entertainment style to audiences everywhere. Our musical journey has paved the way to performances in theaters, community centers, churches, as well as headlining roles at various festivals. Everywhere we go we bring our love and passion for the music we sing, and the joy we feel sharing it with others.
One of the most joyful times of the year is the Christmas holiday season. We have had the honor of sharing our voices at Christmas concerts for many years, and now, we would like to share our love of the holiday season with you and your family. We have spent the last few months planning a fun, versatile Holiday album comprised of seasonal favorites. We are proudly and independently producing the album; and many of our talented colleagues have offered to collaborate on arrangements and production. Your donations will help us engage a number of professional musicians adding depth and beauty to our album, as well as assist with various production costs.
During this season of giving thanks, we ask you to help us share our love of music with everyone. Any donation you may be able to contribute will aid us in raising $25,000 needed to produce this album. The album is currently scheduled for release in the 2018 Christmas Season. Our heartfelt gratitude goes out to all of you who continually support us.
We wish you the very best.
To support E&V Entertainment's Christmas Album, please make a donation at the link below:
www.eandventertainment.com/christmas-album/
If you would like to donate by check or money order, please email us at eandventertainment@gmail.com and we will provide an address to mail your donation to.
Best wishes,
Vincent & Emily
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Diane Cox
11-22-2017
11:10 AM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.66
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Dmitri Hvorostovsky, a great loss to the world of opera.
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Doug
11-22-2017
10:33 AM ET (US) IP: 76.3.175.33
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That's a new one to me also. Was DIMH an MGM production or was it from Warner Brothers?
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Martino
11-22-2017
09:26 AM ET (US) IP: 104.255.4.145
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In a 1998 obituary of tenor William Olvis, it states "Olvis first gained national attention in 1954 when he was hired to replace tenor Mario Lanza in the film "Deep in My Heart," the story of composer Sigmund Romberg". I know Olvis sang in this movie but did he replace Lanza? I never knew Mario was suppose to appear in "Deep in My Heart".
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Martino
11-22-2017
09:01 AM ET (US) IP: 104.255.4.145
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I was not sure what kind of "Otello" Jonas Kaufmann would make when I first heard he was taking on this tremendous role. After listening to several excerpts I would have to gave him high marks for capturing the essence of "Otello". He is an excellent actor and I am sure he brought the character to life on stage (at ROH), as he proved he can do vocally. His natural dark, baritone vocal tone is well suited to "Otello". Listen to the emotion he brings to the Monologue, for example, as well as the brilliance of his vocal sound. This rivals the best renditions of DelMonaco, Domingo and Lanza. Jonas may not have the steel cutting power of DelMonaco or the beautiful bloom of Lanza' declamations but he combines them in sort of a compromise of the best parts. Domingo may be the closest example of where Kaufmann is going with his interpretation. Dare I say he could be the best Otello of the day?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3BPwcfMTl1Y
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Martino
11-22-2017
08:23 AM ET (US) IP: 104.255.4.145
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Dmitri Hvorostovsky, the fine Russian baritone, has died. He suffered for several years from the effects of a brain tumor.
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Jim Thompson
11-22-2017
07:47 AM ET (US) IP: 69.123.160.19
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Channel 13, WNET, in New York emailed me back saying that although they have the rights to "The Best of Everything" there is no current scheduling of the show planned at this time. We can hope for it to be soon. Happy Thanksgiving everyone!
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Messages 51413-51412 deleted by author between 11-21-2017 09:51 AM and 11-19-2017 02:34 PM |
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Doug
11-18-2017
11:28 PM ET (US) IP: 76.3.172.212
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In the Bessette bio of ML there is an amusing picture of an indeed FAT, young Mario at the Hollywood Bowl in 1944. Thumbs hooked on his belt, it looks as though he's singing. Maybe trying out the acoustics of the place.
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Gail Swartz
11-18-2017
10:53 PM ET (US) IP: 204.29.186.64
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I think that Mario already had a fan base...the army tours, the Bel Canto Trio, as well as his hometown, and his concerts in Canada. People loved to hear him sing like he was singing just for them. I recall one radio interview with K. Grayson where she said that her family, Howard Keel's and Mario's would get together for pizza at the home of his parents. Funny thing in that interview...Mario said that mashed potatoes were used in the lobster shells, but I could n o t find any lobsters in the bayou scene that took 3days to film(TTONO).
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Fred Day
11-18-2017
10:17 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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It was Keel who became a singing Clark Gable. Keel in Showboat looked just like Gable in Gone With The Wind. Keel and Earl Wrightson sounded very similar. But nobody looked or sounded like Lanza. He was entirely unique. In Midnight Kiss, he became a star overnight. Movie goers immediately sat up and took notice. Lanza had it all - personality, handsome looks, and a magnificent tenor voice. He was the whole package. Mayer had made an amazing discovery. Mayer should have never been ousted by Dore Schary. With Mayer in charge, The Student Prince would have been successfully completed with Lanza. And with Thorpe instead of Bernhardt directing. Fate intervened. Pity. Ciao.
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Kristine
11-18-2017
07:44 PM ET (US) IP: 173.169.36.195
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I wonder if M-G-M thought of signing George London, too ? But then, they had baritones like Howard Keel and John Carroll. A few years before that, soprano Irene Manning, who had been at Warner Bros., brought Mario to Warner Bros. But Jack L. Warner thought Lanza was heavy in stature. I think he was still in the Army. When "That Midnight Kiss' was released, Jack Warner was amazed at the change he saw. Terry Robinson was credited in having Lanza lose weight. Louis B. Mayer introduced Terry to Mario and that's how they became friends.
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Martino to David
11-18-2017
06:52 PM ET (US) IP: 104.255.4.145
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Yes, that photo does not show a heavy set man at all, as was described by Kathryn. I wonder why she said things like that?In fact, he looks darn good and very healthy. I always like Howard Keel, in some ways he reminded me of slightly less heroic form of his contemporary, Stewart Granger - but with a voice. I think both Granger and Keel were friends, or at least fans, of Mario Lanza. People like these guys are few and far between in movies these days.
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David Weaver
11-18-2017
01:49 PM ET (US) IP: 98.31.1.186
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 Kathryn's mixed up in a few areas. Not just the year but the act - it was not the Bel Canto Trio, only Yeend and Mario (George London was in the audience). The problem, as Costa described, was that Mario wore clothes that seemed to emphasize his width, not his height (and he was NOT a tall man). Terry said he looked monstrous because he had a 50-inch chest. I've attached a photo of Mario just before the HB concert. This is not a fat guy. You're right about Mayer's desire to find a suitable singing partner for Grayson. Which brings up another thought - without Grayson, would MGM have signed Lanza? Before Lanza, Grayson was making movies with Sinatra and Kelly. Obviously they weren't going to do duets with her, so most of musical numbers in her pictures were solo specialties. To do a big musical as they'd done with MacDonald and Eddy, they needed a counterpart. They found one in Lanza. And two years after him, they found an even better match for Grayson when they signed Howard Keel. Mayer did enjoy opera and ballet, according to his bio, and enjoyed concerts at the Hollywood Bowl. He was especially fond of their annual concert of the music of John Philip Sousa. Edited 11-18-2017 06:06 PM
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Martino to David
11-18-2017
01:08 PM ET (US) IP: 104.255.4.145
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You could be right but I have to think Mayer knew something about music. I do not know if he had a good tenor in his stable to pair with Grayson at that time but Lanza's singing that night would certainly be the cue for Mayer to give him a chance. He had plenty of handsome men at the studio but could they sing arias as well as songs? I have no idea how much Mario weighed at the time but as far as Lanza's weight was concerned here is a quote by Grayson herself which seems to contradict the notion he was a "slim" man when Mayer met him:
“I went to the Hollywood Bowl in 1948 (I guess Kathryn got the year mixed up as well) with Mr. Mayer, his secretary Ida Koverman and my husband to hear Mario sing with the Bel Canto Trio,” Grayson recalled. “He had such a beautiful voice. He came to the studio the next day and we sang together for the benefit of the sound technicians. Their verdict was that we sounded great together. The only problem was Mario’s weight. He was heavyset.”
But trimming a few stone from a leading man wasn’t much of a hurdle for a studio that boasted of creating “more stars than there are in the heavens.”
“I lent Mario my masseuse to help him trim down, and in a few months we were ready to start filming our first picture, That Midnight Kiss, which was followed soon after by The Toast of New Orleans.”
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David Weaver
11-18-2017
12:24 PM ET (US) IP: 98.31.1.186
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I'm going to go out on a limb and say Louis B. Mayer did not give two hoots in hell what Mario Lanza sang that night at the bowl. If you asked him what Mario sang that night, he couldn't tell you without looking at the program.
Mayer judged performers on one criteria - their potential appeal to a movie audience. I am sure he was impressed with Mario's voice, but more than that, what he saw and heard at HB was a slim, handsome man with charisma and the ability to connect with an audience. From all indications, the audience, while small in size, loved Lanza. And the reviews he got were ecstatic. But if it was the singing that Mayer was interested in - why not bring Yeend to MGM, too? She had a fine voice (better by far than Kathryn Grayson), was shapely and attractive. Nope, he had no need for the likes of a Yeend - he already had a soprano star in Grayson, with young Jane Powell already beginning her move in to more adult musical leads at the studio.
Costa wrote about Lanza's first meeting with Joe Pasternak a few days later - that it didn't occur to Joe or Mayer or anyone else that at the point, Lanza was nearly 100 pounds below his top weight.
I've said this before: had Mario Lanza appeared at the Hollywood Bowl in 1947 looking and sounding like the guy in "Serenade" or "For the First Time" - even with some of the impressive singing he did in those films - he'd never have had an offer from MGM. In 1947, they were looking for a movie star - not an opera singer.
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Martino to David/Fred
11-18-2017
06:39 AM ET (US) IP: 104.255.4.145
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Thanks for the correction. I thought he had sung that aria at the 1947 concert. It must have been the great Improvviso Lanza sang that impressed Mayer the most and obviously not Nessun Dorma. I had heard somewhere that Mayer was most impressed with one particular aria he heard that night and I assumed it was his Nessun Dorma.
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Deleted by topic administrator 11-18-2017 08:13 AM
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Fred Day
11-18-2017
02:26 AM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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I should add that Lanza sang O Soave Fanciulla at both his first and second HB concerts: first with Yeend, second with Grayson. Ciao.
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Fred Day
11-18-2017
02:19 AM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Martino: Lanza did not sing Nessun Dorma at his first HB concert in Aug 1947. He sang it at his 2nd HB concert in July 1948. At his first HB concert, he sang Una Furtiva Lagrima, Improviso from Chenier, & E Lucevan le Stelle, plus 3 duets with Yeend. At his 2nd HB concert he sang Agnus Dei, Nessun Dorma, and 2 duets with Grayson. At his 3rd HB concert in Aug 1949, he sang Celeste Aida and the Rigoletto duet with Mary Jane Smith. Unfortunately, that Celeste Aida is lost, and has yet to be found. Ciao.
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David Weaver
11-18-2017
02:00 AM ET (US) IP: 98.31.1.186
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Martino, your account is slightly off re Lanza and "Nessun dorma." He did not sing that aria at the August 1947 Hollywood Bowl concert that led to his signing with MGM - he sang it at his second bowl appearance in July 1948. His solos at the bowl debut where Mayer first heard him were "Una furtive lagrima," the Improvviso from "Andrea Chenier," and, as an encore, "E lucevan le stelle." And two duets with Frances Yeend: "Parigi o cara" and the love duet from "Madama Butterfly."
Three days later, he appeared at the MGM studios to sing for a number of MGM producers. From them, Joe Pasternak told Mayer he wanted to make a picture with Lanza.
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Diane Cox
11-17-2017
11:42 PM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.66
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Tomorrow is the HD broadcast to movie theaters across the world of the Met's production of Exterminating Angel, sung in English.
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Kristine
11-17-2017
06:21 PM ET (US) IP: 173.169.36.195
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Thanks for the information about if Lanza was still alive, when "For The First Time" was released. Among the t.v. shows that focused on classical music, opera, were "The Voice of Firestone", "The Bell Telephone Hour", Leonard Bernstein's "Young People's Concerts"(Bernstein was at Tanglewood with Mario Lanza). Sometimes, Ed Sullivan had classical singers on his t.v. variety show. Sometimes, PBS TV will air a Broadway Musical, an operetta, an opera. The Met still has operas broadcasted , on radio(usually, NPR) on Saturday afternoons.
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Martino to Joe
11-17-2017
03:56 PM ET (US) IP: 104.255.4.145
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Yes, Be My Love is the song that had the most impact on his career and legacy, but it had nothing to do with launching it. He was already in Hollywood making pictures and he sang it in his second movie. I mentioned Nessun Dorma as having an impact on launching his movie career because the concert he sang the aria in was the first time Louis B. Mayer of MGM heard him and fell instantly in love with his voice. Mayer, along with his star studio soprano, Kathryn Grayson, went to the Hollywood Bowl that night to hear the Bel Canto Trio but were there primarily to hear Mario Lanza. Mayer was so impressed that he had Lanza come to the studio the very next day and sing with Grayson for the sound technicians. The voice took to the soundtracks beautifully and the vote was unanimous - Lanza was given a contract and his movie career was launched. It is my opinion that the highlight at that evening's concert had to be the Nessun Dorma and when Mayer heard that wonderful rendition, Lanza's life would be changed forever. Edited 11-17-2017 03:57 PM
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Joe to Martino
11-17-2017
03:18 PM ET (US) IP: 71.225.163.141
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Nessun Dorma may have been the best ARIA to introduce Lanza, but I have to believe that "Be My Love" had the most impact on launching Mario's career. However, as you mentioned, Nessun DOES make comparisons easier since so many tenors have recorded it. BML continues to be the litmus test for tenors and many wont tackle it.
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Deleted by topic administrator 11-17-2017 03:26 PM
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Martino
11-17-2017
02:47 PM ET (US) IP: 104.255.4.145
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The young woman recently introduced to Mario Lanza was lucky to have a friend such as Gail. In these times, it appears the only way Mario Lanza and indeed any classical vocal music reaches the public, is through one on one "referrals". It was different years ago when television, records and radio made it easy to be introduced to classical music. There are many reasons why we will probably never see a "Voice of Firestone" tv program again, at least in our lifetime. Attracting advertising dollars is the biggest one. Do you really think someone like Apple, who is on the cutting edge of "newness" and prides itself on future experimental technology would be a good fit for sponsoring classical music, especially opera, which is largely stuck in the past? Companies such as this want to cater to youngsters and young adults and they are the least likely group of people to appreciate this kind of music.
Most young people today were not raised with that kind of classical musical exposure to begin with. If they do learn to appreciate it at all it will come later in life, usually well beyond the target age of the customers that advertisers are looking to attract, especially those advertisers whose businesses are involved in high tech. There are some younger people who like the classics but in the scheme of things, those exceptions represent too small a market segment for advertisers to even fool with. The Arts Channel on cable tv is the only one dedicated to the fine arts and even it has no sponsor. It runs 24/7 but survives only on the gifts of generous benefactors. Recently, DISHTV gave it up even though they did not have to pay for it as it is given free to all television providers. DISH probably needed the bandwidth the Arts Channel was taking for more popular, income producing programming. This trend continues throughout telecommunications.
To make classical music important today requires vibrant new works, contemporary pieces from very talented, modern composers that will be relevant to the musical tastes of the times. From there, people might (or might not) find the masterpieces of yesterday attractive as well but at least they would have the opportunity to mix them with the contemporary pieces. So far, especially in opera, those composers have not materialized and because this society is so opposed to being "stuck in the past", the masterpieces of yesterday are becoming less and less relevant to modern audiences - ditto the music of Mario Lanza. Even if brilliant new works are produced to attract younger audiences, would they also be attractive to us old timers? Maybe, but I doubt it.
PBS rarely shows classical music programs; record companies have scaled back classical releases to a fraction of what they were even in the '60s, now totaling only about 3% of the recording industry budget; assembling and financing an orchestra, let alone an opera company, is extremely expensive and without the help of patrons there is no way they can survive on ticket sales alone. Well heeled patrons, especially in these harsh economic times, are reluctant to give the arts the money they have to donate as worthy causes of every type are all stretched to the limit. Unlike Europe, the U.S. government does not provide subsidies for the arts. For all these reasons and a million more, classical programming and renewed interest in Mario Lanza, will probably become less rather than more, at least in the near future.
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David Weaver
11-17-2017
11:56 AM ET (US) IP: 156.63.68.230
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Actually, "For the First Time" had its world premiere in West Germany on February 26, 1959 (under the title, "Serenade einer grossen Liebe"). It premiered (as "Der Sanger von Capri") in March and in the United Kingdom in June. The US premiere was August 26. If Mario saw it, most likely he would've seen it in Italy (where the title was "Come prima"). But I cannot locate a premiere date in Italy. We know Mario made no public appearances in 1959, and certainly his attendance at a premiere would have been noted.
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Martino to Gail
11-17-2017
11:53 AM ET (US) IP: 104.255.4.145
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Thanks. Nessun Dorma is a good one to select because everyone, even non opera goers, have heard it and can compare Mario to all the other tenors they have heard. If it was the early Hollywood Bowl version I am sure she was blown away! Even Jussi said it was the greatest rendition he had ever heard. Perhaps more than any other song/aria Lanza sang, this is the one that launched his career in the movies. Good choice!
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Gail Swartz
11-17-2017
10:29 AM ET (US) IP: 204.29.186.20
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When my friend got Mario on her phone she tapped on NussumDorma. She said that she had heard that song...I reminded her that Paul Potts won Britain Got Talent with that song. But I told her to listen to the Mario versionbecause tenors use it to measure their success with the song. I also told her about Mario's success as the best cross-over singer ever! She said that she would listen to Mario.
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Martino to Gail
11-17-2017
10:06 AM ET (US) IP: 104.255.4.145
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I would be interested to know what songs you used to introduce Mario to your young friend.
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Diane Cox
11-17-2017
09:54 AM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.66
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For the First Time premiered in Aug 1959, Mario Lanza died Oct 7, 1959.
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Gail Swartz
11-17-2017
08:36 AM ET (US) IP: 204.29.186.68
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Kristine, I reviewed the write-up Bill did in his book but he did. not say that Mario went to see FT FT. Bill wrote only when and where the film premiered in Europe and the U.S.. Mario was busy in rehearsing and recording and trying to get healthy. Singing relies on the physical so much that an artist has to devote a lot of time and energy to perfect and maintain the quality of the voice.You can hear him warming up his voice on the latest cd. I had a great opportunity to share Mario with a young lady who immediately put him into her phone...she was impressed! I will always have Mario with me.
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Kristine
11-17-2017
07:01 AM ET (US) IP: 173.169.36.195
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I can think of some of the songs, Mario Lanza never recorded such as "I Believe", "Maria", "Tonight", "Somewhere", "One Hand, One Heart" from "West Side Story", "How Great Thou Art", "Amazing Grace", "Hawaiian Wedding Song", "I Only Have Eyes For You". Does anyone, know, here, if Mario Lanza lived to see "For The First Time", upon its release in 1959 ?
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Messages 51385-51384 deleted by author between 11-17-2017 09:20 AM and 11-16-2017 08:53 PM |
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Martino to David/Diane
11-15-2017
09:55 PM ET (US) IP: 104.255.4.145
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Thanks, that fixed it.
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David Weaver
11-15-2017
08:48 PM ET (US) IP: 98.31.1.186
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Martino, right above the message that is on top, and just left of the "All Messages" note, you'll see a symbol that should look like this: ^
If you see it is pointed DOWN, not up - click on it and it will reverse the order of messages so that the most recent post will be the first one you see.
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Diane Cox
11-15-2017
07:47 PM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.66
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Martino, they are not on my page. Your post was the top one.
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Martino
11-15-2017
07:07 PM ET (US) IP: 104.255.4.145
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Why are the most recent postings shown at the bottom of the page rather than at the top?
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Joe to Mike
11-15-2017
06:00 PM ET (US) IP: 71.225.163.141
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is this Mike the famous salmon fisherman from Nova Scotia? curious
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Fred Day
11-15-2017
02:52 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Yes, there are many more songs and arias that Lanza would have sung on the Coke Show, had it not ended so abruptly and prematurely. We are all the losers for that loss. Pity. It boggles the mind!! Ciao.
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Mike M
11-15-2017
10:20 AM ET (US) IP: 74.101.54.85
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Yes, ladies, I meant the ones never recorded. The Coke show was given to Eddie Fisher, who then took it to TV. I have the fifteen CD set of the entire series which I bought from Damon Lanza, and it is one of my most treasured possessions.
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Gail Swartz
11-15-2017
12:30 AM ET (US) IP: 204.29.186.64
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Diane, we all have a list of songs we wish that Mario had recorded. I have Bill 's book that cites all of the songs recorded for the Coke Show and when they aired. It is a valuable resource if anyone needs something like this.
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Messages 51375-51374 deleted by author 11-14-2017 10:24 PM |
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Diane Cox
11-14-2017
05:12 PM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.66
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Gail, I believe he is mourning the ones never recorded as the show was cancelled after the hooha with the studio.
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Gail Swartz
11-14-2017
05:01 PM ET (US) IP: 204.29.186.7
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Hey, Mike the Coke Show tunes were not lost....you can find them on several cds... check with the ML Institute for a listing of the available cds.
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Mike M.
11-14-2017
01:34 PM ET (US) IP: 74.101.54.85
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Hi folks! I seldom post but enjoy reading the lively banter. Would like to share a thought. Everyone here knows about the confrontation on the set of the student prince, but to me the greatest loss was losing at least one, and perhaps more, years of Coke show radio recordings. At least a hundred and maybe many more potential recordings when his voice was so young and vibrant! What a shame!
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Gail Swartz
11-14-2017
08:29 AM ET (US) IP: 204.29.186.11
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Thanks to all of the people who made the Mario weekend happen.
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Bill Ronayne
11-14-2017
08:23 AM ET (US) IP: 68.192.189.212
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The Mario Lanza Institute would like to thank all those that attended our weekend of events and made contributions. Pictured are the 2017 scholarship winners: L-R: baritone Jorge Espino (4th place), mezzo soprano Siena Licht Miller (3rd place), soprano Alexandra Razskazoff (2nd place), tenor Piotr Buszewski (1st place) and Luke Housner accompanist and music director.
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Diane Cox
11-14-2017
12:32 AM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.66
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Also did not get accepted as a member to that site. Did belong to the one that recently closed for a time.
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Joe to Kristine
11-13-2017
07:16 PM ET (US) IP: 71.225.163.141
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Kristine, something isn't right here.....maybe a computer glitch!. McGovern always welcomed new members with open arms. I'm sorry that you felt unaccepted as I KNOW Derek would have loved having you as a member.
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Kristine
11-13-2017
06:53 PM ET (US) IP: 173.169.36.195
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The Mario Lanza Forum, on Google, didn't accept me, either, a few years ago. I was never given a reason why. Doesn't Derek McGovern run that website ? I hope WEDU-PBS TV, Tampa, Fla. , will air the Mario Lanza documentary-"The Best of Everything". Some PBS TV stations don't run the same shows. A few years ago, WEDU didn't air a look back at The Lennon Sisters' lives and careers, whereas, other PBS TV stations did. Arlene Sullivan just turned 75. She was one of the original members of "American Bandstand", in the '50's, in Philadelphia. She was always with dance partner, Kenny Rossi. She and other Bandstand regulars, have a book out "Bandstand Diaries" 1956-1963. By the way, Dick Clark was a newscaster on WKTV, Utica, N.Y. (my hometown)in early '50's, before he went onto "American Bandstand".
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Dennis
11-13-2017
05:50 PM ET (US) IP: 73.170.201.215
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Hello David, must have been someone from eastern Europe who carried their laptop to Buffalo! lol
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David Weaver
11-13-2017
03:28 PM ET (US) IP: 156.63.68.153
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Jeff has said repeatedly he does not want to make this a register/sign-in sort of forum. His preference is that anyone can come on and participate. Systems that require registration don't just keep out spammers, but sometimes people who are not spammers. For example, the late Ed McManus twice tried to register on the Mario Lanza forum on Google. Both times he was denied, for what reason he didn't know why.
We are working with QuickTopic to see what can be done to reduce, if not completely eliminate, the spam invasion on this forum. In the meantime, we'll keep a vigilant eye on the posts.
And by the way, responding to Dennis' post - the last spam message eliminated was from Buffalo, NY!
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Deleted by topic administrator 11-13-2017 03:17 PM
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Dennis
11-13-2017
03:55 AM ET (US) IP: 73.170.201.215
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Stephen, I'm guessing from the nearly illiterate postings of some of the trolls, the horribly irrelevant statements, and the strange first names, that these posters are buying access to this site and then phishing to see if they get a bite. I also suspect that English is not their first language, so it may be an international ring that is getting rich selling "opportunities" to gullible trolls who think they will make money. If I am correct, we can continue to block IP addresses but more will always be coming. It is a sad problem that bedevils other sites now and then. It did erupt here before, and with consistent blocking from our diligent webmaster, it ceased.
Certainly your solution is one way, but it would alter the site and require more sophistication to manage the passwords. Not sure it is worth doing just yet.
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Messages 51361-51356 deleted by author between 11-13-2017 12:46 PM and 11-12-2017 07:47 AM |
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Stephen of Las Vegas
11-11-2017
11:13 PM ET (US) IP: 72.193.72.62
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I'm no expert on hosting and operating sites like this one, but I would think that the tolls can be defeated by instituting a log-in system on the site. Require users to create an account with their real identities, a password, and, if they wish, a user name if they don't wish to their real names on the site. In this day and age of identity theft, it is probably a good idea not to use your real name. You can always post a real email address if you want to personally communicate with each other about something you don't want to post. Require a log-in with password every time someone wants to post a message. You can still let people come here and read what is posted without logging in. Can't a toll's IP be used to block each of them from posting? That would at least require that they use a different computer or other device each time they come here, or try to log-in if such a system is used. This site is totally open and anyone can leave messages. There are all kinds of sites out there for special interests that require establishing accounts.
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Messages 51354-51353 deleted by author 11-12-2017 12:42 AM |
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Doug
11-11-2017
08:30 PM ET (US) IP: 76.3.174.213
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He/she may not in this group but someone must know how to, or at least know of a computer genius-geek that can solve this problem.
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RenseWebmaster 11-11-2017
06:43 PM ET (US) IP: 98.31.1.186
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Suzanne, I will see what I can do, but I only monitor the site - I do not have the technical skill or know-how to fix this problem. The IP number of your message is not one on the list of IPs blocked by this site. If you like, email me at d_weaver52@yahoo.com.
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Messages 51350-51349 deleted by author 11-11-2017 06:10 PM |
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Suzanne Palmiero
11-11-2017
12:16 PM ET (US) IP: 97.33.69.24
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What to do? Though I am a long time poster, I have a message that I have been blocked. Trolls are posting but I cannot. What's happened? I am Onlyarose21@yahoo.com. Help! I am submitting this message via a cellphone. Edited 11-11-2017 12:19 PM
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Fred Day
11-11-2017
03:21 AM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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I presume that Tebaldi smoked only on rare occasions, like at that bullring incident. I wonder if Callas smoked occasionally?? I have seen photos of Gigli and Di Stefano smoking a big cigar. (Separately, not together.) Ciao.
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Messages 51346-51342 deleted by author between 11-11-2017 06:10 PM and 11-10-2017 10:38 AM |
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Dennis
11-10-2017
03:16 AM ET (US) IP: 73.170.201.215
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Good morning, administrator. You sure have some work to do. I count 24 new trolls and poor Doug trapped in the middle of them.
It is a bit amusing to see some of the names of these trolls, garbled syntax and trying-to-be-oh-so-elegant prose, not to mention some of the incomprehensible web links. Begone, you trolls, haunt some other site.
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Messages 51340-51336 deleted by author between 11-10-2017 10:39 AM and 11-10-2017 10:40 AM |
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Doug
11-10-2017
12:37 AM ET (US) IP: 76.3.174.16
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Going back to the lengthy discussion of singers smoking some weeks ago. This afternoon I happened to pull out the Tebaldi biography by Casanova to thumb through again, and there on page 147 is this: "It was in Orviedo, Spain that she saw her first bullfight.........Although Basile was with her, she was so unnerved by the spectacle that she smoked one cigarette after another to calm herself." Edited 11-10-2017 12:38 AM
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Messages 51334-51315 deleted by author between 11-10-2017 10:40 AM and 11-10-2017 10:45 AM |
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Diane Cox
11-09-2017
01:59 PM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.66
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The trolls certainly seem to be intent on disrupting this site. Thanks for taking care of it so fast.
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RenseWebmaster 11-09-2017
11:06 AM ET (US) IP: 98.31.1.186
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The past 39 posts have all been deleted, because all were spam. I reported them as spam to QuickTopic and banned the IP numbers. However, quite a few came back with a message, "You've already banned that IP number." So whether or not there an IP number can be banned for a certain period of time, or whether these folks have just figured out a way to get around it, I don't know.
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Messages 51312-51274 deleted by author between 11-09-2017 11:00 AM and 11-08-2017 07:18 PM |
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Joe to Martino
11-08-2017
05:58 PM ET (US) IP: 71.225.163.141
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thanks, Martino.....very enjoyable! Edited 11-08-2017 05:58 PM
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Martino
11-08-2017
02:22 PM ET (US) IP: 104.255.4.145
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As a reminder for those with Sirius radio subscriptions, you can hear a live broadcast from the MET this evening (6:00 pm ET) of Puccini's "Turandot". The cast includes the fine Ukranian soprano Oksana Dyka, and also from Eastern Europe, the Latvian tenor Aleksandrs Antonenko. This won't be your typical Italian sounding "Turandot" for sure but the two leads have big, powerful voices and it should be an exciting performance. Here is a clip of Antonenko's performance of "Otello" from Salzburg: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NkPa4HY2mZs
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Diane Cox
11-07-2017
07:04 PM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.66
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HZAFxQT_vkk
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Kristine
11-07-2017
05:55 PM ET (US) IP: 173.169.36.195
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Prayers for Ed's family. UCLA Film and TV Archives is showing Latin American-Mexican movies this month. One of the movies , from the 1930's, stars a Mexican tenor , Jose' Mojica. Is anyone, here, familiar with his voice ? I don't think he made any movie musicals in Hollywood, as did Tito Guizar. I wish UCLA Film and TV Archives would show a Mario Lanza movie.
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Diane Cox
11-07-2017
04:37 PM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.66
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Ed and Darlene were very close, and he was close to his 2 children also. Perhaps they are just not yet able to deal with his death, due to the suddenness. Someone did one post on FB and one here, I understand. Also I think people who don't spend a lot of time on sites like this, cannot understand how you can become good friends and never meet the person. Many of my internet friends I've been in contact with more than "real" people. Edited 11-07-2017 05:04 PM
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Chris Johns to Diane
11-07-2017
02:07 PM ET (US) IP: 69.142.223.152
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Thanks for the quick response Diane. I kind of figured it was his heart. I spoke to him about a month before he died. I’m just puzzled why we have not heard from the family. I have left messages at the house and on Ed’s cell.. and I’ve had no response. I recently sent a card so hopefully they’ll get it and respond.
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Diane Cox
11-07-2017
11:46 AM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.66
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Ed had had heart problems about a year before. He was getting good reports from his dr and beginning to make trips to the gym again. I assume his heart was the cause of his death.
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Chris Johns
11-07-2017
11:19 AM ET (US) IP: 69.142.223.152
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I too have issues with LOB however, we did get ‘This Is My Beloved’ from it...one of his best in my book. I also enjoy ‘My Romance’ especially on the DLP cd with Mario’s raw recordings...no chorus.
On a sad note, was anyone here able to find out what actually happened to our dear friend Ed?
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Martino to Joe
11-06-2017
08:23 PM ET (US) IP: 104.255.4.145
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We have hashed over LOB so many times it seems nothing we can say now is new or revealing. As I said, or at least intimated, in my post on "sharp" singing, Mario lived life in excess - the good and bad was played out in both his life and his singing throughout his career. He had good days and bad days. When he was good he was very good and when bad, he was, well, bad. The style of his singing, as I pointed out, was prone to inconsistency. In the end, I think that is all that we can say about his LOB. Oh sure, we can tear it apart song by song, note by note all we want and we can wonder why he allowed it to be issued but that would be an exercise to no avail. The album, although not a total loss, is probably his worst single product and I think that is universally agreed.
I don't know if he was drunk during the session as some have speculated (I doubt it) but if I had to take a guess why this effort was so much less from his Cavalcade album (they were made only a few months apart), I would say it was simply a matter of laziness. He sounded lazy, sang his notes lazy, mouthed his words in a lazy way. He sang without paying attention to those things he usually paid attention to. He may also have been made aware, either by a doctor or his own premonition, that time was running out. He sang like he was sick - and maybe he knew it.
We can speculate all we want to but the fact is that Mario Lanza's inconsistency haunted him always, from the very beginning to the very end and LOB may have simply been the worst of that example.
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Gail Swartz
11-06-2017
05:56 PM ET (US) IP: 204.29.186.64
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If you listen to just Mario ,as I can on some cassettes, you can get a better idea of how he sang the tunes on LOB. So much is processed before a recording is complete. Mario recorded without the chorus..stopped the recordings when cues were not correctly given...kept himself in the "mask" by speaking, huffing, and chuckling. Some of the songs would tear up your heart if he had sung them in character. I have thoroughly enjoyed the Coke Show cd from Damon Lanza Productions...all but one of the songs have an introduction. Mario took care to present a program that was the top of the line...and he covered a great deal of the production costs.
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Diane Cox
11-06-2017
04:40 PM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.66
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Villazon cancelled several opera performances early in 2017, but Oct and Nov has been doing concerts Ildar Abdrazakov in central Europe.
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Joe to our muscians
11-06-2017
03:25 PM ET (US) IP: 71.225.163.141
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Thanks ,Martino , for your usual very well thought out and beautifully written comment on Mario sometimes singing “sharp”. I agree that I wouldn’t trade his exciting style in such instances for a technically pure, but less exciting Mario!
Different subject:
Most here would probably agree that release of his LOB album was puzzling since it was so much below the usual Lanza standard. Why didn’t he re-record will remain an unsolved mystery.? Some have alleged that Mario was “hung over” during its recording. But at any rate, it sure contained a lot of “off-key” singing.
I am curious as to what the musically astute here such as you and Fred,for example, personally thought of this album.
Surprisingly, some tracks of this album I actually like even though it was terribly panned. One example: “Why was I Born”. In this Mario REALLY sounds like a man beside himself with grief and quite desperate. Others have charged that the entire album sounded like that…lol. Then you get to “This Nearly Was Mine”…..YIKES, enough said.
Curious as to your take(s)…thanks, Joe
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Deleted by topic administrator 11-05-2017 11:30 AM
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Martino to Jim
11-03-2017
05:19 PM ET (US) IP: 104.255.4.145
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Based on your recommendation, I have been listening this afternoon to the Rolando Villazon CD "Gitano". What a great recording! This was recorded when Rolando was at the top of his game and his voice comes through these beautiful "Zarzuela" songs like a burst of sunshine. Domingo, to whom these songs are especially close (his parents were "Zarzuela" singers) is the perfect conductor for the younger tenor who considers him a mentor. These songs are to Spanish speaking tenors what Neapolitan songs are to the Italians. It is natural that Villazon would be right at home with them.
Rolando sounds very much like Domingo in certain passages, with a dark, honeyed and masculine sound. His high notes are better than Placido had even in his prime, and they sound thrilling on this excellent sounding disc. Villazon sings passionately, as you pointed out, but combines it with sensitivity and intelligence. There is no doubt in my mind that this family of songs would have suited Mario Lanza to a tee. I am sorry he ignored them completely but Villazon (along with Placido, Jose and other Latinos) will keep them alive and well. Thanks for the recommendation.
Here is part of a review that says it better than I can: "Mexican tenor Rolando Villazón has been touted as a worthy successor to Plácido Domingo, and on the basis of this recording of romanzas from Spanish zarzuelas, that claim should be taken seriously. Villazón's large voice is extraordinarily like Domingo's, with rock-solid technique, heroic tone, and impassioned delivery. He sings with a thrilling abandon that would sound reckless if it were not for his absolute security. Those attributes serve him well in this virtuosic repertoire. Anyone who appreciates late romantic operatic showcases is likely to find these romanzas strongly attractive".
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Martino to Jim
11-03-2017
03:18 PM ET (US) IP: 104.255.4.145
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Thank you Jim, and so good to have you back!
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Jim Thompson
11-03-2017
02:41 PM ET (US) IP: 69.123.160.19
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My good friend Fred Day asked me to post again now and then. We spoke after I thought he had passed away! All to the good...he's here! I want to compliment you, Martino on the very clear explanation of occasional sharpness in Mario's deliveries in songs and arias. I would certainly want to listen to what he produced as opposed to note-perfect renditions so many singers in the past produced and the blandness of today's"names". As always your writing is interesting and to the point. By the way I was listening in the car to Rolando Villazon's "Gitano"CD. Domingo is the conductor. I tell you his delivery and emotions run true to what Mario would have done with these great Spanish songs. I bet Placido would agree!
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Doug
11-03-2017
11:57 AM ET (US) IP: 76.3.172.190
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Believe me, listening to someone sing flat (which usually lasts for most of the piece) is far more excruciating than hearing a few notes on the sharp side.
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Gail Swartz
11-03-2017
11:55 AM ET (US) IP: 204.29.186.17
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Thanks for the posting about Mario and music...Recall that Terry Robinson set up Mario's music library when the Lanzas relocated...singing sharp in a Capella helps to keep the close harmony in tune..not that every note must be sung "sharp"..helps to keep the song moving along, phrase by phrase to the end without drooping. Mario certainly never had any problem with that! Love the excitement he fuses into his musicality.
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Victor Oraham
11-03-2017
11:17 AM ET (US) IP: 209.85.220.174
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Being able to read music or not being able to read music has nothing to do with someone signing sharp or flat.
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Martino to Joe
11-03-2017
11:15 AM ET (US) IP: 104.255.4.145
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Joe, in the past we have had several discussions about Mario Lanza singing "sharp" (heaven forbid!!). Here is part of what I have said about this (and no, it has nothing to do with the ability to read music as even a layman knows what # or b next to a note means).
The fact of the matter is Lanza did sing "sharp" now and then, especially at the start of his career. But I must tell you I would rather celebrate the good singing Mario did and include the "bad" only as part of the whole song analysis, instead of concentrating specifically on sharp or flat notes or otherwise what people would consider here and there "off-pitch" singing. The reason is that we have to go further to explain to people that in some cases that is not a terribly bad thing, or at least not as bad as it sounds. Singing sharp or flat is not what singers want to do of course, however, in some cases, such as Corelli and Lanza (and to a lessor extent, Jussi Bjorling), it could often enhance the excitement of the performance.
One thing that makes tenor singing exciting is that they often sing "on the edge", especially in the upper reaches of their voices. It is a very dangerous place to be and hitting every note spot on is of course the ideal but in so doing it could be suppressing the enthusiasm of the overall performance in lieu of "correctness". Will that "correctness" be as exciting to the audience? Is it the goal of the singer to be perfect in a technically enhanced way (Bergonzi comes to mind), in order to demonstrate artistic proficiency above all else, or is the goal to be as communicative and exciting as possible to the listener, (which I believe describes Lanza's goal)? After the singer makes a stylistic singing choice, based mostly on training and personality, they sing accordingly.
Lanza singing sharp was usually a direct result of being too exuberant and we all know that Mario, especially in the first stage of his career, was one of the most "exuberant" singers of all time. The emotion gets the best of you and when you sing the way Lanza did with his trademark unrestrained enthusiasm, you are bound to go sharp sometimes and certainly more often than going flat. It also results in some inconsistency from song to song, even during the same session. The ending of "Cielo e Mar" always struck me as a little sharp but still a glorious sound and wonderful rendition overall. His early "Core in grato" is bursting with this enthusiasm and the whole thing seems sharp but more noticeably towards the end. Yet who would trade that kind of enthusiastic singing for the more technically perfect but restrained renditions we hear from singers today?
There are many other examples because Lanza's singing is dotted throughout his career with "Marioisms" - certain vocal characteristics that in most singers would be condemned but in Lanza's case, they actually added to his style and overall effect. Singing a little sharp sometimes was simply one of those little "Marioisms" that made him the singer he was. Lanza was seldom "too" far off pitch to be truly ear shattering and jarring, but just enough to show you he wanted to sing dangerously, on the edge and with all his heart and passion, not just singing with his technique. He was willing to risk it and that made him the exciting singer he was. He would not be the Lanza we know if he sang any other way.
I am not too bothered by this small amount of Lanza inconsistency that seems to annoy some people because as far as I am concerned, as I said, he seldom sang SO sharp that it was a major distraction. Listen to Joan Sutherland if you want to really cringe in your seat over "sharpness". Despite this episodic occurrence, overall, she was an incredible singer. In comparison, you seldom "cringe" at the sound of Mario's "sharpness". It is there sometimes but appears like more of "halo" around the note rather than a defect.
I am not necessarily trying to justify anyone singing off-pitch but only trying to explain that in some cases it might not be so bad as "singing sharp" sounds. So for me, at least in Lanza's case, I can accept it as one of those little "Marioisms" and it is no big deal at all.
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Joe to our muscians
11-03-2017
10:50 AM ET (US) IP: 71.225.163.141
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Mario had a tendency to sing "sharp on some notes. Had he been able to read music, would this have prevented this...or is there no connection? Probably a dumb question but I've often wondered about it.
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Doug
11-03-2017
09:45 AM ET (US) IP: 76.3.172.190
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As for the music, two things can happen. A singer can use ordinary piano sheet music up to the point where the song is to be performed or recorded with an orchestra. Then the sheet music must be transformed by an arranger into an instrumental/orchestral version (I guarantee you Mario Lanza did not have music arranging skills!) and then the parts copied out for all the instruments. This could mean possibly 30 or more separate parts and several duplicates for each of the five string sections. A tedious process which has, thankfully, been done away with by computer music engraving. They would consult as to how the singer wants to perform the song (key, repeats, added high notes, a subtle change in harmony, etc.) The singer would pay for the arrangement and then own it for his/her exclusive use. OR the singer can learn an already arranged piece and perform it as written. There used to be a music library down on Long Island that had an enormous collection of vocal music in at least serviceable orchestral arrangements. They also had opera arias and ensembles already extracted from the full opera scores and all of it was available for a reasonable rental fee. This was an enormous asset back in radio days (and even early TV) when real singers could be heard broadcasting and recording good music almost daily. Ah. Those were the days! I'm sure they probably used some of this material when Mario recorded in New York. Edited 11-03-2017 09:48 AM
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Deleted by topic administrator 11-03-2017 12:26 PM
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Fred Day
11-03-2017
12:49 AM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Gail: No problem. We all miss Ed. Lanza had a large collection of sheet music. He made many notes and comments on the various songs. Perhaps the Coke Show was under rehearsed, but all in all, Lanza did a fine job nevertheless. Ciao.
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Gail Swartz
11-03-2017
12:23 AM ET (US) IP: 204.29.186.11
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I am so glad that Fred is still with us. Maybe the Damon cd got me too emotional. Fred, did Mario's written music look different than what others had to use. He must have been an exceptional musician. The criticism of the , "Coke Show" was that he was under-rehearsed, but one does not sing well without learning the song and singing it several times. Wish I could have sat in on the taping of the radio programs. Fred, I apologize for the inconvenience I caused by my earlier posting.
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Fred Day
11-03-2017
12:17 AM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Sergio Franchi and Enzo Stuarti were often mistaken for one another by fans and autograph seekers. However, they were best of friends. When mistaken, each would sign the other's name. When they discussed it, they would both laugh. Ciao.
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Doug
11-02-2017
02:36 PM ET (US) IP: 76.3.172.190
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To their great annoyance and irritation, Peerce and Tucker were always being mistaken for one another. Though they were brothers-in-law they did not get along at all well.
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Kristine
11-02-2017
02:09 PM ET (US) IP: 173.169.36.195
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Happy Birthday, Fred ! People sometimes mixed up movie actor, Jess Barker, who was married to Susan Hayward, with Lex Barker, who was one of the Tarzans. I, too, am sorry about Ed's passing. I was facebook friends with him, too. Once, again, the Los Angeles Museum of Art(LACMA)shows old movies. I wonder if they will ever show one of Mario Lanza's movies ?
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Jim Thompson
11-02-2017
12:03 PM ET (US) IP: 69.123.160.19
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Great speaking with you, Fred. Thank God it was an error and our half hour chat brought back many wonderful memories. Wish I could stand witxh you at the piano and we could belt out some songs!
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Fred Day
11-02-2017
11:38 AM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Reminds me of one night in 1979, Johnny Carson mentioned "the late Jan Peerce". The next night, Carson mentioned that he had received a phone call from "the late Jan Peerce" that afternoon!! Obviously, Carson confused Peerce with Richard Tucker, who had died in January of 1975. Peerce died in Dec, 1984. A newspaper once printed an obituary of Mark Twain, who was still alive. Twain wrote: "Reports of my death are greatly exaggerated!!" Ciao.
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Fred Day
11-02-2017
11:09 AM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Gail: You have confused me with the late Ed McManus, who died in mid September. I am still very much alive. Jim Thompson just phoned me and we spoke for about half an hour. I just turned 75 on Oct 5th, and still kicking. Ciao.
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David Weaver
11-02-2017
10:47 AM ET (US) IP: 156.63.68.239
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Fred just posted here on Monday, and far as I know is still kicking. Edited 11-02-2017 10:47 AM
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Jim Thompson
11-02-2017
08:40 AM ET (US) IP: 69.123.160.19
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I have just read Gail Swartz posting where she writes "before Fred passed on". Is this true? Has Fred died? When, Please? I read here frequently but have not see anything about this. Fred Desjarlais (his full name) and I knew each other back in the sixties and seventies. We went to our first Lanza ball in 1966 and had pictures taken with Maria Lanza. Fred was my accompanist for many years and we had fun singing together. I have so many cassettes with him at the piano. If this is true, God rest his soul on All Souls Day. he was one of the greatest Lanza fans with tremendous knowledge about everything Mario. Again, if true, he will be sorely missed by all.
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Gail Swartz
11-02-2017
08:21 AM ET (US) IP: 204.29.186.64
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To Bill....I am enjoying the cd you sent...the song introductions are wonderful...Mario's speaking voice was a delight to hear, too. I did not realize just how much Fred Day knew about Mario...Wish that I had the cd before Fred passed on...so much I would have asked him. Bless you as you are readying for the big weekend in Philly..Wish I was there!.
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Kristine
11-02-2017
07:19 AM ET (US) IP: 173.169.36.195
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Happy Belated Birthday to Mother Dolores Hart ! Her birthday was Oct. 20th and turned 79. For those new to this group, she is niece of Mario Lanza, by marriage and was a movie-tv actress (1950's-'60's). She gave up Hollywood and a fiancee' to become a nun. She made two movies with Elvis("Loving You" and "King Creole"), is known as "The Nun Who Kissed Elvis"(the nuns-to-be, at the time, she joined, asked what was it like to kiss Elvis ?). She also was in "Where The Boys Are"(1960)with Connie Francis. Mother Dolores still stays in touch with Paula Prentiss and Connie Francis. Mother Dolores's autobiography is "The Ear Of The Heart". I read it and she mentioned her Uncle Mario and Aunt Betty, in the book.
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Diane Cox
10-31-2017
07:06 PM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.66
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In my collection are a couple of those cigarette ads Mario Lanza was in. Also have some movie star books - and would buy more - but really not adding to any collections these days. More about cleaning the house out of stuff.
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Kristine
10-31-2017
05:54 PM ET (US) IP: 173.169.36.195
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Happy Halloween ! But sad, tragic news. I have MSNBC on. There was a terrorist attack in New York City. A man drove his truck into a crowd of bicyclists. There were fatalities and some injured. Prayers for N.Y. When will this horror end ? I like the ads posted. Tyrone Power and Joe DiMaggio did ads for cigarettes, too. Did Kathryn Grayson, Deanna Durbin, Jane Powell smoke ? Back in the 1990's, Lucie Arnaz Luckinbill was interviewed by Geraldo Rivera. She blamed cigarettes for her parents' deaths. She wishes the smoking scenes on "I Love Lucy"(they had Philip Morris Cigarettes as sponsor for a few years)could be cut and urged people to not smoke and quit smoking. Before they passed away, Yul Brynner and William Tallman(who was on "Perry Mason")did public service announcements to stop smoking. They both had terminal long cancer.
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Diane Cox
10-31-2017
05:16 PM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.66
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Happy Halloween!
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Messages 51235-51234 deleted by author 10-31-2017 06:52 PM |
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Gail Swartz
10-30-2017
10:32 PM ET (US) IP: 204.29.186.7
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Hey, don't forget that Doretta Morrow was a chain-smoker.That was one reason Mario disliked her as his c o-star in BYM.
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David Weaver
10-30-2017
07:46 PM ET (US) IP: 98.31.1.186
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There aren't many photos of Mario smoking - but there are enough to suggest he was not just a casual smoker who lit up only he wasn't working. There are photos of him with cigarette in hand on the set of Serenade and Seven Hills of Rome. And remarkably, photos of him holding a cigarette when he was with Renata Tebaldi.
Fact is, back then there were probably more smokers than non-smokers among adults. And Mario was not the only singer who smoked - Pinza was a smoker. And Pinza, Robert Merrill, Rise Stevens, and Mario's CARUSO co-star Dorothy Kirsten - all appeared in ads for Camel.
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David Weaver
10-30-2017
07:40 PM ET (US) IP: 98.31.1.186
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Camel Ad 3
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David Weaver
10-30-2017
07:40 PM ET (US) IP: 98.31.1.186
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Camel Ad 2
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David Weaver
10-30-2017
07:39 PM ET (US) IP: 98.31.1.186
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Camel Ad 1
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Doug
10-30-2017
10:26 AM ET (US) IP: 76.3.172.190
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In the '50's, Mario was featured in magazine ads for Camel cigarettes. He's supposedly saying, "I can't afford to take chances with my voice. I smoke Camels! They suit my throat and taste to a 'T'". I've seen only a couple of photos of Mario with a cigarette. Zirato tells of Caruso's elaborate procedure in cleaning the mouth, throat, and sinuses before a performance. He used various potions, gargles, inhalants and steamers, coughing and hacking until the sputum was clear. Next? Light up a cigarette!! Edited 10-30-2017 12:23 PM
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Joe to Fred
10-30-2017
10:23 AM ET (US) IP: 71.225.163.141
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Thanks, Fred!
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Fred Day
10-30-2017
10:00 AM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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PS: On the other hand, Caruso was a slave to the habit. Caruso smoked two packs of Egyptian cigs per day, always in a holder. He put a little piece of cotton in the holder to act as a filter. Ciao.
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Fred Day
10-30-2017
09:56 AM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Joe: As far as is known, Lanza was only an occasional smoker, not a slave to the habit. He could refrain at will, when he had to sing. Ciao.
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Joe to anyone
10-29-2017
05:51 PM ET (US) IP: 71.225.163.141
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I know Mario had some bad habits (like booze) but he also smoked! Bad for anyone but I cringe when I think about any damage to that golden throat. How bad was his habit and did it contribute to some of his rare , less well done recordings e.g. LOB ? Was this a life long habit?
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Dennis
10-26-2017
02:35 PM ET (US) IP: 73.170.201.215
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Kristine, we are not being hacked. Hacking implies illegal access. This is an open-access site and new lovers of Mario may chime in at any time, or the curious may browse to see what we are all about. What is happening is that many "trolls" are using our website to advertise their "products" which include dating sites. So far, it has always been possible to easily discern that they have no interest in Mario Lanza, but just want us to inquire about their product. Our administrator does a good job of erasing them from this site (see the posting two below you when you wrote), but he can't be checking our site every hour. I applaud him for his diligence. It is a irritating task and he is kind and generous to take it on. In the meantime, just ignore these trolls.
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Kristine
10-26-2017
06:49 AM ET (US) IP: 173.169.36.195
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Is this website being hacked ? Who is the dating website interrupting here ?
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Messages 51221-51218 deleted by author between 10-26-2017 03:44 PM and 10-22-2017 11:41 PM |
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Vincent Ricciardi
10-22-2017
07:35 AM ET (US) IP: 207.110.29.138
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 Emily and I got to share the stage with Daniel Rodriguez last night. It was a fantastic night; including singing with Debbi Burdett and with David Schaefer at the piano. Edited 10-22-2017 07:36 AM
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Messages 51216-51214 deleted by author 10-22-2017 11:40 PM |
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Teal
10-21-2017
10:35 AM ET (US) IP: 104.1.167.27
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Messages 51212-51211 deleted by author 10-20-2017 11:21 PM |
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Kristine
10-19-2017
05:15 PM ET (US) IP: 173.169.36.195
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I read that Ellisa Lanza Bregman is the recipient of the Camellia Award. I am not familiar with this award, but congratulations to her ! I wonder if she will be interviewed on PBS TV, regarding "The Best of Everything" or if she will be a guest on Oprah or Ellen DeGeneres ? Maybe TCM will interview her. I wonder if NPR Radio will interview her ?
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Kristine
10-19-2017
02:40 PM ET (US) IP: 173.169.36.195
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TCM showed some of Marsha Hunt's movies on Oct. 17th. One of the movies was "A Letter For Evie" also starring John Carroll and Hume Cronyn, about women, who worked in sewing factories, putting letters or notes in military uniforms, hoping to meet soldiers, etc. John Carroll was a handsome baritone, who was friends with Mario Lanza. He and his second wife, Lucille Ryman discovered Fernando Lamas. He also helped Marilyn Monroe, early , in her career. Happy 100th Birthday to Marsha Hunt !
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suzanne
10-19-2017
10:26 AM ET (US) IP: 74.79.51.67
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Good to hear it will be aired on PBS. Anyone recall pretty actress Marsha Hunt. She became 100 on Oct.17. Still was very "with it" at 99, when she was honored. Trust she still is. Seems Ron Howard is making a documentary about Pavarotti. Look forward to it, but wish it were of Mario. Missing Ed McManus here.
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Kristine
10-18-2017
05:35 PM ET (US) IP: 173.169.36.195
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Great news ! "The Best of Everything" will be on PBS TV in November. Did Mario Lanza ever sing any Hawaiian songs ? I know he, Betty, met Tyrone Power and his then wife, Linda Christian on the cruise ship to Hawaii. Imagine if he had sung "Sweet Leilani", "The Hawaiian Wedding Song", "Aloha Oe"(Dick Powell sang this in "Flirtation Walk", excellent !),"The Song Of The Islands".
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Diane Cox
10-18-2017
11:43 AM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.66
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Will watch for it
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Ronald Sarbo
10-18-2017
08:48 AM ET (US) IP: 74.66.130.108
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"The Best Of Everything" doc will come to Public Television in the US in November per the Hollywood Reporter.
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Messages 51204-51202 deleted by author between 10-17-2017 11:44 AM and 10-17-2017 11:45 AM |
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David Weaver
10-14-2017
11:00 PM ET (US) IP: 98.31.1.186
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I don't know about Scalia's thoughts re Lanza's voice and singing, but their names were linked once. It was in a 2011 New York Times op-ed piece by Maureen Dowd. The column was called "Cooperation in Evil," about Scalia's views that it was alright to inject religion into public life.
The opening sentence was: "Maybe it’s the Mario Lanza in him. But Nino Scalia relishes being operatically imprudent."
Here's the column:
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/10/02/opinion/...ration-in-evil.html
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Dennis
10-14-2017
02:50 AM ET (US) IP: 73.170.201.215
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Justice Scalia had high standards and was able to objectively evaluate. If he ever had the chance to hear Mario sing, particularly in an operatic selection, I am sure he would have been a fan...just as we all are on this forum.
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Deleted by topic administrator 10-14-2017 12:47 AM
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Fred Day
10-12-2017
03:43 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Kristine: Don't know for sure, but my guess is: probably. Ciao.
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Kristine
10-11-2017
10:43 PM ET (US) IP: 173.169.36.195
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Prayers for Northern California. The Charles Schulz -Peanuts Museum, in Santa Rosa, Calif., is allright, but sadly, the Schulz's family house was destroyed by the fires. A few days ago, Andrea Mitchell(MSNBC)had Chris Scalia, son of late Justice Antonin Scalia, as guest. Justice Scalia's book "Scalia Speaks" is out. He and fellow U.S. Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg were friends, though, different, politically, and both loved opera. They even appeared as extras, in costumes, in an opera. Chris said his father would put a CD of opera, classical music, on. I wonder if Justice Scalia was a fan of Mario Lanza and if Justice Ginsburg is a fan, too ?
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phil uk
10-09-2017
06:48 AM ET (US) IP: 85.12.76.63
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fellow admirers i submit that Mario was a one off,by that i mean that his vocal chords,throat etc were unique & so far this gift has NOT been bestowed on any other tenor.Now 2017 going on 2018 & we are still having great cd/dvd issued commercially thanks to messrs Mannering & McGovern long may it be so.A letter from Damon & Sir Antonio Pappano adorn my living room wall with a photo of Mario given to me by Damon just to remind me that Mario came our way,THANKS TO GOD.
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Kristine
10-08-2017
06:30 PM ET (US) IP: 173.169.36.195
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Singer Lou Christie(from the '60's)posted , on facebook, that Jimmy Beaumont passed away. RIP. He and The Skyliners sang the doo wop song, "Since I Don't Have You"(back in the '60's). Lou, Jimmy, The Beaumonts were and are from Pittsburgh. Kristin Towers Rowles will be in a play "Sally Spectre-The Musical" in Los Angeles. She is daughter of Robert Towers, actor, who will be on "Will and Grace" and is granddaughter of M-G-M soprano, Kathryn Grayson. Talented genes. I'm facebook friends with her.
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Bill Ronayne
10-07-2017
10:35 PM ET (US) IP: 68.192.176.63
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Remembering Mario on the 58th anniversary of his passing. May his voice sing forever.
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Suzanne
10-07-2017
01:55 PM ET (US) IP: 74.79.51.67
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Missed and revered after all these years. Rest peacefully our Mario. Fred, belated Happy Birthday. Mine was the day before.I have a few years on you. Gail, love the way you expressed it.Wish Ed were here to say it as well. Hard to believe.I remember him every time I hear Mario sing.
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Gail Swartz
10-07-2017
11:16 AM ET (US) IP: 204.29.186.65
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Dreams and memories are not all Mario left us. He,with his love of music and people, left this old world with the joy and beauty of songs sung magnificently with a VOICE unsurpassed!
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Martino to Phil
10-07-2017
10:35 AM ET (US) IP: 104.255.4.145
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Well said Phil. I posted a little while ago that Mario was born on this date so I deleted the post (too early in the morning to think straight!!). I agree with you. A great talent left us all too soon but we will never forget him.
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Deleted by author 10-07-2017 10:32 AM
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Kristine
10-07-2017
07:07 AM ET (US) IP: 173.169.36.195
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Remembering Mario Lanza's passing, today. RIP.
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phil uk
10-07-2017
06:53 AM ET (US) IP: 85.12.76.63
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well its been a long,long time since THE WORLDS GREATEST TENOR has passed away yet his legacy lives on in the new up & coming singers who were inspired by him,long may it be so.
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Deleted by topic administrator 10-08-2017 12:43 AM
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Fred Day
10-07-2017
12:51 AM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Remembering Mario Lanza today, on the 58th anniversary of his death - never to be forgotten!!Ciao.
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Deleted by topic administrator 10-08-2017 12:43 AM
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Jim A
10-06-2017
08:46 AM ET (US) IP: 24.91.123.161
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Happy Birthday Fred. Like all your posts.
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Deleted by topic administrator 10-08-2017 12:43 AM
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Fred Day
10-05-2017
08:14 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Thanks for the birthday wishes. I asked a friend if I looked like I was pushing 75. He said, no, you look like you are dragging it!! No respect!! (Rodney Dangerfield). Ciao.
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Gail Swartz
10-05-2017
04:10 PM ET (US) IP: 204.29.186.59
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Happy Three-quarters of a century old Birthday, Ed. ..love to read your Mario thoughts.
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Diane Cox
10-05-2017
03:47 PM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.66
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Have a great Birthday, Fred. Yes, Ed has left a void. I'm so glad I gave him some of the albums he was missing when I was disposing of my vinyl. He said several times how much he enjoyed them on his new turntable. Edited 10-05-2017 03:48 PM
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Kristine
10-05-2017
02:13 PM ET (US) IP: 173.169.36.195
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Happy Birthday, Fred ! Who could portray Mario Lanza ? Years ago, Terry Robinson thought a young John Travolta could play him and also thought that Johnny Depp could portray him. I thought of tenor Daniel Rodriguez.
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Martino to Fred
10-05-2017
02:06 PM ET (US) IP: 104.255.4.145
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Happy Birthday old man! And many, many more!!
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Fred Day
10-05-2017
01:56 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Well, for me, another year down the drain, as I turn 75 today. The years seem to gallop by at great speed. But it sure beats the alternative. I wish Ed were still here. Ciao.
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Derek Mannering
10-05-2017
11:38 AM ET (US) IP: 69.209.230.119
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Thanks for the heads up on Calleja's Lanza tribute, Len. And yes, he is certainly helping to keep the legend alive.
Meanwhile, a Lanza biopic is long overdue and in the right hands and with the right approach - director, script, actor - it could be outstanding.
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Deleted by topic administrator 10-05-2017 10:43 AM
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Diane Cox
10-04-2017
01:03 PM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.66
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Calleja is in "Norma" which airs in HD at the theaters this weekend.
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Len (UK)
10-04-2017
12:48 PM ET (US) IP: 86.169.160.60
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Derek - the night before the 'Best of Everything', Sky Arts are broadcasting a Mario Lanza tribute concert by Joseph Calleja. OK, so it isn't Mario but anyone who references him is keeping the legend going.
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Suzanne
10-04-2017
12:18 PM ET (US) IP: 74.79.51.67
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"A Kid From Philadelphia" is a loving tribute to "our" Mario. I have most books that were written about him, but if anyone has a listing, I'd like to know if I've missed any. Speaking of missing, I'm missing Ed McManus so much on this site. It won't ever be the same..I am surprised and disappointed that some who should have mentioned his loss here , have not.
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Kristine
10-04-2017
07:41 AM ET (US) IP: 173.169.36.195
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Prayers for Las Vegas ! Las Vegas Strong ! I know the photo of Mario Lanza in receiving line to meet Queen Elizabeth. Singer Frankie Vaughn was in the same line. He only made 2 movies in the U.S., "Let's Make Love"(1960)with Marilyn Monroe, Yves Montand and "The Right Approach"(1961)with Gary Crosby, Juliet Prowse, Martha Hyer. I heard Queen Elizabeth liked "Because You're Mine"(not one of Lanza's favorite movies).
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Gail Swartz
10-03-2017
11:35 PM ET (US) IP: 204.29.186.5
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Thank you, Derek, for the true account of the Command Performance by Mario. If he could sing that well after the binge reported by Costa, just viewing the Palladium clip makes one listen in awe to all of that talent in one human .
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Derek Mannering
10-03-2017
07:23 PM ET (US) IP: 69.209.229.146
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Ron, I've seen that excerpt from the Luft book and his comments about Mario are wrong from start to finish. Worse, they seem almost vindictive. He claims that Lanza "sang well enough, but the audience cruelly laughed at him." Really, with Queen Elizabeth present? British audiences would never be that rude and they certainly had no cause to be on that memorable night.
So, here are the facts from people without an agenda:
Cyril Ornadel, musical coordinator for the Royal Variety Show:
"On the night of the Royal Command, which is generally known as a stuffy audience, he got royal acclaim; absolute roars, which is most unusual for there. On the following week, when you again have a different sort of audience, they tore the place up."
Music critic for Sporting Review and Show Business:
"His top notes almost tore the roof off. I doubt if the Palladium has ever heard a tenor of such lungpower. Lanza… shows he can belt out those top notes without benefit of commercial amplification."
And which photo of Queen Elizabeth shaking hands with one of the entertainers made the front page the following day? Yep, the one with Mario.
Oh yes, and Luft also claimed that Judy wanted him to take on Lanza as a client in... 1960!
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Ronald Sarbo
10-03-2017
04:07 PM ET (US) IP: 74.66.130.108
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Speaking of books in Sid Luft's memoirs "Judy and I" Luft writes that Lanza was very disturbed that he had to follow Garland at the Command Performance and that Lanza was not well received by the audience.
Nevertheless Luft writes that Garland was very fond of Lanza and asked him to take Lanza on as a client. Luft declined feeling that managing both Garland and Lanza was too much for one man.
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Martino
10-03-2017
01:43 PM ET (US) IP: 104.255.4.145
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Thank you Dennis and Gail. It is always a pleasure to discuss Lanza and those who write about him.
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Gail Swartz
10-03-2017
01:33 PM ET (US) IP: 204.29.186.67
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Thank you, Martino, for a living essay of TKFP....
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Dennis
10-03-2017
12:55 AM ET (US) IP: 73.170.201.215
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Beautiful summary, Martino. One of the best essays you have written!
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Martino
10-02-2017
05:49 PM ET (US) IP: 104.255.4.145
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I recently reread the Mario Lanza book titled, "A Kid From Philadelphia", by Emilio Iodice. It is in paperback and available from Amazon. We talk a lot about the various Lanza biographies and the books by Lindsay Perigo but seldom do we touch on Iodice's book. To reintroduce it, I will give a general review similar to what I gave the first time I read "A Kid From Philadelphia". This is a review more on the book's intent than of its content because I find Iodice's approach interesting, even unique, in the way Mario Lanza is presented. This is not a biography but a series of essays and within that context at least, it is somewhat similar to the Kindle book and its update, "The One Tenor", by Lindsay Perigo. But that is where the similarities end.
According to Amazon, Iodice is an Italian professor and University administrator who has studied most of the great tenors of the last century. He considers Lanza among the best of them. Amazon says, "This book is...an introduction to those who wish to learn about this marvelous entertainer...". The author calls Lanza an "entertainer" and of course he was but Iodice is really placing his subject along side the great Italian opera tenors of the past and that is how he assess Mario, rather than in the framework many here in America do of considering Lanza only a Hollywood movie star and "pop" singer. However, he does not ignore that important "pop" part of Mario's career and refers often to the many songs from the American Songbook that are associated with Mario Lanza. Because this book is more similar to Perigo's ebook than the works of Mannering or any of the other Lanza biographers, I will use "The One Tenor" in comparison to more clearly define the method Iodice uses.
Those of you who read my review of "The One Tenor" know I thought it was very well written and presented. Perigo used a strange but effective analytical approach in assessing the Lanza phenomena. That is to say, he dissects his subject like a lab animal. He checks to be sure every "i" is dotted and every "T" is crossed and if it is not he wants to open it up and know why. Such is how his mind works. By approaching his subject this way he feels he can better understand why Lanza sang as he did. Saying he "examined" Mario is not meant to be unkind, on the contrary, Perigo made us think and use our heads to come to the conclusion he wanted us to come to - that Lanza was indeed a great singer and phenomena. He presented various points of view (such as the discussion on the bi-polar issue with Lanza biographer, Roland Bessette). Perigo wanted to tell us through his opinions why we should come to the conclusion Lanza was great and to understand why we should share those points of view.
Iodice draws us to that same general conclusion of Lanza's greatness but he takes a much different path. Where Perigo is the scientist, Iodice is the poet. Perigo looks at the stars, sees constellations and ponders their place in the universe while Iodice looks at the stars and is satisfied to do nothing more than bask in their glorious, shimmering beauty. In fact, Iodice does not want you to think at all, rather, he wants you to lay back and keep your ears open and to think with your heart instead of your head. That way the conclusion will come to you naturally - the evidence being the voice of Mario Lanza itself, nothing else required. At least that is the impression I get as I read through this book. Here is a telling quote contained in the book, "Listen to Mario as he takes you into the world of love, drama, emotion and passion. In minutes you will be on a magic carpet and on an unforgettable journey beyond time, space and place into a world only he can create".
Perigo spells out the evidence and offers personal opinions why Lanza sang as he did, based on those factors he presents. Iodice seems to not want you to draw conclusions about Mario Lanza, at least not from complicated musical factors, questions of this technique or that technique, or differing points of view about his life because he believes none of that matters. He appears to be saying that the sound you hear from Mario Lanza's voice and how it affects you is at once both the evidence AND the conclusion at the same time. Yet another quote by Iodice, "Concentrate on his words and the feelings they evoke. Let it fit your life and experiences. Forget everything else".
In getting to his point, Iodice, like Perigo, uses essays and personal reflections to help you better understand Mario Lanza. Where Perigo felt it was important to understand the man in order to better understand the singing, Iodice believes it is more important to understand the singing so you can better understand the man. Emilio talks about Lanza within the context of the man and his background of course, but not using that background as a subject matter per se. Where Perigo sees Lanza as a complex force of nature, Iodice senses something more divine when he says: "We could assemble a collection of examples of the Spiritual Mario Lanza....he felt responsible to sing from his soul so he could touch our hearts and minds and bring us to new heights of spirituality".
"A Kid From Philadelphia" is hard to categorize but if I had to give it a single definition it would be - "A Tribute". And a heart felt one at that. Although I do not read Italian as well as English, from what I could make of it the English translation provided was honest and accurate. I think you will enjoy this book as long as you are not expecting a biography or a lot of fact filled information about Lanza's life every step of the way (although Emilio does bridge that ever illusive Lanza fact from fiction quite well).
As with the Perigo book, I recommend "A Kid From Philadelphia" to all Lanza fans and those wanting to know more about him. And like Perigo, it is always a pleasure to read nice things about Mario Lanza, especially from an intelligent man who knows what he is talking about. In this regard, Emilio Iodice, does not disappoint and satisfies both the most informed and demanding Lanza fans as well as the most novice readers.
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Bill Ronayne
10-01-2017
10:05 AM ET (US) IP: 68.192.186.244
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2017 Mario Lanza Ball Weekend
November 11, 8:30 pm
Mario Lanza Tribute Dinner
Victor Cafe
1303 Dickinson Street
Singing wait staff
50/50 raffle
3 course dinner
$80 per person
November 12, 11:00 am
Mario Lanza Museum Reception
712 Montrose Street
Lanza’s recordings will be played and a tour of
the museum will be available to all.
Coffee, cake & sandwiches
Free
November 12, 5:00 pm
Mario Lanza Ball
DoubleTree Hotel
Broad & Locust Streets
Cocktail Hour, Scholarship Winner’s Concert, 50/50 raffle,
2 Video Presentations and Dinner & Dancing to the Tony Dee Orchestra.
$165
For more information call 215-238-9691 or email mariolanzainstitute@verizon.net.
PDF's of the invitation can be downloaded at www.mariolanzainstitute.org. A block of rooms has been set aside at the DoubleTree Hotel and is now available for booking. Call 215-893-1600 to make your reservation and mention that you’re coming for the Mario Lanza Ball to get the special rate of $179 per night plus tax. Reservations must be made by October 8, 2017.
If you cannot attend please consider making a donation. Checks should be made out to Mario Lanza Institute and sent to the following address:
Mario Lanza Institute
PO Box 54624
Philadelphia, PA 19148
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Fred Day
09-30-2017
09:02 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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The song "Laugh Clown Laugh" also dates from 1928. Ted Fiorito wrote the music, and Sam M Lewis & Joe Young wrote the lyrics. It was a hit record for Harry Richman in 1928. It was revived by Alan Dale in 1952. Nice song. Ciao. Edited 09-30-2017 09:11 PM
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Fred Day
09-30-2017
08:35 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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I am very fond of "Night Song" from "Golden Boy". Particularly the recording by Robert Goulet. Very moving. Ciao.
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Fred Day
09-30-2017
08:32 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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On Wikipedia, you can read about the old 1928 silent film, "Laugh Clown Laugh", which starred the great Lon Chaney senior, and 14 year old Loretta Young. Interesting. Ciao.
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Kristine
09-30-2017
06:20 PM ET (US) IP: 173.169.36.195
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I read that a re-make of "Golden Boy" with Mario Lanza, was an idea. He would be an opera singer, who wanted to be a boxer. We would have seen Mario in the boxing ring. I'm sure that Terry Robinson would have trained him. He trained Kirk Douglas for "Champion" and Terry said people thought he and Kirk Douglas looked alike. Well, there was a woman wrestler, Gloria Barratini, who had an opera trained voice. In the 1960's , there was a Broadway Musical version of "Golden Boy" starring Sammy Davis, Jr. I think Ben Hecht and Clifford Odets were fans of Mario Lanza.
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Derek Mannering
09-30-2017
02:51 PM ET (US) IP: 69.209.227.143
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To our friends in the U.K., Alan Byron's outstanding documentary, "Mario Lanza: The Best of Everything," will air on the Sky Arts channel on October 9th. The program will also broadcast here in the U.S. later this year. More details on that in due course.
The only movie we know for sure that Lanza was planning to make at the time of his passing was "Laugh, Clown, Laugh," and that's about as much as I know about it. I had hoped that a copy of the screenplay would be in those Lanza "boxes" that were finally handed over to Ellisa, but alas, it was not to be found. "Granada" was another talked-about movie in the pipeline with a storyline that was fanciful, to say the least. Apparently, it dealt with a (40-something?) singing beggar in Spain who pretends he is blind, presumably to garner sympathy and collect more coins! The only reason it gets a mention at all was the fact that it was being co-written by Ben Hecht.
Costa in his book also mentions that Lanza was also interested in a musical remake of the boxing tale "Golden Boy." I'll leave that one to your imagination.
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Kristine
09-30-2017
02:03 PM ET (US) IP: 173.169.36.195
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Ezio Pinza's movie "Mr. Imperium" is out on DVD. Lana Turner wrote , in her autobiography, that she didn't like working with him , during "Mr. Imperium". He also starred in "Strictly Dishonorable" with Janet Leigh. Tony Curtis had a photo of himself, with Janet and Ezio, on the set, in his autobiography. He was also in "Tonight, We Sing" the film about Sol Hurok, starring Anne Bancroft and David Wayne. Pinza played basso Feodor Chaliapin. Roberta Peters was also in the movie. Her character was Elsa Vardine. Has anyone ever seen the movie "Melba" starring Patrice Munsel ? I have never seen it and it's never been on t.v., as far as I know.
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Kristine
09-30-2017
01:57 PM ET (US) IP: 173.169.36.195
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Who would have been the actress to play the woman, both father and son loved ? Jerry Lewis's first wife, Patti sang with Ted Fio Rito's Orchestra, as did movie-t.v. actor Leif Ericson(who was married to Frances Farmer). Patti took the stage name : Patti Palmer. Her real name was Esther Calonico. Mario Lanza knew Jerry Lewis. While on the subject of Lewis, according to a facebook article, he disinherited his children with Patti. If you remember, Jerry's son, Gary had a band-Gary Lewis and The Playboys, back in the '60's. Then he was drafted, served in The Vietnam War. I didn't know one of Jerry's sons died from overdose of drugs. Sad.
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Doug
09-30-2017
10:51 AM ET (US) IP: 76.3.169.89
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Ezio Pinza died in 1957. They would hardly have been planning a movie with him in 1959.
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David Weaver
09-30-2017
10:34 AM ET (US) IP: 98.31.1.186
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Ronnie, you've got two films mixed up. "Deburau" was reportedly a project planned for Lanza and Pinza in 1950-51, at the time both were at MGM - Pinza having come to the studio after his Broadway triumph in "South Pacific." But obviously the film was never made, and how far it actually got beyond the planning stage, no one knows. The two movies Pinza did make at MGM were both horrific box-office bombs. "Laugh, Clown, Laugh" was a project Lanza was working on with co-producers Al Panone and Irving Pisor at the time of his death in 1959. By that time, Pinza was already gone - having died in May 1957. Edited 09-30-2017 10:35 AM
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Ronnie to Phil
09-30-2017
10:13 AM ET (US) IP: 110.21.203.44
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Laugh Clown Laugh was to have a storyline (loosely) was of a father and son's rivalry for the same girl with Enzio Pinza playing his father.
The words for LCL were by Lewis and Young (?) I think and the music by Ted Fio Rito(again I think) I am getting this from Damon's book. If you have this book it's on page 172.
Mario loved Enzio and I would think he would have been really looking forward to making this movie with him. My two questions would be ..who would they have got to direct these two big movie stars since it would have been filmed in Italy and who would have been the musical director?
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Bill Ronayne
09-30-2017
07:35 AM ET (US) IP: 68.192.183.75
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The October issue of"The Legacy of Mario Lanza" has just been published and mailed out. It features articles on a number of Lanza anniversaries, a concert from 1942, a look at Lanza's recordings of O sole mio and so much more. For subscription information contact me at wjronayne@optonline.net.
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Kristine
09-28-2017
02:47 PM ET (US) IP: 173.169.36.195
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Does anyone know what was the storyline of "Granada" which would have starred Mario Lanza and Caterina Valente ? Also, years ago, I read that the original script of "The Seven Hills Of Rome" had to be edited, that Mario Lanza wanted David Niven for the movie and Pier Angeli was offered it, but I think she was filming "Merry Andrew" with Danny Kaye.
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Joe to All
09-28-2017
12:10 PM ET (US) IP: 71.225.163.141
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I have a lady friend who was very familiar with several opera stars ( in fact, she used to date one) . She also had the most unusual occupation: She and her husband raised and trained animals for the New York Met. They made a good living doing this. Wow, that would have been a great show for “What’s my Line”. The seniors here will understand that last line.
But, to get to my point, she also knew of and admired the Lanza voice as did many of her opera associates. She passed on to me a line which she had heard that I was never aware of and I would like to share; “Lanza was the most UNDER appreciated singer in the world”. I had never thought of Mario in that light and when one ponders this, she was right. Millions of fans are blown away by his voice, yet, (unfortunately), many others do not know of his voice or do not appreciate it. I live close to Philadelphia and it always amazes me how many (even seniors) do not know of Lanza!
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phil uk
09-28-2017
10:06 AM ET (US) IP: 85.12.76.63
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Laugh Clown Laugh, does anyone know what the storyline was going to be or what music Mario would sing? Clearly this movie was in some stage of preparation as Mario informed us of the movies title & its possible success.
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Diane Cox
09-27-2017
01:46 PM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.66
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Thanks Derek. Somewhat better review of Calleja. He's not one of my favorites, but I rank him among the many tenors of today that will never be great, but can carry a role that is suited to their voices. Actully, I don't think there is a 'great' tenor right now. Of course I compare every tenor voice to Lanza and none can meet the challenge. Wouldn't it be great to find another voice with that power to move people. Keep hoping for a discovery.
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Derek Mannering
09-27-2017
09:15 AM ET (US) IP: 69.209.227.143
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The Times of Malta has an interesting article on Calleja's contribution to the Met's new production of "Norma" (my thanks to Steff in Germany for sending this): https://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view...n-role-debut.658902The inclusion of Mario's name in the list of tenors who have sung a principal role in the opening season at the Met should prompt a smile or two! Edited 09-27-2017 09:23 AM
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Diane Cox
09-27-2017
01:00 AM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.66
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Thanks Martino. I'm planning to see it a week from Sat in HD
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Martino
09-27-2017
12:40 AM ET (US) IP: 104.255.4.145
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For anyone interested, here is NYTimes music critic Anthony Tommasini's review of "Norma", which opened the MET season on Monday evening:
https://www.nytimes.com/2017/09/26/arts/mu...partner=rss&emc=rss
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Deleted by topic administrator 09-26-2017 02:35 PM
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Kristine
09-25-2017
06:58 AM ET (US) IP: 173.169.36.195
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Tenor Jose' Carreras is retiring at age 70. He has had quite a career, great tenor voice, movie star good looks, battled leukemia. I read he was inspired to be a tenor,when, at age 7, he saw "The Great Caruso" starring Mario Lanza. Much happiness in his retirement.
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Fred Day
09-24-2017
08:45 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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I agree - wonderful song, well sung by Vincent. Pity that Lanza never recorded it. Among the past greats who did record it: Di Stefano, Corelli, Bonisolli, and Sergio Franchi. Also Pavarotti and Tucker, as I recall. Ciao.
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Martino to Vincent
09-24-2017
04:14 PM ET (US) IP: 104.255.4.145
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Very nice, Vincent. That is one of my favorite songs - thanks!
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Vincent Ricciardi
09-22-2017
04:29 PM ET (US) IP: 24.190.100.146
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Hey Everyone, Our latest Live in the Studio video; "I' Te Vurria Vasa." This was the first Neapolitan song I ever learned. It was taught to me by my grandfather Poppy Carmine, whose mom, my great grandmother, sang it to him and his siblings as a lullaby. My friend Andrew Ardito made me a really beautiful orchestration. I hope everyone enjoys. https://youtu.be/5aK9d3eZfxAIf you like the videos we're making please subscribe to our channel. Emily and I have some new stuff planned soon. All the best, Vincent Edited 09-22-2017 04:32 PM
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Kristine
09-21-2017
02:32 PM ET (US) IP: 173.169.36.195
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I just finished reading a book "Queen Of The Ring" about a woman wrestler, Mildred Burke, who wrestled from 1930's to 1950's. The book mentioned a woman wrestler named Gloria Barattini, who had an opera trained voice ! I wonder if she ever sang before the wrestling match started ? It was interesting to read this. I wonder if Gloria was a fan of Mario Lanza ?
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Deleted by topic administrator 09-20-2017 04:00 PM
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Kristine
09-20-2017
06:44 AM ET (US) IP: 173.169.36.195
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Prayers for Puerto Rico and Mexico City . I thank Ed McManus, posthumously, for service to our country, especially, The Vietnam War ! I have been watching parts of Ken Burns's documentary The Vietnam War, on PBS TV. He is a great documentary filmmaker. I liked his Civil War documentary from 25 years ago. I wonder why TCM hasn't contacted Ellisa Lanza Bregman to pay tribute to her father ? The other day, Anjelica Huston paid tribute to her father, director-actor, John Huston and her grandfather, movie-stage actor, Walter Huston, on TCM . Late Carrie Fisher paid tribute to her late mother, Debbie Reynolds, too.
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Deleted by topic administrator 09-20-2017 10:10 AM
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Diane Cox
09-18-2017
05:50 PM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.66
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Suzanne, Edward McManus, staten island NY. Darleen posted on his page.
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Deleted by author 09-18-2017 05:49 PM
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Suzanne
09-18-2017
09:22 AM ET (US) IP: 74.79.51.67
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Fred. So glad to hear you're safe and sound. Everyone here is so saddened by the loss of our friend,Ed. He was the best. If anyone here can tell me how to access Darleen's post on Facebook,I'd appreciate it. I'm not on Facebook, but my son is and hasn't been able to find anything..Appreciate any help.Thanks.
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Fred Day
09-16-2017
09:30 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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I am very saddened to hear of Ed's passing. My sincere sympathy to his family, may he rest in peace. I have been away for a week - I survived hurricane Irma, no damage to my home, thank God, but no power for a week. No electricity, no phone, no internet access. Until this evening. Glad to be back. Ed was a wonderful man and will be much missed by all. We never met, but spoke on the phone many times. Rest in peace, dear friend Ed. Ciao.
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Bill Ronayne
09-16-2017
08:37 PM ET (US) IP: 69.113.211.35
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From Today's MLSNY luncheon. L-R: David Maiullo, Elaine Malbin and Zhanna Alkhazova. It was a fine afternoon filled with great music and the wonderful cuisine of Patsy's Restaurant. Best, Bill
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Suzanne
09-16-2017
11:48 AM ET (US) IP: 74.79.51.67
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Chris, thanks for your wonderful tribute to our friend, Ed. There's a huge void on this site. Never be the same.
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Chris Johns to ALL
09-16-2017
11:34 AM ET (US) IP: 69.142.223.152
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I haven't been here in a while. I checked this morning and I am in total shock and sadness upon learning of the loss of my friend, Ed McManus. What a great guy!! Before I moved off the island in December we would talk pretty much every day.
He's love and knowledge of Mario, Elvis and Teddy Roosevelt as well as history and music in general, was on par with the best of the best!
I last spoke to him when he came home after his surgery. He was so positive and when he got his good report from the doctors, he wanted to volunteer at the hospital to give back. What a guy! A loving family man, considerate, compassionate and giving person. And let's not forget a proud Vietnam era US Army veteran and US Veterans Administration employee for over 30 years, a true Patriot.
I was especially shocked because there was no obituary in our local paper. I don't do Facebook.
Ed had so many friends on the island...the Y, people in doctors offices, etc. I hope they will be able to learn of hiss passing.
I'm sorry for rambling on like this, I'm just so shocked and so very sad.
REST IN Peace MY DEAR FRIEND!!
I know you are in heaven, going to Lanza and Elvis concerts and going to the opera to hear Caruso, Gigli, Tucker, and all the other greats, under the baton of Toscanini.
Enjoy my dear friend, you will be missed by many. May you Rest In Peace and share eternal life with the Lord.
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John
09-16-2017
12:30 AM ET (US) IP: 87.101.134.202
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It's been a while since I've been on this site. I just learned of Ed's passing a few minutes ago and I'm still in shock. We talked back and forth for years. I'll always think of him when I'm on this forum.
John
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Kristine
09-15-2017
11:42 PM ET (US) IP: 173.169.36.195
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Get well wishes to Andrea Bocelli.
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Diane Cox
09-15-2017
07:43 PM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.66
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It appears Andrea Bocelli has been injured in a fall from a horse.
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Debbie
09-15-2017
02:01 PM ET (US) IP: 68.185.35.134
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RIP my dear friend, Ed. I will miss you!
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Diane Cox
09-15-2017
01:31 PM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.66
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Darleen posted today on Ed's FB page. Very brief - it was easy to read her grief between the lines.
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Jim
09-15-2017
11:47 AM ET (US) IP: 65.29.202.89
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Ed will be missed.rip.
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Messages 51122-51121 deleted by author between 09-15-2017 09:39 AM and 09-14-2017 07:07 PM |
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suzanne
09-14-2017
10:51 AM ET (US) IP: 74.79.51.67
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Ed had mentioned a few times that the doctor was checking his heart. Maybe that was the cause. Don't know if he had problems before or if the surgery brought it on. I have so many remembrances of Ed. He was so generous with his music, sending CDs of recordings I might not have. Guess he was that way with many here. Never forgotten, Ed.
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David Weaver
09-14-2017
09:57 AM ET (US) IP: 156.63.68.153
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According to Ed's Facebook timeline, he was to go to an Eric Clapton concert last Friday evening. But he posted that morning that he had to cancel - said he'd woken in the middle of the night with "major vomiting." That was his last personal post. Next thing I saw was a post on his daughter Linda's page early Monday morning, and people were already sending condolences.
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Derek Mannering
09-14-2017
09:35 AM ET (US) IP: 69.209.228.54
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Shocking news indeed about Ed, and of course condolences to his family. Does anyone know what happened?
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Vincent Ricciardi
09-13-2017
08:19 PM ET (US) IP: 24.190.100.146
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I'm so sad to hear about Ed. He came to a few of my shows and always supported my endevours. He loved Mario and his music. May he rest well.
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suzanne
09-13-2017
01:40 PM ET (US) IP: 74.79.51.67
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Just opened the site. Dear God, I can't believe it. My dear friend Ed.How he loved Mario.Such a good man.I'll miss him till the end of my days. My thoughts and prayers are with Darleen and the children.We know he's in heaven if it exists and he'll get to be with Mario and other loved ones. Dear Ed. Rest in peace.. My love to you. My heart is broken.
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Linz
09-13-2017
02:18 AM ET (US) IP: 122.61.221.6
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This is so sad. I followed Bro. Ed's accounts here of his recovery and assumed he was bouncing back exactly as he described. I wonder what happened? He and I had fierce disagreements in areas other than music, publicly at times, but we stayed in touch privately, in part because of our shared recollections of Damon. We Skyped a couple of times, and he showed a dry wit and naughtiness that weren't so evident in public. And of course, of Ed's devotion to, and energetic promotion of, Mario, there was never the slightest doubt. That, ultimately, should over-ride all factional differences.
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David Weaver
09-13-2017
12:42 AM ET (US) IP: 98.31.1.186
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Hi Diane, got it and both the page and my post were there tonight.
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Diane Cox
09-12-2017
09:10 PM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.66
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David, it's Edward Mcmanus
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Diane Cox
09-12-2017
08:28 PM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.66
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David - I also made a post to Ed FB page. When I checked it again, my post was gone. In the past I've made pages a memorial page, (my sister) but perhaps the family doesn't want to do that. I probably have his address - sent him some Lanza albums last year.
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Dennis
09-12-2017
07:06 PM ET (US) IP: 73.170.201.215
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What a shock, particularly in light of Ed's recent posts about recovered health and his return to normal posting. He was a unique voice and presence among fans of Mario Lanza. Surely there is no greater fan of Mario's than Ed was. May he rest with the Lord, and may his family find comfort. We will miss him on this forum.
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Kristine
09-12-2017
06:34 PM ET (US) IP: 68.200.123.151
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I am so sorry to hear of Ed's passing . RIP. My sympathy and condolences to his family. I was facebook friends with him, too.
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David Weaver
09-12-2017
06:15 PM ET (US) IP: 98.31.1.186
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Diane, I posted this earlier today on Ed's FB timeline, right after posting the news here:
So sorry to learn of the sudden passing of Ed McManus. We never met, but were friends on Facebook and thru our mutual love of the voice of Mario Lanza. May he rest in peace and my condolences to Darleen, Linda, Kevin, and Brian.
But the post was gone soon after I put it up, and now Ed's FB page seems to be gone, too.
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Jim Thompson
09-12-2017
04:59 PM ET (US) IP: 69.123.160.19
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Very sad to hear of Ed's passing. His posts always showed the passion he held for Mario's voice. A true fan in the best of ways. My condolences to his wife and family and thar includes his Lanza family. Rest in peace, Ed.
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Jeff
09-12-2017
04:32 PM ET (US) IP: 209.180.237.137
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I am saddened by Ed's passing. He, like so many good people here, was an original. Losses like this leave a space that can't be filled. This Forum exists for good and kind people, like Ed, to enjoy and to share their thoughts, happiness and care. We should never forget that every day is a blessing and I hope Ed knew how much his passion for Mario and his posting here were appreciated. Bless you, Ed, and truly...rest in peace.
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Diane Cox
09-12-2017
04:04 PM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.66
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A shock. Ed seemed to be doing so well. He had some happy days with Darlene and family after his recovery. He will be missed. We were friends on FB as well, but there has been no notification there.
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Bill Ronayne
09-12-2017
03:58 PM ET (US) IP: 68.192.187.135
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Sorry to hear of Ed's passing. May he rest in peace.
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Martino
09-12-2017
01:06 PM ET (US) IP: 104.255.4.145
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A sad day. Ed was as passionate a Lanza fan as you could find. My sincere condolences to Ed's wife Darleen, his family and friends. I will miss him.
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Gail Swartz
09-12-2017
12:16 PM ET (US) IP: 204.29.186.8
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Ed will be missed..greatly! Prayers for his family.
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Joe to All
09-12-2017
11:16 AM ET (US) IP: 71.225.163.141
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I am shocked by this sad news; I thought ED was on his way to recovery. Nobody was a bigger fan of Lanza and now he gets to hear him first hand. Rest in Peace Ed, you will be missed. Our prayers go out to your family.
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David Weaver
09-12-2017
10:29 AM ET (US) IP: 156.63.68.153
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I'm sorry to break this news, but Ed McManus has passed away. I don't have many details, but apparently it happened over the weekend. We all know Ed has had some major health issues in recent months.
Ed was of course a mega-Lanza fan from the time he was a teen-ager. He was a long-time friend and contributor to the forum.
May he rest in peace. I know everyone will keep Ed's wife Darleen and their three children in their thoughts and prayers.
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Gail Swartz
09-11-2017
04:30 PM ET (US) IP: 204.29.186.18
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Got my Lanza Ball info...wish I could attend...sending a contribution to help Mario'sl legacy stay strong... watched Vincent's You tube collection of Mario in the movies...he was so awesome!!! Today's singers should watch and listen closely.
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SUZANNE
09-11-2017
02:57 PM ET (US) IP: 74.79.51.67
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Martino, you've expressed it so well, The reason that we listen more closely to Mario,than any other singer. Is there a word for this except as in the dictionary,"phenomenon", exceptional, extraordinary. He was born with this sound, though he worked to perfect it, it was there from the beginning.Enthralling may be the word, if there is one. So many good tenors, but none captivates us as he does.Kristine, so sorry you were affected by the storm, glad you're ok and with friends.
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Deleted by topic administrator 09-11-2017 01:21 PM
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Kristine
09-10-2017
09:18 PM ET (US) IP: 68.200.123.151
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Tenor Nino Martini made 3 movies, "The Gay Desperado"(also starred Ida Lupino and Leo Carrillo), "Here's To Romance", and "Music For Madame"(also starred Joan Fontaine and Erik Rhodes, who also had a tenor voice). It was said that Dean Martin got his stage name based on Nino Martini. His real name was Dino Crocetti, then it was changed to Dino Martini , then it became Dean Martin. I wondered if tenor Allan Jones was a fan of Mario Lanza and if they ever met ? Mario also sang "The Donkey Serenade".
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Gail Swartz
09-10-2017
05:58 PM ET (US) IP: 204.29.186.54
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TCM played a movie with Nino Martini, an operatic tenor, that was at the Metropolitan during the time when Mario was in New York studying. Does anyone know whether or not he and Mario crossed paths? Mario was a thing of beauty in looks and talent...maybe one day someone without bias will be awakened to the historical significance of " the one tenor" and Mario will be celebrated as an American icon.
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Kristine
09-10-2017
04:03 PM ET (US) IP: 68.200.123.151
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Prayers for people in Florida, Georgia, facing Hurricane Irma. I had to evacuate and am staying with friends. I am grateful for that. The Library of Congress shows old movies and hope, one day, they will show a Mario Lanza movie and hope one of his recordings will be in their National Registry, also, one of his movies be in registry, one day.
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Martino to Gail/Joe
09-10-2017
03:41 PM ET (US) IP: 104.255.4.145
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Thanks Gail and Joe. Beauty is always in the eye of the beholder but when it comes to the voice of Mario Lanza, I think we are all in agreement.
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Deleted by topic administrator 09-11-2017 12:39 AM
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Joe to Martino
09-10-2017
12:08 PM ET (US) IP: 71.225.163.141
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A wonderfully explained treatise on what makes Lanza's voice so beautiful and how it surpasses other types of voices that we also deem beautiful. Briefly, you point out that Lanza possessed ALL the components of a good voice, simultaneously. Also, speaking of beautiful, your analysis was beautifully written. Bravo.
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Gail Swartz
09-10-2017
01:52 AM ET (US) IP: 204.29.186.66
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Thank you, Martino. Not only did Mario have a beautiful way of singing...he also had a deep chuckle and laugh. I have some raw recording tape in which you can hear him huffing, chuckling, and squeaking. His speaking voice was warm and rich, too.
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Martino
09-09-2017
08:26 PM ET (US) IP: 104.255.4.145
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I have been listening to several old Lanza albums on my record player and can't help thinking how truly beautiful Lanza's voice is and how beautifully he sings. It made me think of a discussion we had here quite some time ago on what really constitutes the term "beautiful", when talking about music and singing. Because I've been thinking about it, I will repeat, in part, my contribution to that discussion.
"What exactly is "great singing", beautiful music, beautiful singing, beautiful voices? Here is a question to ponder - when we say a voice is "beautiful" are we really talking about the quality of the sound striking our ears, or is it beautiful singing that we hear? The two are very different. I believe when we speak of Mario Lanza's "beautiful" voice, we are actually talking about a combination of the two. The tone of the Lanza voice, its smooth rhythm, perfect vibrato, perfect placement, sensuousness and many other vocal characteristics are all evident with every song or aria we hear him sing. But there have been many singers in the past who did not possess these qualities yet whose singing was so great and astonishing that we quickly deem the voice to be "beautiful", when in fact, it was not so much the quality of the voice itself but the singing that was beautiful.
In the league of tenors we can name many beautiful singers in the vocal sense besides Lanza, such as Bjorling, Carreras, Wunderlich, DiStefano and many others. Then there are singers such as Corelli, Kraus, Bergonzi, Gedda, and more recently Kaufmann, Florez, Calleja, to name a few, whose natural instruments did not sound "beautiful" in the ways the first group sounded but who sang at such a high level that we automatically anoint them "beautiful voices". Sopranos are no different and we need look no further than Maria Callas as the best example of a singer without a truly beautiful instrument but who sang in an incredibly beautiful way.
Speaking of Joseph Calleja, lets use him as an example and compare his "Che Gelida Manina" with that of Mario Lanza (the 1949 RCA recording of course), an exercise I have done several times before. As good as Joseph is I can't help but feel indifferent to the way he actually sounds. He is a great artist and that artistry comes through in everything he does but I am left cold because the voice does not have the element of intrinsic beauty, especially when comparing him to Lanza, yet most people will say Joseph has a "beautiful" voice. Every note Calleja sings is perfect, well tuned and well thought out and you know exactly what to expect from note to note; there will be no mistakes, no surprises. But that is the problem - there is no element of danger, no abandonment, no recklessness that makes the tenor voice among all others so unique and exciting. The notes are never held a beat longer than they should. Add it all up and it translates to beautiful singing with no flaws whatsoever, but no vocal passion and excitement either.
La Boheme pulls at the heart strings more than any other opera and if you are not in tears at the final "Mimi!,Mimi!" the tenor has not done his job, no matter how precise his singing may be. With Che Gelida Manina, Calleja gives a text book rendition (if interested you can hear it on youtube) but it is as though he is reading from that text book rather than using it as a guide, tossing it aside and letting his inner self and his heart take over. This is what Lanza did, not only with this aria but with everything he sang. It was this that added to and complimented his natural attributes of color and tone that augment the beauty of the voice that reaches our ears and heart.
With Calleja, hard as he tries, the voice simply lacks that kind of beauty, leaving it without body and soul. There is almost something clinical, even sterile in the way he sounds, extremely proficient though he may be in how he creates that sound. It is high level singing and exemplary technique and we are astonished by its perfection - it is beautiful singing without question but IS what we are taking in really "beautiful"?
The first group of tenors I mentioned all had certain traits in common and this explanation by C.W. Robinson, hits the mark, especially as it pertains to Mario Lanza: "Most attractive singers have a bright, speech-like quality in their voices. We don't have any trouble understanding the words they are singing. Their sound reaches out and grabs us. Teachers draw that out of singers by talking about projection, or singing forward, etc. But the voices that really melt us also have a quality of depth to them. There is something that makes us feel like the sound is coming from the bottom of their souls. The brightness in their voices speaks out to us, while the depth is drawing us in." If I had to describe the overall impact Lanza has in how and why he sounds so "beautiful" to us, it would be what Robinson said".
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Ed to David
09-07-2017
08:47 PM ET (US) IP: 68.174.18.127
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David, thanks for looking out.
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David Weaver
09-07-2017
11:05 AM ET (US) IP: 156.63.68.153
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Ed, the problem is apparently within Quick Topics, and since it's a third-party forum, James cannot fix it directly. He is investigating.
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Ed to David
09-06-2017
09:03 PM ET (US) IP: 68.174.18.127
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David, thanks, I'm waiting to hear from your friend, will let you know when I hear.
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Kristine
09-06-2017
06:19 AM ET (US) IP: 173.169.36.195
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Prayers that everybody(the islands, Cuba, Puerto Rico, Florida, the southeast coast, Atlantic coast)will be safe from Hurricane Irma !
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Kristine
09-06-2017
06:17 AM ET (US) IP: 173.169.36.195
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Prayers that Hurricane Irma doesn't hit Florida or anywhere ! I just finished reading "I Am Spartacus !" by Kirk Douglas. It's about the filming of "Spartacus" and very interesting. Kirk Doulgas made some movies at M-G-M, "The Bad and The Beautiful", "The Story of Three Loves", "Lust For Life"(about Van Gogh). I wonder if he and Mario Lanza ever met ? Terry Robinson knew Kirk Douglas, helped train him for movie "Champion". Terry said people thought he and Kirk Douglas looked alike.
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David Weaver
09-06-2017
12:43 AM ET (US) IP: 98.31.1.186
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Below is link to the clip Ed wanted to share: Kathryn Grayson and tenor Oreste in the 1956 film version of THE VAGABOND KING, singing "Only a Rose."
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ryu9piTyafg
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RenseWebmaster 09-05-2017
11:45 PM ET (US) IP: 98.31.1.186
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Ed, I've emailed the webmaster and copied you. Hopefully he can identify and correct the problem.
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Ed to David
09-02-2017
10:07 PM ET (US) IP: 68.174.18.127
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Still blocked can't upload, help!
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Fred Day
09-02-2017
10:04 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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I believe in the film of The Vagabond King, Oreste's spoken lines were dubbed in by another actor, because Oreste had a rather thick accent. But his singing was very fine. There were a couple of new songs written especially for the film, very nice songs, well sung by Oreste. In the RCA LP with Oreste, Grayson could not be used, for contractual reasons, so Jean Fenn sang instead. Henri Rene conducted. Nice LP, but the Lanza LP a few years later is still the winner. Ciao.
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Ed to Kristine
09-02-2017
07:01 PM ET (US) IP: 68.174.18.127
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Kristine, new/old tenors to me King to me I've never listened before. My choice would be Oreste Kirkop. I just listened to his Only a Rose with KG and thought it excellent. Once more I tried to load it here and couldn't. Ed Ames should go back to Naughty Lady or Daniel Boone partner. Calling these folks new Lanza is a big stretch but Kirkop has my vote.
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Kristine
09-02-2017
06:25 AM ET (US) IP: 173.169.36.195
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David, yes, thank you for correction. Now I remember. "The Vagabond King" would be final movie of Kathryn Grayson and was the only movie, tenor Oreste Kirkop would make. I think Bing Crosby was promoting him as the new Lanza . Bing also thought tenor Aldo Monaco would be the new Lanza and Ed Ames thought tenor Ken Corday would be the greatest since Lanza. The first movie version of "The Vagabond King" starred Dennis King and Jeanette MacDonald(1930). Does anyone know if Allan Jones was a fan of Mario Lanza, especially, since Mario also sang "The Donkey Serenade" ? Prayers for people in fire prone areas, out west.
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David Weaver
09-02-2017
01:35 AM ET (US) IP: 98.31.1.186
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Kristine, I think you may be mixing up the casting of two operetta films. Leslie Nielsen and Jack Lord were both in THE VAGABOND KING, not PRINCE. The others you mentioned - Wills, Sakall, Gwenn, Calhoun, and Ericson - they definitely were in PRINCE.
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Kristine
09-01-2017
05:36 PM ET (US) IP: 173.169.36.195
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David, I haven't seen "The Student Prince" in awhile and had forgotten that. Thank you. James Mitchell was also in "Deep In My Heart"(he danced a very sensual dance with Cyd Charisse, to "Let One Flower Grow Alone In Your Garden" from "The Desert Song". In an interview, Cyd Charisse said they didn't know if it would pass the censors, but it did), "Border Incident" with George Murphy and Ricardo Montalban, about Mexican laborers, being exploited in the U.S., and "The Band Wagon". Leslie Nielsen, Jack Lord, Beverly Wills(daughter of Joan Davis), S.Z. "Cuddles" Sakall, Edmund Gwenn, Louis Calhern, John Ericson were also in "The Student Prince". Sadly, Beverly Wills died in a house fire in 1963. Joan Davis is buried in a crypt next to Mario Lanza, Betty Lanza.
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Ed
09-01-2017
05:21 PM ET (US) IP: 68.174.18.127
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When filming TONO Mario starred alongside James Mitchell who played the dancer who twirled Rita Moreno around, he starred in some B-westerns in the 50s also. Many remember his character Palmer Cortlandt over 20 yrs on the soap All My Children.
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David Weaver
09-01-2017
10:21 AM ET (US) IP: 156.63.68.153
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Kristine, I'm surprised you didn't mention that one of Anderson's MGM films was "The Student Prince." (he played Lucas)
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Kristine
09-01-2017
07:50 AM ET (US) IP: 173.169.36.195
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Prayers for Houston, Texas ! Mario Lanza was stationed in Marfa, Texas, with the Army. Richard Anderson passed away at 91. He played Goldman on "The Six Million Dollar Man" and was in movies at M-G-M, back in the '50's. His late wife was daughter of Norma Shearer and Irving Thalberg. He wrote his autobiography, a few years ago. I wonder if he mentioned Mario Lanza ? I think he started in the mailroom at M-G-M, as did Jack Nicholson. I bet they must have handled the fan mail for all the stars, including Lanza, at M-G-M. Happy Labor Day Hoilday !
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Fred Day
08-31-2017
02:02 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Does anyone remember Bruce Badger from New Jersey, near Princeton?? He was a big opera collector, especially Franco Corelli, but also a big fan of Mario Lanza. His email, @erols.com is no longer in service. Any contact info would be much appreciated. Thanks. Ciao.
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Suzanne
08-31-2017
10:59 AM ET (US) IP: 74.79.51.67
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Sounds wonderful,Ed.All day Mario. What could be better?
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Ed
08-30-2017
07:06 PM ET (US) IP: 68.174.18.127
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Suzanne, you are so right about magnificent Mario. I just bout an Alexa from Amazon its called Echo.Dot you may have seen it on tv. This is similar to XM radio where there are no commercials. XM is ok but there's a 30 charge each month. With Alexa I say play Mario Lanza it will play all day, music is 3.99 a month and There about a million songs out there.
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Suzanne
08-30-2017
11:34 AM ET (US) IP: 74.79.51.67
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100 years of movies celebrated on TCM. Are you all as affronted as I when Mario is once again ignored? Watched some of Amanti. He's very talented and handsome as well. I realize that a new generation needs their own idol, but he won't ever rival the magnificence of Mario.
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Ed
08-29-2017
05:05 PM ET (US) IP: 68.174.18.127
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I recall reading somewhere many years ago Tony thanked whomever commented on his singing he said he was no Mario.
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David Weaver
08-29-2017
01:45 PM ET (US) IP: 156.63.68.153
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Bill, earlier this month was 75th anniversary of Mario's appearance as Fenton in "The Merry Wives of Windsor" at the Tanglewood Festival. It won him his first major critical acclaim and could have led to a more rapid ascent in his career, but for being drafted in to the Army.
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Ronald Sarbo
08-29-2017
01:05 PM ET (US) IP: 74.66.130.108
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Mitch Miller said that he saw the young Tony Bennett as a "Mix of Mario Lanza and Frankie Laine."
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Suzanne
08-29-2017
10:21 AM ET (US) IP: 74.79.51.67
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Yes, Fred. Amen. None will ever be replaced. Seventy years. Seems impossible.
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Bill Ronayne
08-29-2017
08:32 AM ET (US) IP: 68.192.185.207
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Thanks Fred. Spoke to Matt.
It's a day late but yesterday was the 70th anniversary of Mario's first Hollywood Bowl concert. It was a performance that would change the direction of his career forever. Best, Bill
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Dennis
08-28-2017
08:03 PM ET (US) IP: 73.170.201.215
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Glad to hear news of Matt Minzer. I miss his postings here in recent months. And his continual love for Florida, almost, I say ALMOST, made this California boy want to visit there. Come back, Matt.
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Fred Day
08-28-2017
12:01 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Bill Ronayne: Matt Minzer asked me to ask you to phone him - his cellphone number is 917-929-1103. He wants to bring a friend (whom you know) to your next function at Patsy's. Please give Matt a call. Thanks. Ciao.
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Fred Day
08-28-2017
11:49 AM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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I am not aware if Tony Bennett and Lanza ever met. I feel sure that Tony appreciated Lanza's voice and talent. He once called Michael Amante "the new Mario Lanza". An overstatement, to be sure. There is no new Lanza, and never will be. The same applies to Frank Sinatra. And to Elvis. And it also applies to Tony himself. There will never be another of any of them. They all are one of a kind. Amen. Tony once called Stevie Wonder "the new Gershwin". Another huge overstatement. No comparison. Ciao.
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Suzanne
08-28-2017
11:02 AM ET (US) IP: 74.79.51.67
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David, I've read both of Tony Bennett's bios and noted that he never mentioned Mario. Rivalry perhaps. Always a fan of Tony, met him backstage once, nice , surprisingly small man with striking grey eyes. Quite the artist. I'd really love to own one of his paintings. Saw a book of paintings by Sinatra once.. They were very good . Wish I'd bought the book, never saw a mention of them again.
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David Weaver
08-28-2017
10:27 AM ET (US) IP: 156.63.68.153
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In an interview that appeared in Newsweek on October 1, 1951, Bennett, talking about his recent success, said it had come after several frustrating efforts to find his own style. "I tried everything, from being a race singer to trying a Mario Lanza song. Then we decided I would just sing honestly and sincerely."
The result was "Because of You," Bennett's first #1 and a million-seller. Interestingly, Bennett and Lanza were the only two artists with two records in Billboard's year-end Top Ten chart for for all of 1951. Mario's "Loveliest Night of the Year" was #9 and "Be My Love" was #5. Tony's "Cold, Cold Heart" was #7 and "Because of You" was #2. The record at #1 for the entire year was Nat 'King' Cole's "Too Young."
There are several bios of Tony Bennett, and two he's written himself: "The Good Life" in 1998 and "Life is a Gift" in 2012. The most recent talks about the people's he met and worked with in show business, from Sinatra to Lady Gaga. There is no mention of Mario Lanza.
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Kristine
08-27-2017
07:12 PM ET (US) IP: 173.169.36.195
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I have seen the photo of Jerry Lewis, Don Ameche, Jack Benny, with Mario Lanza , when they were on radio show. I wonder if Tony Bennett is a fan of Mario Lanza and if they ever met ? Prayers for the people of Houston, Texas, after they were hit by Hurricane Harvey. They didn't expect it would be this bad !
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Gmmy Radio Host BY FRANK
08-27-2017
03:57 PM ET (US) IP: 104.34.17.119
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BE SURE TO TUNE IN TODAY TO HEAR THE GREAT TENOR MARIO LANZA
A Special Radio Show on GMMY RADIO featuring Rare Mario Lanza songs on RON DELLA CHIESA'S show back in the year of 2006.. Beautiful songs sung by the great tenor...Starting at 1 p.m. Sunday August 27, 2017 Pacific Standard Time
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Fred Day
08-24-2017
09:38 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Vincent: Very nice interview, most enjoyable. It runs about 15 minutes. Ciao. Edited 08-24-2017 09:40 PM
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Vincent Ricciardi
08-24-2017
05:57 PM ET (US) IP: 24.190.100.146
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Emily and I were featured guests on Radio Voice Italia on July 19th. You can hear the interview below and don't forget to subscribe to our YouTube Channel.
https://youtu.be/-bCTbOA985A
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Ed
08-24-2017
02:32 PM ET (US) IP: 68.174.18.127
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Suzanne
I think that was Ciro's in Hollywood but I'll check, yes how does one follow Mario?
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Suzanne
08-24-2017
11:15 AM ET (US) IP: 74.79.51.67
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thanks Fred. I'll check that out. Remember the story about Martin and Lewis appearing in a club and Mario came in and was asked to sing. Jerry apparently called it a night,saying, Who could follow that!Smart move! Win the lottery? Me, neither. Whew , what a colossal mess that would be! One less thing to worry about.
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Fred Day
08-23-2017
02:01 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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To see Jerry Lewis do pantomime to Lanza's record of Be My Love, go to youtube, and type in the search bar: Jerry Lewis the opera singer. There are 3 different renditions. The oldest, in black and white, is introduced by Dean Martin. The other 2 are in color, one in Paris and one in Vienna. All 3 are hilarious. Enjoy. Ciao.
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Messages 51052-51050 deleted by author between 08-23-2017 03:07 PM and 08-21-2017 01:52 PM |
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Kristine
08-20-2017
02:58 PM ET (US) IP: 173.169.36.195
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Lewis and Gregory, RIP.
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Kristine
08-20-2017
02:57 PM ET (US) IP: 173.169.36.195
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RIP, Damon Lanza. Comedians Dick Gregory and Jerry Lewis passed away. Gregory was 84 and Lewis was 91. Jerry Lewis knew Mario Lanza.
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Deleted by topic administrator 08-20-2017 12:01 PM
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Suzanne
08-16-2017
10:48 AM ET (US) IP: 74.79.51.67
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Ed. thanks. Rest peacefully Damon. 100 thousand expected at Graceland , great people aren't ever forgotten.
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Ed
08-15-2017
05:12 PM ET (US) IP: 68.174.18.127
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August 16, 2008 we lost Damon Lanza.
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Alex Valiansky
08-15-2017
03:31 PM ET (US) IP: 205.154.245.236
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Tomorrow, August 16th, Ann Blyth, Mario Lanza's last surviving American leading lady turns 89. I hope that she has a happy birthday, surrounded by her children and grandchildren.
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Ed
08-15-2017
03:30 PM ET (US) IP: 68.174.18.127
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Have a great trip my friend.
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Suzanne
08-15-2017
10:01 AM ET (US) IP: 74.79.51.67
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Martino, now you're in my "neck of the woods". Enjoy this beautiful area!Weather should be decent.
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Martino to Ed
08-15-2017
09:33 AM ET (US) IP: 50.255.76.76
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I'm at the airport ready to head out to the Big Moose area of NY as I do each year at this time but saw your note on my phone as I waited at the gate. I don't know what to suggest if the normal way to copy and paste a link does not work for you. Try again to highlight the url for the clip you select (be sure you are on the page for the clip itself and not the search page) and hit "copy" after you right click on the highlighted link. Then, come back here and paste it to your post. I really don't know another way of doing it without uploading a file you create from capturing the video. And that is way too much bother and work. Be back in a couple weeks and I hope you have solved the problem by then.
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Ed to Martino
08-15-2017
09:21 AM ET (US) IP: 68.174.18.127
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Thank so much I know many will enjoy the song.
My problem is that when I choose a song on YouTube I can't get the address nor able to upload, any suggestions?
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Martino to Ed
08-14-2017
09:50 PM ET (US) IP: 104.255.4.145
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I have had some trouble with links too lately but not from youtube. I will try to post that for you:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cWXNSlZU0Us
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Ed
08-14-2017
09:26 PM ET (US) IP: 68.174.18.127
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David, says I'm blocked, I wanted to send Mario's
Granada
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Edward McManus
08-14-2017
04:36 PM ET (US) IP: 68.174.18.127
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Just found problem, cannot get yt address
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Ed
08-14-2017
03:01 PM ET (US) IP: 68.174.18.127
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Having trouble uploading yt to forum, anyone else?
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Ed.to Savage
08-14-2017
11:00 AM ET (US) IP: 70.214.78.77
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About ten years ago someone introduced me to the Wunderlich voice, I have enjoyed it since, sadly he passed so soon. If you have a chance listen to Estrallita and Toselli's Serenade.
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Doug
08-13-2017
10:39 PM ET (US) IP: 76.3.168.78
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Everyone has his priorities. Ed had his!!!!!! LOL
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Martino to Ed
08-13-2017
09:27 PM ET (US) IP: 104.255.4.145
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Glad to hear your Lanza records survived the fire. Also glad to hear Mike made it.
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Savage to Ed
08-13-2017
09:24 PM ET (US) IP: 69.129.171.42
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Wunderlichs Vergiss Mein Nicht is glorious. I was lucky enough to hear him twelve times live in Vienna. The right place at the right time.
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Ed to Martino
08-13-2017
08:08 PM ET (US) IP: 68.174.18.127
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Yes, I shared a room with my brother Mike, I was 15 he was 9. We lived in a tenement in Brooklyn which had about a dozen apartments/flats. I had four Lanza LPs on a shelf in our room. Well in the middle of the night the furnaces which heated the building started to back smoke up into each apartment. My dad woke the four of us up. It was winter and I remember grabbing a blanket and my records from the shelf and running down five flights of stairs to the street with Mario under my arm, looking back dad had Mike.
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Martino to Ed
08-13-2017
07:18 PM ET (US) IP: 104.255.4.145
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"Years ago our house went on fire and I ran out with my records leaving my little brother behind". Really?
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Ed to Doug
08-13-2017
06:02 PM ET (US) IP: 68.174.18.127
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They say when you hear Mario for the first you're never the same, I believe this. Mario has gotten me through much in my life just recently a month on the hospital, through recovery.
Years ago our house went on fire and I ran out with my records leaving my little brother behind. I got a chance through a friend who was the older sister of Raphaela Fasano who had nothing but praise for Mario and Betty, she answered the phone when he called. Glad we can discuss our mutual interest. Yes the Saturday broadcasts but no one was as good as Mario.
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Doug
08-13-2017
04:42 PM ET (US) IP: 76.3.168.78
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Ed: I recently turned 74 and was probably 7 when my parents took me with them to a Sunday afternoon movie, TGC. It was the first time I had experienced singing and music like that. They said I was never the same afterwards. No longer a child wanting toys for birthdays and Christmas.....I only wanted new Lanza records, so buying gifts for me became a relatively simple task. I then soon discovered the Met Saturday afternoon broadcasts and found out that quite a lot of people sang "like that". I wish I knew now what I was listening to back then! The first severe blow to my pretty happy life came on that October day in 1959 when I arrived home from school and learned that Mario had died. Seems to me we have chatted before, discussing 1950's RCA opera recordings being made at Manhattan Center. ML's first RCA sessions were there too. Ciao Edited 08-13-2017 05:30 PM
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Ed to Doug
08-13-2017
03:50 PM ET (US) IP: 68.174.18.127
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I am 69 and have listened to Lanza since my uncle brought me down to the firehouse where he was an NYFD firefighter when i was about 15, my entry into Lanza world was when he bought me the SHOR. I must admit that at first it was quite different than Beatle land now fifty plus years later I thank him all the time I hear Mario.
My records traveled from my home in Brooklyn to three years service overseas. I had a few 45s but gone many years ago but managed to keep many lps in good shape.
It all came down when Damon Lanza called my house to wish me happy birthday and we spoke for an hour and I could tell him how I loved his dad.
As for Bjorling, he and Fritz fill my music collection. If you are on Facebook check Edward McManus Staten Island NY and send a friends request. Best Ed
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Doug
08-13-2017
02:56 PM ET (US) IP: 76.3.168.78
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Ed: I can better you one.....my first recording of "MSML" was an RCA Victor Red Seal 7" 45 RPM red vinyl record. If I remember correctly the flip side was "I Love Thee". I didn't get an LP record player until about 1956 so all Lanza records I bought since 1951 (when I was 8) were 45's and I had quite a lot of them by '56 including TGC album. Four records in a box, eight arias! Wunderlich is another tenor one never tires of listening to. For me, he, Lanza and Bjoerling fall into that category. Edited 08-13-2017 03:02 PM
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Ed to Doig
08-13-2017
12:19 PM ET (US) IP: 68.174.18.127
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You may have seen my post to Martino that I really don't have the knowledge to compare notes, however I do know My Song, My Love. I first heard it years back on the LP Love Songs and a Neopolitan Serenade. A delightful tune it is even the Coke Show recording.
Has anyone listen to Wunderlich do the German version of Non Ti Scordar Di Me?
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Es
08-13-2017
10:39 AM ET (US) IP: 70.214.71.118
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Listening to Fritz sing Granada and more while sitting on the beach!
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Doug
08-13-2017
09:48 AM ET (US) IP: 76.3.168.78
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Ec: Ed? Improvviso? From Andrea Chenier? There are no high C's in that. Two B flats but no C. Curiously, Giordano wrote without using key signatures (which would normally indicate the key of C) so the whole opera is riddled with thousands of accidentals. No one has mentioned a tune called "My Song My Love" which ends on high C with two words....."my love". ML sags the pitch to a B between words so I guess, in this case, we really get two high C's 'for the price of one'.
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Diane Cox
08-13-2017
01:12 AM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.66
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Liked the clip of Monsalve. Have not heard him before, but will watch for him.
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Ec
08-12-2017
09:40 PM ET (US) IP: 68.174.18.127
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I agree mostly here with all of the favorite. I agree Mario was a born to sing Boheme. I like the c from Improvviso from London, and the high note from Thine Alone, and Rose Marie from Cavalcade.
Thanks Martino I'll look it up.
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Martino to Fred
08-12-2017
08:33 PM ET (US) IP: 104.255.4.145
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I have known of Monsalve for a number of years now - I like him a lot! He sings good, looks good, acts good and his voice has a spinto timber seldom found today. It is clear he is a student of the Melocchi technique. I think he studied with a pupil of Del Monaco who perfected this lower layrnx method of vocal production. He also studied with Bartolini, a Lanza competition winner, who had a somewhat similar kind of voice. Listen to his "Tosca", my favorite clip of his, and you can tell he also is influenced by Corelli, at least in the "E'luceven le stelle" I will link below. He does not do the diminuendo like Corelli (who does?) but the rest is almost a carbon copy. An excellent tenor.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZKUIltcbDu4
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Martino to Fred/Mike
08-12-2017
08:18 PM ET (US) IP: 104.255.4.145
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Fred, those high Cs you mentnion are great, I agree. I thought The Song Angels Sing might be a tad higher because of the tone he put on the note. You will notice it is not totally full chest and took on more head voice than we usually hear from Mario.
Mike, Granda, La Boheme, and the scales from Toast are all wonderful. Lanza was born to sing Granada and also born to sing Rodolfo. The soundtrack and commercial recording from a couple years earlier are both as good as it gets. Here area couple links (if I can get them to take this time) that are interesting and applicable to your question. I'm not so sure all the notes are accurately shown on the clips for each selection but here they are nonetheless (keep in mind the tenor high C is C5):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=harKzbQ1Z-E
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DmSBJRE90K8
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Fred Day
08-12-2017
08:17 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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I have found on youtube a young excellent spinto tenor, Giancarlo Monsalve, from Chile, born March 4, 1982, now age 35. He even sings Otello which can be seen and heard complete on youtube. I would rate him as one of the best Otellos of today. Check him out. Take note, Martino - I would like to read your comments on him. I think you will be impressed. There is plenty of him on youtube. Enjoy. Ciao.
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Fred Day
08-12-2017
07:51 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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One of my favorite Lanza high C's is the double high C at the end of Wanting You. Also the high C at the end of World Is Mine Tonight. The final note of Song Angels Sing in the film, is a high C, not C#. The only 2 high C#'s are at the end of Addio Addio from Rigoletto - 2 versions: Hollywood Bowl 1949 and Because You're Mine soundtrack - both in tandem with a soprano. Ciao.
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Mike to Martino
08-12-2017
05:35 PM ET (US) IP: 100.37.226.164
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Was it better than the 1949 RCA studio recording of Che gelida? And how about the RCA Granada? And the scales done for the maestro on Toast of new Orleans?
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Martino to Ed
08-12-2017
05:11 PM ET (US) IP: 104.255.4.145
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Ed, you are apparently taking these photos with your Iphone. If so, go to the Itunes store and get yourself an app called Rotate Mailer. Once again I can not attach the link here but a search at the apps store will bring it up quickly. I use it all the time and although I have not tried it for this site, it works perfectly when sending or attaching photos via email or saving them as jpg files on my PC.
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Martino to Mike
08-12-2017
05:00 PM ET (US) IP: 104.255.4.145
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We have talked about Mario's high notes several times over the years but with so many subjects discussed it is always good to revisit them now and then. I have always maintained that Lanza was not a high C specialist, in the way Gedda, Pavarotti, Lauri-Volpi, Rosvaenge, Conley and a few others were. Mario sang some really spectacular high notes, including a few terrific high Cs but he was far more secure (as are most tenors) at B and B flat. In fact, Mario's range extended above high C as we hear in the "Addio, Addio" duet from Rigoletto. Also, I think his rendition in the movie, "Because Your Mine", of The Songs Angels Sing may have a D flat at the end but someone with a piano or pitch pipe needs to check that out.
For me, the high C Lanza hits in "The Great Caruso" at the piano trying to clear his voice with wine will always remain a favorite of mine. I was a kid when I first heard it and when he hit that note in the movie house it caused me to jump out of my seat! But the greatest high C he ever hit has to be in "Che Gelida Manina". The power, quality and evenness of sound and the way he brings it back down can not be matched (although Pav and Bjorling came real close).
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Ed
08-12-2017
04:33 PM ET (US) IP: 68.174.18.127
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 Finale, sorry I could not turn photos Edited 08-12-2017 04:39 PM
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Deleted by author 08-12-2017 04:07 PM
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Mike M
08-12-2017
03:59 PM ET (US) IP: 100.37.226.164
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Does anyone care to get into a discussion about Mario's High-C's? For instance, the final note in the movie "Serenade" seems harsh to my ears. Also Giannina Mia. To me the purest high-C was the RCA studio recording of "Tina-Lina". Full of power and devoid of harshness. Discuss, anyone??
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Deleted by topic administrator 08-12-2017 01:10 PM
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Ed to Martino
08-11-2017
04:20 PM ET (US) IP: 68.174.18.127
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Martino, seems I did you credit for the critique and I apologize but either way I respect your reviews as well as opinions on Lanza.
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Martino to Ed
08-11-2017
10:17 AM ET (US) IP: 104.255.4.145
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Ed, it sounds like you gave me credit for the critique. Although I agree with it, the critique was that of Armando Cesari. As far as the ending note is concerned, I am not so much against the length of it (Pavarotti's was as long, maybe even longer) but that it was lengthened on the soundtrack artificially by the engineers.
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Ed to Martino
08-11-2017
08:26 AM ET (US) IP: 68.174.18.127
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Martino, I don't have the knowledge that you display so well as you've done here about Mario and CA so I really cannot argue your point. I enjoyed your critique and you made me think here. I like the one where Costa conducts, I do agree with your point as the ridiculous long note from TGC, it's like they tried to make EC greater than he was. Mario is ok by me either way. Best Ed
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Martino to Ed
08-10-2017
08:16 PM ET (US) IP: 104.255.4.145
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I'm glad you enjoyed that clip. I listened closely to the Lanza rendition alone, also found at youtube and uploaded by Vincent Di Placido. I thought that there was always something funny about the final B flat and seem to remember that it had been spliced. As I listened to the ending a few times it seems there is indeed a slight difference in the note and that is probably due to an engineer's splice. Usually when something like this troubles me I do a search (in this case it was a simple "lanza, celeste aida, splice") and invariably I am lead to Derek McGovern who somewhere on the net addresses every question one could have on Mario Lanza.
In this case, the search led me to McGovern's old forum where I found a discussion on Lanza's various recordings of Celeste Aida. Indeed, the suspicion of a splice was confirmed. I would also like to copy a post written by the Lanza biographer, Armando Cesari (I hope he does not mind), which I agree with completely and he explains it as well as it can be:
"Celeste Aida, along with Parmi veder le lagrime and Tu che in seno
agli angeli, is one of the most difficult Verdi arias in the tenor
repertoire. It requires great control, since a good part of the music
sits in the passagio, while maintaining a good line, and to top it off
the tenor has to end with a very difficult B flat. According to
Bergonzi “All tenors are nervous about the B flat in Celeste
Aida…..the reason is that the aria is written in such a way that you
suddenly have to spring up to this B flat, and this sort of leap is
always dangerous….. sometimes it comes out perfectly and sometimes
less so.”
Of the five existing renditions by Lanza, the best for me is a toss up
between The Great Caruso outtake and the 1949 commercial take. In the
first one Lanza is quite lyrical in his approach, the line is very
good and there’s quite a bit of light and shade. I only wish he had
held the B flat a fraction longer. Regardless, this is a better
version than the one used in the film.
In the commercial take, possibly to differentiate from the Boheme aria
which he recorded during the same session, Lanza uses a darker
colouring and the voice is therefore more Radames like. His
interpretation is also more dramatically intense, so except for the
exaggerated parlando, a pretty good recording and one that Bergonzi
himself singled out when we were discussing Lanza.
The tempi are all on the fast side for my liking, none more so than
the 1948 take from That Midnight Kiss. A pity, since the line is
pretty good in this one and so is the ending. Apart from the extremely
fast tempo it also suffers from what I suspect is inferior recording.
By this I mean that in the aria Lanza’s voice sounds closer to
Nemorino while In Una furtiva lagrima in the same film he sounds like
Radames.
The take finally used in The Great Caruso, with it’s ridiculously
elongated final note, is passable, while the Coke Show performance is
quite bad and not worth discussing".
I think Armando hits the nail on the head. The other two Verdi arias he mentioned (Parmi and Tu Che In Seno...) are much better sung by Mario than any "Celeste Aida" he recorded. Although the tempo used for Tu Che In Seno is a bit fast, it is just a glorious rendition, ranking along with those of Carreras, Domingo and Corelli. That one can be found here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JhcXXqpukIY
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Ed to Martino
08-10-2017
03:24 PM ET (US) IP: 68.174.18.127
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That was as good as you get. I've seen Pav on YouTube do this, the editing was well done.Thanks
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Ed to. Suzanne
08-10-2017
01:53 PM ET (US) IP: 68.174.18.127
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Suzanne, two bedrooms upstairs have vaulted ceilings. Glad you liked my setup, I'll be adding more as I go.
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suzanne
08-10-2017
01:43 PM ET (US) IP: 74.79.51.67
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Len and Dennis, funny! Ed. is that a skylight? Nice!Looking good!
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Diane Cox
08-09-2017
09:10 PM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.66
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It worked. Very intresting clip. Had to watch 2 times.
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Martino to David
08-09-2017
08:47 PM ET (US) IP: 104.255.4.145
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I'll try another link, this one different from the ones I had trouble with earlier. Maybe it will work this time. If so, the problem I had is all in the link string.
I came across an interesting and well done editing job on youtube which put clips of Lanza and Pavarotti together singing "Celeste Aida". The Pavarotti clip is one of my favorites of the great tenor and it comes from a live performance at La Scala. The Lanza clip is from "The Great Caruso". It may not be fair because one is live before an opera audience while the other is a soundtrack but the quality of these two wonderful voices is what stands out. A great edit job in any event. If the link works, it will be posted below:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zHEwpUpYAZc
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Ed to Dennis
08-09-2017
06:56 PM ET (US) IP: 68.174.18.127
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 Changed arrangement Caruso surrounded by his fans Edited 08-09-2017 06:58 PM
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Ed to Dennis
08-09-2017
06:37 PM ET (US) IP: 68.174.18.127
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Dennis, that was cute I just got it.
I rearranged the setup to imply that one was considered best. Here is the photo
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David Weaver
08-09-2017
06:25 PM ET (US) IP: 98.31.1.186
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This is Summer Under the Stars Month on TCM, and on August 24 the day is devoted to actor/singer Dennis Morgan. And at 8 p.m., they are showing Morgan in the 1944 version of "The Desert Song." I never saw it before - am interested to see how it differs from the stage play and the 1953 version with Grayson and MacRae. One definite change I now of is the plot: in the Morgan version, instead of leading the Riffs against a corrupt Arab chief, El Khobar is battling Nazis.
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Dennis
08-09-2017
06:21 PM ET (US) IP: 73.170.201.215
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Ed, I think you would recover to full health more rapidly if you would sit or stand in your office, and not lie down. lol
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Len (UK)
08-09-2017
12:45 PM ET (US) IP: 81.140.241.97
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I assume that I am the only forum poster to have been injured by an Opera great. Many years ago (1980ish) I went to a performance of La Traviata at the Birmingham Hippodrome Theatre. Ascending the steps in the foyer, I was trodden-on by a rotund gentleman who said ‘scusi’ by way of an apology. I commented to my wife that I had just had my big toe nail broken by Tito Gobbi. She told me not to be so stupid. She changed her opinion when my assailant entered one of the theatre boxes to rapturous applause.
Gobbi had been holding masterclasses at the Birmingham School of Music, which is where I used to attend the BMLS Lanza Prize competition in those days. I hated the performance; the music was not to my taste and my toe was throbbing!
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Martino to David
08-09-2017
10:02 AM ET (US) IP: 104.255.4.145
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Nope, does not work with a link included for me. After inserting the letters or numbers it goes to another page that says the message is blocked. Something happened since the last group of spammers hit. Whatever fix the webmaster made, if any, has caused links to be disabled (at least mine).
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David Weaver
08-09-2017
09:36 AM ET (US) IP: 156.63.68.153
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After I entered the link, and hit submit, it took me to another page that said this:
Because your message contains a link, or you're using a username that seems spam-related, we've added this extra step as a measure against spam.
Please type the characters that you see in the image below (Box)
And then it had a number to enter in the box, which I did - then I hit submit again. My message then appeared on the forum, and with the link.
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David Weaver
08-09-2017
09:34 AM ET (US) IP: 156.63.68.153
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Okay, I'll try to post a link, with the Frankie Laine on PBS clip.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Dj3HL8DbEc
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Deleted by topic administrator 08-09-2017 09:28 AM
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Martino to Ed
08-08-2017
08:25 PM ET (US) IP: 104.255.4.145
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Maybe David can figure it out. Got to have the ability to post links.
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Ed
08-08-2017
08:04 PM ET (US) IP: 68.174.18.127
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Now my office is complete
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Fred Day
08-08-2017
07:53 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Sad to hear of the death today, of Glen Campbell, age 81, of Alzheimer's. He was a fine musician, good singer with good high notes, and a superb guitarist. He had many hit records, and a fine TV program in the 60's. Rest in peace. Ciao.
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Ed to Martino
08-08-2017
07:29 PM ET (US) IP: 68.174.18.127
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I've noticed too,I tried to post a link of Frankie Laine and gave up.
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Martino
08-08-2017
07:24 PM ET (US) IP: 104.255.4.145
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Test. I can't seem to post with a link attached. I'll try without a link and see what happens. It posted but links don't work. Has anyone else noticed this or is it just me? Edited 08-08-2017 07:25 PM
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Messages 50986-50985 deleted by author between 08-09-2017 09:27 AM and 08-08-2017 10:02 AM |
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Ed
08-07-2017
05:39 PM ET (US) IP: 68.174.18.127
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Suzanne, I remember him in Great Balls, he walked into Sun records and told Jerry Lee take it all.
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Kristine
08-07-2017
02:08 PM ET (US) IP: 173.169.36.195
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Happy Birthday, Tony Bennett. I wonder if he's a fan of Mario Lanza or if they ever met each other ? I remember reading, here, that Julius La Rosa was a fan of Mario Lanza. I, too, would have liked to have heard Lanza's impersonations of George Sanders, Liberace, Billy Daniels, Nat King Cole.
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suzanne
08-07-2017
01:41 PM ET (US) IP: 74.79.51.67
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HiEd.I saw that performance by Frankie Laine and he sounded pretty good. Remember Mario's impersonation. Again, I wish we had a CD of all the performers he imitated. How good he was!By the way, my error Michael St Gerard's real name was Michael Kallassy. He was one of the better portrayers of wonderful Elvis. He also appeared in several films,as Elvis "Heart of Dixie" and "Great Balls of Fire", "Hairspray" as well, among others. Hope you're feeling chipper!Hi Fred. You're a font of information.
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Ed
08-07-2017
01:01 PM ET (US) IP: 68.174.18.127
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The late Frankie Laine came out of retirement and appeared on a pledge drive on pBS and sang his hit "that's my desire " at age 92.
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Fred Day
08-07-2017
10:35 AM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Yes, Tony Bennett was born in Astoria, Long Island, New York. So was the late Ethel Merman. Astoria is also noted as the home of the Steinway Piano Company. Tony is still active, singing and painting. Considering his age, he still sounds remarkably well. He can still hit the high notes. Father Time has been very kind to him. God bless him. Ciao.
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suzanne
08-07-2017
10:15 AM ET (US) IP: 74.79.51.67
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Actually, his name when he portrayed Elvis on Television was Michael St. Gerard. Good looking with a resemblance to Elvis, soft spoken, nice manners.
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Suzanne
08-07-2017
10:07 AM ET (US) IP: 74.79.51.67
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With the focus on Elvis, I recall a young man from this area appearing in "Elvis the early years" in 1990. Stage name, Michael Gerard. He received accolades for his performance, but went on to a less than stellar career. He appeared in Network tv occasionally until 1994, I believe. I worked at a shop at the time and remember two women who said they were his aunts coming in and talking about him. His real name was Michael Hiffa. One told me that he was"a very religious boy" and didn't like Priscilla coming on to him. He became the pastor of Harlem Square church on 125th st. counseling young people.His true calling, apparently. Happy Birthday to amazing Tony Bennett.
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Ed
08-06-2017
10:04 PM ET (US) IP: 68.174.18.127
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Wow 91how wonderful, always liked Tony, he's from Queens NYC
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Fred Day
08-06-2017
04:27 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Happy Birthday (belated) to Tony Bennett - he just turned 91 on August 3rd. He is still actively singing, too. God Bless him. Ciao.
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Ed
08-04-2017
05:21 PM ET (US) IP: 68.174.18.127
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In that film Elvis was seen with Red West in a Vegas hotel room watching a news brief about his arrival there. The announcer made comment that the Beatles had taken the number one spot and then he shot the tv. Aside from that we must remember the boy he was and his humility towards those who were without. There will never be another Presley
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David Weaver
08-04-2017
04:27 PM ET (US) IP: 156.63.68.153
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He was unpredictable. Blow out a TV set one minute, buy a complete stranger a Cadillac the next. But of course, how could any one imagine what it was like to live such an existence? Where if you wanted to go see a movie, you had to rent the entire theater out for a private screening. Or schedule a visit to the dentist at 10:30 p.m., which Elvis did the night before he died. And naturally, if you were someone who worked for him - his hours were your hours, his activities were your activities.
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Ed
08-04-2017
02:14 PM ET (US) IP: 68.174.18.127
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I love Elvis but he was a bit weird. In the movie starring Kurt Russell he shot out a tv it may have been Goulet, I don't recall.
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David Weaver
08-04-2017
10:10 AM ET (US) IP: 156.63.68.153
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And yet, just a few months ago when a new $45-million entertainment complex opened across from Graceland, a spokesman said Elvis and Goulet were friends - Elvis just liked to shoot stuff.
http://www.pbs.org/newshour/rundown/why-el...tos-of-his-exhibit/
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David Weaver
08-04-2017
10:06 AM ET (US) IP: 156.63.68.153
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Re Elvis and Goulet, ere's a short video clip.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yfbzsAIFhEk
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Ronald Sarbo
08-03-2017
07:16 PM ET (US) IP: 74.66.130.108
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As far as I can remember Goulet always said he was Canadian. When he famously mangled the National Anthem before the Ali/Liston fight the excuse he gave was that he was Canadian. Red West claimed that Elvis was disgusted when he saw this on TV. Another reason for Presley's dislike of Goulet was that Elvis always had humility while Goulet came across as very stuck up. Julie Andrews recalled that both Richard Burton and Roddy McDowell took a dislike to Goulet which she attributed to the fact he was a singer in a musical show while they were not.
It may just simply be that Elvis didn't like how Goulet sang.
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Ed
08-03-2017
05:43 PM ET (US) IP: 70.214.80.36
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Priscilla was on one season of Dallas in the 80s she played Jenna Wade a love interest of Bobby Ewing played by Patrick Duffy, her name appeared in bold type on credits and cast, the name Presley was huge.
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Kristine
08-03-2017
05:13 PM ET (US) IP: 173.169.36.195
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Robert Goulet was from Lawrence, Massachusetts, originally. He and his family moved to Canada, for awhile. Did Elvis dislike other celebrities not being drafted, too ? As far as I know, Frankie Avalon, Fabian(who had flat feet, I heard), weren't drafted. Paul Anka was born in Canada, but I assume he became a U.S. Citizen. Pat Boone married, had children, so maybe he was draft exempt. I heard that Tommy Sands was in the Air Force, Bobby Vinton was in the Army, Bobby Rydell was in the Army, The Everly Brothers served in the Marines, Conway Twitty and Johnny Cash served in the military.
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Ronald Sarbo
08-03-2017
03:48 PM ET (US) IP: 74.66.130.108
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"Naked Gun: 2&1/2 The Smell Of Fear" had Goulet and Priscilla but this was long after Elvis died.
Presley could admire Lanza and Dean Martin because they were idols of his youth. Goulet rose to fame in "Camelot" in 1960 when Elvis returned from the Army and was still somewhat unsure if he could reclaim his position. Some speculate that as Goulet was French-Canadian Elvis resented that Goulet was not subject to the draft. Bobby Darin rose to fame during the period when Presley was in the service but Elvis admired Bobby. Elvis may also have known that Bobby's rheumatic heart was what kept Darin out of the service.
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Fred Day
08-03-2017
02:29 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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According to the imdb, I find nothing that Goulet and Pricilla appeared in together. She appeared in only 6 TV episodes. Goulet has 65 film and TV appearances to his credit. Airplane is not listed as having Goulet in the cast. As far as I can tell, they never appeared together. If I am mistaken, please state title. My guess is that she may have had a crush on Goulet, and Elvis was jealous of that. Or maybe I am mistaken?? Curious. Ciao.
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Kristine
08-03-2017
05:30 AM ET (US) IP: 173.169.36.195
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Ed, thank you for suggested books. Years later, Priscilla Presley would be in a movie with Robert Goulet. Wasn't it one of the "Airplane" movies ?
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Ed
08-02-2017
09:14 PM ET (US) IP: 68.174.18.127
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I think Elvis might have had some jealousy there, Goulet was up and coming. He was also jealous of The Beatles although they held him in awe. As for the shoot out I think it was brought on by the drugs Elvis was on,this was about the time Elvis was discharged from service,he had already been addictrd
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Fred Day
08-02-2017
08:26 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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David: Very strange. Must have been a personality clash of some kind. I don't think they ever met. Curious. Ciao.
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David Weaver
08-02-2017
01:58 PM ET (US) IP: 156.63.68.153
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Sonny and Red said Elvis was at the Vegas International, having dinner in his room while watching TV. Robert Goulet came on, and Elvis, not saying a word, picked up a gun and blasted the TV apart. "That'll be enough of that shit," he said, then went back to eating his dinner. The guys said they never knew the reason for Elvis' intense dislike of Goulet. Usually Elvis liked big Broadway voices, which Goulet certainly had.
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Suzanne
08-02-2017
01:55 PM ET (US) IP: 74.79.51.67
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Jerry Hadley was wonderful. High form of flattery, singing with Mario. Sorry for his sad loss.
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Ed to Fred
08-02-2017
09:16 AM ET (US) IP: 68.174.18.127
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Fred, Elvis appeared on Sullivan three times. Initially Ed did not want to pay the fee Parker charged but relinquished after the appearance on the Steve Allen Show. Elvis and Parker shared 50 thousand for each visit.
I liked Goulet too, my favorite song My Love Forgive Me and If Ever I Would Leave You.
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Fred Day
08-01-2017
11:44 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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I have always been very fond of Robert Goulet. I wonder why Elvis didn't like him?? Did they ever meet?? I read that once, when Goulet was singing on TV, Elvis shot out the TV screen!! Curious. On the other hand, I think Elvis did like Sergio Franchi. Franchi and Goulet were both favorites of Ed Sullivan, and both appeared on the Sullivan TV show many times. How many times did Elvis appear on the Ed Sullivan TV show?? Curious. Ciao.
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Ed to Kristine
08-01-2017
05:32 PM ET (US) IP: 68.174.18.127
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Kristine, may I suggest you read the two best books on Elvis, they are Careless Love and The Last Train to Memphis. Book one Elvis and parents early years then the explosion of Evis .
The author is Peter Guralnick
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Kristine
08-01-2017
04:59 PM ET (US) IP: 173.169.36.195
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I am reading a book, "Elvis Films Faq" by Paul Simpson. It's trivia, critiques about Elvis's movies. Elvis was knowledgeable about old movies, because when he was a child, he attended movies. He liked the Astaire-Rogers movies, Humphrey Bogart, Tony Curtis(it was said Elvis copied his pompadour hairstyle), Kim Novak, Marlon Brando, James Dean. Some of his favorite movies were "Mr. Skeffington"(Bette Davis, Claude Rains), "Rebel Without A Cause", "The Student Prince"(Mario Lanza). He liked "I Love Lucy", too. The book revealed the reviews of his movies,some favorable, some not favorable. Eventually, as we know, he wanted to do straight dramatic movies, but Col. Parker kept him in musical travelogues. I read Stewart Granger's autobiography, "Sparks Fly Upward", years ago. He wrote that his then wife, Jean Simmons met Elvis and he knew she was married to Stewart Granger, because he told her, that when he was a teen-ager, he was a movie theater usher, saw "King Solomon's Mines"(1950),a number of times. Some of the trivia was originally, Juliet Prowse was cast in "Blue Hawaii"(they were in "G.I. Blues"), but had a disagreement with Paramount Studios, withdrew from the movie. Joan Blackman replaced her and would later marry Joby Baker. Elvis had weight problems, now and then, would have to slim down for the movies. I always liked "Blue Hawaii". For some reason, Elvis didn't like Robert Goulet.
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Ed to David
08-01-2017
03:59 PM ET (US) IP: 68.174.18.127
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Thanks for the Golden Days I very much enjoyed it, Hadley was fine but then there's Mario who never fails to warm my heart.
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Suzanne
08-01-2017
02:10 PM ET (US) IP: 74.79.51.67
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Ed and Fred. While we don't love everything equally, even "Fluffy Foam" was charming when Mario sang it.Don't recall Margo. Have to look for it.. Glad you posted.
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Fred Day
08-01-2017
11:45 AM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Ed: I wouldn't say very disappointing. It is a cute little ditty, of minor consequence, enjoyable, but unimportant. And as Derek mentioned, dated. However virtually all of the songs of Romberg, Friml, & Herbert could now be considered dated, but they reflect a past that is nostalgic, and historical. I am a nostalgia buff, and enjoy most of the musical past. Even Pineapple Pickers has some merit, especially the high B-flat ending. To me, everything Lanza sang has merit, even the lesser songs. But they are a part of his legacy. The same could be said of Caruso - he also recorded several lesser unimportant songs, but they are a part of his legacy, also. Ciao.
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Ed
07-31-2017
06:41 PM ET (US) IP: 68.174.18.127
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Fred, I listened to Margo and didn't care for it which is something I never thought I'd say, coming forward from TGC it was very disappointing.
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Fred Day
07-30-2017
08:05 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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I have always been fond of the late Jerry Hadley. There is a bio of him in Wikipedia. He was only 55 when he committed suicide, 10 years ago. A tragic loss. Rest in peace. Ciao.
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Fred Day
07-30-2017
07:52 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Ed: My Margo is on Damon Lanza Productions CD DLP-2001 "One Alone" The Later Years - track 29. Do you have that CD?? Ciao.
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David Weaver
07-30-2017
07:22 PM ET (US) IP: 98.31.1.186
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 Jo, there's no bio at present of Jerry Hadley, who died ten years ago this July 18. He was definitely a fan of Mario Lanza, and many remember fondly his being at the Lanza Ball in 1995. The year before, he got permission of the Lanza children to record a "duet" with their father as "Special Guest Star" for his album, "Golden Days," a tribute to the music of Romberg, Friml, and Herbert. The title track was Jerry singing a new arrangement, and spliced in with it was Mario's 1952 recording from the "Student Prince" soundtrack. It made for a unique and wonderful recording. Here's link on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tx3iwdVh8LIEdited 07-30-2017 07:23 PM
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Ed
07-30-2017
05:48 PM ET (US) IP: 68.174.18.127
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Fred, I've never heard My Margo, do you know where'd find it?
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Derek Mannering
07-30-2017
05:47 PM ET (US) IP: 69.209.225.187
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Fred, the song "Margot" (no "my" in the original score that I'm aware of) is sung by Pierre (aka The Red Shadow) and soldiers. It's possible RCA didn't bother to record the male chorus after Lanza's passing and decided to drop it from the album. No loss, IMO. The ditty is another reminder of how old-fashioned the storyline is and the vocal is far from top-drawer Lanza. Of interest to fans, for sure, but that's about it.
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Re; Jerry Hadley, from Jo
07-30-2017
03:18 PM ET (US) IP: 71.225.163.141
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I’ve always been surprised that (to my knowledge) there don’t seem to be any biographies about the great, past tenor Jerry Hadley. He had a beautiful lyric tenor voice and was a legitimate opera singer as well as an excellent cross-over singer for B’way musicals.. Like Lanza, he left us much too early and sadly, by his own hand. Does anyone know of any books about him?. I am certain he was also a fan of Mario.
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Fred Day
07-30-2017
02:58 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Question for Derek, Bill R, or David: I wonder why "My Margo" was not included on the original Lanza Desert Song LP, when issued in 1960?? It is short, only a minute and a half. Curious. Ciao.
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Fred Day
07-30-2017
02:50 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Stephen: Same here, with me. It is probably only a temporary fluke. Ciao.
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Stephen of Las Vegas
07-30-2017
01:11 PM ET (US) IP: 72.193.72.62
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I'm guessing the spam comes from a "robot" searching for any forum to drop in on. Since Jeff doesn't require any login with a password, any such site as ours can probably be easily attacked these days. I haven't seen any spam messages that mention anything about Lanza, so the robot doesn't even try to find out the subject of the sites it leaves it's message on. It just hopes to get traffic to the link it lists, which may well contain malware. If it was smarter, it would examine the subjects mentioned on our pages and try to make some sort of interesting comment.
I'm having trouble with the site today. When I came here, I only saw about 6-7 messages on the page. I clicked on "all messages" and got a large list going back to January. But I can't seem to get the normal format with one page at a time. Hope it's not my computer.
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David Weaver
07-29-2017
09:42 PM ET (US) IP: 98.31.1.186
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I just deleted the latest string of spam messages - I had left them up so that Jeff's webmaster could see them and perhaps get a clue as to the source. He'll also work with QuickTopics, which is our forum host. Until then, I'll just keep deleting the spam as soon as I'm aware of it. Although it is annoying, it shouldn't keep you from posting. Thanks for your patience.
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Gail Swartz
07-29-2017
07:33 PM ET (US) IP: 204.29.186.53
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Thank you, Jeff. If all of the spammers said one positive item about Mario and influenced their readers to check out ML and his legacy, then maybe a new fan base will emerge.
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Jeff
07-29-2017
07:24 PM ET (US) IP: 209.180.237.137
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Please accept my apologies about the spam. David is doing a heck of a job trying to stay up with the garbage and is deleting it as fast as he can. I've also asked my webmaster to see what he can do to help. Over the many years we've brought the site to you there have been a number of spam attacks. The best thing to do is just ignore the posts. Thank you, most sincerely. You are very special people and we hope this problem goes away quickly. Best wishes to all… Jeff
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Messages 50940-50926 deleted by author between 07-29-2017 09:38 PM and 07-29-2017 03:28 PM |
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David Weaver
07-29-2017
03:24 PM ET (US) IP: 98.31.1.186
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I have deleted messages and banned IP numbers of spammers. But they seem to be increasing. I have reported the problem to Jeff to see if there is something technical his webmaster (the real one, not me, I just serve as forum monitor) can do to keep these spammers out.
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Leonor
07-29-2017
03:22 PM ET (US) IP: 69.58.2.95
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I like browsing your web sites. Thanks a lot!
Also visit my page :: cougar gratuit
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Messages 50923-50918 deleted by author between 07-29-2017 03:17 PM and 07-29-2017 03:18 PM |
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Kristine
07-29-2017
02:08 PM ET (US) IP: 173.169.36.195
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What is going on with this website ? What are all these other websites doing here ? There's no room for Jeff Rense-Mario Lanza website fans and followers to post comments !
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Messages 50916-50894 deleted by author between 07-29-2017 03:19 PM and 07-28-2017 01:23 PM |
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Ed to Doug
07-27-2017
09:00 PM ET (US) IP: 68.174.18.127
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Doug, I can sympathize with you, I saw Ron Darling strolling passed me at work, I asked if I could shake the hand who stuck out Wade Boggs of the Red Sox in 86, he was very nice and we shook hands. Edited 07-27-2017 09:01 PM
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Fred Day
07-27-2017
08:43 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Kristine: Not to my knowledge. Ciao.
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Deleted by topic administrator 07-27-2017 12:31 PM
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Kristine
07-26-2017
04:22 PM ET (US) IP: 173.169.36.195
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I was thinking, were George London and Frances Yeend ever offered movie contracts ?
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Kristine
07-26-2017
04:21 PM ET (US) IP: 173.169.36.195
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Ed, keep up with the exercises. Roberta Peters once said she dated George London.
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Deleted by topic administrator 07-26-2017 03:39 PM
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Ed
07-26-2017
12:45 PM ET (US) IP: 68.174.18.127
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Fred, I too heard London was a nice Person. I can't think of anyone who would not compliment Lanza and see how real he was, my meetings twice with Elaine Malbin she praised not only his good looks but that powerful voice, she told me they were so close she complimented him on his cologne.
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Doug
07-26-2017
09:15 AM ET (US) IP: 71.3.109.45
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I recently read his wife's book, "Aria for George". Quite a wonderful story lovingly told.
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Fred Day
07-26-2017
04:58 AM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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I also met George London, at a concert he gave in Hartford, CT 1966 or 67. I joined the line of autograph seekers. I mentioned to him that I knew he had sung with Lanza in their early days. I said it was a shame that Lanza died so young. He replied, yes it was a terrible tragedy. He was warm and cordial. He was in his later years, he had declined but still had some voice left. I didn't know that he had cancer. In his prime he was awesome. Ciao.
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Doug
07-25-2017
10:14 PM ET (US) IP: 71.3.109.45
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My military service (Navy) was done entirely in Washington, DC. I attended many concerts and events at Constitution Hall during that time and once I went to a concert with a friend who, as we came in, stopped to talk with someone in the lobby. I went on in and to get to our seats, had to ascend a few steps to a landing and then turn 180 degrees and go up a few more steps. I stopped on the landing to wait for the friend and presently, happened to glance to my left to see a tall, very elegantly dressed man in a beautifully tailored grey suit standing there right next to me. It was George London. DAMN! I've always wished I had the presence of mind (and courage) to speak to him and maybe ask him about Mario! Too young, and dumb I guess. Edited 07-25-2017 10:29 PM
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Fred Day
07-25-2017
09:00 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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David: Thanks for the info. Ciao.
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Ed
07-25-2017
06:39 PM ET (US) IP: 68.174.18.127
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Just got a clearance to start back at the gym, life is good !
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Messages 50881-50878 deleted by author between 07-25-2017 02:52 PM and 07-24-2017 09:35 PM |
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David Weaver
07-24-2017
04:22 PM ET (US) IP: 156.63.68.153
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In addition to "In a Persian Garden," which marked Yeend's debut on the "Great Moments in Music" program on December 26, 1945; she is listed as having appeared on the show three times in 1946: a tribute to George M. Cohan on February 6; "Tales of Hoffman" on March 20; and finally a Stephen Foster salute on June 19. I don't find any record that George London ever sang on the program. Edited 07-24-2017 04:24 PM
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Messages 50876-50875 deleted by author between 07-24-2017 03:46 PM and 07-24-2017 03:47 PM |
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Suzanne
07-24-2017
09:53 AM ET (US) IP: 74.79.51.67
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Ed,happy to see you're doing so well. Keep it going.Love reading all the "smart" comments. I can only enjoy them and love the voice of Mario til the end of my days. Glad all the troublemakers are being kept at bay. A good thing is always envied.Listening to "Mario" today, though the last selections remind me the end is near and it's sad.
.
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Fred Day
07-24-2017
09:08 AM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Bill: I did find one duet by Peerce and Yeend: Thru The Years. That is the only one I have found so far. Ciao.
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Fred Day
07-23-2017
07:17 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Bill: Thanks for the info. I believe Anne's last name is Roselle. She was one of the greats. Ciao.
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Deleted by topic administrator 07-24-2017 08:14 AM
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Bill Ronayne
07-23-2017
01:28 PM ET (US) IP: 68.192.186.197
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Fred: I'm sure she did but would have to check. Not sure about London. The soprano with Peerce is Anne Rosel. The complete 1943 Trovatore GMIM show is on YouTube as are several other shows in the series. Best, Bill
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Fred Day
07-23-2017
11:45 AM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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David or Bill R: Did Frances Yeend guest appear more than once in the "Great Moments in Music" radio series?? We know she was on with Lanza in Persian Gardens. Did she also appear with Jan Peerce on gmim?? I have Peerce singing the Miserere from Trovatore - the soprano sounds like Yeend. Is it her?? I presume George London never sang on gmim - correct?? Curious. Ciao.
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Deleted by topic administrator 07-24-2017 08:15 AM
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Fred Day
07-22-2017
12:39 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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The fine actor, Martin Landau, died last week, age 89. Rest in Peace. Ciao.
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Deleted by topic administrator 07-22-2017 01:01 PM
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Kristine
07-22-2017
05:51 AM ET (US) IP: 173.169.36.195
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The Lennon Sisters and their cousins, family members, are celebrating 100 years in Venice, Calif.(near Santa Monica). I know some of the Lennon cousins, from my high school days, in California.They are having 2 nights of Lennon Family Concerts, in Santa Monica, not only to celebrate their 100 years in Venice, Calif., but , also, raising money for charities. The Lennon Sisters' late uncle Jimmy Lennon was a ring announcer , at boxing matches, in Los Angeles. He even appeared in movies, as a ring announcer("Rocky IV", "Raging Bull")and had a part in "Tough Guys"(Burt Lancaster's and Kirk Douglas's final movie, together)as a night club singer. He and his brothers had a singing act. The Lennon Sisters' grandmother was a ballerina from Germany and their grandfather, Bert Lennon, worked in silent movie industry, knew movie director, Thomas Ince. Jimmy Lennon was inducted into International Boxing Hall of Fame, Canastota, N.Y.(hometown of boxer Carmen Basilio)and his son, Jimmy Lennon, Jr., also, an inductee, is a ring announcer. Terry Robinson and Mario Lanza knew Jimmy Lennon, when they went to the fights, and Jimmy was a fan of Lanza. The Lennon Family is full of musical talent. I am quite a fan of this family. The Lennon Sisters' brothers, Pat, Kipp, along with brothers, Marky and Mike, who are cousins of The Lennon Sisters, have a band, Venice, The Band, Venice, Calif. Also, the Aero Movie Theater, Santa Monica, Calif., showed "April Love"(1957)in conjunction with its 60th Anniversary of its release. Pat Boone and Shirley Jones were in the movie(this was the movie, where Pat refused to kiss Shirley, because he felt it was wrong, due to his being married, though, his wife, Shirley Boone, didn't mind and Shirley Jones told him, it's only make believe acting). He was guest for a question and answer period. No politics were discussed. When I read about the Aero showing this movie, I thought, "The Seven Hills Of Rome" with Mario Lanza, was released 60 years ago(1957) and it would have been great for the Aero movie theater to show the movie and perhaps, Ellisa Lanza Bregman could have been guest to answer questions. Terry Robinson knew Pat Boone, by the way.
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Messages 50864-50862 deleted by author between 07-22-2017 01:02 PM and 07-22-2017 01:47 AM |
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Dennis
07-21-2017
09:46 PM ET (US) IP: 73.170.201.215
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Hopefully this swarm of troll talk will soon cease. We have had outbreaks before, but they seldom lasted more than a few days and often were single attempts to get someone to open a link. This has gone on for some time. Thank you, David, for your diligence in stamping on them. I don't open links from unknowns and especially these who are so clumsy. The motivation must be that they get a small remuneration for every hit on a website that they generate.
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Deleted by topic administrator 07-22-2017 01:47 AM
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Edward McManus
07-21-2017
09:18 PM ET (US) IP: 68.174.18.127
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I would like to see these scammers off of our forum, like Joe said could be viruses.
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David Weaver
07-21-2017
08:33 PM ET (US) IP: 98.31.1.186
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Based on the IP numbers, which only I can see when signed in as webmaster, most are coming from overseas - Spain, Greece, Indonesia. A good number are online gambling sites.
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Joe to David Weaver
07-21-2017
06:27 PM ET (US) IP: 71.225.163.141
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David, I am simply curious. What are these spam postings about? (I never dared to open one up and have no plans to do so). Are they advertisements, porn, viruses etc....probably a combination). There are so many worthwhile activities people can do, I wonder what motivates a person like Bailey, below.
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Deleted by topic administrator 07-21-2017 08:29 PM
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Ed
07-21-2017
11:20 AM ET (US) IP: 68.174.18.127
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Suzanne, oh the book, it's been a while since I jotted notes on it perhaps soon, I wish I still had the photos signed and letters from Tucker, Robinson and Martinelli as well as a short note from Gloria Caruso, sadly only the memories remain. I've been doing well lately and may have a volunteer spot at the cardiology center at the hospital where they saved me I should know on Monday.
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Suzanne
07-21-2017
10:50 AM ET (US) IP: 74.79.51.67
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Ed, more reasons for you to pursue writing that book. Hope you will, in time for me to read it.
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Fred Day
07-21-2017
01:40 AM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Thanks for all the info on Robinson. I thought Robinson was assistant manager during Bing's last few years at the Met. When Bing wrote his second book, he did a publicity tour. A friend of mine attended one of his lectures in Hartford. Bing said, "If I have an ulcer today, it was Franco Corelli who gave it to me!" That remark got a big laugh from the audience. Bing was never one to mince words - he told it like it was. Interesting. Ciao.
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David Weaver
07-20-2017
11:29 PM ET (US) IP: 98.31.1.186
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Remember, Robinson was first and foremost a publicity man. He said he was always being pressed to tell tales or gossip or make unflattering remarks about Bing, or this or that singer. A year before he died, when his book "Celebration: The Metropolitan Opera" was published, he told a reporter, "Everyone wants me to tell something bad, but the Met is my mother, drunk or sober; my country, right or wrong." There are probably a lot of singers, Farrell included, who should've been glad Robinson didn't tell tales.
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Doug
07-20-2017
11:07 PM ET (US) IP: 71.3.109.45
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In his large book about his father, Enrico Caruso Jr. is not at all complimentary in his remarks about his dealings with Robinson. Robinson wrote several jacket blurbs for RCA Victor opera and vocal records including Mario's "Caruso Favorites". Eileen Farrell's opinion of him in her book goes...."He wasn't affected, exactly, but he wasn't genuine and down-to-earth either. There was something slippery about him,
and he was every inch the company man."
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Edward McManus
07-20-2017
09:06 PM ET (US) IP: 68.174.18.127
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David, have a laugh. One day I wrote to Bing and told him that I thought Lanza was far better than any tenor he had. He of course wrote back and told me I was too young to understand, at 15 I couldn't have known very much about music, I wrote back and said something that pissed him off. Years later I attended Tosca and saw him outside greeting people, I just walked by thinking about Mario I was 16. I was at the opening night at LC and shook hands with Martinelli whom I respected.
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David Weaver
07-20-2017
07:34 PM ET (US) IP: 98.31.1.186
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Fred, after starting his career as a newspaperman, Robinson moved into publicity, acting as a press agent for a number of theater folks, including Katharine Cornell, Walter Huston, and Lunt and Fontaine. He joined the Met as Edward Johnson's advance man for the 1946 spring tour. He ultimately became tour director and over the years also served as box office manager and publicity director. As far as I can tell, it was after Bing's retirement that he became Assistant GM, where he oversaw the "Live from the Met" telecast series, also becoming the series host.
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Edward McManus
07-20-2017
04:10 PM ET (US) IP: 68.174.18.127
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Diane, I bought a Grundig Majestic and taped several Franchi appearances on Sullivan. We lived across the street from the subway with trains going by every ten minutes. I had a cord from the input jack soldered to the speaker leads to tape with no train noise. I did that and Voice of Firestone, sadly those tapes are gone.
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Diane Cox
07-20-2017
03:38 PM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.66
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My Dad had Grundig - he mostly taped Lawrence Welk.
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Edward McManus
07-20-2017
03:21 PM ET (US) IP: 68.174.18.127
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Fred, I did enjoy taping, I taped a few Saturday broadcasts from the Met I the mid 1960s. As for Ampex Sam Phillips recorded Elvis on one, he just taped over what he didn't like, wish we had those outtakes.
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Fred Day
07-20-2017
01:26 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Ed: Yes, Webcor was one of the first tape recorders, and so was Ampex. My first tape recorder was a Silvertone by Sears - mono. My second one was a Roberts stereo tape recorder. Ah, the memories!! Ciao.
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Fred Day
07-20-2017
01:14 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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David: Thanks for the info. In what year did Francis Robinson become assistant general manager?? I was not aware that he was on the Met staff since 1946 - 4 years before Rudolf Bing became manager. Thanks again. Ciao.
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Messages 50843-50842 deleted by author between 07-20-2017 02:40 PM and 07-20-2017 11:53 AM |
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David Weaver
07-20-2017
10:55 AM ET (US) IP: 156.63.68.241
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Fred, at the time of his death, Robinson's title at the Met was Assistant General Manager and he'd been on their staff since 1946.
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Messages 50840-50839 deleted by author between 07-20-2017 10:55 AM and 07-20-2017 09:48 AM |
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Edward McManus
07-20-2017
09:00 AM ET (US) IP: 68.174.18.127
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Fred, my first tape recorder was a Webcor and an Akai while in service.
As for Francis Robinson I had several short letters from in the mid 60s when I was just learning about Caruso, wish I still had them. He once gave me Gloria
Carusos address because I wanted a memento of her father, I never met Robinson but he liked me and he was very nice.
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Fred Day
07-20-2017
01:05 AM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Question for David & Bill R: When Rudolf Bing retired as Met manager in 1972, did Francis Robinson also retire as assistant at that time, or did Francis continue as assistant for a few more years?? Curious. I know that Francis continued with his "biographies in music" intermission features for several years. He did a tribute to Richard Tucker in Jan 1975, a few days after Tucker's death. Francis was born in 1910 and died in 1980, at age 70. Oddly, there is no bio of Francis in Wikipedia. Curious. Ciao.
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Fred Day
07-20-2017
12:45 AM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Ed: Wire recorders, now obsolete, were quickly overtaken by magnetic tape recorders. The wire could easily break, sound was only fair, and rather short in time allowed. I still have many reels of tape, and two Sony tape decks. I got my first tape recorder, a Silvertone by Sears, in Oct 1957. Ciao.
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Messages 50835-50833 deleted by author between 07-19-2017 11:06 AM and 07-19-2017 11:05 AM |
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Edward McManus
07-18-2017
06:33 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.150.226
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Fred, i recall my uncle who was a true fan had a wire recorder, even though there was little room on wire, somehow he had Vesti on wire.
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Deleted by topic administrator 07-18-2017 07:01 PM
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Kristine
07-18-2017
04:21 PM ET (US) IP: 173.169.36.195
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I know of two movie theaters that show vintage movies. Tampa Theater, Tampa, Fla., has a summer film series, where they show old movies. Some of the movies, they have shown are "Casablanca", "Singin' In The Rain". The other movie theater is Aero Theater, Santa Monica, Calif. I went there, back in the '60's, before they started to show old movies,there. I hope, one day, Mario Lanza's movies will be shown at these theaters.
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Deleted by topic administrator 07-18-2017 02:41 PM
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Joe to All
07-18-2017
10:39 AM ET (US) IP: 71.225.163.141
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Received and listened to Vincent Ricciardi’s excellent CD today. A great musical buy which I recommend to all the forum. Keep them coming Vince!
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Fred Day
07-18-2017
09:37 AM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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In 1952, Lanza purchased a reel to reel tape recorder - they were new at that time. He used it to record selections at home, with Costa at the piano. Apparently, Betty operated the tape recorder, but she did not always check the volume meter while recording. Some recordings came out fine, but sadly, several were badly overloaded and distorted because the recording volume was set too high. Pity. I wish I had been there to correct that problem. Ciao. Edited 07-18-2017 09:40 AM
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Fred Day
07-18-2017
09:23 AM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Hi Ed: All Coke Show recordings were recorded for radio broadcast, and were not meant for commercial release at that time. However, after the Student Prince MGM injunction against Lanza, where he could not make new records, RCA Victor realized that previous Coke Show recordings could be released on records to the public. Lanza did not object to this, and it continued for many years and still continues. Many of the Coke Show arias had been previously recorded by RCA. In nearly all cases, the RCA version was better than the Coke version. Thankfully, we have both versions to compare and contrast. I prefer the RCA Improviso. As for Parmi, the 2 versions are nearly equal and quite similar. Ciao.
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Deleted by topic administrator 07-18-2017 09:17 AM
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Edward McManus
07-18-2017
08:22 AM ET (US) IP: 24.164.150.226
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I Fred, I found myself playing Improvviso and Parmi from Coke Shows and lately and wanted to ask if; were they recorded for THAT show or were they recorded for commercial release Edited 07-18-2017 08:28 AM
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Messages 50823-50821 deleted by author between 07-18-2017 09:17 AM and 07-18-2017 09:18 AM |
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Dennis
07-18-2017
02:57 AM ET (US) IP: 73.170.201.215
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David, you have probably gone to bed. I see we have three new trolls to dump. I was particularly amused by Cody who seems to have invented a new alphabet to do his trolling. Thanks for your conscientious work in maintaining this web site for us.
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Messages 50819-50817 deleted by author 07-18-2017 09:18 AM |
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Edward McManus
07-17-2017
10:06 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.150.226
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Thanks again David, I was also having phone trouble at the same time and reported it to Spectrum I had one way audio I heard them they couldn't hear me so I thought it was tied together. Don't sweat the deletion my friend glaf we got it back, best to the girls.
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David Weaver
07-17-2017
09:45 PM ET (US) IP: 98.31.1.186
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Ed, glad you got back on, even if you have to use your full name! As everyone visiting here lately has seen, we've been inundated with spam. At first I was simply deleting the posts, but they grew so frequent and numerous that I began to not only delete the posts, but block the IP addresses and report as spam. There was a large bloc of them this morning - but I didn't catch a post by Ed stuck in the middle of them, so when I deleted and blocked them - Ed was blocked, too. I'll look more carefully before I do a multi-post action, because once it is done, it can't be undone. Hopefully the spammers will see there is no interest in their sites and move on.
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Deleted by topic administrator 07-17-2017 09:40 PM
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Edward McManus
07-17-2017
05:26 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.150.226
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David/Jeff, I appreciate your help
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Edward McManus
07-17-2017
04:13 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.150.226
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Test
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Deleted by topic administrator 07-17-2017 12:56 PM
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David Weaver
07-17-2017
10:41 AM ET (US) IP: 156.63.68.241
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Ed - oops! Just deleted a bunch of spam messages and inadvertently one legit message in the middle was from you, but I realized too late before hitting "Delete." So please post again.
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Messages 50809-50805 deleted by author 07-17-2017 10:33 AM |
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David Weaver
07-16-2017
11:45 PM ET (US) IP: 98.31.1.186
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 Ed and everyone else, remember that a new Lanza documentary has just been completed in the past year - "The Best of Everything" and it has a companion Sony CD. Derek Mannering can speak for certain, but I believe this is or has been shown in the UK, and would seem to be a likely offering to PBS. The last Lanza documentary, "Singing to the Gods," barely a decade ago, was a PBS pledge special for several years after it first appeared on BBC. Elissa was brought in by a number of local stations for the show - here's photo of her at the national PBS premiere of the documentary in Detroit in June, 2007. Edited 07-17-2017 12:10 AM
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Ed
07-16-2017
09:18 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.150.226
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David, after read your post about Ron Howard and giving it good thought I have given up on the idea, I still think a PBS show around pledge week may have a shot, maybe TJ .
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David Weaver
07-16-2017
08:59 PM ET (US) IP: 98.31.1.186
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Hi Ed, yes, I recall that story and what a thrill that was for you! I definitely knew he was a fan. The account of him watching Lanza on screen and then imitating him in the mirror was mentioned in many of the newspaper obits of Pavarotti when he died in 2007.
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Ec
07-16-2017
07:58 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.150.226
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David, he definitely was a fan of Lanza because you may recall I'd spoken with him many years ago. I told him I enjoyed his Una Furtiva and that I was a Lanza fan and he told me through his interpreter that he had his records. We'd spoken three mins or so, as he was leaving I held the door and he said grazi, Una Voce Mario. Edited 07-16-2017 07:59 PM
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David Weaver
07-16-2017
04:19 PM ET (US) IP: 98.31.1.186
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It would not surprise me at all if the new Pavarotti doc mentions how he was inspired by Lanza. I never saw the reference you mention Kristine, that Pavarotti cited "Serenade" - if he mentioned a Lanza film, it was usually "The Great Caruso." Also he told an interviewer, "In my teens I used to go to Mario Lanza movies and then come home and imitate him in the mirror". By the time "Serenade" was released in Europe in late 56-early 57, Pavarotti was already in his 20s and had been studying voice for two years. One thing about the new Pav doc, however, is that even if Lanza is mentioned as an inspiration, it would probably not take up much screen time
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Derek Mannering
07-16-2017
04:15 PM ET (US) IP: 69.209.225.187
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And just in case anyone's forgotten...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IX0wBYOSulw&t=8s
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Ed
07-16-2017
03:06 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.150.226
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Regarding the Improvviso's someone mentioned one from Coke I found it as track 16 CD 12 I think it is excellent. I remember Martino and I wrote about a Parmi from Coke is excellent.
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Kristine
07-16-2017
03:05 PM ET (US) IP: 173.169.36.195
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Maybe there will be a reference to Mario Lanza, in the planned Pavarotti Documentary, for instance, maybe it will mention that when Luciano Pavarotti was growing up, he saw Mario Lanza's movies, etc. Years ago, when Pavarotti was a guest on "The Phil Donahue Show", Phil asked Luciano, if he had been a fan of Mario Lanza. Pavarotti replied yes, he saw Mario's movie "Serenade". Jose' Carreras saw "The Great Caruso", at age 6, in 1951. It's like when Sly Stallone, Arnold Schwarzenegger, and Lou Ferrigno said body-builder, Steve Reeves's "Hercules" movies inspired them to become body-builders, musclemen.
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David Weaver
07-16-2017
01:55 PM ET (US) IP: 98.31.1.186
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Re getting Ron Howard to consider doing a Lanza documentary, I'm reminded of one of my favorite lines from one of my favorite movies, "The Untouchables."
It's when Robert DeNiro, as Al Capone, tells reporters, "I grew up in a tough neighborhood. We used to say, 'You can get further with a kind word and a gun than you can with just a kind word.'"
That might be paraphrased when it comes to getting a Ron Howard to do a Lanza documentary: "You can get further with a heartfelt plea and $10-million than you can with just a heartfelt plea."
What no one has mentioned re the Howard documentary on Pavarotti is that it is being co-financed by Polygram Entertainment and Studiocanal. Documentaries, on the scale this one is being planned for, can be very expensive. Nothing green-lights a project faster than someone saying, "I'll pick up the tab."
And another major factor: Howard and his producing partners will have the full cooperation of the Pavarotti Estate, Universal Music Classics, and Decca Records. Which means those pesky things like getting permission to use images, video clips, and recordings will be no problem. And all the parties are already planning distribution, marketing, and sales.
So when Diane said Ron Howard was "asked" to direct a documentary, a more accurate verb might be "hired."
This is not a non-profit venture simply created to celebrate Pavarotti's talent. This is a commercial venture. And probably stands an excellent chance of paying off handsomely for those involved, including for Ron Howard.
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Ed
07-16-2017
10:17 AM ET (US) IP: 70.214.69.129
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Diane did message, I wrote a letter to Ron
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Diane Cox
07-15-2017
11:15 PM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.66
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I did put the message out there.
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Deleted by topic administrator 07-15-2017 11:54 PM
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Ed
07-15-2017
09:28 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.150.226
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I'd go with Ron Howard because he would do a great job. Burns is excellent except his material war based, whereas Howard would do a family style.
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Kristine
07-15-2017
06:36 PM ET (US) IP: 173.169.36.195
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I wasn't familiar with Ron Howard's documentaries, but that's a great idea, asking him about one on Lanza. I know Ken Burns is a great documentary film maker and I think Congresswoman-Minority Leader,Nancy Pelosi's daughter, Alexandra Pelosi is a documentary filmmaker.
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Ed to Diane
07-15-2017
03:33 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.150.226
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That's a great idea, when and if you know how to contact Ron Howard I'll most certainly follow with a well constructed heartfelt plea. His work is quality.
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Diane Cox
07-15-2017
12:35 PM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.66
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Speaking of documentaries: Genius, about Einstein was wonderful, so detailed and made him seem so vunerable. Ron Howard, the director, has been asked to do an in depth series on Pavoratti. I'm sure it will be of the same quality. I will use social media to suggest to Mr. Howard one on Mario Lanza.
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Kristine
07-15-2017
11:46 AM ET (US) IP: 173.169.36.195
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If there would be a documentary about Mario Lanza, made for movie theaters, a new generation would see it. His niece, Mother Dolores Hart was the subject of a documentary, was even an Oscar nominee. There was a documentary about Doc Pomus, the composer, who wrote "Save The Last Dance For Me", "Viva Las Vegas", "This Magic Moment", a documentary about Tab Hunter, and a documentary about The Wrecking Crew, a group of musicians, who were back up for singers(from the '50's-'60's)and also performed the "Bonanza" theme song .
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Ed to Ross
07-15-2017
08:49 AM ET (US) IP: 24.164.150.226
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For sometime I thought a presentation about Mario could have been done on PBS. I'd mentioned it a few times to Bob Dolfi and even Damon but nothing came of it now they are both gone. I thought it possible a few times as new CDs came out. I didn't think it would catch on with the younger generation but you never know. I think a showcase would be nice as he deserved nothing less.
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Kristine
07-15-2017
06:38 AM ET (US) IP: 173.169.36.195
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At the magazine stands, Time-Life Books has magazine books about Elvis, Marilyn Monroe, JFK(he would have been 100 this year), The Beatles. There's even a magazine about celebrity weddings(Ozzie and Harriet, Eddie Fisher-Debbie Reynolds, Lucille Ball-Desi Arnaz, Bogie and Bacall, etc.). I thought maybe , sometime, there would be a Mario Lanza Magazine. I have the book, "Elvis Films Faq" by Paul Simpson. In it, there are references to Mario Lanza, how Elvis liked "The Student Prince" movie and director Norman Taurog directed some of Elvis's movies, along with some of Martin &Lewis's movies. Taurog directed Mario Lanza's first two movies and I think, he was uncle of Jackie Cooper.
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Ross Mills UK
07-15-2017
03:31 AM ET (US) IP: 86.12.177.162
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Because of my question about the possibilities of sourcing the Mario 3track SP soundtrack I have been thinking about my outlook in respect to things "Lanza". People seem to fall into two groups the larger majority who are "REALISTS" that KNOW the system and would love to see "X" done but KNOW that the problems are insurmountable so ( quite logically I admit) do not try "X" and go for option "A" which seems to them a lot more "do-able"....and the "IDEALISTS" who hold out for seeing "X" happen.
Now ....If you ever see something achieved that was stated as "IMPOSSIBLE!"...."How did they do THAT!" It will ALWAYS an Idealist at the back of it. I like to remain an idealist.
The "REALIST'S" about 140/50 years ago would say powered flight was unrealistic...step into the frame the two "IDEALIST" Wright Brothers.
Thanks again for the reply Derek. I am sure if we ever did see the original SP recordings being considered it would be through the pressure of someone like yourself and the support of the Lanza fan base.
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Ross Mills UK to Derek
07-14-2017
06:51 PM ET (US) IP: 86.12.177.162
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Thank you Derek for taking the time to post to explain the copyright position on the "original" 3-track SP recordings. In addition I am aware that due to the passage of time and the deaths of all the original recipients, further work is caused in trying to "search out" the heirs to said rights. This is a further disincentive (as if there were not enough already) to ever hearing the soundtrack used.
I Just wish ( Not JUST for Mario but for musically important historic artists in general) that some way of arranging through copyright law ... that if due to passage of time heirs to the rights could not be traced past 1st generation...the royalties were paid to charity in lieu. That would mean the money was put to good use and the "costs" of dispersing the royalties did not become onerous and "sink" the whole project.
I was aware that "copyright" was probably the stumbling block all along, but had not got the "overview" of it like yourself.
I think we both agree that it is truly regrettable that such important recordings would appear( save a change in corporate copyright law)to be outside our reach.
Finally I would say the only thing that MIGHT raise Mario's profile to such an extent that the companies consider issuing said recordings would be if some Movie maker produced a Oscar nominated high budget re-telling of "The Lanza Story"....but that would seem sadly more unlikely to find funding than the issue of the recordings themselves.
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Deleted by topic administrator 07-14-2017 11:04 PM
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Derek Mannering
07-14-2017
05:02 PM ET (US) IP: 69.209.224.36
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Ross, the one word I don't see mentioned in your posts, and it's an important one, is copyright. So, let's back up a bit here.
The master tapes of Mario Lanza's original recordings for RCA and the Coke Show series are owned exclusively by his record company, in this case Sony. Sony is also the only company that honors Lanza's original recording contract by paying out royalties to the appropriate beneficiaries.
Warner Bros. own the rights to all of Lanza's movies and the soundtrack recordings made for those films (MGM and WB), but their marketing of that product does not extend to Lanza CDs. Because of that, the 1998 Rhino release of MGM soundtrack recordings ran into copyright infringement when it first issued that collection on CD. Both companies are extremely protective of their property rights, and correctly so.
I would love to see the complete SP soundtrack recordings in their original 3-track stereo format released on disc, but for that to happen Warners would have to issue them through Sony. I just can't imagine either party putting in the time, the cost and the contractual effort required to put out yet another Mario Lanza "Student Prince" album on CD.
To your other point, as I understand it, companies like Sepia focus on material that's in the public domain and that's a whole different story.
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Deleted by topic administrator 07-14-2017 03:54 PM
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Derek McGovern to Martino
07-14-2017
10:31 AM ET (US) IP: 112.153.216.167
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Thanks, Martino (and also to Phil UK). The other one-take operatic recording for "Serenade" was the Otello Monologue, one of Mario's four or five greatest recordings of an aria.
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Martino to Derek
07-14-2017
10:16 AM ET (US) IP: 104.255.4.145
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Thanks for the information. One take?! That is a wonder to say the least. I know Mario often gave his best when he came in and let loose right off the bat. It would have taken most singers a dozen takes and a bunch of splices to create a masterpiece like that. I also agree that for a young man the small errors Mario made in Toronto are nothing really and as I said, forgivable. But from the first I heard it I was sort of startled and I can't keep from thinking about it to happen every time I listen. That sort of ruins it for me but the performance as a whole was still amazing for a singer only in his 20s.
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phil uk to Derek McGovern
07-14-2017
09:56 AM ET (US) IP: 85.12.76.63
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thanks for that info Derek,how fortunate we are to be living when we can hear Mario anytime via cds etc./A big thanks to you & Derek mannering for your input into the Lanza legacy.
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phil uk to All
07-14-2017
09:48 AM ET (US) IP: 85.12.76.63
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whether the Sepia guys put this Lamento rehearsal on a future cd or not its worth stating here that NO ONE gets near Mario for that sound & sheer animal magnetism which he gives in this aria & this rehearsal rendition.Mario gets to your inner body & touches your emotions like NO other singer(possibly Sinatra) thats why i humbly feel this piece encapsulates my description of his singing.As for the sound quality not brill but well good enough to appreciate this glorious voice giving his all.By the way have not heard from the boys down under for a while,trust you are ALL ok.
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Derek McGovern to Martino
07-14-2017
09:34 AM ET (US) IP: 112.153.216.167
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Hi Martino: Just a couple of things you brought up regarding Mario's various Lamentos: Yes, he gets two lines partially wrong on the live 1948 version. Instead of "La pace sol cercando io vò," he sings "La pace solta è solo a me," and then later instead of "La pace tolta è sempre a me," he sings "La pace tolta è solo a me." (You can see how he got himself into a muddle with "solta" and "tolta"!) No big deal as far as I'm concerned, though. It's a live performance, and he was only 27. Besides, I'm quite sure that, *musically speaking*, this gorgeous rendition, of the five versions we have (and don't forget there's also a wild Coke recording), would have been closest to what composer Cilea wanted. Mario even sings the line "vorrei poter tutto scordar" as written---that is, without a break between "tutto" and "scordar," as he naughtily added from 1955 onwards. As for how many takes there were of the 1955 "Serenade" version, that's easy: just one!! (We have the recordings logs for those sessions.) Mario had made a test recording of the aria two days earlier, and then on the day of the scheduled session, he walked in and delivered a sensational rendition straight off the bat. According to the conductor, Ray Heindorf, not only was the principal violinist brought to tears by Mario's impassioned singing, but the entire orchestra also gave him a standing ovation. And little wonder. Edited 07-14-2017 09:47 AM
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Ed to Ross in UK
07-14-2017
08:52 AM ET (US) IP: 24.164.150.226
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Ross, permit me thank you for reminding me of the Rhino CD I'd forgotten all about it as I haven't played in years. I got a copy many years back from Damon Lanza. The reissue of these tracks seem viable to giving us a small last bit of greatness.
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phil uk
07-14-2017
07:57 AM ET (US) IP: 85.12.76.63
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to Martino.Yes its a personal thing,however as stated this Lamento has Mario giving this aria an edge which i feel borders on the surreal,perhaps to show the rest of the operatic world this is what i can do,so dont mess with me.By the way i have seen Bergonzi,Carreras,Domingo & Pavarotti live at Covent Garden,though good voices they dont move me as Mr Lanza does.
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Martino to Phil
07-14-2017
07:14 AM ET (US) IP: 104.255.4.145
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Yes, we can disagree on which version we like better or even which tenor is more satisfying in singing this particular aria; it is all a matter of opinion and what each of us are looking for in an interpretation. Mario's 1948 performance was very good even if he did take a few words from later in the aria (after hearing it again I think that is where he may have come up with them) and inserted them in the wrong place. He was not as "exuberant" in this concert as in the rehearsal tape and showed greater sensitivity in certain places but it was a "rousing" and exciting performance nonetheless, as they all were. I also admire his RAH performance a great deal even if his voice sounded a bit heavy for the aria at this point of his career. Maybe I like these because they were live and in front of an audience, which is always my favorite way of assessing a singer's ability. The Serenade soundtrack version is great too but who knows how many takes were made to make it that way.
Lanza was simply terrific in all of them and how frequently he performed this aria throughout his life from the very earliest part of his career to the very end tells us it was one of his very favorites - and it shows. Whichever of the four or five recordings we have of Mario singing this aria you select, there is no wrong answer.
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phil uk
07-14-2017
05:06 AM ET (US) IP: 85.12.76.63
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Martino,on that Lamento we will have to agree to disagree.The other interpretations by other tenors you suggest are just not exciting at all! Mario on this rendition exudes a sensitive & almost superhuman interpretation not heard in any of his other recordings or by ANY other tenor,at least to my ears.Sorry.
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Ross Mills UK to Stephen
07-14-2017
04:44 AM ET (US) IP: 86.12.177.162
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Thanks for the suggestion about the Amazon availability of the "NEW" "Rhino" discs on Amazon ( most of which I am sure will just be "copies" US sourced or other....which Derek always referred to as BOOTLEG in the past)BUT my suggestion went further than that....I was suggesting that "someone" (I would do it but they would never countenance that)return to THAT source and re-evaluate it....there was probably more tracks than they issued. We would probably find that the whole SP soundtrack is available in pristine "original " basic stereo sound....and remember that THIS would be the actual recordings that he recorded PERFECTLY one after another with NO retakes....not a version recorded (or doctored)later for issue on LP by RCA.
I have often listened to the SP that was put out on LP (later CD) from RCA ....If you listen to the "RHINO" "Deep in my Heart" intro alongside the "official" RCA issue...there is no contest the Rhino intro is MUCH clearer and "sweeter"...in fact the whole track is in another league.
That is why I would argue for the original source for the RHINO CD being revisited and who knows what would be found.
The big "BUT" in all this is....WHO would be willing to take on THE WORK/ COST ....I think the RHINO disc appeared because it had the backing($) of TURNER.....How about they just let SEPIA have the material....I am sure they would be interested and would do a good job.
I sometimes think of the people/companies who are the "Keepers" of historic Lanza material like little children who have a few sweets in their hand....THEY have no interest at all in eating them, but they WILL NOT give them up to a child who IS.....LOL
Thanks for the reply Stephen.
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Martino to Phil
07-13-2017
10:19 PM ET (US) IP: 104.255.4.145
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I see you are fond of Lanza's very fine "Lamento" - and so am I. Although I agree the "Lamento" rehearsal tape is quite exciting, I do not think it represents the best of Mario or even the best of his renditions of this very difficult aria. We are fortunate to have several recordings of "Lamento" from different periods of his life such as the Toronto concert before a live audience in 1948, this home recording a few years later, the Serenade soundtrack and finally the London RAH concert. Each has its strong points and each are weak in certain areas. I suppose we could spend days taking every note and word apart but that is not necessary or even desirable. Suffice it to say that, in my opinion, if the best of all his performances were combined we could crown Mario as the definitive interpreter of this aria, no doubt he is the most vocally exciting but I think it takes more than that.
The early recordings show him at his rousing best in terms of passion and all out singing, but the downside is that at times the exuberance can cause things to get sloppy in other areas. For example, one of the most important passages in this aria is "La pace sot cercando io vo...", (and the word "trovar" which comes just before and I believe should be sung mezza voce). This phrase basically means "I only want to find peace", which in turn, is the whole point of the aria as Federico is longing for the inner peace of heart that comes with sleep to ease the pain that resulted from the supposed betrayal by his beloved. The importance of the phrase is totally missed by Mario as the words in this phrase, especially "cercando io vo", are sung so quickly they all run together and become murky in the rehearsal tape. It is as though all he wanted to do was rush to get to the high note on "Vo" and forget the rest. In fact, I would like to hear a breath taken just before "cercando" to emphasize its importance. And worse yet, an entirely different phrase of Mario's own made up words are used at this point in the Toronto concert. Where he came up with these words I have no idea. These things are blatantly apparent as you listen and it causes you to sit up and take notice wondering what in the world is he singing. Lanza was a master at singing words but here he failed. But this sort of thing happens frequently early in a singer's career and thus forgivable. We do not find these mistakes in his performances and recordings later on as every word is pretty much spot on and the interpretation remains tight and intact without any loose strings to jar the listener.
There is nothing wrong to sing all out as we hear in these early recordings and the rehearsal tape in particular is a true force of nature, but the more mature Lanza, although perhaps a tad less exciting (but only a tad), gives more thoughtful and satisfying renditions (again, in my opinion only). I would recommend listening to Carreras, Bergonzi, Gigli and Bjorling, who also give superb performances of this great aria.
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Stephen of Las Vegas
07-13-2017
08:45 PM ET (US) IP: 72.193.72.62
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That Rhino issued CD is almost always available used from Amazon at various prices. There are several there now. Surprisingly, some are claimed to be new. Often, it is available for lower prices than are being asked now. You can also check other used CD sellers for occasional copies.
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Ed to Ross in UK
07-13-2017
08:13 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.150.226
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Ross, permit me thank you for reminding me of the Rhino CD I'd forgotten all about it as I haven't played in years. I got a copy many years back from Damon Lanza. The reissue of these tracks seem viable to giving us a small last bit of greatness.
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Ross Mills UK to Derek M
07-13-2017
06:26 PM ET (US) IP: 86.12.177.162
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Hi Derek,
I understand what you say about the very depleted "sources" of new Lanza material from the OLD RCA (SONY)etc sources....but I have one question. Almost 20years ago I was one of a lucky few who purchased the RHINO "Be my Love" Greatest Performances at MGM CD which in addition to issuing some stereo tracks from "Because you're mine"....had original STEREO recorded tracks from the 1954 "Student Prince" original soundtrack recordings the quality of which I had not heard before (or SINCE for that matter) The disc was quickly withdrawn from sale which was a great pity.
Would it not be possible to obtain some (or all) of these MGM original stereo recordings (especially the SP ones) ....if possible just think what SEPIA could do with them)...at any rate get them out and available to Lanza fans once again....these would be "fresh" excellent material, and in the case of the "Student" Prince"...there cannot be any argument that they are historically significant recordings in the Lanza "canon", and they are not in issue (in that quality) at the present time.
What do you think Derek....why can they not be made available?
They are probably the only QUALITY "Rare" recordings of Mario still unissued.
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Ed
07-13-2017
05:51 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.150.226
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I can't imagine so many years since Mario passed people are interested in where his money is going. I never have given it thought but that's me I am only interested in his music and film,
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Joe to All
07-13-2017
05:16 PM ET (US) IP: 71.225.163.141
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How are any profits from Lanza CD's, DVD's etc divided up? Does anyone know the breakdown. I know that Mario was taken advantage of by many
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SUZANNE
07-13-2017
04:57 PM ET (US) IP: 74.79.51.67
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I guess we're just a greedy lot. Can't have everything, need to be satisfied with all we do have. But, gosh, if only!
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Deleted by topic administrator 07-13-2017 09:46 AM
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phil uk
07-13-2017
04:28 AM ET (US) IP: 85.12.76.63
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Derek,yes i totally understand re sound quality & Sonys reluctance to issue that Lamento BUT this is his best rendition of this aria by far & i feel as a VINTAGE recording it should be on cd for admirers to hear & cherish such exciting singing.Thanks.
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David Weaver
07-13-2017
12:25 AM ET (US) IP: 98.31.1.186
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Starting in 1955-56, RCA no longer issued singles on the Red Seal label. Albums that were released as EP singles - they were still Red Seal, but not outright singles. As an example, the "Serenade" soundtrack was released on RCA Red Seal for both the LP and EP albums. But the two-sided single of "Serenade" and "My Destiny" - was released on the black-labeled RCA Victor. The 1956 Christmas album and both "Lanza on Broadway" and "A Cavalcade of Show Tunes" were on Red Seal in both LP and EP releases. In 1958 and 1959 the EP releases of "Seven Hills of Rome" and "For the First Time" - both on RCA Victor. Of course the main difference between RCA Red Seal and RCA Victor for customers - the price.
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Deleted by topic administrator 07-13-2017 12:12 AM
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Fred Day
07-12-2017
09:33 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Derek Mannering: Yes, it would be nice to have My Margo released. I have often wondered why it was not included on the original Lanza Desert Song LP. Curious. Ciao.
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Ed to Derek
07-12-2017
06:01 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.150.226
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Derek, thanks for clearing up the issue of vaults and Mario's daughter, like we all do is wish for more, thanks again.
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Derek Mannering
07-12-2017
05:24 PM ET (US) IP: 69.209.224.36
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Let me assure everyone that Mario's daughter has no "stuff" to share with the fans. When it comes to the release of her father's original RCA and Coke Show recordings, that material is handled through Sony. It is their call as to what should or should not be issued on CD, though of course I've had a lot of input in that process over the past two decades.
For the new double-CD we managed to source 6 previously unreleased tracks (or 7 if you include the Coke Show sign-off), plus one long sought-after recording of LNOTY from Rome. As to what remains in "the vaults," at this stage of the game, almost 58 years after Mario's passing, the answer is simple: not much. There are a handful of Coke Show alternate takes, few of which are superior to what's available at present. The unreleased RCA material is sparse and there's not a lot to get excited about ("My Margo" anyone?). Virtually everything Lanza recorded professionally for RCA and the Coke Show has been released and any notion that unheard of treasures may be gathering dust in the archives is a fantasy.
And again, I can't think of a single reason why Sony would ever want to release something like the private "Lamento" home recording. Why would they, when they have two outstanding studio takes of that aria (Coke Show and "Serenade" soundtrack) in pristine sound to choose from. That's not meant as a criticism of your fondness of Mario's singing on the rehearsal take, Phil. It's thrilling, but the audio quality is just too poor and I'm pretty certain Lanza himself would never allow it to be issued in that condition by his record company.
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Ed to Mike
07-12-2017
04:42 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.150.226
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I bought the single many years ago and yes black label. "This Land" was a favorite of my late friend Bob Dolfi from
Lanza Legend because it could have been any land, I bought Be My Love and Loveliest Night on black label.
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Mike M
07-12-2017
03:57 PM ET (US) IP: 100.37.226.164
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I seem to remember "Earthbound" and "This Land" single being released in Black Label if memory serves. But that was a loooong time ago and I was only sixteen or so so I would not swear to it. Anyone else remember?
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Diane Cox
07-12-2017
03:33 PM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.66
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Have to disagree, Phil. If Mario didn't want them released years ago, he probably still wouldn't want them released. He was critical of his own singing.
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Ed to. phil
07-12-2017
03:14 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.150.226
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Yes. But most commercial CDs would avoid them because of the sound quality, probably download and make my own cd, the sound doesn't bother me
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phil uk to Ed
07-12-2017
04:31 AM ET (US) IP: 85.12.76.63
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i concur Ed.IF there are any rehearsal tapes whatever the sound quality still lurking around i believe Mario would want his admirers to hear them.
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Ed to Suzanne
07-11-2017
09:12 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.150.226
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Suzanne, I think it would seem that Mario's daughter would have stuff to share, if the vault as we say has material its sad not to open, I'm certain Mario would want his fans to hear them
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Dennis
07-11-2017
05:22 PM ET (US) IP: 73.170.201.215
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The trolls like Judith are keeping our topic administrator busy!
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Messages 50749-50748 deleted by author between 07-11-2017 07:46 PM and 07-11-2017 01:25 PM |
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phil uk
07-11-2017
04:08 AM ET (US) IP: 85.12.76.63
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Thanks Derek for your input but at the risk of sounding like an old record,sorry cd!that Lamento Di Frederico rehearsal gem should be on some form of commercial cd for the public to hear that AWESOME performance.As the title song from the 007 movie The Spy Who Loved Me,NOBODY DOES IT BETTER! So then over to Jeff or Sepia for this possible venture.
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Suzanne
07-10-2017
03:10 PM ET (US) IP: 74.79.51.67
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Interesting, Gail. So it isn't really available? What did Clyde Smith have to do with Mario and Costa, that he would be given these precious vault recordings? His name is familiar. Other than the fact that he must have been a great fan. Where can we find the articles he wrote? Thanks so much. Derek , rehearsal outtakes would be so wonderful to hear,if it were possible.A closer look at our tenor.
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Gail Swartz
07-10-2017
11:21 AM ET (US) IP: 204.29.186.17
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Suzanne, Clyde Smith who lives in the NY area wrote some articles on Mario about 20years ago. No knowing this I wrote to him. He graciously wrote back. During this exchange of letters, he asked if I could use cassettes..of course I could! Over the course of time, he offered to send me a DVD of Mario. I accepted and there was the clip of the song being filmed. Clyde is his wife's caregiver if she is still with him. Clyde was given all of RCA 's vault recordings of Mario. Maybe you have seen his name on some of the acknowledgement. He was a great friend of Costa before he died in1985.
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Suzanne
07-10-2017
10:23 AM ET (US) IP: 74.79.51.67
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Gail, how did you find the Pineapple Pickers(my least favorite) clip? It's Mario, so I'd watch anyway. Thanks.
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Derek Mannering
07-10-2017
10:06 AM ET (US) IP: 69.209.224.36
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Len (UK), we'll agree to disagree on the use of the word 'crane' in "Song of India," especially as it was never considered in the first place.
And Phil UK, your best bet for rehearsal outtakes appearing on CD would be from Jeff or one of the Sepia collections. I'd love to hear them too, but it's highly unlikely that Sony would consider them commercially viable for their product. I'm sure Sony would also question their authority to release that material, given that Lanza himself would not have wanted it to appear on disc.
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Gail Swartz
07-10-2017
09:19 AM ET (US) IP: 204.29.186.64
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I, too, was unaware of the late dubbing of the dialogue in FT FT. Now I understand the disjointedness in the film. Mario's singing was outstanding. The One song that I would have deleted was the Pineapple Picker. I have watched the clips of the song being filmed. Mario never gave up on the song, but did grow weary of the effort.
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Len (UK)
07-10-2017
08:30 AM ET (US) IP: 86.169.160.18
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Derek, we are in ‘violent agreement’. I have the sheet music and it says ‘plane’, but I still think that ‘crane’ makes for a better lyric. I also agree that ‘fakirs’ is in danger of being a misheard lyric. I listened to Celine Dion singing ‘All by myself’ the other day and I definitely heard “Obama’s elf, don’t wannabe Obama’s elf”!
Whenever I see the word fakir, it reminds me of Winston Churchill describing Mahatma Ghandi as a ‘seditious little fakir’. I imagine some comic effect was intended.
(Posting delayed 48 hours – site would not let me post.)
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phil uk
07-10-2017
08:16 AM ET (US) IP: 85.12.76.63
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To the two inspirational Dereks i ask do we know if there are any more rehearsal tapes around?For the sheer power & intensity of the voice comes through so wonderfully in these rare vocal gems.
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phil uk
07-10-2017
08:08 AM ET (US) IP: 85.12.76.63
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Derek McGovern.Yes Derek it was an operatic lose that Mario Passed away to early in his career but who knows what the future would hold for him vocally perhaps he took the best road!At least we have some great cds from Sepia & Sony for our listening pleasure & seven movies,we are blessed.
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Kristine
07-10-2017
07:13 AM ET (US) IP: 173.169.36.195
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"Come Prima" was also sung by Polly Bergen and The Platters. Did Mario Lanza have a chance to see the movie , before he passed away ? I also read that the movie soundtrack recording of "For The First Time" was a nominee for The Grammys, but lost to the movie soundtrack recording of "Porgy and Bess". It would be great if The Grammys would honor Mario Lanza, posthumously.
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Martino to Derek
07-10-2017
05:53 AM ET (US) IP: 104.255.4.145
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Thanks for the link to your excellent review of FTFT. While reading it I shook my head in agreement with everything you said, except for one thing - that Hans Sohnker played Christa's uncle. For some reason I thought he was playing her father but I must not had paid enough attention when watching the movie to pick up the relationship. I just looked up the cast on TCM and sure enough you were right, Prof. Bruckner was indeed Christa Bruckner's uncle. I was also unaware of the late dubbing of the script, which does explain some of the timing problems. Your review is mandatory reading for anyone wanting a complete background of FTFT. Incidentally, your four top Lanza movie picks are identical to mine.
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Derek McGovern to Martino
07-10-2017
01:14 AM ET (US) IP: 220.92.65.19
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Lovely post, Martino, on the outstanding Fiat commercial and FTFT.
For the First Time is one of my favourite four Lanza films (the others are TGC, Serenade, and Toast), and I agree that Mario acts very well in it---for the most part, anyway. When he does go a little overboard in his delivery, such as during the clifftop scene in which he proposes to Johanna, we have to remember that all of the exterior dialogue was recorded in February 1959, three months after shooting had concluded. That kind of dubbing was/is standard Italian practice, and it probably wouldn't have been easy for a spontaneous type like Mario to have to match his onscreen lip movements with dialogue spoken in a studio.
Yes, Hans Sohnker is excellent in the film, and clearly got along very well with Mario, spending time with him off the set when they were in Berlin. I'd also rate Johanna as one of Mario's two best leading ladies---the other being Sarita Montiel. Great chemistry between them.
But I wouldn't describe Mario's singing as merely "fine" in the film. With the exception of a rather strained La Donna 'e Mobile, he's in terrific vocal form throughout the film. The voice is not quite as fresh as it was in Serenade (his best film vocally, in my opinion), but its depth and colouring are superb, as is the way he uses it.
If you're interested, I've written an essay on the film here: http://www.mariolanzatenor.com/for-the-fir...ittle-swansong.html In it I quote an interesting 2012 review of the DVD by Mick LaSalle, respected film critic for the San Francisco Chronicle. LaSalle describes FTFT as a "very good movie [which] gets extra credit for being one of the best showcases for Mario Lanza - the best in terms of conveying his personal appeal - and for being his swan song." And I particularly like his parting observation (which is more relevant than ever now given the Fiat ads):
"What I like, even love, about this film is the way the real Lanza comes through - big natured, impulsive, lovable, unreasonable, a glutton, an artist, just another guy from Philly, and the man who can sing "Come Prima" better than anyone who ever lived. What a talent, and what a loss."
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Fred Day
07-10-2017
12:16 AM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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I have always had a soft spot for FTFT. On my 17th birthday, my mother and I went to a local movie theater to see that movie. I loved it, of course. Two days later, I was stunned to hear on radio and TV, and read in the paper that Lanza had just died in Rome. It hit me like a ton of bricks. A week later, I read in Variety newspaper that Lanza planned to record a complete Pagliacci, and make another film. Those plans would sadly never happen. The loss is still felt today. Ciao.
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Messages 50734-50732 deleted by author between 07-10-2017 12:42 AM and 07-09-2017 03:26 PM |
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Martino
07-09-2017
01:14 PM ET (US) IP: 104.255.4.145
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I agree that the Fiat commercial will introduce many people to Mario Lanza, and that is always a good thing. During both the extended take and shorter version, while Come Prima is being played, it even shows the film's marquis with the title "For The First Time" and photos of Mario and Johanna von Koczian.
I love Adrien Brody as well and he was perfect for this clip. The commercial showed some thought to it as Shakespeare's comedy, "A Midsummer Night's Dream" was the book Brody was reading when he fell into sleep and dreamed awakening in the modern era. From the time Fiat 500 was introduced to its 60th anniversary is cleverly displayed through Brody's "sogno" (dream). Mario's singing words (for the first time I'm in love) are in sync with Brody's awkwardness as he falls in love with both the new Fiat 500 and with the girl as well. Well done and this is now one of my favorite commercials (although I must say I am no fan of Fiats!).
While on the subject, I think FTFT has aged very well, better than most of Lanza's films. We don't speak of it much as we seem to concentrate on his early films when he was handsome, young and in great health. They were also much more successful while FTFT was Lanza's swan song and in some scenes he looked down right sickly. Success, however, can also be measured at the box office and this film made over three times what it cost to make. I think that is pretty good and probably better than some of his other films. Nonetheless, ask which Lanza film is your favorite and few will mention FTFT.
The movie has many high spots, at least for me. It has an international flavor to it unlike anything we have previously seen from Lanza. This is not surprising being an Italian/German joint production. There are many wonderful scenes from Capri, Naples, Rome, Berlin, Salzburg and Vienna. The color for the film is spectacular and enhances these beautiful cities and the views shown. Lanza's singing is fine for the most part and his Otello and Pagliacci excerpts are as good as one would want to hear from any opera tenor. Lanza's acting, along with that of von Koczian and Kurt Kasznar, was excellent. Even Zsa Zsa, who always plays just Zsa Zsa, was at her flippant best. My favorite actor in this movie was Hans Sohnker, who played Christa's father. I thought he was simply superb. Lanza appeared in several very touching scenes during his movie career but I challenge anyone to keep a dry eye when Mario tests Christa's hearing in the hospital with his "Ave Maria". There has never been more genuine pathos to a Lanza romance than this and resulted in one of Mario's most convincing on screen courtships.
Although I too would not place FTFT at the top of my list of Mario Lanza movies, I really like the film overall and it remains one of Lanza's most underrated performances.
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Deleted by topic administrator 07-09-2017 03:26 PM
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Bill Ronayne
07-09-2017
10:45 AM ET (US) IP: 68.192.177.105
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How nice of Fiat to use Mario's recording of Come Prima in the commercial. This will get Mario's voice out there to many new people that may not have been exposed to him before. I'm sure a good number will go to YouTube and seek out the film and maybe even Google Mario. What ever the length of the commercial it's a great promotion of Mario in a major market. Hopefully the commercial, in what ever version, comes to US TV as well and maybe even be shown in movie theaters. Best, Bill
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Derek Mannering
07-08-2017
01:21 PM ET (US) IP: 69.209.224.36
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Keep in mind that there is a shorter 2 minute version of the Fiat commercial that's likely to air on TV screens throughout Europe. The extended version has more of Mario, of course, but for those who find it too long (and I'm not sure why they would), look what Fiat Italy just uploaded onto YouTube (link once again courtesy of Steff Walzinger):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_j6-ChnLRgA
How cool is that? Gorgeous crooning from Lanza, the on-screen romance continues and the couple enjoy a movie date watching FTFT. If there is any nitpicking about this version (like, too short) I'll give up!
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Stephen of Las Vegas
07-08-2017
12:56 AM ET (US) IP: 72.193.72.62
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The Youtube video of the 2016, 30th Anniversary of the Phantom of the Opera, is not the play, of course, as it only runs about 37 minutes...but is the celebration of the 30th anniversary of the play in London. I suspect, but am not sure, that this followed a performance of the full play that was probably not professionally recorded. The DVD of the 25th Anniversary at Royal Albert Hall also contains a long celebration after the full play, introducing many past performers. This used to be available on Youtube in full, but may only be there in smaller segments now. This performance was the 25th Anniversary since the play opened in England in 1986. There are also some videos of the 25th Anniversary celebration of the opening on Broadway, which was in early 1988, so that celebration must be from early 2013. It gets a bit confusing when you see Sierra Boggess in both the London and New York 25 year celebrations if you don't realize they probably took place close to 2 years apart.
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Stephen of Las Vegas
07-08-2017
12:30 AM ET (US) IP: 72.193.72.62
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I suspect that these trolls are using some sort of automated robot to search for and plant their messages on sites that don't require any sort of password to login, so anyone can leave a message. No human is probably reading any posts here...just trying to drum up traffic for their sites, which may not be safe to visit.
Very nice Fiat ad. A rather long one.
I've become rather addicted to The Phantom of the Opera since first watching it some time ago. I may have mentioned this before...if so I'm sorry for the repeat. About a year ago, Netflix had both the 2004 film and the 2011 25th Anniversary at Royal Albert Hall, but neither is on Netflix now. Both DVDs are available at Amazon with the film often available for just a few pennies plus $4 shipping. Most libraries have one or both. The actress playing Christine at the Royal Albert Hall presentation, Sierra Boggess, has a terrific voice and the presentation there had more powerful singing than the movie. For the movie, a much younger Christine was chosen (more in keeping with the original story) as well as a relatively unknown (at the time) actor for the Phantom. Youtube has a large number of videos from both presentations that can be easily searched, including documentaries that are available on the DVDs. The movie is marketed in one DVD or two DVDs that contains more documentaries. There is also a 30th anniversary presentation from 2016 on Youtube that runs about 37 minutes and also includes Sierra Boggess. I suspect that she is likely Andrew Lloyd Weber's favorite Christine, but I doubt there is anything in print to support this opinion.
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David Weaver
07-07-2017
06:16 PM ET (US) IP: 98.31.1.186
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 Re the black label, as Derek explained, those were the norm in many European countries. RCA Italiana did not use the "Red Seal" label, nor did they picture 'Nipper,' the famous mascot listening to "His Master's Voice." I've attached a picture of an RCA Italiana EP release of the "Caruso Favorites" album. The full LP version of this would have the same label. As for RCA not giving its permission - alas, as well all know RCA no longer exists; sold first in 1987 to BMG and in turn to Sony in 2008. Edited 07-07-2017 07:11 PM
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Diane Cox
07-07-2017
05:36 PM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.66
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Margery, our monitor is deleting all your posts, wasting your time here.
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Deleted by topic administrator 07-07-2017 06:11 PM
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Ed
07-07-2017
03:29 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.150.226
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I heard the commercial I thought it a bit long, also would like to have heard a clearer copy, and what's up the black label?
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Suzanne
07-07-2017
01:55 PM ET (US) IP: 74.79.51.67
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The Fiat ads are such fun to watch , and actually hearing Mario's voice, couldn't be better. The conference in Germany today includes a concert at the Hamburg Musik Halle. Wonder if it's the same venue where Mario was scheduled to appear in April of 1958(?) but didn't, causing a dangerous riot. Hope these ads will create a new audience for our tenor.
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Derek Mannering
07-07-2017
10:18 AM ET (US) IP: 69.209.224.36
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No need to be disappointed, Doug. Some European pressings of the FTFT soundtrack album did indeed have a black label. Steff Walzinger has one from the late 1950s pressed in Germany, so hopefully that news will brighten your day.
And there's so much to enjoy about the commercial: Lanza's voice on the soundtrack, the gorgeous scenery, the clever script and stylish production values, the lovely Anna Manuelli – and the fact that the commercial, with Mario at the romantic heart of it, is currently being viewed by millions of people across the globe. (11 million Italians alone viewed the commercial on the first day of its release.) What's not to love?
And Len (UK), re lyrics to "Song of India," I have seen one of the original music sheets from the actual Lanza recording session and I can assure you that it's a lonely "plane" that flies off to meet the dawn. No reference to birds at all.
One word that was changed for Mario's recording, however, was "fakirs" – as in "the turbaned Sikhs and fakirs line the streets…" Not hard to understand why Lanza might have preferred the term beggars instead.
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Deleted by topic administrator 07-07-2017 09:44 AM
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Kristine
07-07-2017
06:31 AM ET (US) IP: 173.169.36.195
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I watched the Fiat Commercial. Great ! I hope it will play in the U.S. and hope other automobiles will have Lanza's voice on their soundtracks. This will introduce a new generation to Mario Lanza and in particular to actor Adrian Brody and his generation of actors and actresses, who aren't familiar with Mario Lanza .
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Messages 50717-50716 deleted by author between 07-07-2017 09:44 AM and 07-07-2017 12:48 AM |
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Diane Cox
07-07-2017
12:06 AM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.66
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I've been giving away my vinyl. Don't have a turntable any more. Have everything on cds, and all the movies on the DVR and some on DVDs.
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Gail Swartz
07-06-2017
10:54 PM ET (US) IP: 204.29.186.64
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Hey, Diane, thought that I proofread my post..my Kindle beat me to it. If you look at both words at a glance they do look similar. About the red label on the record in the car ad...maybe RCA wouldn't okay it's usage. I can relate to the finding of a Mario recording....found one last weekend at an estate sale. Haven't played it yet, but will soon. Going to listen to ML before bedtime....Good Night.
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Diane Cox
07-06-2017
05:57 PM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.66
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Gail - had to laugh, although I know you meant crooners.
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Doug
07-06-2017
04:44 PM ET (US) IP: 71.3.109.45
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I was disappointed that the LP record did not have an RCA Victor Red Seal label. Edited 07-06-2017 04:44 PM
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Gail Swartz
07-06-2017
08:53 AM ET (US) IP: 204.29.186.19
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The car ad is delightful. I watched it several times. Mario's voice is so ageless . I think that his voice was so big and magnificent after all of the coroners that people just fell in love with him. Even today, Mario Lanza is a force to be reckoned with but will never be topped by newcomers. Mario had it all! He lived and sang during a time that will never be replicated.
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Threetime Fiat owner
07-06-2017
07:33 AM ET (US) IP: 173.3.13.19
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What a wonderful year 2017 is for Mario's legacy and you are such a major part of it, Derek. This ad makes me want to have the new car we are thinking of getting another Fiat. I had what they called a "Topolino" followed by a red convertible! Much younger guy then. My wife Dima and I have always thought Milan would be a beautiful start of a return trip to Italy and Mario's voice is certainly enticing. Grazie Mario...Grazie Fiat.
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Wendy Stilwell - UK
07-06-2017
02:37 AM ET (US) IP: 109.153.81.149
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I hope the ad will be seen in the UK. The Great Caruso is once again on BBC2 TV here in the UK, next Sunday at 13.15. I do wish they would show one or two others occasionally!
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Audrea
07-05-2017
10:06 PM ET (US) IP: 192.186.134.53
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Fred Day
07-05-2017
09:41 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Nice Fiat commercial. It is very appropriate that Lanza's singing of Come Prima was used. It fits like a glove - well done. Ciao.
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Gladys
07-05-2017
09:32 PM ET (US) IP: 104.144.241.126
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I benefit from looking through your internet site.
Kudos!
My weblog; match.com
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Derek Mannering
07-05-2017
07:46 PM ET (US) IP: 69.209.224.36
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It's clear that this is already shaping up to be the year of Lanza! 2017 started with the launch of a superb new Lanza documentary from Screenbound Pictures, a double-CD tie-in from Sony containing previously unreleased material (a collection already well into its second print run), and a marvelous CD tribute to Mario from a young Australian singer, Mark Vincent (who will be on tour in the U.K. in December with Katherine Jenkins). Now comes a world class commercial from Fiat in Milan, "See You In The Future," celebrating 60 years of the Fiat 500 car; a commercial, let it be said, with a very romantic ballad on the soundtrack. Ellisa gave her permission last month for the recording to be used and I know she'll be thrilled when she sees this:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bysyxNUTmOk
The short film, a time travel fantasy, features Oscar-winning actor Adrian Brody along with the lovely Italian actress (if I can still use that term) Anna Manuelli. It's stunningly filmed and the city of Milan looks so gorgeous that I wanted to book a flight there this week. And need I add that Lanza's glorious voice adds the perfect romantic and timeless touch to a beautiful production?
The commercial is presented in 2 minute and 4 minute versions and my thanks to Steff Walzinger for sharing this link to the extended take!
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Joe to Bill Ronayne
07-05-2017
04:55 PM ET (US) IP: 71.225.163.141
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Bill, I left a message at the Museum on something you may be interested in. Check it out and let me know, OK?....Joe
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Ed
07-05-2017
03:46 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.150.226
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Suzanne, hope you dry out soon, we felt wet months after Sandy. Got good news from my cardio, all signs look good, echo in two weeks, just procedure.
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Suzanne
07-05-2017
02:55 PM ET (US) IP: 74.79.51.67
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Good to hear there's a Paul Robeson museum in Philadelphia as well. Wonder about any others not mentioned.Just imagine Mario singing Battle Hymn with that voice!Sorry he didn't.. In spite of the disastrous flooding here over the weekend and some whose homes were not habitable, July 4th went on as usual, with Parades and Fireworks.Waiting for FEMA to step up and help.More rain predicted for the weekend. Holding our breath.
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Deleted by topic administrator 07-05-2017 02:25 PM
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Diane Cox
07-04-2017
08:18 PM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.66
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Happy Fourth to all!
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Fred Day
07-03-2017
10:34 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Lanza never recorded Battle Hymn of the Republic. Maybe he sang it while in the army, at some point, who knows?? Leonard Warren made a fine record of it. Ciao.
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Dennis
07-03-2017
05:47 PM ET (US) IP: 73.170.201.215
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Sad to say that unlike the previous troll with the beautiful name, our latest troll is the French form of Dennis which is Denis. He compliments us on the visual appeal of our site!! Interesting...provocative at times...friendly...Lanza-focussed...educational...but hardly beautiful!
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Kristine
07-03-2017
04:30 PM ET (US) IP: 173.169.36.195
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Suzanne, I hope everybody will be allright in Utica, N.Y. area, where I'm from, originally. I didn't know there was a Paul Robeson Museum in Philly. I know he had a controversial political life. Again, Happy 4th of July !
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Diane Cox
07-03-2017
04:25 PM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.66
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Len: Paul Robeson House:
4951 Walnut St, Philadelphia, PA 19139
Phone: (215) 474-1378
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Len (UK)
07-03-2017
03:32 PM ET (US) IP: 86.169.160.60
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 I have been studying the sheet music for ‘Song of India’ and wondering if I have the chutzpah to sing it at our next village choir concert. There are various versions on YouTube. There is Jussi Bjorling with the original lyrics from Rimsky-Korsakof’s 1896 opera Sadko where it is ‘The Song of the Indian Guest’. Then there are various renditions of Tommy Dorsey’s 1937 reworking of the melody into a swing tune. Mario sings it with Johnny Mercer’s clever lyrics. There are several comments on YouTube that Mario got the lyric slightly wrong. He sings “a lonely plane flies off to meet the dawn”. Opinion seems to be that it should be a ‘lonely crane’ which admittedly makes more sense. However, the score (see above) definitely says ‘plane’. Mercer’s lyrics paint an image of India that I don’t recognise having been there twice for the UN in the 1990s! Edited 07-03-2017 03:32 PM
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Len (UK)
07-03-2017
03:30 PM ET (US) IP: 86.169.160.60
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Is there still a Paul Robeson museum in Philadelphia?
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SUZANNE
07-03-2017
02:35 PM ET (US) IP: 74.79.51.67
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We are recovering from a flood on Saturday. Made the national news, not in a good way. The firefighters , wonderful guys that they are had hundreds of basements to pump out. What would we do without them?They worked late into the night, helping. 17 homes were lost entirely, others had terrible damage when creeks overflowed. The Red Cross and other orgs. still helping people to get on their feet. Yesterday, our newspaper had an article about there being no Music Museum in Philadelphia. Of course they were referring to Pop music. Surprisingly, the ymentioned two "mini museums" for "Opera singers" Mario Lanza and Marian Anderson. Well, at least it was a mention.
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Deleted by topic administrator 07-03-2017 06:32 PM
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Vincent Ricciardi
07-03-2017
08:10 AM ET (US) IP: 24.190.100.146
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Ed, Fred, & Joe, Thank you for the kind words. Joe, I've had a CD out for the last few years. If you are tech savvy you can purchase through Amazon or iTunes as A digital copy. If you'd like a CD you can email me directly at eandventertainment@gmail.com and I can sign one and send it to you. The CDs are $20 + shipping. I believe the digital copies are $8.99. http://www.eandventertainment.com/store/My hope is to start working on a joint duo Christmas Album for release next year with my wife. We've been touring the Northeast as a duo for a number of years now and people really seem to love what we do. Edited 07-03-2017 08:14 AM
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Kristine
07-03-2017
06:30 AM ET (US) IP: 173.169.36.195
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David, thanks for reply and am sorry he took his life. Did he write that song,especially, for Mario Lanza ? Did Mario Lanza ever record "The Battle Hymn Of The Republic" ? Happy 4th of July !
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Fred Day
07-03-2017
03:00 AM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Vincent: Yes, I agree, a beautiful rendition of America The Beautiful. You may be the only tenor to have recorded it in the tenor key. I don't recall any other tenor having recorded it. We can't count Lanza on that song, because he sang only one brief phrase and forgot the lyrics. Leonard Warren recorded a fine baritone rendition. I don't know if Frank Tenaglia has ever sung it. Maybe Richard Crooks, at some point, I don't know. You sang it superbly. Ciao.
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Joe
07-03-2017
12:35 AM ET (US) IP: 71.225.163.141
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Vincent, a very beautiful and moving version of America. Do you have a CD out yet? (You should,if not).....Joe
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David Weaver
07-02-2017
10:56 PM ET (US) IP: 98.31.1.186
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Kristine, yes, the same Bob Merrill, who at the time he wrote that song was mostly known for novelty tunes such as "Mambo Italiano," "If I Knew You Were Comin' (I'd Have Baked a Cake)," "How Much is that Doggie in the Window," and a bunch of hits for Guy Mitchell such as "My Truly, Truly Fair" and "Sparrow in the Tree Top." Interestingly, he was born in 1921 - same year as Lanza - and although his birthplace was Atlantic City, NJ, he was raised in Philadelphia, PA. Depressed over suffering from several ailments, Merrill shot himself to death at age 76 in 1998. Edited 07-02-2017 10:57 PM
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Kristine
07-02-2017
03:35 PM ET (US) IP: 173.169.36.195
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Happy 4th of July ! I was reading the new CD Best of Everything-Mario Lanza and saw Bob Merrill(not the opera singer)name as composer of "If You Were Mine". Is that the same Bob Merrill, who wrote songs for Broadway Musical "Carnival" which starred Anna Maria Alberghetti in 1960 ? "Carnival" was a re-make of the movie "Lili" starring Leslie Caron.
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Ed
07-01-2017
07:00 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.150.226
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Vincent, as always very fine performance, and yes it is the best in the world.
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Vincent Ricciardi
07-01-2017
03:42 PM ET (US) IP: 107.77.223.195
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I wanted to wish all of my American friends here a Happy Independence Day!
https://youtu.be/N9vChKmt6d0
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Kristine
06-30-2017
03:07 PM ET (US) IP: 173.169.36.195
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Ed, great news and get well wishes. I had stayed in touch with Terry Robinson and his wife, Silvia , until they passed away. After Terry passed away, Silvia called me, on the phone, told me that Terry had taken Art Classes with James Cagney. Since this is 4th of July weekend, I thought of "Yankee Doodle Dandy" starring James Cagney, in his Oscar winning role. Silvia told me, Terry wasn't fond of Humphrey Bogart, though. I remember , in David Niven's autobiography, "Bring On The Empty Horses" or his other book, "The Moon's A Balloon", he wrote that he showed "The Toast Of New Orleans" script to Bogie and that , Bogie wasn't impressed with it. Happy 4th of July weekend !
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Ed
06-30-2017
02:52 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.150.226
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Phil, I have that its from BYM he sings it from the guard house.
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phil uk
06-30-2017
10:08 AM ET (US) IP: 85.12.76.63
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yes Ed l knew about these & they are fine,check out the SOLO Sconto col sangue mio Trovatore for a short thrill! Wonder if there are any Otello rehearsal tapes from Serenade around or did Mario,Boh & Albanese just do a single tape ,that would be unusual for singers to do that.
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Ed to Phil and Suzzane
06-30-2017
08:45 AM ET (US) IP: 24.164.150.226
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I just stumbled onto to other rehearsals, Che Gelida Manina and A Vuchella, check these out. I wish they checked the sound playback on the recordings, and why werr none of his concerts other than England taped, we missed oupt.
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phil uk
06-30-2017
07:51 AM ET (US) IP: 85.12.76.63
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to Suzanne.You asked a thought provoking question.What was Mario thinking when he sang that Lamento because of the performance he gives,clearly he was very focused on the words & the context of this aria but perhaps he was trying to give a interpretation above all others WHICH HE DID,or perhaps he just heard another famous tenor like Del Monaco or Corelli sing this & thought i can do better.l believe something inspired him to give such a rendition.
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SUZANNE
06-29-2017
02:42 PM ET (US) IP: 74.79.51.67
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Jonathan and Charlotte have great voices. Another Susan Boyle story.Ed. getting back, wonderful to hear.
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Gail Swartz
06-29-2017
11:44 AM ET (US) IP: 204.29.186.17
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Ed, you are so right! Mario Lanza's God-given voice and talents are blessings that never will be diminished . His recordings and films became his legacy and we inherited his memories to pass on to those we leave behind us. Some of the songs he recorded have never been heard by the young adults and youth of the 21st century!
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Ed to Gail
06-29-2017
10:13 AM ET (US) IP: 24.164.150.226
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Gail, we always come home to Mario, his voice is and was unequaled to many. There's a magical sense of greatness when your ears hear the voice, I've often said the The Magic Mario will dig into your heart and soul.
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Wendy Stilwell - UK
06-29-2017
03:19 AM ET (US) IP: 109.154.221.31
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Gail - Jonathan Antoine has come on leaps and bounds since going solo. He and Charlotte Jaconelli came second in Britain's Got Talent a few years back, but have since gone their separate ways. He is consistently in the classical chart here in the UK, and is shortly appearing about 50 miles away from where I live, backed by the Royal Philarmonic Orchestra
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Gail Swartz
06-28-2017
09:11 PM ET (US) IP: 204.29.186.59
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Great news,Ed. I love to read your posts about Mario. As we revere Mario for his talent on so many avenues, on the horizons is a young English tenor, who with training and experience will bring the love of good music to the peoples of earth.Who, you ask. I refer you to Jonathan Antoine. I still prefer to hear Mario sing in his magnificent range and tones. I can listen to JA, but then it is back to Mario!
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Ed to Suzanne
06-28-2017
06:19 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.150.226
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Suzanne, thanks for my kudos, it's just how I have felt for Mario the last fifty years. When I spent the whole month of February in the hospital I had him with me on my phone. The world was blessed when he was born so sad that he who gave so much was taunted by the demons that haunted him.
On a different note I visited my pulmonary doc who gave me great news, my results from a big lung exam came back clear and I may stop the Eliqus as soon as tomorrow.
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SUZANNE
06-28-2017
01:26 PM ET (US) IP: 74.79.51.67
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Can't say it better than you and Ed, Phil.Except that it's miraculous. I'm sure Sepia or whoever, will see the potential for this and make the effort.Wish I could decipher what they're saying as well. Had to wonder what Mario was feeling at the time. I ,too am so glad to have loved and appreciated the voice of Mario Lanza. Sympathy to those who haven't. They're missing so much joy.
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phil uk
06-28-2017
12:14 PM ET (US) IP: 85.12.76.63
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Ed,let me state again & as you have said this Lamento is a gem above gems & deserves to go to commercial cd for prosperity.Regarding sound quality yes its a bit rough,SO WHAT this is a vintage/historic rare recording & one takes it as is! Some items need tweaking sonically but this one & the Improviso are ok as they are i believe.Mario surpassed himself on this Cilea item when i first heard it i thought !!!! me how can anyone sing like this ,super sensitive one moment then the emotive power not exhibited by ANY other tenor & there have been some good ones.Lets hope someone is listening to us & puts this stunning rendition onto cd.
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Ed to Phil
06-28-2017
09:44 AM ET (US) IP: 24.164.150.226
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Phil, referring to your comment about how the sound quality is on these recordings we should think about how most early recordings Caruso made and under what primitive processes they used.
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phil uk
06-28-2017
06:05 AM ET (US) IP: 85.12.76.63
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To ALL who view this WONDERFUL web site by Jeff,i urge you ALL to listen again to this Lamento rehearsal & understand what motivated Mario to sing in this( cant find the words to express this) style.L honestly believe & i dont want get spiritual here but we all should know his voice & talent was special.very very special so much so that i think something touched his vocal chords very early! just to say "i am here & can make the tenor voice above all tenor voices"Perhaps you may think its crazy but this rendition of Cilea s Lament is OUT OF THIS WORLD period! NO ONE can sing like it nor ever will thats the thing.I thank the Boss upstairs that i have been honoured to have heard THE GREAT GREAT LANZA.
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phil uk
06-28-2017
05:30 AM ET (US) IP: 85.12.76.63
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Ed,yes that Lamento is a stunner & i concur it should be on commercial cd for a lot of Mario s admirers dont know its there.And yes this rendition is ALMOST superhuman in its intensity.I also agree about the sound quality we must not piss about with these vintage recordings as this can detract from original.Stay well.Over to you Sepia!
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Ed to Phil and Suzanne
06-27-2017
05:29 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.150.226
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Yes "awesome" exactly! I think the raw Mario seems almost cosmic, the strength behind the voice is beyond the common tenor and can thrill you and again sing soft make you almost cry with joy. This Lamento should be kept on cd for it shows what Mario could do in his calm environment, take for instance the home recording of Un Di it's explosive and you just shake your head and "how" when you hear it, sadly the noise covers some of him singing but I'll take that anyday.
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phil uk
06-27-2017
12:10 PM ET (US) IP: 85.12.76.63
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Hi Suzanne well its up to the Sepia guys what they deem worthy to put on any forthcoming release however i hope they consider the Lamento rehearsal as i have stated Mario almost breaks down with the emotions here,along with the Chenier this is the best of RAW Mario so to speak.
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SUZANNE
06-27-2017
11:06 AM ET (US) IP: 74.79.51.67
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Yes. Ed.Golden Days always a great favorite. The wonder of his voice never fades,does it? Kristine, if you've ever read anything about Glenn Ford, you'd think that Debbie Reynolds escaped another bad marriage. Not a very nice man. Hedda Hopper and Louella Parsons had far too much influence. Never happen today. Phil, keep advocating for a CD of rehearsals.They're without comparison. Kris, the only theater left in the Utica area is the Stanley where Mario appeared in Feb.1951. Being refurbished all the time and off-Broadway productions a favorite there. Few films shown.Heard that Judy Garland's remains were just brought back by her family to be interred in Hollywood Forever Cemetery.
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phil uk
06-27-2017
05:49 AM ET (US) IP: 85.12.76.63
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to Ed & Suzanne, pleased you appreciated that AWESOME Lamento its his best rendition,its more sensitive yet so explosive he almost breaks down with emotion & that last note,a high B i think just blows away the opposition.Now its over to Derek McGovern & associates to put this gem(despite its quality)onto cd for the public to be blown away.
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Gail Swartz
06-27-2017
12:36 AM ET (US) IP: 204.29.186.9
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Are you familiar with Mario and Robert Weede duet of Golden Days? The Celenese Hour recordings are wonderful...without Rosati, Mario was still marvelous. I listened to a compilation called The Ultimate Collection on my Kindle...very emotional experience.
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Ed to Suzanne
06-26-2017
07:43 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.150.226
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Wonder Why was always a favorite of mine, just started back with Golden Day and I Love Thee.
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Ed
06-26-2017
06:47 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.150.226
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Phil, I heard it OMG, my friend Nick from Belgium uploaded that.
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Kristine
06-26-2017
04:22 PM ET (US) IP: 173.169.36.195
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The Library of Congress's Packard Theater will show "The Gazebo"(1960)starring Glenn Ford and Debbie Reynolds. Back in 1960(I was 10), my late parents and I went to see "The Gazebo" at New Hartford Drive-In Theater, New Hartford, N.Y.(near my hometown, Utica). The reason why, we saw "The Gazebo" was the second feature was "For The First Time"-Mario Lanza. That was the first Lanza movie, I would see. The New Hartford Drive-In Theater closed a few years ago. Terry Robinson knew both Glenn Ford and Debbie Reynolds. Debbie would write, in her first autobiography, that Hedda Hopper had suggested why didn't she date Glenn Ford, maybe marry him.
?At that time, he and Eleanor Powell had just divorced. Debbie and Glenn also made another movie, together, "It Started With A Kiss" (1959). I hope The Library of Congress would show a Mario Lanza movie, sometime.
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SUZANNE
06-26-2017
02:32 PM ET (US) IP: 74.79.51.67
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Listening to more "Lamento", then the song "Wonder why". Have to stop now or my heart will explode . He's always even more divine than I remember. So much music out there that I know I will never live long enough to hear.Even photos not seen before. Spectacular Mario. One of the wonders of the world. Have to look for "Wonder Why"on my many recordings..
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SUZANNE
06-26-2017
01:38 PM ET (US) IP: 74.79.51.67
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Gobsmacked I am! More intense than the film version.I have a Seraphim recording of Gigli. "The Art of Beniamino Gigli" He was a favorite of Mario, I read. I wonder how many more rehearsal recordings there are that we haven't yet heard.Wonderful idea Phil, to include them in a future CD. Ed. glad you're getting better..
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Diane Cox
06-26-2017
11:18 AM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.66
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Anna Netrebko and her husband Yusaf duet
https://www.facebook.com/operaplanet/videos/252195971798512/
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phil uk
06-26-2017
11:00 AM ET (US) IP: 85.12.76.63
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Ed.On youtube,look for Lamento Di Frederico rehearsal ok & prepared to be Gobsmacked!
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Ed
06-26-2017
10:39 AM ET (US) IP: 24.164.150.226
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Phil, where can I find that Lamento?
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phil uk
06-26-2017
06:54 AM ET (US) IP: 85.12.76.63
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AGAIN i humbly request if your listening Derek Mc Govern that IF possible you might include this Lamento Di Frederico rehearsal item on a future cd from Sepia,the musical public need to hear this awesome outpouring of operatic emotion unequalled by ANY tenor! I know its not in the best of sound but this is now a historic & rare item.Thanks.
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Ed to Phil
06-25-2017
09:20 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.150.226
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I think Lanza's Lamento is the very best I have heard in fifty years, yes he was The Great Lanza.
BTW,I'm feeling great and doing well and ahead of schedule on progress. Getting my weight back and almost back about ten pounds short, thank you for asking.
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Gail Swartz
06-25-2017
02:42 PM ET (US) IP: 204.29.186.15
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Phil, if you listen closely to Mario sing the Federico, you will hear the audience applaud one of the recordings was in Canada, one in California, one at home, and one in London. I have read that Mario 's singing was the definitive one for all others to aspire to. When viewing Serenade I am impressed by Mario's interpretation of the operatic selections.
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phil uk
06-25-2017
06:28 AM ET (US) IP: 85.12.76.63
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ONCE AGAIN i have listened to that Lamento Di Frederico rehearsal item on youtube & to my ears this is what separates Mario from the rest,this live singing is frightening that a person can evoke this intensity of performance so rarely heard today.Mario seemed to take a pleasure in blowing away his opposition with a rendition like this & he did it in bucket fulls.Mario you were THE GREAT LANZA!
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phil uk
06-25-2017
05:21 AM ET (US) IP: 85.12.76.63
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Ed.pleased you liked the Gigli Otello.What a pity Mario did not record more of this opera when filming Serenade,the love duet with Albanese would have been wonderful.We can only dream.Hope you are better healthwise.
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Gail Swartz
06-24-2017
11:36 PM ET (US) IP: 204.29.186.63
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I found and bought one Gigli recording and have listened to him on YT...he was a true lyric tenor..but I can visualize Rosati hearing Mario for the first time in the studio. Mario was not limited to just lyric tenor...his voice range was within the baritone and all the was past many lyric tenors..Mario always gave a bit of himself when he sang and he looked like he meant every word.
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Ed to Dennis
06-24-2017
11:27 AM ET (US) IP: 24.164.150.226
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I'm glad you agree about Gigli, I will admit to you that I never bought a Gigli record because I was locked in by Lanza and Caruso and will now try and find some by Gigli. Last night I searched Gigli on YT and came across his studio recording of Nessun Dorma and was blown away, I suggest you try it. He may have recorded with electrica
device, yes he may have become the new Caruso. Best Ed
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Dennis
06-23-2017
10:10 PM ET (US) IP: 73.170.201.215
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Webmaster: I think the trolls have returned, but with such a beautiful name: eusebia, which means inner piety, spiritual maturity, godliness. What an inappropriate name.
Ed, I listened to that same selection by Gigli and was also struck by it. I remember reading that Gigli was considered "the new Caruso" by many, back in the day.
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Diane Cox
06-23-2017
04:30 PM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.66
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Gail, born in 1939, named after the popular song, "My Diane". Which Mario has recorded beautifully. Will never forget when I heard him sing it on the radio. I was about 13.
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Ed to Phil
06-23-2017
01:54 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.150.226
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Just listened to BG do Dio Mi Potevi it was excellent I'd never heard his before.
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Eusebia
06-23-2017
12:42 PM ET (US) IP: 104.247.144.59
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Hey there, excellent site you've gotten right now.
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phil uk
06-23-2017
08:27 AM ET (US) IP: 85.12.76.63
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the newspapers here called Kaufmans Otello a whimp!another stated that he wasnt in the DelMonaco,Domingo class!Great tenors have always been rare its the same today.I urge you Otello converts to listen to Gigli singing Dio Mi Potevi on Youtube i feel its a classic rendition.No doubt Kaufman will record this operatic masterpiece but i shall not shed my pounds on that only perhaps another Sepia Lanza release!By the way the critics gave much praise to Antonio Pappanos conducting & the sound of the Covent Garden orchestra.
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Gail Swartz
06-23-2017
08:19 AM ET (US) IP: 204.29.186.8
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Thanks, Diane. Did you know that your name means "perfect"? Mario was proud of his high C and could get even higher if needed, and it was full and musical not pinched like a balloon being stretched. Caruso had limited capability for his high notes. We can be grateful that Mario tested and trained his voice at the right time and that he did not yield to peer pressure and not sing opera.
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Diane Cox
06-23-2017
05:21 AM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.66
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The review I read was by Zachary Woolfe of the NYtimes
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Diane Cox
06-23-2017
05:19 AM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.66
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Phil, the review I read earlier tonight was very good. Wish I'd copied down who wrote it and for what publication. Now I'm not that big a fan of Kaufman's voice, but he did very well in the Werther that I saw last year. We don't have any tenors that I consider great at this time. Looks like in the whole world, there would be one.
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phil uk
06-23-2017
04:26 AM ET (US) IP: 85.12.76.63
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just seen the morning papers here & all agreed Kaufmans Otello was a let down,he does not have that type of voice which that role requires.Del monaco still rules this opera,listen to his performance from the Met with Warren & Del Angeles its his best i feel though Domingo under the great Carlos Kleiber at La Scala comes close.
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phil uk
06-23-2017
04:05 AM ET (US) IP: 85.12.76.63
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Gail,Mario will ALWAYS be THE ONE,he was a very special singer & i conclude none will surpass his talent.
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Diane Cox
06-23-2017
12:58 AM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.66
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This clip is from last year, but gives you an idea of his voice and performance:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JpvmCetrbp4
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Diane Cox
06-23-2017
12:49 AM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.66
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Gail, Kaufman doesn't have a tenor voice that fits Mis Amis, with it's five high C's. He's more the full voiced with beautiful sound kind of tenor, Bel canto, well suited to Otello. Juan Flores does Mis Amis frequently. Will check utube and see if there are any posts of the Otello.
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Gail Swartz
06-23-2017
12:11 AM ET (US) IP: 204.29.186.8
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Good news! Kaufman has a well-trained tenor voice. Did he sing the operatic piece that had 5 high Cs Maybe that I viewed on youtube? Maybe they recorded his performance for his fans to cherish. Sure am glad that at least we have one of Mario's concerts on audio with photos and some of the concert-goers' impressions. Watched BYM today..the tropical rains kept me inside..loved to see Mario in that blue serge suit and hearing him sing Granada !
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Diane Cox
06-22-2017
11:22 PM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.66
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Wed, Jonas Kaufman debuted at Royal Albert Hall in Otello and received great reviews.
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Suzanne
06-22-2017
01:16 PM ET (US) IP: 74.79.51.67
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Actually not, Phil. Always amazing to hear of young tenors still being inspired by our Mario.But, as Gail said, there will never be anyone to match Mario in our memories. Guess we can't even imagine it.
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Gail Swartz
06-22-2017
12:11 PM ET (US) IP: 204.29.186.67
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Phil, I not blase' about the young tenors that have found the wonderful golden voice of Mario Lanza. In fact, I am thrilled that they want to sing the operatic music and other great songs. Maybe one or more will keep on inspiring others for years to come. For us, there will never be anyone who can match Mario in our memories.
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phil uk
06-22-2017
10:39 AM ET (US) IP: 85.12.76.63
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wow are we getting blase about Mario & his influence on new young tenors!My recent message re a contestant in Cardiff Singer Of The World contest got no response.We should ALL be happy that in 2017 up & coming singers are still being inspired by Mario or are we all so laid back on this musical marvel that we dont care!
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David Weaver
06-21-2017
11:31 AM ET (US) IP: 156.63.68.200
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Doug, Henry Blanke was involved in both "Sincerely Yours" and "Serenade" - as the producer. So he was indeed working with both Liberace and Lanza at about the same time. Gordon Douglas directed "Sincerely Yours." Edited 06-21-2017 11:32 AM
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Suzanne
06-21-2017
11:05 AM ET (US) IP: 74.79.51.67
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Sorry for the loss of Lanza Legend , but saw it coming. Few posters. Dennis, sure you're right, but not something any of us wants to think about. Hope we can carry on for some time to come. Bill, thank you!Hope all Dads here had a wonderful Fathers Day.
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Doug
06-21-2017
10:19 AM ET (US) IP: 71.3.108.233
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Must correct a mistake in my previous post. Henry Blanke was directing "Sincerely Yours", not "Serenade" which was directed by Anthony Mann.
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phil uk
06-19-2017
05:33 AM ET (US) IP: 85.12.76.63
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well another up & coming tenor was inspired by Mario ln TGC.A fine tenor of oriental birth was a finalist in Cardiff Singer Of The World yesterday & in an interview he mentioned that it was Mario who inspired him.What a legacy Mario left for these new aspiring tenors.He didnt win but sang very well.
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Kristine
06-18-2017
06:09 AM ET (US) IP: 173.169.36.195
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I hadn't seen "Sincerely, Yours", in awhile, I noticed that Guy Williams played Lurene Tuttle's son-in-law, in the movie. He later played Don Diego De La Vega, a/k/a Zorro for Walt Disney. His real name was Armando Catalano and was an excellent swordsman. He also played a Cartwright family member on "Bonanza", replacing Pernell Roberts, for awhile. Then he(Roberts) returned to "Bonanza", would later leave it, permanently. Guy Williams later appeared on "Lost In Space". By the way, Pernell Roberts had a singing voice.
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Fred Day
06-17-2017
04:47 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Actually, Liberace appeared in several films in cameo roles or small parts. His first film was South Sea Sinner (1950) starring MacDonald Carey and Shelly Winters. Liberace was 14th billed in a small role. In his last film he had a small role as a casket salesman. His only starring role was in Sincerely Yours (1955), which was a big flop at the box office, but I enjoyed that film. His main medium was television, in which he was a huge success, and also he made many records. Gone, but not forgotten. Mister Showmanship indeed. For a listing of his films, go to Wikipedia, type in Liberace, and scroll down to "films". Ciao.
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Kristine
06-17-2017
01:25 PM ET (US) IP: 173.169.36.195
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I heard that story about Mario Lanza impersonating Liberace. I also saw a photo of Liberace with Elvis Presley. Liberace is even mentioned in the song "Mr. Sandman". As a child, I watched his t.v. show. "Sincerely, Yours", as we know, would be his only film. In 1966, he did appear , as himself, in a specialty act, in movie "Looking For Love" starring Connie Francis. He sang "Aruba Liberace". He also played himself on an episode of "Here's Lucy".
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Doug
06-17-2017
10:54 AM ET (US) IP: 71.3.108.233
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"Sincerely Yours" and "Serenade" were filmed at Warner Brothers at about the same time. James Bacon tells of being with Mario when he phoned the director (of Serenade) Henry Blanke, and with a PERFECT imitation of Liberace's voice berated him, called him all sorts of dreadful names and threatened to walk away from the movie if several outrageous demands weren't met. Blanke was pretty shook up but Liberace appeared the next day all smiles and sweetness not knowing what had happened. Mario & Blanke had a good laugh when all was revealed but poor Liberace didn't appreciate the humor. Earlier Mario had done the same thing to columnist Sheilah Graham imitating George Sanders' voice. Edited 06-17-2017 10:58 AM
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Kristine
06-17-2017
06:21 AM ET (US) IP: 173.169.36.195
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The scene , in "Sincerely, Yours", where Mario Lanza is mentioned, is when pianist Anthony Warrin(Liberace)and his lady friend(played by Dorothy Malone)are in a restaurant. He doesn't have cash to pay for the meal. He asks the waiter, if he will accept a check ? The waiter says no. Warrin then tells him "But I'm Anthony Warrin". The waiter answers(in broken Italian dialect) " And I'm a Mario Lanza ". Well, Warrin's lady friend(Dorothy Malone)pays the cash for the meal.
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Dennis
06-17-2017
03:55 AM ET (US) IP: 73.170.201.215
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Gail, I think it is too late to save Lanza Legend. Most of the information on the website is years old, most of the links do not work well if at all, and the link to the Lanza Legend forum has now been disabled. The site had a good long run and contributed some unique perspectives when Damon Lanza, R.I.P. and Bob Dolfi, R.I.P. were contributing, along with Lindsay Perigo. But it just ran out of steam and any day I suspect the home page will be dissolved as well. Although Mario will constantly be discovered by younger folks who then become fans, especially when they discover the wealth of recordings, videos and movies left behind, we older fans are showing our age as well and passing from this world. Most of the contributors to this forum are already into retirement age and few are replacing us. We, and our enthusiasm, will be gone, but the glorious voice will live on.
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Gail Swartz
06-16-2017
05:20 PM ET (US) IP: 204.29.186.49
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Bill, can't you do something about the Lanza legend info that will lost to the new fans of Mario that are just beginning to "find" him? Hope my membership is up to date so that the newsletter comes to me.
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Gail Swartz
06-16-2017
05:16 PM ET (US) IP: 204.29.186.20
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Where is the lanzalegend going? Isn't it going to be there for fans anymore?
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Gail Swartz
06-16-2017
05:13 PM ET (US) IP: 204.29.186.64
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Had to watch the Liberace movie again to find the Mario reference....it was the huge breakfast cited by the manager, yes? If the reference was in beginning of the film, then I could not view it...the dvr did not pick up the film at the first. I would have loved hearing all of Mario's mimics...He could be so entertaining on so many levels.If I met him today I would be in tears and awe..bet he would have looked like the grandfather we see in the family photos.
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Bill Ronayne
06-16-2017
04:50 PM ET (US) IP: 68.192.191.64
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The July issue of "The Legacy of Mario Lanza' has just been published. It features coverage of the Mario Lanza Museum benefit luncheon, the recent MLSNY Annual Dinner, reviews of the new CD and DVD release, many photos and a variety of articles including one on the various recordings that Lanza made of "Mattinata." For those wishing to subscribe, contact wjronayne@optonline.net for the details.
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Kristine
06-16-2017
03:37 PM ET (US) IP: 173.169.36.195
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I remember that Marlene was going to discontinue it, then kept it active for a little while longer. Best wishes to Marlene and staff. Happy Father's Day weekend !
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Diane Cox
06-16-2017
03:37 PM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.66
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Ed, Tosca is my very favorite.
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Ed
06-16-2017
03:19 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.150.226
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I'm going to miss the Lanza Legend, although my participation for some time was limited, it was there that I made many friends and learned many things about Mario. I got a few chances to speak with Damon with friendly chat and about our families. Speaking of Liberace, I caught part of Sincerely Yours in which he played a deaf pianist. Martino, I'm enjoying Tosca, many thanks. Edited 06-16-2017 03:21 PM
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David Weaver
06-16-2017
12:21 PM ET (US) IP: 156.63.68.245
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In 1982, when Liberace appeared at the Oscars to play the themes from the films that were nominated for Best Original Score, he joked with the audience, "I did my part for movies years ago - I stopped making them." And yes, Kristine, the Lanza Legend forum is no more. Marlene signed off with Mario's signature closing, "May I wish you the best of everything in life always" on May 31. The rest of the Lanza Legend site remains online, but the content has not been updated in a long time. Edited 06-16-2017 12:24 PM
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Kristine
06-16-2017
07:42 AM ET (US) IP: 173.169.36.195
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Adam West, RIP. Did The Lanza Legend.com discontinue their website group ? I haven't been able to connect to them . "Sincerely , Yours" with Liberace is on this morning on TCM, as part of "Gay Hollywood" showing movies of actors, actresses, movie musical choreographers, directors, who were that orientation. There is a reference to Mario Lanza , in the movie. "Sincerely, Yours" was a re-make of an old George Arliss movie "The Man Who Played God". In the re-make, Liberace played a concert pianist, Anthony Warren, who loses his hearing. He does charitable acts and at the end, his hearing is restored. Dorothy Malone played his love interest, until he becomes deaf, she leaves him. But Joanne Dru, who loves him, sticks with him, and he'll end up with her. The movie was not a hit at the box office, at that time.
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phil uk
06-16-2017
07:09 AM ET (US) IP: 85.12.76.63
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this month Jonas Kaufmann will sing Otello at Covent Garden in a new production under the baton of Sir Antonio Pappano.I am hoping this will be broadcast so we can hear this exciting collaboration.We can only wonder what Mario would have done with this great work by Verdi,looking at the monologue from Serenade i can only conclude something awesome.I humbly assert that the two best ever monologues are in movies! Marios-Serenade & Gigli in Mama,both are superb renditions.
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Kristine
06-14-2017
06:28 AM ET (US) IP: 173.169.36.195
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Correction: congratulations.
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Kristine
06-14-2017
06:27 AM ET (US) IP: 173.169.36.195
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Ed, congratualtions and best wishes to the bride and groom ! There is a movie theater , in Los Angeles, that shows old movies. "Easter Parade"(which will be hosted by film historian-critic, Leonard Maltin)and "Wings"(Buddy Rogers, Clara Bow, Richard Arlen)will be shown, there. I wonder if a Mario Lanza movie would ever be shown, there ? A few years ago, a movie theater, in San Francisco, showed a Deanna Durbin movie.
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Kristine
06-13-2017
06:00 AM ET (US) IP: 173.169.36.195
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Happy Birthday, Vic Damone !
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Fred Day
06-12-2017
04:16 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Happy Birthday to Vic Damone, and many more. He turns 89 today. God bless him. Ciao.
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Suzanne
06-12-2017
02:04 PM ET (US) IP: 74.79.51.67
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Beautiful photo Ed.What a nice couple. Thanks so much. Hope it all went well.
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Ed
06-12-2017
12:32 AM ET (US) IP: 70.192.72.198
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Mr and Mrs. Kevin McManus
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Fred Day
06-11-2017
10:32 AM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Sad to read of the death of Adam West, TV's Batman, at age 88. A fine actor with many credits. Ciao.
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David Weaver
06-09-2017
12:32 PM ET (US) IP: 156.63.68.160
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Ed, your comment about Mario mentioning the Chrysler Show is right - but you've got the wrong telecast. It wasn't the Palladium in November 1957, but the second Shower of Stars show in October 1954 where Mario thanks the audience and talks about all the letters he's received "since the first Chrysler show." Perhaps fact that Mario sang "E lucevan le stele" on both the second SOS and Palladium telecasts threw you off. The Shower of Stars did not air in England, just as Sunday Night at the Palladium did not air in the US.
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Suzanne
06-09-2017
11:02 AM ET (US) IP: 74.79.51.67
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Ed.hoping for a photo if not too much trouble. Have a wonderful weekend. Best to Darleen.
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Fred Day
06-07-2017
04:28 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Ed: Yes, Mario was referring to the 2 Chrysler Shower of Stars TV shows of Sept & Oct, 1954. Ciao.
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Ed to Suzzane
06-07-2017
03:49 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.150.226
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Yes it's beautiful today and the temp will climb through Sunday.The kids are getting married in Upper Darby,Pa at 5 o'clock. It's a small one only about 25 guests. I haven't worn a tux since my sis married in 79. Doing very well just had ultrasound in legs and all clear.
Check your email ok thanks
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Ed to Fred/Martino
06-07-2017
03:43 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.150.226
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I just took out my DVD of Palladium and heard something I never paid attention to. Mario acknowledges the audience, he mentions the Chrysler Shows, were there Chrysler Shows or did me men Coke?
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Suzanne
06-07-2017
12:22 PM ET (US) IP: 74.79.51.67
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Hi Ed. Hear the weather's going to shape up, hope so. I wish Kev and his bride the best of everything (in life always). Where in PA is the wedding? My daughter Julie's husband is from PA. The sun is making a rare appearance today, maybe ending flooded basements for a while. Wishing you and the family a wonderful wedding weekend. Glad you're well for it. Best.
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Ed to Suzanne
06-06-2017
11:37 AM ET (US) IP: 24.164.150.226
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Suzanne, they were all after money and the trusting soul that he was he let things happen and paid the price. It seems he caught on in Europe when he had all those offers coming in and greed set in again but he woke up. The book was great and I enjoyed reading it but the last chapter was sad because I knew how the story would end,reading the final hours was toug
We have horrible weather we are in a rain chilly pattern and I put my heat up some to take the chill out, Thursday to be 70s, my Kevin gets married on Sunday in Pa supposed to be 80, let's see,
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Suzanne
06-06-2017
11:01 AM ET (US) IP: 74.79.51.67
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Ed. Aren't many geniuses eccentric? He certainly made his mark in the few years he was with us. For that voice, I'll overlook anything. Think I read once that Mario remarked on stage about Callinicos. "The man wants my money". So he was the same as the others. Money seems to be what it's all about , after all. Not to say "Costa" didn't care for him. I'm sure he did. Hope you're feeling well, Ed. Think summer's coming? Never stops raining here. Probably get tropical all at once, next week.Always wish I could attend the luncheons, but not to be. Elaine looks great! Bless her for her loyalty.
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Ed
06-04-2017
10:36 AM ET (US) IP: 70.214.70.176
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I finished the book and yes it was a tragedy, although I love Mario he was a bit strange. Sad that he died so young, the offers kept coming on Europe but by that time the Mario of '52 was gone. I never knew Costa to be a hanger on and was upset when Baron took over. Reading of his last day was sad and indeed a tragedy.
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Ed
06-04-2017
08:25 AM ET (US) IP: 24.164.150.226
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Bill, looks like a great time yesterday would have gone if I could, maybe next one.
David, you're welcome.
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Bill Ronayne
06-03-2017
09:21 PM ET (US) IP: 69.122.145.221
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 Today's Mario Lanza Society of NY Annual Dinner was another fine afternoon at Patsy's Restaurant. We had wonderful performances from tenor Jose Heredia and David Maiullo, a large helping of selections from the Mario Lanza Show and Lou Barrella's Name the Tenor with the song Because with a clip from The Great Caruso with Lanza and then portions sung by Peerce, McCormack, Bjorling, Caruso and Corelli. Video clips of Lanza singing at the London Palladium and Elaine Malbin singing Sempre Libera from a TV show were also enjoyed by the group and we additionally had Giulio Gari singing The Lord's Prayer as a slide show was played. Aldo Mancusi was among those that spoke to the group and as always the cuisine at Patsy's was first rate. In the photo are L-R: Aldo Mancusi, David Maiullo, Elaine Malbin, Lou Barrella and Jose Heredia. Edited 06-03-2017 09:23 PM
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RenseWebmaster 06-03-2017
07:58 PM ET (US) IP: 98.31.1.186
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Thanks, Ed, for the heads up.
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Deleted by topic administrator 06-03-2017 07:58 PM
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Ed to Suzanne
06-01-2017
09:00 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.150.226
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Yes he was the the golden goose with no guidance just like Elvis. His mom didn't trust Parker but daddy saw gold and signed away. Weiler came away with a lot of money and Mario had to accept only a small portion of what he stole. His life was tragic but what we have I am grateful
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Suzanne
06-01-2017
10:08 AM ET (US) IP: 74.79.51.67
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Ed. I re-read parts of the book occasionally and some things are disturbing. As for someone investing for him, they were all too busy lining their own pockets. Don't most of us think we have a lot more time to think of saving, til time creeps up on us and it's too late. He was still young and so much was being offered to him for the future, he probably thought there was plenty of time. Kristine, wishful thinking about a stamp or a book. Have to be glad we have what we do..
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Kristine
06-01-2017
06:35 AM ET (US) IP: 173.169.36.195
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Today is Pat Boone's birthday, he turns 83. Happy Birthday ! Terry Robinson knew Pat Boone. Today, also, would have been Nelson Riddle's birthday. He worked with Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald, Linda Ronstadt, Johnny Mathis. Riddle also wrote the theme songs for "The Untouchables" and "Route 66" t.v. shows. Long overdue for Nelson Riddle, Lawrence Welk(who lived in Pacific Palisades and I think met Mario's family), and of course, Mario Lanza to be honored on stamps ! More Life Magazine books on the stand: John F. Kennedy(who would have turned 100 on May 29th), Marilyn Monroe, Elvis, Frank Sinatra, The Beatles. I wonder if they'll publish a magazine book about Mario Lanza ?
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Ed
05-31-2017
03:18 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.150.226
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I'm almost done with my book, I read all of or part of a chapter before bed and might turn back a few pages first,
If this book is true yes it was a tragedy.
One point I'd make now is couldn't someone have taken his money and invested some of it for his future or banked some, all that wasted money is like he was a drunken sailor. He had the ticket but used it wrong, very sad.
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Fred Day
05-30-2017
11:16 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Mike M: The 8 "new to CD" and previously unreleased selections are in better sound quality than what I already had. Therefore, this set is worthwhile to own. The sound quality is excellent thruout. I fully recommend it. Ciao.
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Mike M to Fred
05-30-2017
06:02 PM ET (US) IP: 108.54.177.205
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Just read your very brief review of "The best of Everything" on amazon. Can you tell me why I should buy it, because I am pretty sure I have everything on it. Thank you in advance.
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Suzanne
05-30-2017
01:30 PM ET (US) IP: 74.79.51.67
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Thanks so much to Vincent, Sr. and Vincent Jr. Appreciate it . Just shows again what wonderful people support Mario here.
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Kristine
05-29-2017
05:29 PM ET (US) IP: 173.169.36.195
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Did Mario Lanza visit Lana Turner, in England, when she was filming a movie with Sean Connery(before he was Bond, James Bond)in 1958 ? I can't remember the title of it. I did read, that her then boy friend, Johnny Stompanato was visiting the set and almost or did get into a fist fight with Sean Connery.
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Gail Swartz
05-29-2017
04:28 PM ET (US) IP: 204.29.186.60
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All...go to yt and listen to Mario sing This Land..I know Mario would have returned to USA had he not died so suddenly while in Italy.
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Ed
05-29-2017
03:40 PM ET (US) IP: 70.214.74.82
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To all my fellow veterans out there my best to you, duty, honor, country. God Bless America.
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Suzanne
05-29-2017
01:15 PM ET (US) IP: 74.79.51.67
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Thanks for posting the painting, Vince. Good Job! He captured all those dimples. For all our Vets, always thinking of you with love and respect for all you've done. Never forgotten.
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Edward McManus
05-29-2017
10:21 AM ET (US) IP: 70.214.79.167
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Thanks Fred, wish he'd done it too, so many unsung like Je Crois from PF and Rachel from La Juive.
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Kristine
05-29-2017
07:09 AM ET (US) IP: 173.169.36.195
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Great photo of Bill Earl !
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Kristine
05-29-2017
07:07 AM ET (US) IP: 173.169.36.195
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Vince,Jr., I like the portrait. Yes, I read that Mario wanted Lana Turner to be in "Because You're Mine". But M-G-M told him, she can't sing. She did appear in a movie with Ezio Pinza, "Mr. Imperium". I think a singing voice was dubbed in for her. Was it Fran Warren's voice ? Lana Turner would later write, in her autobiography, it wasn't a pleasant experience, working with Ezio Pinza.
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Fred Day
05-29-2017
12:14 AM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Ed: Unfortunately Lanza never recorded O Lola from Cav Rus. I wish he had. Maybe he might have sung it in the shower. Maybe he rehearsed it with Costa at the piano, at some point. Also wish he had recorded No Pagliaccio Non Son from Pag. Ciao.
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Vince Di Placido Jnr.
05-28-2017
07:51 PM ET (US) IP: 95.44.208.158
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I wanted to post this portrait of Mario that my father painted recently. Not bad for an 82 year old.
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Messages 50574-50573 deleted by author between 05-28-2017 07:50 PM and 05-28-2017 07:47 PM |
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Gail Swartz
05-28-2017
06:46 PM ET (US) IP: 204.29.186.50
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Hoping all of you have a safe holiday. Didn't Mario want Lana Turner for Because Your Mine and didn't he visit her while in England where he fell and bruised his side...maybe she was his favorite actress. Listened to One Alone cd...wow again and again! Someone put Bocelli singing with the Morman Tab choir on my fb...of course, I had to let my peeps be aware that if Mario had not made TGC film a lot of today's operatic singers would probably not be singing today.
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Kristine
05-28-2017
05:43 PM ET (US) IP: 173.169.36.195
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I wish everybody an enjoyable holiday weekend, though we know the true meaning of Memorial Day. I read that Mario Lanza was a fan of John Garfield and Tyrone Power. Does anyone know, if he had a favorite movie actress ?
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Ed
05-28-2017
05:11 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.150.226
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Does anyone know if Mario ever recorded O Lola from CR ?
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Ed
05-26-2017
02:04 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.150.226
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I'm just about finished with Cesari's book. I found the insulting remarks dealing with the Coke sessions unfair by those that made them. Considering the way he was taken advantage of by Weiler losing all the money and Bernhardt no wonder why he acted the way he did. I have all 15 CDs and they are great for me.
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Suzanne
05-25-2017
10:55 AM ET (US) IP: 74.79.51.67
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How nice Wendy. Always suspected that Roger Moore was a good man. Please say hello to Bill Earl and thank him for what he's done for our Mario.Blessings Bill!
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Wendy Stilwell - UK
05-24-2017
03:19 AM ET (US) IP: 109.153.162.145
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Here is a photo I took just two days ago of Bill Earl, who at 102 is still the Vice Chairman of The British Mario Lanza Society. Despite having recently broken his hip, and having a new replacement, he is looking remarkably well. In fact, I think he is going backward in years!
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Wendy Stilwell - UK
05-24-2017
03:12 AM ET (US) IP: 109.153.162.145
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Roger Moore was a lovely man. I saw him last year, when he came to a theatre near where I live. It was called "An Evening with Roger Moore". It was nearly three hours of Roger recalling his life, and it was hilarious, he was so funny, recalling some of the events of his life.
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Kristine
05-24-2017
12:05 AM ET (US) IP: 173.169.36.195
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Sir Roger Moore passed away at 89. He made some movies, including "Interrupted Melody",at M-G-M,in early '50's. Dina Merrill passed away at 93. RIP. Hope all's well with Sam.
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Deleted by topic administrator 05-23-2017 10:38 PM
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David Weaver
05-22-2017
06:48 PM ET (US) IP: 98.31.1.186
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Kristine, although it had been in the planning stages for several years, "Deep in My Heart" didn't go in to production until April 1954, a year after Mario was fired by MGM. Not likely they would've invited him back to do a cameo, and even less likely he'd have agreed to if asked. Especially to sing a song from the same operetta he was to star in on screen.
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Diane Cox
05-22-2017
03:13 PM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.66
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Reading every day, not posting much.
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Suzanne
05-22-2017
02:30 PM ET (US) IP: 74.79.51.67
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Hi Ed. Wonderful set isn't it? Surprised you could listen to Mario in hospital, unless you were using your headphones.Hope the nurses appreciated him. Sorry about Sam's setback, also haven't heard from Vincent for some time. Wish everyone would post again soon. We need everyone.
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Doug
05-22-2017
11:20 AM ET (US) IP: 71.3.108.184
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In the film, you'll notice that Farrell is not credited for her dubbing. She was offered a certain amount of money and film credit or more money with no credit. She took the extra money!!
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Kristine
05-22-2017
06:50 AM ET (US) IP: 173.169.36.195
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Opera great Renee' Fleming will perform at Memorial Day Concert, Sunday, May 28th. It will be aired on PBS TV. William Olvis performed in "The Student Prince" scene in movie musical ,"Deep In My Heart"(the film bio of Sigmund Romberg, starring Jose' Ferrer)and again, in " Interrupted Melody" , the film story of opera great Marjorie Lawrence, who made a comeback, after being stricken with polio, starring Eleanor Parker(with dubbed voice of opera great, Eileen Farrell), a great movie, by the way. Was Mario Lanza approached to be in "Deep In My Heart" ? Howard Keel , Jane Powell, Vic Damone performed in it.
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Danny
05-22-2017
04:53 AM ET (US) IP: 173.254.225.160
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Great looking web site. Assume you did a great deal of your own html coding. Feel free to surf to my web site ... SozialyEdited 05-22-2017 04:53 AM
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Ed
05-21-2017
04:48 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.150.226
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I too am wondering about Sam. Sam and I are friends on Facebook. I wrote a message to him last night expressing our our concerns in his whereabout, I asked him to post or contact me on Facebook.
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Fred Day
05-21-2017
11:30 AM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Martino: Thanks. I don't need the 1947 Romeo, since I have an excellent copy from the Sony CD set. I doubt that it can be improved any more than that issue. Ciao.
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Fred Day
05-21-2017
11:17 AM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Dennis: I can think of one: American tenor and actor William Edward Olvis. His son, William Patrick Olvis, was a renown composer of music for movies and TV. Both are now deceased. Ciao.
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Fred Day
05-21-2017
11:11 AM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Sam: I hope your new meds work, and you are back to normal soon. We all miss you. Best wishes. Ciao.
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Sam Samuelian
05-21-2017
07:51 AM ET (US) IP: 108.36.230.11
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Hi guys. We are basically okay but I am in one of my longest depressions ever and hoping new meds I just got will work. Thanks much for your concern. I will not be writing or reading until I'm past this.
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Dennis
05-21-2017
02:20 AM ET (US) IP: 73.170.201.215
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Fred and Martino, Speaking of Willies, isn’t it odd that so few noted male singers have William (or its equivalent in their language) as a first name? I could think of no tenors, and only Vilém Zitek as a bass, and Willi Domgraf-Fassbaender as a baritone. What am I missing? I looked for William, Bill, Guillaume (Fr), Wilhelm (Ger), Guglielmo (It), Guillermo (Sp), Villem (Scandinavian) and Liam.
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Martino to Fred
05-20-2017
08:23 PM ET (US) IP: 104.255.4.145
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Sirius plays only MET broadcasts.
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Martino to Fred/Gail
05-20-2017
08:16 PM ET (US) IP: 104.255.4.145
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I have been wondering about Sam too. He has his ups and downs but usually posts during his good periods. "Willie Tell"! Ha! I like that one. I will be watching for the Bjorling/Sayao "Romeo", it is broadcast every few months and I will let you know when.
Gail, I went to youtube to check out the clips you mentioned. They are very well done. I especially like Lanza singing "Thine Alone" to the skaters, Gordeeva and Grinkov.
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Ed to Fred
05-20-2017
08:11 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.150.226
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Fred, I have Sam on Facebook I'll send him a message. Will let you know if he responds.
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Fred Day
05-20-2017
08:08 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Martino: Does Sirius play only Met broadcasts, or do they also play opera broadcasts from other cities, both domestic and foreign?? Curious. Ciao.
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Fred Day
05-20-2017
08:03 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Where is Sam Samuelian?? He hasn't posted here in quite some time. Sam, please post soon. Hope you are well. Best wishes. Ciao.
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Fred Day
05-20-2017
07:59 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Martino: I like two Willies: Willie Tell by Rossini, and Willie Ratcliff by Mascagni. In the Orlando library system, we are fortunate: They have a pretty good selection of classical music, and also traditional pop like Sinatra, Streisand, etc, and even Elvis. Let me know if and when you get the 1947 Romeo. Ciao.
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Gail Swartz
05-20-2017
05:14 PM ET (US) IP: 204.29.186.62
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I like to hear Mario as the movie scenes from Romeo and Juliet ballet is played on YT
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Martino to Fred
05-20-2017
01:02 PM ET (US) IP: 104.255.4.145
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Yes, that "Romeo" has been issued a couple different times and it plays on Sirius quite often, I just have not made a recording of it yet. As far as music at my local libraries are concerned, the most "classic" it gets around here is Willie Nelson!
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Fred Day
05-20-2017
11:20 AM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Martino: That 1947 Met Romeo has been released on CD from Sony Classical on their Met broadcast series. The sound quality is excellent, for its age. I would guess that Sirius is playing that re-issue. The Orlando public library has that set. I have made my own copy. Let me know if you want a copy. Sony Classical has also released the 1962 Met Tosca with Price, Corelli, MacNeil; and the 1950 Barber of Seville with Pons, Di Stefano, Valdengo. And the Orlando public library has those also. Ciao.
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Martino to Fred
05-20-2017
08:24 AM ET (US) IP: 104.255.4.145
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Glad you liked it, Fred. I was recording on the dvd timer again this morning when the storm blew a transformer and we lost electricity for a couple hours. The opera I was trying to record was "Romeo and Juliette" with Sayao and Bjorling, from 1947. It is considered one of the greatest broadcast performances from the MET of all time. I have it on record of course but thought the sound might be improved through Sirius. I'll just have to wait for another time I guess.
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Fred Day
05-20-2017
12:31 AM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Martino: The Tosca that you sent sounds wonderful - the sound is excellent and it is a fine performance. I am very pleased. Thank you again, very much. Ciao.
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Ed to Suzanne
05-19-2017
06:44 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.150.226
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Suzanne I'm with you my friend. The first time I heard My Song,My Love was on one of my first albums called Neopolitan Serenade and then on the coke show CDs. While a patient in the hospital I played Mario every day even turning some nurses on to Mario. Every time a doctor came I to tell me more serious information I relaxed and calmed down and put on our Mario and enjoyed every minute.
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Suzanne
05-19-2017
01:40 PM ET (US) IP: 74.79.51.67
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Listening once again the past few days to the first recordings I bought after rediscovering Mario , the "My Song, My Love collection." So many of my favorites that still thrill me . Afraid I'm totally close-minded when it comes to Mario..I can realize and appreciate other tenors, but only Mario for me. An absolute wonder. A question; was there someone who sang Tosca,who actually was killed in the last scene or is that a myth?
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Diane Cox
05-19-2017
01:03 PM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.66
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I'd like Recondita, and E Lucevan, to be the last things I hear.
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Ed to Diane
05-19-2017
12:34 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.150.226
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I echo what you said about Mario,and Martino even though TGC was not my first Mario LP it is my favorite of them all. IMHO no one sails across Parmi Vedet like Marlo, Una is another of mine but E Lucecan grabs my heart. I think these recordings trancends that of many others, they're just Mario.
PS doc visit today went well, progressing steadily!!
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Fred Day
05-19-2017
12:01 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Ed: I'm sure Ed Sullivan invited Lanza to be on his TV show, prior to his move to Italy, but Mario was perhaps too busy with MGM, and his radio program. He may have declined due to his fear of "live TV". We know what happened on his first Chrysler Shower of Stars program. So Sullivan decided to go to Rome to record Lanza for his TV show, in 1957. Ciao.
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Fred Day
05-19-2017
11:54 AM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Martino: I received my copy of Tosca from you this morning - many thanks. I will be playing it later today, or tomorrow. Thanks again. By the way, Barioni did record an almost complete Tosca for the "Met Club" label, same year - also starring Dorothy Kirsten and Frank Guarrera. Nice recording. A few small cuts - the shepherd boy scene is cut. Ciao.
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Diane Cox
05-18-2017
07:43 PM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.66
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Martino, sorry but I cannot compare anyone with Lanza. Even after hearing this so many times, it never fails to give me chills, and bring tears to my eyes. How lucky we are to have decent recordings of him.
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Martino to Ed
05-18-2017
06:01 PM ET (US) IP: 104.255.4.145
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That was quick! Glad you got it. Like I said, don't worry about the first ten minutes or so of other stuff, "Tosca" will begin in time. You won't find a technically perfect performance here but they all sang their hearts out. Listen to Barioni especially in "Recondita Armonia". Speaking of that, a few years ago I wrote a post about this aria and the way Lanza approached it. If you don't mind, and have a few minutes to spare, I would like to re-post for anyone interested:
"I just finished listening to "The Great Caruso" album on my MP3 player and one needs no further inspiration to talk about Lanza than listening to this album!
"Tosca" is one of Puccini's most beloved and popular operas and it was a favorite of both Mario Lanza and his hero, Enrico Caruso. The most famous tenor aria from this opera is "E'lucevan le Stelle" and Mario Lanza was particularly fond of it. We must have nearly a dozen different performances/recordings of his singing this aria from the very earliest home recordings he made right up to the end at RAH. With the possible exception of "Vesti La Giubba", we have more versions of this aria than any other opera excerpt he sang. We have spoken many times about Lanza's magnificent singing of this, both live and on record. I don't think there is much more to say than we already have.
However, the "other" major Tosca aria for tenor, "Recondita Armonia", is one we have not fully explored, at least not that I can recall. It occurs in the first act and is melancholy in its expressive love theme, unlike the theme of despair we find in "E'lucevan". It requires just as much passion but of quite a different nature. The expressiveness needed in this aria is also ideally suited to the incredible talents of both Caruso and Lanza, although both have their own interpretation of how to go about it. Lanza recorded and performed this aria many times but my favorite version appears in the album, "The Great Caruso", which I just listened to and got me thinking about this. He did not sing it in the movie but he included it on the album.
The music Puccini gave to "Recodita" requires a bit more of a lyrical quality than "E'lucevan", which is better served up in a more dramatic style. A lyrico/spinto is ideal in the first aria, a lyrico/dramatico is ideal for the second. DelMonaco and Giacommini were more effective with "E'lucevan", Pavarotti and DiStefano were more effective with "Recondita", although they were of course superb with everything they sang from this opera. One of my great opera memories was attending a performance of "Tosca" starring the Pav and the incredible Magda Olivero, in the title role. Luciano was brilliant but even he was overshadowed by the unbelievable performance of Olivero that night. Both Lanza and Caruso had the talent to freely move back and forth seamlessly between the two types of vocal requirements, and were equally at home with both arias.
What "Recondita" needs, at least initially, to be successful is beauty of tone. In this regard Lanza is unmatched. From the very first few words sung, even if you never heard the Lanza voice before, you know you are hearing something very, very special. The expressing of true love (in this case cleverly done through the contrasts of Cavaradossi's painting of the Madonna with the qualities of Tosca) can not just be sung, it must be felt from the inside (as you will hear Barioni do). And perhaps most of all, melancholy or almost plaintive in nature - tender by all means but not too sweet and sugar coated. It is a fine line for the singer to tow. A voice like Franco Corelli was just this type and explains how a big voice such as his could still be so effective in this most tender moment of inner reflection. Lanza could communicate this sort of thing better than just about anyone, even if he is doing it in typical Lanza style. The incredible phrasing, especially with the all important emphasis required on certain words is present in spades. For example, the word "ardente", which all Italians MUST give emphasis to whenever it is sung, is effectively done on the Lanza recording - he truly understood how important this sort of thing was.
Every word Lanza sings here is clear as a bell. Listen closely to how he sings the aforementioned "ardente" and you will comprehend what he was trying to say, even if you don't understand the meaning of the word itself. Caruso, especially in the earlier recording he made of this aria in 1904, understood this too. Just listen to the tender "cry" in the Caruso voice as he sings this aria. Lanza does not have this particular quality in his voice (he never had it and I doubt he had the ability to really summon it) and he sings it much more "modern" and full voiced style than does Enrico. I could be wrong but I believe it is Caruso who is closer to the ideal interpretation wanted by Puccini.
Here are the two versions by Lanza and Caruso for you to enjoy. Do you think Lanza leaned something about how to sing this from the master? Or do you think they are different enough that Lanza went his own way right from the start? Certainly they are different in approach with Lanza moving in a more thrilling direction but is that direction more, or less effective than Caruso? Both are as good as it gets in their own way but Lanza has my vote by a whisker thanks to his beauty of tone (and the quality of his recording over the funnel sound Caruso had available in his day which proves to be too great a distraction for critical listening). It should also be noted that the orchestra was updated and added to the Caruso recording later, for better or worse.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xw-pOOdm7bs
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wZBu5OO2iKc&feature=related"
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Ed to Martino
05-18-2017
03:35 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.150.226
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I got the recording today and I have the whole day free tomorrow after a brief visit in the am with my GP, I'll tune in then, thanks so much.
Two other things; I'm in the middle of Cesari's book and enjoying it.
I always wondered why Mario made just one appearance on the Sullivan Show and not just the video from Italy?
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Deleted by author 05-18-2017 02:02 PM
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Stephen of Las Vegas
05-17-2017
09:17 AM ET (US) IP: 72.193.72.62
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Derek Mannering mentioned back on April 12 that Mark Vincent's video about his tribute CD to Mario Lanza was online. For a few weeks now, not only that video has been available, but also all the songs on his tribute CD are on Youtube. Plus. a video of the virtual duet of Mark and Mario singing "Because You're Mine" is also available. Check out everything on the first 2 pages here:
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_que...vincent+mario+lanza
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Len (UK)
05-17-2017
03:47 AM ET (US) IP: 62.254.119.11
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Gail, Chris, Thanks for replies. I have just ordered a copy of the vocal score via ebay uk. The cover of the score has a picture of my home town tenor; David Hughes who suffered a heart attack performing as Pinkerton in Madam Butterfly. See https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/David_Hughes_(tenor) He died for his art. I have an LP of his. He is not in the higher ranks of tenors by I can enjoy his voice. I sometimes think that ebay is often about finding the right search term. Thanks again. Edited 05-17-2017 04:08 AM
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Gail Swartz
05-17-2017
12:20 AM ET (US) IP: 204.29.186.9
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Len, I bought an OLD book of songs and it has The Song of India. Do you want a copy of the song or just the words?
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Ed to Martino
05-16-2017
05:55 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.150.226
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Thank you for the DVD I'm looking forward to hearing it. I didn't know Jussi was supposed to have sung the role, would've been superb.
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Martino to Fred
05-16-2017
05:20 PM ET (US) IP: 104.255.4.145
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I thought that soprano was Catherine Malfitano, for some reason but I googled it and it appears the first "bouncing" Tosca was Dame Eva Turner. This is the stuff of what is known as opera "Spoofa" so take it for a grain of salt. I do know Malfitano was fearless in her jump as she would take a running start and just make a leap. Most sopranos stand by the edge and jump off but Catherine must have been a sky diver!!
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Fred Day
05-16-2017
04:54 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Who was the Tosca who jumped off the parapet at the end of "Tosca", landed on a trampoline set up for her, and bounced back in clear view of the audience, to much laughter and applause!! When and where did this occur?? Was it the Met?? Or more probably in Italy?? Curious. Ciao.
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Fred Day
05-16-2017
04:37 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Martino: Many thanks - looking forward to that Tosca. Unfortunately, Jussi never did a Met broadcast of Cavaradossi. But fortunately, he recorded the entire role for RCA in stereo, with Milanov and Warren, a superb recording. Thanks again. Ciao.
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Chris Johns to Len
05-16-2017
03:14 PM ET (US) IP: 69.142.223.152
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The site is not letting me upload an address so here is a photo from eBay USA
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Martino to Ed and Fred
05-16-2017
03:05 PM ET (US) IP: 104.255.4.145
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I mailed the "Tosca" disk to each of you. Don't worry about the first ten minutes or so as there was a time delay in the recording and it picked up some of the previous program. Also, there may be a left channel disabled but it returns before the performance starts. The end goes on to other programming as well as I timed the recordings to be sure the entire opera was captured. Just pop it into your dvd player and play it through your stereo system as you normally would any dvd and you should get the audio just fine (there is no picture of course). Let me know how they turned out. BTW, I forgot to mention that Barioni was a last minute replacement for this performance. This is one time I wish Barioni was not singing as he filled in for none other than Jussi Bjorling! Edited 05-16-2017 03:07 PM
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Len (UK)
05-16-2017
01:05 PM ET (US) IP: 62.254.119.11
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The good forum folk here helped me source a copy of the vocal score of ‘Guardian Angels’ a couple of years back. This time I am after a vocal score for ‘Song of India’. It is easy enough to buy a full score of Sadko which is the opera by Rimsky-Korsakov from which it originates. I can also find a piano score and the Tommy Dorsey instrumental jazz arrangement. Alas, a vocal score with Johnny Mercer’s lyrics seemingly cannot be found anywhere. I can find books of Mercer songs but Song of India is never included. Any ideas? Otherwise I might have to buy the piano score and try to insert the lyrics as best as I can.
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Bill Ronayne
05-13-2017
02:24 PM ET (US) IP: 68.192.184.230
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Hi Suzanne: email me at wjronayne@optonline.net. Best, Bill
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Suzanne
05-13-2017
12:42 PM ET (US) IP: 74.79.51.67
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For Bill so many family things going on, LOB slipped my mind of a while. Interested. Please let me know. thanks.
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Martino to Ed
05-12-2017
10:57 PM ET (US) IP: 104.255.4.145
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That is one of my all time favorites too, Ed. Jussi sings with some of the great sopranos of the time, including Milanov, Tebaldi and Albanese. His duets with Robert Merrill are treasures, especially two that are light years apart in style but both handled beautifully by these exceptional singers - "Otello" and "Pearl Fishers".
Incidentally, there are forum members and occasional guests that stop in asking about where to find certain Mario Lanza disks and LP albums. Although most can eventually be found on ebay if you check often enough, there is another site that sells new to slightly used and hard to find Lanza records and disks, even those issued in foreign countries. Those foreign offerings are particularly prized by collectors due to their rare and unique covers. If anyone is looking for a specific Lanza title (or just about anyone else for that matter) you can go to the following site and you will probably find what you are looking for: https://www.discogs.com/search/?q=mario+lanza&type=all&page=1
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Ed
05-12-2017
04:44 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.150.226
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Just finished listening to the Arias and Duets with Jussi, Merrill and Tebaldi, one of my favorite CDs.
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Fred Day
05-11-2017
11:13 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Martino: Yes, my address is still the same - since Feb 1979. Many thanks, much appreciated. Ciao.
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Martino to Ed
05-11-2017
08:03 PM ET (US) IP: 104.255.4.145
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Got it.
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Ed to Martino
05-11-2017
06:15 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.150.226
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I'm not sure I did it right so I will give it here.
Edward McManus
187 Quintard St
Staten Island, NY 10305
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Martino to Fred/Ed
05-11-2017
03:48 PM ET (US) IP: 104.255.4.145
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I think the recording came out okay as long as I finalized it properly. I was able to make a dvd of the Albanese "Tosca" performance last night by timer recording (there is no picture of course, only audio). I am going to try something else also on Sunday afternoon which is the last of this "Tosca" run Sirius will present for a while. Fred, are you still at Horse Shoe Bend? Ed, send me your address at my Rense forum email addy of masteroftheshortgame@gmail.com. I will try to get them out next week.
The performance is not like ones you hear today, which are often technically perfect (this one is not), but what you will hear is not only the singers' voices but their blood and guts like you don't usually find in modern performances. Licia knew she was a little light for "Tosca" and she was also up against a wonderful stable of "Toscas" at the time at the MET, such as Milanov, Tebaldi and right around the corner, Callas and Price would be busting out. She seemed to sense this and gave it her all. Barioni also was up against some great "Marios" during this time but he could hold his own with any of them, even if a little unevenness would creep in now and then. Before the third act, the announcer mentioned that Mario Del Monaco, who seldom saluted other tenors, named Barioni's voice the most beautiful of the time. I'm not so sure about that but Del Monaco should know. Post back when you receive the disk and let me know if it came out okay.
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Gail Swartz
05-10-2017
05:24 PM ET (US) IP: 204.29.186.50
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This awesome good news!! If only Mario had lived in this time. I am still in awe of his voice and the talent for learning so many songs.
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Ed to All my friends here
05-10-2017
03:09 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.150.226
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First off I want to tell you thanks for concern with my health. At this time my surgeon discharged me with no restrictions, my heart doctor has seen me on Monday and although on meds told me no restrictions and see him back in four months because EKG is normal. My pulmonary doc is sending me for several tests to see if my clot is gone because of my meds, he suspects so and then one less med. Sorry for the long post, this has been my life for the past almost four months. My goal now is to gain about 10-12 pounds and I'll be back at the gym by late summer and Yes Suzanne I'm my old self once more.
Martino, thank you very much I greatly appreciate your kindness.
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Fred Day
05-10-2017
12:20 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Martino: I hope you are successful. I use Ripvinyl, a program I purchased about 12 or 13 years ago, for only $10. It records anything - audio only, not the video. It records to my Windows media player, and I burn CD's from there. I have recorded many things from youtube. I use it often. You might want to investigate ripvinyl. Good luck. Ciao. PS - Barioni is a favorite of mine. Ciao.
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Martino to Fred/Ed
05-10-2017
10:51 AM ET (US) IP: 104.255.4.145
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I received your email, Fred, and I will respond here to you and Ed. I will be happy to make a recording if I can for both of you of the Albanese "Tosca". Things have changed over the last year with Sirius in that they no longer permit recordings. I use to set my dvr to record performances I was interested in (sometimes broadcast in the wee hours of the morning or late at night). This allowed me to play back the opera at my convenience and I would then decide if I wanted to keep it by archiving it to an external hard drive (I no longer use disks to save the recordings). But since Sirius disabled the ability to record (or even pause) the broadcast, I find myself only listening to the performances when I can and it must be done in real time. For example, the next "Tosca" broadcast will start tonight at mid-night and finish after 2:00 am. I may try to bring out my old dvd recorder to see if I can still record on disk but I suspect Sirius has also encoded the signal to prevent that as well. I'll just have to try to find out what works.
So, if I succeed I will make a direct copy for Fred and try to duplicate it for Ed with a burnt disk. It will be fun to experiment with all this but I may not be successful - I will let you guys know. Oh, I almost forgot that there is another device I might use that I have not played with for a while and that is recording via my hdmi output (if Sirius is not encoded and receptive) to a FAT32 formatted USB pen drive. If that works you could put it in your computer or even a tv, a/v receiver or dvd player (such as Oppo) that has a USB port and play it that way. You could play it through any device that has a USB port. I will see what if anything works.
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Suzanne
05-10-2017
10:44 AM ET (US) IP: 74.79.51.67
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Ross, thanks for your reply. I, too,feel as Martino . All compared with Mario.Ed. sounding like your"old" self . Good!
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Ed to Martino
05-10-2017
08:59 AM ET (US) IP: 24.164.150.226
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Our friend Fred is making me jealous regarding Tosca. Might I call upon your good nature as a Lanza fan and ask for a copy of same. I will cover the cost. Lately I'm mad about the Turandot with Bjorling and Tenaldi, simply exciting to me. I ask you to email at McElvis1948@aol.com when you can. Thanks Ed.
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Fred Day
05-09-2017
10:24 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Toni Dalli is still alive, he will turn 84 on Nov 28th of this year. Ciao.
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Fred Day
05-09-2017
10:12 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Daniele Barioni is still alive, age 86. He will turn 87 on Sept 6th of this year. Ciao.
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Fred Day
05-09-2017
09:26 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Kristine: Saverio Saridis is retired. He lives in Coral Springs, Florida. He will turn 84 next month. Ciao.
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Fred Day
05-09-2017
09:18 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Martino: I agree, also. I am a dyed in the wool nostalgia buff, and always will be. I would love to have a copy of the 1957 Tosca you mentioned. I will email you. Thanks. Ciao.
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Ed to Gail
05-09-2017
06:06 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.150.226
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Word was that when Lara who composed Granada heard Lanza sing it he said that was the way he wanted it sung.
Martino, I'm with you and Ross in recollecting about our past performers. I remember hearing Jussi for the first time I was amazed and that was about 45 years ago. My cousin had a great stereo it was a Blaupunkt and we played many recordings by Jussi on the old Seraphim and London labels. As for me I don't think we'll hear the likes of him again. We also listened to Warren. His uncle had many reel tapes from Saturday broadcasts with Milton Cross ( good days my friend ) Then I was introduced to Mario and my world was made better.
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Martino to Ross
05-09-2017
08:57 AM ET (US) IP: 104.255.4.145
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Exactly right, Ross. And there is no better example of what you said than Mario Lanza.
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Kristine
05-09-2017
06:18 AM ET (US) IP: 173.169.36.195
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I think I read, one time, that one reason, Mario Lanza didn't like "Because You're Mine", was he didn't want to end up like Lauritz Melchior, who was in M-G-M movie musicals, as part of the comedy themes. Does anyone know whatever happened to tenors Saverio Saridis(a former N.Y. City Policeman), Aldo Monaco, Ken Corday ? I remember Bing Crosby was promoting Aldo Monaco, Ed Ames(The Ames Brothers, later, Mingo on "Daniel Boone" t.v. series)was promoting Corday, thought he was the greatest since Lanza. Years ago, on a radio show, in my hometown, Utica, N.Y., the radio show host played a recording of a tenor named Gianni Costa. The host said Sammy Cahn discovered him. Costa sounded like a mixture of Lanza and Dennis Day.
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ROSS (UK) to SUZANNE & MA
05-09-2017
04:44 AM ET (US) IP: 86.12.177.162
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Hi Suzanne,
At the time BYM was issued our "new" Queen was Elizabeth II and word was she really liked Mario's singing and style ...and showed it by choosing BYM as her "Royal Command Performance " film for her first year. This would have increased its popularity even more.
I am not sure why, but by this time it is possible Mario's "troubles" over SP were brewing and for one reason or another he couldn't come over to be present at the occasion (hence his "apology" to the "British Public" for it being a "long time" at the Palladium show)
Incidentally I agree with Martino's comments ...I too find myself comparing "modern" Tenors (and singers in general) with past ones, and with a few exceptions find them lacking.
Very often the two criticisms that spring to mind are commitment, and sincerity they often seem to be singing the way their music school teacher TOLD them it should be done rather than finding a NEW way..."THEIR" way.
A great author is "great" because he writes HIS way, bringing freshness to his work, if he just wrote
the way his tutors taught him to he would become a "hack"....just producing "good enough" work...but never excelling. This applies to singers too.
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Martino
05-08-2017
08:32 PM ET (US) IP: 104.255.4.145
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WOW! What a red hot Metropolitan Opera performance of "Tosca" from 1957. Licia Albanese in the title role, Daniele Barioni as Mario and Leonard Warren as Scarpia. I had never heard this performance before until just now on Sirius. This is how opera was meant to be sung! And later tonight another sure to please classic - "Ernani" (1965) with perhaps an even greater cast featuring Leontyne Price, Franco Corelli, Cesare Siepi, Mario Sereni and conducted by the great Thomas Schippers. Can't get better than that! I remember hearing this exact performance live over the radio and it was unforgettable. If I recall correctly, Marian Anderson, Leontyne's soul mate and inspiration, was in the audience that day to hear this great performance.
I know this is all history and we need to support current singers and the new productions if opera is to survive but I constantly find myself nostalgic to a fault. Although I can enjoy some of the current performances, if I had a choice I would rather listen to these older ones on record or radio than go out of my way to attend them live these days. I invariably compare what I am hearing to what I have heard and I too often leave disappointed. That is a shame in a way but that is how it is, for me at least. How do other members of the forum feel?
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Dennis
05-08-2017
04:52 PM ET (US) IP: 73.170.201.215
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Bill, thanks for your news about Matt. I haven't read anything on the site from him for awhile and was getting worried about him. Who else can we depend upon to give us the latest opinion on the beautiful Netrebko?
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Bill Ronayne
05-07-2017
11:34 PM ET (US) IP: 75.250.15.182
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The Met 50th anniversary at Lincoln Center gala concert was superb. Wonderful singing and great use of projection visuals. Our friend Matt Minzer was there and sends his best to everyone. Best Bill
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Fred Day
05-07-2017
03:45 AM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Diane: Very good - I enjoyed it. Alagna was excellent. Ciao.
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Diane Cox
05-06-2017
06:33 PM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.66
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Fred: How was Cyrano?
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Fred Day
05-05-2017
06:45 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Tomorrow's Met radio broadcast is a rare one: Cyrano De Bergerac by Alfano. Roberto Alagna sings the title role and tenor Atalla Ayan sings the role of Christian. It starts at 12:30 pm eastern time, a half hour earlier than usual. I look forward to it. Enjoy. Ciao.
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Suzanne
05-05-2017
11:52 AM ET (US) IP: 74.79.51.67
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Gail, I've watched BYM many times and though Mario was said to have disliked it, I found the film charming. Hard to believe he didn't want to make it, having done such a great job . Understand it was a come down from TGC , but he hid it well. I wonder why the Brits chose it over others. Loved the Bobby Van performance, as well...
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Gail Swartz
05-05-2017
11:09 AM ET (US) IP: 204.29.186.19
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TCM played BYM Wed night...recorded it...played back Thursday......Mario had so many different looks in this film..his voice had that squillo that you hear about in tenors..and that. Wonderful Granada!!!!!!Truly the best version.
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Ed
05-05-2017
10:48 AM ET (US) IP: 24.164.150.226
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I've been enjoying the different recording of Loveliest Night it is great.
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Deleted by topic administrator 05-03-2017 11:56 AM
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Fred Day
05-02-2017
09:28 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Mike: A slight facial resemblance, perhaps. But a unique piano style, often imitated, but never duplicated. There are many Cavallaro selections on youtube. I particularly liked his rendition of Enlloro - Voodoo Moon. He played that in the film Hollywood Canteen - that scene can be seen on youtube. Most enjoyable. And yes, Tyrone Power was excellent as Eddy Duchin. Cavallaro was actually a much better pianist than Duchin. I love the "Chopsticks" scene from The Eddy Duchin Story - that is also on youtube. Ciao.
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Ed
05-02-2017
08:11 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.150.226
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I enjoyed The Duchin Story I think Tyrone Power did a good job in the portrayal. Tyrone was good friends with Mario.
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Mike M to Fred
05-02-2017
11:52 AM ET (US) IP: 108.74.19.115
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"the Eddy Duchin Story" gave Carmen Cavallaro's career a huge boost. Probably his biggest selling album by far. Didn't he kind of resemble Guy Lombardo?
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Gail Swartz
05-01-2017
11:57 PM ET (US) IP: 204.29.186.52
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I am just grateful that Mario recorded as many songs as he did. He sang songs as well, even better than some of his idols and contemporaries. I hope the Mark Vincent "duet" with Mario does not put Mario in a poor light because they used two different items....the scene and the recording. Singers do not sing the same way every time they sing a tune. Mario fit his singing to his audience.
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Fred Day
05-01-2017
09:56 AM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Ed: I agree. Pe' Che was Tony's (Mario's dad) favorite song. Not very many have recorded it. In modern times, Di Stefano & Corelli made nice records of it. I also wish Lanza had recorded it in 1959. Ciao.
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Fred Day
05-01-2017
09:50 AM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Carolyn: Thanks for the info. 61 is still young - I am now 74. I also love the great pianists, both classical and popular. My favorite among the pop pianists was Carmen Cavallaro. Ciao.
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Kristine
05-01-2017
06:01 AM ET (US) IP: 173.169.36.195
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Carolyn, my sympathy and condolences to you and family.
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Ed
04-30-2017
07:24 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.150.226
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I've been listening to Caruso's Pe Che and would liked if Mario had done it on his last album, we have only that one snippet when he was 19.
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SUZANNE
04-30-2017
06:34 PM ET (US) IP: 74.79.51.67
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Carolyn, so very sorry for this latest loss to you and your family. Sounds like such a good man. Hope you're doing ok.
.
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Carolyn Prince Lambert
04-30-2017
05:28 PM ET (US) IP: 108.53.185.152
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Thank you for your kindness. Jeff was only 61. He was returning from vacation in San Diego back home to Omaha w/his wife when he said he felt nauseous on the plane. As they went down the escalator, he felt dizzy and they planned to rest, but he collapsed when they were just to the bottom The EMTs tried to revive him, but we believe he passed right away most likely from a aortic aneurysm. In answer to your question Fred, Jeff played the piano mainly. He was also accomplished in the guitar, French horn. As a child of the 60s he started off with his own garage bad playing the rock music but eventually evolved into his love of the classics. His first music teacher whom Mom got from a referral at the local Rutgers University here in New Brunswick, NJ was Brian Dallow from England who him and his wife were also friends of Dudley Moore who as a accomplished pianist and they actually took Dudley into their home and took care of him in his last years when he passed from a neurological disease. Jeff loved Beethoven, Mozart, Chopin, Arthur Rubenstein, all the greats. So I guess with him and Mom you can see we were a very musical family. Thank you again. It's nice to talk about him and mom. Mom would encourage him in his music and they would go to concerts here in Lincoln Center in NYC & other places in his growing up years.
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Fred Day
04-30-2017
11:10 AM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Carolyn: My sincere sympathy on the loss of your brother Jeff. How old was he?? I presume he was still a young man. Did his heart attack occur while he was on the plane, returning home?? As a musician, what was his instrument?? Piano?? Piano was my instrument. I played professionally for many years. I agree with Martino's sentiments. My sincere sympathy and condolences. Ciao.
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Kristine
04-30-2017
05:57 AM ET (US) IP: 173.169.36.195
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Bill, my sympathy and condolences to you, family.
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Martino to Carolyn
04-29-2017
09:28 PM ET (US) IP: 104.255.4.145
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When it rains it pours. So sorry to hear about your brother. Yes, he is with Thelma now and they are looking down at you and I am sure they are proud as can be. I can tell from your posts you are a good hearted woman, maybe not as Waylon described but a good woman for sure. You are welcome here anytime!
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Carolyn Prince Lambert
04-29-2017
08:03 PM ET (US) IP: 12.226.169.2
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I'm sorry to be posting more sad news. My only sibling my brother Jeff Prince passed away tragically last Tues returning to his hometown Omaha, NE airport from a California vacation. He passed suddenly from a heart attack. Please keep our family in your prayers as he leaves behind a wife & six children who all dearly loved him. Jeff was a talented musician who attended McGill University in Montreal and graduated with a degree in music. He will be dearly missed by all. Now he is with mom in Heaven listening to the most beautiful heavenly cords. Blessings to all and live each moment to the fullest. Thank you so much and I have to say I've been reading some of the messages and getting educated and what a wonderful birthday for the man who is 102 years young. Blessings to all. Love Carolyn Prince Lambert
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Bill Ronayne
04-29-2017
03:28 PM ET (US) IP: 98.114.202.100
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Gail and Suzanne: Email me at mariolanzainstitute@verizon.net re the Lanza on Broadway LP. Best, Bill
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SUZANNE
04-28-2017
10:38 AM ET (US) IP: 74.79.51.67
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Happy birthday to you Bill Earl. Delighted to hear about you. Many blessings. Thank you for your Military service and for everything you've done for our Mario.
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Kristine
04-27-2017
04:26 PM ET (US) IP: 173.169.36.195
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Happy 102nd Birthday, Bill Earl ! Thank you for your service in World War II !
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Gail Swartz
04-27-2017
01:24 PM ET (US) IP: 204.29.186.52
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Hope Bill in UK got to wait h the new Mario DVD...Got mine yesterday and cried almost all the way through it...wished that they had used more photos.
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Derek Mannering
04-27-2017
12:07 PM ET (US) IP: 69.209.227.53
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I've met a number of exceptional people through my association with Mario Lanza's legacy over the years and high on that list is Bill Earl, vice-chairman of the British Mario Lanza Society. Bill turns 102 in May and what better way for him to celebrate that milestone than to co-author a book on his time as a member of the Royal Army Medical Corps during WWII.
The book is officially published tomorrow and Bill will be in attendance for the launch:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Blood-Bandages-Fi...ywords=william+earl
Bill is a remarkable man and I am proud to call him my friend. Bravo Bill!
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Diane Cox
04-25-2017
08:53 PM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.66
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Looks like we've been discovered by the trolls network.
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Deleted by topic administrator 04-25-2017 09:35 PM
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Suzanne
04-25-2017
01:36 PM ET (US) IP: 74.79.51.67
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Carolyn, sure Thelma deserved all the accolades. How good that she was able to "travel all over the world, yet came back to Mario each time. She will be missed.
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Ed to Carolyn
04-25-2017
09:46 AM ET (US) IP: 24.164.150.226
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I've just now seen your post about mom's passing, please accept my condolences. My postings here of about ten years has given me many friends, and many good fans have left us over the years now included is your mom. As long as someone turns on a Lanza recording we will be ok.
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Carolyn Lambert
04-24-2017
11:55 PM ET (US) IP: 74.102.220.254
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Thank you all for your kind and wonderful messages & terrific remembrances of mom. It really made my day, and I'm so glad I thought to look up the forum. I didn't know if you had to get pre-approved to be a member, but just took a shot at it and so glad I was able to post. Mom was a night owl as some of you could probably tell from her posting times (LOL), and a lot of times I would spend the occasional weekend w/her doing mom/daughter things and when she was moderator, she would be looking at the forum & keeping an eye on the "detractors". She was always saying I don't know why some people have to be so mean. Why can't they just enjoy the music and say nice things. I guess that was a bit of a challenging period at times, but in a way I look back fondly at that time because mom was at the height of her activity then traveling all over the world, enjoying her beloved music, and I remember thinking she was so cool 2 years shy of 80 years old & taking the train to Philly all by herself and how excited she was to go to all the Mario events. She had come up from Georgia in 1943 to meet her sister at that same Philadelphia train station & it brought back a lot of wonderful memories for her. She told me it was a beautiful station with lots of artwork, etc. The last 3 months have been a whirlwind & just getting some quiet time to reflect on how much I miss her, but even reading a lot of the posts on her & not knowing as much about Mario Lanza as she did, it makes me feel closer to her & I'd like to stop in from time to time & maybe get a different kind of musical education. When Mom was diagnosed with the ovarian cancer last summer, she had consultation, but decided to forego the major operation she would have to have and in her southern genteel lady fashion commented "I'm just going to let nature take its course" and I have to say I think she had a much better quality of life. She kept up her love of people up until the end. I'm sorry. Don't mean to be running on here. Guess it's therapeutic for me, but thank you all for your kindness. It means more than you could now. Edited 04-24-2017 11:56 PM
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Dennis
04-24-2017
06:42 PM ET (US) IP: 73.170.201.215
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Carolyn Lambert, thanks for updating us on your mom. She was such a treasure and I enjoyed so many posts from her. In fact, she was one that I had off-line email correspondence with because I admired her spirit and her love for music, including Mario Lanza's. She also did a conscientious job as moderator of this forum, although I know she was sorely irritated at times by some of the rare intemperate posts.
Yes, I know she was up in years, and some of our beloved older posters are fading away or already leaving this earth. But we were all blessed by such as she, and obviously she raised a considerate and thoughtful daughter. Thank you for your post.
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Dennis
04-24-2017
06:37 PM ET (US) IP: 73.170.201.215
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Martino
04-24-2017
04:20 PM ET (US) IP: 104.255.4.145
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We talk about the "chaotic" times of the past and Roland is right, let us hope they do not return. I remember one of those little debates that turned into a full scale argument (although very minor compared to some others). It involved someone complaining about Mario Lanza singing "sharp" during a particular song (heaven forbid!!). Here is part of my response and "contribution" to that big argument at the time.
The fact of the matter is Lanza did sing "sharp" now and then, especially at the start of his career. But I must tell you I would rather celebrate the good singing Mario did and include the "bad" only as part of the whole song analysis, instead of concentrating specifically on sharp or flat notes or otherwise what people would consider "off-pitch" singing. The reason is that we have to go further to explain to people that in some cases that is not a terribly bad thing, or at least not as bad as it sounds. Singing sharp or flat is not what singers want to do of course, however, in some cases, such as Corelli and Lanza (and to a lessor extent, Jussi Bjorling), it could often enhance the excitement of the performance.
One thing that makes tenor singing exciting is that they often sing "on the edge", especially in the upper reaches of their voices. It is a very dangerous place to be and hitting every note spot on is of course the ideal but in so doing it could be suppressing the enthusiasm of the overall performance in lieu of "correctness". Will that "correctness" be as exciting to the audience? Is it the goal of the singer to be perfect in a technically enhanced way (Bergonzi comes to mind), in order to demonstrate artistic proficiency above all else, or is the goal to be as communicative and exciting as possible to the listener, which I believe describes Lanza? After you make your stylistic choice based on your training and personality, you sing accordingly.
Lanza singing sharp was usually a direct result of being too exuberant and we all know that Mario, especially in the first stage of his career, was one of the most "exuberant" singers of all time. The emotion gets the best of you and when you sing the way Lanza did with his trademark unrestrained enthusiasm, you are bound to go sharp sometimes and certainly more often than going flat. It also results in some inconsistency from song to song, even during the same session. The ending of "Cielo e Mar" always struck me as a little sharp but still a glorious sound and wonderful rendition overall. His early "Core in grato" is bursting with this enthusiasm and the whole thing seems sharp but more noticeably towards the end. Yet who would trade that kind of enthusiastic singing for the more technically perfect but restrained renditions we hear today?
Lanza's singing is dotted throughout his career with "Marioisms" - certain vocal characteristics that in most singers would be condemned but in Lanza's case, they actually added to his style and overall appeal. Singing a little sharp sometimes was simply one of those little "Marioisms" that made him the singer he was. Lanza was seldom "too" far off pitch to be truly ear shattering and jarring, but just enough to show you he wanted to sing dangerously, on the edge and with all his heart and passion, not just with his technique. He was willing to risk it and that made him the exciting singer he was. He would not be the Lanza we know if he sang any differently and you just have to accept a little sharpness along the way.
I am not too bothered by this bit of Lanza inconsistency that seems to annoy some people because as far as I am concerned, as I said, he seldom sang SO sharp that it was a major distraction. Listen to Joan Sutherland if every once in a while you want to really cringe in your seat over "sharpness". Despite this episodic occurrence, overall, she was an incredible singer. In comparison you seldom "cringe" at the sound of Mario's "sharpness". It is there sometimes but appears like a halo around the note, more "squillo than" a defect.
I am not necessarily trying to justify anyone's singing off-pitch but only trying to explain that in some cases it might not be so bad as "singing sharp" sounds. For me, at least in Lanza's case, I can accept it as one of those little "Marioisms" and I consider it no big deal at all.
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Kristine
04-24-2017
03:26 PM ET (US) IP: 173.169.36.195
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If I misspelled Chiachi, here is my correction: Chaichi.
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Kristine
04-24-2017
03:25 PM ET (US) IP: 173.169.36.195
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Sorry to hear that Erin Moran passed away at 56. RIP. She played Richie Cunningham's(Ron Howard)sister, Joanie on "Happy Days" and was , later, on spin-off "Joanie Loves Chiaci" with Scott Baio. Happy 75th Birthday to Barbra Streisand ! I think TCM will have a salute to her. I wonder if she liked Mario Lanza ? I know she was a fan of Joni James. The Packard Theater, at Library of Congress, shows old movies, as does Los Angeles County Museum of Art. I hope , one day, they will show a Mario Lanza movie. I wish TCM would release "The Great Caruso" to movie theaters.
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Derek Mannering
04-24-2017
03:05 PM ET (US) IP: 69.209.238.143
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As the third member of that breakfast group in Philly referred to by Roland and David below, I too extend my condolences to Thelma's family. She was a kind lady and brought much-needed calm as moderator to the often volatile forum here back in the day.
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Fred Day
04-24-2017
03:02 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Happy Birthday to the great Barbra Streisand, and many more - she turns 75 today. And her voice is still wonderful as ever. Ciao.
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R L Bessette
04-24-2017
02:33 PM ET (US) IP: 73.100.162.13
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I met Thelma at the Philly Pops tribute to Mario Lanza and was part of the breakfast group David mentioned. She was, in every sense, a lady. She was kind and quite complimentary toward me. Recalling the occasion brings a smile. As Martino noted, she was a voice of reason during some chaotic times on this forum - which should not taken as a hope of them returning.
She lived long and well. My sympathy to all concerning her passing.
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Bill Ronayne
04-24-2017
01:44 PM ET (US) IP: 68.192.183.42
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Carolyn: sorry to hear of your mother's passing. I knew here from both the Mario Lanza Society of NY and Mario Lanza Institute events and always enjoyed seeing her and speaking with her. Condolences to you and the family. Best, Bill
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Vincent Ricciardi
04-24-2017
12:27 PM ET (US) IP: 24.190.100.146
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Suzanne, I'll never knock your choice for the "one tenor." I'm glad you appreciate my voice as well.
Savage & Fred, we'll see. I have a long list of stuff planned already, but this could be fun, especially if I can get an accompanist in here to perform with. Thanks for the suggestion.
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David Weaver
04-24-2017
12:19 PM ET (US) IP: 156.63.68.220
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Carolyn, I am so sorry to hear of your mom's passing. I had the pleasure of meeting Thelma seven years ago this month, when many Lanza fans gathered in Philadelphia for the Peter Nero and Philly Pops concert tribute to Mario. The next morning several of us, including Thelma, met for breakfast. She was a delightful and charming woman. She and I kept in touch afterwards, and when Thelma began to have health problems, I took over from her as moderator of this forum. As you said, she is at peace now. My sympathy to your entire family.
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Brian Harrison in England
04-24-2017
12:09 PM ET (US) IP: 94.173.187.213
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Dear Carolyn, I too am extremely sad to read of the passing of your Mother. She was always so friendly to me and took great interest in my family. I too appreciate what she did for this Forum and truly hope that you will contribute often to continue her love of Mario. Best wishes to you now and in the future. Brian.
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Fred Day
04-24-2017
11:44 AM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Re: The Moon Was Yellow, Lanza mentions that song has haunted him for many years. It was recorded by Bing Crosby in Oct 1934, when it was new, with Georgie Stoll and his orchestra. (Lanza was only age 13 at that time.) That is probably the record that Lanza heard at that time. Ciao.
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Fred Day
04-24-2017
11:35 AM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Phil UK: Lanza's Coke show Maria Mari is on the 1991 BMG CD "Be My Love", along with Danny Boy, My Wild Irish Rose, Torna a Surriento, and Neapolitan Love Song by Victor Herbert. All 5 songs from the Coke Show. I think this CD is still in print and available. It can be easily found on Amazon. The Moon Was Yellow originally appeared on the old RCA LP "A Kiss and Other Love Songs". Ciao.
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Fred Day
04-24-2017
11:19 AM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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I, also, express my sincere sympathy on the passing of Thelma Prince, a lovely lady, with class, and a staunch fan of Lanza. As I recall, she was a nurse for many years. She is much missed. Rest in Peace. Ciao.
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Suzanne
04-24-2017
11:02 AM ET (US) IP: 74.79.51.67
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Carolyn, I've been thinking about Thelma lately and how we hadn't heard from her.. I'm sorry for your loss, she was a true fan of our wonderful Mario.
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Carolyn Prince Lambert
04-24-2017
09:31 AM ET (US) IP: 74.102.220.254
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Thank you Martino and Kristine for your kind words about mom. I do remember your name Martino and yes she did enjoy corresponding with her fellow Mario Lanza devotees. Maybe I'll come on here from time to time and see what folks are posting. I know a little bit about his music. I remember years ago when mom and I went to Rome and when I came back I was listening to some of her albums (that's when we still had albums LOL) and I always loved his song Serenade. In a nice sort of way, it makes me feel closer to her reading the comments on here and knowing this was something she loved. Have a wonderful day all. Carolyn Prince Lambert Edited 04-24-2017 09:32 AM
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phil uk
04-24-2017
07:12 AM ET (US) IP: 85.12.76.63
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i dont know why but i seemed to have been blind for i had not played nor heard Mario singing "The moon was yellow" probably because i dont play a cd right through just selective tracks etc,so i got a shock when i played the recent Sepia release "One Alone" & found Mario singing the movie theme to the film noir movie "Gilda" a firm favourite of mine & boy does he sing it well.This is not an easy song for a tenor to sing but Mario again gives it his all & what great sound i thought he was in my living room.Lesson i must play cds right through.By the way i dont believe the Coke show "Maria Marie" has ever been put on commercial cd!Why?
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Martino to Carol
04-24-2017
06:26 AM ET (US) IP: 104.255.4.145
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I am so sorry to hear of your mother's passing. Thelma was for many years one of the cornerstones of this forum. She took the place of Edna Fallon when she died as the "Grand Dame" of Mario Lanza fans and I recall many nice, personal email discussions with her, as well as her many contributions in public posts. You are correct, she was a moderator here for a long time and was always a voice of reason during some of our most chaotic times of the past. Thelma's input was always sincere and heart felt. Thank you for letting us know. She will be missed.
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Kristine
04-24-2017
06:16 AM ET (US) IP: 173.169.36.195
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Carolyn, I'm sorry to hear your mother, Thelma passed away. My sympathy and condolences to you and family.
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Carolyn Prince Lambert
04-24-2017
01:22 AM ET (US) IP: 74.102.220.254
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Hello all. I'm glad I was able to find this forum. I tried to post a previous message, but I don't know if it went thru. I know a lot of you probably remember my mom Thelma Faye Cain Prince. I believe awhile back she was a moderator on here and she certainly loved the music of Mario Lanza. Sadly, I hate to inform you but mom passed away this past January 24, 2017 at home surrounded by lots of love after a long illness. Even though physically, she was unable to keep up a lot of her "whirlwind activities" I know the love of Mr. Lanza's music was always with her & she always enjoyed posting & reading the various messages on this forum. I see on here where you had a luncheon in Philadelphia today. I believe mom went to the Mario Lanza ball a few years ago & I remembered how thrilled she was to be able to make the trip. Her love of all music was one of the highlights of her life & I'm glad I was able to be able to post on this forum. She's at peace & in a much happier place free from all pain. I thank all of you for your kindness to her over the years and she certainly loved posting her input on Mario and his music. Blessings to all of you and keep up the good work. Sincerely, Carolyn Prince Lambert
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David Weaver
04-23-2017
10:52 PM ET (US) IP: 98.31.1.186
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Thanks for the heads up, Dennis. I delete them as soon as I am aware of them, but I'm not on the site all the time. These folks remind me of when I worked for WOSU, the public television station here in Columbus. Every time we did a pledge drive we'd get prank calls from people using names like Dick Hertz and Connie Lingus. Amazed that people have nothing better to do. Edited 04-23-2017 10:53 PM
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Bill Ronayne
04-23-2017
09:57 PM ET (US) IP: 69.113.211.52
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The Mario Lanza Institute would like to thank those that attended today's Mario Lanza Museum Benefit Luncheon in Philadelphia as well as those that made donations. We listened to the new Best of Everything CD and sold all of the copies that the museum had on hand. I gave a video presentation on the upcoming 65th anniversary of Because You're Mine including a slide show, the trailer for the film, clips from the movie and Mario singing the title song from the Palladium appearance. It was a fine afternoon and a successful fundraiser. Best, Bill Edited 04-23-2017 09:58 PM
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Dennis
04-23-2017
08:31 PM ET (US) IP: 73.170.201.215
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Thanks webmaster for the troll deletion. But today two new ones show up! Mellissa and Gilberto. Why are they picking on us? I realize that Mario was as sexy as they come, but unlikely that any posters here are in the same category.
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Messages 50440-50439 deleted by author 04-23-2017 10:49 PM |
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Ed to Diane
04-23-2017
04:23 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.150.226
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She's my favorite and could we ever imagine her and Lanza duetting ?
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Diane Cox
04-23-2017
01:01 PM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.66
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Enjoyed Eugene Oneigen yesterday. Ms Netrebko was excellent, and inspired the rest of the cast to be their best.
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Ed
04-23-2017
08:48 AM ET (US) IP: 24.164.150.226
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To all on the east coast TMK is running TMC now.
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Ed
04-22-2017
09:39 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.150.226
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David, I was gonna msg you on FB but glad to see them gone
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RenseWebmaster 04-22-2017
08:09 PM ET (US) IP: 98.31.1.186
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Thanks, Dennis. Trolls are gone . . . until they return.
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Dennis
04-22-2017
05:20 PM ET (US) IP: 73.170.201.215
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Time to delete the trolls: Stanley, Jermaine, Gale, and possibly Aaron John. The best way to lessen graffiti is to erase it quickly.
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Messages 50432-50430 deleted by author 04-22-2017 04:42 PM |
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Bill Ronayne
04-22-2017
09:47 AM ET (US) IP: 68.192.181.24
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OK, I'll look at the museum the next time I'm there. I'm sure we have several copies of the original album. Best, Bill
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Gail Swartz
04-22-2017
09:05 AM ET (US) IP: 204.29.186.4
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Bill, that's the one!
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Ed Gail
04-22-2017
09:03 AM ET (US) IP: 24.164.150.226
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The original has no picture of Mario the cover has a woman dressed in a flowing gown dancing.
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Gail Swartz
04-22-2017
08:42 AM ET (US) IP: 204.29.186.11
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Glad you like . Do not need a dating site....looking at my husband of 52 years right in front of me!
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Deleted by topic administrator 04-22-2017 08:06 PM
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Gail Swartz
04-22-2017
08:32 AM ET (US) IP: 204.29.186.62
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Bill, the original LOB is the one that I would like. I have the one with the pictured bust of Mario.
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Diane Cox
04-22-2017
08:18 AM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.66
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Will be seeing Eugene Onegin with Anna Netrebko today.
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Deleted by topic administrator 04-22-2017 08:07 PM
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Ed to Bill
04-21-2017
09:40 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.150.226
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Bill, I have both, my original was lost in a move many years ago then I purchased Pure Gold and didn't care for its sound, I recently purchased LOB from Amazon for $10 in excellent shape no scratches and cover mint. LOB is excellent but not my favorite that would be AHB.
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Bill Ronayne
04-21-2017
09:01 PM ET (US) IP: 68.192.179.10
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The Pure Gold LOB album has the electronically enhanced stereo. The original is only mono if I remember. Selection wise it's the same but the covers are different. Best, Bill Edited 04-21-2017 09:01 PM
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Kristine
04-21-2017
08:40 PM ET (US) IP: 173.169.36.195
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Happy Earth Day, Saturday, April 22nd ! Mario Lanza sang "Trees" on a recording.
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Deleted by topic administrator 04-22-2017 08:07 PM
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Fred Day
04-21-2017
01:47 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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The man on the Jimmy Kimmel show looked uncannily very much like Pavarotti, but his singing voice was baritone, not tenor. But a good baritone voice, to be sure. Ciao.
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Ed
04-21-2017
10:17 AM ET (US) IP: 24.164.150.226
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Suzanne, so was I boggled. It was his first season here and we shook hands as he walked passed the opened door. But the scales omg!!
Gayle, you could find LOB on Amazon, I found many I was looking for.
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SUZANNE
04-21-2017
10:13 AM ET (US) IP: 74.79.51.67
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Original of course, Bill, What was I thinking?
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SUZANNE
04-21-2017
10:00 AM ET (US) IP: 74.79.51.67
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Ed. always boggled by your meeting with Pavarotti, my second favorite. Did you happen to watch "Kimmel" last eve He had the most amazing doppleganger of Pav in a funny sequence.Guess everyone has a double.
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SUZANNE
04-21-2017
09:57 AM ET (US) IP: 74.79.51.67
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Vince, though I am forever a "one tenor" woman, your Granada was terrific. Bill, I'd like a LOB as well. Tell us the difference between the two versions? Aaron, good post!So true.
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Bill Ronayne
04-21-2017
09:02 AM ET (US) IP: 68.192.180.16
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We should have it Gail. I assume you want the original album cover and not the Pure Gold version. I'll check when I'm at the museum later next week. Best, Bill
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Deleted by topic administrator 04-22-2017 08:08 PM
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Gail Swartz
04-20-2017
11:26 PM ET (US) IP: 204.29.186.10
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Bill, I am seeking to purchase the LOB album. Is there one available from the museum, or do I need to call and speak with someone there? The book Be My Love is one that has photos that are rarely seen and reports of Mario that you can't read anywhere else.Check with Amazon, maybe a bookseller will have one to sell. My Best DVD should arrive next week. I watched the Mark Vincent items on youtube with mixed opinions...glad that he gives Mario the praise for jumpstarting his operatic singing career.
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Ed
04-20-2017
09:02 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.150.226
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I bought the book some years ago near my birthday in 2008, Damon signed it for me he died a few weeks after I got it.
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Bill Ronayne
04-20-2017
07:56 PM ET (US) IP: 68.192.177.49
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The Be My Love book sold out a number of years ago. Best, Bill
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Diane Cox
04-20-2017
03:49 PM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.66
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Yes, I have that book. It was Laura looking for a picture. Maybe she will read your post.
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SUZANNE
04-20-2017
03:01 PM ET (US) IP: 74.79.51.67
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Diane, if you have the book Be My Love, by Damon, Bob Dolfi and Marlene D'Attanasio, there's a photo of Mark as a young man.twenty two or so, with Damon. May still be available at the Institute-museum. Bill Ronayne will know..
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Fred Day
04-20-2017
02:13 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Apparently there were 2 Marc Lanza's. Maybe not necessary to delete Diane's post, as the info about Mario's son Marc is basically correct. He can be seen and heard in the 1981 doco hosted by Placido Domingo. It was said that Marc was born with a tiny hole in his heart. Apparently it grew larger as he aged, causing his death on June 27, 1991 at age 37. Ciao.
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Diane Cox
04-20-2017
12:23 PM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.66
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Webmaster - please delete my post 50402 as it has misimformation in it.
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Derek Mannering
04-20-2017
11:23 AM ET (US) IP: 69.209.238.20
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Diane, the photo you refer to of a man cooking at a stove is not Mario Lanza's son, Marc. The Marc Lanza in the picture is a caretaker/caterer and the photo was taken in France in 2010, almost two decades after Mario's son's passing. I'm sure he's less than pleased to see his obituary linked to a reference on a find-a-grave website.
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Diane Cox
04-19-2017
11:50 PM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.66
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Laura, this is a bio I found for Marc. With it was the picture of the man cooking, so I think we can assume that was Marc.
"Fourth and youngest child of actor and legendary singer Mario Lanza, and mother, Elizabeth “Betty” Hicks Lanza. Born in Los Angeles, California, he lived with his parents in California and in Rome, Italy, until 1959, when his father suddenly died of a heart attack. His mother returned with the family to live in Los Angeles, and five months after the death of Mario Lanza, Betty Lanza killed herself in grief, leaving behind four children. Marc was five years old when he was orphaned. Marc and the other three children were raised by their paternal grandparents, Tony and Maria Cocozza at their home in California. In his youth, Marc was considered a pleasant and exuberant young man, but turned troubled and grew reclusive as he grew older. He shared the family house at 622 Toyopa Drive with his older brother Damon for several years. The property, which had appreciated to over $1 million, was lost after they mortgaged it to acquire venture capital for a misguided investment in a failed pizzeria and sportsbar. The family house was later demolished so that a new home could be built on the lot. He reportedly died of a heart attack in 1991, at age 37."
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Fred Day
04-19-2017
10:13 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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I agree - L'Alba Separa is my favorite Italian song. Would be much appreciated. Ciao.
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Savage to Vincent
04-19-2017
08:24 PM ET (US) IP: 96.61.84.191
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Wonderful rendition of Granada! Do you take requests? I would love to hear you perform L'Alba Separa dalla Luce L'Ombra. I can imagine it but the real thing would be better. Just a thought.
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Ed to Vincent
04-18-2017
08:56 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.150.226
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Excellent very thrilling voice. You mentioned Pav, years back I met him heading to the garage leaving the Met I had just seen Rigoletto, he was doing scales walking through the door I was ten feet away I was floored!!!!!
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Vincent Ricciardi
04-18-2017
07:34 PM ET (US) IP: 24.190.100.146
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Suzanne, Nat King Cole is a huge favorite of mine. There is something so charming and charismatic about how he sings and his phrasing. Mike M. Thanks for the shout out. Since you mentioned it, here is my performance of "Granada" live in the studio: https://youtu.be/ClZUdy-Kwv8Gail, Mario stood about 3 feet from the microphone. Which is common when recording operatic voices in a good room. Sometimes Omni mics are used. In that case mics are usually placed about 6 ft away. Pavarotti often recorded like that. Edited 04-18-2017 07:37 PM
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Laura Merkel
04-18-2017
07:08 PM ET (US) IP: 66.87.76.27
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Can someone tell me why there are no photos of Marc Lanza as a grown man?
I've seen a photo of a man cooking but don't know if that is him or not.
Anyone know anything about this?
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Gail Swartz
04-18-2017
04:40 PM ET (US) IP: 204.29.186.15
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Can you imagine how far from the Mic Mario would have been had he recorded on one of these...remember he had been set far apart from the others in the sextet number in TGC. He did not use a Mic in lots of his public appearances his voice was so powerful.
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Mike M
04-18-2017
12:33 PM ET (US) IP: 108.74.19.115
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Folks, when you go to Vincent's website, be sure to click on "Granada". I believe you will be impressed!
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Suzanne
04-18-2017
11:58 AM ET (US) IP: 74.79.51.67
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Nice, Vince! My favorite song when it came out. Nat a great fav of mine. Thanks!
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Vincent Ricciardi
04-18-2017
10:25 AM ET (US) IP: 24.190.100.146
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Hey Everyone,
I was testing a new microphone in my recording studio and decided to record a old school crooner styled song. The Neumann M49 was a popular microphone used by Tony Bennett, Johnny Mathis, and more. It was very popular among tenor crooners. The microphone is Advanced Audio's take on the M49 microphone.
https://youtu.be/4x1s2ZUwGK8
There have been some incredible opera singers who used the M49 microphone as well; Maria Callas, Jussi Bjorling, Franco Corelli, and Jonas Kaufmann's latest album used two M49s in a stereo configuration on his vocals. I always wondered why they never got Mario in front of one. He was usually on the RCA ribbon mics or the Altec 639. He may be on an M49 on the Neapolitan Album. Being one of his later albums it's possible they used the then modern M49 for his vocals, but I'm not sure.
Anyway, enjoy the song. I've got some more crooner style songs and operatic pieces coming soon. If you like what you see, please subscribe and share.
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Fred Day
04-18-2017
04:15 AM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Nobody is in Lanza's league except Lanza himself. He stands alone, as the Mount Everest of tenors, towering over all others. Ciao.
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Gail Swartz
04-15-2017
03:53 PM ET (US) IP: 204.29.186.64
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This has nothing related to the radio broadcasts.....I am on Pinterest and found a board that had newspaper and magazine interviews of Mario. Some were very enlightening. A recent fan of Mario...I want to read and listen to all that I can of America's Tenor. I watched the Mark Vincent's duet with Mario and though I like Mark, he is not n Mario's league!
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Fred Day
04-15-2017
11:29 AM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Today's Met radio broadcast is Aida, the tenor is Riccardo Massi, a fine tenor. It starts a half hour earlier than usual, at 12:30 pm, eastern time. Ed: Glad to hear the good news. May you continue to improve. Happy Easter to all. Ciao.
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Kristine
04-14-2017
03:55 PM ET (US) IP: 173.169.36.195
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On CD's of 1950's singers and songs, sometimes, Mario Lanza is included.
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Kristine
04-14-2017
03:27 PM ET (US) IP: 173.169.36.195
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Ed, great news ! I wish everybody a Blessed Passover and Happy Easter !
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Martino to Ed
04-14-2017
02:54 PM ET (US) IP: 104.255.4.145
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Very good news my friend. You will back to 100% in no time!!
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Gail Swartz
04-14-2017
10:19 AM ET (US) IP: 204.29.186.62
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Great news, Ed. Prayers really work! Keep on lifting up Mario and us...we need you.
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Suzanne
04-14-2017
09:46 AM ET (US) IP: 74.79.51.67
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Ed. So glad for the good news. Thought that was where you were when you didn't post. Blessed Easter and to all who celebrate Passover, best to you.
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Ed
04-13-2017
08:44 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.150.226
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I had my post op doctor visit today. I was examined by my surgeon who told me I was cleared that my pathology was clean and all nodes negative of cancer he told me that they got it all, he did suggest I take a few episodes of chemo in about 6-8 weeks, I may not need it as it is up to the oncologist. I am well and gaining weight and blessed for my life.
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Stephen of Las Vegas
04-13-2017
09:52 AM ET (US) IP: 70.173.12.131
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Incredible! Mark's voice has improved greatly since his win on "Australia's Got Talent" in 2009. Sony was smart to sign him so quickly and provide excellent vocal teachers. I think his early voice was a bit between tenor and baritone in range, but now he really sounds like a strong and beautiful tenor.
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Derek Mannering
04-12-2017
09:23 PM ET (US) IP: 69.209.225.31
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Mark Vincent's CD tribute to Mario is released on Friday. Here's a new promo for the launch, "Mark Vincent: Creating a Tribute to Mario Lanza" :
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lS03Rz-lhYM
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Bill Ronayne
04-12-2017
09:46 AM ET (US) IP: 68.192.188.240
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Just viewed "The Best of Everything" documentary and enjoyed it very much. Well done to everyone involved. Best, Bill
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Diane Cox
04-11-2017
11:47 PM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.66
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Thanks, Martino. I value your opinion, and have to agree that Ayan may improve more, but will not reach the Caruso, Pavoratti or Lanza peak.
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Martino to Diane
04-11-2017
10:47 PM ET (US) IP: 104.255.4.145
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Diane, I don't give these reviews very often anymore because no one is too interested but you asked for it so here you go.
I just listened to the live broadcast of "La Traviata" from the MET and made these notes as I was going along. I was very disappointed that the singer I wanted to hear most, Italian soprano Carmen Giannattasio, was announced at the start of the broadcast as being ill and was replaced by Olga Peretyatko, who lost some of my interest when she did not take the high notes at the end of a rather tame "Sempre Libera". Yes, I know that E flat was never written in the score but Sutherland spoiled this aria for me forever when sung by mere mortals. Olga did not even take the C that Verdi gave as a second option to the lower A. Don't get me wrong, Peretyatko has a fine, lusty, voluptuous voice, not unlike her fellow countryman, Anna Netrebko, who sometimes left out the high note as well. But Olga left me a bit flat all the way around although I understand she was a substitute and never even sang this role at the MET before. Netrebko's voice can kill or caress depending on the moment and that always present flare was simply not with Peretyatko tonight. Under the impossible circumstances, however, Olga reached beyond what would be expected and she was rewarded with an enthusiastic ovation at the final curtain.
Tenor Atalla Ayan sang very well indeed and is ideally suited to the role of Alfredo. But it is not a distinctive voice. I could hear it a dozen times in a row and still not tell you the next day with certainty who was singing. Nor would I consider it very beautiful. He is a competent singer and, as you said, passionate in his approach (I would also guess that he is very animated on stage). His strongest suit is his excellent diction - every word was clear and understandable in perfect Italian. He has the high notes for sure but they are not as rich and full bodied as I would like, even for a lyric tenor. But this may come in time. He already has come a long way from that "La Boheme" we were introduced to five or six years ago.
Atalla's big aria at the start of the second act, "De Miei Bollenti Spiriti" and the cabaletta, "O Mio Rimorso" were well sung with the aplomb with which all Verdi cabaletta's must be sung. Ayan sang the high C at the end although it was simply touched and not held very long thereby losing the thrill the piece can provide (Verdi did not write this high C in the score either but gutsy tenors always try it). I think he was most effective in the Act 2 scene 2, at Flora's party where his passion could have no limits in confronting Violetta - and it showed as he sounded like he was killing her! He reminds me a lot of Ramon Vargas, (which is not a bad thing at all), although he does not have the experience and polish Ramon has. Like Vargas, I think Ayan will have a very good career but I don't think it will be a spectacular one. He is simply not sufficiently distinguishable from a dozen others, maybe two dozen others.
Domingo as Germont? Well, at this point St. Placido can do what he wants and no one has the right to say a word, especially someone like me. I must say that I was pleasantly surprised and impressed with his big aria, "Di Provenza il Mar" in which he gave a text book lesson in legato singing.
Overall I enjoyed the performance - I've heard better and I have certainly heard worse.
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Fred Day
04-11-2017
07:15 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Martino: Thanks - I have the San Carlo Adriana that you mentioned - excellent performance. Another excellent L'Alba Separa is by the late Franco Bonisolli. Also Pavarotti and Carreras both did fine versions. Domingo never sang it, to my knowledge. Neither did Corelli, Del Monaco, nor Gigli. Di Stefano never recorded it, but he sang it once in a concert in Stamford, CT around 1990. I have never heard that one, and am seeking it. Ciao. PS: April 8th was Corelli's birthday, and April 6th was Sergio Franchi's birthday. Ciao.
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Diane Cox
04-11-2017
06:02 PM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.66
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The clip on youtube of Atalla Ayan singing L'Alba Separa is from five years ago - he's still in his 20s, but nearing 30. (Looked it up, he's 31) He has improved a good bit since then. Will await your verdict on tonight's broadcast, Martino. I don't think he's the next Mario Lanza, but I like him better than some of todays top tenors. For his passion, and emotion, mostly. Edited 04-11-2017 06:06 PM
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Martino to Ed
04-11-2017
04:03 PM ET (US) IP: 104.255.4.145
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Yes indeed, Richard Tucker does a fabulous rendition as he did with everything he sang. It is obvious he used Caruso as his inspiration with "L'alba". In fact, if their lives had been reversed it would have been Caruso honoring Tucker. You could usually tell if you listened real close that Richard was not Italian. However, in this song if you had never heard him before you would bet your last dollar that he was.
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Ed to Martino
04-11-2017
03:36 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.150.226
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I very much appreciate your response to my post about L'alba. I've just now listened to all three oncemore and as you said it's almost pointless to try and better Caruso it just doesn't happen. Caruso was about 44 when he recorded it in 1917 and the greatness in that voice at that age always captured my attention, Mario was about 37 and captured us. I listened to Caruso on the Dream Ricital cd it is way different than the Neopolitan Favorites LP from the 60s, that sound seems spread out. I'd like to add Tucker to that short list, what do you think? Oh yes a Lanza retake would have met his idol at the finish I'm sure.
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Martino to Ed
04-11-2017
02:21 PM ET (US) IP: 104.255.4.145
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I agree with your choices. Caruso's magnificent recording made it almost pointless for anyone else to try to sing "L'alba..." but Lanza comes within a hair. If only Mario had at least done a retake of the final, pinched Bflat with that unnecessary "curly Q" at the very end it would have been perfect, as would Caruso's recording if he did not rush it a bit. But as we all know nothing is perfect, even from these two best of the best tenors who ever lived.
Rolando Villazon and Carlo Bergonzi sang wonderful renditions as well but Ayan, as you say, was just "okay". He seemed to be searching for proper breath control throughout.
This is yet another great Tosti song and tailor made to the singing styles and passions of both Caruso and Lanza. It is aria-like in some ways but short and requires a lot of emotion packed into a small time frame. It is not as easy as it seems at first glance. Incidentally, both tenor Franco Corelli and Francesco Tosti had birthdays a few days ago.
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Ed
04-11-2017
09:59 AM ET (US) IP: 24.164.150.226
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Fred, just listened to Ayan sing L'alba it was ok. My three favorite covers first would be Causo, lanza and of course Jussi. I didn't think Ayan had the range to pull this off.
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Martino to Diane
04-11-2017
07:17 AM ET (US) IP: 104.255.4.145
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You're right, I confused you with Suzanne. You have followed Ayan for a long time now and his career is doing just fine. I hope to listen to all, or at least most, of the broadcast tonight and will let you know what I think.
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Messages 50371-50364 deleted by author 04-11-2017 01:12 PM |
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Diane Cox
04-10-2017
11:38 PM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.66
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Martino - you may be thinking of me - I've followed Ayan's career since he was in his early 20s. Saw a clip of him singing La Boheme in Brazil. I understand he did well in his Met debut last week, although I have been unable to find a review. I wonder if Bill R. saw him live. Let me know what you think after the Sirius broadcast. Edited 04-10-2017 11:42 PM
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Martino to Fred
04-10-2017
10:41 PM ET (US) IP: 104.255.4.145
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Yes, almost everything is on youtube these days. It is an opera lover's dream come true as many collectors upload material that would be impossible to find anywhere else.
Speaking of youtube, I remember a year or two ago you were looking for the Corelli/Tebaldi "Adriana Lecouvreur" from the MET (1963 I believe). It still has not come back in a Sirius rebroadcast that I have seen. However, there is another "Adriana" with Corelli that is also excellent and it is presented on youtube (link below). This one is from San Carlo and also stars Magda Olivero, Giulietta Simionato and Ettore Bastianini - you can't get better Verismo than that!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cD5PC865xVk&t=5567s
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Fred Day
04-10-2017
09:47 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Martino: On youtube you can hear Atalla Ayan sing my favorite song, L'Alba Separa, and also Che Gelida Manina, both excellent. And Carmen Giannattasio can also be heard on youtube. Ciao.
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Fred Day
04-10-2017
09:21 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Martino: On Sat May 6th, the Met radio broadcast will be Cyrano de Bergerac by Alfano. It will feature 2 fine tenors: Roberto Alagna in the title role, and Atalla Ayan in the role of Christian. Patricia Racette will sing the role of Roxanne. It will start a half hour earlier than usual, at 12:30 pm eastern time. I look forward to it. And this coming Sat, April 15th, also starting at 12:30 eastern time, the Met radio broadcast will be Aida, with tenor Riccardo Massi as Radames. I checked him out on youtube, he is very good. Ciao.
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Martino to Suzanne
04-10-2017
07:18 PM ET (US) IP: 104.255.4.145
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If I recall correctly, you have been following the career of the Brazilian tenor, Atalla Ayan, for several years now. Tomorrow evening he will be singing Alfredo in a MET production of "La Traviata", an opera he has sung in several houses to much acclaim.
Violetta Valery will be sung by Carmen Giannattasio, one of the best young Italian sopranos of the day. She is a rarity in a way (especially in modern time) because she is able to sing the most demanding dramatic roles of Verdi as well as the most lyrical, such as Violetta. In fact, she made her MET debut as Leonora in "Il Trovatore", an opera usually best suited to a more dramatic voice. As much as I look forward to hearing Ayan, I am particularly interested in hearing Giannattasio, who I have never heard before. If you have Sirius, the show begins at 7:25 pm EST. Incidentally, I think Giorgio Germont is being sung tomorrow night by Placido Domingo, as he continues to essay baritone roles.
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Ed
04-10-2017
04:43 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.150.226
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When one listened to Mario sing Song of India they can visualize what India looks like. His phrasing and beauty in his voice makes it all the more better
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Bill Ronayne
04-10-2017
03:51 PM ET (US) IP: 68.192.181.43
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Mike:
The music is written by Rimsky-Korsakov. It's from his opera Sadko. It's usually sung by a character known as The Indian Guest and normally by a tenor. Mercer wrote the lyrics that you're familiar with in Lanza's recording.
Best, Bill
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Suzanne
04-10-2017
01:44 PM ET (US) IP: 74.79.51.67
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Have and watched "Best of Everything". As of all things Mario, left me wanting more.Can't help wondering if Ellisa watches Mario with any pleasure or does it just make her sad. Probably both.
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Mike M
04-10-2017
10:04 AM ET (US) IP: 108.74.19.115
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Was listening to sirius yesterday and they played a hauntingly beautiful "Song of India" by Lily Pons.Same exact melody as Mario's version but in a foreign language and credits said Rimsky-Korsakov. I thought it was written by Johnny Mercer. Or am I missing something?
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Ed
04-08-2017
12:16 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.150.226
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Song tracks all alternate and false starts.
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Ed
04-08-2017
12:12 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.150.226
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 Song tracks all alternate and false starts. I'd enjoy hearing alternate and false starts by Mario Edited 04-08-2017 12:15 PM
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Ed
04-08-2017
12:10 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.150.226
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Elvis 57
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Fred Day
04-07-2017
02:40 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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I am saddened by the death of Don Rickles, (age 90), one of my favorite comics. A brilliant wit. There is plenty of his legacy on youtube. Rest in peace. Ciao.
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Gail Swartz
04-06-2017
10:22 PM ET (US) IP: 204.29.186.54
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Hello, fellow fans....have noticed the many documents of Mario on Youtube? Of course, some are in Italian. Many people are being introduced and reAcquainted with The Voice and personality of Mario. I await the arrival of my copy of the new DVD.
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Bill Ronayne
04-06-2017
10:09 PM ET (US) IP: 69.122.145.181
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Just listened to The Best of Everything 2-CD set and enjoyed it very much. It is now available from the Lanza Museum in Philly. Best, Bill
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Ed
04-06-2017
08:50 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.150.226
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If there were any alternate takes with false starts I'd like to hear them, a CD called Elvis '57 had a whole CD of about 25 tracks. Elvis more popular than Mario in 57.
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ROSS (UK) to Suzanne
04-06-2017
06:16 PM ET (US) IP: 86.12.177.162
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The aria in which Norma Zimmer acted (though sung by Jean Fenn )with Mario was a Boheme sequence.
You may well have seen the B/W photo of Lanza standing with her in a "snowy" street, the whole thing
appears to be suggesting it is a televised show.
sure you will enjoy the DVD when it arrives.
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Suzanne
04-06-2017
02:20 PM ET (US) IP: 74.79.51.67
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At one time there was a costume pictured that was worn by Mario. No one knew what it was from. Could it have been Student Prince. Anyone have the photo now? Apparently there was a cut scene from Serenade with Norma Zimmer, any one know about this? She was a Laurence Welk regular. Don't think we'll ever have it all, but getting close! Still waiting for my "Best of Everything".
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ROSS (UK) to Fred.
04-06-2017
02:01 PM ET (US) IP: 86.12.177.162
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Thanks for the info Fred.
It just shows how Bernhardt lacked "people skills" (as confirmed by Stewart Grainger )
Surely if you were dealing with a Tenor with "Italian temperament" you would start with a scene or two that you knew would go well so as to build up a rapport with Mario ....so that if down the line you felt you had to say "Perhaps" a rethink over "Beloved" was necessary, a mutual respect might make the discussion possible. Not (as it would appear)launch into Mario with criticism from the "word go" that would have almost inevitable consequences.
Thirty minutes of movie time (possibly mostly musical) is a big "out-take" (25%) by any standards...I would like to think they are in a can somewhere...and as you say we have the soundtrack....wonder how that survived?...perhaps it was held by Mario himself and passed down through Damon? ( can't see that the movie company would have supplied it!( other than of course the alternate Nessun Dorma.)
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Fred Day
04-06-2017
01:22 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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As far as is known, actual filming had not yet started when Lanza walked off the Student Prince set. There may be a few still photos of Lanza in costume, but no film footage is known to exist. As for SERENADE, when completed, the film ran 2 and a half hours, so about 30 minutes was edited out, as the released film runs 121 minutes. How much of the edited scenes still exists is not known. Fortunately, we do have the audio of Lanza's unused singing. Ciao.
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ROSS (UK) to Phil (UK)
04-06-2017
11:34 AM ET (US) IP: 86.12.177.162
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Hi Phil, I fear that the scenes may not so much lost as "shelved" permanently.
If a media company decided to use some "unused" material they would (under modern legal regulations) have to trace the artists...directors...writers etc. that were involved for clearances and copyright reasons. As you can imagine most if not all would be dead... meaning tracing their wills to see who inherited those rights ( and sometimes passed on twice by now). The work would be very time consuming/costly, now weigh this against the likely sales to be generated and the company would decide its not a viable "financial" project.
What you suggest CAN be done (no doubt) ....but WILL it ever be done....sadly I say Unlikely.
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phil uk
04-06-2017
07:59 AM ET (US) IP: 85.12.76.63
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This is starting to be a good year for Mario now if we could obtain those lost operatic scenes(Tosca/La Boheme) from Serenade it would be an exceptional year.Whats the chances?
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ROSS (UK)
04-06-2017
07:32 AM ET (US) IP: 86.12.177.162
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In respect of my earlier question regarding the "walk with God" scene.....If you watch closely as the camera changes from "long-shot" to "medium" the position of the "guardsmen" between "Prince" and the Catafalque changes from ON the corner to in front of the corner. I know this proves only that they were separate takes...but I suppose it does nothing to disprove the earlier mentioned rumour either.
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ROSS (UK)
04-06-2017
04:07 AM ET (US) IP: 86.12.177.162
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Just watched "Best of Everything" DVD and thoroughly enjoyed it. It is well produced and will
hopefully create some new "Lanza Fans" ( from the "younger demographic" as they say these days)
Can I ask a question which has puzzled me for a while ?....Does anyone know how far they got with the "Student Prince" Movie before Mario walked off set never to return?
They apparently had produced costumes ...so surely there should be some "still" shots of Mario wearing them? (wasn't it there practice in those days to take them in "final stages" to see how the actor looked actually IN them)so where did they go...I have never seen them.
Also ...as Bernhardt questioned the "Beloved" original version...had they at least completed some work on THAT scene before the "hiccup".... If so is some film sitting in an old can somewhere?
Finally perhaps someone can confirm or deny the old rumour that Mario had filmed the "catafalque"...Walk with God scene and a little bit was used in "distance shots " of the film?
If any one has any info about these or ANY scenes that might have been done ...I would be grateful. THANKS.
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Armando Cesari
04-04-2017
09:46 PM ET (US) IP: 202.7.227.108
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Having just seen “The Best of Everything” I can only endorse the enthusiastic comments made by others. Very well made-congratulations to all involved in its making.
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Linz
04-04-2017
06:02 PM ET (US) IP: 222.153.14.154
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BTW, I posted the following on Mark Vincent's YouTube duet with Mario:
Tears rolling down my cheeks! What a treat! Bravo to Mark and everyone involved. I hope it goes absolutely viral for you Mark—certainly deserves to.
Good to see it's had 10,000 views in 5 days.
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Linz to Derek Mannering
04-04-2017
05:46 PM ET (US) IP: 222.153.14.154
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Derek—thanks for illuminating Alan Byron's role. It was clear from the start that the thing was in the hands of a seasoned professional. The editing is very thoughtful and clever. And unlike most modern productions the music-under (again, very well chosen: love the Force of Destiny under Mario's childhood recollections) is not so loud as to obscure speech or dialogue. I'm on my 5th viewing. It's an hour and twenty-five minutes, but gripping from start to finish. Please tell Alan we have spotted and appreciate the little snippets of previously unseen footage, and the unexpected clarity of some seen footage, such as The Christopher Film—amazing! Anyway, I hope he becomes Sir Alan for this masterpiece.
I suppose it's too late, but I noted that Lesley Garrett in the out-takes said she would love to have been able to sing Parigi with Mario. I wonder if she knows he recorded that, and could she sing it with him (and Frances—I'm sure no one will mind a trio!) in any update?
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Suzanne
04-04-2017
02:03 PM ET (US) IP: 74.79.51.67
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Derek, thank you. Let you know if it works out that way, if I ever receive it. Vince ,want you to know that your "Palladium" is in my heart, whatever anyone else has done. Thank you, again.
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Derek Mannering
04-04-2017
01:04 PM ET (US) IP: 69.209.225.31
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I'm delighted to see such supportive comments for the new Lanza documentary. Ellisa and I saw it for the first time last week and we loved it. What surprised me most was how moved I was at the close. It was beautifully done and full credit for that – for the entire production, in fact – goes to its director, Alan Byron. Alan's commitment to the documentary was total and I can't praise him highly enough for what he accomplished here. Everything you see on the screen is the result of his vision, an outstanding accomplishment in every respect. (And Suzanne: the DVD is region free so you can watch it on any player, no need for a special unit.)
Alan would have featured more excerpts from Mario's movies, but despite the fact that you can see most of these for free on YouTube, the cost per minute for each clip in a licensed program such as this one was prohibitive. Then again, the lack of movie clips led to more Lanza-friendly material such as the Christopher Show interview which most people new to Mario won't have seen before and which added to the emotional impact felt at the end. We had also hoped to locate a copy of Mario's final appearance on TV, the Saturday Night Spectacular program broadcast from London in 1958, but the tape could not be found. It was likely wiped, a casualty of a lot of television programming from that period.
Alan and I first discussed plans for the documentary over dinner in London 18 months ago. It was Alan's recommendation that I coordinate with Sony for a double-CD as part of a joint release this year. We learned last week that due to high demand, Sony is currently producing a second print run for their "Best of Everything" collection. The inlay card for this version will advertise Alan's superb documentary, highlighting the DVD cover and incidental information. That's as it should be – a win-win for both companies and, of course, for Mario Lanza's legacy. Mark Vincent's CD tribute later this month will continue the celebration.
Anyway, thanks for those positive comments which I will share with Alan.
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Ed to Vince
04-04-2017
10:42 AM ET (US) IP: 70.214.83.198
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Yes, outtakes I've always said
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Suzanne
04-04-2017
10:00 AM ET (US) IP: 74.79.51.67
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Loving these reviews, but maddening that I have not received my copy, ordered some time ago--? it will need to be played on the DVD unit that my son has for European selections. Where did I go wrong?
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Vince Di Placido Jnr.
04-04-2017
05:44 AM ET (US) IP: 213.233.150.59
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Great reviews Linz & Derek. You summed things up so much better than I ever could. :-)
I just want to echo how moving the documentary was, especially Ellisa's recollections. It's the most expressive & best I've seen her talking about her mother & father, very interesting insights.
The use of RCA recordings with Palladium footage was handled expertly, as someone who has dabbled clumsily with basic equipment to do similar things, I was VERY impressed.
If we only had access & were unrestrained by. copyright restrictions ;-) there could be some amazing work done with Mario footage, recordings & outtakes.
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Linz
04-03-2017
11:41 PM ET (US) IP: 222.153.14.154
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I know on the rare occasions Mr. Mannering and I engage it's usually to lock horns, but I want to offer my unqualified, 1000% congratulations to him and all involved on The Best of Everything, which I too have just watched. Joseph Calleja's dismissal of the nit-picking nay-sayers on its own is worth the price of admission, but in toto this production is priceless. Everyone plays his/her part with passion and polish. I doubt anyone will be able not to melt as Ellisa recalls her mother's last 5 months on earth after Mario's death. Her story of the two Christmas trees is a gem. So many wonderful things to be said about this show, and I'll say as many as I can to as many people as I can as often as I can! Bravo, Derek, and your wonderful supporting cast of singers and musicians—they did it with such love! Above all, of course, bravo Magnificent Mario, to whom this is such a fitting tribute.
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Derek McGovern
04-03-2017
11:09 PM ET (US) IP: 220.92.65.19
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I've also just watched "The Best of Everything," and can heartily recommend it. Aside from some wonderfully astute musical observations from Joseph Calleja, Lesley Garrett and Anthony Wade (aka "Dr. Voice"), plus touching reminiscences from Ellisa Lanza and excellent biographical commentary from Derek Mannering, what I loved about it is that Mario often serves as the doco's co-narrator. He's telling his own story, and the doco makes great use of the Christopher Show and other interviews that he gave.
I've also never seen the Palladium performance in better quality, and the extra visual detail makes one appreciate all the more just how expressive Mario was when singing live.
Sure, there are things we can quibble about in the doco, such as the paucity of film clips or the brevity of the actual singing examples, but the positives (for me, anyway) greatly outweighed the negatives.
It's a balanced documentary, and ultimately a very moving one. Congratulations to all involved.
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Pam Latham
04-03-2017
02:55 PM ET (US) IP: 86.18.204.16
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The new DVD is wonderful! Heartfelt contributions from Ellisa, We see and hear much more of her in this production than any of the others. Derek Mannering, what can I say, his love of the Lanza voice shows in his passionate description of the Lanza story, and it's legacy. Beautiful contributions too from Joseph Calleja, Lesley Garret, Gianluca Terranova, all who know what they are talking about regarding the technique and quality and beauty of the voice. Finally, it was a joy to hear so much of Mario's speaking voice as well as his singing one. All in all, buy this DVD and enjoy every minute of it!
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Vince Di Placido Jnr.
04-03-2017
11:38 AM ET (US) IP: 95.44.208.158
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I have just finished watching "The Best of Everything" & aside from a few minor quibbles I was quite happy with the production so I just wanted to say well done Derek Mannering.
There were some very interesting commentaries & observations & clever editing which I really appreciated.
Definitely worth seeing!
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Ed
04-02-2017
07:16 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.150.226
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I'm sure John being so musically talented he must have had an opinion about Mario, also Mario performing in England in the late 50s.
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Len (UK)
04-02-2017
04:42 PM ET (US) IP: 86.161.60.89
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Kristine - the Beatles did a version of Besame Mucho, so they may have been aware of Mario.
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Kristine
04-01-2017
06:11 PM ET (US) IP: 173.169.36.195
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Ed, glad to hear you are better. I wonder if The Beatles and John Lennon liked Mario Lanza ? On the subject of John Lennon, Rosie passed away . RIP. She was with Rosie and The Originals, a doo wop group who sang "Angel Baby" back in the '60's. I read that was one of John Lennon's favorites songs.
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Ed
04-01-2017
11:03 AM ET (US) IP: 24.164.150.226
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Fred, regarding Elvis, I once heard John Lennon say he told Elvis "before you there was nothing"
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Fred Day
03-31-2017
10:02 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Ed: I recently read the following statement: "Before anyone did anything, Elvis did everything." Interesting, true, and quite valid. That statement could also apply to Lanza, with equal validity. Interesting. Ciao. Edited 03-31-2017 10:05 PM
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Fred Day
03-31-2017
09:57 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Ed: Glad you are doing well, and that your improvement will continue. It is interesting that Mark Vincent used the Christopher film of Lanza singing Because You're Mine, but used his RCA record of the song, made 5 years earlier, and matched it to the video of 1957. The match is close to perfect. And Mark has improved very much when compared to his earlier efforts of several years ago. His Nessun Dorma at age 15 was done a whole tone lower than the original key. He now has the high notes that he lacked when he was 15. He has come a long way. Yes, it reminds me of the Jerry Hadley duet with Lanza of Golden Days. History often repeats itself. Very nicely done. Ciao.
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Ed
03-31-2017
05:34 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.150.226
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Ed
03-31-2017
05:19 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.150.226
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Suzanne, yes our Mario was his own man and made his own way. I listened to the YouTube a few times now and another friend of mine says he's OK. I've always wanted a duet with someone like Netrebko using one of his duets with a soprano. This was a good opportunity for Mr. Vincent saying he sang with the best.
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Suzanne
03-31-2017
02:56 PM ET (US) IP: 74.79.51.67
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Great news Ed. Derek, very nice video, Mark is great , but only one Mario.He should be his own man as Mario was.
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Ed
03-30-2017
09:09 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.150.226
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I'm still recuperating from my colon surgery and again Mario has entered my life to give me joy. Ya never know! I'm going well according to my doctors and should be up and running by springs end.
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Deleted by topic administrator 03-31-2017 09:04 PM
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Ed
03-30-2017
07:45 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.150.226
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Yes, thank you. Was the Lanza video from Christopher Closeup?
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Derek Mannering
03-30-2017
06:51 PM ET (US) IP: 69.209.225.31
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And here's the complete video of the virtual duet (thanks, Steff!):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BO9PawEuTvY
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Ed
03-30-2017
06:08 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.150.226
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We've always spoken about a Mario duet here and on Lanza Legend, many wanted a tenor, some even argued who could step up. I've never heard of Vincent but the sample here I think is wonderful.
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Derek Mannering
03-30-2017
01:32 PM ET (US) IP: 69.209.225.31
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Good to read some positive reports from the U.K. about the new documentary.
Kristine, the new Sony CD is available now on Amazon.com and the documentary DVD will be available here on April 7, so no need to bother with exchange rates.
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Derek Mannering
03-30-2017
01:25 PM ET (US) IP: 69.209.225.31
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Here's a link on Facebook to Mark Vincent's new promo for his Lanza tribute CD:
https://www.facebook.com/markvincent/video...350/?type=2&theater
Clever use of the joint black & white screens there.
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phil uk
03-30-2017
09:02 AM ET (US) IP: 85.12.76.63
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wow wow get this dvd its wonderful,wonderful,well done to those who produced it.
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phil uk
03-30-2017
06:56 AM ET (US) IP: 85.12.76.63
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just got the new dvd "The Best Of" looking forward to viewing it in a few hours.Amazing all these years since Marios passing & we still have cds & now a dvd release.The Lanza legacy endures due to great guys & gals who produce these items for us to savour,more power to them.
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Fred Day
03-29-2017
10:44 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Jussi recorded Come Un Bel Di Di Maggio and sang it on radio and/or TV on a few occasions, but, oddly, he never recorded or is known to have never sung the Improviso, unfortunately. Ciao.
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Fred Day
03-29-2017
10:39 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Ed: The other "take" of Be My Love is the Coke Show rendition, from his first Coke Show. It is shorter than the RCA recording, and has no choir. There was no choir in any Coke Show recordings. Ciao.
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Ed
03-29-2017
08:33 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.150.226
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Got my Best cd today, anyone know where the other take of BML came from ?
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Ed to Len
03-29-2017
05:59 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.150.226
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Len, most definitely he was suited for the roll in AC. The studio recording of the improvviso is fine but if you listen to the home recording with Costa he gives a gripping rendition of the aria, I don't think a home recording of Come Un Bel DiMaggio exists, perhaps we'll never know. I think my faves are Caruso and of course Jussi, theirs are powerful.
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Gail Swartz
03-29-2017
04:54 PM ET (US) IP: 204.29.186.4
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Received the Sony release...Loved it. Will be taking it to Houston...Region 10 of the Sweet Adelines competition on April1...on YouTube, found lyrics to Toselli's Serenade..Mario sang it so well in his unique and marvelous voice !
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Diane Cox
03-29-2017
04:34 PM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.66
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According to the Opera Lover's Companion Andre Chenier was a resounding success at it's premiere in 1896, and has remained popular ever since.
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Suzanne
03-29-2017
10:53 AM ET (US) IP: 74.79.51.67
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Andrea Chenier premiered in Milan in 1896 in March. I wonder how it was received.
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Suzanne
03-29-2017
10:51 AM ET (US) IP: 74.79.51.67
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According to Cesari's book, Ray Heindorf recalled that Tebaldi was so overcome by Mario's singing That she was moved to tears and embraced him fondly after which he invited her to his home to meet his family, where they spent a memorable evening singing together.This was after a Screening of Serenade. She is said to have told him he had the finest natural tenor voice she'd ever heard.Seems she "liked" him.
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phil uk
03-29-2017
10:00 AM ET (US) IP: 85.12.76.63
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again listening to the Chenier Improviso rehearsal track i feel that Mario had an affinity for this opera.I have heard Del monaco,Corelli etc but oniy Mario gets into the role for this aria,Gigli comes close in not only singing but acting vocally as Mario does.I often wonder what Tebaldi thought of Marios vocal cords & what did they sing that evening,does anyone know?
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Kristine
03-29-2017
06:24 AM ET (US) IP: 173.169.36.195
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The Library of Congress has announced its selection of recordings for their National Registry of Recordings. Here are some of them: Judy Garland-"Over The Rainbow", Harry Richman-"Puttin' On The Ritz", Big Mama Thornton's version of "Hound Dog"(before Elvis sang it), Don McLean-"American Pie"(his tribute to the passing of Buddy Holly), Barbra Streisand-"People", one of opera soprano Renee' Fleming. Once again, none of Mario Lanza's recordings were chosen, though, I think Caruso is in their registry. The public can send submissions to them. As for Mario Lanza doing the voices of fairy tale story characters, I read that ,in Terry Robinson's and Raymond Strait's book. Imagine Lanza doing the voices of a witch, " Hansel &Gretel", "Goldilocks and The Three Bears," etc. What are the prices of Lanza CD "The Best of Everything" and DVD, in American currency ?
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Fred Day
03-28-2017
04:17 AM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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There may have been plans for a Lanza album of sacred songs and arias, to follow an opera aria album, but sadly, time ran out much too soon. Same for Fritz. His Ingemisco is excellent. Jussi's best Ingemisco is his 1960 stereo version, from the complete recording. Truly majestic!! Ciao.
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Bill Ronayne
03-27-2017
10:38 AM ET (US) IP: 67.80.218.214
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Hi Ed: I've never seen anything to that effect. Of course he would have been wonderful in it. I would have liked to have heard him sing it around the time of the Coke Show and then later on say in 1958 when he became more introspective in his life and gave even deeper meaning to the words of what he was performing. Best, Bill
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Ed
03-27-2017
10:10 AM ET (US) IP: 24.164.150.226
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Martino, thank you for responding to my post re-Ingemisco. Recuperating as I am I find much time to listening to my music. I too feel that Jussi was best even before turning 30. Fred, yes I agree Lanza would have done Verdi proud, I feel his voice would have accomplished this around the time of SP, who knows perhaps around 1958 darker but still as powerful and rich. Phil, much agreed as to FW, just listened to the YT by Fritz and enjoyed it, yes one more gone way too soon. Edited 03-27-2017 10:12 AM
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phil uk
03-27-2017
04:28 AM ET (US) IP: 85.12.76.63
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may i ask you people to listen to Fritz Wunderlich singing the Ingemisco from a live performance,great rendition i feel,what say you.
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Fred Day
03-27-2017
12:08 AM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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I agree with Martino, re: Ingemisco. Pity that Lanza never got around to recording it. If his Coke Show had continued for another several months, he might have sung it then and there. If only!! Ciao.
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Martino to Ed
03-26-2017
07:59 PM ET (US) IP: 104.255.4.145
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I'll give you my opinion. The Ingemisco is one of Verdi's greatest compositions for the tenor voice. It is both a plea and a prayer. The tenor is asking the Lord for mercy so the singing must be melancholic first and foremost. Every great rendition of this piece has this as the basis (Bjorling perhaps the best on record). The young Lanza had the voice for it for sure as it can be sung effectively by lyrico spinto as well as dramatic tenors. Even Pavarotti, (a lyric tenor in his youth) did a wonderful job with the Verdi Requium. But this melancholic singing is not usually associated with young singers (Corelli the exception). It is an acquired attribute that comes with time and experience, both vocal and life experience. Listen to the words, understand their meaning and you will appreciate this. As such, it is my opinion that the older Lanza would have been most effective singing the Ingemisco, not necessarily in a vocal sense, but in an interpretive one. As far as your question about Mario wanted to record the Ingemisco all I can say is most of the great tenors in history have done so. I'm sure Mario would have wanted to as well when he felt he was ready but time ran out.
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Ed to Fred or Bill
03-26-2017
06:28 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.150.226
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Do either of you know if Mario ever thought of recording Imgemisco and at what point do you think his voice would have been best suited?
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Fred Day
03-26-2017
12:29 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Gail: I think so - I vaguely recall reading that in one of the books. That was just another of his many talents. Ciao.
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Gail Swartz
03-26-2017
06:11 AM ET (US) IP: 204.29.186.58
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Didn't one of Mario's biographers write that he entertained children with cartoon character's voices when he told them stories?
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Fred Day
03-26-2017
12:46 AM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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It is known that Lanza could do an impression of Nat King Cole and Billy Eckstine, so he could probably also do Billy Daniels. Perhaps Tony Bennett?? Besides doing Liberace, he also did George Saunders. None of these exist on tape, unfortunately. However, besides the 4 impressions in 7 Hills of Rome, his early impression of Giovanni Martinelli also exists. It is humorous, but also very accurate. Ciao.
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Ed
03-25-2017
07:01 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.150.226
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My cd is due wed the 29 can't wait!!
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Suzanne
03-25-2017
12:12 PM ET (US) IP: 74.79.51.67
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Kristine, I think Mario could imitate almost any male. Didn't realize it was he singing in the niteclub scene in Seven Hills. The resident tenor when he was seeking a job. Bet he did a "mean" Bill Daniels. Wonder if there are any recordings of more of his impersonations. Remember the Liberace story? What a talent! Need to order "Best of Everything"CD. Documentary on order.
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Kristine
03-25-2017
05:09 AM ET (US) IP: 173.169.36.195
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David, thanks for information. I heard that Mario Lanza could impersonate Billy Daniels.
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David Weaver
03-25-2017
12:20 AM ET (US) IP: 98.31.1.186
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Kristine, at the 1952 Oscar ceremony, which was held on March 19, 1953 and was the first ceremony ever televised, it was popular nightclub and recording star Billy Daniels who sang "Because You're Mine."
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Joe
03-24-2017
08:41 PM ET (US) IP: 71.224.55.142
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I have received my “The Best Of Everything” CD and I am very happy with it. Forty four tracks for that asking price is truly a great bargain! While the sound is very good, I think SEPIA is richer. My only real criticism is with the liner notes....…could Sony possibly find a smaller font? Edited 03-24-2017 08:43 PM
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Len (UK)
03-24-2017
05:09 PM ET (US) IP: 86.161.60.84
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Wendy - Thanks for the tip. I just watched Vera Lynn singing 'Because your Mine' on YouTube. It is a very different rendition but beautifully sung; the phrasing and arrangement are excellent. She was never one for a big 'money note' as a climax, but always a great performance.
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Kristine
03-24-2017
11:39 AM ET (US) IP: 173.169.36.195
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James Whitmore also was in movie "All The Brothers Were Valiant" , starring Robert Taylor, Ann Blyth, Stewart Granger, and Keenan Wynn, one of my favorite movies. I saw the CD and DVD of Mario Lanza-The Best of Everything on Amazon.com What are the prices in American currency ? Thanks for information.
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Derek Mannering
03-21-2017
08:04 PM ET (US) IP: 69.209.225.31
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Details and Sony media announcement of the Mark Vincent Lanza Tribute CD are now on Jeff's main Lanza page.
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Ed
03-21-2017
03:55 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.150.226
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James Whitmore played inmate Ross in oscar nominated Shawshank Redemption but oscar went to Forest Gump in 91. Edited 03-21-2017 03:58 PM
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David Weaver
03-21-2017
02:25 PM ET (US) IP: 156.63.68.221
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Fred, Whitmore was nominated for an Oscar as Best Actor in 1975 for "Give 'Em Hell, Harry!" - he lost out to Jack Nicholson for "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest." Derek, listened to Elissa's interview - wonderful. And great to see the new Sony CD in Classic FM's Top Thirty Chart. The continued love for Lanza in the British isles is extraordinary. Nice to hear the Mark Vincent-Mario duet; another talented singer who cites Mario as an inspiration. It reminded me of the wonderful recording the late Jerry Hadley did, dueting with Mario on "Golden Days." Edited 03-21-2017 02:28 PM
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Suzanne
03-21-2017
01:58 PM ET (US) IP: 74.79.51.67
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Thanks David. Showboat is on quite a bit, I saw it not long ago. Never can resist it. Ed. I really hope you get to Philly this year, you'll be happy you did. James Whitmore was a terrific actor , a great career . My son always liked him. Wonder how he and Mario got along, even if he did have "a head like an acorn"!.
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Fred Day
03-21-2017
10:36 AM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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James Whitmore also had a role in The Eddy Duchin Story (1957) starring Tyrone Power as Duchin. Whitmore played Duchin's manager. And I remember Whitmore in an episode of The Twilight Zone - one of the hour long episodes. He was excellent, as always. Ciao.
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Bill Ronayne
03-21-2017
08:37 AM ET (US) IP: 68.192.190.250
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You're welcome Ed. Best, Bill
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Kristine
03-21-2017
06:26 AM ET (US) IP: 173.169.36.195
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Fred, James Whitmore also portrayed Theodore Roosevelt in a one man play. He also played a Judge in the Barbra Streisand movie, "Nuts". I think he was on a tv sitcom called "Temperature's Rising", which took place in a hospital. I don't know if his portrayal of Truman was an Oscar nomination. In the movie version of "Kiss Me, Kate", he and Keenan Wynn played gangster types who did a song and dance scene to "Brush Up Your Shakespeare". Considering they were not known as song and dance men, they were very good ! By the way, Keely Smith also sang "Because You're Mine" on one of her recording albums, which is out on CD. "Because You're Mine" was an Oscar nominee for Best Song. Who sang it at the Academy Awards, that year ?
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Fred Day
03-21-2017
03:54 AM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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James Whitmore was also noted for playing President Harry Truman in "Give 'em Hell Harry". He was superb in that role. Was that role nominated for an Oscar?? Curious. Ciao.
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Wendy Stilwell - UK
03-21-2017
03:28 AM ET (US) IP: 2.97.172.103
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Re Vera Lynn
On one of her CD's which I have, she does a very good rendition of Because You're Mine.
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Ed to Bill
03-20-2017
09:23 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.150.226
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Bill,
I got my bulletin on Friday and just got a chance today to read it, I must say you did another winner as always. I enjoy the part called Recording Sessions. I'm pretty good on the Q&A. When I can get around by early summer I still want my cousin to take me to Philly. Many thanks for your kindness my friend.
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Kristine
03-20-2017
04:14 PM ET (US) IP: 173.169.36.195
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"Battleground" was James Whitmore's film debut. He also made a movie with Nancy Davis(later , First Lady Nancy Reagan)called "The Next Voice You Hear" about people hearing God's voice on the radio(though the movie audience didn't hear it). He was a great actor and M-G-M thought he would be another Spencer Tracy. He served in the Marines, during World War II and I think was from Buffalo, N.Y. area. He was also in "Battle Cry" with Tab Hunter and Aldo Ray. His son, Steve Whitmore has a facebook page and his son, James Whitmore, Jr. directs some of the "NCIS" episodes. James, Jr. was once an actor on "Black Sheep Squadron" with Robert Conrad. Yes, Bill mentioned that Utica, N.Y. was the next stop, after Scranton, Pennsylvania for Mario Lanza's tour. He appeared at The Stanley Theater, Utica, and Terry Robinson mentioned he remembered The Stanley. He was giving out the programs for the performance.
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David Weaver
03-20-2017
03:01 PM ET (US) IP: 156.63.68.161
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Suzanne, the showings of the two Mario films are related to his co-stars: next Monday, March 27, the prime-time spotlight is on Kathryn Grayson. Besides "That Midnight Kiss," they're showing four other Grayson films, including probably her best and best-known film, "Showboat."
On Wednesday, May 3, TCM is saluting James Whitmore. They're showing five Whitmore films in addition to "Because You're Mine." Oddly enough, they are not including two of his biggest successes, the sci-fi thriller "Them!" and the war film, "Battleground," which brought Whitmore an Oscar nomination
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Bill Ronayne
03-20-2017
01:57 PM ET (US) IP: 68.192.190.250
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Nice interview and promotion of Mario Derek. Best, Bill
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Bill Ronayne
03-20-2017
01:41 PM ET (US) IP: 68.192.190.250
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Thanks Suzanne and you're very welcome. Best, Bill
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Suzanne
03-20-2017
01:20 PM ET (US) IP: 74.79.51.67
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Kristine, Bill tells us in his latest newsletter "That Midnight Kiss" will be shown on Mar.27, but at 2:30AM and and Apr.23 at 8AM ET. "Because You're Mine" on May 3 at 1AM.So if you can't sleep ,you can watch. Seems to be the result of the New Documentary. Whatever, the cause, it's great news.Nice issue, Bill, like the cover photo,as well. Wish I could have attended this year's birthday party for Mario. Thanks to those who did. Our friend Veronica is a great fan of Vera Lynn, what a terrific voice she had. Bill thanks, too for the mention of Mario's appearance here in Utica in 1951. Talked with someone who saw him, told me "they stood up in the back of the theatre and "tore down the rafters"not literally of course. so many fans of Mario, here in Utica.Sorry to have missed seeing him.
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Derek Mannering
03-20-2017
12:42 PM ET (US) IP: 69.209.225.31
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Ellisa was interviewed for the Wynne Evans radio show on BBC Radio Wales today. I tried posting the link but for some reason it was blocked.
Google BBC Radio Wales - Wynne Evans and follow the link to his show On Demand for 20/03/2017.
Ellisa's interview starts at 1:09 and ends at 1:27, give or take a few seconds.
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Derek Mannering
03-20-2017
12:31 PM ET (US) IP: 69.209.225.31
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Thank you, Wendy, and here's a link to the British Classic FM chart, courtesy of Steff. The new Sony CD is definitely off to a great start:
http://www.classicfm.com/radio/shows-prese...m-chart/goks-divas/
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Wendy Stilwell - UK
03-19-2017
01:56 PM ET (US) IP: 92.20.119.255
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Hi Derek
Good news,I have just listened to the UK Classical chart, and the Best of Everything is number 18.
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Len (UK)
03-19-2017
12:38 PM ET (US) IP: 86.141.209.64
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Last night in the UK the BBC showed a documentary tribute to Dame Vera Lynn. She is 100 tomorrow! They showed the very first UK top ten from 1952. She was two places above Mario (BYM). I understand that she was the first UK artist to have a US number one - a decade before the Dave Clark Five or the Beatles.
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Derek Mannering
03-19-2017
12:12 PM ET (US) IP: 69.209.225.31
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In addition to the new Sony CD and Screenbound's Lanza documentary, Sony in Australia will be releasing a tribute to Mario next month by their popular young artist, Mark Vincent. The tribute is warmly supported by Ellisa and contains a 'virtual duet' by Lanza and 23-year-old Vincent on "Because You’re Mine." I'll have full details of this for Jeff's main page in the coming week.
For now, here's a link to a duet from Mark's most recent album, a lovely song by Ennio Morricone.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_IhnRSKe-00
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Kristine
03-18-2017
09:29 PM ET (US) IP: 173.169.36.195
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Ed, thanks for information on St. Pat, get well soon. Happy St. Patrick's Day weekend ! Rock'n'Roll Legend Chuck Berry passed away at 90. RIP. I just bought the Mario Lanza CD-One Alone. Later on, I'll buy The Best of Everything CD and DVD. There will be a Kathryn Grayson Day on TCM, this month, so I assume there will be a Lanza movie on. This weekend is a 48 hour Tribute to Bob Osborne on TCM.
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Fred Day
03-18-2017
01:04 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Today's Met radio broadcast is Rossini's William Tell. The tenor is Bryan Hymel. Enjoy. Ciao.
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Ed to Kristine
03-18-2017
10:00 AM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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Kristine, St Patrick was definitely not born in Italy, he and his parents were born in Roman Britain. Around the time of Ceasar in 45 AD the Roman empire marched legions of soldiers into Britain. Patrick was born it is believed Scotland and was kidnapped at 16 by Irish bands of warriors. He escaped after about six years to home. It is believed by me and others that he had a calling from God to return to Ireland. Patrick died March 17, 465 and is buried somewhere near County Down. St.Columba also another famous Irish saint. Mario and Betty were married at St Columba here in NYC. I've been there many times and thought of them. Growing up in an Irish Catholic home we studied Irish history.
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Kristine
03-18-2017
05:38 AM ET (US) IP: 173.169.36.195
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Happy St. Patrick's Day to all ! Ed, great news, get well soon. I heard that St. Parick's parents were born in Italy.
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Joe to anyone
03-17-2017
10:03 PM ET (US) IP: 71.224.55.142
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I have already ordered the 2 disc CD "Best Of Everything", but I am confused on how to order the documentary. Can anyone straighten me out?
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Fred Day
03-17-2017
05:27 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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I hear that the Italian airlines (al' Italia) and the Israeli airlines are going to merge - they will call it "Vell I tell ya". Everyone sings "Oi-ve Maria". Ciao. Edited 03-17-2017 05:38 PM
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Fred Day
03-17-2017
05:22 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Martino: I am not of Italian descent, but my heart and soul are very Italian. I like Italian food and wine, women, and song. I once had an uncle who died of wine, women, and song - he couldn't get enough of any of them!! (I stole that from Red Skelton.) Toscanini once said to Jan Peerce: "Peerce, you must have some Italian blood in you!" Peerce replied: "Not to my knowledge, Maestro. But I can only speak for myself, my parents, and my grand parents. Before that, I do not know." Toscanini replied: "Ah-ha!! There is where the Italian blood comes in!!" Ciao.
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Fred Day
03-17-2017
05:10 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Ed: Glad you are feeling better. May that continue. The diet weakness will gradually improve. Best wishes. Ciao.
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Bill Ronayne
03-17-2017
03:54 PM ET (US) IP: 68.192.186.14
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Mario Lanza Museum Benefit Luncheon
Sunday, April, 23, 2017 1:00pm-4:00pm
Estia Restaurant
1405 Locust St
Philadelphia,PA
3-course lunch
Special video presentation on Mario Lanza.
50/50 Raffle
$60 per person*
For more information call 215-238-9691 or email mariolanzainstitute@verizon.net.
Please RSVP by April 15, 2017. Invitations can be downloaded at https://www.mariolanzainstitute.org/
Luncheon begins promptly at 1:00pm.
*Includes coffee, tea and ice tea only. No refunds or credits.
For those not able to attend and wishing to make a donation, checks should be made out to Mario Lanza Institute and mailed to the following address:
Mario Lanza Institute
PO Box 54624
Philadelphia, PA 19148
Best, Bill
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Ed
03-17-2017
02:46 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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Had post op doctor visit today and got excellent report back in two months. Aside from diet weakness I'm getting better. Still waiting CD
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Suzanne
03-17-2017
10:29 AM ET (US) IP: 74.79.51.67
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Thanks, Derek. Now I have it. Ed. Best.
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phil uk
03-17-2017
08:48 AM ET (US) IP: 85.12.76.63
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Have just purchased the New Sony cds & listened to most of the tracks & i urge admirers to obtain this release especially for the alternate Nessun Dorma which is superior to the Serenade version,however i must admit i found some of the tracks a bit bright & lacking a smoothness which we got on previous Sony releases.This is just an observation & not a gripe to these guys who devote much of their time to produce these discs.
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Martino to Fred
03-16-2017
08:05 PM ET (US) IP: 104.255.4.145
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"Ed: PS: If you are permitted an occasional glass of wine to go with the lasagna, I would suggest a good Lambrusco. Ciao".
Fred, are you sure you do not have some Italian in you? Spoken like a true Paisano!!!!
But now you have moved me to another passion of mine - VINO! So let me make a suggestion. With Lasagna, (although the Lambrusco would be fine indeed), the very best wine at an affordable price would be Carpineto's Dogajolo, a fine red Tuscano wine. This is a blend actually, with 80% Sangiovese grapes and 20% Cabernet Sauvignon (or something like that). It is medium body, not quite as sweet as a true Lambrusco. And what a bargain! Try to find the 2014 rendering if you can. You will find it for between $10 and $15 a bottle - a true bargain. You can learn more about this wine here: http://www.carpineto.com/dogajolo-toscano-rosso-i-g-t/?lang=en.
What has this to do with Mario Lanza? Well, I bet he loved to have a good glass of Italian wine now and then!! That is good enough for me!!
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Ed to Ross
03-16-2017
07:45 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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Hi, I love pickled red cabbage, my mom and her mom made it from scratch, times change we now use jar which is good and goes well with a pot roast and mashed potatoes. I'm on Facebook all the time so if you or your Mrs. message me I'll get it. I just listened to Passione on the Best cd and it is always in my top 20. Best Ed
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ROSS (UK) to Ed
03-16-2017
07:14 PM ET (US) IP: 86.12.177.162
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Thanks for the feedback about Rhydian..."Nessun Dorma"....even more courageous as he was trained as a Baritone.
The meal sounds like a good filling Lancashire fare. We here sometimes serve Cottage pie with Pickled Red cabbage or pickled Beetroot ( Hope you enjoy the CD too).
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Ed to Fred&Ross
03-16-2017
06:08 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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Fred, oh yes Darleen is fattening me up as I write, she made her Shepard's Pie loaded with mashed potatoes, veggies and ground beef topped with melted velveeta. I'll pass on wine as I don't drink. I agree that the cd is worth more than 11 bucks it's not the usual BML and La Donne. The vault should be opened and give us alternate takes, all in all this is a great compilation.
Ross-Hello again, I wanted to tell you I heard Roberts Nessun Dorma and thought it good, I think it good for someone to undertake that aria, and courage.
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Fred Day
03-16-2017
05:30 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Ed: PS: If you are permitted an occasional glass of wine to go with the lasagna, I would suggest a good Lambrusco. Ciao.
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Fred Day
03-16-2017
05:24 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Ed: Your weight will gradually increase. I would suggest food with plenty of calories. Such as Italian pasta dishes, such as lasagna, my favorite. Not too spicy, but with plenty of sauce, meat, and cheeses, and Italian bread. Eat well, but do not over-eat. Ciao.
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Fred Day
03-16-2017
05:15 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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I also agree with Martino - at 11 dollars, the 2-CD set is a bargain - 44 tracks, 8 of which are newly released. Those 8 tracks alone are well worth 11 bucks!! I plan to order my copy soon. Ciao.
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Ed to Suzanne
03-16-2017
02:42 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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PS, yes I'm doing a little better each day but still need to get weight back
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Ed to Suzanne
03-16-2017
02:40 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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Happy St. Patrick's Day to you too. I preordered the Best on Friday and should have it soon. I also listened to many tracks from Amazon and thought them all quite good, I think it is only CD.
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Derek Mannering
03-16-2017
02:38 PM ET (US) IP: 69.209.225.31
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Suzanne, no, they're not. One is from Sony (the double-CD) and the documentary comes from Screenbound Pictures in the U.K. What they both have in common, aside from celebrating Lanza's legacy, is the title, and you can blame me for that. A reminder: here's what I wrote about both projects on Jeff's main Lanza page:
http://mariolanza.net/bestofeverything.html
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Suzanne
03-16-2017
02:23 PM ET (US) IP: 74.79.51.67
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Since no one will answer my question, I'll ask again. Are the Documentary and the CD one and the same? Guess you fellas only talk to each other. How about it? As for Vincent, I can only be grateful for his sending me the Palladium so I'll never be without it. And can he sing, as well! Thanks, Vince. Talked with your dad, sorry he's not as well as could be.I hope he'll post again.
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Derek Mannering
03-16-2017
02:02 PM ET (US) IP: 69.209.225.31
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Where to begin…
Ron, thank you so much for your warm and enthusiastic response to "The Best of Everything." It is everything you say it is and more, an outstanding addition to the Lanza catalogue at Sony and one we're all very proud of. Everyone involved in the project, both here in the U.S. and in Germany, went the extra mile to ensure a quality product, a task they accomplished beautifully.
As Martino just pointed out, the new compilation won't be officially released here in the U.S. until tomorrow, March 17th, so it is astonishing to see such griping about it already on the forum. In the space of a couple of posts we've gone from Ron's comments praising the new release, to Vince complaining about the "absence of a certain bloom in Mario's voice" and carping about Sony in general. And now Phil wonders if the CD is worth buying. Is this what we have to expect every time a new Lanza CD hits the market?
Right now we have a superb new CD compilation from Sony linked to what I hope is a terrific new Lanza documentary from Screenbound Pictures (and just wait till the Lanza 'experts' weigh in on that one, too!). I'll also have news of another Lanza-related project very soon, even more publicity for Mario's great legacy.
Martino is right: the new CD is a steal. Live dangerously and buy a copy – or not! – but for goodness sake stop nitpicking over it.
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Martino to Phil
03-16-2017
01:25 PM ET (US) IP: 104.255.4.145
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How bad can it be? I'm sure Sony would not issue an inferior product although they probably do not pay the same attention to sound enhancement that a smaller, more dedicated company would (Sepia). Vince is probably an audiophile and detects subtleties in sound that escape most of us and his was the most critical review from that standpoint. I will put it to the test myself when it arrives but I can't comment on the sound reproduction as yet. I do wish Sony would spend their considerable resources in doing more in this area of reproduction but I do not believe that the sound is so bad that it would disqualify the purchase. Let's face it, you can order this compilation on Amazon for under $11 and get 44 tracks of some of the best singing Lanza ever put to record.
I think the lack of reviews is because, at least in America's Amazon catalog, "Best of Everything" will not be released until tomorrow. Unless you order it from Europe or some of our friends across the pond have the disks already to listen to, there will be scant numbers of reviews simply because of availability. Even if you have most of the tracks on other records and disks, for eleven bucks it is a steal. At that price just go for it and be your own judge.
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Suzanne
03-16-2017
01:13 PM ET (US) IP: 74.79.51.67
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Ed. Sounding like your "Old Self" again! Good! Just want to wish you a Happy St. Pat's day, from one Irish to another.Would someone enlighten me about "The Best of Everything". Have the documentary on order, but wonder what I'm missing not having the CD as well. Saw some of the trailer. Looking forward to having it.
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Gmmy Radio Host
03-16-2017
01:06 PM ET (US) IP: 104.34.17.119
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In honor of MARIO LANZA we will be featuring a two hour rare show on GMMY RADIO this Sunday March 19th starting at 1 p.m. Pacific Standard Time
God Bless you all.
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phil uk
03-16-2017
12:26 PM ET (US) IP: 85.12.76.63
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Before i purchase the new Sony double cd can i at least see ONE positive review,as there seems to be a question re the sound production.
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Ed to Ross
03-16-2017
11:16 AM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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I was away from phone if I get a friend request I'll confirm no problem 🐶
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ROSS (UK) to Ed
03-16-2017
10:44 AM ET (US) IP: 86.12.177.162
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Thanks for that Ed...my wife uses facebook so I will search as you say. Sincerely, Ross.
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Ed to Ross
03-16-2017
10:02 AM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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A small section of my moms family an uncle some cousins and others got there because my great uncle settled there in the 30s that is all I know. My family are Irish born Roscommon and Limerick, I live in NYC my paents are first generation Americans. Are you on Facebook if so search Edward McManus Staten Island NYC you'll see a picture of St. Patrick that's my page Best Ed
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ROSS (UK) to Ed
03-16-2017
09:46 AM ET (US) IP: 86.12.177.162
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Just read your later message Ed. I live Just North West of Manchester in Bolton.
I was lucky enough to see Rhydian in concert a year or two ago...he did the "pearl Fishers" duet , singing to a pre -recording of the Baritone part. He appeared on Xfactor (S Cowell)here and was signed up by "SYCO" but left Simons management a year or two later. I think he could do with an American agent getting "interested" in him...then you guys would have the pleasure.
The reason his hair is bleached is that he is a natural "Redhead" and he must prefer the "bleached blonde" look...What area are your relatives in ?...all the best to you.
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ROSS (UK) to Ed
03-16-2017
09:38 AM ET (US) IP: 86.12.177.162
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As you say it was very short-sighted of them.
BUT we must remember that it was the 50's ...before mobile phones, laptops , Ipods. In those days it took a lot of effort and forward planning to record an event...not to mention the cost.
Nowadays if Lanza was around his concerts could be recorded much more easily, in fact spectators would probably record his every action on their phone or Ipod and post it on YouTube etc.
In addition during the 50's the "Critics" that reported ( AND CREATED OPPINION)on such as Opera and Classical performance had more power to "look down on" and in a way "overcome" general public opinion ( a bit like the 19th Century Opera claque operated but with more power)and their negative stance may well have reduced interest in "preserving" his performances.
Wasn't it Lawrence Tibbett who said that Mario would not be truly appreciated for 50 years ? (ironically he died in 1960)
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Ed to Ross
03-16-2017
09:15 AM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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Ross, where in UK are you, I have some family in Manchester. You are on the money as we say about Mr. Roberts he has a fantastic voice. I heard two, To Where You Are and Somewhere and was very pleased to say the least. He reminds me of Michael Crawford but with a stronger voice. I don't know why he hasn't come here I am sure he'd do fine. As for John Denver we have always been fans of his, listen to Country Roads, best Ed
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Ed to Ross
03-16-2017
08:37 AM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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I agree about RAH. I wonder why no one ever thought to record his concerts here and Europe that was dumb. Period!
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ROSS (UK) to Ed & All
03-16-2017
06:06 AM ET (US) IP: 86.12.177.162
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The Presley and Elton performances are outstanding I agree. I wonder if you have tried another 70's to 90's performer who I think has been undervalued....John Denver he had a beautiful and singular voice...I would suggest you listen to "For You" on YouTube its from a 90's live TV performance and unusually he accompanies himself on the piano (ala Elton). Possibly the only Male current UK performer who I think would do this song justice is Rhydian Roberts...and again Ed I would strongly suggest you look him up on YouTube particularly his rendition of "To where you are"....its stunning. He is strictly speaking a Baritone, but with his "extended" range even takes on "Nessun Dorma" on his latest CD, and in addition does BOTH parts of the "Pearl Fishers" Duet. Worth a search.
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Ed to Fred
03-15-2017
07:57 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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Fred, I took your advice about those Presley tracks with London Phil. I liked several and ordered the CD from Amazon. While I think they offer a new spin on the original tracks, there can never be as good as the originals. In 87 Elton John toured Australia with the Melbourne symphony I have the CD set it is exciting to hear his music backed up and his iconic piano, this was greatness recognized. I have several Caruso CDs where they were enhanced I like them but nothing as good as original
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Ed to Ross
03-15-2017
07:08 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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I agree about RAH. I wonder why no one ever thought to record his concerts here and Europe that was dumb. Period!
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ROSS (UK)
03-15-2017
08:13 AM ET (US) IP: 86.12.177.162
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Just had an interesting thought.....I wonder what the Sepia team could do with the live Albert Hall recordings? There we have Mario actually singing IN the Hall....not "engineered" with the RPO as with the recent Elvis CD.
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ROSS (UK) to Jeff and Ed
03-15-2017
05:33 AM ET (US) IP: 86.12.177.162
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Thanks Gents...I agree with you wholeheartedly. I too think that the appearance on the scene of SEPIA has highlighted that if a (comparatively) small company can do such outstanding jobs of "re-aligning" the Lanza legacy with the "warm" (original) sound of vinyl.....what have the BIG BOYS such as RCA ...BMG...and SONY been doing all these years.
Their point of view appears to be "If we can get away with issuing the same or similar tracks all the time and achieve "reasonable" sales WHY try any harder to improve the quality of our product....AND totally forget us trying to unearth any "real gems" from the top shelf because that will cause loads more copyright and licensing problems"
I realise this is their excuse....but it CAN be done: look at the recent work they have done with Elvis track that were (in their original form) already very acceptable.
Of my digital library the "Sepia" discs now take pride of place followed by many of the tracks on the "Rense" triple CD set...(IF ANYONE DOES NOT HAVE THEM THEY ARE A GOOD INVESTMENT TOO).
I hope that the Derek's do not take any of this personally ( that is never intended)....they are the "tailors" of the ongoing Lanza heritage... but we must remember they can only work with the "MATERIAL" that the companies allow to be used!!
ps ; Jeffrey I like the "Trumped" pun
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Fred Day
03-15-2017
02:32 AM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Re: the two Derek's: I'll say "Amen" to that!! Ciao.
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Jeffrey Campbell
03-14-2017
08:38 PM ET (US) IP: 70.176.86.138
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Hello all, I must emphasise what others have said here and on Derek McGovern's site, the Sepia Lanza issues will answer all queries about sound purity. They have the warm vinyl warmth that Vince and Ross are seeking, they are mastered from the finest vinyl and tape sources available, and they feature the best of English language, Neapolitan, Italian and operatic selections in the Lanza canon. Noone seeking the finest of Lanza's work should be without these CD's. I know that Sony should be producing the "Best of Everything" but here I should say that Sepia has trumped them (pardon the pun)in the "All Thrills, No Frills" department! I think it is great that the TWO Derek's are both working so tirelessly to promote the Lanza legacy!
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Ed to Ross and Vincent
03-14-2017
12:01 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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Gentlemen, I too am a fan many years as far back as a teen in 1964. During the late 60s LPs like I'll See You In My Deeams and If You Are But A Dream became two new LPs in my collection that started with the soundtrack from Seven Hills. I played them on the family record player (no stereo) and was happy with what I had. I had perhaps seven LPs, when CDs came along I grabbed them. Most LPs were either stolen or lost over the years, now with perhaps 15 CDs and sets I was ok. About two years ago I got a turntable for Christmas and connected it to my Bose and listened to one I had left the LP Caruso Favorites and the search was on. I was able to buy several on mint shape and graciously accepted many others from fans on this page. What I'm saying is I prefer the LP, they have a truer sound and the voice is expanded.
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Vince Di Placido (Jnr)
03-14-2017
08:59 AM ET (US) IP: 95.44.208.158
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Can I just stress I don't want any "enhancements" to these classic recordings, what I'm looking for is a warm caressing tone, a bit of presence! We are talking about the the most golden caressing Tenor voice of all time, it shouldn't sound thin & metallic on a prestigious Sony 2017 remastered cd release. I feel the ball has been dropped here. Derek Mannering did you ok this remastering job before release? Did you not hear the problems? I ask this will all due respect & not to upset anyone. As a lifelong devoted fan of Mario. I just want to hear him at his best. Edited 03-14-2017 08:59 AM
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ROSS (UK)
03-14-2017
08:24 AM ET (US) IP: 86.12.177.162
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First off let me say I have been a Lanza fan since the age of 10 (1962) and have through the years bought Cassette tapes then LP’s and Ep’s which led on in the 80’s to CD’s and also DVD’s. I have every respect for the Lanza fraternity, finding almost all of them loyal and friendly people sharing a respect for the outstanding Lanza voice.
Why the “flannel “you may ask….because I find I must be a little critical….NOT of the fans…but of the “powers” that be…be it RCA or MGM or SONY (or whoever “owns” Lanza at the moment) that issue the latest tracks for re-issue.
I have listened to “The Best of everything” track excerpts on Amazon…they are very clear( perhaps even “metallic|”) and for the odd person who does not have “Be my Love, Because You’re Mine, and Serenade” et la. Possibly a reasonable buy. But for the larger section of “average” Lanza aficionado (which I class myself) I must have bought equally good copies of “BML” and BYM” in different guises 15/20 times since the 60’s ….serenade 10/12 and the list goes on. Remember that a 50’s recording will always be a 50’s recording and often “forcing” ultimate clarity from it very often only uncovers the inherent 50’s sonic flaws which were “masked” in the original. Caruso sounds more in “keeping” when playing a clean “original” rather than a digitally enhanced version with a totally changed orchestral dynamic.
Just read Vincent’s entry (Hi Vince!) I respect his judgement in these things.. and from the sound of it some of the tracks sound like they are suffering from “over cleaning”…this can happen when the track is “brightened” to enhance the Tenor notes at the expense of the “bass line”….a similar effect was used to ruin the “electronic Stereo” LP’s of the 60’s when one speaker gave out the “metallic” sound and the other suffered from a “hum”.
Isn’t it time that the “owner/s”…be it SONY or whoever got together with others and offered a CD (perhaps with attached DVD?) giving us some of the “OUTTAKE” material….which we know was shot for (particularly) “Great Caruso” and “Serenade”…but probably others (eg: “all the things you are” from BYM?)
I have been told before that it “could not be done” ….well I say it will NEVER be done as long as we give GOOD sales figures to their policy of “dusting off “tracks they already have on the shelf from the last “best of” CD they issued 10 years ago…,rather than biting the bullet and finding something “fresh to market”. With the best will in the world adding a few "alternate" tracks that were possibly turned down originally as "failing" in some way are still basically the SAME song. !
I think I lost a lot of my remaining respect for RCA (possibly 20 or more years ago) when they issued an LP album (in UK at least) entitled “PURE GOLD”….it was “Lanza on Broadway” by another title….if THEY think that LOB was “pure gold” !!! The mind boggles. AND highlights the old “IF they don’t complain keep giving them the same OLD tracks” approach!
This is not meant to criticize Derek or his sterling work for Lanza….more a sad comment on the lack of interest “from above” in allowing HIM/US access to the REAL “PURE GOLD” sitting mouldering on shelves somewhere through apathy.
Best to you all.
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Brian Harrison
03-14-2017
06:20 AM ET (US) IP: 86.0.134.110
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It would appear that "The Best of Everything" has gone some way to answering my question about "Unreleased" recordings. Well done, keep them coming. Best wishes to you all Brian.
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Ronald Sarbo
03-13-2017
08:29 PM ET (US) IP: 74.66.129.22
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Fred: Mercury, MGM, and United Artists are all under Universal's umbrella through various mergers. Warner Bros. Reprise or WEA is the THIRD global label but they have been looking for some time to merge with somebody. WEA wanted to merge with EMI but when that fell thru EMI merged with Universal. WEA has recently made a foray into classical music with a series of classical box sets that have been fairly well received.
I am very pleased with the sound on "The Best Of Everything".
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Vince Di Placido (Jnr)
03-13-2017
06:21 PM ET (US) IP: 95.44.208.158
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I received the 2cd "Best of Everything" today & I am reasonably happy with the selections, of course you will never please all the people all the time :-)
So firstly well done Derek Mannering for keeping the official releases coming & creating a fair enough representation of Mario as an artist. But I have to ask about the remastering... Derek, did you hear their work as they were going along?
It's just that the sound is overly bright & lacks warmth & a certain bloom in Mario's voice.
The recordings are clean of course but there is practically no bass frequencies.
It's a shame Sony didn't take the care with the project's sound as it was about the best track selections you've made Derek.
So good news & bad news...
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Fred Day
03-13-2017
05:09 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Ron: Thanks for that info. I guess I am a little behind re: Universal. (Or maybe a big behind!) So now Angel Records and London Records, once rivals, are now the same company. They are truly Universal, except for Sony. Does Universal also own Warner Bros/Reprise?? Who owns Mercury Records?? And MGM Records?? And United Artists Records?? Curious. Re: Nessun Dorma, that might very well be the case. Seems logical. Ciao.
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Ronald Sarbo
03-13-2017
03:57 PM ET (US) IP: 74.66.130.108
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Fred: MCA/Decca/London are also under Universal and have been for many years.
I am only speculating but they may have picked the more restrained "Nessun Dorma" because they knew there would be dialogue while Lanza was singing.
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Fred Day
03-13-2017
02:23 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Ed: You can hear on youtube most of the 2 Elvis CD's with the London Philharmonic Orch. They are quite good. One reviewer wrote: "At last they got it right!!" Another praised it, saying it was like hearing entirely new versions of the songs. Check it out on youtube - I think you will be pleasantly surprised. I was. Glad you are feeling better. May it continue. Ciao.
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Fred Day
03-13-2017
02:15 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Ron: Actually, there are 3 major record companies globally - don't forget MCA/Decca/London. The dialog during Nessun Dorma is only in the film, not in Lanza's recording. I wonder whose decision it was to make a take 2, and to use take 2 in the film?? Perhaps Lanza himself made that decision. Maybe he was dissatisfied with take 1?? Who knows?? I like both takes. Curious. Ciao.
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Ronald Sarbo
03-13-2017
12:46 PM ET (US) IP: 74.66.130.108
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Received 2 CD set today. Cannot praise it enough. "Nessun Dorma" alternate take magnificent and to me more thrilling than the one used in the film which may have been chosen as there was dialogue heard while Lanza was singing. "If You Were Mine" alternate take even more emotional than released version. FINALLY the 1957 "Loveliest Night Of The Year"...the wait is over. The Coke "Be My Love" in optimum sound on an official release.
Truly an INTERNATIONAL release...Derek Mannering's notes presented in English, German, and French. As to the comment about SONY's merger with RCA there are now basically only 2 record companies globally SONY and Universal which recently acquired Capitol/EMI. This makes for fierce competition in the marketplace especially with physical product being phased out in favor of downloads.
We are indeed fortunate to have Mr. Mannering advocating for Lanza at this time and in this environment.
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Ed
03-11-2017
06:18 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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Fred, thanks so much, I'm on the mend and doing a little better as the days go on. As far as the Elvis compilation I don't have it nor heard it. IMHO given the fact that Elvis most importantly a rock and roll singer whose heart was deeply rooted in gospel I don't see it mixing as I didn't when he was dubbed with Celine Dion singing a charted hit If I Can Dream with soared to # 1 on BB a week later, many say it was because he had just come live again and Vegas bound, I say it was simply the phenomenom we know is Elvis. Many years back I watched an episode of Lawrence Welk and they played a Beatles song All My Loving and it was just not right. Same for Elvis he needs no help.
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Fred Day
03-11-2017
05:34 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Ed: Speaking of Elvis, what is your opinion of the 2 Elvis CD's with the London Philharmonic Orchestra?? Most reviews I have read offer great praise. Curious. Ciao.
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Fred Day
03-11-2017
05:31 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Ed: I can answer your "secondly". Several years ago, Sony/Columbia and BMG/RCA merged. They are now the same company. They were the oldest record companies in the USA. Way back in the acoustic era, they were rivals, all the way to the 1990's. Victor always had more opera singers than Columbia, and their biggest star was Caruso, in the early days. In the hi fi era, they both had many fine artists, both classical and popular. Now they are one company, and have pooled their many resources. Ciao.
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Ed to Derek
03-11-2017
05:10 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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Hi Derek, firstly let me commend you on One Alone I've listened to my copy three times and I have it playing now. I tell you it's as though Mario is in our home in concert. I especially enjoy I Love Thee, Golden Days and One Alone, all others most praiseworthy in group or alone.
Secondly, would you explain to me how Sony has rights to some or all recordings, where does RCA or BMG fit in? I along with a world full of Mario's fans graciously accept what we get from time to time and realize the challenges there are in doing so. Thirdly, I keep hearing "the can", many alternate takes of Elvis appear now and then. I always felt bad that after the SP debacle how we lost good time in the studio.
Thirdly, during my recovering from major surgery it is your CD that helps me on. Best Ed
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Suzanne
03-11-2017
03:45 PM ET (US) IP: 74.79.51.67
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We all have a different view. Although I love every photo taken of Mario, I'm very fond of the cover of "One Alone". I'm sure he has tears in his eyes.
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Ed
03-10-2017
06:31 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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I just ordered my copy of best of everything cd, I previewed some tracks and although only through headphones and my iPhone I cannot believe how great those sounded and cannot wait to get it. Enjoying One Alone!!!
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Gail Swartz
03-10-2017
05:33 PM ET (US) IP: 204.29.186.57
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Phil-UK...have a photo of Mario enlarged...place on foamboard.. cut away the excess, carefully...hang the results. Since Mario disliked formality, why choose him a tux? I would choose the one taken at Warner studio walking with the family..he so relaxed and approachable.
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Bill Ronayne
03-10-2017
05:20 PM ET (US) IP: 69.122.144.34
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The April 2017 "The Legacy of Mario Lanza" newsletter has just been published and mailed out. It features coverage of the recent Lanza Birthday party in Philly and the MLSNY luncheon as well as a guest article by Derek Mannering on the New 2-Cd release from Sony plus the usual features on Mario Lanza. To subscribe contact wjronayne@optonline.net for more information. Best, Bill
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phil uk
03-10-2017
10:26 AM ET (US) IP: 85.12.76.63
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Ed,yes a scene from Tosca & a scene from La Boheme were cut,we have the audio but alas not the visuals! Now calling British admirers i have just moved into a new property & wish to have a nice photo of Mario to adorn a wall,so where could i obtain a large (at least 21x28 cm)copy of that wonderful picture on the reverse of the New Sepia cd ONE ALONE booklet of Mario singing Vesti....from TGC,can anyone help here.Thanks
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Ed
03-10-2017
09:15 AM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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Phil, I didn't know there were deleted opera scenes from Serenade, it would've been great to see them, ya never know.
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phil uk
03-10-2017
08:14 AM ET (US) IP: 85.12.76.63
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As Fred mentions the elusive Hollywood Bowl Celeste Aida i wonder if we shall ever see the deleted Serenade opera scenes,it would be great to see them.
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Fred Day
03-09-2017
10:44 AM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Yes, "A Night To Remember" melody was used as a jingle for Reingold beer, on radio and TV in the mid 1950's - nationwide. The original melody was called "Estudiantina" by Emil Walteufel, the same man who wrote The Skater's Waltz. Ciao.
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Fred Day
03-09-2017
10:30 AM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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One Lanza performance still remains lost: Celeste Aida from his third Hollywood Bowl appearance, dated August 16, 1949. One can only hope that someday it will be found. Fortunately we do have his Rigoletto love duet with Mary Jane Smith, from that same appearance. Ciao.
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Fred Day
03-09-2017
10:18 AM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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The Lord's Prayer live performance is from Lanza's second appearance on the Edgar Bergen radio show, dated December 19, 1948. Despite its sonic shortcomings, it is a magnificent performance. All in all, the sound quality is pretty good, considering its age and source, from an acetate disc. Ciao.
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Brian Harrison
03-09-2017
09:37 AM ET (US) IP: 86.0.134.110
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Hello Dereck, thank you for the information about the source of the Lord's Prayer track on the "One Alone" cd. I was listening to the cd when this track came on and I thought my system had got a fault, the rest of the sound quality being so good. My remarks about unreleased material were one of genuine interest in what might still be available in the vaults and was in no way meant to criticize your and Sepias work in producing these fantastic cds. I thought my post might create comments from other people on this site. I have bought Mario's records since the days of 78s and I still have them. I wish you every success in your efforts to bring us the next Mario cd and thank you for what you have done so far. Best wishes to all, Brian.
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Derek McGovern to Brian H
03-09-2017
07:35 AM ET (US) IP: 112.153.216.166
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Hello Brian: I'm sorry the sound quality of The Lord's Prayer bothered you on Sepia's "One Alone." But I can assure you that it was *not* the 1951 Coke version (which you'll be able to hear in undoubtedly better sound on the forthcoming Sony release "The Best of Everything")---it really was a live performance. The occasion was a 1948 NBC radio broadcast (from the days when broadcasts were still live events), and an audience was present at the venue. And while the sound quality may not have been the best due to its acetate origin, I feel that Mario's impressive performance and the historical nature of the occasion (the only live rendition we have from him of The Lord's Prayer) more than justified its inclusion on the CD. The Sepia CDs, in any event, aren't aimed at fans who want to possess every unreleased recording---RCA or otherwise---that Mario made; they're aimed at listeners who want to hear him singing at his best (regardless of how primitive the sound quality may be on certain private recordings). Often that includes non-commercial gems that aren't readily available elsewhere, or previously released RCA recordings, such as Love Me Tonight on the present CD, beautifully remastered from the original, vibrant vinyl. But if it's unreleased takes from the Coke show and RCA outtakes that you'd prefer to hear, then you should probably stick to buying the Sony releases. Edited 03-09-2017 08:15 AM
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Ed
03-08-2017
02:44 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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Hi Everyone, I am professing slowly and doing great, my visiting nurse has cut me loose to get me to be more independent.
They say music has a healing power well none more than the voice of our Mario. While a month in the hospital and ten days in ICU you realize what makes you happy. Many hours asleep I had no thought of music, perhaps a song from my phone is all. While I am home Mario is playing in my living room and I am alone. This is a special gift because it was given to from a dear friend. Mario is back where he belongs with me. This is a wonderful cd many faves and a job well done Derek another GREAT product. Thanks!
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Ed
03-08-2017
02:25 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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Suzanne, I will private email you ok ?
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Brian Harrison
03-08-2017
11:01 AM ET (US) IP: 86.0.134.110
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To Dereck McGovern and Phil. I too commend Sepia for their efforts in producing their Mario cds. I find them all fantastic even though I, like many others here, have most of the recordings gathered over the past 70 years (I am 80 next May). I also re-read quite often Dereck Mannering's "Mario Lanza A Biography" 1993 edition in which in the discography there are many recordings which are deemed Unreleased. Since my copy of the book was published I wonder how many recordings are still unreleased and if there are any would they be the basis for a further cd? I realise there may be copyright problems between Sony, RCA and others. What do others here think of my suggestion? With regards to the One Alone cd I feel that The Lord's Prayer track should not have been included. When I first played it I thought my equipment was packing up. It seems to me that this was a recording made by someone taping the original October 1951 version on poor equipment. Also did the Jeff Alexander Choir appear with Mario at this so called live concert? Anyway gripe over, can I suggest a title for these still unreleased performances - "Mario Lanza Released At Last". Any comments? Best wishes to you all, Brian.
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Suzanne
03-08-2017
10:25 AM ET (US) IP: 74.79.51.67
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Hi Ed. Glad you have it so quickly. Mine took weeks! Enjoy it, but do note "One Alone", Mario "drifting". So sad. Haven't found the ML Collection you have or the Cesari CD. Have to keep looking. More than welcome,btw. Best.
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Ed
03-07-2017
05:54 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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I found Behold, it is from the three cd The Mario Lanza Collection.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dnTFzRQZMhk&app=desktop
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Ed
03-07-2017
12:50 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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Suzanne, just got it and will listen in a few. I just listened to Cesari cd and Behold not on on it. Just threw new cd on my Bose and really enjoying it, this will definitely aid my recovery, thank you so very much🐶
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Suzanne
03-07-2017
11:13 AM ET (US) IP: 74.79.51.67
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Gail, "A Life in Pictures" by Derek Mannering may be the closest thing, but I suppose there will always be some photos out there that we've missed.Fred, thanks , have to look for it , I have so many can't lift the box any more. Lose track of what I have ,just don't recall "Behold". CD from Cesari's book among them somewhere. Mario photos on my wall, as well,along with mirrors of the moon and the stars, which he is to me..
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Ed
03-06-2017
07:28 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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A night to remember melody was used in the 50s for a Rheingold beer commercial here in NY city.
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Diane Cox
03-06-2017
07:03 PM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.66
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A night to remember is one of my favorites - so calm and low key, so emotional.
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Fred Day
03-06-2017
05:40 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Suzanne: "Behold" is just a song, not from any show. It was from Mario's last recording session in the USA, along with A Night To Remember, and Come Dance With Me. Henri Rene conductor. All 3 songs are on "The Mario Lanza Collection", a 3 CD set by BMG/RCA. I presume you have that fine set?? Ciao.
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Fred Day
03-06-2017
05:32 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Ed: Glad you are feeling better. Your strength will improve, slow but sure. Take it easy, get plenty of rest with mild exercise, and follow all doctor's orders. By the end of this month you will feel much stronger. Yes, I have the CD from Armando's book, the first edition. You probably have the second edition. I think the CD is the same in both editions. Enjoy. Ciao.
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Gail Swartz
03-06-2017
04:43 PM ET (US) IP: 204.29.186.59
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How I would love to have a whole big book of just photos of Mario Lanza.On Pinterest I have encountered a few photos that I have never seen before..some were studio portraits. Check out my Mario pins.
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Gail Swartz
03-06-2017
04:37 PM ET (US) IP: 204.29.186.63
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Hobby! I loved his intros and comments about the TCM movies!
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Ed
03-06-2017
04:20 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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Went to my cardiologist today and got a good report and due back in two months. Slowly getting back but that darn weakness is still there. Went from a walker to a cane which has been my good friend. Suzanne I'm so excited about the cd as I said I couldn't listen to Mario as I wanted because of just wanting to sleep. I played the Cesari cd till Sunday and it was good. I will email you when I get it🐶🇱🇷☘️
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Suzanne
03-06-2017
04:15 PM ET (US) IP: 74.79.51.67
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Oh, the photos were great , especially the cover shot. Love the poignant expression, just Mario.
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Suzanne
03-06-2017
04:12 PM ET (US) IP: 74.79.51.67
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After my first "listen", I found the CD exciting,but have to say that it seemed Mario wasn't really "there" when singing "One Alone". Noting the date, I realized why and find it sad. Oddly , I've never before heard "Behold". Is it from something particular? Anyway, it seemed as though he was in the room with me, the sound was so wonderful. Glad I have it.
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Suzanne
03-06-2017
04:02 PM ET (US) IP: 74.79.51.67
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A
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Kristine
03-06-2017
03:02 PM ET (US) IP: 173.169.36.195
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Robert Osborne, host of movies, at TCM, passed away at 84. RIP.
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Suzanne
03-06-2017
01:25 PM ET (US) IP: 74.79.51.67
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Think many did Gail. Thought I read that he was singing for the Society Matrons of Philadelphia at Wanamaker
s Department Store.Sure he was their darling!
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Suzanne
03-06-2017
01:20 PM ET (US) IP: 74.79.51.67
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Of course,Ed. Right away when I purchased it in 2005. Now to look for it again! Received the Cd on Saturday. Hope to hear it this afternoon. Hope yours gets there soon. You're sounding good! Wondered about those stairs. Best.
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Gail Swartz
03-06-2017
01:19 PM ET (US) IP: 204.29.186.1
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Yes, Ed, I have played the CDs that come with Cesari's book. Enjoyed hearing the progression of Mario's voice....I like his singing no matter where his talented voice took him in his journey. What I have always wondered ...Why did not someone recognize his talent when he was singing as a youth?
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Ed
03-06-2017
10:58 AM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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Has anyone ever played the cd that accompanied the book by Cesari, I've found it to be excellent especially the home recordings?
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phil uk
03-06-2017
05:15 AM ET (US) IP: 85.12.76.63
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to Derek McGovern.thanks for your reply to my messages,yes i will re-visit those earlier discs however clearly there is a difference sonically(at least to my ears)between those opera cds & the latest release ONE ALONE so much so that i was motivated to praise you & Sepia for that different sound,however let me say that ALL Lanza cds are to be welcomed so long after his passing.I wish you well on any future releases you may wish to produce.
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Bill Ronayne
03-05-2017
10:07 AM ET (US) IP: 24.185.114.85
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 From yesterday's Mario Lanza Society of NY luncheon at Patsy's Restaurant. L-R: Elaine Malbin, David Maiullo, Teresa Castillo and Lou Barrella. Sorry that the picture is a little blurry. It was another wonderful afternoon at Patsy's with great performances from soprano Teresa Castillo and accompanist David Maiullo and some wonderful video including a name the tenor in the Flower Song from Carmen by Lou Barrella and some live video with Mario Lanza from 1954 and also Ms. Malbin from 1996. We also listened to selections from the Mario album. Patsy's chef Sal Scognamillo and I share a birthday (actually the 14th of March) but we had an early celebration at the luncheon. Best, Bill Edited 03-05-2017 10:08 AM
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Derek McGovern to Phil UK
03-04-2017
10:21 PM ET (US) IP: 112.153.216.166
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Hi Phil: As one of the people involved with the new Sepia release "One Alone," it's been gratifying to read your glowing comments about the CD. Getting both the sound and the selections right was something that we laboured over for months, and Vince Di Placido and I spared no expense in tracking down the best vinyl reproductions from the 1950s and early 1960s. We had a ball doing so, though, discovering in the process just how superior some of those vinyl reproductions were in capturing the nuances and excitement of the Lanza voice. And thanks to the generosity of Armando Cesari, who shared home recordings given to him by Mario's daughter Colleen, we were also able to include the best reproduction I've heard of the 1952 "Tell Me, Oh Blue Blue Sky." Along with Vince, Armando, and fellow collaborators Lee Ann and Carmel, we receive no profit from the Sepia CDs———just the thrill of showcasing what we consider the best of Mario Lanza. If I were you, I wouldn't feel disappointed by the supposed lack of enthusiasm expressed here for "One Alone." I've actually been agreeably surprised by the number of positive comments that I've read on this forum about the CD, including some wonderful posts from Joe, Sam and Martino. But I've also been surprised by your *own* enthusiasm for this CD, given that you were so critical of the sound quality on the first three of the five Sepia CDs that we worked on! I feel you should give those CDs another chance, as they include live performances and private recordings either unavailable elsewhere or in better sound than usual. They include a mind-blowing Royal Variety Show performance of "E lucevan le stelle" (distinct from the Sunday Night at London Palladium version), the best of the 1947-49 Hollywood Bowl performances (check out the stunning reproduction of "Agnus Dei"), and several exciting private recordings. And on "Mario Lanza: My Italian Soul," you can hear beautifully remastered reproductions of the highlights of the "Mario!" and "Caruso Favorites" albums. Will there be more Sepia releases? I certainly hope so! And if there are, you can be sure that we'll do our best to include more of the exciting rarities that you've been requesting here :) But for now I'm looking forward to both the new documentary and the double-CD from Sony. The comments made by Joseph Calleja, in particular, on the various teasers posted on YouTube for the doco have been brilliant, while the new set from Sony is easily the best compilation (for my money) that Derek Mannering has assembled. The inclusion of some of Mario's finest 1955-59 recordings was a most welcome surprise, and I'm keeping my fingers crossed that Sony has also done him proud with the quality of its remastering. Edited 03-04-2017 10:56 PM
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Ed
03-04-2017
02:15 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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To all, many thanks for all the care I've been reading our forum, I'm overwhelmed by your lovely words. With and inch of progress each dayI've driven myself to the point of going upstairs to the bathroom using a cane and taking baby steps one by one 13 steps. What once was two at a time seems like a mountain now but I get there. I was so sick in bed I couldn't listen to Mario but making up for it now with the cd that came with Armando,s book, Ed
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phil uk
03-04-2017
10:03 AM ET (US) IP: 85.12.76.63
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Although i was a critic of the sound quality of the earlier Sepia opera releases,as stated several times the new ONE ALONE cd is a revelation soundwise & i am surprised that positive comments have been few on this fine Lanza forum.Praise where praise is due i believe!
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Dennis
03-03-2017
08:35 PM ET (US) IP: 73.170.201.215
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Ed, happy birthday! You were in our thoughts and prayers once we heard of your struggle. Good to have you back. Keep on that road to full recovery. We want to enjoy your fervent support of Mario that you express so well on this site.
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Suzanne
03-03-2017
01:15 PM ET (US) IP: 74.79.51.67
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Ed, had an email, your CD is on its way..
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Suzanne
03-03-2017
01:13 PM ET (US) IP: 74.79.51.67
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Ed. Happy Birthday! And home just in time to enjoy it with your family. Hope you're feeling better every day. You'll really like the book. Think I've mentioned that it was the catalyst for my renewed love of Mario. I'd liked him years before,but getting the book started everything all over again, and with more intensity. Made me the adoring supporter I am today. Didn't realize you hadn't read it. You won't be able to put it down. Best of everything.
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Martino to Ed
03-03-2017
10:59 AM ET (US) IP: 104.255.4.145
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Happy Birthday Ed, and many, many more! Glad the therapy is going well and I know you will be up and around in no time. I also know you will enjoy Armando's book - it is one of the best.
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Ed
03-03-2017
08:41 AM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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I'm doing better today and of course it's my birthday. Today I turned 69 and very glad to be home and although little slow to progress I'm doing well,good reports from therapists. My son got me Mario's book by Cesari for my birthday I will get to it soon
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Kristine
03-03-2017
05:09 AM ET (US) IP: 173.169.36.195
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Happy Birthday, Ed ! I heard another Mario Lanza CD is being released. Anyone know what songs will be on it ?
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Fred Day
03-03-2017
02:31 AM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Happy Birthday Ed, and many more. Ciao.
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Deleted by author 03-02-2017 10:00 PM
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Diane Cox
03-02-2017
03:38 PM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.66
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Have a happy day, Ed.
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Ed
03-02-2017
03:23 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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I'm doing better today and of course it's my birthday. Today I turned 69 and very glad to be home and although little slow to progress I'm doing well,good reports from therapists. My son got me Mario's book by Cesari for my birthday I will get to it soon
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Martino
02-28-2017
10:36 AM ET (US) IP: 104.255.4.145
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To continue about the turntable, the Miniot Wheel will probably be a little expensive, over $500 or so. Right now the best deal in turntables can be found here: http://www.focuscamera.com/audio-technica-...3&utm_term=11175624This is the AudioTechnica LP-120 that is very highly rated by pro reviewers and consumers alike. It has many features but two that should be mentioned. The 120 has an internal pre-amp for direct connection to modern amplifiers, which generally no longer have a phono pre-amp built in. This means you can play the 120 on virtually any equipment, new or old. The second feature is the usb connection. With this feature you can digitize your vinyl connection (with the included software that is compatible with both Mac and PC). I have a similar but older model of this turntable and it is well worth the money for those times you just want to play a record for nostalgia's sake, or to hear that warm sound that only records can produce. In fact, I may just buy this to have something new to play with! At $100 off list price you can't go wrong. Forgot to mention this price is for a refurbished unit but is covered under a three month warranty. Edited 02-28-2017 10:39 AM
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Martino
02-27-2017
05:41 PM ET (US) IP: 104.255.4.145
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We sometimes talk about the best ways to view Lanza films (advances in TVs, projectors) and hearing him (speakers, new CD releases, etc.). One of the first pieces of equipment any of us had was a turntable and we have discussed those here as well. I know Ed and Sam are really fans of hearing Lanza on vinyl - and so am I.
Today I discovered one of the neatest new turntables you can imagine. It is called the Miniot Wheel. The "Wheel" is just that too, a wheel with the playing mechanism and even the stylus mounted underneath the record rather than on top. It is a true table top device and can even play vertically. The Miniot Wheel should be available later this year and although I have no idea about the sound quality this thing puts out I am sure it will be fairly impressive. You can learn more about it here: https://djworx.com/wheel-by-miniot/.
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Suzanne
02-27-2017
09:52 AM ET (US) IP: 74.79.51.67
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Ed. Hope it's all uphill from here! It was my turn to do something for you, but it seems you won't receive it until the third week of March at the earliest..Don't have mine yet, but Mario's worth waiting for.Maybe the sun is shining there and it looks a lot like Spring as it does here.Best.
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Diane Cox
02-27-2017
12:52 AM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.66
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Ed, my dad was born Jan2 1914 and died Jan6 1970. Age 56
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Ed
02-26-2017
07:32 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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Hi all, I'm home thank God. I'm with my wife and brother in law in my home and glad to be here.
Fred my dad would have been 96 on the 19th of January, sadly he died at 59. Damon told me once when I told him he said "all good men are born in January"
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Fred Day
02-26-2017
12:54 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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I had forgotten that Hugh Downs is still alive, age 96 on Valentine's day. He was born on Feb 14th, 1921, just 2 weeks after Lanza's birth. Ciao.
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Fred Day
02-26-2017
12:50 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Welcome home, Ed. You will be fit as a fiddle in only a few weeks - take it easy with plenty of rest, and moderate exercise. Follow all doctor's orders. Best wishes always. Ciao.
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Ed
02-26-2017
12:39 PM ET (US) IP: 172.85.43.122
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Home today Sunday. Lots of appointments to make tomorrow and I am glad to be alive because I should have checked this two years ago. Can't wait to see every one today, I'll stay in touch.
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Fred Day
02-26-2017
10:27 AM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Ed: Welcome home, later today. Get well soon. By the way, yesterday was Caruso's 144th birthday. Ciao.
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phil uk
02-26-2017
06:55 AM ET (US) IP: 85.12.76.63
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once again i am endorsing the new Sepia cd ONE ALONE,all the tracks are in superb sound but the Night & Day track is outstanding Mario almost sounds LIVE! This cd has been so well done by the sound engineer,praise to him.Now looking forward to the other release next month.Mario passed away in 1959 & we are still getting great audio releases we should be grateful to these guys who get this all together.Well done all.
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David Weaver
02-25-2017
04:22 PM ET (US) IP: 98.31.1.186
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Ed, glad to hear you're doing better.
Re Lanza and Elvis, several of his "Memphis Mafia" pals said he loved "The Student Prince" film and album. Priscilla said a few years ago when they released the "If I Can Dream" album of Elvis recordings with new backings by the London Philharmonic that the first thing she and Elvis talked about was their mutual love of Lanza and "The Student Prince."
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Ed
02-25-2017
02:00 PM ET (US) IP: 172.85.43.122
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Still here till tomorrow testing my new meds and so far all is ok. I started growing a beard like my boys because I'm on a blood thinner and can't risk cutting myself. Suzanne I am looking to hear the new cd and again many thanks for your kindness. Luckily I have over 150 Mario on my phone. I walk about 100 feet on my own with an aide right behind me.
Kris, Elvis loved Mario I know but I doubt it was SP I know they found a copy of TGC and Caruso album in his room after he died.
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Suzanne
02-25-2017
01:32 PM ET (US) IP: 74.79.51.67
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Ed. Hope you're home now. Hi to Darleen. Sure you'll take good care of our friend,Ed.
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Kristine
02-24-2017
08:50 PM ET (US) IP: 173.169.36.195
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Ed, happy you will be going home. Get well soon. There's a book, "Elvis : Faq Films" by Paul Simpson. It's trivia about Elvis Presley's movies. In one section, it mentioned some of his favorite movies, one of them, was "The Student Prince" and he played "The Student Prince" soundtrack album so much, he wore it out !
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Ed
02-24-2017
05:32 PM ET (US) IP: 172.85.43.122
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Suzanne, thank you so very much that is the second good news I heard today, the first one was I'm going home tomorrow. I'll have many appointments made for me to keep. I guess my three years at the gym got me through it also a lot of faith in God. Not out of the woods yet but it starts tomorrow when I get into our car home. The hospital saved my life presently but gave me heads up on what may be out there and treat or get rid of.
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Suzanne
02-24-2017
02:35 PM ET (US) IP: 74.79.51.67
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Ed. a postscript. I am ordering the CD for you. Will have it sent to your home. Mine is still on the way.
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Diane Cox
02-24-2017
02:18 PM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.66
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Ed, it's a good thing you were in good shape to begin with - going to the gym often and taking care of yourself. Slow and steady will get the job done.
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Suzanne
02-24-2017
02:14 PM ET (US) IP: 74.79.51.67
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Hi Ed. glad to hear of your progress. Hope you aren't totally solitary and Mario's with you all the time.Now to get stronger.Best.
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Ed
02-24-2017
01:57 PM ET (US) IP: 172.85.43.122
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Hi All, well I'm still here in solitary but at least I'm no longer bound by IV tubes on both arms and free to move. I still need assistance in walking to my toilet because there is so much atrophy I am shaky. I'm going back to rehab today because things are holding stready. I need assistance in walking because of so much time in bed but once I'm home I have best care. I've been reading all the posts about the cd and can't wait to order mine. Hope you all are well.
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phil uk
02-24-2017
05:48 AM ET (US) IP: 85.12.76.63
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just got the new Sepia cd ONE ALONE & the sound is excellent! as is the presentation.I did not like the sound on the past operatic offerings but this is far better & Lanza admirers should buy it.Now lets get those rehearsal items on cd,Mario at his most awesome.
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Suzanne
02-23-2017
10:53 AM ET (US) IP: 74.79.51.67
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Ed. hoped you were at home, but sounds like they're doing a great job for you.Making sure all's well before sending you to the family. Thinking of you all the time, and wishing you the best of everything.Hope you feel much better.
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Fred Day
02-22-2017
04:29 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Ed: Hope you will be back home early next week. Glad you are feeling better. Ciao.
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Ed
02-22-2017
01:15 PM ET (US) IP: 172.85.43.122
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Suzanne, I'm still here day 16. Although I'm recovering it is slow and they are working different combinations of meds for heart, I'm on a blood thinner but feel confident about a full recovery. Perhaps home early next week. Crossing fingers. Stay tuned
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Suzanne
02-22-2017
11:34 AM ET (US) IP: 74.79.51.67
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Ed, are you back at home ? Thought of Darleen , sure she was distraught. Glad you're feeling better. Looking like Spring here.
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Ed
02-21-2017
03:56 PM ET (US) IP: 172.85.43.123
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Phil-Thank you it was a good idea. I'm slowly coming back from 15 days in solitary slowly leaving the vampires who suck blood out day and night. As I may have said it's the worst time in my life. I'll be back certain,sad for my wife alone in an empty big house. Thanks again friend.
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phil uk
02-21-2017
06:26 AM ET (US) IP: 85.12.76.63
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To Ed,when i have been ill or down emotionally i listen to Mario singing "somebody bigger than" & it helps alot hoping it helps you also.
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Kristine
02-21-2017
05:22 AM ET (US) IP: 173.169.36.195
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Jeffrey and Derek, thanks for information. What are the prices of the CD and DVD in American currency ?
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Derek Mannering
02-20-2017
06:25 PM ET (US) IP: 69.209.224.215
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Kristine, keep in mind that the documentary is being launched from the U.K. so you need to expand your search on Amazon to include the British site, www.amazon.co.uk If you have an account with Amazon they'll convert the cost from pounds to dollars when you place your order – simple as that.
Jeffrey, both the DVD and the CD will be available on Amazon's American site in due course. Work on the CD "The Best of Everything" began here in the U.S. and was completed by Sony Classical in Europe, which explains why the European websites are the first to advertise it. I understand, too, that the DVD is region free, so there should be no problem viewing it here in America.
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Jeffrey Campbell
02-20-2017
04:11 PM ET (US) IP: 64.134.228.28
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That link again, https://www.amazon.co.uk/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_...s%2Ck%3AMario+Lanza
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Jeffrey Campbell
02-20-2017
04:09 PM ET (US) IP: 64.134.228.28
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Hello again, Kristine. Derek M. can correct me if I'm wrong here, but at the moment, tahe DVD and double-CD set, both entitled "The Best of Everything" are. only available through Amazon in the UK. Here is the link: https://www.amazon.co.uk/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?...ords=Mario+Lanza.As you can, they are available for pre-order now, and will be released mid-March. As Linz has said, 2017 is proving to be a great year for Lanza!
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Kristine
02-20-2017
05:24 AM ET (US) IP: 173.169.36.195
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Jeffrey, thanks for information. Is "The Best of Everything" on any links ? I couldn't find it, on Amazon.com, either.
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Linz
02-20-2017
03:44 AM ET (US) IP: 222.153.14.154
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I've just posted the first review on Amazon: The prolific collaboration between Derek McGovern and Sepia continues on its stellar path with their latest release, One Alone. Every track is a gem—no clunkers. Especially outstanding are I've Got You under My Skin, Tell Me Oh Blue Blue Sky, Love Me Tonight (better than we've ever heard it), The Trembling of a Leaf, and the title song, One Alone. The human voice and the human spirit at their most wondrous. Mario Lanza—sui generis.
—Lindsay Perigo, author, The One Tenor I'm glad to see everyone rally around this splendid new release. Eagerly looking forward to The Best of Everything also. 2017 looks to be a good year for Mario! Edited 02-20-2017 03:47 AM
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Jeffrey Campbell
02-19-2017
10:01 PM ET (US) IP: 70.176.86.138
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HiKristine, here is the link on Amazon for "One Alone"https://www.amazon.com/Oncee-Alone-Mario-L...eywords=Mario+Lanza. I think you will agree with Martino,Sam and Linz, that this particular CD captures the Magic Mario in English song like no other. I would urge everyone to support Sepia by enjoying all of their Lanza offerings, easily available on Amazon, and from Sepia directly https://cse.google.com/cse?cx=013750088890...%20Lanza&gsc.page=1. You will not regret it!
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Suzanne
02-19-2017
04:18 PM ET (US) IP: 74.79.51.67
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Ed.You're not far from my thoughts.Best of everything.
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Kristine
02-19-2017
03:18 PM ET (US) IP: 173.169.36.195
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I still can't find "One Alone" CD and "The Best of Everything" DVD on Amazon.com. I heard that the Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. was a fan of opera. I wonder if he liked Mario Lanza ?
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Gail Swartz
02-19-2017
03:10 PM ET (US) IP: 204.29.186.4
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Thank you, Bill.
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Martino
02-19-2017
12:49 PM ET (US) IP: 104.255.4.145
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"One Alone" is an excellent anthology of Mario Lanza's art of singing American song. As Sam pointed out, the chronological sequence of recordings is telling, not only in Lanza's vocal sound but in his approach to these songs. He had a true operatic voice but you would never know it - when he knew it was appropriate for the listener not to know it. I also agree with Sam that the original "Love Me Tonight" sounds strange or "distorted" because of the heavy chamber sound the engineers placed on the entire album of the "Vagabond King". Sepia has reduced that effect to virtually nothing, allowing us to hear it as close to natural as possible. The heaviness of Lanza's voice at this end point of his career is still there but it is not nearly as "heavy" sounding as the original recording would suggest.
I also agree with you Sam, that the "Tell Me Oh Blue, Blue Sky" rehearsal recording is a gem. Lanza shows once again he knows exactly what the words of a song should convey and how to use his voice to do just that. He wants the blue, blue (and bright by extension) sky to provide him with what (hopefully) is a bright answer to his dark question. Just listen to how beautifully he sings the final title words, especially how he languishes on the word "oh". It is almost as though he anticipates a positive answer to his question of why he and his sweetheart parted but is at least somewhat afraid that the answer might not be what he wants to hear. He sings so beautifully those words at the end that they remind you of a prayer - and maybe that is precisely what he wanted to convey. Most of the two and a half minutes of this song is as beautiful a two and half minutes of sound as one will ever hear, as well as a masterpiece of interpretation and vocal nuance.
Overall, a very fine compilation of songs. Everyone involved with this project should be given a great deal of credit, and especially Sepia for producing the disk and taking the time to do so with such excellent sound.
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Bill Ronayne
02-19-2017
09:34 AM ET (US) IP: 24.185.124.215
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Hi Gail:
We should have it. I'll check when I go to the museum next weekend.
Best, Bill
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Gail Swartz
02-18-2017
09:58 PM ET (US) IP: 204.29.186.60
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Bill, I was wondering if the ML museum would have a copy of LOB available. I know that it is not a favored Mario recording, but I would like to have one for my collection. I can listen to it on my Kindle and on the cassettes that Clyde Smith made, so if it is not available that is okay.
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Bill Ronayne
02-18-2017
08:35 PM ET (US) IP: 24.185.115.195
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I was at that Werther on Thursday and enjoyed it very much. Grigolo has a beautiful instrument and acted the role to perfection. I just wish he had a little more ring in his top voice. He also doesn't always sing the vowel sounds on high notes opting to sing Ah instead of Eh.
Get well Ed.
Best, Bill
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Diane Cox
02-18-2017
01:39 PM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.66
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Interesting review and good clip from the production. Griggolo has improved these last five years, but still some notes fade away. He does put everything into his roles, and I admire that, and he is arresting on stage with his acting. Missed Romeo and Juliet. Beczala is also singing Werther this year, but in Europe I believe.
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Martino
02-18-2017
12:13 PM ET (US) IP: 104.255.4.145
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The recent, stylish "blood and guts" rendering of "Werther" at the MET by Vittorio Grigolo, is reviewed here: https://www.nytimes.com/2017/02/17/arts/mu...partner=rss&emc=rss
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Gail Swartz
02-18-2017
09:39 AM ET (US) IP: 204.29.186.9
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Ed, get better soon. Miss you input about Mario.
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Fred Day
02-17-2017
08:50 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Ed: Yes, get well soon and please keep us informed. Vaya con Dios. Ciao.
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Martino to Ed
02-17-2017
07:08 PM ET (US) IP: 104.255.4.145
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Good luck to you my friend. Keep us up to date.
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Kristine
02-17-2017
04:47 PM ET (US) IP: 173.169.36.195
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Ed, get well soon .
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Ed
02-17-2017
04:06 PM ET (US) IP: 70.214.114.190
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My doctor gave me the news on pathology. My tumor was removed successfully and it was cancerous. Although the tumor was big reports give no evidence of it anywhere else. I will start a short band of chemo sort of prophylactic and continue on my move back home. It was the scariest time in my life, in a situation like this you realize humbleness and humility, This Hospital and doctor saved my life.
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Bill Ronayne
02-16-2017
03:20 PM ET (US) IP: 24.185.126.235
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Diane Cox
02-16-2017
02:51 PM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.66
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ED has posted several times today on Facebook. He said docs will have him back at the gym before the end of the year - he's doing rehab now.
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SUZANNE
02-16-2017
02:51 PM ET (US) IP: 74.79.51.67
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Fred. Thank you for both pieces of information.I'd hoped Ed would be home by this time, but glad to hear he's doing well. The poignant expression that Mario has in the photo stayed with me, but couldn't place it.
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Fred Day
02-16-2017
12:53 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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I spoke to Ed on the phone. He is still in the hospital, and will probably be back home on Monday Feb 20th. He is feeling fine and is back on to a regular diet. We are all glad that he is doing well. Ciao.
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Fred Day
02-16-2017
12:48 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Suzanne: The familiar cover photo to "One Alone" Sepia CD is from SERENADE - the final scene where Mario is singing the title song. Harry Belaver tells Mario that Juana (Sarita Monteil) is all right, that she is okay. Ciao.
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SUZANNE
02-16-2017
10:36 AM ET (US) IP: 74.79.51.67
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Hi Kathy. Hope you'll be able to hear our Mario. To hear him is to adore him. I do not have "One Alone" yet. The familiar cover photo, from Serenade? FTFT?Anyone?
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Kristine
02-15-2017
10:11 PM ET (US) IP: 173.169.36.195
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That CD , with the male singers, including Mario Lanza, also, includes Desi Arnaz.
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Gail Swartz
02-15-2017
06:52 PM ET (US) IP: 204.29.186.18
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My copy of One Alone arrived today!!! I love it! I love to hear Mario talk, too.I was a bit disappointed in the Love Me Tonight..just a bit. It is still thrilling to hear him hit that soaring octave that just keeps on going..and the words are so true---sorrow will never renew what you have lost.Kathy, Amazon has most of Mario'films and cds.....you can even find some really on sale . I have pinned a bunch on Penterest if you are interested.
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Martino To Kathy
02-15-2017
06:07 PM ET (US) IP: 104.255.4.145
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Welcome to the forum. I can't answer your first question because I am not sure what you mean by where you can find the movies. You can buy Lanza dvds at several websites, including Amazon and Bill can direct you to the Lanza Institute which also sells Lanza disks. But can I ask a question? What is the extent of your hearing loss? Moderate, profound or are you truly deaf?
It is wonderful you like the movies and Mario Lanza's acting but can you hear his voice at all? I ask because there may be devices like telecoil devices (if you wear hearing aids) and headset amplifiers that can boost the sound for the hard of hearing. These kinds of things will enhance your enjoyment of Mario Lanza because you will be able to hear his singing voice - that is what it is really all about. Let us know and we may be able to steer you in the right direction so you can fully enjoy the talent that was Mario Lanza.
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Kathy Young
02-15-2017
04:36 PM ET (US) IP: 184.54.114.151
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Whoever is in charge of this website...what happened to the pictures? Where would I find the movies? Saw him for the first time on TCM (which I LOVE since everything is Closed Captioned..which is SO great since I'm deaf.) I wonder if I bought a DVD...if it would be CC (Closed-Caption) also?? Thanks! :) I do have to say thank you to TCM for me to learn about all of these artists/tenors,etc. If it wasn't for TCM..just think what I'd have been missing out! Love you TCM!! <3 Btw...he was a gorgeous man! Too sad he left this earth too early :( Edited 02-15-2017 04:39 PM
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Joe to LINZ
02-15-2017
10:45 AM ET (US) IP: 71.224.55.142
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Hi Linz!, nice to hear from you. Yes you are entirely correct: THIS CD is a gem. I already had most of these recordings before I received this compilation, but NOT in this clarity. SEPIA does it again; great job.
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Linz to Joe
02-14-2017
11:50 PM ET (US) IP: 222.153.14.154
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It's beauty, isn't it?! Last night I had a young friend here whose many talents include singing (bass). He asked to hear a couple of my Mario favourites. I played the Vesti off the Rhino CD and The Trembling of a Leaf off the new McGovern/Sepia CD. Both performances blew him away, as did Mario's equal aplomb in such radically different genres. I note that Martino just reposted his old essay about Mario's sense of timing. All the selections on the new Sepia illustrate that to perfection, especially I've Got You under My Skin, which is a startling stand-out in this collection. Bro. Ed—hope you're well! Edited 02-14-2017 11:51 PM
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Joe to ALL
02-14-2017
10:30 AM ET (US) IP: 71.224.55.142
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I just received and listened to the new SEPIA CD release, "ONE ALONE" and Sam's earlier review is spot on! Nice work Dr McGovern and Sepia.
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Fred Day
02-12-2017
03:48 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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I Puritani will have its radio Met broadcast next Sat afternoon, Feb 18th, same cast. Javier Camarena is an excellent tenor. Ciao.
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Bill Ronayne
02-12-2017
10:32 AM ET (US) IP: 24.185.125.20
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Saw I Puritani at the Met on Friday. It was a very good performance. Damrau was much better than the last time I heard her in Romeo et Juliette and Camarena was very fine as Arturo with some dazzling high notes. I did detect an occasional phlegm problem that detracted a little from his performance. He skipped the high F as most tenors do and someone admonished him from the audience which was unnecessary. I've only heard 2 tenors recently at the Met that sang that note in performance Kunde and Brownlee. The 41 year old production looked well. Best, Bill Edited 02-12-2017 10:34 AM
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Kristine
02-11-2017
05:41 PM ET (US) IP: 173.169.36.195
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There's a CD called Singers and Actors From Hollywood at Oldies.com. It includes Frankie Avalon, Bobby Darin, Harry Belafonte, Eddie Cantor, Cab Calloway, Johnny Ray, Vic Damone, Eddie Fisher, Duane Eddy, Sir Cliff Richard. It also has Mario Lanza singing "Because You're Mine", and Frankie Laine.
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Fred Day
02-11-2017
12:08 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Yes, today's Met opera radio broadcast is Carmen - the tenor is Roberto Aronica, a fine tenor. Enjoy. Ciao.
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Suzanne
02-11-2017
12:06 PM ET (US) IP: 74.79.51.67
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Ed. Thankful to hear that you're doing well. Hope it wasn't too bad an experience. Look forward to seeing you back to your old self.
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Sam Samuelian
02-11-2017
11:52 AM ET (US) IP: 98.115.221.249
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WOW! I just finished listening to the Sepia "One Alone" CD that arrived yesterday. It certainly is everything people who got it early have said.The sound is the best you will ever hear, there are rare recordings included, and just hearing him sing “Tell Me Oh Blue Blue Sky” recorded at home is worth the price. It is raw excitement. The whole CD is done in chronological order so you hear the maturity/darkness his voice took on. Love Me Tonight is usually distorted when he hits the highs but not here. Kudos to Derek McGovern and all the others involved in bringing this to us.
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Martino
02-11-2017
10:43 AM ET (US) IP: 104.255.4.145
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 Sean Bianco's "At The Opera" program today will feature a tribute to Nicolai Gedda, who passed away on the 8th. Yesterday was Leontyne Price's 90th birthday. The other day I posted about the MET performance from 1977 that was rebroadcast in her honor (it will be on Sirius again tomorrow morning). But for those of you who do not subscribe to Sirius but wanted to hear Leontyne Price in one of her great roles, Leonora in "La Forza Del Destino", you have another chance. After Bianco's tribute to Nicolai Gedda, he will play the studio recording from RCA with Price's co-stars of Richard Tucker as Don Alvaro and Robert Merrill as Don Carlo. No, there are no Italians but it would be difficult to put any cast together for this opera that would be greater than this all American cast. More info and how to obtain the Cap Public Radio stream can be found at the link below (click on "Music Station" which brings you to an options page. You may select many streaming options for any device you choose such as PC or mobile. I have found simply clicking on "Music Stream" to be among the best sound options and covers most of the device bases.): http://www.capradio.org/classical/at-the-o...t-the-opera-021117/I forgot to mention that if you want to hear the MET performance today of "Carmen", you can do it easily and in the best sound by streaming through Cap Radio. Keep in mind this station is located in California so adjust your times accordingly or you might miss the whole thing. When you go to their schedule sheet a program may show a start time of 10:00 am but the times listed are always PST. Edited 02-11-2017 11:02 AM
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Kristine
02-11-2017
06:15 AM ET (US) IP: 173.169.36.195
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Yes, Fred, I remember Sergio Franchi sang there. In "The Dream Factory: Classic Musicals", Vol. 2, "That Midnignt Kiss' and "The Toast of New Orleans" are included with "The Pirate", "The Belle of New York", "Royal Wedding", "Words and Music, and "That's Dancing". This DVD package contains some of the M-G-M Movie Musicals and also has a documentary about Mario Lanza.
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Fred Day
02-10-2017
07:02 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Kristine: As far as is known, Lanza never sang at the Coconut Grove. But Sergio Franchi did. It was recorded by RCA Victor. It was in Oct, 1964. Ciao.
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Fred Day
02-10-2017
06:57 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Nicolai Gedda died on Jan 8th, but his death wasn't announced by his family until Feb 9th. He was age 91 and a half. He sang in 11 different languages - a master linguist, superb voice!! He made over 200 recordings!! Rest in Peace. Ciao.
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Fred Day
02-10-2017
06:47 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Ed: Get well soon. Yes, the prognosis looks good. Best wishes, Ciao.
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Martino to Ed
02-10-2017
05:58 PM ET (US) IP: 104.255.4.145
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Sorry to hear of the problem but the prognosis looks good. Get well and good luck.
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Kristine
02-10-2017
04:48 PM ET (US) IP: 173.169.36.195
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Does anyone know if Mario Lanza ever sang at The Coconut Grove, Ambassador Hotel, Los Angeles/Hollywood ? I know back in the 1960's, Howard Keel and Kathryn Grayson performed, there.
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Kristine
02-10-2017
04:46 PM ET (US) IP: 173.169.36.195
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Ed, get well soon. Nicolai Gedda, RIP.
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Bill Ronayne
02-10-2017
04:15 PM ET (US) IP: 24.185.122.207
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Good to hear you're OK Ed. Rest up. Best, Bill
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Ed
02-10-2017
04:00 PM ET (US) IP: 70.214.70.146
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Hi all, I had big surgery yesterday they removed a blockage from my colon and was cancerous. I am well and drs say it was caught early, they say I'll be back talk soon
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Dennis
02-10-2017
02:43 PM ET (US) IP: 73.170.201.215
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What a talent Gedda had in so many ways! One of my favorite tenors and one I revisit to listen to more often than most. We had a poll on this site several years ago where posters listed their favorite tenors. Everyone had Lanza, of course, but I had Gedda in my top ten of all time. I listen again and again to Gedda's version of "Mes amis ecoute l'histoire" from Adam's "Le Postillon de Longjumeau". In fact, I'm going to YouTube to listen to it again right now!
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Martino
02-10-2017
10:01 AM ET (US) IP: 104.255.4.145
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Nicola Gedda, one of my favorite singers and one of the best tenors of all time. Gedda was the last of the truly great tenors of his era. He will be missed.
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Bill Ronayne
02-10-2017
08:59 AM ET (US) IP: 24.185.122.207
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RIP Nicolai Gedda. He was a superb artist. Here is a clip from a 1975 performance of Faust:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-m_Jas-OEFE
Best, Bill
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Fred Day
02-09-2017
10:17 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Martino: Thanks - very fine observations. Merrill sings it very well, but in only one voice. Warren sings it in 2 voices: soft and timid as "Files On Parade", and loud and with much authority as "The Color Sargent". That adds to the impact. A masterpiece of interpretation. Ciao.
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Martino to Fred
02-09-2017
09:34 PM ET (US) IP: 104.255.4.145
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I played your disk and enjoyed it once again. You included Warren singing not only "Danny Deever" but several other selections and they were all beyond excellent. I doubt anyone has ever sung "Danny Deever" with such authority and strength.
Robert Merrill sings it (on youtube) perhaps more beautifully and more luxuriant, but this was not meant to be a beautiful song given the subject matter. Warren's power is in full display but it is more than a power exercise - it is strength through a tour de force performance, and there is a difference between that and sheer power. Power can be heard and even measured, strength is something you sense and feel.
If there is a difference between Merrill (and everyone else) and Leonard Warren, it is this extraordinary strength you feel when listening to "Deever", and several other sea shanties Warren was fond of. The recitatives are even more impressive as Warren is a lion in his speech as well as with his singing voice. Every word is articulated perfectly, every note is set to the story's internal poetry. In short, Warren's way with this song truly enhances Kipling's words and his poetry.
"What are the bugles blowin' for?", begins the poem. Warren tells you why the bugles are sounding and in no uncertain terms as military executions in Kipling's day were very ritualistic. Warren knew Kipling wanted to convey that Danny was indeed a murderer and probably deserved to die but I believe there is an alter thread lurking just below the surface - that Danny was a man nonetheless and one must always ponder the question at the time of witnessing an execution if two human deaths are under any circumstance really better than one.
Was Kipling a compassionate man and trying to relay a message on the merits or morality of executions? I sense perhaps this is true but I really don't know because I can't tell by reading the poem at face value. I need an interpretation to sort that out but Warren is smart enough in his rendition to let Kipling's words speak for themselves. Very well done!
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Martino to Fred
02-09-2017
12:11 PM ET (US) IP: 104.255.4.145
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Just read your post asking me about "Danny Deever" but got to run now to make my tee time! Will listen tonight and get back with you. If Leonard Warren is singing I am sure it will be fantastic. I remember this song was on a disk you sent me many years ago, along with a number of other rare performances and I know I enjoyed them then. I still have those disks you sent in my collection and will listen to the other selections you included of Warren singing songs. I have forgotten how good he was in this kind of music. Edited 02-09-2017 12:41 PM
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Fred Day
02-09-2017
11:01 AM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Martino: I am curious to read your comments on the Leonard Warren recording of Danny Deever, that I mentioned. Thanks. Ciao.
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Fred Day
02-09-2017
10:58 AM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Doug: Yes. Did Price ever sing Carmen, on stage?? My favorite Carmen on records is Callas, and she never sang the role on stage. I presume Price never sang the role of Turandot. She recorded Liu's 2 arias, but I don't recall if she ever sang Liu on stage. Curious. Ciao.
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Suzanne
02-09-2017
10:23 AM ET (US) IP: 74.79.51.67
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Ed. Thinking of you. Be well.....
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Doug
02-09-2017
10:06 AM ET (US) IP: 71.3.251.33
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Fred: Callas performed "La Forza" about six times in her entire career. The last one many years before Price even came to the Met. Tebaldi and Milanov had pretty much ceased singing it by that time also. I assume the competition you meant was the recordings not live performances.
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Fred Day
02-08-2017
07:14 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Has anyone listened (on youtube) to Leonard Warren singing Danny Deever?? I am curious to read some comments on his interpretation of this great song, from the Kipling poem. Thanks. Ciao.
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Fred Day
02-08-2017
07:09 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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In the role of Leonora (both Forza and Trovatore), Price had serious competition from Callas, Tebaldi, and Milanov, but she held her own and became one of the top Leonoras of her age, in both Verdi operas. Happy 90th Birthday to Leontyne, and many more. Ciao.
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Fred Day
02-08-2017
07:02 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Ed: I hope the results are negative, meaning okay. Please keep us informed. Get well soon. Ciao.
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Ed
02-08-2017
04:22 PM ET (US) IP: 70.214.70.146
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Hi All. Have been in hospital five days, suspicious flu may be more serious than thought. Awaiting test results from colonoscopy. I will let you know, always Mario, Ed
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phil uk
02-08-2017
08:34 AM ET (US) IP: 85.12.76.63
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To All.Sorry to labour a point but this is why i am urging the guys responsible for the Sepia releases to devote a presentation to Mario singing live,those rehearsal items really are AWESOME & the cd buying public need to hear them & marvel at that raw power & intensity Mario exhibits,Callinicos must have been so frustrated.
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Kristine
02-07-2017
07:04 PM ET (US) IP: 173.169.36.195
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Happy Birthday, Leontyne Price ! A few years ago, I read former Secretary of State-Retired General Colin Powell's autobiography, "My American Journey". He wrote that he was in the Army with George Price, brother of Leontyne Price.
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Martino
02-07-2017
03:39 PM ET (US) IP: 104.255.4.145
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The great American soprano, Leontyne Price, turns 90 on Friday. The MET and Sirius radio are celebrating her birthday with a special re-broadcast of Verdi's "La Forza Del Destino". It was originally broadcast on 3/12/77, and her supporting cast is a superb one: Placido Domingo, Cornell MacNeil, Rosalind Elias and conducted by James Levine.
If she was anything at all, Price was a Verdi soprano supreme and Leonora was one of her greatest roles, singing it 17 times during her career at the MET alone. Besides her birthday on Friday, you can also hear it on Sirius tonight and then again Sunday morning. With the possible exception of Ponselle, I doubt this role has ever been sung better than what you will hear in this performance.
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Martino
02-07-2017
12:04 PM ET (US) IP: 104.255.4.145
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Thank you folks, it is always a pleasure to talk about Mario Lanza. This was just something I thought of because we do not talk about it very much - musical timing and rhythm. I believe Lanza's great sense of this helped him overcome the "dated" sound associated with old tunes. There are many more characteristics that help explain why Lanza sounded so magnificent, this was just one.
Gail, you are certainly welcome to copy my post. You can print it out yourself if you like. Just highlight the post (as though you would with a copy and paste) but instead of copy, select print. When you come to the print screen choose "selection". Be sure to do that or you might type the entire page rather than what you highlighted. If you are having trouble doing this just email me at the address I keep only for this forum: masteroftheshortgame@gmail.com. Include your email address and I will email it to you.
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Suzanne
02-07-2017
11:15 AM ET (US) IP: 74.79.51.67
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So true. A gift that you have, Martino. We may know it,feel it, but cannot put into words.
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Joe to Martino
02-07-2017
10:32 AM ET (US) IP: 71.224.55.142
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Beautifully done Martino. You are the "Lanza" of description.
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Gail Swartz
02-07-2017
09:11 AM ET (US) IP: 204.29.186.9
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To Martini....I would like to have a print-out of your wonderful post on Mario. Is this a possibility? I found that your essay explains best the way Mario sings and communicates the text of anything he sang.
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phil uk
02-07-2017
05:06 AM ET (US) IP: 85.12.76.63
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to Martino.in total agreement with your comments.As already stated i believe Mario was vocally SMART & adjusted his voice & style to whatever he was singing etc.The likes of Corelli/Del monaco did not or could not do this,they just sang but Mario felt it & conveyed that to us.This technique was unique to Mario & set him apart & above everyone else.
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Martino
02-07-2017
12:15 AM ET (US) IP: 104.255.4.145
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Below is a post I wrote some time ago that may be appropriate to the "dated" question we are currently reviewing. It is lengthy and if you want to cut through the reasoning and justifications, just go to the last two paragraphs which are basically a synopsis of what went before: "Mario Lanza possessed many, many attributes that made him the star he was and who is still so fondly remembered after more than half a century since his death. We have touched on most of those qualities that set him apart time and again: the sheer beauty of his voice, his instantly recognizable and individual tone, diction, versatility, etc., etc. One aspect that made Lanza's singing so great which we have not talked about very much was his exquisite sense of timing. I believe, like so many other Lanza characteristics, that this was more a natural phenomena than a learned one, although certainly practice would make it even better. In large part this was a by-product of Mario's wonderful overall musicality or natural musical "instinct". The ability of singing and communicating with the listener in a way that sounded as natural as having a conversation. The natural way we speak, move our body parts in unison and purpose and even our breathing that we never so much as think about. In the same way this sense of timing in music is often taken for granted when done so naturally and without calling attention to itself as in the case of Mario Lanza. When applied in musical terms this sense of timing could also be called "rhythm", which is nothing more than the "pattern" of musical sound. I thought about this as I was listening to several Lanza songs recently where Mario moved so beautifully from note to note, expression to expression, word to word in a way that made you move with him. He brought you along for the ride on his magic carpet of sound and rhythm was his propeller. It was more than just singing a song and hitting all the right notes - it was as though you were listening to musical poetry. I am not saying he was always this way 100% of the time, but most of the time. I think it was this wonderful sense of musical rhythm that helped Lanza meet every vocal challenge from Verdi to Porter. It gave him an important tool which helped him become one of the most versatile singers in history. Nothing seemed to be beyond him. Listen to "La Donna e Mobile" and then "Begin the Beguine". Who else can sound so natural and at home in both? Listen to his rhythm and the way he homogenizes his delivery and distributes his voice equally with the words and notes, all coming together as one. You can't help but have your body in tune with his music. This is true artistry in that it masks the very vocal techniques he used to produce that magnificent sound in the first place. His sense of timing and rhythm blends all the elements in these songs and arias, making the beginning, middle and end a seamless line. There are many counter examples - listen to Franco Corelli's "La Donna e Mobile" as a comparison to this. As terrific as his voice sounds and as thrilled as you are to hear it, he in no way is singing a seamless line but rather takes a mostly herky-jerky approach that makes you wonder if this is really what Verdi wanted, incredible and thrilling vocal sound though it may be. Corelli is just one example of those that did not need a finely tuned sense of rhythm because for the most part Corelli was always singing Corelli, and that did not change no matter if he was singing opera or song. But Mario Lanza did have it and with it he was able to sing virtually everything thrown at him and make it all sound great and natural but at the same time different and appropriate. Another tenor who comes to mind with that same incredible sense of timing was Richard Tauber, also Caruso and of course there were a few others. Mario Lanza's sense of musical rhythm brought classical style singing out of the past to a modern, more relevant style which appealed to younger generations. The way songs were approached before Lanza were stuck in the time period of the performer. That is why it is so easy to dismiss the artists of the Golden Age. They sound dated and even odd sometimes - if all we do is listen and take what we hear at face value. One has to go further and study what it is they are doing with their voices and then further still to place that within their time frame of reference in order to understand their true greatness. But Mario Lanza did away with all that. Some of the songs and words he sang might be considered "dated", but not the singing or the vocal rhythm he brought to those songs. No matter what he sang, the way Mario Lanza sounded is as relevant to today's ears as it was in 1950, maybe even more so. Although Tauber had great musical timing, why is it he is more of an acquired taste to modern audiences than Mario Lanza? Why the difference between these two and how people relate to them since they both were so successful in a wide variety of musical genres? I think it has to do with the tastes of the time and how those tastes inflect the body's inner rhythm as heard through the voice. Tauber, to modern ears, may cause some irritation if you're not careful, even though his musical timing is spot on and his singing is artistically perfect. Lanza's time (in a historical sense) was different. We just won the war and a now industrialized America was moving with aplomb to a shinning future. The world was coming out of darkness and headed into a bright new era and way of life and everyone was excited about it. Lanza was a product of that time and his style and rhythm and his "singing personality" moved in that same direction. The tastes of the time, the rhythm of the time, inflects the singer. And the singing of Mario Lanza captured it better than almost anyone". Edited 02-07-2017 12:30 AM
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Fred Day
02-06-2017
08:43 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Many poems of Rudyard Kipling have been set to music by various composers. Leonard Warren recorded 8 of them. Listen to his rendition of "Danny Deever" - it can he heard on youtube. A masterpiece of interpretation, a truly moving experience!! Check it out. Ciao. Edited 02-06-2017 09:01 PM
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Fred Day
02-06-2017
08:36 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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As I have already mentioned, all the songs of Romberg, Friml, and Herbert can be called "dated" today, in their lyrics, but a great artist can make them believeable, and Lanza could do just that. That was one of his many gifts - interpretation with feeling, passion, and, of course, a glorious voice. He knew how to "sell" a song, to put it over. Take the song "Call Me Fool" - nice melody, rather banal lyrics, very cliché. Yet Lanza made the song believeable and even exciting. John McCormack also had that gift, taking many second-rate songs, and thru his superb artistry raising them up to his high level. A rare gift, indeed. Ciao.
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Suzanne
02-06-2017
04:44 PM ET (US) IP: 74.79.51.67
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Trying to understand why "Softly" is any more dated than any other music Mario sang. All of it is "Old Fashioned" when it comes to that, especially when compared to the trash most "lyrics" are today ..And I thank heaven for it.
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Derek Mannering
02-06-2017
04:20 PM ET (US) IP: 69.209.230.172
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Glad you approve, Ronald, and thank you for those very kind words.
Yes, that photo was taken during a rehearsal with Paul Baron for The Christophers program in October 1957. It's one of my favorites and I included it in the new Paperback edition of A LIFE IN PICTURES. My thanks to Bill Ronayne for providing the print.
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Ronald Sarbo
02-06-2017
03:20 PM ET (US) IP: 74.66.130.108
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Derek: GREAT selection of songs on the double cd.
I see on Content Media Corp's description of the DVD a picture of Lanza I have never seen. He is standing up singing holding sheet music in one hand and holding a cigarette in his other hand. Sitting behind him at the piano I believe is Paul Baron. Could be a rehearsal prior to filming the Christopher's program?
Again my thanks and appreciation for ALL you have done.
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Derek Mannering
02-06-2017
03:05 PM ET (US) IP: 69.209.230.172
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And just so there's no confusion, here's the cover to the new Lanza DVD from Screenbound Pictures.
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Derek Mannering
02-06-2017
03:03 PM ET (US) IP: 69.209.230.172
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This is the cover to the new Sony Lanza CD compilation.
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Ross UK
02-06-2017
02:21 PM ET (US) IP: 86.12.177.162
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Gail, A good transcript of "Softly" Coke version (no intro) is included on disc1 or the FIVE disc set available from amazon.com at a cost of US$ 8.99(prime)...the title is "100 HITS LEGENDS.MARIO LANZA" it is bound to include a few more tracks you would like to have. and is great value...and largely good recordings.
I also recalled it was on the 3Disc "Mario Lanza Collection" RCA 1991,,,,BUT on closer inspection they used the Royal Albert Hall live Version.
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Derek Mannering
02-06-2017
12:20 PM ET (US) IP: 69.209.230.172
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Gail, yes he did record it for the Coke Show - that's the recording Fred wishes had been included on the new CD. It was originally released on the RCA "Magic Mario" LP and you can also find the recording on the British public domain 4-disc compilation "The Song Is You" in pretty decent sound.
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Gail Swartz
02-06-2017
12:07 PM ET (US) IP: 204.29.186.9
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Derek, did Mario record "Softly" or did he only sing it on the concert tours...Love to hear his response to the audience waiting for him.
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Derek Mannering
02-06-2017
11:48 AM ET (US) IP: 69.209.230.172
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Phil, if you go back to my post 50035 you'll see that I have no absolutely problem including "Softly…" on a Sony Lanza CD. And I agree, it is a sterling rendition by Mario. I simply mentioned in passing that I find the song very dated and old-fashioned; my opinion, that's all. I've had similar feelings about a number of other Lanza recordings (and no, Fred, I won't name them!) and that has never stopped me from including them on CDs if I thought they fitted the theme of the compilation. I'm sure the recording in question will turn up eventually on a Sony Lanza CD, just not The Best of Everything.
I can't speak to your other requests about the home recordings as Sony has no rights to that material.
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phil uk
02-06-2017
06:27 AM ET (US) IP: 85.12.76.63
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to Derek Mannering.Surely we are not going to judge CD inclusions on lyrics etc "Be My Love For No One Else Can End This Yearning" yearning a forgotten word these days etc.Surely it must be the performance which is paramount & not that it sounds Old Fashioned!Listening to the live "Softly As in" i feel this is a sterling rendition & deserves to be on commercial cd along with a few other live performances as i have listed earlier.I support what you have done for the Lanza legacy but cant back you on this one Derek.Surprised you could not get a good version of "the Hills OF Home" to include in your latest offering.
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Ross
02-06-2017
04:53 AM ET (US) IP: 86.12.177.162
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Thanks for that David....should have known someone BIG (in this case Disney)was behind so much legal work. Suppose they might try to get him named as a National Icon or something after 2023!
Its a shame that the Student Prince original film soundtrack is still in the US archives...if it was over here perhaps Sepia (or someone) could clean it up and give us ALL access to the gems.
It is a shame that law strangles artistic expression.
I recall a country song "Cherokee Fiddle" from the 70's (heck 40years ago!) two of the lines went....
"And the music is sold by lawyers
And the fools who fiddled in the middle of the stations are gone"....
How true...Thanks again.
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David Weaver
02-05-2017
07:39 PM ET (US) IP: 98.31.1.186
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Ross, the main proponent for extending copyright laws from the original 28 years plus one renewal (for a total of 56 years) was the Disney company. Mickey Mouse was introduced in 1928, ergo, he would've entered public domain in 1984. So the Copyright Law of 1976 extended copyright from 56 years to 75 years, meaning no one could use the image of Mickey Mouse without getting permission from, or paying Disney, until 2003. Then in 1998, it was extended again another 20 years in the Sonny Bono Copyright Term Extension Act - of course at the time, Sonny was a congressman from California. Many derisively call it not the Bono Act but the Mickey Mouse Protection Act. Mickey will enter the public domain in 2023 - unless of course Disney and others who benefit from a longer term get in extended again.
And in the case of individual versus corporate authorship, the copyright is 95 years after the death of an author. Therefore, George Gershwin's "Rhapsody in Blue, althought it will turn 100 years old in 2024, will remain in copyright until 2032 - 95 years after his death in 1937. However, the songs George wrote with lyrics by his brother Ira will remain in copyright until 2078 - 95 years after Ira's death in 1983.
Other countries do not recognize the United States long term. Their copyright terms are generally 50 years. Thus, Mario Lanza in such countries has been an artist in the public domain since 2009. That's why it is possible for Lanza compilations such as the Sepia CDs to be released - they are produced and distributed in countries where US copyright law is not in effect.
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Gail Swartz
02-05-2017
07:15 PM ET (US) IP: 204.29.186.8
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Thanks for the answer about the singing in the movie.
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Ross
02-05-2017
04:22 PM ET (US) IP: 86.12.177.162
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Thank you for that Derek...as you say it is copyright law which requires them to find and pay the dues to each of the "holders" or their heirs that makes the unearthing and use of "original" material SO EXPENSIVE and time consuming...and therefore unlikely. Its a shame that they cannot change the law so that if a "holder" was untraceable or dead the payment went to a named charity....that would "unlock" use of a lot more "historic" material by making it easier to litigate....not only for Lanza.
Odd in a way...because the very legal technicality that is supposed to "protect" the producers interests in the recording/film is now definitely ensuring it will NOT be used ...and thereby produce income for them.?
Thanks again for your time Derek. Good luck with the recordings.
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Derek Mannering
02-05-2017
03:14 PM ET (US) IP: 69.209.230.172
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Ross, the three Coke Show recordings I mentioned in my post are different takes to the ones you referenced on those CDs. In the case of the SP song, the broadcast version has a charming spoken intro and a slightly different close.
As for the Rhino release, Sony does not have the rights to those 3-track stereo recordings, no more than it does to any of the MGM Lanza movie soundtrack recordings that preceded the Student Prince. That's why you have Elizabeth Doubleday's voice dubbed over Ann Blyth's on two tracks for the RCA album. I would love to see the complete MGM soundtrack released in 3-track stereo on CD but copyright rules are sacrosanct and at this stage it's hard to imagine both companies investing time and money to makeover an album that has been on the market in one form or another since 1954.
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Ross
02-05-2017
11:49 AM ET (US) IP: 86.12.177.162
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Hello everyone....Whilst I have been a Lanza fan for some 55+ years...I have not so far posted on Jeff's site. I thought it might be apropos to point out in answer to Dereks' post 50035 about the tracks he wanted...but that were "missing".
"Hills of Home" was issued by RCA on CD "You'll Never Walk alone" in 1995 UK
"Love is the sweetest thing" on RCA CD "My Romance" in 2001 UK
"Deep in my Heart" Coke show was (in excellent sound minus intro) on the RENSE CD "Make Believe"
The later 's source I could not comment on, but for the first two ...as their own RCA CD's mentioned was probably their last use ...that may well help them track down why they were "miss-filed"?
I have listened to the CD's mentioned and the track quality would appear more than adequate.( perhaps a modern clean-up could be undertaken)
Perhaps I could ask a question that springs to mind about sound quality.?
For years I bought RCA LP's then CD's including the track "Deep in my Heart" with the "swelling strings" full intro and was disappointed by how "dull and lifeless" the orchestra was.( I bought it about 10 times in all)
It took a re-mastering by "RHINO" ( now sadly long deleted) to show me how that introduction should have sounded !!....its a shame when you think about it RCA/ MGM had 40 years to ensure the fans received their best sounding tracks...and when someone showed them how it could be done they "pulled out the copyright" card and had it withdrawn.....I am still hoping that very clear (original 4 track stereo)version might re-appear again.....or is that a vain hope?
Thanks
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Fred Day
02-05-2017
10:39 AM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Derek: I don't hear a tambourine on the Coke show "Softly" - I listened closely. Maybe that song can appear on a CD next year. I hope that with more searching, the 4 selections you mentioned will be found in good sound. Maybe next year, hopefully. Ciao.
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Kristine
02-04-2017
05:52 PM ET (US) IP: 173.169.36.195
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Ed, get well soon. In the movie, "Sincerely, Yours" starring Liberace, there is a mention of Mario Lanza in a scene. That was a re-make of a 1930's movie called "The Man Who Played God"with George Arliss and Bette Davis. For some reason, "Sincerely, Yours" wasn't a hit movie for Liberace. Does anyone know who sang Oscar nominated songs "Be My Love" and "Because You're Mine" at Academy Awards, back in the 1950's ? I wonder if the Academy tried to contact Mario Lanza and asked if he would sing them at Academy Awards ? "Be My Love" and "Because You're Mine", though nominated Oscar songs, didn't win Best Songs. Douglas Shearer won an Oscar for the recording sound of "The Great Caruso". He was brother of Norma Shearer.
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Diane Cox
02-04-2017
02:39 PM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.66
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Gail, according to utube, it isBruce Sledge singing "Nessun Dorma
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Gail Swartz
02-04-2017
01:55 PM ET (US) IP: 204.29.186.19
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Question...at the end of the movie"The Sum of All Fears" Nessum Dorma was heard in the background...who was the tenor? Could it have been Mario? My ears perked up but could not hear it very well. Watched all of Mario's films on his birthday...still in awe of his voice, handsomeness, talent, and willingness to set aside his operatic goal in order to bring opera to all of us. Thanks to Bocelli for his tribute to Mario. He knows that without Mario's influence his career might not have even existed.
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Derek Mannering
02-04-2017
12:00 PM ET (US) IP: 69.209.230.172
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Hi Fred, I just find "Softly…" to be very dated, music and lyrics, and I also don't like the arrangement (is that a tambourine I hear?). But as with another old-style number, "For You Alone," that would not stop me from including it on a Lanza CD if I thought it a good fit for the collection. And again: there are 44 tracks to choose from on the new compilation; there are always going to be favorites that didn't make the cut.
As to the new release, I looked for Lanza's unreleased RCA recording of "Vesti" but once again we couldn't find a copy. Likewise, Coke Show broadcast versions of "Love is the Sweetest Thing," "The Hills of Home" and "Deep in my Heart, Dear" (with spoken intro) could not be found in decent sound. To your point, the latter two especially are also old-time songs, but Lanza's intensity in those performances is really impressive and one or two of them would have been good filler tracks.
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Fred Day
02-03-2017
09:43 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Derek Mannering: I would say that Softly as in a Morning Sunrise is no more, and no less, dated than any other of Romberg's songs, or Friml's songs, or Herbert's songs. They are all pretty much on the same ground. As for Softly, Richard Tucker recorded it in the early 1960's; Jerry Hadley recorded it in the early 1980's. Even Bing Crosby recorded it in the early 1950's (with the Buddy Cole Trio). Hope it can make it on the next Lanza CD - perhaps next year (2018). By the way, what were the 4 songs you wanted to include but were unable to?? Curious. Ciao.
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Fred Day
02-03-2017
09:32 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Tomorrow's Met radio broadcast is the ever popular Rigoletto. Stephen Costello is the Duke of Mantua. A fine tenor, one of the best American tenors of today. Enjoy. Ciao.
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Fred Day
02-03-2017
09:25 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Ed: Get well soon. Did you get your flu shot?? Perhaps that particular stomach flu is not covered by the regular flu shot?? Hope you feel better soon. Ciao.
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SAM
02-03-2017
05:30 PM ET (US) IP: 12.228.48.145
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HI,
We print all our poster prints to order. I call it a Poster Print because it is a large print but not a manufactured poster. My prints are meant to be framed.
The image is printed on High Gloss heavy weight paper and is 12 X 14.4 inches on a 13 x 17” sheet. Cost is $22.95 plus $5.00 shipping in a cardboard tube. I SIGN EACH PRINT ON THE BACK. I SUGGEST MATTING IT INTO A 16X20” FRAME.
When you order I will send you my suggestion on how to matte and frame the print.
Ed Seeman
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SAM
02-03-2017
05:27 PM ET (US) IP: 12.228.48.145
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I guess I have to do one at a time.
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SAM
02-03-2017
05:26 PM ET (US) IP: 12.228.48.145
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Here are the two Poster Prints I bought and highly recommend.
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Suzanne
02-03-2017
01:12 PM ET (US) IP: 74.79.51.67
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Knew something was up Ed, your not posting.Keep a bucket by the bed and get well quick! Phil, sounds like one great idea.Happy Super Bowl everyone.
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Ed
02-03-2017
09:31 AM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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Heads up, there is a horrible stomach bug out there. I got it yesterday and in bed since
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phil uk
02-03-2017
09:16 AM ET (US) IP: 85.12.76.63
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Re my request for the live items as listed to be put on commercial cd is that Mario was so clever in his approach to singing & the context of that singing,by that i believe he adjusted vocally to the situation & let it rip if you like on the peices mentioned in other words totally raw & stating he was the best to all & sundry in the classical music world.So if the Sepia guys are listening lets unleash that awesome majestic sound which is Mario Lanza live to the cd public.
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Gerald Matthews. UK
02-02-2017
02:31 PM ET (US) IP: 213.122.229.204
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Phil.I have had the Sepia CD ' One Alone ' nearly three weeks, you can buy direct from them.
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Sam Samuelian
02-02-2017
10:19 AM ET (US) IP: 98.115.221.249
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Just wanted to let you all know that Ed Seeman, the talented artist who did the colorful and attractive montage of Mario, has just done Ann Blyth. He was inspired after watching her in The Student Prince on Turner. As a reminder, these images are on high quality paper, are individually signed, and are exciting. The cost is only $23.00 each including shipping. They measure 13 by 16 3/4 inches. Each features a montage of images from different stages of the artist's career and above and below the image is their name. Ed donated the Lanza image to the Museum and also sent a copy to Bill Ronayne. I'm having trouble uploading the image, so for now I'm afraid you will have to take my word for it that these are excellent. Just contact me at sms@bee.net to order and I can send images that way. Incidentally, he is so prolific that he has done literally thousands of celebrities, so if you have a favorite just ask. I personally ordered Enrico Caruso, Nat King Cole, Frank Sinatra, Doris Day, and quite a few others.
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phil uk
02-02-2017
10:17 AM ET (US) IP: 85.12.76.63
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to the Sepia production guys may i request that if there is to be a further cd release that it might be of Mario singing live & to include the following peices never released on commercial cd.The Chenier Improviso rehearsal,the Lamento di frederico/che gelida manina rehearsal,softly as in..Im falling in love(all live)plus the Hedda Hopper Vesti which in my humble opinion is his best rendition.I am looking forward to purchasing the One Alone cd when released here in the uk.Please consider my request for a live content cd containing the mentioned items which show Mario at his most awesome.
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Suzanne
02-02-2017
10:15 AM ET (US) IP: 74.79.51.67
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Happy to see Bocelli's appreciation of Mario. I am confused now, about what my son ordered for me. A documentary available in March . Please list it with whatever else is available, Derek. Thank you!
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Derek Mannering
02-01-2017
06:18 PM ET (US) IP: 69.209.225.16
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Hi Sam, thanks for that kind comment. The Sony CD compilation should be listed on Amazon in the coming weeks. I'll post further details here in due course.
And Kristine, you can pre-order the DVD on the British Amazon site: www.amazon.co.uk
I'll check with Screenbound to see if it will be region-free.
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Sam Samuelian
02-01-2017
05:45 PM ET (US) IP: 98.115.221.249
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I am confused. I pre-ordered the DVD documentary "The Best of Everything" and the Sepia "One Alone" CD. The Sony Classical track selection, Derek, is outstanding and should generate great excitement. I can't thank you enough for the outstanding job you have done. I do understand that the title of the two CD set is the same as the DVD. But the bottom line is how do I pre-order them?
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Diane Cox
02-01-2017
02:19 PM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.66
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Nice clip of Bocelli. Thanks Derek.
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Derek Mannering
02-01-2017
12:36 PM ET (US) IP: 69.209.225.16
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Glad you approve of the track list, Fred. There are always "I wish" for selections that are not included, including at least four of my own, though I confess "Softly…" wasn't one of them. Lanza sings it beautifully but the song is very dated and I just didn't think of including it this time.
And how nice to see Bocelli remembering Mario on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/andreabocelli/?fref=ts
Steff Waltzinger also sent me this link from YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dYXLaZ97p4Y
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Suzanne
02-01-2017
10:19 AM ET (US) IP: 74.79.51.67
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Watching SevenHills again yesterday, I thought that his acting was much more natural than in some of his later films.He looked great ,too. Thinking how good he was in his debut film, no wonder the public was smitten .
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Fred Day
01-31-2017
11:39 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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There are 7 new releases on "The Best of Everything": If You Were Mine (alt take), Lovliest Night of Year (1957 record), Nessun Dorma (alt take 1), Be My Love (Coke), Lords Prayer (Coke), Silent Night (Coke), and Drigo's Serenade (Coke). Excellent choices. I wish Softly As In a Morning Sunrise (Coke - from the old "Magic Mario" LP) had been included, since it is not yet on any BMG/RCA CD. Hopefully in the near future. Ciao.
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Fred Day
01-31-2017
11:26 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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You can see the contents of Derek Mannering's new double CD release, "The Best of Everything" on this site. In the main page, scroll down a little. After the picture cover of the magazine "Opera Now" it says "Mario Lanza - The Best Of Everything" - click on that. All 44 selections of the 2-CD set are listed. Ciao.
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Diane Cox
01-31-2017
07:32 PM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.66
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You can pre order One Alone from Target, 10.29
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Kristine
01-31-2017
05:03 PM ET (US) IP: 173.169.36.195
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Happy Birthday Tribute, Mario Lanza ! I can't find the listing for new Mario Lanza DVD-The Best of Everything on Amazon.com. Barbara Hale and John Hurt, Mike Connors, RIP. By the way, Terry Robinson knew Bill Williams and Barbara Hale.
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Bill Ronayne
01-31-2017
10:43 AM ET (US) IP: 75.250.56.193
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Enjoying Mario on TCM and remembering him on his birthday
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Sam Samuelian
01-31-2017
07:09 AM ET (US) IP: 98.115.221.249
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PS. Forgot to add the title of the new Sepia CD. It is simple "One Alone", very fitting since the singing is indeed one alone. It costs only 10.99 from Amazon and the release date is now definitely February 10th. Track List:
1. They Didn'T Believe Me
2. The World Is Mine Tonight
3. Wanting You
4. I'Ve Got You Under My Skin
5. Night And Day
6. Roses Of Picardy
7. One Night Of Love
8. Your Eyes Have Told Me So
9. Sylvia
10. I'Ll See You Again
11. Romance
12. The Trembling Of A Leaf
13. Yesterdays
14. The Moon Was Yellow
15. Golden Days
16. Will You Remember'
17. Behold!
18. Arrivederci Roma
19. I Love Thee
20. One Alone
21. The Lord'S Prayer (Live)
22. Tell Me, Of Blue, Blue Sky
23. Love Me Tonight
24. Ah! Sweet Mystery Of Life
A few things I'd like to note about some of the less familiar tracks and some of the familiar ones: A-Behold was a mild hit for Mario when he was in Rome. It features perfect signing and a glorious high note. B-Not sure about the vintage of the LIVE Lord's Prayer but it peaks my interest, especially in much improved sound. C-I heard "One Alone" and believe me when I tell you that you've never heard it like this D-I expect the same of "Love Me Tonight", one of my favorites from Desert Song album E-The late fifties "Arrivederci Roma" is excellent and is seldom heard F-I've always thought "Golden Days" could use some sonic improvement G-Most of the remaining titles already have excellent sound, but as I have said above, I expect the sound will be warmer.
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Sam Samuelian
01-31-2017
06:56 AM ET (US) IP: 98.115.221.249
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Hi Linz: Thanks to my dear friend Ross Mills in England, I have heard parts of the Sepia CD. It is a must have for any discerning Lanza fan. The sound is closer to the old warm LP sound than anything I have heard come down the road. If there was a way to add sound bytes here, I would certainly do it.
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Linz
01-31-2017
04:03 AM ET (US) IP: 222.153.14.154
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The new McGovern/Sepia CD is sensational. Mario as we used to hear him. Making Mario great again!! Looking very much forward to "The Best of Everything" audio and DVD also. Well-chosen title and content.
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Sam Samuelian
01-30-2017
06:33 PM ET (US) IP: 98.115.221.249
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Carole's mother was Mario's mother's sister. Thus, they are first cousins.
Thanks for the nice compliments about my review.
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Derek Mannering
01-30-2017
01:33 PM ET (US) IP: 69.209.225.16
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I've just sent Jeff details of the new CD and DVD releases. It should be on his main Lanza page soon: mariolanza.net. Let me know if you have any questions or comments.
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Gail Swartz
01-30-2017
11:38 AM ET (US) IP: 204.29.186.16
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I, too, will watch Mario tomorrow even though he is on the DVR and on DVD. I will record SP for the sheer pleasure of hearing him sing. Thank you, fans, for being at the birthday celebration and the lovely report on the party...wished I could have been there and gone on the tour with Bill.
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Suzanne
01-30-2017
10:54 AM ET (US) IP: 74.79.51.67
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Sorry, some glitch caused me to think my msg hadn't got through.
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Suzanne
01-30-2017
10:53 AM ET (US) IP: 74.79.51.67
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Sounds as though you all had a wonderful time and I envy you. Sam, wonder how Carole Shea is related to Mario. Child of one of his mom's sisters? Great review, next best to being there. Tomorrow, though I have all Mario's films, the phone will be off the hook while I watch my beloved tenor,again, and again..
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Suzanne
01-30-2017
10:47 AM ET (US) IP: 74.79.51.67
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Sounds as though you all had a wonderful time and I envy you. Sam, I've wondered how Carole Shea is related to Mario. One of his mom's sister's children? Great review. I wish. Tomorrow, though I have all Mario's films. the phone will be off the hook, while I watch the tenor I adore, again.
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Martino to Sam
01-29-2017
10:30 PM ET (US) IP: 104.255.4.145
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Thanks for that review, Sam. It was great!
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Martino
01-29-2017
10:29 PM ET (US) IP: 104.255.4.145
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Take a look at the cake in Bill's photo below - "Mario's Legend Lives On". I think that is very appropriate for his post which marks, remarkably, the 50,000th post submitted on this forum, one of the few places left in the world where the story and legacy of Mario Lanza lives on virtually every day. Coincidence? Or could it be something more?
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Bill Ronayne
01-29-2017
12:03 PM ET (US) IP: 24.185.120.200
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And the cake from yesterday's party made by Barbara Deluca a friend of Carole Shea's. Best, Bill
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Bill Ronayne
01-29-2017
12:01 PM ET (US) IP: 24.185.120.200
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The Mario Lanza Institute would like to thank everyone that attended yesterday's party at the museum and also those that donated so many wonderful things to eat and drink. It was a great afternoon. Here is a picture of the table of goodies. The next photo will be of the cake.
Nice review Sam and thanks for bringing the projector. Actually they video we showed was made up by me not Ross.
I will post about the upcoming events in NY and Philly in more detail at some point but there will be a MLSNY luncheon on March 4th from 1pm-4pm at Patsys' in NYC as well as a benefit for the Lanza Museum on April 23rd from 1pm-4pm at Estia Restaurant in Philly. The Ball Weekend is November 11th and 12th.
Best always,
Bill
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Sam Samuelian
01-29-2017
11:14 AM ET (US) IP: 98.115.221.249
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FABULOUS MARIO LANZA BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION I have been to many of these events over the years but must say that yesterday's affair was among the finest. First, we had a record number of people as far as memory serves. The people who came were very enthusiastic about the movie clips, there was wonderful food prepared by a number of excellent cooks, Bill's tour guide of the Museum was outstanding and very informative, and it was delightful to see 93 year old former tour guide John Luciani there looking healthy as well as the ever dedicated Jeanette Frese, whose memory is sharp as a tack. Carole Shea picked me up at a nearby Staples and along for the ride were Anna Maria, a very new friend, and Dottie Todaro, a very "old" friend. Together we had a ball riding into the city and anticipating the event. We had much unloading to do once Carole squeezed her large Jeep SUV down the extremely narrow South Philly street. She is an excellent driver and I was grateful to be with her. Bill Ronayne greeted us and the ladies started setting up the food table while I set up my projection equipment being careful to run the wire where no one could trip on it. It was gratifying to see a number of new faces, people who had never attended a birthday party. All were enthusiastic and some showed great knowledge of Mario. Our menu consisted of two huge "rings" of BJ's hoagies donated by Carole (whom you all know is Mario's first cousin), a very, very tasty home made pasta salad, a large chunk of zippy sharp provolone cheese from a South Philly store, plenty of soda and wine, coffee, and later the most incredible home made pineapple upside down cake with chocolate ganache, Dottie's perfect pizzelles, and an assortment of cookies. Bill selected the Ross Mills DVD that highlighted a song from every one of Mario's movies and following was his live London Palladium singing. There was applause at the end and rightly so, as it is always so much more uplifting to experience our boy in the company of others who love him too. Lots of socializing followed, Bill announced future dates to keep in mind like his MLS of NY upcoming meeting and the Museum Fund Raiser event. He will fill in the exact dates and details. There was a board meeting after most had left which went on a good while but I spent the time pouring through Lanza LPs, 45s, and 78s that people have sent the Museum over the years (often thinking they were rare but the large majority were copies of records like The Student Prince and Lanza On Broadway). However, there were also an impressive number of albums I had never seen. Some foreign and some US. For example, one I had never seen before was the 45 of "There's Gonna Be A Party Tonight" from SHOR with a colorful shot of Mario singing amidst the crowd. In all I brought home a huge, heavy box loaded with records. Many were brand new and many were like new. We broke the record for longevity of a Lanza birthday party. Before we realized it, it was 6 PM. Normally we are all home by 4 PM. Well, chow hound that I am I started talking about food as we passed a number of enticing Italian restaurants on Broad Street. Carole, Anna Maria, Dottie, and yours truly stopped at one named Peso that was highly touted but they were booked for the entire evening. However, only a few stores down and run by the same people was their Pizzeria that also offered a good number of entrees. We had to wait about 15 minutes and then went up to an alcove area which felt private and was spotlessly clean and bright. Being their specialty, we had to try the pizza so our appetizer was the special of the night called "Italian Flag Pizza" as it had the colors of Italy's flag and was a "white" pizza with cheese, veggies, and plenty of garlic. Extraordinary! We ordered the house salad which was highlighted by their home made balsamic dressing, a much thicker than average and much tastier than average delight. Our entrees were either 1-one of the greatest examples of chicken parmesan I've ever had, which included TWO filets, plenty of al dente pasta and the perfect gravy (not too sweet, not too acidy) Or 2-a delicately prepared and very tasty eggplant parmesan with pasta. We enjoyed a totally unique appetizer too. They served garlic rolls, excellent but nothing out of the ordinary, but the real hit was their cold chopped potatoes with pesto and Italian spices. You could make a meal on that alone. Later we had coffee (I always get my caffiene from Coke!), and I ordered a tasty tiramisu that was shared. We hit the road by 9:30 but what should have been a half hour ride turned into an hour and fifteen minute ride. You see, there was a huge accident after a game had let out. We literally crawled but still kept up our fun pace of chatting and enjoying each other. I fell asleep the last fifteen minutes as I had gotten only three and a half hours of sleep the night before. Got into my van and drove home and headed right for bed, thus ending what was a top Mario Lanza Birthday Party. PS. The total bill including tip for the feast we enjoyed was only $100.00. Edited 01-29-2017 11:34 AM
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Ef
01-27-2017
06:56 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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Thanks Jeffrey, Looks like a good day on the 31st. I look forward to seeing and hearing our Mario the greatest tenor ever. Everyone Enjoy!!!
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Jeffrey Campbell
01-27-2017
03:41 PM ET (US) IP: 64.134.228.63
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Hi all, Just a reminder to everyone that TCM will be having "Lanza Day" on Tuesday Jan. 31st. All the films including "Student Prince" but not BYM. We should all set our DVR's and rejoice that hopefully new fans are discovering the Lanza magic through the efforts of everyone here and other sites, as well as the folks at Turner. It would be great if we all sent a note of appreciation to them! Can't wait for the new DVD and CD collection! All best!
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Kristine
01-26-2017
09:40 AM ET (US) IP: 173.169.36.195
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Mary Tyler Moore,RIP. When Mary was younger, I thought she resembled Betty Lanza.
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Sam Samuelian
01-26-2017
07:35 AM ET (US) IP: 98.115.221.249
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I do have some health issues but that is not going to stop me, in part thanks to Carole Shea;s offer to pick me up and drive me there. I will definitely be attending the birthday party for Mario at the Museum. It is always a fun afternoon where you have the opportunity to be with others who love your favorite singer, enjoy interesting and often rare film clips, hear a fine selection of Lanza recordings, and of course to munch on the traditional hoagies (NOT subs, we are after all in South Philly, lol!), birthday cake, and refreshments. It starts at noon and usually runs until 3 to 4. It is also an opportunity to meet Jeanette Frese who will give you a personal tour of the fine museum of Lanza memorabilia. There are many items for sale you will not find anywhere else. In the past we have sometimes been thwarted with ice and snow but it looks like that will not be a problem this year with the high forties and low fifties weather. I urge all of you within traveling distance to come and enjoy this event. Oh yes, I will also have the wonderful and colorful Mario Lanza montage that shows him from various stages in his career. They are available at the wholesale price of $20.00. Incidentally, 92 year old volunteer museum tour guide John Luciani comes when he is in good health. If he can make it, none of us has an excuse not to!
FYI: I received a notice from Amazon that the new, long, long awaited Lanza DVD "The Best Of Everything" had its preorder date of March 20th pushed back to April 4th to April 8th. But just now I went to the site and it is now listed as March 27th. Let's hope so!!
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Suzanne
01-24-2017
10:57 AM ET (US) IP: 74.79.51.67
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Gail, Mario certainly wakes us all up again, doesn't he. And the amazing thing is it never stops! Divine Mario.
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Gail Swartz
01-24-2017
12:06 AM ET (US) IP: 204.29.186.64
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Glad to see all of the posting ...missed it.listened to Clide Smith's cassettes of Mario on the Mic..love to hear him chuckle.huff, squeak ,and give the take numbers...would loved being in the recording studio. I am still in awe of Mario's manly tenor in his singing..tried watching Serenade but could not make all the way...too emotional.
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Lanza & Friends show fan
01-23-2017
03:45 PM ET (US) IP: 67.83.126.195
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Apology for the mess in my first post. Am in a hurry as I'm due for recording gig. Jim intervewed Roberta in a hotel dinning area in Westport, CT with about a hundred in attendance. Ms. Psters was very complimentary to Mario Lanza saying she would have loved singing with him. They were both RCA artists at the time. I have a picture or two I snapped of Jim and Ms Peters. I wish he was still doing the shows and I think he does too! My first time at this site.
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Lanza & Friends show fan
01-23-2017
03:26 PM ET (US) IP: 67.83.126.195
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I attended a show Jim Thompson did with Roberta Peters as his guest. It was presented at a hotl in Westpot, CT
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Suzanne
01-23-2017
10:58 AM ET (US) IP: 74.79.51.67
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Fred. Ever impressed by the knowledge you have. Last eve I listened to some "light" Mario. Nonetheless beautiful.
I'll See You Again". "Every Little Star", always amazing. I saw Roberta Peters and Robert Merrill here many years ago. They may have been married at the time. She was lovely. Don't imagine two diva(o)s can get on too well for long.Sorry to hear of her death. Sam, get well, get to the party!
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Fred Day
01-23-2017
10:12 AM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Ed: Caruso also recorded that aria - one of his early Victor records, 1905, with piano. Ciao.
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Ed to David
01-22-2017
09:21 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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David,that aria was one of the first I heard sung by Pav around 72/73. I never heard of it till then.
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David Weaver
01-22-2017
01:12 PM ET (US) IP: 98.31.1.186
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Fred, the tenor was Alan Crabb. He had a fine lyric voice, did a lovely rendition of "Com'e gentil". Later on he became known as a choral conductor and teacher. He died in 2012 at the age of 70.
And by the way, for opera aficionados, sorry for the goof on the name of the soprano character in "Pasquale" - it's NORINA, not Adina. Adina is the character in another of Donizetti's famed opera buffas, "L'elisir d'amore."
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Fred Day
01-22-2017
11:27 AM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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David: Who was the tenor (Ernesto) in that performance of Don Pasquale?? Curious. Ciao.
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Bill Ronayne
01-20-2017
03:16 PM ET (US) IP: 24.185.126.231
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Sorry to hear of your physical problems Sam. If you're up to coming to the party at the Lanza Museum on the 28th it will be great to see you and Anna and yes please bring your projector. Best, Bill
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Fred Day
01-20-2017
01:57 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Peters was also married briefly to Robert Merrill, for only a few months. Their divorce was amicable, they remained friends, and continued to sing together many times. It was Jan Peerce who discovered Peters. She was his protégé. She could reach F above high C with ease. She was a truly great artist, in every sense of the word. Rest in Peace. Ciao.
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Kristine
01-20-2017
07:18 AM ET (US) IP: 173.169.36.195
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Roberta Peters, RIP. She dated George London, at one time.
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Gail Swartz
01-19-2017
11:39 PM ET (US) IP: 99.118.168.254
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Hello, Mario fans! Do not know what has been discussed of late...lost the email connection somehow. I, too, wait for the new CD. Found Mario on Pinterest and have been saving and commenting on a great deal of his photos and singing. Young adults have been reading and responding to the information about the songs and photos.
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David Weaver
01-19-2017
08:46 PM ET (US) IP: 98.31.1.186
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Sad to hear about Roberta Peters. I saw and heard her three times: in a 1974 recital with Jan Peerce, the following year in "Bittersweet" for summer stock producer John Kenley, and a 1983 "Merry Widow" for the Cleveland Opera. Memorable experiences each time. And the biggest thrill for me was getting to play a small role when Peters was Adina in a 1980 Opera Columbus production of "Don Pasquale," with Ezio Flagello in the title role. She was very kind to me, and a delight to everyone. When the stage director staged Peters curtain call LAST at the final rehearsal, Flagello stormed off the stage, spewing profanities. "When did the name of this f-----g piece get changed to "Adina?", he shouted. Peters calmed him down and said, "Why, Ezio, of course you'll have the last bow!" Naturally, it didn't matter - on the two performance nights, it was Peters who drew the largest applause and bravos, despite Flagello's tempest (he was great in the role, but most people bought a ticket to see Peters, not him). I hoped she would be honored by Kennedy Center, alas too late. One of the truly great opera stars of her era. Edited 01-19-2017 08:59 PM
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Ronald Sarbo
01-19-2017
06:30 PM ET (US) IP: 74.66.130.108
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Roberta Peters has died at the age of 86.
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Sam Samuelian
01-19-2017
11:47 AM ET (US) IP: 98.115.185.89
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Sam To Bill R: Hello Bill, I have been so out of touch and I apologize for that. I have been emotionally well but am undergoing some very strange physical problems that remind me of Mario and his plight with gout. My legs and ankles are swollen and painful. Have been too busy to stop and get it looked at but will soon. To boot, I have constant phlegm in my throat that is affecting my singing quality.
For now, I just wanted to offer my assistance for Mario's birthday party on the 28th. As my own birthday is the 27th, It is a date I cannot forget! If you would like me to bring my projector or anything else, just let me know.
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phil uk
01-19-2017
11:46 AM ET (US) IP: 85.12.76.63
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re celeste aida,can someone explain the differences on the now defunct rhino cd version as opposed to the caruso film soundtrack?
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Ed to Fred
01-19-2017
09:46 AM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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Thanks for that on Lanza. I didn't mean that he copied or stole anything I only meant it reminded me of the Caruso recording. I know he had his own way and it was fine by me.
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Fred Day
01-18-2017
08:58 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Grigolo and Damrau will sing Romeo and Juliet again this Sat matinee, Jan 21, on radio, and high def in theaters. Hopefully, Damrau will be in better voice than she was when Bill saw the performance a few nights ago. Later this season, Grigolo will sing the broadcast of Werther. Ciao.
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Fred Day
01-18-2017
08:51 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Lanza recorded Celeste Aida 6 times, only 5 exist. One is lost and has yet to be found. That one is at his 3rd Hollywood Bowl appearance in August 1949. Hopefully someday it may turn up, but the chances of that are rather slim. And, incidentally, Caruso recorded Celeste Aida 6 times also. His final one, in 1911, is the best one. Ciao.
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Fred Day
01-18-2017
08:39 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Ed: Caruso was an inspiration to Lanza, but Lanza never copied Caruso, or anyone else. As Enrico Caruso junior pointed out, "Lanza grew up listening to the records of my father and other artists of that period, but he copied no one. His operatic recordings are original interpretations." The same is true of his Neapolitan songs. Lanza was his own man and copied no one. That record of Mattinata with piano was a test record for RCA Victor, made in June 1945. The pianist is unknown. Perhaps a staff pianist at Victor. Lanza didn't meet Callinicos until 2 years later, in 1947. Ciao.
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Ed to Joe
01-18-2017
05:57 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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Certainly, my email is McElvis1948@aol.com Patiently awaiting the new Lanza cd due out soon. I want to run this by my friends here, it deals with a comparison. I'd like your feeling regarding the Lanza version of Mattinata with I think Costa at the piano on the Italian Soul and the Caruso one with Leoncavallo at piano, did Lanza copy the style of Caruso, I think so. Thanks Edited 01-18-2017 05:59 PM
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Joe to Ed
01-18-2017
03:58 PM ET (US) IP: 71.224.55.142
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May I have your email address?; I am jorain123@gmail.com
Thanks, Joe
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Diane Cox
01-18-2017
02:09 PM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.239
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Thanks Martino. I've watched that several times this week and like it very well, and went on to watch his last years final act duet with Garinca. Beczala is not a Pavoratti, and certainly not a Lanza, but he may be the best of what's out there at this time. I do think he has a passion for opera, keeps himself in shape, takes his wife with him everywhere, and sings in many different venues. Werther has become a favorite since I first saw it a couple years ago. I'm a relative newcomer to the full opera. Before just picked arias that I liked, with a limited range of tenors.
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Martino to Diane
01-18-2017
01:25 PM ET (US) IP: 104.255.4.145
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Here you go: https://youtu.be/3ngu8v0krOk
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Suzanne
01-18-2017
01:15 PM ET (US) IP: 74.79.51.67
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It was a joy listening to the three compilations, Che Gelida, Nessun and Celeste. Many were wonderful, of course, Mario and Pav, favorites. Great idea...
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Diane Cox
01-18-2017
01:13 PM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.239
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Here's one of Beczala's reviews:
Polish tenor Piotr Beczala, one of today’s best performers for the role, alien to the romance between Liceu and Kraus, had secured a very good Werther in the 1st and 2nd acts. He showed a well-rounded, supported, beautiful voice, with good phrasing, expression and perfect style, without doing bel canto (which would have been too sweet) nor verismo (which would have been too aggressive). However, the pearl of the role Pourquoi me réveiller was yet to come in the 3rd act and Kraus’s souvenir was more present than ever, almost like a vibration of the air.
Beczala attacked cleanly, controlling the flow of air perfectly, breathing with the orchestra, respected the decrescendi prescribed by the score, gave depth and presence to the notes on the lower register, planted two A sharps that crossed the room like bright arrows and ended with an exquisite messa di voce on the last note. The theatre was collapsing, Kraus had disappeared and was finally resting in peace. Liceu had found another ideal singer for Werther, a sublime Werther: Piotr Beczala. This is how history is written in opera theatres.
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Bill Ronayne
01-18-2017
09:12 AM ET (US) IP: 75.193.156.111
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Grigolo was superb as Romeo at the Met last night. The new production is a traditional one and cleverly staged. The only disappointment was Diana Damrau as Juliette. She acted well but wasn't at her best vocally. Best Bill.
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Diane Cox
01-16-2017
01:38 PM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.239
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Piotr Bexcala getting good reviews this week for "Werther". Saw Jonas Kaufman in the title role and he was also excellent.
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Ed to Joe
01-15-2017
08:01 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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Joe, I agree its Pavarotti hands down. I thought many sounding nasal and struggling to hit it as right as they could. Bjorling always rested on a high plain with me, missing was Tagliavini and Fritz but this showcased so many. Lanza was and akways will be best in my heart because like Caruso he was just that good. Pavarotti may seem somewhat mechanical but God that power and beauty to me will always be so darn good.
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Joe to Martino
01-15-2017
02:26 PM ET (US) IP: 71.224.55.142
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Thanks for that great collection of Celeste endings. I would have to crown Pav as the best of this group for this aria (including Mario). Without question Pavarotti was a great singer except I have always found him kind of mechanical i.e. a great technician.... but lacking the warmth and color of the Lanza voice. Your exercise was fun and very instructive.
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Diane Cox
01-15-2017
12:39 PM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.239
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There was an encore in Nabucco last Sat, only the second I've seen. The chorus sang an encore with James Levine conducting. And both were beautiful. My first time to see Nabucco and I enjoyed it more than I thought I would. Domingo sang the title and baritone role - thought he did well. Had to go up and down steps a lot while singing. Also liked the tenor, but the two sopranos were everyday to me. Will probably see Romeo and Juliet this month also. Griggolo has improved a great deal, doesn't do as much modulation as he did at the beginning. And he loves to act in his big white sleeves.
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Ed to Martino
01-15-2017
10:27 AM ET (US) IP: 70.214.85.101
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This was a delightful arrangement is tenors singing one of my favorite atias. I did listen to the whole segment and found although many were good there were whom I think great. Many I did not know nor heard before but those I knew never disappoint. Ones I thought who seemed to stretch and push out that last sound were German, simoly all Italians and Bjorling and Tucker did it for me. Caruso, Lanza and Bergonzi always awesome, to me the best was by Pavarotti. If I'm not mistaken this was the performance he gave an encore for.
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Len (UK)
01-15-2017
09:59 AM ET (US) IP: 81.141.211.16
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I could cope with the politics on this forum if it was adult debate. From an outsider's perspective it has the appearance of juvenile polemic. This seems true of so much of the world today with opinions so polarised and an unwillingness to listen to an opposing viewpoint. I shudder to think where it will all end!
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Linz to Martino
01-15-2017
05:18 AM ET (US) IP: 222.153.14.154
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All those conclusions to Celeste are fascinating. Mario erred on the side of covering, singing "sul" rather than "sol." Yet still he's the most exciting of them all. Something visceral going on! I think we already knew that.
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Linz to Joe
01-15-2017
04:54 AM ET (US) IP: 222.153.14.154
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I too thought we had "collectively agreed to lay off politics," but on my return here noticed all the Obamarxists had been posting their filthy politics with a vengeance. It's the site owner's prerogative whether he allows this or not, and I know he chooses to allow it, so I equally know that I don't need to hold back in my expression of contempt for the disgusting socialist who tried to hijack your country, and his lackeys right here. Obama and Hillary are scum, as are the "people" who defend them. The opposite of the sense of life represented by Mario. Why is anyone surprised he registered as an independent? This is the fellow who said "I am an individualist." The opposite of socialist, state-worshipper, Muslim, Black Lives Matter and all other totalitarian trash. I can report from first hand experience that Damon was exactly the same. Of course I'll post on music. But I'll not let Social Justice Warrior garbage here go unchallenged either. Neither should you. Stop being Politically Correct!! That's what's killing us!! Edited 01-15-2017 04:57 AM
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Diane Cox
01-14-2017
07:35 PM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.239
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Thanks Martino.
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Martino
01-14-2017
05:56 PM ET (US) IP: 104.255.4.145
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Celeste Aida is one of the most popular tenor arias in the Italian repertory. Nearly every tenor has sung it either in performance or on record. Even lyric singers such as Kraus and Gedda sang this aria although they would never have dared touched the entire role on stage.
My favorite rendition in live performance was sung by Luciano Pavarotti at LaScala and I have posted this clip here in the past: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XP1vp_G9mLc. It is not perfect but it is close, with a final Bb to die for. That note was struck so precisely you could tune a piano with it.
That final Bb is not easy and Verdi made it even harder by asking the tenor to sing it softly. Corelli does perhaps the best job of the ending as he strikes the note forte but unlike most singers who remain fff, Corelli diminishes it to a hushed ppp in one of his famed, ravishing diminuendos. These utterly opposite vocal dynamics within one note is very rare and only a handful of singers have been able to negotiate it well.
If you like this aria, I recommend you go to youtube (I will post the link below) and listen to a compilation of 32 tenors singing the ending couple of bars of Celeste Aida (for some reason the Pav was excluded). Some are recorded and some come from live performances.
You will notice that Mario Lanza is included in this group of heavy hitters and well he should be. Although the final note is a tad pinched he still sounds glorious with that total abandonment which was his trade mark - I place him in the top three or four here. The Corelli ending I mentioned is also included. It is interesting to hear the differences in approach and the individual interpretations of each tenor. Some singers see the aria as sort of a romance and sing it lyrical while others view it as heroic as is Radames himself. Corelli sees it yet another way and perhaps the way it should be interpreted - as a poet warrior. You will note Jon Vickers, eg, gives it a full dramatic treatment because that is what was comfortable for his type of voice. Vickers had a wonderful, rare diminuendo as well but seldom used it. I think if he did sing the diminuendo here it would have matched Corelli's superb effort. And how about the squillo of guys like Filippeschi and Masini?! They know that if you have it you might as well flaunt it because even though that may not have been Verdi's intent the audience will eat it up every time!
This clip is fun and interesting if you have 15 minutes to spare. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ecZ24el7QSc.
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Ed to Linz
01-14-2017
10:25 AM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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Yes we here are afforded the right to liberty, if that means blasting some whom we don't agree with and vent or spew hate well so be it. That my friend is what has made America great. Anyway good to see you pop your head in, I very much look for your review on the new CD. Above all we all agree just how wonderful Mario is. Brother Ed.
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Joe
01-14-2017
10:01 AM ET (US) IP: 71.224.55.142
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Hi Linz!,as usual you are spot on. I DID announce the coming of the new Sepia release several months ago and I look forward to it as well as your review of same. And, yes, I also excitedly look forward to Jan 20 (THE date when USA starts to restore itself). As re political commentary, we have collectively agreed to lay off politics on the forum in order to focus on Mario. Happy New Year and keep your musical posts coming!
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Kristine
01-14-2017
06:51 AM ET (US) IP: 173.169.36.195
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I am not a militant , self righteous advocate ! I left the GOP because of what it has become, except for a few Repubs !
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Kristine
01-14-2017
06:50 AM ET (US) IP: 173.169.36.195
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I disagree with Linz's political posts here ! But once again, I will try to steer away from political debates, here. If political posts keep getting posted , here, I will post them, too. It's taking away from the purpose of this website, which is about Mario Lanza, operas, movies, etc. If this becomes completely political, I will no longer post comments, here. One thing, the states who went to Trump, had the most Obamacare sign ups.
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Linz
01-14-2017
03:36 AM ET (US) IP: 222.153.14.154
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Oh my! I didn't bother coming here for months because of the militant, self-righteous prevalence of advocates for Obamullahmarx and the even more evil Hillary, who would always end their apologetics with, "Now let's please get back to Mario." In other words, "In my apologetics for Islamo-Marxism I'm entitled to have the last word word here." I decided to look in to see if there's been any acknowledgement of the new Sepia CD by all these posters so anxious to "get back to Mario." None. Vince, who has been instrumental in helping Derek McG get these CDs out there, has posted about it, with zero response. Wotta surprise. I'm expecting my copy any day now, and shall assuredly be posting about it. I don't doubt that it will showcase Mario at his beyond-brilliant best.
In the meantime, I can't wait for Make America Great Again to kick in. This has happened in the nick of time. A third term for Obamullahmarx, which is what Hillary would have represented, would have been decisive in the destruction of America. Stultifying Political Correctness, shrieking Social Justice Warriors, "Pigs in a blanket, fry 'em like bacon" Black Lives Matter trash, media that have utterly abandoned all pretence of journalism, a Hollywood elite that thinks its main raison d'etre is to scold us all in the ways of socialism ... all of these and other such scum would have become unstoppable. The Republic has a breathing space. But the price of liberty remains eternal vigilance—and never more intense vigilance than now.
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Diane Cox
01-13-2017
11:12 PM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.239
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Tried to watch Bel Canto tonight on PBS, but had to give it up. I read and enjoyed the book.
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Fred Day
01-13-2017
03:13 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Tomorrow's Met radio broadcast is the beloved La Boheme. Michael Fabiano sings Rodolfo, one of today's finest tenors. Ailyn Perez is Mimi. Enjoy. Ciao.
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Suzanne
01-13-2017
02:23 PM ET (US) IP: 71.224.55.142
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Suzanne,I only(and very reluctantly)used those examples to make the point: We should judge Lanza ONLY for his great voice and considerable gifts to the world of music....and President Trump should ONLY be judged for how well he governs the country.Let's all hope!
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Vince Di Placido (Jnr)
01-13-2017
12:59 PM ET (US) IP: 95.44.208.158
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I'm so proud to have been involved in this project! Over 6 & a half hours of Pure Mario Magic! All killer No Filler :-)
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Vince Di Placido (Jnr)
01-13-2017
12:54 PM ET (US) IP: 95.44.208.158
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I'm biased, I know. but I just finished my second listening of the new Sepia Lanza release "One Alone" & it is a triumph from sequencing to remastering it is practically perfect & just simply a joy!
What a great achievement from Derek McGovern, 5 volumes of the cream of Mario Lanza perfectly packaged!
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Suzanne
01-13-2017
10:32 AM ET (US) IP: 74.79.51.67
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Everyone's wound up today! Guess that's a good thing. Ed, what a great shirt. Your kids really "get you". Mine do too.David , and I wholeheartedly agree with you. Joe, I wish you hadn't repeated that "stuff", we've all heard it before. Not sure Trump comes out as an altar boy, but we have to take what we've voted for. We've always registered Independent. You'd be surprised how many ring our doorbell trying to change our minds.
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Ed
01-13-2017
08:14 AM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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Dennis/Kris, oh yes they figured it out a long time ago. They grew up with Mario playing somewhere either house, car or bbqs. Actually Kristine it was my son Kevin and his fiance who had the idea for the saying, and I must say it was a very special gift and well thought out, they had to find someone to do it, download the picture then get it onto the shirt. I think it was a good idea for the gift shop.
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Kristine
01-13-2017
05:48 AM ET (US) IP: 173.169.36.195
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Ed, great T-Shirt ! It would also be ideal for Mario Lanza Museum Gift Shop.
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Dennis
01-13-2017
01:41 AM ET (US) IP: 73.170.201.215
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Ed, great T-shirt! I'm sure your kids figured it out many, many years ago. "Dad, Dad, did you hear what I said?" "Sorry, I was focusing on something else."
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Ed
01-12-2017
07:02 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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This is the front of my new tee shirt, my kids figured it out.
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Ed
01-12-2017
06:55 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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One of my Christmas gifts
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Fred Day
01-12-2017
12:50 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Teal: Good point. Enough on that depressing subject - back to Mario Lanza, and tenors in general. Ciao.
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Teal
01-12-2017
08:06 AM ET (US) IP: 73.18.129.15
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Apparently, Godwin's Law has touched this board. For those not familiar with this Internet term, it is defined thus:
A term that originated on Usenet, Godwin's Law states that as an online argument grows longer and more heated, it becomes increasingly likely that somebody will bring up Adolf Hitler or the Nazis. When such an event occurs, the person guilty of invoking Godwin's Law has effectively forfieted the argument.
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Fred Day
01-11-2017
08:52 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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PS: Charles Manson is now 82. I have heard that he has cancer. In his case, that is good news, not bad news. Ciao.
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Fred Day
01-11-2017
08:16 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Ed: Yes, I agree, bad call. Those others I mentioned were quite bad, but Hitler was the worst, along with his henchmen. Without a doubt. I forgot Charles Manson - very bad, and unfortunately still alive, but not for much longer, hopefully. Ciao.
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Ed
01-11-2017
07:57 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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My dad served all through France to Germany, his unit helped clear and liberate the death camp at Bergen-Belsen at age 23. When I would ask him he just looked at me and walk away. I know AH was the worst. So the association of Trump as Hitler was a very bad call.
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Fred Day
01-11-2017
07:00 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Ed: There are a few rulers who can be compared to Hitler, all from the past: Joseph Stalin of course, Nikita Kruschev to a slightly lesser extent, Fidel Castro and his predecessor Battista, Franco of Spain, and Emperor Hirohito of Japan. There may be more, but these come to mind. But Hitler was the worst by a large margin, plus his henchmen, of course. What a depressing subject!! Ciao. PS: I suppose there are several American serial killers that might also be included into that mix. Fortunately all of them are dead!! Amen. Ciao.
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Fred Day
01-11-2017
06:43 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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David: PS: Is the gross worldwide, or USA only?? And for how long a period does the gross cover, one year, several years, or to the present?? Thanks. Ciao.
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Fred Day
01-11-2017
06:36 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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David: Please list the gross for all 8 Lanza films, in order from highest to lowest. Thanks. Ciao.
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Fred Day
01-11-2017
06:28 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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I have all 8 reviews of Lanza's 8 films, from the New York Times. Five of them opened at Radio City Music Hall: Great Caruso, Because You're Mine, Student Prince, Serenade, & 7 Hills of Rome. As for the other 3, For The First Time opened at the Roxy, Toast of New Orleans opened at the Lowe's State Theater, and That Midnight Kiss opened at the Capitol Theater. All 8 reviews were complimentary to Lanza, praising his singing. Ciao.
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Kenneth Henderson
01-11-2017
05:32 PM ET (US) IP: 61.9.168.146
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People forget that Eisenhower's time was a hard time in USA and other parts of the world. A severe credit squeeze happened. Many strikes in USA. My Uncle was employed by Great Lakes Steel in Detroit(Zug Island) since he came back from the Navy in WW2. From Kansas before the war some family came to Detroit for work and remained. My Uncle was Democrat and his wife, my blood aunt, was also but not a citizen until years later. Kennedy was their man later. In her own country my aunt had been what you call Republican. The period he was out of work due to a strike was for over 9 months and 4 kids to feed and ultimately 7(two have since died from the first 4) and my aunt had a serious breakdown trying to run the family. Its was suicidal and she told me the details later. She did start walking down the block towards the Detroit River at the end of it with the kids in hand but something stopped her. Plans move from USA to Australia were thwarted due to the strike and money spent enlarging the house of her Mother, my maternal grandmother, was wasted. I can add that one day later when my first cousin was 16 and driving that my Aunt was having a depressive episode and she had him drive her to a mall and spent the housing keeping on classical records. My Uncle accepted this and said that sometimes music for the soul is better than food for the body. A Mexican I found him a wise man. My Aunt was a staunch Lanza collector and belonged to the club, went to the Philly banquet(me too) and was friends with Costa and Terry(who phoned her often and I spoke to him in the 1970s).
I might add that in my country the US style Democrats called the Labor Party. The unions are heavily involved and people from Union jobs become politicians. Demand to vote for them is rife to Union members(which falling in many occupations). The most militant are the building unions that have thugs as leaders who cause blacklisting of suppliers on major jobs and have been delisted in the past. The teachers are also very militant in the state system. The building union is trying at this time to control the actual hiring and firing of members of the fire service and the volunteer country fire service. Heads have rolled. The current Labor premier is all for this control is is a marked man for the next election.
Ken
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Dennis
01-11-2017
04:50 PM ET (US) IP: 73.170.201.215
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Fred, thanks for that information. A lot of veterans (like Lanza) voted for Ike out of their respect for our military. Even my committed Democrat mother voted for Eisenhower, although I never understood why since my father was exempted from WWII as a family man with a defense-related job and only served time in the National Guard. I did plaster the door to my room with bumper stickers of "I Like Ike", but mainly to get my father's goat as he was a dedicated union man and was practically demanded by his Local to vote for a Democrat.
What is more curious is Lanza registering as an Independent. Surely that wasn't common in his day.
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Fred Day
01-11-2017
04:44 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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I am sad to read of the deaths of the 2 "Buddy's". Buddy Greco was a fine singer (in the Sinatra mold) and a fine jazz pianist as well, from South Philly. He died yesterday, Jan 10th, age 90. He was born 11 days after Tony Bennett's birth. And jazz musician Buddy Bregman died 3 days ago, on Jan 8th, age 86. I am very fond of the LP "Bing Sings Whilst Bregman Swings", with Bing Crosby in a fine jazz mood, a fine album. Rest in peace, both Buddy's. We all know that his younger brother, Bobby Bregman, is married to Elissa Lanza. My sincere sympathy to the families of both Buddy's. Ciao.
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Fred Day
01-11-2017
04:32 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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I believe Lanza was a registered independent, and didn't involve himself in politics. I understand he favored Eisenhower in the elections of 1952 and 1956. It is also known that ambassador Joseph P. Kennedy was a big fan of Lanza. Ciao.
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Ed to joe
01-11-2017
03:32 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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Joe, I must agree I think it low to brand anyone a Hitler, it's cruel and just wrong to do. Both sides are guilty of jabbing then and now. Anyone who has any concept of Hitler's Nazi Germany and what horrors they inflicted on the world should never have demonstrated their hate in such a way. Like I said whatever the outcome was, we elected a president not a dictator, our government is set up checks and balances and the transition to a new family let's keep mindful they are Americans and deserve the same respect. Yes now back to Mario, he's entertaining me now with Night and The Music.
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Joe
01-11-2017
03:14 PM ET (US) IP: 71.224.55.142
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I found it surprising also that 7 Hills was the only Lanza film 2 be shown at Radio City other than the GC (to me,it was Lanza's poorest movie). I did enjoy BYM, fluff and all. I actually saw 7 Hills at RC, one of the few times I ever attended that great old theater...but I was disappointed in the film. Edited 01-11-2017 03:20 PM
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Mike M to David
01-11-2017
01:46 PM ET (US) IP: 108.74.19.115
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Reading your post re Because you're Mine being his second most successful movie, I find it surprising because 7 Hills of Rome made it to Radio City Music Hall . The only other one to achieve that was Great Caruso.. Feedback, please.
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Joe to Kristine
01-11-2017
12:52 PM ET (US) IP: 71.224.55.142
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Remember Kristine, some in the Liberal/Progressive Party also called Trump “another Hitler”, Insults can’t get much lower than that, so both sides are guilty. But I do agree with your key point, let’s leave all this political stuff by the roadside and get back to Mario Lanza (only)!
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Kristine
01-11-2017
06:17 AM ET (US) IP: 173.169.36.195
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I didn't vote for President Obama, but still respected him, his family. There were photos of the Obamas' faces on apes' bodies, Disgraceful ! When he was first elected in 2008, there were Repubs who said they would make him a one term President. Sean Hannity never accepted him(I don't watch him, anymore).I am sorry, I don't respect someone who mocks the disabled, shows no respect for POW Military veterans, calls people liars, when that person lies, too(Guess who will pay for The Wall ?). Now to change the subject, TCM will show "Singin' In The Rain" at selected movie theaters, this month. Maybe, eventually, TCM will show "The Great Caruso". Let's hope so. By the way, singer Buddy Greco passed away at 90. RIP. He knew Mario Lanza from Philadelphia.
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David Weaver
01-10-2017
10:42 PM ET (US) IP: 98.31.1.186
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I agree wholeheartedly that as President-elect Trump is about to take office it is important to give him a chance, to lend him our support. My question to those who say we should do this, is: did you say the same thing in 2009? Did you say, I didn't vote for this guy, but he's going to be our president, I believe it's important to give him a chance, to lend him our support. Did you do that? Then you are truly a patriotic American who wishes the best for our country, and not simply a narrowpartisan who thinks a president only deserves support when he's the candidate of your party, the candidate you voted for. And I understand someone being incensed that a movie star, rock singer, athlete, or whatever, uses their forum to criticize the president-elect. But I would again ask the question: in 2012, when a certain reality star said that the current president was not an American citizen, when he demanded that a birth certificate be produced, and even after it was still said it was a fake: were you incensed then? Did you say, that guy is just a reality TV star, who does he think he is to make this sort of accusation? Did you do that? Then you are truly a patriotic American who wishes the best for our country, and not simply a narrow partisan who thinks a president only deserves support when he's the candidate of your party, the candidate you voted for. Donald J. Trump will be the 45th President. I did not vote for him. But I believe it is important to give him a chance and lend him my support. Because to do less would be to be a narrow partisan and not a patriotic American. Edited 01-10-2017 11:00 PM
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Ed
01-10-2017
07:45 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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Yes, party antics have changed, beliefs are different, the Teddy Roosevelt is not a Bush and a Kennedy is not a Clinton. I lived through the protests on Vietnam, the riots in Chicago in 68 and take cover drills in the fifties. One thing for whatever Ms. Streep said, I defend her right to say it, freedom of speech still is still with us, it is what I think of when I see my flag outside my home. I wore a uniform for it to defend it and its gifts it brings. Yes, I don't recall a time like this since McGovern in 72 when he wanted to beg Vietnam to let prisoners go home, what a piece of crap.
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Dennis
01-10-2017
07:13 PM ET (US) IP: 73.170.201.215
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Diane, sadly you are correct that society has changed a lot. Most of us on this forum have witnessed decades of political activity and many presidents come and go, but the venom and incivility I have heard in the last two months about our President-elect far surpasses anything I remember in the past. Those whose candidates lost have never been happy, of course, and perhaps even worried about the potential results, but I daily hear name-calling and rude remarks from my associates on various civic organizations, letter writers to the newspapers, teenagers in the press, etc. Unprecedented.
We expect that political activists will try to gain an edge by slanted, biased, or even untrue comments. It has always been thus. But the anger and dissent from the populace is new in my experience. Thus, the comments by Ms Streep reflect that sad change of direction. The result is that I have been disappointed by many that I once respected, both personally and in the public arena, not for their opinions, but for their tone and uncivil and inappropriate behavior.
I believe I have asked this before, but do we have a sense of what Mario's political opinions were? Democrat? Republican? Socialist? Liberal? Progressive? or completely apolitical? As Diane suggests, we didn't hear much from public figures in Mario's day about their personal beliefs.
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Diane Cox
01-10-2017
06:45 PM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.239
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The world was a diferent place 60 years ago.
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Teal
01-10-2017
05:29 PM ET (US) IP: 73.18.129.15
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A big difference being, Joe, that Lanza never scolded his audience for not sharing his political views, whatever those may have been. Lanza protected his mystery, no matter what else was going on with him.
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Joe to Teal
01-10-2017
05:09 PM ET (US) IP: 71.224.55.142
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Good for you, Teal, you are absolutely correct in your assessment Well stated!
It is well documented that Lanza, the person, was frequently crude and boorish There are many such examples such as his urinating on the stage set into a flower pot, slipping a photograph of his penis into the pages of an unsuspecting soprano etc. Do we focus on this behavior here? NO, AND WE SHOULD NOT. The forum is to celebrate the Lanza voice and his gifts to the musical world.
Similarly, we should be focusing on Trump the President and NOT some of his bad social behavior.( compared to some of Mario’s behavior, Trump is an altar boy). Let’s give the man a chance, he has already accomplished more than a feckless Obama and he is not even sworn in.
People didn’t’ tune into the awards program to hear some political preaching from an actress. A great artist , yes…..but her speech was out of place in that program.
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Derek Mannering
01-10-2017
02:08 PM ET (US) IP: 69.209.227.46
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And yes, sad news indeed of the passing of Buddy Bregman. He was a sweet man and a gifted musician and arranger. As I mentioned to Ellisa last night, just like her dad, Buddy will be remembered as long as people listen to sublime recordings like this one:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GGNLLJz4Ajw
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Derek Mannering
01-10-2017
02:03 PM ET (US) IP: 69.209.227.46
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Thanks for sharing that, Teal, but it's worth keeping in mind that just like you, even someone as richly talented as Meryl Streep is perfectly entitled to express her opinion wherever and whenever she chooses to do so.
Far from "disturbing" and "obnoxious" I found her statement at the Golden Globes on Sunday night both eloquent and timely. She was, after all, addressing a room full of immigrants at an occasion hosted by the Hollywood Foreign Press Association. If you've been paying attention over the past year or so, you'll know that the object of Ms. Streep's condemnation is a person who has referred to members of the press as "disgusting," "dishonest" and "scum." Ignoring the First Amendment, he has also said, and I quote, "I'm going to open up our libel laws so when they (journalists) write purposely negative and horrible and false articles, we can sue them and win lots of money."
Ms. Streep's comments and the occasion she chose to make them could not have been more appropriate.
(And NOW back to all matters Mario?)
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Teal
01-10-2017
12:40 PM ET (US) IP: 73.18.129.15
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As a keen reader of this message board, I have been somewhat surprised to see U.S. political divisions brought into the mix, now up to and including the disturbing conduct of Meryl Streep in her Golden Globes speech. (Her introductory comments notwithstanding, there was nothing wrong with her voice.) I have long admired her for her seemingly boundless capacity to inspire audiences to suspend disbelief and accept at least for a brief time that she is whatever she wants us to believe she is. In her obnoxiousness of Sunday night, she threw away that capacity with both hands because she now has become a nagging scold who gratuitously told off Donald Trump supporters in lieu of graciously accepting a tribute for great artistry. Hamlet says in a discourse with Guildenstern “…you would pluck out the heart of my mystery….” From henceforth Meryl is without an artist's sublime mystery to those who cheer her on, to those who were repulsed and everyone in between. But it gets worse. The Internet is now replete with filmed images of Meryl standing in applause for a fellow artist (Roman Polanski) now in exile for drugging and sodomizing a Hollywood girl being farmed out for sexual exploitation. So much for that claim to the moral high ground. Just as Elizabeth Taylor gave up her capacity to go believably into character when she invited the world into her private illicit love nest, so has Meryl done the same with her revelation of personal hypocrisy. I will miss the artist that I used to be content to pretend existed, but not enough to buy a movie ticket for the mere sake of nostalgia. Edited 01-10-2017 01:40 PM
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SUZANNE
01-10-2017
10:57 AM ET (US) IP: 74.79.51.67
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At the risk of being political, I'll just say we've had some poor choices, can only hope it will somehow turn out to be not so bad as some of us fear. Ed, sympathize with the rising costs of insurance, don't know how it can be possible for some. Sara Palin having any post in the cabinet seems wrong but think it may happen. People fearing for their careers, can't blame them for an opinion. Trump needs to rise above his adolescent behavior. In the meantime,I'm waiting for the documentary and listening to some glorious Mario.
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Kristine
01-09-2017
04:34 PM ET (US) IP: 173.169.36.195
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Sorry to hear Buddy Bregman passed away. RIP. Diane, I agree about Meryl Streep.
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Ronald Sarbo
01-09-2017
03:14 PM ET (US) IP: 74.66.130.108
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Ellisa's brother-in-law Buddy Bregman has died at the age of 86.
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Diane Cox
01-09-2017
01:22 PM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.239
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Ms. Streep made her views known with class, wit and facts.
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Kristine
01-09-2017
06:57 AM ET (US) IP: 173.169.36.195
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Ed, I agree ! Meryl Streep is a great actress, too !
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Ed
01-09-2017
06:26 AM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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I don't usually watch awards shows but tuned in to watch my favorite actress Meryl Streep. I know we touch on political views here I felt her speech was direct and very moving. I may be slammed here and attacked but I agree with all she said, her reminder how he mocked a disabled reporter yet many want him to lead our country, they are blind.
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Joe to David Weaver
01-08-2017
09:35 AM ET (US) IP: 71.224.55.142
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Thanks for the very good debate points you raised (plus helping to shift the conversation!)
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Ed to Len
01-08-2017
08:23 AM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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Len, no problem here we eventually get back to Mario. Happy New Year.
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Len (UK)
01-08-2017
06:19 AM ET (US) IP: 81.141.211.16
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As an occasional visitor to this forum, I am pleased that the discussions are back on the subject of humanity's finest ever singer. I can do without the politics! (Now I have doubtless offended everyone!)
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Fred Day
01-08-2017
03:27 AM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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I recall reading that Lanza never saw or wanted to see Because You're Mine or The Student Prince, and never wanted to discuss either film. They both held bad memories for him. Ciao.
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David Weaver
01-07-2017
11:27 PM ET (US) IP: 98.31.1.186
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Joe, re your theory on Mario not walking on SP if it came earlier in his film career, I would say: perhaps. Mario had difficulties with authority his entire life, going back to high school. It carried over into his professional life. In May 1949, even before THAT MIDNIGHT KISS was released, he walked out on his first commercial recording for RCA because the conductor assigned, Jean Morel, tried to correct him. He refused to return to the studio until RCA agreed to hire Constantine Callinicos. So therefore, STUDENT PRINCE director Curtis Berhardt and Mario might've clashed, regardless of when the film was made during Mario's career. As for Mario feeling his oats, his ego may have been borne out of insecurity as much as self-confidence. While unfortunate that he did not make THE STUDENT PRINCE, his absence did not deter the film from being a success. It made $2.6-million at the box office. If you include this as a film in his canon, it ranks only behind THE GREAT CARUSO and BECAUSE YOU'RE MINE as his most commercially successful film. Edited 01-08-2017 12:02 AM
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Ed to Chris
01-07-2017
08:40 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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Did you change your cell number I left message. Send me new one to my cell ok
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Ed to Joe
01-07-2017
06:24 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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Joe, first let me explain that outrageous health premium. I retired from the feds in 09 with a very decent pension after 38 years the prem then was near $500 monthly for my wife, son and I. Gradually it climbed. By 2015 it was $1459, I was blown away. Jan 2016 it was $1550. My son turned 26 and came off. 2017 it was the same. I chose standard option now $534 and it's OK, that is why I can't stand Obama.
I've never seen SP, my guess is he thought he was Caruso, in sense he was being as big a star as Elvis. He may have acted different had GC came later on. I would not have liked him to walk on GC. I think the character of the prince was too young for him to play anyway.
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ED
01-07-2017
05:55 PM ET (US) IP: 71.224.55.142
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ooops, make that $1200/mo, not 1600.
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Joe to ALL
01-07-2017
05:45 PM ET (US) IP: 71.224.55.142
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In an attempt to change the discussion as well as possibly stirring up some debate on Lanza, I would like to present a theory I have about Mario’s troubles during the Student Prince: I think much of Lanza’s stubbornness with the studio came about because of the sequence of his movies. Allow me to explain:
When it became time for Lanza to make the SP, he was already a recognized world star/singer with 4 movie successes under his belt (including the Great Caruso). It would only be natural for this track record to give Mario huge confidence and feed his ego a little. So I ponder if Lanza had made the SP in one of his earlier movies and BEFORE (not after) the GC, would he have been more compliant?. I think as a “newbie” to show business, he WOULD have been.
We can never know for sure but I think Mario was” feeling his oats” by the time SP came along..
P.S. I think the tall, slender Purdom did an excellent job in portraying the Prince. Is it true that Lanza, himself, never saw the completed movie?
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Joe to ED
01-07-2017
05:37 PM ET (US) IP: 71.224.55.142
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Thanks for Understanding , Ed. We will both try harder in future posts.
Holy Cow, $1600/month for insurance!. I assume that is for a family plan? I pay $380 a month for the 2 of us and that covers everything except dental(But it does cover preventative dental care, cleanings etc). Well, look at it this way Ed, your birth control is covered on O’care (LOL).I will try to get us all back thinking Mario on my next post.
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Ed to Joe
01-07-2017
03:20 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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Joe, much agreed on all points. We have no choice in giving him a chance. When selecting dept heads you must agree he's chosen and choosing folks like he was putting together board of directors and each one a millionaire or billionaire, those of us that try to hold on to middle class status are losing faith. I'm not bad mouthing his character, in my opinion in the eyes of the world I don't blame him I blame Obama who to me was an empty suit. He's more than doubled twice my Heath premiums just recently to 1200 a month that is insane. Maybe Trump will fix that I hope if he does I'll give him a pass. Now back to Mario!
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Joe to ALL
01-07-2017
02:29 PM ET (US) IP: 71.224.55.142
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It seems that everyone is getting in their political views so here are my two cents worth. In less than 2 weeks we swear in a new President (thank God) and possibly stop our downward slope to Socialism. More importantly, we get rid of the most destructive, most anti-American, most Muslim sympathizing, most race-dividing and most anti-Israel President in our history. His legacy is the whole of the Middle East is burning, we are saddled with ineffective Obamacare and he made a disastrous nuclear deal with friends in Iran. While he was spending 8 million dollars playing golf, our National debt increased to 20 trillion dollars and 95 million Americans are out of work..
All this discussion was initiated by(what I think was) a “fake news” rumor about Palin and the VA (another one of Obama’s failings)..
How about we ALL make a few New Year resolutions:
1. Like him or not, let’s give the new President a chance and support him.
2. Let’s get back to a music only forum!
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Ed to David
01-07-2017
07:12 AM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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David, I fully understand and stand by your post. The past days this forum has been quiet and all of a sudden BOOM! I try to stick to Mario and as you said periodically we venture off into something new and it is short-lived. My one gripe as to our incoming leader is the crazy possibility that his choice to head VA could be Sara Palin. I know your late sister was a veteran, her service deserved nothing less than the very best. Veterans are not dumb they want a leader, a champion by their side and one that wore a uniform as they once did. I didn't vote this year, first time ever. Yesterday was Teddy Roosevelt's anniversary,in 1919 we said goodbye to one who'd be sad where we are.
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David Weaver
01-06-2017
10:01 PM ET (US) IP: 98.31.1.186
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Jeff Rense, who is the owner of this forum, has said to me before, in the role he asked me to fill, as overseer, that although he wishes discussions would stick to Mario, he has no problem with people periodically veering off into discussions of politics. As Jeff points out, such diversions are usually short-lived, and soon the talk returns to Mario. It is feeling a need to respond to every post that keeps the pot boiling. Jeff's one caveat to me is whether someone is discussing Mario or politics or any other subject, attacks on the people who post here are not to be tolerated. One periodic poster here likes to call the current president Obamarxx. Okay, it may ruffle feathers on one side of the political spectrum, but it is not a direct attack on one of our fellow posters. And if someone should, as someone I know does on Facebook, call the incoming president-elect Cheetoface Pussygrabber - that may ruffle feathers on the other side of the spectrum, but again it not a slur or attack on a fellow poster. Jeff has had me delete posts before, but only once has he had me block a person. That was specifically because said person directly insulted and attacked several people who posted here, mainly for the reason they did not agree with his views on Mario Lanza. Edited 01-07-2017 12:59 AM
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Chris Johns to All
01-06-2017
08:41 PM ET (US) IP: 73.112.18.161
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Thank you Joe and thank you Ed for your warm wishes.
Ed and Kristine I believe you misunderstood my post.
I do not object to the people her having an opinion unlike mine.
My objection is: one day someone slips in a political opinion or thought....then someone objects by saying this in not a political forum....time passes and the objectors post a political opinion or thought.
My question is can we get a little political or not and whatever the consensus is let's STICK TO IT.
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Ed to Chris
01-06-2017
07:40 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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Chris, yes we are dear friends and we always talked Mario and family but please understand that although we are friends we must accept the others views not necessarily accept them.
You are 1000 percent corrrct about Obama and my VA. His treatment and handling of vets, their endless waiting periods for decisions and deaths caused by those waits and being embarrassed by CNN for their numbers fixing. I was sick and tired about hearing about his grandfather and the GI Bill, Obamacare and his ACA with soaring and doubling of premiums. One point I wish to make is that the trust we vets have in our VA is unity and the likes of Palin being considered is very sad. Our country founded by a group of people that spoke out against tyranny and injustice is now to be lead by one who calls a sitting senator a clown and avoids intelligence information has killed any chance of world leadership. We could not have Hillary as president, liar,not worthy of my vote for which she did not get because I did not vote. Hope you are well in NJ and will talk next week. Ed
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Kristine
01-06-2017
06:14 PM ET (US) IP: 173.169.36.195
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I didn't vote for Trump, left the GOP. A few years ago, Sarah Palin, Sean Hannity, and Trump didn't like Julian Assange, Wiki-Leaks, along with Edward Snowden, because they hacked into NSA. Now, these three are hailing Assange as a hero ! Disgusting ! Some, in the GOP, all of a sudden , like Putin. If entertainers don't want to perform for Trump, that's their decision ! By the way, the new "Celebrity Apprentice" with Arnold Schwarzenegger, flopped in the ratings. Trump(who is executive producer of it) tweeted , on Twitter, "Who cares ? Schwarzenegger voted for Kasich and Hillary". I'm sorry, I don't want to post political comments, here, but if someone starts it, I will post my views. It's not Presidential, calling people "names", either !
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Joe to Chris Johns
01-06-2017
04:35 PM ET (US) IP: 71.224.55.142
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VERY WELL SAID CHRIS ,GOOD FOR YOU!
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Chris Johns to All
01-06-2017
03:48 PM ET (US) IP: 69.142.223.152
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I have not posted here for about a year but have checked the site on and off. I can not believe what this site has turned into. Occasionally someone will post something with a political note to it and then people complain this is not a political forum.
Personally I have my political views and others have theirs. I respect that.
What brothers me, are the people who complain about posters being political then turn around and eventually post political. People leaving the forum because they don't agree with Jeff's views (who does not post his views on this forum)
So for those who agree with these 3 non American kids not to perform for President-Elect Trump, or entertainers who want to leave the country because of the election, put your big kiddie paints on or don't read any further.
Obama was the most polarizing non American (communist) President we have ever had.
Ed, you are a dear friend. When we talk we mostly talk about Mario and our personal lives. When I read how you were condemning a possible appointment to the VA, an entity I know you hold dear, I was shocked. The VA under Obama has been an abortion!! Veterans dying while waiting for a doctors appointment, falsifying records etc. Can't go any lower then that.
Give the man a chance. We can not do any worse then we have for the last 8 years.
I could go on for hours but I won't.
Just like we want to keep political views off this forum so should these idiotic entertainers keep their views to the selves. I enjoy their entertainment. I can give a rats a- - about who they support, what brand soda they drink or what their philosophy of life is. For me, I will not listen to or watch anything will these 3 kids of Bocelli or any other person who denounces President-Elect Trump with out even giving him a chance.
So let's make a decision....do you want to get political here at times or not?
God bless everyone here and have a happy & healthy new year.
GOD BLESS AMERICA 🇺🇸
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Diane Cox
01-06-2017
03:31 PM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.239
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I don't like every selection on the CD, but there are some wonderful moments. In the TV special, Ignazio said after this concert he had decided to keep studying. Think he finally realized what a gift his voice is. And Gianluca stretched himself also - he did very well on Nessun Dorma. He's a perfectionist, and I can just see him practicing in front of the mirror. and Piero is living up to his promise - he's the oldest, 24 or almost 24. Listening to them makes me happy.
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Ed to Diane
01-06-2017
02:10 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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It seems Trump has slim pickings in the entertainment field for his inauguration. I was delighted to learn that Il Volo won't perform for Trump, my appreciation for them just went up a notch. I'm really enjoying the latest CD.
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Diane Cox
01-06-2017
11:51 AM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.239
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The Italian trio of tenors, Il Volo, was asked to perform at the ignauration this month, and said no, they did not agree with his politics and so would not sing for the president-elect.
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SUZANNE
01-02-2017
03:34 PM ET (US) IP: 74.79.51.67
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Watched some of "That's Entertainment" and still amazed at the talent. Nothing like it now. Ordered another "My Italian Soul" CD for a relative who's ill. Hoping it might bring some solace. How quick the holidays are over after all the prep, now to face what's coming with a lot of apprehension.
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Diane Cox
01-01-2017
05:02 PM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.239
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Yes, David. it was late when I posted that. It was indeed the 1974 That's Entertainment. Watch the second, but gave up before the third came on. I've seen these several times and always enjoy them.
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David Weaver
01-01-2017
02:11 PM ET (US) IP: 98.31.1.186
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Diane, do you mean the 1974 MGM film, "That's Entertainment," in which Mario and Kathryn are seen singing "Be My Love," introduced by Debbie Reynolds? TCM showed that and the other two films in the series in a New Year's Eve marathon.
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Diane Cox
01-01-2017
12:14 AM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.239
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Saw a short clip of Mario singing Be My love on entertainment tonight I. Showing on my PBS station tonight.
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Ed
12-31-2016
10:37 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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To all my friends here from my family to yours Happy 2017.
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SUZANNE
12-31-2016
08:03 PM ET (US) IP: 74.79.51.67
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Best of everything in 2017,everyone.
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Fred Day
12-31-2016
01:22 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Ron: I recall hearing this comic impression of Richard Burton, a few months later: "Oh Eddie Fisher, where are you now? I cannot handle this woman alone! Where are you now?" (and then sung) "Wish you were here, wish you were here, wish you were here!" It got plenty of laughs! Ciao.
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Fred Day
12-31-2016
01:06 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Tony Martin's RCA recording of Arrivederci Roma preceeded Lanza's recording by several months. Ciao.
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Ronald Sarbo
12-31-2016
11:21 AM ET (US) IP: 74.66.129.22
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Eddie Fisher recorded "Arrivederci Roma" when he came back to America leaving Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor alone on the set of "Cleopatra" in Rome. His record got some play by the disc jockeys.
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Diane Cox
12-31-2016
11:20 AM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.239
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The best to all of you in this New Year!
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Bill Ronayne
12-31-2016
09:49 AM ET (US) IP: 24.185.121.98
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Wishing everyone a happy, healthy and prosperous New Year! Best, Bill
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Bill Ronayne
12-31-2016
09:49 AM ET (US) IP: 24.185.121.98
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Not that I know of Fred. Best, Bill
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Kristine
12-31-2016
05:36 AM ET (US) IP: 173.169.36.195
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Happy New Year, Everybody !
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Fred Day
12-30-2016
09:54 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Thanks, Bill. Has Eddy Lovaglio's Italian Lanza book been translated into English yet?? Curious. Ciao. Happy New Year to all.
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Suzanne
12-29-2016
10:34 AM ET (US) IP: 74.79.51.67
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Such a terrible tragedy to end the year. They both gave such joy to audiences everywhere. I have tears for their loss.Ed, I imagine all stars have hangers-on who pretend to be friends , but only want to be associated with greatness having none of their own. A sad fact of life.
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Bill Ronayne
12-29-2016
10:33 AM ET (US) IP: 24.185.122.228
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Fred: Around 1965. I heard that she was either 60 or close to that age when she made them. Best, Bill
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Ed
12-29-2016
08:15 AM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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Fred, thanks for the argument story. Elvis had his hangers on called Memphis Mafia they too were leeches. His father wanted to kick them out of the house and told Elvis get rid of them they were breaking their bank. Elvis couldn't do it because they threatened to spill all of his drug secrets to the media which they eventually did just prior to his passing.
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Fred Day
12-28-2016
09:13 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Question for Bill Ronayne: In what year did Mario's mother Maria record those 4 selections on CD-#15 of Damon Lanza's complete Coke Show set?? She had a very nice lyric soprano voice. Damon mentioned the 4 titles, but did not state the year. Curious. Thanks. Ciao.
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Kristine
12-28-2016
09:10 PM ET (US) IP: 173.169.36.195
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Carrie Fisher, RIP. Now the news has reported Debbie Reynolds passed away. RIP. Debbie Reynolds appeared on Mario Lanza's Coca Cola Radio Show and she narrated the segment about Mario Lanza in "The Toast of New Orleans" in "That's Entertainment". Years ago, I sent her a fan letter, she sent me an autographed photo. I had always wished she had won an Oscar for "The Unsinkable Molly Brown'(1964)and receive a Kennedy Center Honor. I am facebook friends with Todd Fisher(her son). He said now they are together.
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Fred Day
12-28-2016
09:02 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Ed: It was more of a heated discussion/debate of Othello vs. Otello - the play versus the opera. Alex Revides was a competent (but not great) Shakespearian actor, who lived in Rome. He met Lanza, and they became friends, but he turned out to be a leech. Betty could see thru him and knew he was not good for Mario. She was right about such things, on several occasions. On that particular night, Mario and Alex drank beer all night and Mario sang at the top of his lungs, all night. As a result, he became hoarse and couldn't sing the concert in Hamburg the following night. His cancellation (his 2nd cancellation in Hamburg) caused a near-riot!! Ciao.
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Ed
12-28-2016
05:24 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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What was the argument about ?
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Ronald Sarbo
12-28-2016
09:00 AM ET (US) IP: 74.66.130.108
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Fred: Yes...the argument with Revides is described in Cesari's book...pages 254-255.
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Fred Day
12-27-2016
09:10 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Has the Italian book by Eddy Lovaglio ever been translated into English?? Curious. I recall a professor was working on an English translation, but I have never heard anymore about that. Any further info?? Ciao.
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Fred Day
12-27-2016
09:02 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Ron: Now you've got me wondering!! I think it was in Armando Cesari's book?? Or was it in Derek Mannering's book?? Or Roland Bessette's book?? I know Revides' name was never mentioned in Costa's book, or Terry Robinson's book, or the Matt Bernard paperback. I will look it up. Thanks for the alert. Ciao.
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Ronald Sarbo
12-27-2016
07:31 PM ET (US) IP: 74.66.130.108
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Fred: I thought the argument with Revides over Otello occurred at the hotel the night before the Hamburg concert? Lanza's voice was so sore the concert had to be cancelled almost causing a riot. Costa was furious at Revides.
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Kristine
12-27-2016
07:23 PM ET (US) IP: 173.169.36.195
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Carrie Fisher, RIP.
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Ronald Sarbo
12-27-2016
07:06 PM ET (US) IP: 74.66.130.108
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From what I see on Amazon the new 2CD set will be called "The Best Of Everything" like the new DVD doc. Both appear scheduled for release in March 2017.
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Ed to Mike M
12-26-2016
08:06 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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Thanks Mike, seems like a good mix, many from Coke, will be good to see how the tracks sound after transfer.
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Mike M.
12-26-2016
03:15 PM ET (US) IP: 108.54.177.205
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A new release by Sepia on February 10th titled "One Alone".
1. They Didn'T Believe Me
2. The World Is Mine Tonight
3. Wanting You
4. I'Ve Got You Under My Skin
5. Night And Day
6. Roses Of Picardy
7. One Night Of Love
8. Your Eyes Have Told Me So
9. Sylvia
10. I'Ll See You Again
11. Romance
12. The Trembling Of A Leaf
13. Yesterdays
14. The Moon Was Yellow
15. Golden Days
16. Will You Remember'
17. Behold!
18. Arrivederci Roma
19. I Love Thee
20. One Alone
21. The Lord'S Prayer (Live)
22. Tell Me, Of Blue, Blue Sky
23. Love Me Tonight
24. Ah! Sweet Mystery Of Life
Product Details
Audio CD (February 10, 2017)
Number of Discs: 1
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Ed
12-25-2016
04:59 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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Picture
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Ed
12-25-2016
04:54 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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I've been enjoying my new Il Volo CD I got for Christmas. I find them an exciting group with wonderful voices. Their concert is well patterned after the famed Three Tenors, I see greater things for these guys.
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Fred Day
12-25-2016
01:25 AM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Dennis: I will do the same - both the earlier and the later Lanza Christmas CD's, and also the Christmas Coke Show, 1951. PS: Jackie Evancho is now age 16 - how the time flies!! Merry Christmas to all. Ciao.
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Dennis
12-24-2016
07:25 PM ET (US) IP: 73.170.201.215
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Merry Christmas to all! Tomorrow morning, my first music will be Mario's Christmas album, as it has been for at least 40 Christmases! How about the rest of you? How might Mario's voice figure into your Christmas/Hanukkah day of enjoyment?
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Fred Day
12-24-2016
04:21 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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I hear that Andrea Bocelli withdrew from performing at the Trump inaugural ball, due to a large backlash on the internet. I hear that 13 year-old Jackie Evancho will sing. Good luck!! Ciao.
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Fred Day
12-24-2016
03:41 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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I also wish that in the 1959 Christmas Carols LP, Lanza had also included O Holy Night, in a traditional arrangement, at a slower tempo than the 1950 recording. If I had been there, I would have begged Mario to add that one song to the album!! Ciao.
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Fred Day
12-24-2016
03:22 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Another night that would have been fascinating to have captured on tape: a night at the Villa Badoglio in Rome, with Lanza and Alex Revides, an actor with a pretty good baritone voice, drinking, and discussing Otello, and singing the main arias and of course the big duet that closes act 2 - Si Pel Ciel. This lasted the entire night, with all the music sung several times, a capella I believe, as Calinicos refused to play the piano that night!! Oh, to have been there with a tape recorder!! Ciao.
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Fred Day
12-24-2016
02:30 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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In that regard, Lanza and Jussi were kindred spirits - both were essentially binge drinkers. The story of their meeting, at Lanza's home, as told in the bio of Jussi, is most interesting. Terry Robinson was present - he was the bartender, and also the DJ who played the records. Too bad that afternoon was not recorded or photographed. Ciao.
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Joe to David Weaver
12-24-2016
02:30 PM ET (US) IP: 71.224.55.142
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Thank You, David, You make a very cogent case. No matter what his demons were, we all agree on one thing: No tenor was ever blessed with a better instrument. Happy Holidays to ALL.
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Fred Day
12-24-2016
02:14 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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If you listen to the raw recordings of LOB, as issued by Damon Lanza Productions, you can hear that Lanza is not drunk. He probably had been drinking up to a few days before the LOB recordings began. The effect of alcohol on the vocal cords remains for at least a week or 2, after one stops drinking. Marilyn Horne once told on the Johnny Carson Tonight Show, that once at a party, she had 2 or 3 glasses of wine, enough to give her a buzz. For 2 weeks thereafter, her voice would not respond as it usually did and should. It was like driving with the parking brake on. After about 2 weeks, her voice returned to normal, and she vowed, no alcohol ever again!! On the other hand, Jussi would go on a bender when he had a free period of time between engagements. Oddly, alcohol didn't seem to bother his voice, which makes him a rare exception. There is a private recording of him singing at a party, a capella, while he was drinking, yet he still sounds magnificent, high notes and all!! But he had heart problems, and he untimately died of a heart attack at age 49, in Sept 1960. Alcohol took its toll. Same with Lanza - his early death at age 38 from a heart attack was certainly caused by alcohol, at least it played a large part. I often wished that, after completing the Cavalcade LP, he had gone back and re-recorded the LOB album, but with Henri Rene. It surely would have been much superior. But, that is history, which can't be changed. Ciao. Merry Christmas to all.
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David Weaver
12-24-2016
01:38 PM ET (US) IP: 98.31.1.186
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Best wishes to everyone for a safe and happy holiday.
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David Weaver
12-24-2016
01:37 PM ET (US) IP: 98.31.1.186
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Joe, fact is I and many others agree with you that Mario drinking did negatively impact his performance on the LOB. Which is one reason why I think he tended to be more a binge drinker than an alcoholic. An alcoholic - and I've had some in my family - cannot go a day without a drink. Mario, while at times drinking heavily, also had extended periods where he drank very little, and at times not at all. Clearly, it was not long after LOB that he stopped drinking, because his performance on CAVALCADE, recorded just three months after LOB, was a complete turnabout to the fabulous Lanza voice of old. In fact, on CAVALCADE, he sounds very close to the Lanza of the Coke Shows in 1951-52. Ed, your experience with your dad is a perfect example of what I was talking about re Mario. I'm sure he put on a front for them, and there were probably times when that was very difficult, depending on what he was going thru. Edited 12-24-2016 01:38 PM
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Joe
12-24-2016
12:09 PM ET (US) IP: 71.224.55.142
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I see that these conversations about Mario’s problems with booze got kicked off by my questions on his possible drinking right before recording. That was NOT my intent so I regret bringing it up….I was just looking to see if any others here thought it might be a factor in his LOB recording. THAT”S the discussion I was hoping to initiate (and not his lifestyle). Sorry to get everyone off to a tangent. Well, anyways, I wish all here a Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays.
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Bill Ronayne
12-24-2016
09:57 AM ET (US) IP: 24.185.119.0
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Regardless of which holiday you celebrate this season, may it be a blessed one and full of joy. Merry Christmas and Happy Hanukkah! Best, Bill.
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Kristine
12-24-2016
07:52 AM ET (US) IP: 173.169.36.195
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Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Happy New Year !
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Ed to David
12-24-2016
06:44 AM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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David, I think you said it best and gave a clearer understanding of our boy. To be honest I saw firsthand similar behavior changes with my own dad which I touched on here. My dad would become another Ed McManus when we visited his mom then change as soon as we got into our home. I ran away three times by the time I was 15, even thought about joining the army at 16,then eventually did at 19. It seems here we focus on just Mario's actions false or true,what about Betty and her children, how many fights and binges did the children witness. When booze is in the family so heavy we were affected, I myself don't drink,never had in my life, there were never outbursts in our home brought on by booze. My guess is Betty and the kids were affected and that is sad. Today there are groups to help save people like us who were damaged by no fault of our own. Pray for them to.I attached a photo of the church they married in.
I wish you Aina and your girls a Merry Christmas.
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David Weaver
12-23-2016
10:09 PM ET (US) IP: 98.31.1.186
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Whatever Bob Dolfi said he was told by Maria and Tony Cocozza, I would qualify it with this: they would be the last people I'd expect to offer an objective or even an informed opinion about their son, at least as an adult. He moved out of their house when he was 22 to enter the Army. Three months after he got out of the service in 1945, he was married by a minister to Betty in Hollywood, without telling his parents, which made his mother furious (and which is why in part they were married again in July, by a priest in New York, at the church Ed is familiar with). The mother and the wife did not get along, so after Mario brought his parents out to Hollywood he got them their own place. As Mario's fame grew, so too, did his behavior problems with MGM - well before the blow-up over THE STUDENT PRINCE. Costa wrote of how that would change whenever Tony and Mary were around: "But a strange transformation would come over him when his parents visited the set. Then Mario was instantly on his best behavior. 'I'll sing like you've never heard me sing before, Mom,' he'd say to Maria. And as he became her loving little boy again, he was almost obsequious with the director, obedient to the conductor, and co-operative with the other players." And you know what? I understand Mario doing that perfectly. Who among us, as adults, have said and done things that would make us red-faced with shame and embarrassment if our parents were there? Their view of us is based on a totally different reality, of the child they knew, loved, and reared from birth, not the person we are as an adult. I am certain Mario hid the dark side of his personality as much as possible from his parents. It would be more likely that people who were close to him like Costa, Terry, and especially Betty would see the heartaches and struggles he was going thru. As evidence of that, I think of Maria telling an interviewer in 1966 that when a movie was made of her son's life, "it will be a family film, like 'The Sound of Music.'" Any person who knows anything about Mario Lanza would know that an honest depiction of his life would not be a family film, unless completely fictionalized, as was "The Great Caruso." Which is why his most devout fans, including many on this forum, should hope no film is ever made. If the "blue tape" offends people, God knows their horror at a scene where Mario and Judy Garland are enjoying each other in the back seat of a car on the MGM lot. That said, in the end, whether or not Mario was an alcoholic or a binge drinker, a womanizer or devoted family man (maybe both), or whatever, it does not take one iota away from his phenomenal voice and what he achieved with it, which is why he is still remembered and celebrated today. Edited 12-23-2016 10:39 PM
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Martino
12-23-2016
09:41 PM ET (US) IP: 104.255.4.145
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Enjoy Mario's Christmas and Religious songs this season.
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Martino
12-23-2016
09:39 PM ET (US) IP: 104.255.4.145
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A very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all!
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Ed to Diane
12-23-2016
08:33 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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I only download from Apple, they are clean. I let my daughter set me up I get frustrated too much. Good luck with the new toy. :-)
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Diane Cox
12-23-2016
06:12 PM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.239
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Ed, I don't download music and am careful about the sites I visit. Have only had one visur in 17 years of computer use. Hope I didn't just jinx myself. My son is having a fine time setting it up, installing programs, and I haven't gotten to touch it yet.
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Ed to Diane
12-23-2016
05:37 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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Diane, I've had an Inspiron three years with Windows 7. It's ok but you have to be careful they get viruses at the drop of a hat. I caught a good one through my own fault two years ago downloading music from YouTube and had to clean it all out, I lost about 2500 songs that had to be reinput. I think they come with Norton virus protector. Do yourself a favor and get the Kapersky anti virus protector, my geek uses it, one or two year protection. You can scan the whole pc or any song. My next one is a Mac. I'll be listening to those records this week, I enjoy them, Merry Christmas Ed
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Diane Cox
12-23-2016
12:20 PM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.239
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Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all! My new year resolution is to finish the Lanza time line I've been working on for years. Getting a new Dell inspiron today - so if I'm off line don't worry.
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Suzanne
12-23-2016
11:52 AM ET (US) IP: 74.79.51.67
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Ed. I have to admit i'm on the defensive where Mario's concerned, like a mother who supports her children. From everything I've read (we're told to believe half of what we read) I have to conclude that he had a problem with Alcohol,but who are we to say what drove him to it? We all have our comfort zones. I've just struggled through the last pages of the book "Dissecting Mario" and except for 2 wonderful photos I hadn't seen before wish I'd spent the money on more CDs. Anyway, Merry Christmas and the best of the New Year to everyone here.Remembering Dan Lawlor, a great fan of our Tenor . Hope Matt is doing ok, and everyone we haven't heard from, thinking of you and wishing only the best of everything.
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Ed to Kristine
12-22-2016
08:09 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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I'm sorry too, I guess I was just up out of bed and no coffee yet. I'm very defensive of Mario I guess you know and by the way I post him on Facebook. I'm a true ambassador for Mario Lanza since I was 14. Again accept my apology and I wish you and yours a very Merry Christmas.
PS: Costa may be telling tales too we don't know. I asked Bob Dolfi years ago and since he lived with Mario's parents he knew it all, Best Ed
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Kristine
12-22-2016
07:02 PM ET (US) IP: 173.169.36.195
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Ed, I'm sorry if I offended anyone. I remember reading it, I think, in Constantine Callinicos's book.
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Ed to Len/Joe
12-22-2016
11:14 AM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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Len, my dad was mentally abusive from booze, I lived in a home where booze flowed 24/7 on the weekend it was as if the glass was fused to his hand. As an oldest child of four it was my job as early as 8 to take every one to grandma when he was off on a tangent. My only save from 14 on was to lock myself in my room and blast Mario,I wished he die or leave us alone, he died at 54 from booze.
Joe, there is a noticeable difference from LOB to Cavalcade, you never know what's on people's minds especially if booze is part of the makeup. If someone is bent on the road to self destruction you can't always get them back and sadly they've taken God given blessings like a voice with them.
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Sam Samuelian
12-22-2016
10:59 AM ET (US) IP: 98.115.185.89
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On a whim I searched eBay just now and started with highest prices pieces first. I was drawn to what is touted as the movie poster from the very first Italian release of "That Midnight Kiss". It is very large and backed with linen and originally came in two pieces. The size is 6 1/2 feet tall by 4 1/2 feet wide. I decided to purchase it and should have it in a week and then will look forward to framing and matting it. Here it is:
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Len (UK)
12-22-2016
10:23 AM ET (US) IP: 81.141.211.16
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As the son of a violent drunk, I have taken an interest in the definition of alcoholism. Medics define it as a physical dependency in the same way as drug or nicotine addiction. I understand that some alcoholism support groups here in the UK define it as needing alcohol as a part of a daily diet. I have seen lots of anecdotal evidence of Lanza’s binge eating and drinking. My father was the same and drank beer every day, but rarely wine or spirits. I am not sure that he was an alcoholic in any true sense. I suspect that Lanza was similar. It’s inevitably the family that pays a price! Edited 12-22-2016 10:24 AM
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Joe to Ed
12-22-2016
09:05 AM ET (US) IP: 71.224.55.142
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Ed, you misconstrue the reason I brought up Mario’s addiction to alcohol. It was a necessary preamble for my questions about some of his live singing and his recordings (particularly the LOB). I am not criticizing or judging the man himself and his sad sickness. He was human in spite of his great gift. BTW, Mario’s alcoholism is well established in several of the better biographies as well as other sources. Yes, I also bought LOB simply because it was Mario and I “try” to listen to it once in a while….but it is not only well below the usual high standard of Lanza, it is outright “sloppy” singing in many places. A shame since the song selections should have been a masterpiece for Lanza! Inexplicable since we know he was in fine voice a few months after LOB.. Edited 12-22-2016 09:07 AM
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Ed to Kristine
12-22-2016
07:31 AM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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Kristine, you label Mario Lanza an alcoholic, this bothers me greatly as the post by Joe earlier. What darn proof do you have either of you? Because one drinks on occasion does not make them an alcoholic, if one clashes with another does not mean they are crazy or have bipolar disorder. Just for once ask yourself what you would do if you were the biggest star in the world and the bottom fell out and you were back to square one. I suggest people have their proofs before making trenchant comments.
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Brian Harrison, England
12-22-2016
07:24 AM ET (US) IP: 82.35.207.88
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May I wish all of my friends here on this Lanza Forum a very Merry Christmas and a Happy new Year. My wife Christine and I are off to Plymouth to visit our eldest son and his family over Christmas. I bought him the c.d. "Christmas with Mario Lanza" many years ago. He said he wanted it to remind him of me when I have gone!! A good sense of Harrison humour there. I don't post very often these days but I do keep up with your postings nearly every day enjoying the information and nuggets of entertainment you express. It must be over 20 years since I first posted here and I often wonder about the good people that were around then including Edna Falloon, Dr. Coleman and Shige from Japan who used to keep check on the number of posts sent, plus many others. Some of us at that time even made a donation to Jeff to help pay towards the cost of the sight. Those were the days. Anyway good luck to you all and keep enjoying the voice of The Greatest Tenor Ever. Bye from Merrie Olde England.
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Kristine
12-22-2016
05:55 AM ET (US) IP: 173.169.36.195
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I read that tenor Andrea Bocelli withdrew from performing at Trump's Inaugural Ball. As for entertainers who were alcoholic, including Mario Lanza, it's sad. Ted Healy(who was the straight man for The Three Stooges in vaudeville, then early '30's movies)battled alcoholism, that was one of the reasons,the Stooges split from him. We know that John Barrymore,Judy Garland, Robert Young(who also battled depression), Robert Walker, Tuesday Weld, Lee Tracy(movie actor in the 1930's), singer Lillian Roth had alcoholism. Sad. '50's teen idol, Bobby Rydell had organ transplant, a few years ago. He attributed it to alcoholism. He said when he was at parties, everyone offered him drinks, which started it. Movie actress Gail Russell(who was married to Guy Madison)was a known alcoholic. It started when someone gave her a drink, to calm her nerves, before filming a movie scene. Of course, we know about entertainers who had drug addiction. Singer Amy Winehouse passed away from it. Singer Billie Holiday had it, too. Sad. I hope TCM will show a Mario Lanza movie, in the future, when they show old movies ,each month, for movie theater releases. UCLA Film-TV Archives and LACMA(Los Angeles County Museum of Art)shows old movies and I think MOMA(Museum of Modern Art, N.Y.)show old movies in their film series events. Maybe one day, they will have Mario Lanza film retrospects.
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Ed
12-21-2016
08:46 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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Joe, I won't label Mario an alcoholic I have no proof and if I did so what. We never walked in those shoes and so much trash written to take him down I get truly annoyed. As for LOB I have it and enjoy it. I grew up in an alcoholic home and joined the army during Vietnam to get away. I do think he had stagefright so what, could you sing in front of a few thousand people, I can't. We don't know if he'd have a few belts as you say what about Sinatra, Elvis took ludes. Face it we bought that album simply because it was Mario. This is my opinion. Edited 12-21-2016 08:46 PM
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Joe to All
12-21-2016
05:29 PM ET (US) IP: 71.224.55.142
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While we choose not to dwell on the point, the naked truth is that our beloved Mario was an alcoholic. This is not to knock Mario, after all alcoholism is a disease like any other. I’m sure this affliction was a factor in some of his boorish behavior as well as his early demise. Sometimes it seems that Nature almost offsets gifts of genius by balancing them off with a “bad” gene. I also know Mario, like many other artists, suffered from a touch of “stage fright”. Putting both these things together, I wouldn’t be surprised if he did a little “self-lubrication” before his live appearances. Can any of our Lanza historians here comment on this?
We DO know that Lanza would have a” few belts” before some of his recording sessions. I have always been convinced that his LOB album (even though done in 2 takes) was a prime example of Mario singing while under the influence. The real mystery is why they released this album in that state.
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Ed
12-21-2016
03:31 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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I don't think Zsa had any talent at all, like the Kardashians she was famous for being famous kind of reminded me of Paris Hilton who got where she did because of beauty and charm. If you ask me she was the lucky one, she got a part in a Lanza movie. I favored Eva I loved her on Green Acres, charming and she delivered funny lines. Well I hope Mario is singing to her may she RIP she had a very long life.
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Kristine
12-20-2016
06:59 PM ET (US) IP: 173.169.36.195
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"Time To Remember" is also out on DVD. Ignatius Press, in Colorado, sells it.
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Kristine
12-20-2016
06:58 PM ET (US) IP: 173.169.36.195
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EWTN, the Catholic Cable Channel, founded by late Mother Angelica , showed movie "Time To Remember"(1980's)which was about an opera singer, who idolized Mario Lanza, and it's told ,in flashback. Donald O'Connor played the priest of opera singer, when he was a child. Morgana King(Mama Coreleone in "The Godfather")was in the movie, too. It was on Dec. 20th, but will air again on Dec. 24th -4:00 A.M. Eastern Time and on Dec. 26th at 1:30 A.M. Also, EWTN will air a "The Christophers Christmas Special"with compilations of Snooky Lanson, June Valli, Danny Thomas, Mario Lanza, Rosalind Russell,and The Lennon Sisters. It was on Dec. 20th, but will air again on Dec. 27th, 6:30 P.M.(Eastern Time Zone).
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Bill Ronayne
12-20-2016
02:52 PM ET (US) IP: 24.185.115.22
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Mario Lanza Birthday Remembrance
Saturday January 28, 2017
Noon-3pm
Mario Lanza Museum
712 Montrose St
Philadelphia
Come join fans and family of Mario Lanza for a celebration including coffee, cake, sandwiches and more as we remember his special day. A tour of the museum will be available and Lanza’s recordings will be played. Admission is free. Call 215-238-9691 or email mariolanzainstitute@verizon.net for more information and with any questions. For those that cannot attend and would like to make a donation in honor of Lanza's birthday, please make your checks out to Mario Lanza Institute and mail to the following address:
Mario Lanza Institute
P.O. Box 54624
Philadelphia, PA 19148
Best, Bill
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Suzanne
12-20-2016
10:57 AM ET (US) IP: 74.79.51.67
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Seems I read that she said she adored him and his family. He wasn't her type though, Zsa Zsa preferred "Princes", real or conjured up. She found one, this time. Guess we all know about his escapades. Mario is reported to have said she was the most beautiful woman he'd ever met. Think they hit it off famously.Zsa Zsa had a fabulous wit and I think Mario did as well. Must have been fun working together. Remember the story about her young daughter writing Mario a love letter on the set? btw,Mario is all the Prince I could wish for..
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Sam Samuelian
12-20-2016
07:11 AM ET (US) IP: 98.115.185.89
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My small way of honoring Zsa Zsa's life last night was to screen "For the First Time". She plays her role perfectly in the film and is so typical Zsa Zsa. She looks lovely too. The picture and sound on my 78 inch 4K Samsung were tops, so it was a thoroughly enjoyable experience. The only negative which pops into my mind is hearing her comment in that interview where she downs Mario's looks as ordinary and not attractive. IMHO Lanza was a handsome man and his history with the ladies proves tenfold how "attractive" he was.
I am not sure, but did Zsa Zsa comment on the quality of Mario's voice and did she like it and moreso did she like him as a person? I know they were acting but their screen chemistry leads me to believe they did like each other.
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Kenneth Henderson
12-19-2016
04:09 PM ET (US) IP: 61.9.168.137
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She can't. She was dubbed.
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Kristine
12-19-2016
02:26 PM ET (US) IP: 173.169.36.195
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I didn't know, Zsa Zsa Zsa Gabor could sing opera.
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Kristine
12-19-2016
02:07 PM ET (US) IP: 173.169.36.195
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They have showed scenes from Zsa Zsa Gabor's movies,but so far, no scene from "For The First Time". Her film debut was "Moulin Rouge"(about artist Toulouse-Lautrec)starring Jose' Ferrer. Then she was in "Lovely To Look At"(M-G-M musical with Howard Keel,Kathryn Grayson, a re-make of "Roberta"). She was in one Martin &Lewis movie,"Three Ring Circus", and "Queen Of Outer Space"(1958) starring late Eric Fleming("Rawhide"). I heard she wanted to forget this movie. Sadly, Fleming would later die in a drowning accident, while making a movie. George Sanders was one of her husbands, and I read that Mario Lanza could impersonate him.
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Suzanne
12-19-2016
10:49 AM ET (US) IP: 74.79.51.67
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Oh, how about Stallone refusing an Arts post from Trump and wanting instead to help the Veterans. Bravo, Stallone. Hope he gets the post.
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Suzanne
12-19-2016
10:44 AM ET (US) IP: 74.79.51.67
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A new film, LaLaLand is getting a lot of attention and the word is that musicals may be on the way back. Anyone here think that's a possibility? Wonder how they'd fare in these times of computer generated explosions and science fiction. If anyone who sees movies regularly has any hearing left in a few years, I'd be really surprised. Sam, feel better soon.Seems almost surreal that Zsa Zsa was still with us and Mario's been gone so long.
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Kristine
12-19-2016
05:36 AM ET (US) IP: 173.169.36.195
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Sam, get well soon. Zsa Zsa Gabor, RIP. Her daughter, Francesca Hilton passed away, at 67, a few months ago. I wonder why "Because You're Mine" wasn't included in Mario Lanza Birthday Salute,TCM, next month ? I read in comic strip, Ripley's Believe It or Not, that Justin Tucker, a kicker on Baltimore Ravens Team, is a classically trained opera singer.
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Fred Day
12-18-2016
09:59 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Yes, Zsa Zsa was 99, and had been married 9 times!! It was Red Skelton who once said, at her weddings people throw minute rice!! I think he also said that about Liz Taylor and also Mickey Rooney. Rest in Peace, Zsa Zsa. Ciao.
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Suzanne
12-18-2016
06:28 PM ET (US) IP: 74.79.51.67
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I would think that Mario was so insecure after being out of the public eye that he was afraid of singing live so made that poor decision.. Let's not be too hard on him. HIs co-star, ZsaZsa has just passed away, thankfully, she was so ill, read that she and Mario were friends. Know she attended his funeral in LA. One of the few who did.
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Fred Day
12-18-2016
02:49 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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That is good news. We will all know pretty soon, sometime in January, I would guess. I'll drink to that!! Ciao.
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Fred Day
12-18-2016
02:46 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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I agree with Ron, I hope so also. And also the Coke Be My Love. And, Softly As In A Morning Sunrise (Coke) which is on the old "Magic Mario" LP, but not yet on a BMG/RCA CD. That one should not pose a problem. Ciao.
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Derek Mannering
12-18-2016
02:45 PM ET (US) IP: 69.209.224.78
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Yes, Ronald, it did make the cut and it sounds wonderful!
I don't mean to sound reticent about releasing the full track list at the moment. It's not quite finalized yet so bear with me a while longer.
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Fred Day
12-18-2016
02:40 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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At least Lanza did redeem himself one month later, when he sang live on the second Chrysler Shower of Stars TV show. The damage from the first show had already been done, but the second show proved that Lanza had not lost his voice, and quieted the critics on that point. And "SERENADE" further proved that "he still had that God-given high C!" as one critic wrote. Ciao.
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Ronald Sarbo
12-18-2016
02:30 PM ET (US) IP: 74.66.130.108
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Derek: Did "The Loveliest Night Of The Year" from 1957 make the cut on your forthcoming set? I hope so.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
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Fred Day
12-18-2016
01:54 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Sam: Re: the first Chrysler TV Special, the Be My Love IS the Coke Show recording of June 10, 1951, with no chorus, just Lanza and orchestra. Vesti is the regular RCA record of May 15, 1950, and Marechiare is the regular RCA record of Feb 23, 1951. Ciao.
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Derek Mannering
12-18-2016
01:37 PM ET (US) IP: 69.209.224.78
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Sam, that was the Coke Show "Be My Love" on the Shower of Stars. It's a thrilling performance for sure, albeit rough and edgy in parts. You can argue all you want about the quality of that high C ending vs. the RCA version, but the latter remains the classic.
The recordings on that first SOS show were 3-4 years old (1950-51) and you know how I feel about that bit of trickery. The most famous tenor in the world, who hadn't been seen or heard from in public in several years, was paid $40,000 to sing live and he didn't do that. If he was that insecure about appearing on the show, the very least he could have done was record new material and mime to those recordings instead. The subsequent outcry further played into the notion that he was unpredictable and had problems with his voice; an astonishing misstep on Lanza's part back then.
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Sam Samuelian
12-18-2016
08:16 AM ET (US) IP: 98.115.185.89
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Ed: You would be surprised how easy it is to fit one of those into a normal sized room. With today technology improvements you can sit only 8 feet away (like we do) and see a perfect picture. Our room is no larger than 10 by 15. On the other hand, our projection area in the lower level home theater section accommodates a picture 8 feet high by 14 feet wide. Very exciting, especially on the new Epson 5040UB video projector which can "throw" an image only five feet wide (smaller than the Samsung 78 inch TV) but can expand beyond 15 feet wide.
Last night we screened a favorite which is always shown at Christmas "Young At Heart" with Day's crystal clear voice and Sinatra's dramatic songs and acting. Then the fun "Stars and Stripes Forever" with a very young Robert Wagner playing the gigantic "Sousaphone". Both are gorgeous blu rays. Ended by screening many of Mario's live performances like the two Chrysler shows, the Christopher Show, the London Palladium show, the quick British reporter interviewing Mario with Betty nearby, etc.
I watched carefully to see that Mario did a near perfect lip synch job in first Chrysler show but he got criticized while Betty Grable and Harry James who did the same were not. Most of his bios say that the recordings were "old". Does anyone know when they were made? Tell you one thing: the Be My Love has a far superior and richer ending High C than the commercial recording and that note is even better than the Coke show version.
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Ed to Sam
12-16-2016
07:33 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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Sam, that sounds like a massive system with a 78 inch TV. I can't imagine something that size in my house. Anyway glad you are well and enjoying yourself. Best to Anna and Merry Christmas.
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Sam Samuelian
12-16-2016
07:31 AM ET (US) IP: 98.115.185.89
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Paul: Also try this link. It specializes in subtitles. I didn't have time to find specifically Dutch subtitles but you will know if such a disc exists and can be ordered. Amazon, my most used venue for this sort of thing, does not carry it. http://www.opensubtitles.org/en/search/sub...d-all/idmovie-30980Edited 12-16-2016 07:31 AM
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Sam Samuelian
12-16-2016
07:27 AM ET (US) IP: 98.115.185.89
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With a painful case of bronchitis that just hit me yesterday, I had to stop my hectic pace and relax. I chose to treat myself to a screening of "Serenade" on my 78 inch Samsung 4K TV with Panasonic 4K DVD player. That combination brings the film to life. I wish all of you could see what I am enjoying. But what I wanted to post about is the trailer to the movie. In all these years I had never seen it and am here to tell you this is a very well done piece and unlike some of Mario's trailers the picture and sound are excellent. There is one cut that is particularly brilliant when the editor segues from one Lanza high note to another seamlessly. If you watch it, LMK what you think!
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diane cox
12-15-2016
05:18 PM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.239
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Paul Bax: Try here
http://newsubs.com/nl/ondertitel/The-Great-Caruso-(1951)/23200/
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Paul Bax
12-15-2016
03:20 PM ET (US) IP: 87.67.133.179
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Does anyone know where I can buy an English version of the movie "The great Caruso" with subtitles in Dutch?
It would mean a lot to me.
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Ed to Dennis
12-15-2016
02:53 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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Dennis, I saw this on my phone and read it but apparently just missed that link and didn't open it because it could be malware. Thanks for the heads I hope all heed. Ed.
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Dennis
12-15-2016
02:39 PM ET (US) IP: 73.170.201.215
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Who is this "choice"? He took over and copied another friend's posting, but imbedded a link in it, perhaps in French. I am afraid to press on the link as it might be malware or a phishing expedition. Any thoughts?
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Choice
12-15-2016
01:36 PM ET (US) IP: 86.245.138.138
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Happy Birthday Tributes to Damon Lanza, Frank Sinatra ! Happy Birthday to Connie Francis ! She still stays in touch with Mother Dolores Hart, as does Paula Prentiss. They were in "Where The Boys Are"(1960). Connie Francis also sang "Be My Love" in movie "Looking For Love"(1964). I'm not interested in watching Trump's Inaugural Ball. Luciano Pavarotti's widow didn't want "Nessun Dorma" sung at his campaign rallies, either . I just received newest Mario Lanza -Legacy of Mario consultant en referencement. Bill always does a great job in writing it ! I read about the new Mario Lanza CD and documentary in the issue. You know, I was at Wal-Mart, yesterday, and noticed they don't sell any CD's of Mario Lanza. Growing up in the '50's and '60's, I remember department stores, even Woolworth's, record stores, would sell his 45 RPM's and record albums.
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Suzanne
12-15-2016
01:19 PM ET (US) IP: 74.79.51.67
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My son stopped for coffee at a MacDonalds yesterday and called to tell me that Mario was singing "O Christmas Tree." It's a favorite of mine. I'm pleased that Rob knew Mario's voice so well. Seems his voice has been absorbed more than I thought.My daughter recognizes it as well.Viva Mario!
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Ed
12-15-2016
07:28 AM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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I received my copy of the latest issue of Bill's newsletter and really enjoyed reading it. It is filled with many good articles about our guy. One of those I enjoyed Derek's article about the tribute in Dublin, Ireland. I am in agreement with Ellis's that it would be nice if one were held here in in the US and perhaps my hometown New York City, it would be wonderful to meet many fans, we can pray.
I enjoyed reading about all the new stuff coming up in 2017_ CDs, DVDs. I enjoyed Bill's continuing feature about the recordings and giving us insight on the recordings in the studio. The dinners, luncheons and such are always a big hit,I've been to several at Patsy's in the past,I urge if you can attend one because Mario is well represented. My thanks to Bill for another great newsletter.
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Fred Day
12-14-2016
09:12 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Thanks, Derek. Will be eagerly awaiting further info. I hope the new 2-CD set will have a bargain price, initially. Always good for sales. Ciao.
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Derek Mannering
12-14-2016
06:30 PM ET (US) IP: 69.209.238.59
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Hi Fred, I'm close to signing off on the new collection and you can be sure that I will send Jeff full details at that time. It's actually a 2-CD set and will contain some 'new' tracks, though not nearly as many as I had planned. The well is nearly dry when it comes to unreleased Lanza material lurking in the vaults and compromise is always the rule when working on these collections. Stay tuned.
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Fred Day
12-14-2016
04:39 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Has Derek Mannering announced as yet the contents of his upcoming Lanza CD?? If not yet, I hope it will be soon. Thanks. Ciao.
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Fred Day
12-14-2016
04:36 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Pavarotti's widow does not own the rights to Nessun Dorma, only to her late husband's recordings of it. The Puccini family still owns the rights to Turandot. I presume the Puccini family still owns the rights to all 12 of Puccini's operas. I don't think any of them have become public domain, yet. Ciao.
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Ed
12-14-2016
03:46 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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I must have 25 CDs, many from different sources. I use them in the car but recently have gotten into lps, some i had many gifted to me from folks here and they are well guarded and protected. I feel records give you a more wider sound. I have 75 Presley albums I've collected forever in mint shape and again Elvis comes across in a fuller sound.
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diane cox
12-14-2016
01:20 PM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.239
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I've bought some CDs on ebay - used, but in excellent condition.
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Bill Ronayne
12-14-2016
12:34 PM ET (US) IP: 24.185.119.171
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Thanks Kristine for your kind words. Mario's CD's are also available from the Mario Lanza Museum. The link below will take you to most of what's available of the releases that we carry. We also have some slightly used CD's. In some cases, the Lanza Museum is the only place you can get certain CD's that are no longer carried elsewhere. http://www.mariolanzainstitute.org/store/cds/Best, Bill Edited 12-14-2016 12:36 PM
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Suzanne
12-14-2016
12:06 PM ET (US) IP: 74.79.51.67
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Fred. What a good thing to hear. For a few minutes, I thought we'd be hearing Rap from Kanye West. Wouldn't have been too surprised. We don't have to worry about Russia either, now that Sara Palin has assured us she'll keep an eye on it for us. Kristine, you'll have a hard time locating any Mario music these days. I found one Christmas CD in the Syracuse Mall some years ago, FYE had a couple at one time, so did B&N until they stopped having CDs. Best place might be the thrift shop or estate sales.
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Kristine
12-14-2016
05:58 AM ET (US) IP: 173.169.36.195
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Happy Birthday Tributes to Damon Lanza, Frank Sinatra ! Happy Birthday to Connie Francis ! She still stays in touch with Mother Dolores Hart, as does Paula Prentiss. They were in "Where The Boys Are"(1960). Connie Francis also sang "Be My Love" in movie "Looking For Love"(1964). I'm not interested in watching Trump's Inaugural Ball. Luciano Pavarotti's widow didn't want "Nessun Dorma" sung at his campaign rallies, either . I just received newest Mario Lanza -Legacy of Mario Lanza Newsletter. Bill always does a great job in writing it ! I read about the new Mario Lanza CD and documentary in the issue. You know, I was at Wal-Mart, yesterday, and noticed they don't sell any CD's of Mario Lanza. Growing up in the '50's and '60's, I remember department stores, even Woolworth's, record stores, would sell his 45 RPM's and record albums.
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Fred Day
12-13-2016
11:18 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Martino: Steff is still an important part of Derek McGovern's Lanza website. She posts every once in a while. And she still finds new and interesting Lanza material. Ciao.
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Fred Day
12-13-2016
11:14 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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I have heard that Donald Trump has engaged Andrea Bocelli to perform at his inaugural ball on January 20th. At least Trump has good taste in music. Ciao.
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Suzanne
12-13-2016
11:56 AM ET (US) IP: 74.79.51.67
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Len, love what you're doing for Christmas. Sam, not in the market for some things you have, though they looked wonderful; now if you have something Mario came in contact with, I might beg,borrow or steal to have it. Have to say i'm glad there wasn't another depiction of Mario's life, since I 'd only be happy with a documentary, showing the real, one and only Mario... Sent my thoughts of dear Damon to another site . Steffi is still active, I'm sure, and where is Vincent Sr.? We seem to have dropped a few along the way. Hope they find their way back.
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Sam Samuelian
12-13-2016
08:57 AM ET (US) IP: 98.115.185.89
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Happy Birthday to all three celebrities: My favorite pop vocalist Frank Sinatra, Anna's favorite pop vocalist Connie Francis, and to the gentle giant who spent much of his life promoting his father's life--Damon Lanza.
Ya know, I can't stop watching that new trailer promoting the upcoming Lanza documentary. It is SO enticing!
Incidentally, we can now start signing "The 12 Days of Christmas". Time grows short until the big day. If anyone needs any Christmas gift ideas or gifts themselves, do post to me. I have everything from five boxed big name new flat screen TVs from 50 inch to 65 inch, Life-sized talking and singing Santa Claus and Snowman, Coca Cola brand Slushie Makers, Coke hot dog cookers that do the buns simultaneously, colorful small boom boxes, many portable wi-fi speakers, holiday animals and characters that are animated and sing, 26 inch retro girl's and boy's bicycles in boxes ready to ship, gorgeous lamps hand made and designed by my artist friend using musical instruments like saxophones, clarinets, trumpets, holiday artwork with richly drawn scenes that light up and glow (and a big stream engine too), one of a kind collectibles pieces like a 1956 Econolite "Mountain Waterfall" motion lamp, and so, so much more. My prices are bargains compared to the same or similar items in stores or online.
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Martino to Dennis
12-13-2016
06:35 AM ET (US) IP: 104.255.4.145
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No research required on that one as I knew Margison sang the soundtrack for that failed movie venture. Now that you mention it, I remember that German girl Steff, and thanks for the comparison but I am not in her league. When I want to know something I go to my library or just google it but she took research to a higher level, accessing magazine and newspaper archives and public record sources. She was actually more of an investigator than anything else. Wonder what happened to her?
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Fred Day
12-13-2016
03:58 AM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Thanks for the info. Yes, it was Richard Margison. I don't know if he is still singing, or if he is now retired. Thanks again. Ciao.
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Len (UK)
12-13-2016
03:18 AM ET (US) IP: 81.141.211.16
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About 10 years ago there was a documentary on UK satellite TV which was called "The Lanza Sessions" or something similar. It was Richard Margison's recording sessions for the proposed film. He has an impressive voice and gave a good vocal impersonation of Lanza. I believe that it was an Australian millionaire backing the project.
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Dennis
12-13-2016
01:55 AM ET (US) IP: 73.170.201.215
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Martino, your research ability is rivaling that of the formidable Steffi from days past.
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Martino to Fred
12-12-2016
10:34 PM ET (US) IP: 104.255.4.145
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Canadian tenor Richard Margison. http://emro.lib.buffalo.edu/emro/emroDetail.asp?Number=779
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Ed to Fred
12-12-2016
09:23 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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I'm thinking on this, was he the tenor who was liked my Lanza's mom. Was it Jerry Hadley?
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Fred Day
12-12-2016
09:01 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Can someone refresh my memory on this tenor: He sang at the Met in the 1990's, and once sang a broadcast of Calaf in Turandot. He was either American or Canadian. He was slated to play Lanza in a bio film, made by a Mr. Harrison, but the project fell thru, and Harrison absconded with the money raised by investors, leaving them in the lurch. I can't remember that tenor's name - can someone recall his name?? Thanks. Ciao.
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Fred Day
12-12-2016
08:50 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Today is the birthday of Damon Lanza, Frank Sinatra, and Connie Francis. Connie is still with us. Happy Birthday to all 3. Never to be forgotten. I never met Damon, but spoke to him on the phone 3 or 4 times. He was always very friendly, warm, and cordial - a great guy!! He is with his family in Heaven above. Merry Christmas to all. Ciao.
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diane cox
12-12-2016
06:08 PM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.239
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Len, glad you were able to get the music. I'm sure you'll do fine.
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Ed
12-12-2016
05:45 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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Happy Birthday to Damon Lanza today he and I were friends only a short while, may he Rest In Peace.
Fred, Damon once told me he remembered his dad singing it to him at bedtime.
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Len (UK)
12-12-2016
05:10 PM ET (US) IP: 81.141.211.16
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I first posted on this forum about 30 months ago looking for the sheet music to Harpo Marx’s ‘Guardian Angels’. The forum pointed me at a US Ebay item and USD$50 later I had an original copy in good condition. Rather expensive but no other copy seems to exist. I wanted it as a solo piece for our village Choir's Christmas concert. In the event I was instead asked to do ‘Do you hear the people sing?’ from Les Miserable; two verses then full choir. Then last year an elderly bass in our choir wanted to do a solo, so I deferred to him. Instead I wrote a comic duologue about an Egyptian border guard unable to believe an Israeli carpenter that arrived with his wife, child and expensive commodities like gold, frankincense and myrrh! It finally looks like I may get to sing it this year. Our musical director has lowered it a fourth into G minor so that my bass-baritone voice might cope. I intend to introduce it by telling the audience of the time in the early 1980s when I met Damon Lanza in Birmingham and according to his surviving sister (during a BBC radio interview), when at home, Mario sang it as a lullaby to the children. Fellow choristers hearing me rehearsing have asked where I found the song. I tried to explain but some have not heard of Mario or Harpo! I am terrified to messing-up, but it is good to find new challenges! Edited 12-12-2016 05:14 PM
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Ed to Joe
12-12-2016
10:49 AM ET (US) IP: 70.214.81.99
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Joe, I went back to earlier posts between us and can't really tell. I don't know anything about them, maybe David can check them out or just kill them. Best Ed
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Joe to Ed
12-12-2016
10:12 AM ET (US) IP: 71.224.55.142
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Ed!, what is with the messages numbered 49760 and 49761? I don't believe they have anything to do with you or I. Strange, can you figure that out?
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Kristine
12-11-2016
06:14 PM ET (US) IP: 173.169.36.195
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Derek, great documentary !
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12-11-2016
06:01 PM ET (US) IP: 209.85.216.169
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IS THAT WHAT IS IMPORTANT TO YOU ?
Sent from Mail for Windows 10
From: QT - Joe
Sent: Friday, December 2, 2016 12:15 PM
To: QT topic subscribers
Subject: Mario Lanza
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12-11-2016
05:57 PM ET (US) IP: 209.85.216.171
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Mario lanza site ?
Sent from Mail for Windows 10
From: QT - Ed to Joe
Sent: Saturday, December 3, 2016 9:04 PM
To: QT topic subscribers
Subject: Mario Lanza
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Kenneth Henderson
12-11-2016
04:16 PM ET (US) IP: 61.9.189.149
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Thanks got it down.
Watching it now.
Ken
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Bill Ronayne
12-11-2016
04:02 PM ET (US) IP: 24.185.120.179
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The teaser for the new documentary looks great Derek!
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Bill Ronayne
12-11-2016
04:01 PM ET (US) IP: 24.185.120.179
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 The January 2017 "Legacy of Mario Lanza" newsletter has just been published and is being mailed out. It features coverage of the 2016 ML Ball weekend, the recent MLSNY Christmas luncheon, a guest article by Derek Mannering entitled "Lanza News from Around the World" and the regular features as well as many photos of Mario. Best, Bill Edited 12-11-2016 04:02 PM
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Gail Swartz
12-11-2016
02:47 PM ET (US) IP: 204.29.186.65
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This is great for Lanza lovers....where can I get it? Had just been wondering if his Christmas cds could be remastered. Singing four times this week and an invitation to play carols in church next Sunday.
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diane cox
12-11-2016
10:55 AM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.239
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Wonderful, Derek.
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Derek Mannering
12-11-2016
10:09 AM ET (US) IP: 69.209.236.184
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Here is a link to the trailer for the new Lanza documentary:
https://vimeo.com/194505145
It's beautifully done and I'm sure everyone will agree that the Palladium clips have never looked or sounded better! That chap with the scarf at the 2:24 point is Sean Costello, a very talented tenor who brought the house down at the recent Lanza tribute concert in Dublin with his stunning performance of "Without A Song."
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diane cox
12-09-2016
02:15 PM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.239
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I saw him in one production this past Spring - he got a very big ovation. The article I read said he has balance problems which affect him on stage. He will still do some concerts and continue to receive treatment.
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Suzanne
12-09-2016
01:05 PM ET (US) IP: 74.79.51.67
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Diane, I had posted about Dmitri some time ago. Wondered about his health, sorry to hear he hasn't overcome his illness. Very impressed with his voice.
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diane cox
12-08-2016
04:58 PM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.239
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Dimitri Hvorostovsky announced his withdrawal from staged opera today, because of a brain tumor. This has been reoccurring the last couple years.
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Suzanne
12-08-2016
01:39 PM ET (US) IP: 74.79.51.67
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Glad to hear the news about Frank. Hope he's still singing. Gail, Happy Singing. If I had the extra $500, know what I would do! Hope you're all getting into the "Spirit".
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Sam Samuelian
12-08-2016
10:10 AM ET (US) IP: 98.115.185.89
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Dennis: Frank just posted on Lanza Legend. Here is what he wrote:
December 7th 2016
01:21:02 PM
What is your name?Frank Tenaglia
Where are you from?Philly
Any comments?I just want to say thank you for all your concern happy holidays to all everything is going very well I'm in good health I hope everyone here is to my website is being reconstructed feel free to look me up on Facebook I love you all my good friend
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Ed
12-08-2016
07:36 AM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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I saw many folks wondering about our good buddy Frank T. He and I are Facebook friends. I messaged him as to all concerned for him and a quick reply. Lanza fans are the best and carry on the concerns to all.
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Dennis
12-08-2016
02:15 AM ET (US) IP: 73.170.201.215
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Fred, thanks for the info. I have been wondering about Frank for a long time and asked about him on this forum about a year ago with no response. I wonder if he is still singing? Every so often, I go on YouTube and listen to his many postings. From his Facebook page, it looks like he has been to Italy, maybe sang as recently as 3 years ago (not sure when his Italian Fests were, but maybe this year), has pictures of his wife that I had not seen before, still adores Padre Pio, and still is dangerously heavy. Would love to have him post here and bring us up to date. I would also like to find some new YouTube videos from him. I wasn't able to access his webpage as it was under construction. Hopefully it will be up and running soon.
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Fred Day
12-07-2016
05:31 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Frank Tenaglia just posted on Lanzalegend after a long absence. He is doing fine and in good health. He can be reached on Facebook. It is nice to hear from him again. Ciao.
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Kristine
12-07-2016
04:26 PM ET (US) IP: 173.169.36.195
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I agree with Phil, UK.
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Fred Day
12-07-2016
03:20 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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I just got the newest CD by tenor Jonas Kaufmann, entitled "Dolce Vita", which is 18 Italian and Neapolitan songs, very nicely sung. Altho he is German, his Italian diction is excellent. I understand he speaks Italian fluently. A most enjoyable CD. Ciao.
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phil uk
12-07-2016
09:37 AM ET (US) IP: 85.12.76.63
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Ed/Suzanne thanks for your support re my last message on forum manners etc.All this nastiness demeans Mario Lanza & this site & if others cannot act in a decent way then i suggest that they vacate this wonderful site as soon as possible & annoy someone else.Good manners cost nothing!
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Gail Swartz
12-06-2016
06:48 PM ET (US) IP: 204.29.186.61
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Listened to Mario's Christmas cd yesterday.....still get goosebumps...wish that it was remastered like the last ones have been. Found Mario on Pinterest...some of Mario's songs and videos are there, along with some new photos(at least to me) ...one was offered as a signed one for $500! Visited in the Gatlinberg area last week...Keep those folks in your prayers. Singing at three venues this week!
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Suzanne
12-06-2016
11:15 AM ET (US) IP: 74.79.51.67
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Ed and Phil, how right you are. Hope the "Rense Frenzy" is over for a while at least. Even if one is a non-believer, it is the season of good will. Remember how much Mario loved Christmas!
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Ed to Phil
12-06-2016
09:38 AM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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Phil, I am with you, I thought we were here to promote the greatest tenor in the world not all this verbal venom. This politcal grandstanding is good for Facebook and shouldn't be here, this has nothing to do with Mario, that is how I feel and I know I'm not alone, you see none of this on LanzaLegend and sadly it may shut down, then where do we go? Please gents give it a rest ok?
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Phil uk
12-06-2016
08:04 AM ET (US) IP: 85.12.76.63
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"Linz to marxist Mannering" begun the message,oh boy & i thought that this site was for the continued legacy of the worlds greatest tenor!Whats up with you guys,again i ask why the verbal venom in our midst,its not on.Disagree by all means but PLEASE STOP the nasty,silly & not to Mario's memory attacks.
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Linz
12-06-2016
03:26 AM ET (US) IP: 222.153.55.93
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Alas, the preservation of Mario Lanza's legacy depends on much more than banal gossip-level tawdry tidbits about who dated whom. It depends on his talent—at least, in a world that embraces talent, as opposed to the postmodernists' anti-talent Adam Lanza universe—being recognised in a universe dominated by philosophical Wevils. It's touch-and-go. The anti-Trump hysteria is an encouraging sign that the good guys are winning. Edited 12-06-2016 03:54 AM
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Fred Day
12-05-2016
03:18 AM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Renato Rascel also co-starred with Christopher Lee in the film: "Uncle Was A Vampire", a comedy. I saw it years ago. Ciao.
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Kristine
12-04-2016
06:14 PM ET (US) IP: 173.169.36.195
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I agree, there should be no political comments, here, especially, when it's nasty, insulting , and vicious ! In former movie actor turned movie studio mogul, Bob Evans's autobiography "The Kid Stays In The Picture", he wrote that he asked Marisa Allasio, for a date, but she didn't keep it. He was married to Ali MacGraw, and I think he mentioned Marisa had made a movie with Mario Lanza. He dated Kathryn Grayson, too.
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Kristine
12-04-2016
06:05 PM ET (US) IP: 173.169.36.195
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Sam, Renato Rascel appeared in the movie "The Secret of Santa Vittoria"(1969)with Anthony Quinn, Virna Lisi, Anna Magnani, and Sergio Franchi. That was the only movie , Sergio would ever make. I read the novel and saw the movie. It was about the Italians keeping Cinzano Wine away from the Nazi German soldiers. I think late fitness-body builder Jack LaLanne would sing "May The Good Lord Bless and Keep You". Meredith Wilson also wrote the songs for "The Music Man" and "The Unsinkable Molly Brown" and he lived in Pacific Palisades, Calif. I wonder how Mario Lanza would have sounded singing Gospel Music ? I am trying to imagine his singing of "How Great Thou Art", "Just A Closer Walk With Thee", "Give Me That Old Time Religion", "Take My Hand, Precious Lord", "His Hand In Mine", "Crying In The Chapel", "Go Tell It On The Mountain"(Gordon MacRae sang this). Referring back to Peggie Castle, yes, I read she died from a liver ailment. She was on the t.v. western series "The Lawman" with John Russell and Peter Brown, in the late '50's. I wonder what happened to the teen-agers, who were dancing rock'n'roll, in the impersonation sequence in "Seven Hills of Rome" ? I read that originally, the script had to be reduced and it was too long, that Mario wanted David Niven in the movie, and Pier Angeli was considered for the movie, too.
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Ed to Fres
12-04-2016
04:18 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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Fred, As far as I can tell he never recorded that song and I searched all my Elvis gospel and come up empty. However he knew virtually every gospel song, my guess is that he may have done it after the last show for the night in Vegas. Everyone was invited up to his suite and they'd stand around a piano and sing gospel until daybreak.
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Fred Day
12-04-2016
02:43 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Ed: Did Elvis ever sing "May The Good Lord Bless and Keep You"?? I do not recall. Ciao.
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Stephen of Las Vegas
12-04-2016
02:39 PM ET (US) IP: 70.173.12.131
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I suppose these are not the trailer you want since they have no scenes from the movie!
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Stephen of Las Vegas
12-04-2016
02:33 PM ET (US) IP: 70.173.12.131
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Sam...these 2 uploads of the trailer are on Youtube, the second from Warner Bros:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nwhEc75Ktq0
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QGVMYvq5r98
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Fred Day
12-04-2016
02:30 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Sam: That radio show, Meredith Wilson's Music Room, featured Lanza as a DJ, playing his "new" Christmas album, pictured below. He talks with Wilson. At the end, Wilson, his announcer, and Lanza sing a capella the new Wilson song, "May The Good Lord Bless And Keep You". Lanza sings only one short phrase, softly in a low key. Makes one wish he had sung the entire song, or recorded it, but sadly he never did. Jan Peerce recorded it for RCA, and Bing Crosby for Decca. Perry Como also recorded it several years later. Ciao.
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Fred Day
12-04-2016
02:21 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Kristine: Gloria Gari is the widow of the fine tenor Giulio Gari, who sang at the Met in the 1950's. He died in 1994, age 84. You can read more about him on Wikipedia, and hear numerous selections by him, on Youtube. Ciao.
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Ed to Bill
12-04-2016
10:56 AM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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Bill, I was given a copy of this LP from a good friend here who helped me get back many of my LPs, played it yesterday.
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Bill Ronayne
12-04-2016
10:16 AM ET (US) IP: 24.185.122.17
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Turner Classic Movies is finally airing Mario's films again. We have to wait until his birthday on January 31st but all of his films with the exception of Because Your'e Mine are featured in a day long birthday salute starting at 6:15am ET and ending at 8pm ET. They are not being shown chronologically and the order is as follows: TONO, FTFT, Serenade, 7 Hills, Student Prince, Great Caruso and That Midnight Kiss. Best, Bill
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Joe to Ed
12-04-2016
10:15 AM ET (US) IP: 71.224.55.142
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Apology accepted.I think you and the rest of the world will be pleasantly surprised as to how well President Trump will do in office. Irrespective of how we voted,he NOW needs all our support and prayers to turn things around. Being a fellow Irishman(born on St. Patrick's Day no less!)from the very Irish city of Boston.....I know all about Irish tempers...lol. Thanks for your good wishes, Joseph Patrick Fagan.
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Bill Ronayne
12-04-2016
10:10 AM ET (US) IP: 24.185.122.17
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Kristine: Thanks. I don't know if she's related to them.
Sam: Yes she's much better. It maybe on YouTube. Basically, Mario appears as a guest with host Meredith Willson and they play selections from the RCA album Mario Lanza Sings Christmas Songs (pictured) which incidentally was released 65 years ago. The show originally aired on December 5, 1951. 65 years ago tomorrow.
Best, Bill
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Ed to Joe
12-04-2016
08:55 AM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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Joe, after checking back on my post I found you are correct and for this I apologize. I guess my passion for our country comes out and it is difficult for me to hold back an extreme display of Irish temper so please if you will accept my apology. As a veteran we must have a leader that helps veterans and not one who simply wants a job. Trump to me is radical and I don't trust him that is all I will say. The next four years or sooner will tell, either way we lost.
Have a Merry Christmas.
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Sam Samuelian
12-04-2016
08:50 AM ET (US) IP: 98.115.185.89
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I am being punished for changing the words to "My Way" for fun at some of the night spots I sing. Sometimes I change the line "I did it My Way" to "I did it SIDEWAYS". Not an original line, but rather one made up by my favorite accompanist Joe Staffieri. Thus another sideways photo, sorry.
This post comes with a question. I recently enjoyed The Great Caruso using my fabulous new 4K quality Epson 5040 UB ("ultra black) video projector. The film lost the brown quality it always had and became quite vivid with sparkling color on my big screen. It even sounded better, but surely that is my imagination. Anyway, I was wondering if anyone has seen the original theatrical trailer to TGC? All that is on the DVD is the seventies trailer that was made to promote the 70MM showing of the movie. It has no scenes from the film, starts with Enrico's voice that morphs into Mario's voice and has merelyy red lettering describing the movie. Anyone?
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Sam Samuelian
12-04-2016
08:39 AM ET (US) IP: 98.115.185.89
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Linz: Your recent posts are quite stimulating as well as amusing. I cannot criticize any man who has so much passion (Solo Passion?!). And you have aroused some of our other regulars like Derek. He too is a man of passion and intelligence. Heck, most of us are passionate types since we have chosen the Numero Uno of Singing Passion to stimulate us throughout our lives. As for me, I am deep into the Christmas Spirit and therefore my mind is not on politics. I'll wait until after the New Year and the swearing in ceremony to refocus.
Bill R: That was a very fine photo you posted. I was especially happy to see Elaine looking well considering her recent illness. I am not sure I ever heard that radio show you mentioned. How can I hear it?j
SHOR: After a very long day of doing an Arts and Crafts Show where I took musical instrument lamps (I had a saxophone, a clarinet, and a trumpet that are wonderful), many plush singing and dancing holiday animals and people, a new Seiko animated clock, a life sized singing and talking Santa Claus, etc, I came home exhausted and with my feet throbbing from the walking required back and forth to set up, stand up for hours, and then walk around enjoying the other 124 vendors. So, no going out to sing last night. But I treated myself to Mario Lanza in his next to last film. I had never played the DVD on my 78 inch curved Samsung 4K TV and was thrilled at how vibrant the images were. Gorgeous color throughout that enhanced the fine photography and sights of Rome. And the voluptuous figure of Marisa Allasio. I have the next to the top level curved sound bar for the audio. Mario's singing is consistently excellent with the only negative being the "boxy" sound which I hope someday will be improved with a new release. (Listen to the track of the much earlier Meet Me In St. Louis and you'll see what can be done with boxy sound).
Incidentally, I looked into the principals of the cast on IMDB and most are dead! I was sad to learn that sultry Peggie Castle died very young at 43 due to alcoholism and a badly damaged liver. Likable Renato Rascel died at 73 and no cause was listed. Considering his popularity, especially in Italy, I would like to know more about his career. I had forgotten, but was reminded by the credits, that he penned "Arrivederci Roma". Luisa DiMeo is still living and I thought she was going to write a book but perhaps I am confusing her with FTFT's Johanna Von Koczian. In any event, I was relieved to learn that voluptuous Marisa Allasio is alive and now 80 years old. I would like to try contacting her. She must have unique remembrances of Mario after starring with him in the movie. She didn't make too many films and married and had two children. Again, there is very little about her on Internet Movie Database.
Finally (for this post at least), I am going to try posting a photo of yours truly. I have taken to dressing up each day for the past few weeks in rather outrageous (and usually very uncomfortable) garb from the shoes on up. It makes me feel good, it makes others feel good from the overwhelming positive response I have received, and it heightens my awareness.
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Linz to Marxist Mannering
12-04-2016
12:33 AM ET (US) IP: 222.153.55.93
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Your current president and her anointed successor, who lost (boo-hoo—get over it) are filth, with your and Wevil's blessing. You and they seek the "fundamental transformation of America"—Obamarx's words—from capitalist to socialist, from freedom to slavery, from inalienable individual rights to subjugation to the collective. You've been thwarted, five seconds before midnight. Why not go live in a slave-state like Cuba—you could simply stay on after attending Castro's funeral—or North Korea and be happy? How this relates to Mario? "I am an individualist." "The best of everything in life always." Statism is the worst of everything in life always. As the Founding Fathers knew. Keep pressing for my being banned, Comrade. No doubt you'll succeed eventually. The magnificent Paul Joseph Watson seems to have left you out, Mr. Marxist. Perhaps you should sue him for hurt feelings?! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BXpi3F0E5roEdited 12-04-2016 01:36 AM
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Joe to Ed
12-03-2016
11:11 PM ET (US) IP: 71.224.55.142
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Ed, I made no statements about the abilities of Palin or Trump….I simply pointed out that you were making political judgments (after claiming you did not bring politics into the forum)…and then, you doubled down on the same statements a second time. Let’s try to keep the forum free from political opinions. BTW, I also am a Veteran.
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Kristine
12-03-2016
10:37 PM ET (US) IP: 173.169.36.195
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Bill, great photo. Is Gloria Gari related to Brian Gari and Amanda Gari, who are grandcildren of Eddie Cantor ? Does anyone know what songs will be on new Mario Lanza CD, next year ?
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Bill Ronayne
12-03-2016
09:34 PM ET (US) IP: 24.185.114.73
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 Today's Mario Lanza Society of NY Christmas luncheon was another fine event. Elaine Malbin was the special guest and performers soprano Justyna Giermola, tenor Jose Heredia and accompanist David Maiullo presented a wonderful program of opera and holiday favorites. We listened to The Music Room radio program from Dec of 1951 featuring guest Mario Lanza promoting his Christmas album as well as other carols with him. Also on the program were selections with Ms. Malbin, Giulio Gari and Enrico Caruso. Among the many attendees were Comm. Aldo Mancusi of the Caruso Museum, Jane Shaulis and Janet Stovin from Opera Index, Gloria Gari from the Gari Foundation and Barbara Testa from the Gerda Lissner Foundation. The event also commemorated the club's 17th anniversary. Pictured are L-R: Jose Heredia, Justyna Giermola, David Maiullo, Elaine Malbin, Aldo Mancusi, Gloria Gari and Jane Shaulis. Best, Bill Edited 12-03-2016 09:34 PM
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Ed to Joe
12-03-2016
09:04 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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Joe, I said I try not always. Palin is a ditz plain and simple. I cannot believe she would ever be considered a cabinet head let alone for Veterans Affairs. I worked for that department for almost forty years coming in after serving my country for three years at the height of the Viet Nam war. I've worked side by side with administrators both in benefits and DMS at conferences examining new procedures and policies regulated by headquarters in DC. Obviously neither you nor Trump are aware of what ability you need to run that agency. You need a broad knowledge of medical and psychological understanding as well as management skills, hospital planning under budget restraints,and trust from more than 3000 employees and most of all the veteran. So if you want me to be consistent I will be, Palin is a ditz and has no place in that job.
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Joe to Ed
12-03-2016
06:42 PM ET (US) IP: 71.224.55.142
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Yet, you very recently made some uncharitable comments about Sarah Palin!. So be consistent Ed.
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Ed to Derek
12-03-2016
06:28 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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I try to keep my beliefs on politics and private as I can. I voice my opinion at the polls and win or lose I cast my vote. Why some choose to use this site to voice political views I don't know how they tie in to Mario but I'll never challlenge, I was taught if you don't have anything good to say about someone, shut your mouth.
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Derek Mannering
12-03-2016
01:11 PM ET (US) IP: 69.209.236.184
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This is an open forum and freedom of expression is to be encouraged. That said, I'd like to think that most people contributing here will agree that sophomoric insults directed at our fine site moderator David Weaver ("Wevil") and good friend and long-time Lanza promoter Jim Thompson ("Tomsin") should have no place on this discussion board. Even more disgusting are the slurs directed at our current president ("evil" and "filth") and former first lady ("Hillary for Prison!"). The fact that all of that ugly ranting is somehow linked to praise for Mario Lanza beggars belief!
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Linz
12-03-2016
03:39 AM ET (US) IP: 222.153.55.93
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Joe—thanks for your support. And I agree with you: this site shouldn't be political, as I've stated many times. But note, Mr. Tomsin made it political in his attention-seeking flounce (the most recent of many). I was not going to let that go, any more than I was going to let Mr. Wevil's socialist pomowankery go. The "liberals"—the most illiberal people ever—can't cope with disagreement, and they can't cope with defeat. They have to have canine massage and hot cocoa and the like. Pathetic. Worse than pathetic: evil. Brother Ed: I'm glad you acknowledge the next four years will be an "uphill" trip. Please read my Adam vs Mario Lanza chapter and report back to me that you get it. This is an epic battle between Christ and Satan—except I believe in neither. It is the battle for Western Civilisation, of which Mario is a stellar embodiment. Edited 12-03-2016 03:41 AM
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Ed
12-02-2016
03:03 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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Joe, I simply watch the movie and enjoy the singing.
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Joe
12-02-2016
12:15 PM ET (US) IP: 71.224.55.142
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Stupid, minor little points in Mario’s movies which bother me: Now I am the first to admit that these points are of little consequence yet they stick in my craw every time I see them. I wonder if anyone else ever notices or does anyone else have a secret ‘do-over” scene? If nothing else, maybe this will prompt new items for discussion. • The scene about the military parade in BYM. Couldn’t they afford to hire some REAL military planes (vs Piper Cubs) to fly over the parade grounds? The three wobbling planes they did use look so stupid and out of place. • I believe the Shubert Ave Maria done in Serenade is the greatest recording of this sacred song ever done by a tenor…..no contest. Simply gorgeous. However, Mario was the fattest of any scene in his film career! His face was bloated and his head was like a water melon. What a great shame they didn’t try to use a slimmer Mario for that scene(he WAS thinner in other parts of the movie). Edited 12-02-2016 12:19 PM
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diane cox
12-02-2016
11:44 AM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.239
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Not to be political, but I will say that history will reveal the facts.
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Joe
12-02-2016
11:21 AM ET (US) IP: 71.224.55.142
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I have my computer set up so that I FIRST see postings as emails(which I check 2x a day). Thus I am an everyday reader. I should post more frequently and I will begin that again, soon. Also, I am set up to go directly to the Lanza link so I do not see the other Rense material. Like Linz, I do not object to it however. Jeff IS a creative and guy and I get a kick out some of his stuff. I also believe that the forum should not wander into anything political. All I will say about current affairs in the USA is that I am very relieved and happy!!
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Ed
12-02-2016
07:24 AM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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I check in perhaps three times a day and have for many years, this forum is part of my day, a daily ritual. I look forward to read the latest posts and I read everything. I have Jeff's three CDs and play them all time. I thank Jeff for his forum that keeps Mario alive and I appreciate the opportunity to post here.
I do not agree with everything posted but if we all agreed on everything that would make no sense.
Brother Linz, I can't add much to your post but I will say this, I'm looking forward to the next four years and an uphill ride.
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Linz
12-02-2016
03:09 AM ET (US) IP: 222.153.55.93
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Extraordinary, the capacity of the "greys" to change the subject when there's a danger of "black and white"—let's talk about technology lest we get sidetracked into good vs evil. America has taken a major turn for the good. That's the same good embodied in Mario's "the best of everything." Decency and excellence. It's back, in spite of the "greys" and the "blacks." America was on the brink of being permanently engulfed in the swamp of filth embodied by Obama and Hillary. In the nick of time, decent citizens with a knowledge of America's founding principles rose up and said, "No! Drain the swamp!" I'm an atheist, but I say, with every fibre of my being, "Thank God!!" For elaboration, go to solopassion.com and read my op-ed, "Hahahahaha! The Revenge of Les Deplorables." Or read my chapter on Adam vs Mario Lanza in my book. I'm a deplorable, proudly. Hillary for Prison! Edited 12-02-2016 03:20 AM
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diane cox
12-01-2016
10:54 PM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.239
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Obviously I read more than once a day, when there are postings.
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Martino to Dennis
12-01-2016
09:39 PM ET (US) IP: 104.255.4.145
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Yes, when I leave town I seldom browse the internet (it is amazing you remember that!). But when I am home I am often doing something on the web (after golf and chores of course!). I have all sorts of devices scattered throughout the house so no matter where I am and should a thought enter my mind, I simply hit a button and it is this page that opens up first - the Rense forum is my home page on all my devices so I can not open any page without seeing this one first.
I have two main frame PCs in my home office, a chromebook in the home theater, a lap top in the main bedroom and a tablet in the kitchen. Some are wifi and I take them to the patio, garage, different areas like that and some are ethernet hard wired but whatever, all are connected to the household LAN and all of them open up to this page instantly (much to the chagrin of my Judi, who would love to have Soap Opera Digest as the network's home page)! Because of the ease of internet access I have built around my home, I would venture to say that when I am in the house, I probably check in here ten times a day or more! I may not stay very long but I always read what is here, most of it anyway.
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Dennis
12-01-2016
08:22 PM ET (US) IP: 73.170.201.215
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Gail and diane's post got me to thinking about a quick survey. I know that Martino has said he often goes on long vacations and doesn't read this forum during those times, but when one is at home, how often do you link to this forum and read it? Gail and diane visit it daily; so do I—often more than once a day. How about the rest of you? Any other daily readers (we have no daily posters)? Any once a week or so readers? Any that just visit here when the muse strikes you?
As to Linz's typical black and white thinking, I am in the grey category as I stated earlier this week—I am aware of some of Jeff's beliefs which I don't share, but I have not read them for years. Jeff rarely posts here, and usually as a management response, so I am happy to get my fill of Lanza talk, some opera discussion, and even enjoy personal anecdotes such as those from Sam and others. But as Ronald notes, we are guests in Jeff's "home." He organizes, pays for, and keeps this site functioning. We are guests. For that I say, "thank you Jeff."
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Joe
12-01-2016
06:26 PM ET (US) IP: 71.224.55.142
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Once again, Linz hits the "nail on the head". Good analysis my friend!
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Gail Swartz
12-01-2016
03:33 PM ET (US) IP: 204.29.186.7
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Thanks, Diane.I,too, visit this site daily. Always looking for info about Mario and enjoying what all of the posters have to relate...offering insight on various aspects of our favorite tenor.Keep us posted, all of you!
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diane cox
12-01-2016
03:26 PM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.239
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This is one of two boards I read daily, and the only Lanza one. I value the information, the discussion and the members.
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Teal
12-01-2016
02:50 PM ET (US) IP: 73.18.129.15
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As a nonposting frequent reader of this wonderful message board AND Jeff Rense's news commentary, I would like to thank Jeff for presenting so much challenging content to his readers. I appreciate being reminded that my all of assumptions might not be grounded in reality and that my comfort zone can benefit by some probing. And although I mostly choose not to post here, please know my appreciation for all you who do, as you help to keep the art of Mario Lanza fresh to the world. You are smart and compassionate people. Thank you.
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Ronald Sarbo
12-01-2016
10:44 AM ET (US) IP: 74.66.130.108
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Jeff is our host. We are guests in his "home". We should behave as such. Mr. Thompson could have just said he no longer wished to post on this site. Mr. Thompson did not have to insult his host. He owes Jeff an apology.
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Martino
12-01-2016
09:33 AM ET (US) IP: 104.255.4.145
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Every year I re-post a post I made a long time ago, honoring Paolo Tosti, his contributions to Italian song and the way Mario Lanza sang those songs. I won't bother repeating it for the tenth time again as I'm sure everyone is tired of it by now.
However, I do want to mention that tomorrow will be the 100th anniversary of Tosti's death and he should be remembered (and I will quote a part of my original post): "Thanks to Neapolitan music (and Tosti's contributions in particular), the great voices of the world have given generation after generation a reprieve from the usually heavy hand of opera and opened our hearts with some of the most beautiful lyrics and music ever written".
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Ed
12-01-2016
08:32 AM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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I left here a few times but only as a matter of disagreement on music choices nothing political. The recent media dribble is circling Palin for VA head, this to me is a very poor choice due to her silliness that she comes off with. VA heads must have some medical knowledge and be able to understand the laws that govern that department, IMO she hasn't a clue. VA doesn't need satire on SNL it needs a leader.
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Kristine
12-01-2016
06:08 AM ET (US) IP: 173.169.36.195
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I don't post political comments, here, since Linz said some, I will say this: I left the GOP, will become Independent. All I can say is after seeing the transition so far, I would like to quote Bette Davis, from movie, "All About Eve". "Fasten your seatbelts. We are in for a bumpy ride". As for "draining the swamp", I see a number of Wall Street people being considered for the incoming administration, which was the criticism of Hillary Clinton's speeches. The kettle criticizing the pot ! I do apologize for not following this website's rules. It doesn't sound like I would agree with Jeff Rense and I certainly don't agree with talk radio Alex Jones. Pavarotti's widow told Trump to stop using "Nessun Dorma", on the campaign trail, too.
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Linz
12-01-2016
03:52 AM ET (US) IP: 222.152.208.4
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I think those of you now turning on your host, Jeff Rense, ought to self-examine. Does he make it a prerequisite for your posting here that you agree with his world view? No. Do you make it a prerequisite for your posting here that he agrees with yours? In one case, that of Mr Thompson, apparently, yes. In other cases, it's a matter of, "I'll post here but I'll hold my nose while doing so because of the host's political views." In that case, you shouldn't post at all—it's an abuse of your host's hospitality to imply such a thing while lacking the courage to say it openly. A while ago, after a similar sort of flare-up here, it was agreed that anyone who posted would keep his or her views on politics strictly out of his or her postings. The Obama side failed to uphold their side of the deal. Now, they are very sore that their 8-year nightmare of evil has come to an end, and Crooked Hillary didn't make it. Like all lefties, they are infantile, and unable to cope when things don't go their way. They require counselling and play-dough and hot chocolate. They'll riot and burn the American flag. They'll even flounce from Mario Lanza forums. Pathetic. And vile. For the record, I don't agree with much of Jeff's world view—the conspiracies, alien abductions and the like. I've said so, explicitly, privately and publicly. But in a fundamental sense he's right. There is a conspiracy of evil going on—socialist, postmodern and neo-Marxist in nature—and philosophical aliens have tried to hijack the cornerstone institutions of Western Civilisation, including the prevalence of the Romantic school of music of which Mario is a supreme and sublime embodiment. I've just spent several weeks presenting a road show and promoting my book based on that very fact. "The best of everything" indeed. All of that aside, Jeff has created the most enduring Lanza discussion forum there is—my friend McGovern gave up (I don't blame him), and Marlene's has become a joke—and Jeff's personal world view should not matter among those who avail themselves of this forum. If it does, they should start their own. Good luck with that. Edited 12-01-2016 04:05 AM
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Suzanne
11-30-2016
10:50 AM ET (US) IP: 74.79.51.67
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btw, my son has pre ordered the documentary for me, to be played on his DVD player. Apparently can't be watched on the one I now have. He's "tuned in" to my love for Mario. Now just have to wait and wait ....
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Suzanne
11-30-2016
10:29 AM ET (US) IP: 74.79.51.67
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Jim, don't want to see you leave. Probably all of us have seen the site and many don't agree with it, but interacting with everyone here who cares for Mario so much makes it worth it. Please don't go away. We need you. Mario needs you. If you decide to come back, we'll all understand. Saw the Il Volo , my favorite, Ignazio, has made himself into the villain landlord in an old silent film. With his expressive face, it was amusing. Love those boys, but wish they'd lose the moustaches and mention Mario now and then. They did sing some of "his" music this time and that helped..
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Phil uk
11-30-2016
10:28 AM ET (US) IP: 85.12.76.63
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To Derek Mannering.Thanks again for another Sony Lanza release & for your great input into the Lanza legacy.I totally agree with your comments on the idea of swapping sopranos,its tosh!lets be satisfied with what we have ok.Just listened to the home Improviso again WOW,WOW,WOW.
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Ed to Derek
11-30-2016
07:20 AM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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Thank you for allowing us to see that short preview of the up and coming special. I think we here all would've agreed how wonderful it was after hearing Mario sing to the beautiful displays of Christmas. I've played it three times and sent it to good friends, some that know my love for Mario and some oddly never heard, my hope is they may change once they hear.
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diane cox
11-29-2016
11:55 PM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.239
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Fred, as you know I've followed the career of Il Volo for about 7 years. I've seen them name Mario Lanza as a tenor they greatly admire. Also thought the concert wonderful and the CD is already a favorite.
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Fred Day
11-29-2016
11:27 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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I think Jim will return soon - just give him a little time to think it over. I also just saw the new Il Volo concert, with Domingo, on PBS-TV. Wonderful!! These 3 young men have matured and grown artistically. The concert is a tribute to the Three Tenors. Domingo conducts several of the selections and also sings with Il Volo on one song - Non Ti Scordar Di Me. The 3 boys (young men) have deep respect for Placido, and always call him Maestro. The concert was given in Florence Italy, on July 1st of this year, 2016. That is 26 years after the first Three Tenors concert. The 3 Il Volo boys were not yet born in 1990. The PBS airing was only partial. The entire concert (22 tracks) is available on CD and DVD. The DVD also contains 3 selections by the orchestra. I have the CD. Most enjoyable. I feel pretty sure that they have seen and heard various Lanza selections on youtube. Domingo may well have introduced them to the voice of Lanza. Maybe someday they will sing a Lanza Tribute concert. That would be nice!! Ciao.
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Gail Swartz
11-29-2016
10:42 PM ET (US) IP: 204.29.186.52
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Greetings from the Gatlinberg area...windy, Smokey quite quiet, lots of stores closed, lots of people burned out completely.lots of trained folks are here to help....pray that the fires are extinguished! Jim, please do not leave...we need you! Did any of you know that Mario can be found on Pinterest? Most of my Mario music is on cds and Youtube...just can not go a day without hearing him sing.
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Dennis
11-29-2016
06:25 PM ET (US) IP: 73.170.201.215
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I looked over the entire Rense site several years ago and can guess what Jim is upset about. However, I made myself a link and don't even go through the site, but come directly to the forum. Haven't read the rest of the site for years.
Jim, I will miss your perspective as well as your well-written and informative postings. I hope you reconsider. You are so valuable to this forum.
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Kristine
11-29-2016
06:13 PM ET (US) IP: 173.169.36.195
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I watched Il Volo with Placido Domingo on PBS TV. I think it was in Florence, Italy from 2014. They mentioned The Three Tenors as their idols, but didn't mention Mario Lanza and I wonder if they are fans of his. Il Volo are good looking young men , I wonder if Hollywood will offer them a movie contract ? I wonder if Jackie Evancho will ever sing with them ? Today's movie studios don't offer contracts with these type singers like back in 1930's,'40's, and early '50's. I remember my late father wondering why Hollywood wasn't after singer Tom Netherton(good singing voice, good looks)who was on "The Lawrence Welk Show". Singer Anacani("The Lawrence Welk Show")had a part in movie "Zoot Suit". Il Volo will perform in Tampa, Fla., next year. Looking forward to new Mario Lanza documentary. Ron Howard(Opie on "The Andy Griffith Show")directed a new documentary about The Beatles' tours, back in the '60's, for the movie theaters. There was a documentary about Tab Hunter's life and career, released to movie theaters, there was a documentary about songwriter Doc Pomus(who wrote "This Magic Moment", "Save The Last Dance For Me', "Viva Las Vegas", and "She's Not You"for Elvis. Pomus was left physically challenged, due to having polio), and a documentary about the musical group known as The Wrecking Crew, who played backup for singers and played the "Bonanza" theme song. If only a documentary about Mario Lanza would be made for movie theaters. Next April 2017, TCM Classic Film Festival, with guests, will be at formerly Grauman's Chinese Theater. It would be great if a Mario Lanza movie would be shown at such an event.
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Martino to Derek
11-29-2016
02:24 PM ET (US) IP: 104.255.4.145
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I agree, the idea of having a modern day soprano's voice dubbed in a Lanza recording is something I would not want to hear. It is the same as that spooky video (on youtube) I have mentioned here before where Martina McBride walks on the stage of a Presley concert and starts singing a duet with him. I don't care how well done these things come off it is still fake and not fair or becoming to either artist, especially the one that is dead and had no say in the matter. RCA often dubbed absent voices towards the end of Mario Lanza's career and to those that knew about it only furthered the notion that he was a product of studio gimmickry.
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Derek Mannering
11-29-2016
01:28 PM ET (US) IP: 69.209.236.184
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As I mentioned here recently, Screenbound Pictures in the U.K. are currently putting the finishing touches to a new Lanza documentary – Mario Lanza: The Best of Everything – which will be released on DVD in March.
Here's a delightful Christmas teaser they've put together to promote the program, along with a taste of what to expect from some of its contributors:
https://vimeo.com/193531395
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Derek Mannering
11-29-2016
01:20 PM ET (US) IP: 69.209.236.184
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Let me add my voice to those hoping that Jim T won't leave the forum. Your contributions are much too valuable here, Jim, so I hope you will continue to contribute to the discussions.
Regarding the notion of today's great sopranos "adding" their voices to some of Lanza's recordings, it's a nice thought but highly impractical. For starters, the sopranos mentioned all record for different labels: Fleming is with Decca, Gheorgiu is with EMI, and Netrebko records for Deutsche Grammophon. And then there's the very small number of professional Lanza operatic selections they'd have to work with: Two for RCA with Elaine Malbin, the "Serenade" Boheme duet with Jean Fenn, and the great Otello duet with Albanese (the earlier rehearsal take with Gloria Boh would be a desperation pick IMO). All of those performances were recorded in mono so how do you separate the voices? (The Boheme duet would be the exception as the two singers were recorded separately, but why bother?) And don't you think Elaine would object to having her recordings overdubbed by another singer? It would also be insulting to the memory and the legacies of Fenn and especially Albanese, and I doubt very much that Netrebko, Fleming, or any other singer with integrity would agree to do that. And finally, Sony has the rights to the RCA and some movie soundtrack Lanza recordings only, so that completely rules out those early, scratchy radio recordings and Hollywood Bowl performances.
On a more positive note, there is an undoctored Lanza release on the way from Sony and I hope to share full details on that soon. I'll also have more news about the new British Lanza documentary coming right up.
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Bill Ronayne
11-29-2016
12:14 PM ET (US) IP: 24.185.120.54
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Today is Giving Tuesday. The Mario Lanza Institute, a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit organization, honors the memory of the late, great singer by sponsoring scholarships to promising young singers to further their training and careers. Please consider making a tax deductible contribution to the Mario Lanza Institute and help us fulfill our mission of aiding young opera singers. No amount is too small. Donations made by December 31, 2016 can be declared on your 2016 tax return. Checks made out to Mario Lanza Institute may be sent to the following address: Mario Lanza Institute PO Box 54624 Philadelphia,PA 19148 For more information on the Mario Lanza Institute please visit www.mariolanzainstitute.org. Best, Bill Edited 11-29-2016 12:15 PM
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Ed
11-29-2016
08:29 AM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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I also come directly here I have no knowledge of views that offend other posters. Jim's no longer posting here will be missed, he is truly respected for his dedication to Mario Lanza. This is sad.
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diane cox
11-28-2016
11:50 PM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.239
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I also come directly to this page, so have no idea about other content.
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Fred Day
11-28-2016
09:13 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Jim, I hope you will re-consider and not leave. I don't know what you are objecting to. I come directly to this Lanza home page, and then click onto this forum. That would be your best way to avoid problems. Best wishes. Ciao.
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Fred Day
11-28-2016
09:06 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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I would love to hear the 1945 Tosca and Otello love duets re-recorded with any good soprano to replace the horrible Jean Tennyson!! Anyone else would be a big improvement!! I agree with Martino's choice of Steber, and perhaps also Eileen Farrell, another good choice. And, of course Anna Moffo, definitely!! As for today, I would choose Netrebko. Ciao.
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Martino
11-28-2016
08:48 PM ET (US) IP: 104.255.4.145
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The American Soprano, Eleanor Steber
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Martino to Jim
11-28-2016
08:41 PM ET (US) IP: 104.255.4.145
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Sorry to see you go, Jim. You have always been a voice of reason and it will be hard to replace someone with your experience, knowledge and love of Mario Lanza. You have done a great deal through your radio shows in furthering his legacy and we will forever be grateful for that. I don't go to any other Rense site, only this one so I don't know what the problem is - but I think I can guess.
To your point, I have always thought that Mario Lanza should have sung with the best American sopranos available for "pop", Broadway and show, Operetta, etc. For this music he only sang with adequate American sopranos at best. Dorothy Kirsten was an exception but it was too brief and only the result of an operatic sound track. His best partner was the Italian great, Licia Albanese, and that was also very brief and once again only an operatic soundtrack excerpt.
Roberta Peters and Anna Moffo were contemporaries and would have been excellent, especially Moffo who did not have that heavy "technique" driven sound that spoiled much of what Peters sang in English. I also think Peters might have been drowned out by Mario whereas Moffo, although also a lyric soprano, could hold her own in vocal strength. Moffo was just reaching her prime towards the end of Mario's life.
There are so many sopranos that could have sung with Mario that would have made their duets memorable and magical. Unfortunately, RCA had no intention of making Mario Lanza an opera singer by definition. They wanted him to remain a "pop" artist with only passing interest in his classical side. They did much for him of course, but on that point they failed.
Another contemporary of Mario Lanza was the American soprano Elenor Steber, whose voice might have mingled very well with Marios'. She did not sing much in the way of Puccini and Verdi, or verismo which were Mario's strong suits. She did sing a little in this repertory however, and it would have been wonderful to hear them together. Steber too was technique driven to a fault and might not have had the patience necessary to deal with Mario and his more passionate, in your face style. But she could put the booze way for sure, or so they say, and maybe would have found a buddy in Mario in that regard. She would have to loosen up a bit and a couple of good belts with Mario before hand might just have been the ticket to success!
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Jim Thompson
11-28-2016
06:03 PM ET (US) IP: 67.83.112.135
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Just to finish up on a couple recent posts I sent in: The duets I thought about are as follows and if anyone answers with other ideas, Great!
Here they are: Otello duets (maybe even the 1945 radio one) Parigi o cara (H'wood Bowl),
Brindisi, Addio Addio, O suave fanciulla, Deep In My Heart Dear and Summertime In Heidelberg (pre 1959 recordings) and any other thoughts or possibilities. Any English recordings should have a soprano with excellent diction to match Mario's.
There are so many interesting folks on this site as there excellent people on the Mario Lanza, Tenor site. Having said that I may have to be a bit true to myself and say that I do not believe I will post here anymore. I cannot continue due to the atrocious material that Jeff Rense presents. I know about freedom of speech and or content. With 50 years or radio and TV News and other broadcasting behind me, I am tired of being appalled by what my eyes see before reaching the Lanza page.
Good luck to you all and may God Bless America. We've never needed it more.
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diane cox
11-27-2016
05:50 PM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.239
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I'd go for a Netrebko duet and Olga (Russian name). She's done La Traviata recently in La Scala.
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Ed to Jim
11-27-2016
04:36 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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Jim, I too brought mention if a duet could've been done with one of our current sopranos. I choose Netrebko for starters. Weed out some of those cacklers and put in someone good, he deserves nothing less.
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Jim Thompson
11-27-2016
04:11 PM ET (US) IP: 67.83.112.135
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Sorry for the second intrusion but with a gray, damp New England winter evening here's an idea I've had: would there be interest for Sony to hype Mario Lanza duets with some of today's best know sopranos? Netrebko might be one and Angela Gheorgiu and others.By the way, remember the duet Jerry Hadley fabricated with Mario's "Golden Days"? Could a best seller even without a damn "Black Friday"!
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Jim Thompson
11-27-2016
03:57 PM ET (US) IP: 67.83.112.135
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You would think "Hollywood"recording studios...RCA Victor recording studios with a new "star" on their rostrum...and yet no pictures or film of Lanza recording save for a couple "nothing" shots. What a loss and a shame. Again, my belief is that as a young, new performer Lanza could not have had the power to simply say NO to all suggestions. As I say that I have to admit that, yes, RCA backed down on conductors and Mario got his way with Costa Callinicos!
This came to mind from watching the Classic Arts channel with so many outtake performances and interesting recording studio films/tapes of well known and not so well known performers at work. Sorry to read of the closing of the Lanza Legend site. Time does march on.
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Ed
11-26-2016
06:09 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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I learned today that Mrs.Bob Dolfi who has run the Lanza Legend website after Bob passed on is considering closing it down to failing activity. I'm sure she will advise us when and if. Mrs. Dolfi is a good friend of mine and I wish her only the best as she did great job holding it in place after Damon and Bob passed and akways did her best in keeping Bob and Damon's memory alive. It was an honor to know these people for several years.
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Martino to Sam
11-25-2016
08:18 PM ET (US) IP: 104.255.4.145
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It seems you are enjoying yourself (finally) - good for you! I think we had a very similar discussion here a while back when we talked about our home theaters and the equipment we all had. There is no doubt that Epson makes a superb projector for private and even professional home theater and I have had several of their 1080p projectors over the years. My guess is that you won't find many people into this as you and I are, if the last discussion we had here is any indication. It is fun to get into it all but I think you will find a more receptive audience at a place like AVS forums where the real audio/video geeks hang out. I hope you will continue your reviews and your investigation of new equipment because I am of a similar mind set. Just don't be discouraged by a lack of response. Edited 11-25-2016 08:20 PM
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Ed
11-25-2016
04:31 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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Fred, just listened to his Granada I too said he did a great job. I still think the two best are Lanza'a along with the 1965 recording by Fritz.
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Fred Day
11-25-2016
02:58 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Ed: Korchak is excellent - lyric tenor with a fine top. Great high C's in Regiment and a high C-sharp in Puritani. Also found a fine Granada by him. All on youtube. Ciao.
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Sam Samuelian
11-25-2016
09:53 AM ET (US) IP: 98.115.185.89
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MY DEAR MARIO LANZA FRIENDS: IS THERE A VIDEO PROJECTOR IN YOUR FUTURE?
I WROTE AND SENT THIS LAST NIGHT TO THREE OF MY FRIENDS AND AM NOW “EXPANDING” THE LIST TO OTHER FRIENDS AND FAMILY WHO I THOUGHT WOULD BE INTERESTED. And Dear Florence Henderson, may you Rest In Peace.
Hi Alan, Hi Bob! (and am sending this to my pal Ron in St. Louis as an FYI)
You both probably know that I upgraded two of our main sets (family room and kitchen) to 4K last December and have enjoyed the 78 inch curved Samsung with matching curved sound bar and the LG OLED 55 inch curved immensely. The OLED screen is still the finest available as nothing else comes close to producing the rich, deep blacks. Of course the prices have dropped considerably on many (though very little on that sized Samsung—most big cuts were on smaller screens AND now the gigantic 78 to 85 inch screens are much less). After a year of this, and after I left my last depression behind, I started wondering what was available for home theater. My Optoma is and was an incredible machine for a bargain price. It’s 3D was great, with images like “glass” on the screen and noise free.
Three weeks ago I was introduced via articles to the Epson lineup of 4K projectors. I read all I could find about them and was very impressed at the glowing reviews and practically nothing negative, but best of all was the groundbreaking price. The only machine available to see at the time was the higher priced Epson LS10000. It’s higher price is due to it having LASER light. I got excited at the prospect of no more bulb changing. BUT as fine a picture as this projector has, it also needs to be used in a totally dark room and even then could use more brightness. I almost let the idea of upgrading go…but I met a terrific black guy with a lot of class and patience (a virtue required by my taking a TON of DVDs to demo as Best Buy had few DVDs I cared about.
We zeroed in on the Epson Model 5040UB (“ultra black”). The price was very enticing at only 2,999.99. But as a guy who knows firsthand that buying early means paying more, I insisted on better prices. I saw one “like new” on Amazon for only $500.00 and ordered it but it was a phony dealer. Then saw TWO on a different Amazon page being offered by different dealers for $1,999. Ordered both of them thinking one would have to stick against the wall. NADA.
Then my new friend Warren at Best Buy called me and said the 5040 was on sale for 2,799.99 and was fairly sure it would not go lower but if it did they could price match up to January 15th. I asked how soon he could put me in the driver’s seat and he said two days. DONE!
I picked it up the day before Thanksgiving but had a ton of things to do and two places to sing at. Getting a nail in the third tire in four weeks did pose a problem making the singing events but I used chewing gum to plug the hole long enough to get to Pep Boys past Concord Mall. There they told me the tire was too bad to save but pumped it full of that white “gunk” and used TWO rubber plugs and epoxy (which is illegal in PA). The past two days I have been driving around with no problem except needing air every so often.
Today was the revelation that prompted me to choose UNBELIEVABLE as the title for this email. Actually, it started “three o’clock in the morning” (song cue!) and I couldn’t take my eyes off the screen until heavy eye lids forced me to at 5:30 AM. I knew I had a great machine in my hands. OH, and I forgot to tell you that the perfect mate to it is the Samsung 8500 super 4K DVD player with a stylish curve. I already had one hooked up to my 78 inch TV and knew it was a great player but didn’t want to spend another 400.00. The good news is that now it is 219.00 and currently on sale along with the Epson for only 189.99.
I skipped Thanksgiving dinner (actually it skipped me as no one invited me out) and went to entertain myself at the True Value Hardware store in Paoli Shop Center that has an amazing Christmas display each year. And 15 minutes down the road in Downingtown, there was my second favorite Christmas Tree Shop. I called both and the messages did NOT say they were closed for the day but the phones kept ringing as if they were too busy to answer. BEST thing that could have happened since I decided to go anyway and ended up seeing a huge line encircling the Best Buy store in a Downingtown mall. I was curious, obviously had time to spare, and so sped through the Black Friday Flyer and did some eBay price research and realized I could not go wrong buying computers, TVs, etc, and stood to make pretty good bucks to pay for what I wanted to keep for myself (which includes a new MacBook Air laptop, a Roomba (much better than they used to be), a new iPad with a screen up to my current 4K standards (!), and more. Best, I got Ron a Dell 15.6 inch laptop with exc specs for only 249.99 (very limited quantity and they said they would not restock until the next week). He liked the idea of getting three bargain priced Amazon Dot units to give as Christmas gifts, and the larger version called Echo for me. Look up the Amazon Dot and Echo as they are innovative techie pieces which you might want to treat yourself to. WELL IT IS OBVIOUS THAT I HAVE NOT FOLLOWED THROUGH WITH MY TITLE!! I have been taking too many “detours”.
SOOOOO….I will simply say this. Just go to your nearest Best Buy store (I chose Concord Pike to save on sales tax) and grab an Epson 5040UB video projector. Charge it, you have nothing to lose and it can be returned as late as January 15th no questions asked. WHY do I say this? This projector is hands down the greatest projector I have ever come across and I am comparing it to machines twice the price and close to comparing it to the 15,000.00 Sony 4K projector. The Epson is a “big baby” at 25 pounds and with a large footprint. It is white, has automatic zoom with an amazing range taking you from a small picture to ultra large, automatic focusing, and automatic lens shift that moves the picture side to side so you don’t have to get up or touch the projector. Has a large, very easy to navigate, and lighted remote too. IF you want 3D, you are on your own for glasses. Best Buy is useless there and could neither demo 3D or supply glasses. The glasses are the active type and are relatively low priced at 34.95 each, which also gives you “rechargeability". The brightness is 2,500 lumens, about TWICE my Optoma’s. Bulbs last for 5K hours and are only 199.99 to replace.
The important factors: 1-It produces a picture so sharp it could CUT you 2-It runs quiet and needs no fanned cool down time 3-The colors are brilliant and perfect and that is right out of the box with no adjustments 4-It will convert 2D to 3D, which I am a fan of, but haven’t tested that feature yet 5-It does deep blacks nearly as good as the OLED LG TV. Now I can say it and mean it: UNBELIEVABLE!! In fact, the following DVDs on it put my wonderful 78 inch Samsung to shame. A-STANDARD DVD of “Can-Can”. UNBELIEVABLE. Extremely sharp, no background noise, color that pops. B-“Gypsy”, the blu ray. UNBELIEVABLE. It looks like a brand new movie and is flawless. C-Meet Me In St. Louis blu ray. Blew me away with it’s ultra fine quality and the sound has NEVER been like this with rich deep bass, etc. D-Lanza’s “For the First Time”. Most of Mario’s movies have been given poor treatment and are simply transfers from exhisting 35MM prints. The scene early on where Mario is walking “incognito” and then surrounded by fans is SO bright and lifelike, you’d nearly think he came back to life to re-do this film. UNBELIEVABLE! I made it to letter “P”, which means I watched bits and pieces of all my favorite standard and blu ray musicals on DVD, and was very, very favorably impressed from a title as old as the standard "The Jolson Story" to a title as late (!) as “Sparkle”.
So, R U going to take my word for it? If not, stop by and I will demo any and all DVDs you want to bring here. I’m approaching “three o’clock in the morning” and started typing this 45 minutes ago, so must stop. If you need more encouragement it comes with a TWO YEAR warranty! Try to see Warren Henderson if you are local. He works long hours and will give you the same faithful attention he gave me. Do tell him that Sam sent you!
cinematically,
Sam
PS. Did anyone notice I didn’t even mention TRUE 4K DVDs? That should be the ultimate proof of the pudding since “Great Gatsby”, “Pan”, and others are stunning. YET, the non 4Ks are so well upscaled by both projector and blu ray player that the true 4Ks will not be as impressive as they once were. That’s not a bad thing since there are still only about 60 titles available and they are always higher priced.
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Ed to Fred
11-25-2016
08:31 AM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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I find it interesting that both Fritz Wunderlich and Sergio Franchi's widows were named Eva, sadly Fritz died about ten years after he married, his passing a great loss. I have a beautiful Christmas card and letter from Eva Franchi.
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Kristine
11-25-2016
05:38 AM ET (US) IP: 173.169.36.195
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Florence Henderson, RIP.
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Kristine
11-25-2016
05:37 AM ET (US) IP: 173.169.36.195
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Hope everyone had a Happy Thanksgiving ! Sad news: Florence Henderson passed away at 82. She was well known for "The Brady Bunch" but had a career in operetta and Broadway Musicals. She was in movie version of "Song Of Norway" in 1969 and was once a co-host on the "Today Show". She was in Broadway production of "Fanny"(which I think,co-starred Ezio Pinza)and was in a revival of "South Pacific" co-starring Giorgio Tozzi(whose voice was dubbed in for Rossano Brazzi, in movie version of "South Pacific"). Now unto Christmas. Does anyone know what songs are on new CD of Mario Lanza ?
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Martino
11-24-2016
12:40 PM ET (US) IP: 104.255.4.145
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Wishing everyone a safe and Happy Thanksgiving!!
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Bill Ronayne
11-24-2016
11:04 AM ET (US) IP: 24.185.122.235
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Happy Thanksgiving to all! Best, Bill
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diane cox
11-24-2016
10:51 AM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.239
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Happy Thanksgiving all.
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Gail Swartz
11-23-2016
10:56 PM ET (US) IP: 204.29.186.61
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Happy Thanksgiving to all. My favorite Mario movie is Serenade, my best listening cds are Encore and songbook. I love reading the booklets about Mario and the selections on each of the cds. Waiting for the newest cd to be available. Mario will always have a following because teachers of singing will have their students listen to him...so in essence Mario is teaching. Keep well and safe this holiday.
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Fred Day
11-23-2016
06:34 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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I read that Eva Wunderlich, the widow of the great Fritz Wunderlich, passed away 3 days ago, on Nov 20th, age slightly shy of 82. Last Sept 17th was the 50th anniversary of the death of Fritz. They were married in 1956 - he died in 1966. Rest in Peace. Happy Thanksgiving to all. Ciao.
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Ed to Suzanne
11-23-2016
05:26 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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That is my favorite album, I always enjoy it. This is the first Thanksgiving in 41 years the whole family won't be in my home we are going to Jersey to eat with Kevin and our future daughter in law. I wish you and your family a blessed Thanksgiving.
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Suzanne
11-23-2016
10:11 AM ET (US) IP: 74.79.58.35
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Listening this morning to "Mario!" while making stuffing and pie. Blessed Thanksgiving to all of us here, who love Mario's music as much as I do. Kristine, if you ever see a Mario calendar, please let us all know.
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Kristine
11-23-2016
06:59 AM ET (US) IP: 173.169.36.195
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I remember The Grand March from "Aida", in final scene from "For The First Time". When I was shopping at Wal-Mart, yesterday, I noticed Celebrity Calendars. Sometimes, it can be a Marilyn Monroe calendar or Elvis. I wonder if anyone ever thought of a Mario Lanza Calendar ? Happy Thanksgiving !
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diane cox
11-22-2016
12:22 PM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.239
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Enjoyed the Ah mes amis, Ed. Glad you mentioned it here.
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Ed to Fred
11-22-2016
08:25 AM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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Fred, check out his performance of Ah mes Ami live version I think it wonderful.
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Gail Swartz
11-21-2016
09:22 PM ET (US) IP: 204.29.186.54
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Found...Dmitry Korchak....nice voice...notice d he took liberties with the music .
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Fred Day
11-21-2016
08:59 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Ed: Thanks, I'll check him out on youtube. Reminds me of Kolchak, the Night Stalker, played by Darren McGavin. Ciao. Chak.
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Ed to Fred
11-21-2016
06:58 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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Fred, I found the name of that Russian tenor I spoke to you about by phone. His name is Dmitry Korchak, I found him on Google he is popular.
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Jim Thompson
11-19-2016
02:36 PM ET (US) IP: 67.83.112.135
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Wow, post a message and you forget some important things you want to say. Following my last post I think my head was bothered by some arthritis and so here goes...again! I forgot the important segments from The Great Caruso: the Vesti la giubba, Ave Maria and the sextette. Any Others?
And from FTFT the magnificent Vesti, and the real Otello death scene to clear up my mistake in the previous post.
By the way I just watched an almost 25 minute Life of Bjorling on the channel and that bring up the idea of seeing if that British fellow who spoke so well about Mario's art could translate that along with other serious film/tape discussions of Lanza into a solid presentation. I don't have the time to spend chasing down the channel even in person to see if something could be accomplished like the Bjorling piece. That, by the way, was all in black and white but the sound was good. Brought back the memories of hearing Jussi in concert at the Academy of Music in Philly in 1957.
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Jim Thompson
11-19-2016
10:10 AM ET (US) IP: 67.83.112.135
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Good morning, Martino. A few months ago I emailed CAS and suggested they check with Turrner (TMC) on the chance of being able to present full arias and song segments from Mario's movies. I did not get a response.
I was thinking of Celeste Aida from TMK, Granada and The Lord's Prayer from BYM, Otello death scene, Nessun Dorma, Lamento di Federico, M'appari, Serenade (the song) Ave Maria, all from Serenade.
I have seen CAS present the two songs from The Christopher show. They could also show some of the interview as they do in other cases. Let us see what happens, if anything, and hope for the best. HAPPY THANKSGIVING EVERYONE!
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Martino to Jim
11-19-2016
09:48 AM ET (US) IP: 74.221.144.5
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I emailed the Arts Channel several years ago asking for more Mario Lanza (and other singers) clips to be shown and to make a guide available on line so we have an idea of what is coming up. They did not address Lanza and the other singers in their response other to say that they are constantly trying to find new performances of classical music to show. They also said there were no plans at present for putting together a guide due to the brevity of each segment. I can understand their reluctance to prepare a daily guide and you have to watch the channel a bit to get a feel for their programming set up. For example, you will notice that Saturdays are far more geared towards operatic segments than other days of the week and often times a recital performance by a an opera singer is followed by a recorded live operatic stage excerpt. As far as Lanza is concerned, there are precious few live performances available to choose from and I assume any clip from his movies would be off limits to them. I have seen his Shower of Stars performances and his Christopher program several times but little else. I may have seen something from his London concert but that is a rarity. If Lanza's movies were made available to them I am sure they would play many more Lanza clips. Perhaps Derek or David Weaver might know the rules and how that can happen. Edited 11-19-2016 09:52 AM
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Ed
11-19-2016
08:34 AM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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Thanks so much Jim, I posted before coffee, I will email them today. I wish you and your family a blessed Thanksgiving. Ed
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Jim Thompson
11-19-2016
08:20 AM ET (US) IP: 67.83.112.135
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Ed, sorry, I should have put that in. Excitement clogs the brain?
Here it is: casmail@sbcglobal.net
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Ed to Jim
11-19-2016
07:29 AM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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Jim I've seen these two performances many times an love them. I wanted to email classical art. I searched them on Google but found no email address, do you have it? Ed
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Jim Thompson
11-18-2016
02:26 PM ET (US) IP: 67.83.112.135
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Hi all: I sent my preceding email at 9:14 am and this one is at 2:20 pm. I don't know if the one I sent this morning to Classical Arts played any part but about two hours ago there was Mario singing E Lucevan le Stelle from the second Chrysler followed by Someday!!I remember the thrill back in 1954 watching live on TV. I think all emails will be fruitful.
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Jim Thompson
11-18-2016
09:14 AM ET (US) IP: 67.83.112.135
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I'd like to suggest again, even though I did not get any response before, that to any of you across the country who receive Classical Arts Showcase on your Cable systems, to please send them an email suggesting they present much more Mario Lanza songs, arias and singing movie excerpts as they do with other singers. I only saw Mario one time and I immediately wrote them but, so far, to no avail.
It is an interesting channel with presentations such as one with Bryn Terfel in the studio recording songs from "Camelot". All the great artists be they current, old and ancient are presented. I think if all of us sent an email it might get Mario on too. Good luck to us all!
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Ed
11-18-2016
09:00 AM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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Fred, I remember Cavallaro playing piano in the Eddy Duchin Story, I still have some soundtracks from it. Power was cast as Eddy in film.
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Stephen of Las Vegas
11-18-2016
08:08 AM ET (US) IP: 70.173.12.131
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Fred: more information about Blue Tango at Wiki:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blue_Tango
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Fred Day
11-17-2016
08:59 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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One of my favorites by Carmen Cavallaro is Enlloro (Voodoo Moon), an intricate Afro-Cuban rhythm piece. He played it in the film Hollywood Canteen. That scene can be seen and heard on youtube, worth watching. Fantastic arrangement. He was my favorite pop pianist. Ciao.
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Fred Day
11-17-2016
08:42 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Ron: So who recorded Blue Tango as a vocal?? I do not recall. Another favorite is Leroy Anderson's Serenata, superbly sung by Sergio Franchi, and a fine piano rendition by Carmen Cavallaro. Ciao.
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Fred Day
11-17-2016
08:33 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Yes, Delicado - great song, big hit for Percy Faith orch, with Stan Freeman on harpsichord. Also recorded by pianist Jan August, and also the Three Suns. Ciao.
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diane cox
11-17-2016
06:52 PM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.239
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Ed, I remember it. Can't understand todays "music." Think my parents felt much the same about mine.
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Ed
11-17-2016
04:41 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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Anyone ever hear Delicado by Percy Faith. I remember mom watching Your Hit Parade I always thought it old fogy music. 60 years later I'm listening to Anna Netrebko
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Ed
11-17-2016
04:34 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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Yes, blue tango, I know the melody but never knew the name. Thanks
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diane cox
11-17-2016
04:17 PM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.239
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Went to utube - remember Blue Tango well, loved it. Just didn't know the name. Thanks Dennis, for a memory.
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Ronald Sarbo
11-17-2016
03:07 PM ET (US) IP: 74.66.130.108
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Mitchell Parish wrote the lyrics for "Blue Tango" as he did for Anderson's "Sleigh Ride".
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Sam Samuelian
11-17-2016
02:22 PM ET (US) IP: 98.115.185.89
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Haven't forgotten I OWE YOU all a report on the Ball and Pre-Ball. Just so, so, SO busy. After our annual Band Craft Show this weekend (where Anna and I will be selling her jewelry and my plush animated singing/dancing animals, incredible lamps hand crafted from musical instruments, musical instrument pins, motion lamps, even freebies), then I can relax a bit and put pen and ink to work. (Make that computer to work, lol!). For anyone in the area, the show is this Saturday, November 19th from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM. It is the Penncrest High School Band Craft Fair. There will be over 100 dealers with the most unique and interesting offerings. NO shopping malls will have anything like it. Plus there will be hot and cold food, much home-made, strolling music by the kids of the band, entertainment by yours truly, and much more. Stop by and say hello. Something for everyone of all ages. Some favorites: Hand carved wood crafts like trains, cars; Custom designed Christmas wreaths lit and unlit, pens encased with fancy artwork in silver, jewelry galore from one dollar to many hundreds in price, cornucopias made from chocolate and filled with Thanksgiving goodies, fashion accessories, candy dishes made of wine bottles that have been heated and pressed flat, and SO much more. No admission. Many items are "one-of-a-kind" so best to be there early. Stop and say hello! Look for the gigantic DRUM/sign on the corner.
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Ed
11-17-2016
01:38 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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I met Elaine several times at luncheons and thought her so friendly and gracious. I once asked her how close she was to Mario when they sang, she answered just a few feet away she could look in his eyes when he was singing. She praised him highly. I was introduced to Al Martino at the 50th anniversary here on Staten Island, I didn't find him that nice, boardering on rude,sadly he passed a week later.h Edited 11-17-2016 01:40 PM
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Fred Day
11-17-2016
11:45 AM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Elaine Malbin never guested on Lanza's Coke Show, but she did guest on Eddie Fisher's Coke Time show, twice I believe. On the first, she sang Gershwin's Summertime. On the second, she and Eddie sang a medley of Student Prince songs. Very nicely done. Eddie once sang Loveliest Night of the Year on Coke Time. Ciao.
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Fred Day
11-17-2016
11:36 AM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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The last recording of Kay Starr, to my knowledge, was a duet with Tony Bennett on the song Blue And Sentimental, in 2001. Nicely done. By the way, Jan Peerce also recorded Here In My Heart, but that was years later, around 1964. Ciao.
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Fred Day
11-17-2016
11:20 AM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Diane: You can hear Blue Tango on youtube. Lyrics were written for it several months later. I forget who wrote the lyrics, or who sang it on records. David or Ronald might know who. I used to sing it, years ago. Lovely song. Ciao.
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diane cox
11-17-2016
10:40 AM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.239
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David - "Cry" was one of my very favorites. Saw Johnnie Ray on the Sullivan show. Roy Orbison recorded it later. Sort of remember the title "Blue Tango" but cannot put words or music to that memory. I'm one of those people that don't remember lyrics that well.
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Ronald Sarbo
11-17-2016
10:01 AM ET (US) IP: 74.66.130.108
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While Lanza did not record "Here In My Heart" Al Martino still faced cover versions from Tony Bennett, Vic Damone, Alan Dale as well as Dick Haymes with the Andrews Sisters.
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Ed to David
11-17-2016
08:42 AM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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David, we all know Al would never have gotten that #1 if Mario had chosen not to give it to him. What clunkers people listened to Doggie in the window, Rock and Roll Waltz and Wayward Wind then Elvis came along, thank God
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David Weaver
11-16-2016
11:48 PM ET (US) IP: 98.31.1.186
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FYI, Diane, the record that was #1 before Starr was Johnnie Ray's "Cry." The record that followed her at #1 was Leroy Anderson and "Blue Tango"(which ultimately was the #1 record for the entire year), and that in turn was followed by Al Martino and "Here in My Heart."
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diane cox
11-16-2016
06:06 PM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.239
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David - Interesting. I didn't remember her that far back. The older I get, the more time is compressed. In 52, I was 13, and into music on the radio. Often listened to the "Hit Parade" and classical shows on Sun - was there one called "Orchids to You"?
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Kristine
11-16-2016
05:46 PM ET (US) IP: 173.169.36.195
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Gail, yes, I know Debbie Reynolds, Rosemary Clooney, Kitty Kallen were guests on his radio show. I know he didn't have other male singers , not even, his friend, Andy Russell as guest vocalists.
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Gail Swartz
11-16-2016
04:39 PM ET (US) IP: 204.29.186.65
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According to Bill Ronayne's booklet about the ML Show....Kay Starr was not a guest performer. Did you know that Debbie Reynolds was ? She was heard on June 20 of 52 . None of the guests sang with ML. Another note...He did not have a male guest performer, ever !The recording log is mind boggling!I have been on YT watching Mario and other tenors sing the same selections side by side...Mario could hold his own and bettered their efforts. The comments in most cases were from overseas...made me teary as they praised The Voice of The One Tenor.
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David Weaver
11-16-2016
02:30 PM ET (US) IP: 156.63.68.226
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Kay Starr's biggest hit, "Wheel of Fortune," was #1 for nine weeks in the spring of 1952, at same time Mario's radio show was on the air.
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diane cox
11-16-2016
10:44 AM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.239
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Kristine - Giselle McKinsey was the main guest on the Lanza shows. Once someone filled in for her a week, but can't remember who, just now. Pretty sure Kay Starr came later in the 50s.
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Kristine
11-15-2016
07:05 PM ET (US) IP: 173.169.36.195
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A mural of jazz guitarist Eddie Lang was unveiled in his hometown of Philadelphia. He was born Salvatore Massaro in Philly and was friends with Bing Crosby and violinist Joe Venuti. Sadly, Eddie Lang passed away from complications , due to a tonsillectomy in 1933. We lost 1930's crooner Russ Columbo and Eddie Lang, too soon.
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Kristine
11-15-2016
07:02 PM ET (US) IP: 173.169.36.195
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I know Kay Starr passed away at 94. Did she ever appear on Mario Lanza's Coca Cola Radio Show ? What are the songs on new Mario Lanza CD ?
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Olga Lisovskaya
11-15-2016
03:06 PM ET (US) IP: 73.142.132.253
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It is wonderful to hear so many people were touched by Mario Lanza's art! Our president and founder of Talents of the World, Inc. heard Mario sing in one of his movies, and a desire to become a singer, a tenor, was born! Placido Domingo and Luciano Pavarotti also speak of being inspired by that golden voice. So, if you are in either Peabody, MA or Brookline, MA area, come to hear a tribute to the Legend, performed beautifully by three amazing tenors. Here is more info: www.TalentsOfTheWorld.tix.com
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Ec
11-15-2016
11:35 AM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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Dennis, yes my great uncle was an Italian American and also my hero when growing up, he brought Mario into my life at 15. My dad gave me Jolson whom I still love today, mom who sang gave me Mr. Sinatra.
Let me borrow your phrase Grazie Mario and Bravo I cannot think of a more humble thing to say.
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Jim Thompson
11-15-2016
11:24 AM ET (US) IP: 67.83.112.135
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As I was born outside of the country due to my father's work. I didn't come to the States until I was thirteen. I went nuts for the voice of Al Jolson after seeing the first of his 2 biographical movies. And so I tried to imitate him by trying singing in his lower keys. As my mother said if I had heard Mario first I might have been a tenor! The Lanza voice captivated me after seeing his first movie and then the records came.
I've written here before about the years of broadcasting his music and interviewing his family, associates and friends over many years. Lately I've pulled out different CD's and played them for myself in the car as opposed to having my wife listening to some of this in house. I cannot emphasize enough the disbelief of listening to poor diction from famous and praised singers leaving me annoyed and IMMEDIATELY turning to Mario hear (with minor exceptions) perfect pronunciation of English, Latin, Italian, Italian dialects and two Spanish songs.
I was listening to Thomas Hampson, Renee Fleming and Bryn Terfel as 3 current examples. Beautiful sounds and, for the most part, lovely interpretations but....but.
There is a young woman who sings at Mass on Sundays...lovely voice but I cannot understand a word. Today's pop singers or the culture that's out there, leaves me almost totally cold.
Teachers and coaches who seem to only worry about projection and breathing etc. do a disservice to the singer in ignoring pronunciation.
As I've often said: "Grazie, Mario. Bravo!"
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diane cox
11-15-2016
11:05 AM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.239
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My neighbor down the street, who was also my piano teacher took us to see TGC. Then I found the Coke show on the radio - two different nights on two different stations. Listened in the dark, no one could see my tears.
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Martino to Dennis
11-15-2016
09:04 AM ET (US) IP: 74.221.144.5
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As I have said here many times, it was my father that introduced me to opera, Italian song and good music in general. Mario Lanza was a logical extension of this.
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Dennis
11-15-2016
02:30 AM ET (US) IP: 73.170.201.215
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Over the years, many of us have recollected when we first discovered Mario and fell in love with his voice. Ed's post makes me ask a new question: How many of you were introduced to Mario by an older family member? I vaguely remember my mother remarking positively about Mario (although she was no great fan, never buying a record), but I discounted it as a boy because that kind of music was too "schmaltzy" for me. I liked church music or western music, but none of that love stuff.
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Suzanne
11-14-2016
11:45 AM ET (US) IP: 74.79.58.35
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Olga, things like this are always so wonderful to hear. Thanks for telling us.Wish they were appearing near our area.
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Ed to Kristine
11-14-2016
10:05 AM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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Kristine, our mom had all records and sang as good and perhaps a little better. When I was a young boy I remember our mom going to NYC and singing Joni's hit Why Don't You Believe Me for it may have been Decca or Columbia and was offered a contract but decided against it because dad was out of work again from severe war injuries and took work elsewhere for immediate and more pay, that was our mom. I remember her singing in the kitchen, my love of music comes from her for certain.
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Vincent Ricciardi
11-14-2016
09:00 AM ET (US) IP: 71.125.7.56
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For those of you who enjoy "Jekyll & Hyde" and "Phantom" you should check out my friend Michael Padgett. He's done quite a bit of work. He's even been the guest performer at a couple of the Mario Lanza Luncheons in NYC. He's performed in Jekyll & Hyde regionally and toured the Northeast in an Andrew Lloyd Webber Review where he performed "Music of the Night" each show. He has a wonderful rendition of it as well. You can visit his website's media page at the link below. I believe his recording of "Music of the Night" is on there as well as numerous live performances. I'm currently producing his first solo album. He's been in and out of my studio recording the album for couple of weeks now, and it's really going to be something. It's nice to hear a big, old-schoool, Broadway voice.
http://www.michaelpadgett.net/vidaud
Stephen, Michael and I are huge Anthony Warlow fans. For those looking for a glorious Broadway voice, his is one of the greatest legit Broadway-style voices of the last 30 years.
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Stephen of Las Vegas
11-14-2016
12:18 AM ET (US) IP: 70.173.12.131
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I like Anthony Warlow's voice very much in the songs he sings from Jekyll & Hyde and Phantom of the Opera. And Linda Eder in (her former husband Frank Wildhorn's) Jekyll & Hyde, the Scarlet Pimpernel and so much more of her popular singing. She won 11 straight weekly competitions in 1988 on Ed McMahon's "Star Search" to win that year's female vocal championship. Both available on Youtube, of course. I'm rather surprised at the fine sound quality that Youtube manages to produce. Also surprised how so much music manages to remain on that site even when I would think it's in violation of copyright. But I'm not complaining.
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Kristine
11-13-2016
09:58 PM ET (US) IP: 173.169.36.195
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I think Michael Crawford is a fan of Mario Lanza. I don't know if Barbra Streisand is a fan of Mario Lanza. I know she liked Joni James.
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Ed
11-13-2016
07:55 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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My favorite recording of Music Of The Night is by Michael Crawford and Barbra Streisand.
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Fred Day
11-13-2016
06:57 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Phantom Of The Opera (the musical) has been mentioned here occasionally. I am quite fond of Music Of The Night, particularly the recording by Rolando Villazon. Also nicely done by Mario Frangoulis and Alfie Boe. All I Ask Of You (from Phantom) is another favorite. And so is Empty Chairs At Empty Tables from Les Miserables. Fine songs. Ciao.
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Stephen of Las Vegas
11-12-2016
11:49 PM ET (US) IP: 70.173.12.131
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I've become rather fond of the Phantom of the Opera music over the past couple of years. I'm surprised I've never seen it mentioned here. There are many snippets on Youtube. The 25th anniversary performance at Royal Albert Hall in 2011 was captured on film and is available on DVD. I think there were 3 performances and the film was edited from all three performances. Also available on Hoopla. It and the 2004 film were on Netflix steaming a few months ago, but they tend to keep some items available for only a few months and then remove them. Sierra Boggess (pronounced with a short "o") performed in the 25th Anniversary and has a great voice, very fine actress, and very beautiful. She previously was on the Broadway production of the Little Mermaid. She must be a favorite "Christine" of Andrew Lloyd Webber's. Here is her performance at the 2012 Brit Awards, approximately a year after the 25th Anniversary performances. Her "phantom" partner is the same in both performances:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LSRNjnpM7y4
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Gail Swartz
11-12-2016
08:33 PM ET (US) IP: 204.29.186.54
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Someday this Alabama fan will make it to Philly!
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Bill Ronayne
11-12-2016
01:36 PM ET (US) IP: 24.185.126.201
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The Mario Lanza Institute's website has been updated to include some photos from the 2016 Ball Weekend. Go to the link below. You will also see a promo for the annual birthday remembrance party in January 2017. Click on the arrows about midway up or on the dots on the bottom to advance to the next photo. Best, Bill http://www.mariolanzainstitute.org/Edited 11-12-2016 01:38 PM
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Gail Swartz
11-11-2016
09:40 PM ET (US) IP: 204.29.186.58
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Thank you, thank you, Olga, for sharing this info. Wish I could have heard them give Mario the recognition he so richly deserved. The tenors did a credible rendition of O Sole Amio.
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Olga Lisovskaya
11-11-2016
09:25 PM ET (US) IP: 73.142.132.253
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Dear All! Talents of the World, an international concert organization, has been touring with their project: Three Tenors from Around the World - a tribute to the legendary Mario Lanza. The singers are soloists with the most prestigious opera houses in the world, including the Metropolitan Opera. The program is filled with opera arias, Neapolitan songs, operetta arias and popular songs - all from Mario Lanza's repertoire! They've been touring for the past two months all over the U.S., and the audiences are grateful for their great artistry and for keeping the memory of Mario Lanza alive! They will have two more concerts in Massachusetts - in Brookline and Peabody. Here is an excerpt from the concert at Mechanics Hall on October 2nd, 2016 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6r_qA5sg-HI If you are interested in attending, here is more info: www.TalentsOfTheWorld.tix.com.
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Joe
11-11-2016
02:14 PM ET (US) IP: 71.224.55.142
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Sepia Records is releasing another Mario Lanza CD on Feb 10, called "One Alone". Nice going Derek Mc Govern and his associates! Edited 11-11-2016 02:15 PM
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Ed
11-11-2016
12:12 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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Just listening to one of the Greatest Op cd by Mario, I wish that someone had the know how to insert Anna Netrebko's voice to a duet by Mario it would be great
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Suzanne
11-10-2016
04:34 PM ET (US) IP: 74.79.58.35
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Fred, didn't know Kay was still with us. Sorry to hear of her passing. Sam, better watch the overindulgence or you 'll be unable to give us the news. Bet it was fun at the time, though. Hope Sheena's ok, poor baby. Derek, I assume the documentary will need to be played on a Euro player which my son has. I've been hoping for an update. Look forward to it.Thanks.
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Sam Samuelian
11-10-2016
04:36 AM ET (US) IP: 98.115.185.89
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All:
Bill's photo of the triumphant competition vocalists and the always incredible Mr. Housner were a reminder that I must get in gear on the Pre-Ball and Ball articles. I still have some missing pieces (read peoples names) and video to review, plus we had an emergency last night with our little Pomeranian Sheena whose mouth was swollen and was bleeding. A bad tooth nearly fell out itself and the meds were expensive (read 290.00), plus my over indulgence in food has resulted in a sour stomach for days, often to the point of writhing pain. For weeks I have been burning the candle at both ends and that has resulted in my having a hard time keeping my eyes open. However, last night after voting I rallied and went out to celebrate with the fervent hope that all of us and our country will succeed. I'm getting ready for two musical stops tonight and want to stretch myself with not only "new" music but music pertinent to my feelings. For example, last night I sang "What I Did For Love", a duet with myself of the great Cole Porter's "Well Did You Evah?", "The Greatest Love of All", and tonight I'm shooting for Paul Anka's "You Are My Destiny"!!
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Fred Day
11-09-2016
06:50 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Pop singer Kay Starr died on Nov 3rd, age 94. Rest in Peace. Ciao.
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Fred Day
11-09-2016
05:58 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Derek: Thanks for the info - I was thinking of the August 1950 Because & For You Alone. Looking forward to the CD, next year. Ciao. Bill: Thanks for the info. So the winner is a tenor. He must be very good!! Ciao.
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Derek Mannering
11-09-2016
10:26 AM ET (US) IP: 69.209.231.87
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Hi Fred, yes, I hope to have a few new-to-CD tracks on the compilation, but I'm still sorting that out with Sony so bear with me on this for now. Keep in mind, too, that we've almost drained the well of this material in the Lanza archives, the Coke Show recordings especially. We've had a great run with these selections for almost 60 years since Mario's passing, so we can't complain. The Coke Show "Because," incidentally, is on Jeff's CD "I'll See You In My Dreams" and also on the 2-disc BMG release "The Definitive Collection."
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Bill Ronayne
11-09-2016
09:12 AM ET (US) IP: 75.250.25.207
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Tenor,soprano,baritone and tenor.
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Fred Day
11-09-2016
02:50 AM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Derek Mannering: I hope the upcoming BMG/RCA CD will include a few "new to CD" tracks, such as: Softly As In a Morning Sunrise (Coke Show)(not yet on a BMG CD); The Hills of Home (broadcast take), Coke Show: Be My Love, Because, Lord's Prayer, and perhaps Mattinata and Marechiare. And, perhaps the 1957 version of Loveliest Night of the Year. Any of these?? Ciao.
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Fred Day
11-09-2016
02:27 AM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Bill R: I presume the lady is a soprano. As for the 3 gentlemen, what are their voices?? Tenor, baritone, and bass?? Which is which?? Curious. Ciao.
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Bill Ronayne
11-08-2016
04:41 PM ET (US) IP: 24.185.117.172
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The Mario Lanza Institute would like to thank everyone that attended the 2016 Mario Lanza Ball Weekend to show their support for the mission of the Institute as well as their love of Mario Lanza including fans from Canada, Germany, Russia and throughout the United States. Pictured are music director and accompanist Luke Housner, 3rd place winner Roy Hage, 4th place winner Rebecca Gulinello, 2nd place winner Johnathan McCullough and first place winner Matthew White. Congratulations to the scholarship winners! Best, Bill
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Dennis
11-07-2016
06:14 PM ET (US) IP: 73.170.201.215
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Sam, I sympathize. My wife has the same response with some "treasures" of mine like board games, 40 years old, in pristine condition, which I am just sure I will play any day now (been saying that for decades). Anyhow, I was impressed with your shoes. I thought with the soft leather soles that bowling shoes have, they may be good for dancing as well, but it looks like yours have nothing to do with bowling. Take care, my friend.
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Sam Samuelian
11-07-2016
03:56 PM ET (US) IP: 98.115.185.89
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Bought them from Amazon.com years ago when I was trying to keep up with a buddy who used to wear a different pair of outrageous shoes every Saturday night when Anna and I and our girlfriends would join him for excellent dining, music, and of course we sang. I have at least a dozen pairs with variety that have yet to touch my feet! My wife says "put them on eBay"!
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Dennis
11-07-2016
03:04 PM ET (US) IP: 73.170.201.215
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Sam, last time I saw shoes like that I was renting them at the bowling alley where I worked! Where did you get them?
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Suzanne
11-07-2016
01:56 PM ET (US) IP: 74.79.58.35
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Thanks, Sam. Lucky you. Keep it coming. Ed, listening to "My Buddy" a few days ago. Such a poignant song. No one but Mario sings it for me.
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Sam Samuelian
11-07-2016
11:58 AM ET (US) IP: 98.115.185.89
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 MY "I COULD HAVE DANCED ALL NIGHT" SHOES WORN TO 2016 LANZA PRE AND BALL I may be tired and the new shoes may show some wear but it matters not! (And this photo doesn't matter which way it sits). Edited 11-07-2016 11:59 AM
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Sam Samuelian
11-07-2016
10:45 AM ET (US) IP: 98.115.185.89
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If you have any friends who only read the Lanza Legend site, please urge them to come here for the reports and graphics to follow. My posts were deleted by Marlene. It is a real pity that politics and past ugliness are still driving her to act this way. She keeps the memory alive by continuing to run the site Bob, Damon, and she started so long ago. But she is also cheating herself, her following, and Mario. God Bless Us Everyone, Sam
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Sam Samuelian
11-07-2016
10:42 AM ET (US) IP: 98.115.185.89
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Meet Filiz and Denise (I couldn't make that up!). First time attendees, they are girlfriends who were invited to the Ball by their friend who is a Cocozza. The Cocozzas were in full force for the 2016 55th Annual Mario Lanza Ball. I became a Cocozza for a night!
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Sam Samuelian
11-07-2016
10:31 AM ET (US) IP: 98.115.185.89
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THE LOVELIEST NIGHT OF THE YEAR GOT EVEN LOVELIER! TOP KUDOS TO BILL, JEANETTE, THE BOARD AND ALL WHO WORKED SO HARD TO MAKE THIS ONE OF THE MOST FUN AND MEMORABLE MARIO LANZA BALLS IN RECENT MEMORY. I WILL BE WORKING ON A FULL REPORT AND HAVE STILLS AND VIDEO COVERING THE MAJORITY OF THE EVENT. JUST A QUICK SAMPLE THAT SPEAKS VOLUMES, A FAVORITE SHOT OF LYNN GAGLIARDI AND YOURS TRULY (THAT WILL PROBABLY COME OUT SIDEWAYS BUT, MARTINO, I AM NOT TECHNICALLY GOOD ENOUGH TO CORRECT THIS).
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Kristine
11-07-2016
07:00 AM ET (US) IP: 173.169.36.195
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Joe Feeney was a fan of Mario Lanza and would pay tribute to him, sometimes, on "The Lawrence Welk Show".
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Ed to Martino
11-06-2016
04:50 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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One other phrase stands out to me like the one from Boheme, the cadenza from La Donna e Mobile. I recall Joe Feeney singing My Buddy on Lawrence Welk, he had a beautiful voice but didn't grab you like Lanza. Lanza's voice had it all.
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Fred Day
11-06-2016
04:39 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Martino: Jose Carreras said it quite well, in an interview with Linz Perigo, some years ago. I don't recall his exact words, but here is the gist of what he said: "When I go to hear a singer, I'm not interested to hear great technique. I want to hear feeling, emotion, warmth, passion, and soul. One who expresses what the words mean. That is why I love Di Stefano and Lanza, and also Frank Sinatra." Amen. Ciao.
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Martino to Ed/Sam
11-06-2016
12:30 PM ET (US) IP: 104.255.7.178
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Ed, Joseph Calleja is a very fine singer and I don't mean to diminish him in the least. Some people believe he could be the best tenor in the world right now and who am I to disagree? The phrase in "Che Gelida Manina" you point out is an important one and Lanza did make the most of it. When we compare a very fine singer such as Joseph and then Lanza in this phrase (and the entire aria for that matter), it is easy to see why Mario is still revered today in some of the highest vocal circles. Sam, all I can recommend is going back to your photo file, click on the inverted picture and copy it to photo shop, paint or some other photo software. Turn the picture around by using the arrows and copy or send it to your library that way. Then save it to your photo files and attach it as a download. That should work, at least it is worth a try. Sounds and looks like you had a great time. Good for you!! Edited 11-06-2016 12:31 PM
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Sam Samuelian
11-06-2016
10:54 AM ET (US) IP: 98.115.185.89
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This is a near "Selfie"taken holding my iPhone 6S (with vintage radio cover) while waving into the mirror! My garb included black formal pants, retro black and white oversized shoes, black long sleeve shirt with new design expanding collar for ultimate comfort, black bow tie, "Mad Hatter" red hat, hand made necklace of sterling silver setting holding a natural stone which looks just like a lovely landscape, a black and silver ring, marcasite embedded ring, deluxe RCA 44BX recording microphone pin in lapel (the very mic Mario and Frank Sinatra choose to use to record with), and underneath colored, patterned boxer shorts!
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Sam Samuelian
11-06-2016
10:24 AM ET (US) IP: 98.115.185.89
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Sorry that the images are sideways. I have a hard time twisting my head these days. If Martino or someone can tell me how to correct them I shall. The title for my report will be taken from the great Irving Berlin songbook. It is "The Song Has Ended But The Melody Lingers On".
PS. It may be possible to be admitted to the Ball (at the Doubletree Hotel on Broad Street in Philadelphia across from the Kimmel Center) which starts with cocktail hour at 5 PM that includes open bar and plenty of appetizers both on table and butlered and then continues with the formal Ball in the grand Ballroom directly through the doors. Includes full sit down meal, instrumental and vocal music by the fine Tony Dee Orchestra, performances by the scholarship finalists accompanied with piano, hosted by our (and Mario's) Elaine Malbin, a door prize, raffle, and much more. Plase check with one of the board members like Jeanette Frese and Bill Ronayne on this. And by all means come and say hello, I'll be the one with the white and black shoes, black Mad Hatter hat, and "Ball" jewelry!!
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Sam Samuelian
11-06-2016
10:14 AM ET (US) IP: 98.115.185.89
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Dottie Todaro, long time board member with a personality that far exceeds her diminutive size!
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Sam Samuelian
11-06-2016
10:12 AM ET (US) IP: 98.115.185.89
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 GREAT MARIO LANZA PRE-BALL EVENT LAST NIGHT NOVEMBER 5, 2016. Just a quick note to tell everyone that I went to the fine Estia Greek Restaurant in Philadelphia with Mario's cousin Carole Shea's brother Al Gagliardi and his lovely wife Lynn. From start to finish it was a wonderful event that everyone loved. Bill did a captivating video presentation on Serenade and I took along my original Lanza blue jacket from that period which I enhanced by adding a cardboard cutout of his head, hands, and a ruffled white shirt with cufflinks and red bowtie. During the last third men and women alike crowded around wanting to have their photographs taken holding the "Magic Mario". Let's see if I can successfully attach two images of two young girls doing just that. I also have full notes, the menu, 8 by 10 cards the cute bartender named Sam (actually Samantha!) gave me to allow all attendees to fill out their names, where they came from, contact info, and comments. I have recordings and video from the entire night and will compose a full report. I may be able to make a DVD of it if the footage came out good enough. Can't wait for the ball, which is only hours away! Best always, Sam Edited 11-06-2016 10:13 AM
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Ed to Martino
11-06-2016
09:22 AM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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I just listened to Calleja sing Che Gelida Marina on YT. I heard a very high pitched voice there. Not hearing him before my true test were lyrics "talor dal mio forziere" did not have what I usually consider god given by Lanza, I recall Linz saying how he loved this line by Lanza.
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Kristine
11-06-2016
05:56 AM ET (US) IP: 173.169.36.195
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Bobby Vee, RIP. He had Alzheimer's Disease. Glen Campbell is now in advanced stages of it. I'm sorry to hear it.
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Kristine
11-06-2016
05:47 AM ET (US) IP: 173.169.36.195
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Mario Lanza also sang "The Donkey Serenade" and I wondered if Allan Jones, who , originally, sang it, liked Lanza's rendition and was he a fan of Mario Lanza ? His son, Jack Jones was a popular vocalist in late '50's -'60's. I'm facebook friends with Jack. Talk show host, Larry King(who also liked Mario Lanza)once said he couldn't understand why Jack Jones didn't receive major stardom, he had good looks, a good singing voice, even Frank Sinatra said Jack was one of his favorite singers. Jack Jones did sing the theme song for "The Love Boat" t.v. series.
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Gail Swartz
11-06-2016
12:48 AM ET (US) IP: 204.29.186.64
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Martin, you are so right. Thank you for your thoughts. Mario had it all, and for that we should help the music lovers discover or rediscover his gifted talent of tenor-singing..maybe out there is a budding singer that will bless hearts and ears the way Mario has for us.
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Martino to Gail
11-05-2016
07:27 PM ET (US) IP: 104.255.7.178
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Gail, you mentioned some things in your post that makes one think about what exactly is "great singing", beautiful music, beautiful singing, beautiful voices? Here is a question to ponder - when we say a voice is "beautiful" are we really talking about the quality of the sound striking our ears, or is it beautiful singing that we hear? The two are very different. What constitutes and defines "beautiful"? I believe when we always speak of Mario Lanza's "beautiful" voice, we are actually talking about a combination of the two - a beautiful way to sing and a beautiful natural voice. The tone of the Lanza voice, its smooth rhythm, perfect vibrato, perfect placement, sensuousness in character, and many other vocal characteristics are all evident with every song or aria we hear him sing. But there have been many singers in the past who did not possess all these qualities yet whose singing was so great and astonishing that we quickly deem their voice to be "beautiful", when in fact, it was the singing that was beautiful.
In the league of tenors we can name many beautiful singers in the vocal sense besides Lanza, such as Bjorling, Carreras, Wunderlich, DiStefano and others. Then there are singers such as Corelli, Kraus, Bergonzi, Gedda, and more recently Kaufmann, Florez, Calleja, to name a few, whose natural instruments did not sound "beautiful" in the ways the first group sounded but who sang at such a high level that we automatically peg them as having "beautiful voices". Sopranos are no different and we need look no further than Maria Callas as the best example.
Speaking of Joseph Calleja, lets use him as an example and compare his "Che Gelida Manina" with that of Mario Lanza (the 1949 RCA recording of course), which is an exercise I have done before. As good as Joseph is I can't help but feel indifferent to the way he actually sounds. He is a great artist and that artistry comes through in everything he does but I am left cold because the voice does not have the element of intrinsic beauty, especially when comparing him to Lanza, yet most people will say Joseph has a "beautiful" voice. Do they really mean the voice is beautiful or is it the singing that is beautiful? Every note Calleja sings is perfect, well tuned and well thought out and you know exactly what to expect from note to note; there will be no mistakes, no surprises. But that is the problem - there is no element of danger, no abandonment, no recklessness that makes the tenor voice unique and exciting. The notes are never held a beat longer than they should. Most of all, add it up and it translates to no flaws but no vocal passion either.
La Boheme pulls at the heart strings more than any other opera and if you are not in tears at the final "Mimi!,Mimi!" the tenor has not done his job, no matter how precise his singing may be. With Che Gelida Manina, Calleja gives a text book rendition (you can hear it on youtube) but it is as though he is reading from that text book rather than using it as a guide, tossing it aside and letting his inner self and his heart take over. This is what Lanza did, not only with this aria but with everything he sang. It was this that added to and complimented his natural vocal attributes that augmented the beauty of the voice that reached our ears.
With Calleja, hard as he tries, the voice simply lacks that beauty, leaving it without body and soul. There is almost something clinical, even sterile in the way he sounds, proficient though he may be in how he creates that sound. It is high level singing and exemplary technique and we are astonished by its perfection - it is beautiful singing without question but IS what we hear really beautiful?
The first group of tenors I mentioned all had certain traits in common and this explanation by C.W. Robinson, hits the mark, especially as it pertains to Mario Lanza: "Most attractive singers have a bright, speech-like quality in their voices. We don't have any trouble understanding the words they are singing. Their sound reaches out and grabs us. Teachers draw that out of singers by talking about projection, or singing forward, etc. But the voices that really melt us also have a quality of depth to them. There is something that makes us feel like the sound is coming from the bottom of their souls. The brightness in their voices speaks out to us, while the depth is drawing us in."
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Gail Swartz
11-05-2016
06:25 PM ET (US) IP: 204.29.186.52
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Just learned that the University of Mobile is presenting "The Gondoliers" The troop is made up of student and faculty, and is always professionally staged and performed. I can count on a great production. Some of the former students have embarked on professional musical careers.... check out the group 'Veritas', all classically trained. I regularly remind them that Mario recorded some of their music selections. They are quite aware of who Mario is and what he did for great singing and beautiful music.
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diane cox
11-05-2016
11:21 AM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.239
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Dennis - I think there is some rivalry between the local opera co. and the thought of HD for less. Used to attend the local productions, but why pay $45-$65 to see less accomplished singers when you can see the world's best for $23.Part of the reason the young people don't attend is the geographical area - the South. And it's not promoted much - the theatre manager told me he has no budget for the opera productions. I wrote a couple letters of support to the editor the first year. Must say the attendance at the local productions is also over 50 - very few young people.
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Kristine
11-05-2016
07:15 AM ET (US) IP: 173.169.36.195
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Does anyone know what songs will be on new Mario Lanza CD ? UCLA Film and TV Archives(UCLA, Los Angeles)is having a look back at Joan Blondell's movies. It would be great if they would show Mario Lanza's movies as a retrospect.
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Ed
11-04-2016
10:28 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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I'm as happy as everyone at the prospect of a new release in 2017. I have always thought as they've said the can is empty. My hope is for one as good as the last four, I wish there some different takes to hear.
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Dennis
11-04-2016
03:38 PM ET (US) IP: 73.170.201.215
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Diane, that is sad news about your experience. It was hoped that the big screen approach (so dear to the heart of movie-addicted millennials) and the closeups would erase some barriers to young people investigating opera. In our theatre, the HD broadcasts are twice as expensive as regular movies. Is that true in your area? The price hike might turn away a lot of young viewers, not because they don't have the money (they do), but why would they spend so much more on something they don't know if they will like? Too bad. I hoped this approach would attract more young people. My local opera company tickets are about a third more expensive than HD, but there are still young people. Maybe the experience of dressing up a bit, hearing a live performance, a smallish theatre (325) is a draw? Would love to find out before opera dies along with its over-60 patrons and Mario disappears for this reason even as he has been diminished because the type of songs he sang are no longer in vogue.
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Jim Thompson
11-03-2016
01:19 PM ET (US) IP: 67.83.112.135
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Wonderful update, Derek! I can imagine the audience response as I recall the enthusiasm by those of us at Grant Park in Chicago when Richard Leech performed his Lanza tribute some years ago. We will be anxiously awaiting the U.K. doc and the Sony CD. Continued success to you, Ellisa and Bobby on your ambassadorship of the Lanza Legacy.
Martino: I had to call my wife to read your response! She's been using the "dumbing of America" phrase and got a kick out of your use!
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Suzanne
11-03-2016
12:47 PM ET (US) IP: 74.79.58.35
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Derek, how wonderful.. Looking forward to the new releases. Joe, I know that Sam is and I'll be there in spirit.
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Derek Mannering
11-03-2016
12:24 PM ET (US) IP: 69.209.231.87
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I had the pleasure of attending another sell-out tribute to Mario Lanza at Dublin's National Concert Hall on October 23rd. This was the 15th staging of "The Loveliest Night of the Year" and it was not hard to see why it remains Ellisa's favorite concert tribute to her father. Ellisa and her husband Bobby were also in attendance, as were many Lanza friends including Pam Latham and her daughter from the BMLS, John Rice and Donal Foley. Ellisa received thunderous applause from the packed house when she appeared on stage to thank the audience for their appreciation of Mario Lanza's great legacy. She is without question her father's finest ambassador.
I'm also pleased to report that there are two high-profile tributes in Mario's name currently in production, a new Lanza documentary from the U.K., and a special CD release from Sony coming in 2017. I'll post full details of both in the next month or so as soon as the projects are finalized.
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diane cox
11-03-2016
12:11 PM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.239
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Dennis - sad to report that in the several years I've been attending the HD broadcasts, I've seen only ONE person under 30. Most are over 60 - about half men and half women. We have from 35-50 each event.
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Martino
11-03-2016
09:37 AM ET (US) IP: 104.255.7.178
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Thanks to all that responded to my post. I originally wrote it a couple years ago in response to a discussion we were having about why younger people never heard of Mario Lanza, as well as so many other famous singers, actors and even world leaders that have helped shape American and world history. It was in no way intended to be a political statement but after hearing those first time voters fumbling so badly over questions pertaining to the history of their own country, I could not help but think that this "dumbing of America" could have adverse implications for our society beyond just not knowing the name Mario Lanza. It is far more serious than that.
Jim, your quote of John Kennedy is spot on, especially during these times. Kennedy's assertion will certainly be put to the test during the next few weeks.
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Jim Thompson
11-03-2016
08:18 AM ET (US) IP: 67.83.112.135
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Hello Martino. Your recent post is accurate, conforms with my beliefs and will be mocked by those who think that today is all there is and that history is just a word to be used as in "That's history".
In my 48 years of broadcasting on radio and television as a reporter, anchor and news director, I never encountered the deceptions and disregard for civility that we hear and see everyday in today's America. I am extremely fearful of what may come at us as a country after November 8th.
In this John Kennedy quote I find some hope: "...without debate, without criticism,no administration and no country can succeed-and no republic can survive."
Your well written piece should be able to be read by more folks than just this site. Thanks.
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Dennis
11-03-2016
02:39 AM ET (US) IP: 73.170.201.215
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Martino, I enjoyed your post and sadly must agree with most of it. What you neglected to mention are the limitations of trusting any Googled reference. Whereas encyclopedias (the "google" of my day) were vetted by scholars, the Wikipedia of today as well as innumerable web sites often contain erroneous information and the naive young person just swallows it. They have no context to distrust or question it. Very sad, indeed.
On a related note, my wife and I have been taking in a series of films, most made in the 30s and 40s, and we are often struck by the high quality of the acting and story line. Of course some are silly or incredible, but I doubt if any of them would be viewed by many young people since they are missing in special effects which seem to be so important in modern popular films.
Lest we get too discouraged, I can report that at my local opera house there are a healthy number of attenders under 30 at most performances. Healthy, of course, is around 10%. Considering the population size, however, this bodes well for a continuing interest in great singing such as Mario provided.
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Fred Day
11-02-2016
07:05 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Martino: As someone once said, "Those who don't know history are doomed to repeat it!!" Also, in a court of law, ignorance of the law is no excuse. Ciao.
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Fred Day
11-02-2016
06:58 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Ed: Yes, I agree, Hampson was and still is an excellent baritone. His voice may not have been quite as rich as, say, Warren, Merrill, MacNeil, or Bastianini, but still and all, he was superb. I particularly like his album of operatic duets with the late Jerry Hadley. Wonderful!! Ciao.
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Ed
11-02-2016
05:52 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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Martino, I recall that post which you just reposted, it really holds true now a little bit more than before. I think this attitude of "I don't care" is nurtured in the home and Google having all the answers, silly, my daughter is a high school English teacher with her masters well on the way to a doctorate whom like myself my wife and our other children did three hours of homework at night. I recall the 1960 debate with Kennedy and Nixon although I was 13 I pretty much understood their decorum which is left out currently. Whatever your choice is thats up to you, the world is watching and when a candidate suggests they will see the other in jail I'm upset, also garbage emails of true crap the real story of America is now flushed down the toilet.
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Joe
11-02-2016
02:39 PM ET (US) IP: 71.224.55.142
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Anyone here(other than myself) attending the Lanza events this weekend in Philly?
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Suzanne
11-02-2016
02:19 PM ET (US) IP: 74.79.58.35
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Ed. maybe we're all in shock with the election garbage. Sickening. isn't it? A thought goes through my head every now and then, when hearing of the obscene amounts of money used to promote these two. Especially when seeing the children at St. Jude's , the veterans suffering the aftereffects of war, I think of all the good that money might do for others. Guess I'm naive. Martino, how true your words are. It's shocking and disheartening how little this generation cares for anything but its own little interests. A prominent doctor in our community just passed away and revelations of his life included the music he loved. Mario was included. Good to see. Not every head is an empty one, hopefully, but it does seem so, at times.
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Joe
11-02-2016
01:09 PM ET (US) IP: 71.224.55.142
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Martino, well said and sadly, accurate. Not only do most of our younger generation know nothing about Lanza.....they seem to virtually know nothing about civics and history. One (actual) recent example from a college student on a prestigious U.S. campus:"Who fought in the Civil War"?; their answer" Mexico and Canada". Yet we spend more money per pupil than almost any other country in the world . Only about 50% of Americans even bother to vote(maybe less in THIS election). We need to "drain the swamp". Edited 11-02-2016 01:22 PM
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David Weaver
11-02-2016
11:51 AM ET (US) IP: 98.31.1.186
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Hampson has a splendid voice, has been of the leading baritones for 30 years now. A versatile singer, too, able to handle light opera and musical comedy as well as opera.
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Martino
11-02-2016
11:39 AM ET (US) IP: 104.255.7.178
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The election is in just a few days and the world is looking at us under a microscope. They are waiting to see what kind of nation we really are and what kind of people we really are. I just saw several young voters (first time voters) talking about the election. They were asked questions about Truman, Kennedy, McCarthy and others as a guide to America's historical development and as something they could fall back on to help them make their important vote. They did not have a clue!
This reminded me of a discussion we had a few years ago about young people not knowing even who Mario Lanza was, let alone what he accomplished and what his art meant to an entire generation of Americans and millions of others around the world. Worse, they did not care who he was. Because of this correlation with what the young voters said, I would like to repeat my post at that time:
I can not speak for other nations but here in America the lack of what I call the "quest" (maybe "desire" is a better word) for knowledge, and I am speaking of real knowledge, has bothered me for a couple of decades now. Young people not knowing who Bogart, Lanza and Clark Gable were is in the scheme of things, not a huge problem in and of itself. Rather, it is indicative of a far greater problem than simply not recognizing great personages of the past, it is the attitude today, for the first time in history I might add, that NOT knowing things is deemed to be okay. It is a "virulent mixture of anti-intellectualism, anti-rationalism and low expectations".
The American youth of today are not stupid per se, however, one out of five believe the sun revolves around the earth. The number of 17 year olds who in a one year period read no books whatsoever, fiction or non-fiction, (except their school work books) more than doubled in the last 20 years. If they need an answer to a specific question they can now search the internet for it - but do they truly understand that answer? Just ten years ago, half of those aged 18-24, believed it was not necessary to learn geography (even the location of entire nations) because they can use "google maps" if and when the need arises. More than a third said it is not at all important to learn a second language or even desirable to do so, and only 14% felt it "could" be important. They feel why should they learn as English is the language of the world - such arrogance!
It is not the typical young persons' lack of knowledge that concerns me for our future, but the arrogance about that lack of knowledge. They don't know but what is worse is that they don't want to know, they don't want to learn and take the time to become familiar with things because they don't care. The internet can be a great information tool but not a complete source of knowledge in the true sense of understanding. If for no other reason, it teaches to obtain that information for what it is worth, standing on its own but in capsule form. They hear the sounds but are they really listening to them? They look but are they truly seeing? The internet provides the stimulus but not the required prerequisite ingredient for complete learning and full familiarity - that ingredient being mental focus. To focus fully at all aspects of a subject requires time and taking time is pejorative and the antithesis to the concept of the internet.
Someone once said that things such as I mentioned of not knowing a foreign language or the location of an important country is a manifestation of ignorance. I won't argue that but denying that such knowledge even matters is pure anti-rationalism. This is a toxic brew that menaces our entire society and will continue to do so in the future.
That most young people don't know the name of Mario Lanza is a fact and it is a shame, but when looking at these young people collectively as the future of our American society, that they don't know who Lanza is is the least of my worries.
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Ed
11-02-2016
08:16 AM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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Dennis, I too was wondering if everyone went to sleep here.
Fred, I recently watched a video of a baritone named Thomas Hampson sing Largo all factotum live I was blown away. What's your take?
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Gail Swartz
11-01-2016
11:47 PM ET (US) IP: 204.29.186.57
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Been missing the Mario talk. Been listening to Mario on cds and watching YouTube offerings...still impressed by his voice and musicality...he really is incomparably magnificent. Watched some old Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis skits...they,too, were geniuses in their comedy....and they knew Mario and respected his talent...wondered if Jerry had any interaction with Mario other than the Ciro and Thanksgiving program. Wish that it would rain in south Alabama....everything is too dry.
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Dennis
11-01-2016
04:52 PM ET (US) IP: 73.170.201.215
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No one has posted for almost a week. Just checking to see if the site is working.
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Fred Day
10-26-2016
06:16 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Sam: The BMG/RCA CD "You'll Never Walk Alone" was released in 1995, as CD only. The LP era had already ended by then. However, most of the selections had previously been on LP's. There are only 4 (not 8) previously unreleased selections on that CD. Pity that Lanza never sang anything from West Side Story. Would have been great if he had!! Ciao.
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Fred Day
10-26-2016
06:05 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Jim: Yes, applause was added to many of the selections on that set. Torna a Surriento, with piano, is from "SERENADE", but with applause added, to give the false impression that it was "live". The bootlegs are noted for doing this to many recordings, not only Lanza, but other singers as well. Remember that all Coke Show recordings were made in a studio, without an audience, and applause was added for the radio broadcasts in 1951-52. Back then, people who listened to the Coke Show on the radio, wrongly believed that Lanza was singing live to an audience. These were the tricks of the trade. The Coke Show Marechiare is faster and shorter than the regular RCA version. Ciao.
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Jim Thompson
10-26-2016
05:09 PM ET (US) IP: 67.83.112.135
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I possibly should have been a bit clearer. I think I'm very familiar with
all Mario's recordings and in this 2 CD set I heard some differences with which I wasn't familiar. I do think that I am probably talking about third or fourth takes and some could have been from radio broadcasts of the day. In any event, I'm enjoying the most unique voice ever recorded!
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Mike M to Jim
10-26-2016
02:49 PM ET (US) IP: 96.224.195.64
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This may be belaboring the obvious but Marechiare and They didn't believe me were recorded separately as RCA studio recordings and at radio recorder for the Coke shows. Or are you referring to a possible third recording??
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Sam Samuelian
10-26-2016
12:26 PM ET (US) IP: 108.52.237.52
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Fred or Anyone: A big round of applause if you can tell me if the album entitled "You'll Never Walk Alone" was released on LP or only later on CD. It includes some of my favorites like "Hills of Home", Love In A Home", etc. It has some similarities to the album "I'll Walk With God, Songs of Love and Devotion", which I just got another LP copy of as I couldn't find my original one. For example it has "Guardian Angels" and "Ave Maria" on it. It was GLORIOUS coming from my latest tube driven stereo system with newly restored Scott 299D integrated amplifier that has specs better than most of what you can find today! Crystal clear, rich bass. I also played a few cuts from "West Side Story", the movie. You wouldn't believe how great "I Feel Pretty" and the genius "Quintet" which mixes five songs together from the show, sound. It uplifted me, something I need very much right now as I am exhausted and overworked from too much dining out, singing to late hours (1:30 AM), and much more. A warm hello and thanks to all!
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Jim Thompson
10-26-2016
08:23 AM ET (US) IP: 67.83.112.135
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Hello all: for the past couple of days I've been listening to a 2 CD set I bought in London some years back titled "The Legendary Voice of Mario Lanza". It was distributed by Start Entertainment Ltd. 1996. They called it "LIVE" recordings and added an applause track at the end and sometimes at the start of the music.
Here's my question or thought on it: There are 40 tracks and some of them sound different than what I've heard or what I'll call "regular" recordings we know. For example the Una Furtiva Lagrima is sung loudly as opposed to full voice! Others are simply not what I've listened to before. I have all of Damon's boxed set and the new material that Derek Mannering has on the CD's he's produced. Quite a few of these songs are, to my ear, a bit nicer than those we know. Unfortunately one song was put on the CD, "More Than You Know". Quickly...the Marechiare is different to my ear as he sang in faster, louder and the orchestra was also a bigger sound. They Didn't Believe was softer and more a crooning style. And so it goes.
The number on the disc is MUCD9506. Licensed from Sound and Music Corporation Ltd.
Thought I would pass this along. All the best to all of you!
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Ed
10-23-2016
06:24 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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I was just sitting here speaking to my wife about how recently we were going through difficult times and what helped us. I already knew her cure in music and it was lively music, I of course turned to Mario, lonely or just having that bad day it's Mario
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Suzanne
10-21-2016
02:07 PM ET (US) IP: 74.79.58.35
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Fred. Scholar that you are, I 'm sure you're right! Guess I misinterpreted what I saw. Listened to the opera again myself.Odd though, isn't it , that after all this time, no one has identified it.
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Ed to Fred
10-21-2016
08:20 AM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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Fred, I guess it's just one more "what if" I'm sure he was in good enough voice to do it.
I know the story behind The Defiant Ones, Sammy asked Parker for Elvis and was turned down, this time money was not the reason, Parker didn't want Sammy as Sammy was as big as Elvis and he didn't want to share the bill. This continued to leave Elvis churn out guy gets girl at the end of the movie which he hated all 29.
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Kristine
10-21-2016
06:57 AM ET (US) IP: 173.169.36.195
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Mother Dolores Hart knew Earl Holliman.
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Kristine
10-21-2016
06:56 AM ET (US) IP: 173.169.36.195
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I remember watching "Amahl &The Night Visitors", when I was a child. A few years ago, I read Tony Curtis's autobiography. He wrote that he and Sidney Poitier were Oscar nominees for "The Defiant Ones", but David Niven won the Oscar for "Separate Tables"(I think). Carl "Alfalfa" Switzer(The Little Rascals)played a deputy, in search party for Tony Curits's and Sidney Poitier's fugitive characters, in the movie. Curtis wrote that imagine, one of The Little Rascals being in his movie. Originally, Elvis's first movie was supposed to have been "The Rain Maker" starring Katharine Hepburn and Burt Lancaster. His screen test with Frank Faylen("It's A Wonderful Life' and "Dobie Gillis")was a scene from "The Rainmakers". But instead, Earl Holliman was cast. Elvis's first movie was "Love Me Tender", starring Richard Egan and Debra Paget. However, originally, "Love Me Tender" was supposed to have been "The Reno Brothers" starring Robert Wagner and Jeffrey Hunter. By the way, Terry Robinson knew Jeffrey Hunter.
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Fred Day
10-20-2016
11:00 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Ed: Perhaps Lanza might have rehearsed the Tell arias O Muto Asil & Corriam Corriam, with Callinicos at the piano, at some point. If so, no recording exists. This might interest you. I read that for the movie "The Defiant Ones", it was suggested to star Elvis and Sammy Davis Jr. Sammy was interested, but Colonel Tom Parker turned it down for Elvis, saying it was too controversial. It ultimately starred Sidney Poitier and Tony Curtis. A fine film. Ciao.
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Ed
10-20-2016
03:15 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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Suzanne, I'm glad Cara enjoyed the book I've passed it and the story on to others. Next week I'm going to 208 Greenwich Street the address where they lived,it is just 20 miunute ferry ride to that part of Manhattan I call American History Ville. A few blocks north is Liberty St where Burr practiced law and Hamilton just across at 57 Wall St. They are celebrating a 300 year anniversary of St Paul's Church this week I may attend, Alex and George prayed there. I love that area so MUCH history.
Fred, as for Tell I only heard Pav and that was good for me, perhaps Lanza may have tackled it ear!y on around TGC.
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Fred Day
10-20-2016
02:35 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Len: Menotti's Amahl and the Night Visitors used to be performed on NBC-TV at Christmas every year during the late 50's and well into the 60's. It was recorded twice by RCA Victor, probably from the TV soundtrack. It is still performed occasionally at Christmastime here in the USA. Ciao.
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diane cox
10-20-2016
02:29 PM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.239
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Len - for some years, Amahl was aired each Christmas season. Haven't seen it lately though it may appear on Turner Classic Movies. I remember seeing the first telecast years ago.
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Fred Day
10-20-2016
02:26 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Suzanne: Some years ago, Clyde Smith played that short recording for Callinicos to hear, asking him to identify it. Callinicos replied: "I think it might be from Giordano's La Cena Delle Beffe, but I am not certain." Since then, several opera lovers, myself included, have listened to that opera in its entirety, and have not found that little excerpt in that opera. So, its identity still remains a mystery. It is certainly from a rare verismo opera, but the composer and opera have yet to be identified. Ciao.
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Len (UK)
10-20-2016
02:15 PM ET (US) IP: 81.141.208.7
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My only foray into opera as a performer was as a shepherd in the chorus of ‘Amahl and the night visitors’. It was in 1967 at age 12 at school when I had a high tenor voice that was soon to go baritone and thwart my mother’s ambitions for me to be next Lanza.
Here in the UK I have never encountered another performance. I am curious if it has also been forgotten in the USA. After all, it was an NBC sponsored commission for the Italian-American composer Gian Carlo Menotti.
It is such a charming Christmas piece. It is sad if it confined only to YouTube. Is it still performed on your side of the pond?
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Suzanne
10-20-2016
10:31 AM ET (US) IP: 74.79.58.35
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The short excerpt from Mario's recording with Maria Margelli solved. Happened on La cena delle beffe from the opera The Jester's Supper written by Umberto Giordano in 1924. Not one of the more popular operas it seems. Check out Youtube.
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Suzanne
10-20-2016
10:16 AM ET (US) IP: 74.79.58.35
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Ed, saw the photos today. Interesting. Cara just finished the book. Liked it very much. Wasn't Levi's life amazing after the trial. Sure they figured out the perpetrator. Thanks. Like Michael Spyrie . Seems he's a member of the Lakota(Sioux) tribe. Great voice. Like hearing new tenors, but never a love like our own Mario.
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Fred Day
10-19-2016
05:31 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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PS: I think Franco Bonisolli also sang the role of Arnold, occasionally, but not at the Met. Ciao.
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Fred Day
10-19-2016
05:04 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Rossini's William Tell was last sung at the Met in 1931. Martinelli and De Luca were the tenor and baritone. In the 1950's, the tenor most known for singing the role of Arnold, was Mario Filippeschi, who had fearless excellent high notes. He recorded the opera on Cetra records, with Giuseppe Taddei as Tell. He sang the role many times. Pavarotti recorded the role, and sang it a few times, but not at the Met. Gedda recorded the role (in French), and sang it a few times, but not at the Met. In olden times, Francesco Tamagno was noted for singing the role of Arnold. It was also sung by Lauri Volpi, and Hipolito Lazaro. On youtube, there are homemade recordings of Corelli rehearsing the arias, with piano, but he never sang the role, and he never recorded it. Ciao. Edited 10-19-2016 05:09 PM
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Ed to Suzanne
10-19-2016
01:40 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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Suzanne, do you have the same email, I sent two pictures of the well from my visit yesterday.
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Ed
10-18-2016
03:26 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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Diane, I agree with you regarding Serenata.
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Dennis
10-18-2016
02:47 AM ET (US) IP: 73.170.201.215
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Martino, I came across Spyres as well (another new tenor for me) and listened to his "Tell" arias. I found that he was shouting a bit there, but who doesn't love a fearless tenor?! It's one of the reasons that I love Bonisolli, even though his voice can be uneven. I was won over by him when I stumbled across the YouTube video years ago when he polished off "Di Quella Pira" in a live performance, and was so pleased with himself, that he repeated it on the spot, complete with flashing sword and vengeance in his eye. Not good for the story line, but so exciting for the listener.
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diane cox
10-18-2016
12:56 AM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.239
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Not bad, Martino. But of course I prefer the Lanza version - one of my favorites.
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Martino
10-17-2016
10:59 PM ET (US) IP: 104.255.7.178
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I was listening to Michael Spyres singing the "Tell" arias on youtube and stumbled upon his performance of the "Serenata" by Bracco/Caruso. This is one of my favorite Lanza songs and has only been recorded by a handful of singers since Caruso and Lanza, such as Atlantov and Bonisolli.
I was surprised to find that Spyres sang this in concert as it is a very difficult song to sing in studio let alone in live performance. Of course, Michael has always been fearless (as the "Tell" arias will attest). This "Serenata" should not be a comparison with Lanza, because that would be unfair as Michael is very good here but his exhuberance has a tendency to cause him to shout his way through parts of the song. Lanza sang the same notes and sounded equally enthusastic but always sounded like he was in total control of his voice. Rather, I recommend it because it is so rare just to hear another tenor sing this great, Italian song. It can be found here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l36N0n-gu8s
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Martino to Dennis
10-17-2016
10:23 PM ET (US) IP: 104.255.7.178
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Yes, the opera starts a couple hours early. Sirius has it listed from 6:30 pm to 10:30 pm Eastern (but I bet it goes closer to 11:00).
You are right, Dennis, that Hymel is no Nicolai Gedda, not by a long shot. But then again, no one is. However, I do think Bryan Hymel may have a more "correct" voice than Gedda had for this particular role. I have a recording of excerpts of Gedda singing from "William Tell" but I don't think he ever sang it on stage in the French version, although I could be wrong about that. I think he did sing it in Italian but not often. His was essentially a lyric voice and ideally suited to French roles - but not this one. He could certainly handle the high notes as well as anyone ever did, but a little more steel and thrust in the throat would have served him better and this is what Hymel has in spades. As far as Florez is concerned he sings only the high notes for the sake of the high notes in the "Tell" arias, he is not interested in any other aspect.
An unusual tenor sound is what Hymel has, as do others who do well in this kind of music, such as Chris Merritt and Gregory Kunde. They can sing high lying roles like this and you would think they should also be able to sing something like "Il Trovatore" but they can't, not very well anyway. They could hit the high notes with no problem but the all important legato for Verdi is not in their voice. They simply have unusual tenor voices. Here is an example of Hymel and this may be what you listened to: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mnhIHz6qtIM. And here is another, this one by Merritt: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-9IYgVwDJL4. You will notice the natural extensions to their voices go in one direction only - up.
Your question about Lanza worrying that he would ruin his voice probably never crossed his mind and he died too young for anyone else to worry about it or notice any decline.
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Dennis
10-17-2016
09:23 PM ET (US) IP: 73.170.201.215
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Martino, I love your comments on opera like this one on William Tell. It sent me to YouTube and there is already posted an excerpt of Finley singing from the dress rehearsal. Also, I was unfamiliar with Hymel, so I listened to his version of Amis, Amis and enjoyed it a lot. It didn't surpass Nicolai Gedda, but I thought it better than Florez. Will they have a dinner intermission at the Met to give both cast and audience a rest?! And does it start earlier (like 6:30?). Sounds exciting. There was a lot of tut-tutting and worry on the comments about tenors ruining their voice by attempting this opera, especially too soon. It doesn't seem that Mario worried a lot about this, but did he and we just don't see it that much?
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Martino
10-17-2016
03:28 PM ET (US) IP: 67.216.108.136
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On October 18, the MET will showcase a new production of Rossini's epic opera, "William Tell". This is one of the most significant productions in years for the MET as it represents the first time the opera has been performed on their stage in more than 80 years. It is almost impossible to cast these days but the MET has done an admirable job of putting together a half dozen singers capable of doing a pretty good job of it.
It is a brutal and long opera (over 4 1/2 hours) and this is especially true for the tenor (Brian Hymel), who must sing above the staff throughout most of it. Gerald Finley sings the title role and he is perhaps the most famous "Tell" of the modern era. It is a rarity for sure but if a company puts forth a "William Tell", Finley is most likely going to be in the cast. I believe Hymel is also experienced in the role of "Arnold", having scored a success earlier this year in Europe (if my memory serves me).
True to the original, although perhaps not to tradition, this production will be in French. The opening night of the production can be heard on Sirius.
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diane cox
10-17-2016
01:36 PM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.239
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Suzanne - will never go back to live there, might visit. My daughters live in NYC and Pittsburgh, so only 2nd cousins left in Nashville area. Have 5 cousins in Mufreesboro, so have been there a couple times in the last 5 years. Plan to stay in Pensacola as long as possible. If I have to move, my younger brother has 15 acres in north Ala. and will probably go there, if I'm alone. It does snow there and get pretty cold. If I could do what I'd really want, would move farther down the gulf coast, just north of the everglades. Weather is warm all year, and the resort atmosphere suits me.TMI
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Suzanne
10-17-2016
11:03 AM ET (US) IP: 74.79.58.35
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Interesting background, Diane. Think you might return to Nashville some time? Fred, not familiar with that Peter Allen, but of course may he rest in peace, with Met stars to keep him company.
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Kristine
10-15-2016
04:06 PM ET (US) IP: 173.169.36.195
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Peter Allen, RIP.
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Fred Day
10-15-2016
03:48 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Peter Allen, host of the Met radio broadcasts, after the death of Milton Cross, died last week, age 96. He was host for 29 years - 1975 to 2004. Rest in peace. Ciao.
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diane cox
10-14-2016
07:34 PM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.239
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Joseph: I left Nashville in 1962, but I remember Mt Juliet. Lived in Birmingham Al 15 years, moved to East Texas where I lived in the piney woods between Beaumont and Lufkin for 37 years, and then retired to Pensacola Fl where I have been the last 13 years. love it here, clean, good weather, peole are so nice. Nashville is still home, although I have not visited there in years. Still have cousins in Bethpage, above Gallatin, and Mufreesboro.
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Ed to Kristine
10-14-2016
06:33 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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I know John Lennon loved Elvis, I heard him say in an interview when he came to America he went to Graceland to see him. When he rang the door bell he was surprised to see Elvis opened the door, he asked why? Elvis said it's his house.
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Kristine
10-14-2016
05:42 PM ET (US) IP: 173.169.36.195
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Lauren Bacall also lived at The Dakota Apts. I always wondered if The Beatles were fans of Mario Lanza. I know Ringo Starr liked Johnny Ray, as did Paul Anka.
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Ed
10-14-2016
03:39 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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Friends of mine would walk through Central Park here in the city and twice sat on a bench with John Lennon one Yoko Ono just chatting. They lived at The Dakota just across the street at 72St and CPW. I've walked by The Dakota many times and stopped to look into the courtyard where John was killed and never photographed it, no need. I met the doorman on duty that night, he called the police. Edited 10-14-2016 03:39 PM
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Joseph Fagan
10-14-2016
01:57 PM ET (US) IP: 209.85.218.47
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Hi Dianne; Joe Fagan of the forum here and life-long fan of Lanza. I live in Pa now BUT lived for 7 years in Mt Juliet, TN on Old Hickory the lake( I guess about 15 miles of East of Nashville). Do you know that area? and where do you currently reside?
Enjoy this lovely Fall weather....Joe
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diane cox
10-14-2016
01:51 PM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.239
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Rumor would go around my high school that Elvis was in town. We'd round up a couple carload, pool our change and head to Madison (next community toward Nashville) to join the parade of cars around Col Parker's home, which occupies an entire block. Round and round we'd go waiting for a glimpse of Elvis, until the cops would come and say Elvis has left the building, or wasn't there to begin with. Edited 10-14-2016 01:52 PM
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Ed
10-14-2016
01:38 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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Eddy Arnold had one of the most beautiful voices I ever heard, he fired Tom Parker for cheating him, Parker roamed around until he found another sucker named Presley. Being a young teen growing up in Brooklyn in the late 50s early sixties I heard doo wop and acapella on my street and always joined in. As for Parker Mrs. Presley didn't trust him but daddy saw money and signed. He did time in county for check fraud, guess that's why.
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diane cox
10-14-2016
12:44 PM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.239
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Many of the parents of kids I went to school with played music, some professionally with the country music industry. Every one was a wanna be. My Dad had a radio show in north Ala. during the late 30s, and met Grand Ole Opry stars like Eddy Arnold, Stringbean, and Lonzo and Oscar. He wrote songs on the back of old envelopes as he drove during the late 50s. None of them very good, but he was a frustrated musician.
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Ed i
10-14-2016
11:14 AM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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I tried but only came up with her appearing on the show, I remember watching it no more than that.
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Suzanne
10-14-2016
10:48 AM ET (US) IP: 74.79.58.35
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Kristine, the Mike Douglas show with Maria was on Oct. 7,1966. Trying to access it.
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Suzanne
10-14-2016
10:41 AM ET (US) IP: 74.79.58.35
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Wow,David, that's reaching. Never entered my mind. Kristine, never heard about Nick Todd. Interesting.
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Kristine
10-14-2016
06:58 AM ET (US) IP: 173.169.36.195
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Pat Boone had a brother, Nick Todd, who looked a little like Pat and had a short singing career. Anita Bryant dated Nick Todd, before she met, married Bob Green, a DJ, in Miami. She and Bob later divorced. On the subject of Anita Bryant, she and C&W singer, Eddy Arnold, were guests, along with Maria Cocozza(mother of Mario Lanza), on Mike Douglas's afternoon t.v. talk show, in Philadelphia, in late '60's. Eddy also recorded for RCA Victor Records and , as far as I know, made one movie "Hoedown" in early 1950's. I think "Hoedown" is out on DVD's.
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David Weaver
10-13-2016
08:45 PM ET (US) IP: 98.31.1.186
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Suzanne, had to do a double take re your post and choice of words:
"What fun! All this info about Pat Boone coming out."
Of course, today the phrase "coming out" generally means a person has declared that they're gay. And I was thinking, wow, what a shock that news would be to Pat's many fans, and in complete contrast to his long-held image as a squeaky-clean, milk-drinking, church-going family man.
It took a couple re-readings of yours and previous posts re Pat Boone to realize "coming out" that way was not what you meant.
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Kristine
10-13-2016
05:24 PM ET (US) IP: 173.169.36.195
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There is also Steve Boone, who was with The Lovin' Spoonful , back in the '60's.
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Suzanne
10-13-2016
02:04 PM ET (US) IP: 74.79.58.35
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What fun! All this info about Pat Boone coming out. Glad I mentioned seeing Debby. Fred. Karl Perigo sounds wonderful.
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Ronald Sarbo
10-13-2016
12:18 PM ET (US) IP: 74.66.130.108
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Richard Boone of "Have Gun Will Travel" and Randy Boone of "The Virginian" were also descendants of Daniel Boone and distant cousins of Pat Boone.
Christine Carere starred with Robert Goulet in the spy series "Blue Light". A few episodes were edited together and released as a film "I Deal In Danger". She also starred in the film "A Certain Smile" the title song sung by Johnny Mathis.
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Fred Day
10-13-2016
04:01 AM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Oops - I stand corrected. I didn't remember that Daniel and Pat Boone were related. Ciao.
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Kristine
10-12-2016
06:59 PM ET (US) IP: 173.169.36.195
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I always wondered what happened to Christine Carere, who was in "Mardi Gras", with Pat Boone. She was born 1930 in France and passed away in 2008. Sorry to read that.
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Ed to Martino and Suzanne
10-12-2016
06:42 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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Always liked Loveletters in The Sand. Edited 10-12-2016 06:43 PM
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Kristine
10-12-2016
05:57 PM ET (US) IP: 173.169.36.195
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On the subject of Pat Boone, does anyone remember when he and Shirley Jones were in "April Love", he refused to do a kissing scene with her, because of his religious beliefs ? Shirley Jones said it's only make believe and Pat's wife, Shirley said she didn't object to it. The scene was on a Ferris Wheel, they almost kiss, then the ride stops and they have to get off. In his movie "Mardi Gras"(about VMI cadets at the Mardi Gras), Christine Carere kissed him on the cheek. However, when he made "All Hands On Deck", he kissed Barbara Eden and in 3rd version of "State Fair" ,he kissed Ann-Margret. He changed his image in a movie called "The Main Attraction" with Nancy Kwan.
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diane cox
10-12-2016
04:57 PM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.239
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Fred, I seem to remember that Pat is related to Daniel - found this when I googled: Charles Eugene "Pat" Boone (born June 1, 1934) is an American singer, composer, actor, ... that he is the great-great-great-great grandson of the American pioneer Daniel Boone.
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Fred Day
10-12-2016
02:59 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Pat Boone wrote the lyrics to the beautiful Theme from Exodus - music by Ernest Gold, a big hit for Ferrante & Teicher. Had Lanza lived a few years longer, he surely would have recorded it. It was recorded by Richard Tucker, Jan Peerce, and the late Vincenzo La Scola. I am particularly fond of Robert Goulet's recording of The Exodus Song - "This Land Is Mine". Ciao.
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Fred Day
10-12-2016
02:38 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Pat Boone was born on June 1, 1934, in Jacksonville, Florida. His family moved to Nashville when Pat was age 2. He is now age 82. I remember his sister, Bab. (Bab-Boone)!! (An old joke from Doodles Weaver, who worked with Spike Jones and his City Slickers.) As far as I know, Pat was no relation to Daniel Boone. Ciao.
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Ed
10-12-2016
12:52 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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Pat wrote a song called "Darlin Don't Forbid Me" and sent it onto Elvis to record. At Sun he commented to the likes of Perkins and Lewis it was a good song and they jammed it I have the recording.
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diane cox
10-12-2016
12:01 PM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.239
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Grew up in Nashville, where Pat Boone is from. During his early career he and I corresponded. After he moved to Houston and had Cheryl and a second daughter we lost touch. He seemed to be a good person. He is 4-5 years older than I am.
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Suzanne
10-12-2016
09:54 AM ET (US) IP: 74.79.58.35
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Martino, you were fortunate enough to see Pav. Ed was as well. Pavarotti seems to have enjoyed himself when he sang, transmitting it to the audience. I was very fond of him. Not in the same sense as Mario, of course. Kristine , thanks. She told all about her family. Said Pat is playing the Old Grandpa role now. Time marches on! So glad that Fred wasn't impacted by the storm. I think we treasure all our posters.
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Martino
10-11-2016
10:00 PM ET (US) IP: 104.255.7.178
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Oct. 12 marks the 81st anniversary of the birth of one of the all time great tenors - Luciano Pavarotti. Like so many others, he made it clear in interviews and books and magazines that although he admired many tenors, he owed his inspiration to become a singer to Mario Lanza.
I was fortunate to see his opera and concert performances live and everything you have heard about him is true - his clarity of voice, brilliant high notes, perfect diction and pitch and perhaps most of all, his ability to connect with his audience. No, he was not a great actor and it was indeed a rarity when he moved more than ten feet on stage at one time but few singers acted as well as he did in the vocal sense. I know of only a few singers who equaled him in understanding and transmitting the exact mood of the music and words he was singing (this was something in which Mario Lanza also excelled).
We have spoken at length of Pavarotti at this forum many, many times and his reputation is well known around the world so I won't hash over his long career all over again now. There are literally hundreds of websites that contain reviews, stories, interviews and audio/video clips of this magnificent singer - all you have to do is Google. Here is a short but good overview of his life and art, including some clips:
http://www.gramophone.co.uk/feature/lucian...e-birth-of-a-legend.
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Kristine
10-11-2016
05:28 PM ET (US) IP: 173.169.36.195
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Terry Robinson knew Pat Boone. Debby Boone married Gabriel Ferrer and his brother, Miguel is on "NCIS:Los Angeles". Rosemary Clooney was a guest on one of Mario Lanza's Coca Cola Radio Shows. She and Jose' Ferrer appeared , together, in "Deep In My Heart", where Ferrer portrayed Sigmund Romberg.
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Suzanne
10-11-2016
10:24 AM ET (US) IP: 74.79.58.35
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But Ed. You found him. He triumphed! Len, great post. btw, last eve we saw Debby Boone at a Dept. Store opening. She gave a surprisingly long and very good performance, though most of us think of "You Light Up My Life". She sang some great old songs, probably some of us recall from Sinatra, had a few fun stories about the "Rat Pack" . It was enjoyable. She's lovely and gracious, married to one of Rosemary Clooney's sons. Gabriel. "It Never Entered My Mind" and many others.Vincent, I couldn't access your performance, but judging from the one I did get to see, bet it was great! Music never fails, the brightest spot of any day.
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Fred Day
10-10-2016
08:40 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Vincent: Excellent rendition of Be My Love, key of C, with a wonderful high C at the end of the song. Well done!! Bravo!! Ciao.
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Vincent Ricciardi
10-09-2016
12:18 AM ET (US) IP: 99.11.197.240
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Len (UK)
10-08-2016
03:55 PM ET (US) IP: 86.141.119.26
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Last month my wife and I went to a concert at The Stables which is an intimate (398 seat) local theatre run by volunteers as a charity and founded by Sir John Dankworth and Lady Cleo Laine. It was originally a jazz venue but now has a more eclectic mix of events. We were there for a concert by Noah Stewart.
We don’t get many chances to see a tenor who regularly performs at the top Opera Houses, so his annual visit is a must. He always references Mario. He asked if there were any Mario Lanza fans in the audience. A third of us confessed to our addiction. Noah said that when he first listened to Mario he thought that it was the most beautiful voice he had ever heard; and he still held to that opinion. As well as being a significant inspiration, he also mentioned the Mario Lanza Competition but was too modest to say that he had won it!
While there are youngsters (Noah Stewart is 38) referencing Mario, we know the name will live on.
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Kenneth Henderson
10-07-2016
10:00 PM ET (US) IP: 120.147.174.3
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My Song Goes Round The World. The English language version(rather rare) had recently been released with 4 other UK musicals on a 2-disc set from Networkonair UK who have rights to do from. I have this set but yet to screen the titles. Now in another set I have just received Schmidt's A Star Fell from Heaven in an English version. The latter has a scene that was duplicated in a scene in Singin' in the Rain. Edited 10-07-2016 11:57 PM
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Fred Day
10-07-2016
09:54 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Fortunately, hurricane Matthew lessened and did not harm Orlando very much, of which I am most thankful. Martino, I agree on both Schmidt and Wunderlich. Schmidt did sing some joyous songs, like Te Quiero, Voga Voga, I'm Happy When It's Raining, My Song Goes Round The World, etc. He visited the USA in 1938 - if he had stayed there or stayed in England, he probably would have lived longer. If Fritz had not gone to that hunting lodge in Sept 1966, he too would have lived longer. Such is fate. Ciao.
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Martino to Ed
10-07-2016
08:08 PM ET (US) IP: 104.255.7.178
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Everyone has a different experience and a different path to Mario Lanza. That you found him, in whatever way, is all that counts. Edited 10-07-2016 08:22 PM
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Ed to Martino and Suzanne
10-07-2016
06:32 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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You were both fortunate being able to listen to the Italian shows, I had to deal with my grands who listened to a Sunday night program of Irish music, it was set in stone by my grandfather, mom and dad listened to the cowboy music station, I had nowhere to go. I found Mario when I was 15, I would take my little collection and listen in my room and the world was right. 53 years later Mario sings in my house and car.
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Suzanne
10-07-2016
04:39 PM ET (US) IP: 74.79.58.35
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About "I'll Walk With God", I only wish that Mario had taken it more to heart himself, just the way he sang it. Maybe-. Bill ,of course I have the Anthology, but so many other things in such little space, it was lost as it's so much smaller. Martino, I listened to those Italian-American programs on Sunday mornings with my Dad. But he was Irish! He just loved the music.Especially remember the "Serenade",as well.
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Martino to Jim
10-07-2016
02:39 PM ET (US) IP: 104.255.7.178
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Thanks Jim, and yes, I too remember this day so long ago. I was still a kid of course but was well versed in the voice of Mario Lanza, even at that early age, thanks to my father who was an opera fan (and tenor fanatic!). He was very quiet and looked so sad as he announced to the family that Mario Lanza had died that day. He loved and admired Caruso, Gigli, Schipa and all the greats from his beloved Italy but it was Mario Lanza whom he considered a hero - an American who fully understood what it was to sing like an Italian. I will never forget listening with him to an Italian program on the radio where Lanza was singing "Toselli's Serenade". I actually saw a tear in my father's eye.
My earliest remembrances were of listening to these Italian oriented radio stations with my father, as he explained to me what I was really hearing. And this also included the MET broadcasts where he would prompt me to pay particular attention to what was about to be sung because of its importance to the scene and even the entire opera. Because we both understood Italian and spoke often to each other in Italian or half Italian/half English, it was easy to follow (if the opera was Wagner that week, he took my brother Tony and I and we went and played baseball!). I never understood Wagner until I was in college, and I'm still not sure if I really know what it is all about. The sessions with my father was an education second to none and one that could never be bought at any price. I owe my appreciation of good music, and especially my appreciation of Mario Lanza, entirely to him.
Your selection of Fritz Wunderlich is one that few people will question. He and Mario Lanza, although both died young, left an impression on the world that will not be forgotten - ever.
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Ed
10-07-2016
02:18 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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I've been enjoying the cd Italian Soul and one track in particular the song Mattinata, he seems a bit slower but so passionate and delivery is strong.
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Bill Ronayne
10-07-2016
01:21 PM ET (US) IP: 24.185.113.50
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Thanks for sharing Martino. I agree as well. Best, Bill
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Martino to Bill
10-07-2016
12:09 PM ET (US) IP: 104.255.7.178
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Yes indeed, "I'll Walk With God" is surely on everyone's top ten list of Mario Lanza recordings. The one you posted is sung like a prayer, the later one more like an aria. The difference is night and day with the more somber soundtrack version being more effective. Please read this review by Chris Matthew Sciabarra (an acquaintance of Lindsay Perigo):
"Lanza, at his best, sang each song like a man possessed. It is an overblown cliche, but it is utterly impossible to project in words what I hear when I listen to a classic Lanza recording.
Let’s take one example: "I’ll Walk With God," a composition that features the words of Paul Francis Webster and the music of Nicholas Brodszky, interpolated into the movie version of "The Student Prince," as Prince Karl Franz stands by the coffin of his father and contemplates his impending, reluctant ascension to the throne of Carlsberg.
Lanza begins the first stanza with enormous restraint. "I’ll Walk with God from this day on. His helping hand I’ll lean upon," he sings. "This is my prayer, my humble plea," he almost whispers. "May the Lord be ever with me."
Bolder now. "There is no death, tho’ eyes grow dim." "There is no fear"—and he enunciates that phrase "no fear" with confidence, nay, fearlessness—"when I’m near to Him." "I’ll lean on Him forever," gloriously proclaimed. "And He’ll forsake me never," sensitively adorned. "He will not fail me, As long as my faith is strong"—strong is his voice. "Whatever road I may walk along."
He returns to the title words, showing deference to its hymnal testament: "I’ll Walk with God, I’ll take His hand. I’ll talk with God, He’ll understand"—sung as if by a man who so needed that understanding.
The music builds. "I’ll pray to Him, each day to Him, And He’ll hear the words that I say." Lanza’s voice explodes with passion: "His hand will guide my throne and rod" (from the top of the scale all the way down). "And I’ll never walk alone" (ascending the scale again). And he leads us to a magnificent orchestral finale: "While I walk with God" (up to a thrilling, sustained High B-Flat).
It brings me to tears yet again to listen to this song and the divinity that is its singer. If ever there were a religious experience, it is embodied in this man’s voice".
I have never heard a description of Lanza's "I'll Walk With God" more spot on than this one by Mr. Sciabarra. I agree with him 100%.
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Bill Ronayne
10-07-2016
11:21 AM ET (US) IP: 24.185.113.50
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Remembering Mario on the 57th anniversary of his passing. May he always walk with God.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wuxjRkGwB-0
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Bill Ronayne
10-07-2016
11:19 AM ET (US) IP: 24.185.113.50
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Suzanne: Go to this link on this site.:
http://mariolanza.net/anth.html
Best, Bill
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Suzanne
10-07-2016
11:00 AM ET (US) IP: 74.79.58.35
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Bill, don't know if you read my lst msg. Couldn't download file to see Anthology cover.
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Suzanne
10-07-2016
10:37 AM ET (US) IP: 74.79.58.35
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Our Mario on this sad day. If it can be so, may he have the happiness that escaped him while he was here. Schmidt was terrific, agreed. Diane,would love to hear Dan. Miss him. How?
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Gail Swartz
10-07-2016
09:07 AM ET (US) IP: 204.29.186.12
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Remembering the One Tenor ..watching Vince's yt DVD....Awesome collection of Mario singing..Mario Lanza was the best singer ever, and he will always will be. FL friends, keep safe in the storm.
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Ed
10-07-2016
07:16 AM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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Remembering Mario today, to me there will only be just one, Rest In Peace my friend.
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Kristine
10-07-2016
05:53 AM ET (US) IP: 173.169.36.195
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Prayers for those facing Hurricane Matthew. Remembering Mario Lanza, today, anniversary of his passing, RIP.
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Jim Thompson
10-07-2016
05:43 AM ET (US) IP: 67.83.112.135
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As always Martino your posts are not only interesting but give us something to have fun with. I'm not very familiar with Schmidt's recordings but those I have heard are impressive. Wunderlich, to me, was compatible with the assurance and delivery of Mario. I've found it strange that no Italian tenor really ever came close to the Lanza feeling. Yes, they were and are very good but not quite there. I found it interesting to read of the similarities between Schmidt and Mario's lives.
I still remembef it vividly, 57 years ago today, when my wife woke me up around seven a.m. I had worked the late shift at WJAC radio in Johnstown, PA. She said she had heard "something" about Mario. I called the station and someone read the AP report to me. I dressed, drove to the station and gathered all the AP copy I could. Still have it. Thank God we have all the music gave us today and with people like you, Martino, and all the worldwide fans, Mario Lanza lives on to pleasure us.
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Martino
10-06-2016
09:12 PM ET (US) IP: 104.255.7.178
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I asked this question a couple years ago and do not recall getting much input. So, let me try again and perhaps some of you may have a name or two as to what tenor most closely relates to Mario Lanza. I concluded it was Joseph Schmidt - and here is why:
It is often unfair (but always fun), to compare Mario Lanza to other tenors, both "pop" tenors as well as operatic. He has also been compared to movie stars, recording artists, radio personalities, recitalists, crossover artists, etc. These comparisons are valid because Mario wore all these hats at one time or another. I was thinking the other day while listening to some of Lanza's Christmas songs, what singer most favorably compares to Lanza in terms of career and other personal factors, if not necessarily in type or style of voice.
Many singers ran through my mind, such as Nelson Eddy, Fritz Wunderlich and Andrea Bocelli. Eddy because of his hugely successful movie/concert career and Wunderlich because of the beauty of his voice being perhaps second only to Lanza and, similar to Lanza, Fritz's tragic, early death. Bocelli because he is considered the top "crossover" tenor of this generation, as was Lanza in his time. But these and the other singers I considered were lacking in one element or another.
Finally, I came up with one singer who I think compares the most favorably to Mario Lanza - the tenor Joseph Schmidt. I say this for several reasons. Both had superb classical tenor voices capable of deep expression as well as blazing high notes. The main difference in their voices was whereas Schmidt had a plaintive sound (as do most trained Cantors), Lanza's voice was more joyous, vivacious and enthusiastic. Both men paid great attention to the words they sang and with perfect diction, in fact, Schmidt was a linguist and fluent in at least half a dozen languages. Although they possessed two of the greatest operatic voices of the last century, they each only sang one professional operatic role on stage - Lanza in Madame Butterfly and Schmidt in La Boheme.
These two men had parallel careers. Although both were classical artists and possessed true operatic voices, their main success was as recording artists and movie stars. Lanza made seven films, Schmidt appeared in nine. During their respective times their films were among the most popular with both men sharing classical and popular music oriented audiences. Both recorded many, many songs and arias and they were among the most popular recording artists of their day. They were also excellent recitalists and gave numerous concerts during their careers. Both were also known as radio personalities, especially Schmidt whose small stature was hidden with radio but whose voice carried very well over the air waves. Last but not least, both died tragically young at age 38.
For all these reasons, it seems to me that Joseph Schmidt was the singer most closely related to Mario Lanza. I would like to know if other members of the forum have thought about this and who you would select and why.
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diane cox
10-06-2016
03:51 PM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.239
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I found the CD of Dan Lawlor in concert that I will share. Message me an address.
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Bill Ronayne
10-05-2016
12:24 PM ET (US) IP: 24.185.119.133
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I replied this morning Suzanne. Best, Bill
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Suzanne
10-05-2016
09:59 AM ET (US) IP: 74.79.58.35
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Ed. sounds as though you and Darleen had the greatest day possible! Best of everything to you and your family. Bill didn't have your email this time for some reason, but please reply to the one I've just sent and tell me about all that's available. Thanks again.(sorry to be such a pain!)
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Ed
10-04-2016
09:16 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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I want to thank all of you that wished us a happy anniversary. As yoy know it was our 41st. We had beautiful weather for a day out. Our day started with a trip to our museum of natural history where we spent a good two hours looking at all of the great things there. We shopped and went to Patsy's Italian restaurant for lunch, I made a reservation this,week. The food was incredible, my wife wants to go back again. When I mentioned to the Maitre d that I come to the Lanza luncheon he let me take my wife upstairs to see the Sinatra display. On our way out we paused at the photo of Mario, his presence is undoubtedly there. Thank you all.
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Bill Ronayne
10-04-2016
06:45 PM ET (US) IP: 24.185.117.32
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Suzanne if you meant the Films of Lanza book and Coke show booklet, yes I still have copies. Email me at wjronayne@optonline.net. Best, Bill
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Fred Day
10-04-2016
05:32 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Thanks to all for the birthday wishes - just another year down the drain, but plenty more to come. I hope hurricane Matthew is not too bad, here in Orlando. Thanks again. Ciao.
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Kristine
10-04-2016
05:14 PM ET (US) IP: 173.169.36.195
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Also, there have been magazine books about Marilyn Monroe.
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Kristine
10-04-2016
05:13 PM ET (US) IP: 173.169.36.195
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Happy Birthdays, Suzanne, Fred ! Happy Anniversary, Ed and Darlene ! It would be great if Time-Life would release a magazine book about Mario Lanza for magazine-newsstands. There have been such books about The Beatles, Elvis, Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett, now there is a tribute one for comedian Gene Wilder.
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Bill Ronayne
10-04-2016
03:46 PM ET (US) IP: 24.185.117.32
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Happy birthday Suzanne. Do you mean the newsletter?
Happy birthday to Fred a day early and happy anniversary to Ed and Darlene!
Best, Bill
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diane cox
10-04-2016
11:07 AM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.239
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Happy Birthday, Suzanne. And a happy day to you, Fred. It's amazing how fast the years go by - been posting on this board for years - not sure how many. Still dealing with construction at my house, PIA.
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Martino to Suzanne
10-04-2016
11:05 AM ET (US) IP: 104.255.7.178
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A happy birthday to you as well young lady! And many, many more!!
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Suzanne
10-04-2016
10:15 AM ET (US) IP: 74.79.58.35
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Thinking of all birthday people this week and another anniversary not as happy. Bob Dolfi, Fred Day, and the loss of our hero. Ed. Happy Anniversary to you and Darleen, I'm another year older today, myself.
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Jim Thompson
10-04-2016
04:54 AM ET (US) IP: 67.83.112.135
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Have a very Happy Birthday Fred! You've given so much joy to so many through your music and friendships. Although the years go by, I am glad to have been in that circle. Think of Mario and "My Buddy" and "Memories"...HAPPY DAY!
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Martino to Ed
10-03-2016
08:59 PM ET (US) IP: 104.255.7.178
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That is a good quote. I'll add a happy birthday wish to Fred as well and will add my own quote (attributable to James Dean): "Dream as though you will live forever, live as though you will die today". Smart words!
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Ed
10-03-2016
06:04 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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Fred, I know your birthday is on Wednesday but u wanted to wish you an early one my friend. Many happy days this month to coincide with the fifth. Bob Dolfi was today, my 41st wedding anniversary tomorrow the 4th. I wish you good health and happiness on your day. May you live as long as you want and never want as long as you live.Cheers! Edited 10-03-2016 06:04 PM
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Suzanne
10-03-2016
09:55 AM ET (US) IP: 74.79.58.35
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Bill, sorry to ask this, still copies of all available"? Please let me know cost. Thanks.
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Suzanne
10-03-2016
09:41 AM ET (US) IP: 74.79.58.35
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It's a beautiful song ,mostly because of the way that Mario sang it. As we've said, he could sing the alphabet and it would sound wonderful. I love hearing it.
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Ed
10-02-2016
05:47 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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I remember years back Bob Dolfi had a contest on his forum to guess the original name of Guardian Angels and no one guessed it. I forget who named it but it was called Elmer.
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Martino to Fred
10-02-2016
02:04 PM ET (US) IP: 104.255.7.178
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Thanks, Fred. That explains the couplet-like nature of the text of the song. Only Lanza could transport what is basically a nursery rhyme to an art form simply by opening his mouth and singing the words.
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Fred Day
10-02-2016
01:06 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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This story was told to Clyde Smith by Callinicos: When Nick Brodszky and P.F.Webster submitted the song "I'll Walk With God" to Lanza and Callinicos, they ran thru it, and Callinicos said: "This song is a rip-off of The Lord's Prayer. You have got to make some changes. If we do it as is, we will all be accused of plagiarism." So, the 2 writers took it back, made numerous changes, and re-submitted it to Lanza and Callinicos, a few days later. The rest is history - the song as we all know it. It would be interesting to hear the original version, but that probably was destroyed and no longer exists. Ciao.
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Fred Day
10-02-2016
12:49 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Martino: The poem "Guardian Angels" was written by Gerda Beilenson - I don't know what year. Harpo Marx set it to music, and played it in one of the Marx Brothers films. When Lanza first recorded it in 1951, Harpo was present, and played harp in the orchestra, but he cannot be clearly heard. Ciao.
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Martino to Suzanne
10-01-2016
04:46 PM ET (US) IP: 104.255.7.178
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There are literally hundreds of audio and video clips of Mario Lanza on youtube. Each one has many posters talking about the clip specifically but there are also a number of people, like the lady I quoted below, that talk about Mario's influence on their life. It is wonderful to read because it gives a new perspective that goes beyond what we routinely talk about here and at other musical forums. So many people who do not belong to these forums are just as ardent fans as we are. The Mario Lanza world fan club is not huge compared to some other artists perhaps but it is much bigger than we think.
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Suzanne
10-01-2016
12:39 PM ET (US) IP: 74.79.58.35
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Martino, glad you repeated this post. It certainly bears out what we all feel. Ed great photo. Thanks.
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Martino
09-30-2016
09:05 PM ET (US) IP: 104.255.7.178
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Here is a quote from a female admirer of Mario Lanza. This was from a youtube post made a few months ago regarding Lanza's singing of "O Holy Night". It goes to show you how people who are not members of forums or "charter" Lanza fans as we think we are become knowledgeable and engrossed by this extraordinary singer. It is worth repeating here:
"My favorite version of "O Holy Night" ever. What a beautiful, brilliant, huge and powerful natural voice. Mario Lanza has never gotten the recognition he deserved... EXCEPT from exceptional musicians. When you have people like Toscanini (who never complemented anybody) saying Lanza had the greatest voice of the century at the time of the great Caruso that Toscanini personally knew..... And Maria Callas saying her one regret was that she never got to sing with Mario Lanza who had the greatest tenor voice she had ever heard.... And the likes of everyone from Pavarotti to Domingo idolized you, well you must have something special. And Mario Lanza did. Everyone who heard him live said that it felt as if the walls would crumble from the power of his voice. With very little training he was able to sing across a wide variety of genres and had barely started when his life was cut short . I just heard him sing "Nessun Dorma" in a movie the other night and it was fabulous. It was slower than usual, which makes it even more difficult, but absolutely gorgeous. The man had an incredible natural voice and I don't think anyone before or after sang with such unrelenting passion and heart . MGM fired him when he refused to sing a song the way they wanted him to. They said he sang too passionately and wanted him to make it light and fun, and he refused to do it so they fired him. He stuck to his principles but that started a downward spiral he never really recovered from. He died at the age of 38 when most performers are really just starting their careers. When you look at the opera singers today who have a myriad of coaches and have taken lessons for years and years, that makes Mario Lanza even more amazing. Another thing to remember is that the recordings of the day absolutely could not capture the beauty and power of his voice. I remember reading about a recording engineer who said they just kept compressing and pressing the recording because his voice was just so huge. Of course when you compress it like that you ruin the sound of it. Mario Lanza is one that you really would have needed to have her alive especially since the recordings of the day just were not up to his voice. Everyone who heard his recordings said they absolutely could not capture the beauty and power of his voice. My mom loved Mario Lanza and now I find that I must love him as much as she did. If this man had lived even just another 20 years, there's no telling what he could have accomplished. but thank you for posting this beautiful performance by Mario Lanza. It has been and always will be my favorite version of "O Holy Night".
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Ed
09-30-2016
11:37 AM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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 This is St. Columba's church here in NYC where Mario and Betty were married.I took this photo about two years ago, not knowing I worked many years in the neighborhood, I couldn't get inside but just standing there knowing they were married there was awesome. Edited 09-30-2016 11:41 AM
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Suzanne
09-30-2016
10:15 AM ET (US) IP: 74.79.58.35
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Ed,sounds good! For Martino, I read everything I can that's been written about "our Mario", but never could I express what It is that I feel when listening to him. It 's mysterious, and magical, the effect that he has on some of us. Are we just "tuned in" or is it something more? An affinity we're born with? Whatever, it's such a blessing and it causes me to feel sorry for anyone who doesn't feel the same way.Linz, I haven't brought myself to read your book yet. Looked through it briefly, didn't like the perpetuation of the rumors about him and that horrific last photo, not really Mario, that none of us ever wants to see, so I've put it on hold. If I didn't know how devoted you are to him, I might put it aside for good, but eventually I'll read it. Wish you wonderful things with your tour. Would you tell us more about what it will be like and exactly where? Thanks.
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Martino to Jim
09-30-2016
07:06 AM ET (US) IP: 104.255.7.178
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Thanks, Jim. Yes, wouldn't it be wonderful if only we could get Perigo and Rense together to highlight, through their experience and insights, a different facet of Mario Lanza's singing once a month or so? We would then have a collection of information on the art of Mario Lanza that would be second to none.
I would love to see Jeff also interview on his program other Lanza experts from time to time, such as Mario's biographers, McGovern, Bill Ronayne and even try to get Malbin and Elisa. You and others have had interviews and programs (through your Mario Lanza and Friends show) over the years but these things need to be constantly refreshed while people are still alive who can talk about Mario with first hand knowledge. There needs to be a repository, such as our Rense home page, and the other sites (most notably McGovern's site) that people can go to in future generations to learn about this incredible singer. New and fresh discussions like Perigo/Rense would go a long way in helping to explain what they are hearing and why this voice affects them the way it does.
Here is an example: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QYI9nh6WZxk. A more musically oriented interviewer than the Irish radio host, John Murray, would have been able to get some real meat out of her but we can see how charming Elisa can be.
As the years pass, a singer like Mario Lanza can be forgotten except for a special niche of fans (like us) that will always be there. But that group gets smaller and smaller every year. We all have an obligation, even in a small way, to keep Mario's legacy alive - that is the least we can do for the joy he has brought to our lives.
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Jim Thompson
09-30-2016
03:18 AM ET (US) IP: 67.83.112.135
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Excellent, Martino. With discussions such as this, and your assessments, 57 years into the future and Mario Lanza should still be a force to be reckoned with in the world of superb interpretive singing.
And Bill Ronayne: thanks for yet another newsworthy publication with information and pictures. Good work and continued success with this and the Lanza Museum. You're in the arena with a clear Lanza banner flying!
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Martino
09-29-2016
07:50 PM ET (US) IP: 104.255.7.178
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A few years ago Jeff Rense hosted Lindsay Perigo in a series of wonderful discussions about Mario Lanza. Perhaps my favorite of these interviews involved their discussion of Mario's incredible diction, specifically in forming and singing vowels. But there was another discussion that went somewhat unnoticed yet it went to the heart of Lanza's singing - his recordings of religious and songs of faith.
This particular discussion showed both Jeff and Lindsay at their very best. Here is a clip of my review and it should serve as a spring board for everyone to revisit this interview (I addressed this review to Perigo):
"I just finished listening to your (Perigo) discussion with Jeff. Like your other interviews, this was simply great! You continued on with "I'll Walk With God", one of the greatest non-secular songs to God ever written and sung by anyone. The two of you described Lanza's singing here as "staggering". I could not agree more.
(BTW, I never heard before that cute home vocalizing session with Colleen; that was a nice treat and I'm so glad you and Jeff included this wonderful tidbit. His true personality certainly comes through).
If there is something that sets Lanza's sacred music apart from most others is the sincerity with which he sings. As Rense said, "this is not a normal singer - this is something out of this world". What makes this so? If I had to use one word, that word would be "sincerity". Although not sacred songs as such, your examples with "My Buddy" and "I'll Walk Alone" shows this sincerity as well as anything Mario ever sang. Most singers sing notes and words and leave it at that, Lanza not only sang the music but did so with true sincerity and feeling. No one could ever accuse Mario Lanza of mailing in a song. I think what you guys said about Oreste's observation hits the nail on the head. Why Lanza always sounds so good when he sings to God goes to the heart of what Oreste said. Your example of the "Lord's Prayer" shows better than any other song Lanza ever recorded that he understood that he was indeed the custodian of a great gift from God. You can almost hear the thanks as he sings. Non-believers may have other explanations.
What I like about the discussion format you and Jeff used, is that both of you understand the necessity to not just "state" your case, but to "make" your case with examples and evidence. Too many people say they like this and that or don't like this or that, and go no further - they give no explanation and no examples to support their opinion. I consider that empty words and virtually worthless, at least as a point for discussion. When you and Jeff talk about a certain quality, you don't leave it hanging. You bring out excellent recordings or facts that demonstrate and exemplify what your are saying. Everyone can now see your points and understand what you are driving at. This is crucial and I'm so glad you seem to understand that completely.
I think you (or maybe it was Jeff) said that the words to "Guardian Angels" had already been written by someone before Harpo wrote the song. For some reason I always thought Marx wrote the words. Who did write them? Speaking of "Guardian Angels", the famous Canadian Pop Vocalist, Kim Kuzma, owes much of her great success and passionate style of singing to Mario Lanza and this song specifically. Although far from being a classical singer, Kuzma said this about "Guardian Angels": "This is a song that was introduced to me at a very young age… Mom would play it on our stereo annually, a tradition that was no doubt passed onto her by her own Mother. It would mark the fact that the holiday season was upon us, as I’d hear Mario Lanza’s voice fill the house. I have loved ‘Guardian Angels’ since childhood… Mario Lanza’s rich voice, soaked with passion as he sang the words… It made me realize even then, with only my school choir experience, what it was to truly feel the words of a song, the power that words and emotion have, to move a listener. I looked forward to hearing that album placed on the record player every single year. We could faintly hear the scratches on the album, after being played so many times. In fact, I think Mom still has that album. It’s a part of our own history".
Such is the power of Mario Lanza's voice and its influence, not only in Sacred Song, but in virtually everything he sang and, as I stated earlier, it can be described with one word - sincerity. Kuzma understood this fully and you can hear it in her own singing, and so does virtually every singer, classical or not, who has ever heard Lanza sing.
And thanks too for closing with "O Holy Night". No better way than that to close your excellent holiday program. You and Jeff have made my Christmas today just is a little brighter - thanks for that".
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Ed to Suzanne
09-29-2016
06:10 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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Yes fascinating, I wish I knew of this story before I'd have visited all these places sooner. I realize after research I worked about five blocks from the boarding house. I passed Lispenard St each day not knowing it was a field then. I too saw the photo you did and was amazed, I called the store yesterday and was told the well was on display, I plan to take pics will send you a,few. I've always been interested in Hamilton, I visited where his law office was at 57 Wall and stood at his grave, this story has opened up a new.
Still nothing on our friend.
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Suzanne
09-29-2016
01:57 PM ET (US) IP: 74.79.58.35
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Bill, how I wish I could be there. Ed, fascinating's the right word. If you can see the boarding house and the well, (found a photo online) that would be great. For everyone here, we're talking about the book, Duel With The Devil, chronicling the story of NYC at the beginning of the 19th century, and a crime occurring there. Apparently subject was covered by several authors, but this version has the greatest amount of kudos.
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Bill Ronayne
09-29-2016
01:13 PM ET (US) IP: 24.185.126.83
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For those planning on attending the Mario Lanza Ball weekend, the block of rooms for the hotel expires shortly so reserve your room by October 2nd.
Here's the link to our site. Just scroll down for the PDF's of the invitation. The letter has the hotel's number. There is also still time to place an ad in the program book for the Ball. The PDF for that is on the right side of the home page near the top. Best, Bill
http://www.mariolanzainstitute.org/
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Ed
09-28-2016
02:56 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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Suzanne, Sorry for the email I'll check my contacts, I re-added you to my contacts hope it helped. Glad you liked the book I thought it fascinating, I plan to visit the boarding house at Greenwich St and the well still is intact but behind a clothing store it was hidden for 150 years,.
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Suzanne
09-28-2016
10:19 AM ET (US) IP: 74.79.58.35
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Ed. just to let you know , still having problem with email. Trying to sort it out. Book was great. Thanks.
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Bill Ronayne
09-26-2016
04:51 PM ET (US) IP: 24.185.126.83
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 The October issue of "The Legacy of Mario Lanza" newsletter has just been published and mailed out. It includes a commemoration of the 65th anniversary of the release of the "Mario Lanza Sings Christmas Songs" album, coverage of the recent MLSNY luncheon, a remembrance of Marni Nixon, some CD reviews and the usual features including many photos. Anyone interested in subscribing please contact me at wjronayne@optonline.net. Best, Bill Edited 09-26-2016 04:52 PM
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Jim Thompson
09-26-2016
01:03 PM ET (US) IP: 67.83.112.135
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Hello all! I came across a site yesterday and enjoyed it. I also posted a dedication to Mario. The site is: Operatoonity.com
There seems to be interesting stuff there and some nice people answered me already. Check the right side when you get on and you'll see my name. Enjoy!
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Jim Thompson
09-24-2016
07:24 AM ET (US) IP: 67.83.112.135
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I'll pass that along Fred. When I've mentioned you they always remember our times at home singing and playing for hours. Ah, The stamina we had then! They are married and I have four grandchildren and two great grandchildren. Wow! I think my wife and I need a little "Cielo e mar" time in southern Florida...
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Fred Day
09-23-2016
08:33 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Jim: PS: Give my regards to Colleen, Jimmy junior, and Lenny. When last I saw them, they were still children. Many years ago!! Ciao.
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Fred Day
09-23-2016
07:05 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Jim: I hope your "Arthur Itis" is not too severe. So far, I have not yet met that man, but I suppose that day will come in due time. In 12 days (Oct 5th) I will turn 74. Time gallops on!! Ciao.
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Fred Day
09-23-2016
06:58 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Gail: I presume you mean Cielo e Mar from La Gioconda. What was the title of that old movie?? Curious. Ciao.
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Ed
09-23-2016
11:55 AM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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I've been listening to tenors for about the last fifty years and boy there have been greats. The one thing that puts Mario Lanza out front to me anyway it's the richness in full voice there is no comparison. From that deep voice all the way up there is true beauty that is why I made this point.
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Jim Thompson
09-23-2016
08:00 AM ET (US) IP: 67.83.112.135
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Hi Fred..always nice to read your informed posts. I'm doing well overall though arthritis has lowered any high notes. That's my excuse!! I'm so glad I got Damon's total CD package years ago. Love the practice session portion with the new tape recorder and the chat with Colleen.."How much do you love me?" My older daughter Colleen is named after Mario and Betty's. Can you imagine all of us on this post being able to get together? Lottery time and we will. May I..Ciao.
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Gail Swartz
09-23-2016
07:07 AM ET (US) IP: 204.29.186.1
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Ed, I like to listen to Mario when he and Betty were learning how to use the new recording system...we can hear him talking and hear him chuckling and hear the fantastic range of his voice. I like to hear him speaking without the affectedness that you hear on some of the other interviews. I think that he was a fun person to be around and drew people to him with his chrisma. I watched an old movie yesterday that had an actor singing Ceilo DeLmar as his character was Italian...his comment-Italians were born to sing. The tune just kept running through my mind for the rest of the day, of course it was Mario's voice that I imagined singing it...even to the high note he finishes it.
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Ed
09-23-2016
06:35 AM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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Fred, I have most of DLP CDs, one in particular I call yourv attention too,the CD One Alone. One track is "Lanza vocalizing" on one of the new CDs offered by Sepia Greatest Operatic volume 2 it is repeated as "warming up his voice".
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Fred Day
09-22-2016
08:42 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Phil: Most of those Lanza items were released on DLP CD's (Damon Lanza Productions). Most of them can be found on youtube. BMG/RCA only releases their own material, so the non-commercial material would not be issued by them. Only by "bootleg" companies. Ciao. Hi Jim, hope you are well. Ciao again.
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Gail Swartz
09-22-2016
08:42 AM ET (US) IP: 204.29.186.64
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From various sources Mario was reported to have been well prepared when he went in to record....having spent hours each day in rehearsing. The "Blue Tapes" have been discussed here before complied many of Mario's goofs. I have one retake on a cassette of LOB when stopped and told the conductor where to "pick it back up at..." Costa in an interview said that Mario was always well-prepared. Mario must have had a super memory and that musicality just flooded everything he sang.
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Jim Thompson
09-22-2016
08:42 AM ET (US) IP: 67.83.112.135
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Thanks Ed. After writing another detailed email to Classic I thought I would just put their contact info here for everyone. Let's hope they will take it to heart. Here it is: Classicartsshowcase.org
As my friend Fred says...Ciao, and Happy Fall to all!
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Ed
09-22-2016
07:37 AM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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Ed to Jim ince the passing of Elvis Presley in 1977 many CDs have been released incorporating many false starts and alternate takes that lasted only a minute or several seconds from his studio work. I find these not only entertaining but they give to us a description of what an artist may go through to get that finished product. When Presley recorded at Sun before RCA many false starts were taped over because tape was expensive so we have nothing from Presley showing his trials in 1954/55. This brings me to Mario, I am sure there was opportunity to save false starts but who knows if and where they lie. Caruso would crack recordings which I am sure even he was unhappy with. Jim, if you'll send me the email address to Classic Arts I'll gladly email them to. Please use my email McElvis1948@aol.com. Best Ed. Edited 09-22-2016 07:39 AM
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phil uk
09-22-2016
06:02 AM ET (US) IP: 85.12.76.63
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these rehearsal aria's are on youtube,Lamento,che gelida & the Chenier masterpeice & i did state NO TWEEKING Suzanne.Again these need to go on commercial cd for all fo hear.
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Deleted by author 09-22-2016 05:57 AM
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Jim Thompson
09-22-2016
03:39 AM ET (US) IP: 67.83.112.135
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I have sent two emails to Classic Arts Showcase channel suggesting more showings of Mario videos and film material. I also suggested getting permission or approval, if needed from Turner Classics, to use excepts from Mario's films. I have not heard back. Here on our channel in Connecticut I see much repetition of artists and of long program excerpts but I have seen Mario only once or twice.
I watched an interesting long segment on Jarmila Novotna but it was cut as she moved to the US. Checking her out on the web, I read a long interview in which she praises Mario's voice but questioned his dedication to work. I wonder if any of you folks who produce Mario CD's could find, if it still exists, the Lanza-Novotna duet not used the Caruso film. Would be great!
What a shame and loss that Mario never appeared on The Bell Telephone Hour or The Voice of Firestone. He was right here until 1957! As with artists today, I wonder if any filming of Mario at rehearsals or actually recording exists.
This has been lengthy but maybe if more of us would email Classic suggesting airing Mario they would do so.
Happy Fall one and all.
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Gerald Matthews. UK
09-21-2016
04:30 PM ET (US) IP: 86.136.91.194
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Phil. I have not heard of the rehearsal items you mention in your posting , if they are not commercially available where did you acquire them ?
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Suzanne
09-21-2016
02:22 PM ET (US) IP: 74.79.58.35
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Phil. They really are incomparable as they are. Bill, Patriots are needed, especially now, thank you.
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Phil uk
09-21-2016
10:49 AM ET (US) IP: 85.12.76.63
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once again i was listening to Mario's rehearsal items,Lamento di,che gelida,& the Chenier Improviso & still they movemewith the sheer sound & pathos Mario brings to these aria's,its incredible singing & quite unsurpassed.Now these deserve to go on commercial cd for all to hear with no tweeking soundwise after all these are historic recordings & to correct audible faults often affects the performance sonically.Anyone listening?
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Ed
09-20-2016
11:37 AM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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Bill, indeed an honor. My thoughts go back to my first day at PS 56 in first grade I was selected to put the class flag in holder in front of the classroom now one is outside our home 24/7. Proud of you.
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Gail Swartz
09-20-2016
12:38 AM ET (US) IP: 204.29.186.9
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Proud of you to want to carry the U.S. flag. Missed being in touch with this site...somehow it had been erased from my Kindle. Hope all is well with the posters. Mario is never very far from my thoughts...I hear snatches of songs in my head.and think of his beautiful voice..
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Bill Ronayne
09-20-2016
12:28 AM ET (US) IP: 24.185.119.177
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I was very proud on Monday evening to carry the American flag in the San Gennaro Feast Day procession into the church and through the streets of Little Italy. Best, Bill
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Bill Ronayne
09-17-2016
08:27 PM ET (US) IP: 24.185.120.99
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From today's Mario Lanza Society of New York luncheon at Patsy's Restaurant in NYC. L-R Gloria Gari, Zhanna Alkhazova, Elaine Malbin, David Maiullo and Brian Ernstes. It was a fine afternoon with great performances by Ms. Alkhazova, Mr. Ernstes and Mr. Maiullo as well as Elaine Malbin. Ms. Malbin also briefly sang along with the second half of her Madama Butterfly duet recording with Lanza. We remembered those lost on 9-11 with Lanza's recording of The Lord's Prayer and also heard him in selections from his films That Midnight Kiss, Toast of New Orleans, The Great Caruso, Because You're Mine and Serenade. There were also recordings of Giulio Gari's played. Traffic was a nightmare in NYC but pretty much everyone made it and with a little adjusting of the program, we were able to get it all in and on time! Best, Bill
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Ed
09-17-2016
06:05 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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Joseph Schmidt died in a Swiss refugee camp at 38 during WW 2, another beautiful voice.
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Kristine
09-17-2016
05:40 PM ET (US) IP: 173.169.36.195
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I'm sorry to hear that about tenors Wunderlich and Anders. I heard of Wunderlich. By the way, the t.v. version of the Broadway Musical "Lady In The Dark" starring Ann Sothern(one of my favorites)is out on DVD. It first aired in 1954. Her mother had a classically trained voice and Ann Sothern had a semi-soprano voice. Her daughter, actress,Tisha Sterling(whose father was actor Robert Sterling)has her autobiography "Why I Failed Charm School" out. It's available from Amazon.com. "Lady In The Dark" DVD is available from Amazon.com and Movies Unlimited.
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Kenneth Henderson
09-17-2016
04:50 PM ET (US) IP: 61.9.168.137
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And German operatic tenor Peter Anders was killed in a car crash in Hamburg on Sept 10 1954 at 46. His reputation was somewhat tainted because Hitler liked his voice and did not require him to do war service, rather sing to the troops.
Ken
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Ed to David
09-17-2016
01:56 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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I agree he had one of the most beautiful voices out there. I've been a fan for some time now about 8 years, I was introduced to his voice by someone.
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David Weaver
09-17-2016
01:17 PM ET (US) IP: 98.31.1.186
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Fifty years ago today, the world lost one of its truly great voices when Fritz Wunderlich died, following a freak fall on to a stone floor in a friend's home in Nuremburg, Germany. It was nine days before his 36th birthday and three weeks before he was to make his Met Opera debut as Ottavio in "Don Giovanni" in a season during which he was to sing another Mozart role, Tamino in "The Magic Flute." One of the most beautiful tenor voices of all time, he is perhaps more loved and appreciated today than he was in his life and career which, like Mario Lanza's, was much too short. Here is Wunderlich singing Lehar's "Dein ist mein ganzes herz." https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=abDMheAYf0wEdited 09-17-2016 01:19 PM
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Fred Day
09-16-2016
02:07 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Ed: Both Caruso and Lanza did a short version of "Pira". Without the chorus part. Caruso lowered it a half tone to B. Lanza sang it in C, the original key. Corelli, for example, used to lower it to B in live performances, but in the studio he sang it in the original key of C. Many tenors transpose it down in live performances. Tucker sang it in B in the studio, but in B-flat in live performances. Ciao.
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Ed to Fred
09-16-2016
08:11 AM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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Fred, I've been posting on Facebook with some friends who are also fans of Mario Lanza and how he'd fit on a new Three Tenors of today, there were many scenarios. We then discussed the aria Di Quella Pira and marveled at each ones finish. I went back and listened to the Caruso one from 1906 and he didn't seem to look to hit that finish as others did later on. Should he have or did he do it as Verdi had written!
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Ed
09-14-2016
11:13 AM ET (US) IP: 70.214.114.72
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Suzanne, I got Duel in my library this morning on my way from my hearing dr appt, I have two books I'm reading now of course Duel and one on the Gestapo and Goering. Hope you can get Manhattan I know it's on kindle, still nothing on our buddy
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Suzanne
09-14-2016
10:17 AM ET (US) IP: 74.79.58.35
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TONO is my favorite, too, Ed. Love the humor in it. Mario was a natural. Can't forget the "Butterfly" sequence. So great. No, he wasn't very tall, but every inch was packed with 'wonderfulness'. Hmm, is there such a word?The book must be popular, hard to come by.
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Ed
09-14-2016
08:03 AM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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I brought out my DVD of TONO yesterday, it is my favorite movie. Anyway I was really paying attention to the Tina Lina dance sequence and got to notice how short Mario was, I figure about 5/7. Whatever his height his voice and big giving heart made up for it.
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Ed to Suzanne
09-13-2016
01:31 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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I just saw Duel' its 12 bucks on Kindle but only 300 pages, I may see if our library has it or get it. I haven't changed email still McElvis1948@aol.com. Best
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Suzanne
09-13-2016
10:18 AM ET (US) IP: 74.79.58.35
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Ed. The book I was able to obtain is Duel With The Devil by Paul Collins, appears to be a sequel to Manhattan Well . This was published in 2013, MW in 2001. Looks well read, haven't started it yet. Don't seem to be able to email you, so doing it here. Sorry to everyone. Loving Mario singing "If You Are But a Dream". The phrasing is exquisite and stays with me all day after hearing it. Sorry to hear of Botha's death. Another too soon.
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Kristine
09-10-2016
06:54 PM ET (US) IP: 173.169.36.195
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Sorry to hear of John Botha's death. RIP. Remembering 15th Anniversary of terrorist attack against the U.S., tomorrow, Sunday.
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Fred Day
09-10-2016
02:14 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Met dramatic tenor Johan Botha died 2 days ago, (Sept 8th) of cancer. He was only 51. He leaves a wife and 2 sons. He was originally from South Africa. He died in Vienna. Rest in peace. Ciao.
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Ed
09-09-2016
10:38 AM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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Vincent,I had a great uncle who was a NYC fireman in the 60s and he introduced me to Mario Lanza and I'd take my records to the firehouse, I was 15. Now at 68 Mario has been in my life fifty years plus. I listen to him everyday, my uncle would have been happy knowing i made friends with Damon. I started listening to Franchi around that time. I also listen to Caruso but its always Mario. Loved your performances and wish you both continued success.
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Vincent Ricciardi
09-09-2016
09:05 AM ET (US) IP: 71.125.7.56
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Thanks everyone for all of the kind words. I really love this kind of concert work. Like Sergio Franchi,
I seem to have a knack for it.
Ed, the DVD from the Ed Sullivan show is awesome. My grandma introduced me to Sergio and said he had the most amazing voice she had ever heard live. She was so excited that I had fallen in love with the old Italian music and had started to study opera.
Dennis, if you do find any festivals in your area let me know. I'd love to reach out to them and inquire about coming out to CA to perform.
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Ed
09-09-2016
06:43 AM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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There is a great Sergio Franchi CD out there with all of his appearances on Ed Sullivan and worthwhile getting.
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Savage to Vincent
09-08-2016
09:25 PM ET (US) IP: 96.61.84.191
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Vincent, thanks for the beautiful clip from the Festa Italiana and the Franchi CD tip. Best of luck with your upcoming performances.
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Dennis
09-08-2016
07:44 PM ET (US) IP: 73.170.201.215
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David, you are correct that it seems there would be a lot of Italian festivals in California with its Italian population. However, 14 festivals for a state with more than 39,000,000 people! I bet there are more festivals in Pennsylvania than that! Anyhow, thanks for the list, and maybe I can catch one of them.
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David Weaver
09-08-2016
07:19 PM ET (US) IP: 98.31.1.186
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Dennis, I was surprised at your comment that Italian festivals are rare in California. Seems with it being the most populous state, with many Italians, that there would be a good number of events. So, I Googled "Italian festivals in California" and it brought up this site, which says "Here are a few California Italian festivals," and then proceeds to list at least 14 events statewide in 2016: http://www.seecalifornia.com/festivals/cal...lian-festivals.htmlEdited 09-08-2016 07:31 PM
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Dennis
09-08-2016
06:01 PM ET (US) IP: 73.170.201.215
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Vincent, oh how envious I am of the opportunity to visit an Italian festival and hear music with the quality that you sing...and for free, just for walking by! Wow. Italian festivals are rare in California.
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Fred Day
09-08-2016
02:33 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Vincent: I agree with Suzanne, you are excellent, especially Nessun Dorma!! Ciao.
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Fred Day
09-08-2016
02:28 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Yes, Sergio Franchi at the Coconut Grove RCA LP/CD is excellent. He would now be 90, if he were still alive. The following 5 stars have all turned 90 this year, all born in 1926 and still alive: Tony Bennett, Buddy Greco, Jerry Lewis, Don Rickles, and Mel Brooks. Happy 90th birthday to all. Ciao.
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Fred Day
09-08-2016
02:18 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Suzanne: No recording exists of Lanza's audition for the GMIM radio program. But all 6 of his broadcasts exist. And yes, despite a couple of "oops" he was superb!! Ciao.
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Suzanne
09-08-2016
12:03 PM ET (US) IP: 74.79.58.35
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Vincent. Your performances were really terrific.(what I saw of them). Especially liked the "Nessun". Emily lovely as well.
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Ed
09-08-2016
10:53 AM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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Vincent, I agree with you about Sergio at CG. I had this record many years and now have it on CD, A favorite of mine is Les Gitans, the whole collection is excellent.
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Vincent to Savage
09-08-2016
10:46 AM ET (US) IP: 71.125.7.56
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If you need any other proof of his ability as a night club artist, just purchase his "Live from the Coconut Grove" album. This live performance of Sergio Franchi is stellar.
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Vincent Ricciardi
09-08-2016
09:27 AM ET (US) IP: 71.125.7.56
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Hello Everyone, I wanted to give everyone an update on some upcoming performances and such. This past Sunday, September 4th, Emily and I performed at "La Festa Italiana" in Scranton, PA. Our performance began as we performed sacred selections as the festival's featured vocalists during a special Italian Mass at the Cathedral of St. Peter. The mass was broadcast locally on live television. After a short break we took to the main stage to share our unique show with this wonderfully receptive audience. It was a fun day full of good music and delicious food at a festival that spanned several blocks of downtown Scranton. You can view a short clip of our performances on our YouTube Channel by clicking the link below. https://youtu.be/UMSnT4kxbhQEmily and Vincent will return to Mercer County Italian Festival this year. Mercer County Italian Festival Sunday, September 25, 2016, 2:30PM (Main Stage) 1638 Old Trenton Road West Windsor, Township, NJ 08550 www.italianamericanfestival.com This coming weekend I will make my debut appearance as part of the performance trio "Two Gents and the Lady." If you’re in the NY/NJ area come enjoy the festival and a fun show. Hoboken Italian Festival Saturday September 10th, 6:15 PM & 7:15 PM 332 Adams St. Hoboken, NJ 07030 www.hobokenitalianfestival.com Ferragosto Sunday September 11th, 2:30 PM & 5:15 PM Arthur Avenue between Crescent Avenue and 187th Street Bronx, NY www.ferragosto.com All the best, Vincent www.eandventertainment.com Edited 09-08-2016 09:28 AM
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Ed
09-07-2016
12:04 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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I never cared for Peerce, Lanza surely was the one!
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Joe
09-07-2016
12:00 PM ET (US) IP: 71.224.55.142
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What has become of Frank Tenaglia?? Anyone know?
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Suzanne
09-07-2016
11:45 AM ET (US) IP: 74.79.58.35
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Fred, if Cesari's bio is correct, Weede told Tennyson that he had a friend with a wonderful tenor voice who would be a perfect replacement for Peerce. But she still included him in an audition with others. Needless to say, he was the one. In spite of a couple of "oops", the recording proves it.
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Savage
09-07-2016
10:36 AM ET (US) IP: 96.61.84.191
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A stroll down Memory Lane. This rendition of Core 'Ngrato is solid evidence that Sergio Franchi was a great nightclub performer.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7kqV0UsU4aM
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David Weaver
09-06-2016
10:59 PM ET (US) IP: 98.31.1.186
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 Jean Tennyson's husband was Claude Dreyfus, founder and chair of the Celanese Corporation of America, which sponsored "Great Moments in Music." Dreyfus was nearly 30 years older than his wife, and supported her musical ambitions, which clearly were greater than her talent. No one could say Dreyfus was stingy when it came to spending money on the program, boasting Jan Peerce and Robert Weede as regulars. And, as Fred correctly pointed out, it was Weede, a good friend and early booster of Mario, who got him the "Great Moments" gig, filling in for Peerce. Here is a photo of Tennyson and Mario on the set of the program. Edited 09-06-2016 11:00 PM
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Fred Day
09-06-2016
09:01 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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The late Edward J. Smith once took Enrico Caruso junior to a Jenkins concert. He described it as "a concert you will never forget!!" After the concert, Smith introduced Enrico junior to Jenkins - she was very impressed to meet the son of Caruso. Ciao.
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Fred Day
09-06-2016
08:54 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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I believe it was Robert Weede (not Jean Tennyson) who was responsible for Lanza singing occasionally on "Great Moments In Music", as a fill-in for Jan Peerce, when Peerce was not available or on vacation. The reason Tennyson sang on that program was because she was the producer's niece. As far as I know, that program was Tennyson's only claim to fame. She was certainly not Met material!! Ciao.
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diane cox
09-06-2016
01:42 PM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.239
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The singing is awful and hurt my ears.
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diane cox
09-06-2016
01:42 PM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.239
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Saw the Jenkins movie last week and it is pretty good. Streep can play anyone. There is a twist to the plot that is unexpected.
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Suzanne
09-06-2016
12:42 PM ET (US) IP: 74.79.58.35
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David,yes Ted Turner, wasn't aware of the change. Thanks. Listening today to "Golden Days". Interested in Natalie Bodanya.She had a wonderful career at the Met in the 30's and 40's. Retired to become a voice teacher. Died in 2007 at the age of 98. The better voice to sing with Mario on the recording. Listening to Jean Tennyson,who was actually responsible for hiring Mario, and described by Cesari in his bio of Mario, as reminiscent of Florence Foster Jenkins, who's profiled in a current film,portrayed by none other than Meryl Streep. She had the means and the influence to inflict herself on the public and be applauded. I suppose it's very funny and poignant. May see it.
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David Weaver
09-06-2016
11:43 AM ET (US) IP: 98.31.1.186
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Suzanne, when you say Turner is not a fan - not sure if you mean Ted Turner, founder of TCM. He sold his broadcast operations to Time Warner in the late 1990s. He served for a time as vice-chairman of Time Warner, but has not been involved in any capacity with any of the networks he founded since 2006.
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Suzanne
09-06-2016
10:57 AM ET (US) IP: 74.79.58.35
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Fred. Funny, I was thinking about Anthony just the other day. The incident with his new car. I wonder where he's gone to. Ed, I was sure you'd seen the letters . Glad there were printed translations, difficult to read and so many trying at the same time.Glad you tried to reach Veronica, but do wish her daughter would let us know how she is.Think Mario is destined to be snubbed by TCM. Turner probably not a fan. All the more reason for us to keep supporting him.
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Ed
09-05-2016
06:39 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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Fred, Sorry but I have not from him in about two years. I have his email and did try contacting him twice but got nowhere. I enjoyed posting with him on Lanzalegend he was quite knowledgeable on sound and music, I learned a lot from him. I've been trying to contact our orher friend Veronica, after numerous attempts to her and daughter my guess is she passed. I can't believe she'd not reply as she was also very ill and had an aid.
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Fred Day
09-05-2016
02:32 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Ed: What ever happened to Anthony V from New Jersey?? Have you heard from him?? Curious. Ciao.
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David Weaver
09-05-2016
01:16 AM ET (US) IP: 98.31.1.186
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Actually, people don't vote for the films that are finally selected each year for inclusion in the National Film Registry. But they can submit nominations for films to be considered. The deadline to nominate for the class of 2016 was September 2. Nominations received after that date are considered in 2017. Here's what it says on the Library of Congress about the actual selection of films: "The Librarian of Congress makes the annual selections to the Registry after reviewing hundreds of titles nominated by the public and conferring with Library film curators and the distinguished members of the National Film Preservation Board (NFPB)." The NFSB Board is comprised of 23 members and includes representatives from such organizations as the Motion Picture Academy, American Film Institute, and Directors Guild of America. Re Mario's films, I know that I and at least one other person have nominated "The Great Caruso" several times in the past. For a number of reasons, that film, more than any other of Mario's, seems to meet the registry's criteria to be "culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant." It introduced opera to a mass audience and inspired several generations of singers, especially tenors. If anyone wants to nominate a film, here is the link to do so: https://www.loc.gov/programs/national-film...-registry/nominate/Edited 09-05-2016 12:09 PM
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Ed
09-04-2016
05:55 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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Bill, yes I don't know why he always is treated so unfairly. While I own al his films on dvd it is more than just the airing of the films it is more than that it gives folks a chance to watch and listen to what we have for decades. I always thought he could have been promoted on say QVC, his music and kind of a doc, be well Ed
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Bill Ronayne
09-04-2016
03:22 PM ET (US) IP: 24.185.123.113
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Unfortunately Ed I doubt either will happen anytime soon. On another note, TCM has yet to schedule one of Mario's films this year. They would argue that they aired The Student Prince but as we all know only his voice is featured. He has shown up briefly in an MGM documentary and when That's Entertainment was shown recently. Not sure why they are not airing his films. Best, Bill
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Bill Ronayne
09-04-2016
03:18 PM ET (US) IP: 24.185.123.113
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Hope all our friends in the path of Hermine are safe and OK.
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Bill Ronayne
09-04-2016
03:17 PM ET (US) IP: 24.185.123.113
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The next MLSNY luncheon at Patsy's Restaurant in NYC will take place on Saturday September 17th from 1pm-4pm. Elaine Malbin will be attending and there will be performances by soprano Zhanna Alkhazova, tenor Brian Ernstes and accompanist David Maiullo. We will also be listening to a variety of selections from Elaine's and Mario's recorded legacy. Seating is limited and for information on attending please contact me at wjronayne@optonline.net. Best, Bill
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Ed
09-03-2016
08:38 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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I was hoping that my favorite Mario movie Toast of New Orleans would be nominated for the registry. I'd love to see him remembered on a US postage stamp.
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Kristine
09-03-2016
05:30 PM ET (US) IP: 173.169.36.195
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The Library of Congress has just nominated more movies for their Registry. People can vote for their choices. Two of Deanna Durbin's movies(one is "100 Men And A Girl")are on the list. But once , again, none of Mario Lanza's movies are to be found on it. Happy Labor Day Holiday !
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Ed
09-03-2016
04:17 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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Suzanne, I've seen correspondence between Burr and Hamilton years back at the NYPBL on exhibition, fascinating. I've stood by Hamilton's grave as well as his wife Elizabeth's grave at Trinity. Should you ever venture down here perhaps we can visit the Caruso museum in Brooklyn. They just finished refurbishing Teddy's home on the east side. So much out there to see, our lower Broadway is filled with pre rev and post rev stuff to see.
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Suzanne
09-03-2016
01:04 PM ET (US) IP: 74.79.58.35
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Have my invitation Bill. I'm hoping. Fortunate yesterday to visit the Fenimore Cooper museum to see the Toulouse Lautrec and James Whistler exhibits. Didn't know I'd get to see the costumes worn by Licia Albanese,Enrico Caruso and Jarmila Novotna from La Boheme. Che Gelida was played. Delighted. Also , Ed, something you may have seen; the letters between Hamilton and Burr. A great museum we try to get to every Summer. If anyone has the chance to go, believe me , you'll enjoy it.
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Bill Ronayne
09-02-2016
12:09 PM ET (US) IP: 24.185.123.113
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2016 Mario Lanza Ball Weekend in Philadelphia November 5- November 6, 2016 Saturday, November 5, 2016 Mario Lanza Dinner Estia Restaurant 7:30 pm 1405 Locust Street Special Entertainment includes a video presentation in commemoration of the 60th anniversary of the premiere of "Serenade." 50/50 raffle. Four course dinner with a cash bar. $75 per person. Sunday, November 6, 2016 Mario Lanza Museum Open House 712 Montrose Street 11:00 am Coffee and cake reception Tour of Lanza Museum Free Mario Lanza Ball Sunday, November 6, 2016 DoubleTree Hotel 5:00 pm 237 S. Broad Street (at Locust Street) Cocktail hour, scholarship winner’s concert, 2 video presentations in commemoration of the 65th anniversary of the premiere of "The Great Caruso," 50/50 raffle and dinner and dancing to the Tony Dee Orchestra. $160 per person. Cash bar after 6:00pm. Invitations can be downloaded at our site http://www.mariolanzainstitute.org/. If any one would like to place an ad in the Ball program book please click on the link for that at the right side of the Home Page. Any questions can be directed to 215-238-9691 or mariolanzainstitute@verizon.net For those wishing to make a donation please make your checks out to Mario Lanza Institute and mail to Mario Lanza Institute PO Box 54624 Philadelphia, PA 19148 Best, Bill Edited 09-02-2016 12:11 PM
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diane cox
08-31-2016
11:15 AM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.239
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Jeff: Met a later version of The Platters in the late 60s in Birmingham Al. Think 3 of the 5 were originals. They were still doing their string of favorites. Since I was a teen in the late 50s, these were all my songs.
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David Weaver
08-31-2016
10:44 AM ET (US) IP: 156.63.68.196
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I think the main reason Mario did not do more television, in fact the reason he did not do more concerts or personal appearances after the end of "The Great Caruso" tour in 1951, is because he really did not feel comfortable performing live before an audience. He did it, of course - but it was not his preference. The times he did perform live after 1951 could mostly be attributed to the fact that he needed money, and he was offered huge sums by producers and promoters. Certainly the only reason he agreed to perform at the New Frontier in Las Vegas in 1955 - an engagement which he did not fulfill - was because they offered him $50,000 a week for two weeks. As Costa wrote in his book, $100,000 for a two-week gig was an offer that not even the Mario Lanza of 1951 (when he earned over $1.1-million, equal to over $10-million today) could laugh off. By the way, speaking of Mario's then-record $40,000 for the Shower of Stars appearance - when he signed on to open the New Frontier, it was the biggest deal any Vegas hotel had made with a performer to that time. Not long after, Liberace was signed to be the opening headliner at the new Riviera, which was going to open a few days after the New Frontier. Liberace, then hot as a pistol, was also going to get $50,000 a week for two weeks. Of course Mario didn't show. A few days after Mario cancelled, Liberace opened at the Riviera. He said to the audience, "You know, I'm the first performer in the history of Las Vegas to be paid $50,000 a week," then added after he paused and winked, "who actually showed up." Edited 08-31-2016 10:44 AM
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Suzanne
08-31-2016
09:42 AM ET (US) IP: 74.79.58.35
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Maybe if Mario had made appearances on so many shows, he would have lessened his appeal, being too available. Everyone makes too much money these days. Are they worth it? Hardly seems so.
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Ed
08-31-2016
07:37 AM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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Thank you David, I had some figures that I recalled as to the money Elvis was paid but not sure enough to put it here. When you think what that would equal today it's mind boggling and insane but yet it gets paid to Adele and Celine, hey thanks again.
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Kristine
08-31-2016
05:28 AM ET (US) IP: 173.169.36.195
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The Platters had a great sound ! I think Polly Bergen also recorded it, too. Did the song come out, before the movie ? Buck Ram's name was in the credits of "For The First Time".
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Jeff
08-31-2016
03:56 AM ET (US) IP: 209.180.237.137
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I came across something very strange. 'For The First Time' was recorded by the PLATTERS in 1958. Their wonderful Tenor Tony Williams gave it a very sweet and understated treatment and, all-in-all, it is very pleasant. Here it is https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uSrfgiYLd6Y . And while you're there, don't miss Only You, The Great Pretender, Twilight Time and Smoke Gets In Your Eyes (on the Ed Sullivan Show). Enjoy... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=57tK6aQS_H0
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David Weaver
08-30-2016
10:00 PM ET (US) IP: 98.31.1.186
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Ed, according to the Elvis Presley Music website, Elvis was paid $50,000 for his three Sullivan appearances in 1956-57. Not for each - in aggregate, so Mario's $40,000 per appearance for Shower of Stars would still be more.
Ironically, when Colonel Parker first approached Sullivan, he asked for $5,000 for a one-shot gig. Ed said no way. Then Elvis really exploded. Sullivan went back to Parker to invite Elvis on, and the Colonel said fine, but the price is now $50,000. Ed agreed to the fee and the Colonel agreed to it being three guest shots. If you divide $50,000 by three, comes out to about $16,666 a gig. So Mario still made far more money per appearance for Shower of Stars.
However, when Elvis returned from the Army in 1960 and made his grand "Welcome Home" appearance on Frank Sinatra - his fee was reportedly $125,000. That was a new record, surpassing what Mario or anyone had been paid up to that point.
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Kristine
08-30-2016
04:47 PM ET (US) IP: 173.169.36.195
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Gene Wilder, RIP. Another t.v. show was "The Steve Allen Show". Imagine if Mario Lanza had been a guest. Steve Lawrence and Eydie Gorme' appeared on it, in fact that's how they met and married. If Mario Lanza had lived, maybe Tony Randall(who was an opera buff)would have had him , as guest, on "The Odd Couple". Opera singers Marilyn Horne and Richard Fredericks were guests on it.
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Ed
08-30-2016
03:21 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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Fred, my guess would be Elvis Presley, I'd have to look it up what Sullivan paid that thief Parker but my guess it was a hefty sum for several appearances since Elvis was the biggest star on the planet. David, have you got anything on this? Edited 08-30-2016 03:24 PM
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Fred Day
08-30-2016
01:59 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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David: Oops, you are right - I think that Manon appearance of Di Stefano, with Moffo, I believe, was his only Bell show. He had just recorded an RCA LP of Manon highlights with Moffo, in 1963. Both Di Stefano & Del Monaco appeared on Ed Sullivan show, a few times. The Sullivan TV show ran for 23 years, from June 1948 to June 1971, Sunday nights at 8pm. Sullivan paid his guests quite well, especially established stars. What was his average pay to stars?? Who got the highest pay, and how much?? Curious. Ciao.
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David Weaver
08-30-2016
12:52 PM ET (US) IP: 156.63.68.220
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Re Dennis' thought that maybe one reason Mario would turn down offers was "poor pay," consider this: the $40,000 Mario was paid for the Shower of Stars in 1954 was, if I'm not mistaken, the largest fee up to that time for any performer to do a single appearance on television. That sum, in today's dollars, would be equal to $356,000. And Mario was paid that TWICE, because he received that same fee for the second SOS appearance. That's part of the reason why there was such an uproar over that first SOS show. If you read the contemporary coverage of that appearance, the scandal was over Mario being paid so much - and then instead of singing live, he lip synched to old recordings. Edited 08-30-2016 12:57 PM
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David Weaver
08-30-2016
10:30 AM ET (US) IP: 156.63.68.220
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Fred, I don't know about Del Monaco, but Di Stefano made at least one appearance on the Bell show. He is on a DVD, "Great Stars of Opera - Telecasts from the Bell Telephone Hour, 1959-1966." The opening clip is Di Stefano singing "Ah, fuyez, douce image" from Massenet's "Manon" in a broadcast from 1963.
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Suzanne
08-30-2016
09:21 AM ET (US) IP: 74.79.58.35
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Early days for TV. Maybe Mario didn't quite trust it. Especially after the Chrysler fiasco. He did have a flair for comedy, for sure. Just wanted to be taken more seriously, maybe. Sorry to lose Gene Wilder, a charming genius of comedy.
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Fred Day
08-30-2016
02:43 AM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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To my knowledge, neither Di Stefano nor Del Monaco, ever appeared on either Voice of Firestone or Bell Telephone Hour. Curious. Ciao.
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Fred Day
08-30-2016
02:29 AM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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I believe Ed Sullivan tried many times to have Lanza on his TV show, prior to Lanza's moving to Italy. So, in the end, Sullivan had to travel to Rome to film an interview with Lanza, and show a clip from Seven Hills of Rome as a plug for the movie. It aired in January, 1958. That interview was also repeated a few days after Lanza's death. Ciao.
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Dennis
08-30-2016
01:24 AM ET (US) IP: 73.170.201.215
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I agree with David. It would have been to the benefit of the Voice of Firestone to have Mario appear. They probably did ask him, and likely more than once, but for whatever reason, Mario turned it down. Maybe as he said in the interview, he didn't want to sing on television (stage fright? poor pay? can't use lyric cribs? didn't see a big future for TV? thought bright lights would make him sweat?). We will never know, it seems, but with a famous personality and talent and versatility and good looks like his, it seems a lot of television shows would have wanted him, not just the Shower of Stars.
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David Weaver
08-30-2016
12:22 AM ET (US) IP: 98.31.1.186
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We seem to assume shows like these didn't invite Mario to appear, when actually it might've been a case they did invite him and for whatever reason he declined. Once Mario was out of the MGM contract in April, 1953, he was free to do whatever he chose. And even though he did not perform or appear in public for nearly two years, Costa wrote in his bio that offers poured in during that period - for films, radio and television shows, concerts, and personal appearances. Maybe some of the offers were for the very shows mentioned here. Regardless, Mario didn't perform again until September, 1954, when Chrysler paid him $40,000 and two new cars for each of his two appearances on CBS' "Shower of Stars," despite the fact that just a year before Mario had said in an interview for Movieland magazine that he would not appear on television "for any amount of money." The gig was arranged by Al Teitelbaum, shortly after he took over managing Mario's career. Re The Bell Telephone Hour, it was on radio from 1940 to 1958. However, it didn't make it to television until January, 1959. By which time of course Mario was in Rome and in the final year of his life. The TV version of Bell ran until 1968. As for The Voice of Firestone, it was probably the longest-running classical music show in broadcast history, save for the Met Opera broadcasts. It ran on radio from 1928 to 1956, and television from 1949 to 1963. Given Mario's tremendous popularity, it seems very plausible they would at least have invited him to appear. There were few major opera and classical stars of the era who did not perform on the series. Many of the rare video clips we have today of stars such as Mario's good friend and colleague George London came from shows like those. Edited 08-30-2016 12:45 AM
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Ed
08-29-2016
08:04 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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Kristine, I agree with you I feel having Mario on I Love Lucy would have been a good idea, he would have done good comedy like Berle or Holden. As for Voice of Firestone that was a bad call not having him perform. Tucker and Tagliavini were.
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Kristine
08-29-2016
04:11 PM ET (US) IP: 173.169.36.195
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I agree, Mario Lanza never appeared on "The Bell Telephone" and "The Voice of Firestone". Maybe it was contract disagreements or schedule conflicts. I thought of the shows, he could have appeared on, "I Love Lucy", when the Ricardos and Mertzes go to Hollywood, because Ricky is making a movie, having Mario play himself, especially, when Lucy got near a celebrity, a mishap happens!, "Make Room For Daddy"(Anna Maria Alberghetti and Terry Saunders, who was in movie version of "The King and I", were guests), "The Dinah Shore Show", "The Patti Page Show", "The Perry Como Show", "What's My Line ?" Mario's father, Tony Cocozza did meet Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz. She called him Pops.
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Jim Thompson
08-29-2016
12:56 PM ET (US) IP: 67.83.112.135
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Hoe they will try to find more of them for us Suzanne.
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Suzanne
08-29-2016
09:53 AM ET (US) IP: 74.79.58.35
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Hope you do,Ed. How nice! Jim, I've been watching Classic Arts as well, and always disappointed that it seems everyone but Mario. The only one I've seen is the Chrysler Show repeat. But I don't suppose there are many videos out there.Thanks so much for contacting them to try to get things going. You're a gem!
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Jim Thompson
08-28-2016
06:47 PM ET (US) IP: 67.83.112.135
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Lately I've been watching the Classic Arts Channel a lot on our Cablevision system. i had not thought about it before but what a shame that Mario never appeared on either The Voice of Firestone or The Bell Telephone Hour. Kinda boggles the mind..they were great shows and presented so many top singers of the day. Here's another thought: I wonder if at any time Mario was filmed (no tape at that period) when he was recording. Wouldn't it have been super to actually watch him interact with the musicians and the conductor?
I wrote a note to the Classic channel suggesting Mario's TV appearances continue to be shown from the U.S. and the U.K. The other day they played his "Santa Lucia' from the Christophers show. I also suggested they use, if given permission from Turner, full aria excerpts from his movies. Hope you are all enjoying this wonderful weather with Labor Day on the horizon.
To Matt Minzer and Family...please accept our condolences on the passing of your wife.
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Gail Swartz
08-27-2016
06:44 PM ET (US) IP: 204.29.186.5
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Greetings, from the Gulf Coast....it is HOT! Sang with a group of ladies in my chorus..a breakfast meeting some 40 miles from my house. The folks were polite and enthused with our presentations. I have a question....did Mario have a favorite key to sing in...he requested E flat in BYM.?
On August 26, 2016, at 10:54 PM, QuickTopic daily digest <qtopic-30-ECKcxtRbxUTNy@quicktopic.com> wrote:
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Ed to Suzanne.
08-27-2016
02:54 PM ET (US) IP: 70.214.72.97
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Suzanne, thank you so very much for giving me the title to the book, I never thought about this, I think you gave me a jump start and I'll start writing very soon. I'm on my way to Jersey now and wheels are spinning, I will give you credit for title change.
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Suzanne
08-27-2016
02:26 PM ET (US) IP: 74.79.58.35
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Ed. that's interesting, we usually have a scavenger with a truck picking up metal to sell. Diane if I were able to go to that record store, I'd probably buy them, because I'm such a sentimentalist. Sorry you haven't been feeling the best, hope you're better now.Ed. maybe in the fall, you can start your story again."My Life With Mario"!
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Ed
08-27-2016
01:26 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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I had about two dozen Caruso 78s some one sided 12 inch I bought over a period of time in the 60s. I bought them at a Salvation Army store for a nickel and dime, I gave them away after he was put onto LP. I had several Lanza those I kept.
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diane cox
08-27-2016
11:46 AM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.239
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Glad you're enjoying the LPs Ed. I need to take the rest of them to the record store in my shopping area. Not going to ever play them and someone needs to get some pleasure from them. Also need to dispose of my one sided thick Caruso records.
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Ed
08-27-2016
07:57 AM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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Diane, here too it is like a thrift store on our street come Monday morning or a Thursday morning before trash collection outside. We have the Chinese going through recycle cans and bags seeking bottles and soda cans and carting them off, I've seen women with poles strung across their shoulders with bags hanging off for nickel deposits. My guess is they own houses in BelAir. Hope you get better soon and yes this is a great forum I agree. PS I'm enjoying the records.
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diane cox
08-26-2016
10:13 PM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.239
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Thanks Suzanne, usually I'm able to keep my quips to myself, and just watch with amusement. Love this site with all the knowledge, and viewpoints - so I even enjoy the little spats when I'm not involved in them.
Haven't been too well the past few months, but doing much better now. Getting a nice new shed for the backyard, so we are cleaning out the old one. Put some stuff out by the curb for neighborhood pick up tomorrow, and it's all gone. Nothing for the city to pick up. Amazes me what some people will cart off. Everyone have a good evening.
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Ed
08-26-2016
08:26 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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Penning my autobiography was very important to me and in some ways I had to accept the facts that the people whose lives made those things happen were no longer here. In the brief trial Mario was a major character because I shared some most personal things that we, he and I shared. Raised in the tenements of Brooklyn with Irish, Jewish and Italian and a young boy playing Mario was my world and I loved it.
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Suzanne
08-26-2016
07:29 PM ET (US) IP: 74.79.58.35
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Yes,Ed, we discussed your penning an autobi some time ago. Hope you'll take it up again .You may have to, now! Diane, that was a funny quip!
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Ed to Suzanne
08-26-2016
04:20 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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Suzanne, guess I got confused myself and just added my two cents for that I apologize. Yes too much psychoanalysis of this poor man. I like you will listen to Mario and not try to dig into his head, I'm just happy listening to him sing. I put away all the stories and tune in.
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Ed
08-26-2016
03:56 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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Hey Guys, no that's one career I didn't take being a writer. I did however start a book about myself about 14 years ago relating stories of my growing up in Brooklyn, New York and my becoming a Mario fan. I sent a cd of it to Bob Dolfi and Damon who of course gave me a thumbs up. I never finished it but one day I might.
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Suzanne
08-26-2016
02:51 PM ET (US) IP: 74.79.58.35
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This has all gotten out of hand. No,Fred, at least I don't think Ed's written a book lately. Because I said that I regretted ordering the book, didn't mean that I think it isn't well written. I 'm just overwhelmed by all the psychoanalysis of Mario. Found it depressing. Guess I just prefer to hide my head in the sand, and accept him as we saw him, enjoying his glorious singing, gorgeous good looks and fantastic personality.It's all enough for me.Have to wonder why other singers weren't taken apart as he was. A compliment, maybe, because he was so spectacular and well-loved.I'll read it, but I'll cry a lot.
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Martino
08-26-2016
02:51 PM ET (US) IP: 104.255.7.178
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Just got back from an abbreviated stay up in the north country to hear the bad news about Matt's wife. My sincerest condolences to him and his family.
I agree with Fred that Linz's book is a good one but I can see where Suzanne and others may not like it. It is in a unique style that is not in the manner of most authors. The work itself is not a classic book story telling with a logical beginning, middle and conclusion, nor was it intended to be. My review a while back addresses this point but "The One Tenor", like the author himself, is an excellent but perhaps an acquired taste for some people. Have you ever had Riesling? You must savor and dwell a bit on the first taste to try and understand its flavor - you can taste it immediately but you don't know at that point what you are tasting and if you will really enjoy it. It is a little strange at first but then when you take more in and finish the glass you finally understand the winemaker's intent and appreciate it's unique flavor. Such is "The One Tenor".
Yes, I would also like to know about Ed's book. I know Sam was suppose to write something about Mario's life and career but I'm not sure where that project is at the moment. I was not aware Ed might be doing the same. Fill us in, Ed.
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Fred Day
08-26-2016
01:51 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Ed: Did you write a book?? If so, what is it about?? Linz's book is excellent!! I have only read the first edition, so far. I plan to get the new 2nd edition soon. Ciao.
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diane cox
08-26-2016
01:21 PM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.239
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That sound you heard could of been a can of worms being opened.
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Suzanne
08-26-2016
11:03 AM ET (US) IP: 74.79.58.35
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Ed, no, not your book, don't have it yet , Linz book.Sorry you misunderstood.
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Ed
08-26-2016
10:05 AM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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Suzanne, I thought it was an interesting story sorry you didn't care for it. Guess I'm not a good critic. Haha.
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Suzanne
08-26-2016
10:00 AM ET (US) IP: 74.79.58.35
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Ed, thanks for trying.
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Suzanne
08-26-2016
09:53 AM ET (US) IP: 74.79.58.35
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Received "the book" yesterday.Regret ordering it.
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Suzanne
08-25-2016
08:39 AM ET (US) IP: 74.79.58.35
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Thank you, Ed and Gary. Anxious to hear how she is. Such a favorite of mine.
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Ed
08-24-2016
06:23 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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Suzanne, I'm working with Gary to check on our friend hopefully we'll hear soon. Will let you know asap.
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Fred Day
08-24-2016
02:14 AM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Gail: I believe there were no children or animals in That Midnight Kiss. In the Don Giovanni Il Mio Tesoro scene from Serenade, the other singers were just extras, as they did not sing. Staged kisses in Lanza films - at least 7 - one per film, is my guess. Ciao.
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Gail Swartz
08-24-2016
12:27 AM ET (US) IP: 204.29.186.7
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Thanks,Alex. New trivia question...which movie of Mario's had no children or animals? Watching Serenade..did anyone notice the hotel corridor was different the times Damon entered Kendall's suite? Were any of the Mexican opera singers on the Don Giovani stage famous or just extras? Why did Juana wear the same hair ornament in most of her scenes? One more...how many staged kisses did Mario participate in his movies?
On August 23, 2016, at 10:54 PM, QuickTopic daily digest <qtopic-30-ECKcxtRbxUTNy@quicktopic.com> wrote:
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Alex Valiansky
08-23-2016
01:42 PM ET (US) IP: 208.91.28.66
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Hi, Gail! No, the singer in the June Allyson version of Little Women was not portraying Caruso. That's because the novel is set in the 1860's, during the Civil War, and Caruso wasn't born until 1873.
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David Weaver
08-23-2016
11:28 AM ET (US) IP: 156.63.68.232
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Looked back to see how recently Matt had posted. Went back to June - he posted a "get well" message from he and Marilyn to Dan Lawlor. And of course, Dan has since passed away. And now Marilyn.
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Suzanne
08-23-2016
11:20 AM ET (US) IP: 74.79.58.35
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Explains Matt's absence here. Heartfelt sympathy to Matt and his family.
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Gail Swartz
08-23-2016
07:48 AM ET (US) IP: 204.29.186.5
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Matt, so sorry for your loss. She must have been a wonderful lady and companion.
On August 22, 2016, at 10:54 PM, QuickTopic daily digest <qtopic-30-ECKcxtRbxUTNy@quicktopic.com> wrote:
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David Weaver
08-23-2016
12:38 AM ET (US) IP: 98.31.1.186
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Sorry to hear the news about Marilyn Minzer. Condolences to you, Matt, and all your family.
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Bill Ronayne
08-22-2016
09:09 PM ET (US) IP: 75.193.138.240
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Sorry for your loss Matt. My condolences to you and the family.
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diane cox
08-22-2016
05:29 PM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.239
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My sympathy to you and your family, Matt
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Ed to Matt
08-22-2016
03:21 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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From our family to yours please accept our most sincere sympathy,
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Kristine
08-22-2016
02:58 PM ET (US) IP: 173.169.36.195
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Matt, my sympathy and condolences to you and family.
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Dennis
08-22-2016
01:48 PM ET (US) IP: 73.170.201.215
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Matt, I am so sorry! Your wife must have been a wonderful companion as we gathered from your descriptions of your travels together, and especially your efforts to keep in physical touch with your grandchildren. May she rest in peace.
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Fred Day
08-22-2016
10:20 AM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Sad news: Matt Minzer has informed me that his wife, Marilyn Minzer, has passed away yesterday, age 72. She was a lovely lady. Rest in peace. Ciao.
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Deleted by topic administrator 08-22-2016 11:09 AM
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Ed
08-21-2016
06:16 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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Suzanne, I only put that song on my Facebook news feed as my favorite song from the Mario album, I got quite a few good comments about the song and about Mario from people I never knew. PS nothing yet :-(
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Suzanne
08-19-2016
11:44 AM ET (US) IP: 74.79.58.35
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Thanks, Ed. If anyone can reach her, I think you can. Something interesting, noted recently, Cadillacs like the one belonging to Mario are being listed from $35,000 to $95,000. I've wondered if his was ever located. He also had the Muntz car, anyone know? Listening to one of my favorites, sung by various tenors, "Santa Lucia Luntana", no one sings it the way Mario does, with such longing. Just beautiful, but what else is new?
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Ed
08-19-2016
10:40 AM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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Suzanne, no word yet I followed it up with a msg to her daughter.
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Suzanne
08-18-2016
10:13 AM ET (US) IP: 74.79.58.35
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Patrice Munsel was lovely. Coached by Giacomo Spadoni, as was Mario.She appeared in a bio video of Mario.As impressed as we are.
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Suzanne
08-18-2016
10:06 AM ET (US) IP: 74.79.58.35
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Hi Gail. Dub? Mario was a quick study, I think. Very sharp .All that and everything else as well. Heavens!
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Gail Swartz
08-18-2016
09:19 AM ET (US) IP: 204.29.186.60
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Hey, guys, watched Little Women with June Allison. Was the tenor at the opera Caruso, and was the tune she hummed Maparii? Listened to Mario as I sewed yesterday..he made me cry he was so wonderful.I also watched the musical parts of Kiss..Mario sure learned to dub very well.
On August 17, 2016, at 10:54 PM, QuickTopic daily digest <qtopic-30-ECKcxtRbxUTNy@quicktopic.com> wrote:
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Ed
08-17-2016
07:54 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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Suzanne, just wanted to let you know that I sent her a messages telling her how much we miss her and thinking of her, I will send you her reply should I get one. Glad you located the book, I know you'll like it.
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Kristine
08-17-2016
06:10 PM ET (US) IP: 173.169.36.195
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Fred, thank you for information on Eddie Fisher, Elaine Malbin and "Coke Time'. Opera great Patrice Munsel passed away at 91. RIP. I think she made only one movie "Melba", the film biography of opera great Nellie Melba.
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Fred Day
08-17-2016
05:35 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Kristine: "Coke Time" starring Eddie Fisher, premiered on both TV and radio on April 29, 1953. It aired twice a week, for 15 minutes per show. It aired on 702 TV & radio stations thruout the USA and Canada. It ran for 3 years, ending in 1956. Eddie received $7000 per week for that show. It was a big success. Most shows also had a guest. Elaine Malbin was a guest 2 or 3 times. One of those times, Eddie and Elaine sang a medley from The Student Prince. Very fine performance. Eddie once sang The Lovliest Night Of The Year on his show. (Lanza's name was not mentioned.) Ciao.
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Suzanne
08-17-2016
04:06 PM ET (US) IP: 74.79.58.35
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Ed. I hope you'll hear from her.A loss for all of us. Diane, I 'm a constant reader. Wouldn't sleep at all if I weren't. Can't listen to Mario at night except on my Ipod and that gets a little tricky. Just spent some time listening to "When Day is Done" CD. Always a revelation. no matter how often I hear it. Of course, that's the magic. I love the Italian, myself, but who can resist the others? "I'll See You Again" , "though my world may go awry" heaven help me!Ed. the library located the book for me, on the list. Sounds good!Thanks.
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Ed
08-17-2016
11:47 AM ET (US) IP: 70.214.86.164
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Suzanne, I haven't heard from our friend in a good while, I think of her often. Will send our a hello this evening.
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diane cox
08-17-2016
11:20 AM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.239
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Thanks Suzanne. Still reading daily. Not much to contribute, but will tell you Mario got me through last night. Have had insomnia for the last couple weeks, so loaded the 5 CD player up and made it to daylight, able to rest, if not sleep. Nothing like that voice. Most of you know I prefer the Italian selections, so that's what was on there, including a couple of the 100 hits CDs. Edited 08-17-2016 11:21 AM
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Suzanne
08-17-2016
10:09 AM ET (US) IP: 74.79.58.35
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Diane, I had a copy of"Serenade", sent it to a friend in Australia years ago. Little resemblance to the film."Friend" in Australia, if you're still reading us, still miss you, think of you often.
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Ed
08-17-2016
06:30 AM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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I read it was Ann's birthday yesterday but it was also the 8th anniversary of Damon Lanza's passing at age 54.
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diane cox
08-16-2016
04:36 PM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.239
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Coke Time - Eddie Fisher
https://www.otrcat.com/p/coke-time
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Kristine
08-16-2016
04:01 PM ET (US) IP: 173.169.36.195
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I know that after Mario Lanza left the Coca-Cola Radio Shows, Eddie Fisher replaced him. Does anyone know if there are CD's of Eddie Fisher and the radio shows ? Did he have guest stars, too ?
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Kristine
08-16-2016
03:58 PM ET (US) IP: 173.169.36.195
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Happy Birthday, Ann Blyth ! There was a book, published, years ago, with the novels of James Caine, which included "Mildred Pierce", "Double Indemnity", "The Postman Always Rings Twice", and "Serenade". Due to film censorship in those days, the stories had to be watered down, changed. By the way, movie musical crooner-tenor Dick Powell wanted the part of Walter in "Double Indemnity", but Fred MacMurray was cast in the part.
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diane cox
08-16-2016
01:38 PM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.239
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Had a copy of the original book, Serenade. Couldn't put my hands on it when I looked just now. Will do a more comprehensive look later today. Don't think I would have gotten rid of it.
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Alex Valiansky
08-16-2016
01:26 PM ET (US) IP: 208.91.28.66
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Here's wishing a very happy 88th birthday to Ann Blyth, Mario Lanza's last living American leading lady. I sure wish that TCM had engaged her to do a spot on Mario Lanza and The Great Caruso, instead of showing the Mildred Pierce/Joan Crawford one over and over. Oh, well, I guess that's just too much to ask for.
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Suzanne
08-16-2016
10:26 AM ET (US) IP: 74.79.58.35
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If someone could gather together all the outtakes of Mario's films, what a wonderful addition to our collections that would be. Would it be possible?
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Gail Swartz
08-16-2016
09:29 AM ET (US) IP: 204.29.186.49
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Thanks for the response to some of my questions...still have more, but will ask later. Been listening to Jeff Rense cds...wow! Especially the one of radio and live performances where you can hear Mario as his voice and talent moves into spinto territory. Mario was such a manly singer with good looks and passion and did not need orchestra backup all the time. Thank you to all of the posters.
On August 15, 2016, at 10:52 PM, QuickTopic daily digest <qtopic-30-ECKcxtRbxUTNy@quicktopic.com> wrote:
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Kristine
08-16-2016
05:50 AM ET (US) IP: 173.169.36.195
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Originally, "Serenade" was purchased by Warner Bros. in 1930's, but, due, to censorship problems(the tenor was homosexual), it had to be shelved. Then, in later years, Warner Bros. thought of filming it with Dennis Morgan and Ann Sheridan(known as "The Oomph Girl"), but she refused to play the prostitute in the movie. I saw a photo of Jimmy Stewart visiting the set of "Serenade", with Mario Lanza, director Anthony Mann, whom Stewart was friends with. Mann would later marry Sarita Montiel. Wasn't Mexican actress Maria Felix, the sister of Sarita Montiel ? Vince Edwards played boxer , was his name , Roselli ?in the movie. He later played "Ben Casey" on t.v. I think Gordon MacRae visited the set of "Serenade". There is a photo of Lanza(in "Otello" costume)with Gordon. There is reference to Mario Lanza in movie "Sincerely, Yours", starring Liberace. I'm sorry the whole scene from "Otello" with Lanza and Licia Albanese was cut. But it's on soundtrack recording of "Serenade".
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Derek McGovern to Fred
08-15-2016
11:54 PM ET (US) IP: 210.246.30.149
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I actually purchased the Serenade screenplay from Warners. It was fascinating to find out what was changed in the film, and what was left out. While for copyright reasons, I'm not permitted to reproduce the deleted exchanges here, I have written about the screenplay at the Mario Lanza, Tenor Forum:
http://www.mariolanzatenor.com/forum.html?...Z4fc%2FWY5WmlR6uwsJ
It's worth reading that entire thread, actually, as there are also some interesting observations by and about Anthony Mann, as well a second post about the screenplay.
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Fred Day
08-15-2016
11:06 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Gail: To answer some of your questions: How many clay busts of Kendall were there?? Probably only one, perhaps 2. The girl in the white evening gown in Serenade, Fedora, when Lanza sings Amor Ti Vieta, was Laura Mason. IMDB lists the entire cast, most of which were not credited in the film. By the way, Norma Zimmer, from the Lawrence Welk TV show, was also in the cast, in the cut scene from La Boheme, act 3, out in the snow. She didn't sing - Jean Fenn sang the part. The audio exists, and also a few stills from that scene can still be seen. The church scene, Ave Maria, 100 takes??!! I doubt that!! Probably only a few. The dialog with Kendall, just before the L'Arlesiana aria, was cut, so we don't know what was said. The film runs 121 minutes. I believe about 20 to 25 minutes were cut from the released film. I wonder if that footage still exists in the vaults?? To my knowledge, Damon and Juana did not return to Mexico to be married. They were probably married in San Francisco. I think the storm scene was filmed in Mexico. The hacienda were Damon recovered was actually the home of a real bull fighter, Pepe Ortiz. There is a photo of Lanza and Ortiz taken on the set of Serenade. Ciao.
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Fred Day
08-15-2016
10:43 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Gail: When and where did Lanza have a bad experience flying in a plane?? What happened?? I suppose that bad experience plus the fact that flying hurt Mario's ears, gave him plenty of reason to fear or dislike flying. I didn't know he flew a few times during his European tour. I guess on those occasions, he had no alternative. Ciao.
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Fred Day
08-15-2016
08:56 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Diane: I notice some of the pages are not included. I read those pages that were included. Somewhat interesting. I noticed an error: In Seven Hills, Lanza impersonated Louis Armstrong, not Nat King Cole. However, Terry Robinson once mentioned that Lanza did an impression of Nat Cole as some point. Unfortunately no recording of it exists. Ciao.
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Jim Thompson
08-15-2016
07:45 AM ET (US) IP: 67.83.112.135
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My friend and former internet wizard/engineer/broadcaster informed me that he had recently, for a second time, put three years of shows which I did when I was still broadcasting. Retired now. If my count is correct, there are 107 one hour programs in the three series which he put up. I hope some of you will enjoy and find them interesting. The site is: Internetwork.com/mariolanzaandfriends.
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diane cox
08-14-2016
07:02 PM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.239
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You have to scroll back a little to get the beginning
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diane cox
08-14-2016
07:01 PM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.239
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Click here:https://books.google.com/books?id=wheEAgAA...rio%20lanza&f=false
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Fred Day
08-14-2016
02:27 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Jim: I have found a listing of the book, for sale, but I cannot find that particular article. Perhaps someone will find the article and provide a clickable url to reach it. Ciao.
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Ed
08-14-2016
12:32 PM ET (US) IP: 70.214.82.237
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Fred, I've checked around I can't find it either.
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Jim Thompson
08-14-2016
07:09 AM ET (US) IP: 67.83.112.135
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I took a second and found it by going to Marcia Landy-Mario Lanza
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Jim Thompson
08-14-2016
07:08 AM ET (US) IP: 67.83.112.135
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Hi Fred, I originally found the site after checking Joe's post a few days ago.But I can't remember which "hit" I made to get me to it. However I would try MARCIA LANDY, the author of the piece. I will try later and let you know if I'm succesfull for a second time!
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Fred Day
08-14-2016
04:01 AM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Jim: I can't find that article. Can you provide a clickable url to it?? Thanks. Ciao.
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Jim Thompson
08-13-2016
09:26 AM ET (US) IP: 67.83.112.135
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Forgive me...my fingers moved to quickly!
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Jim Thompson
08-13-2016
09:25 AM ET (US) IP: 67.83.112.135
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Checking Amadeus Press this morning, which has published many wonderful books about opera singers, I happened on this after putting Mario's name in: "Stars:The Film Reader: Opera, Folklore, Ethnicity: The Case of Mario Lanza".
This a very long, strange in some areas, but interesting article, if one can call it that, by Marcia Landy. I have eleven books from Amadeus including Roland Bessette's of course. Another publisher which could be of interest to you all in Baskerville Publishers. I've ordered their biographies on George London and Renata Tebaldi. Enjoy
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Jim Thompson
08-13-2016
09:24 AM ET (US) IP: 67.83.112.135
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Checking Amadeus Press this morning, which has published many wonderful books about opera singers, I happened on this after putting Mario's name in: "Stars:The Film Reader: Opera, Folklore, Ethnicity: The Case of Mario Lanza".
This a very long, strange in some areas, but interesting article, if one can call it that, by Marcia Landy. I have eleven books from Amadeus including Roland Bessette's of course. Another publisher which could be of interest to you all in Baskerville Publishers. I've ordered their biographies on George London and Renata Tebaldi. Enjoy.
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Bill Ronayne
08-12-2016
04:30 PM ET (US) IP: 24.186.249.241
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The Lanza Museum will not be open on Saturday the 13th due to the excessive heat warning that has been issued. The opening has been rescheduled for the 17th. Please visit our site for the next scheduled openings. The site will be updated to reflect the change at some point today or tomorrow. You can also see a brief slideshow on the right side of the page which will show some of the exhibits. Just click on the arrows. Best, Bill
http://www.mariolanzainstitute.org/museum/
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Ed
08-12-2016
01:23 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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Another tragic loss so young was Fritz at 36, simply a great great tenor. A fall ended his young life, ya never know!
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Kristine
08-12-2016
11:58 AM ET (US) IP: 173.169.36.195
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Why did Jerry Hadley take his own life ? Tragic ! Another operatic type singer who did that was Douglas McPhail, a baritone, who was in M-G-M Movie Musicals, with his then wife, Betty Jaynes(some thought they would be another Mac/Eddy team), Mickey Rooney, Judy Garland. When he came home from the Army, M-G-M didn't renew his contract and he took his own life. Tragic, also !
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Joe
08-12-2016
11:01 AM ET (US) IP: 71.224.55.142
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The tragic,early loss of the great Lanza was shattering. Another great loss was the beautiful, melodious tenor voice of Jerry Hadley in 2007. Maybe even more tragic since it was by his own hand at age 55!. Hadley was also a cross-over singer of some success, although he never achieved great fame. I ran across the following aria which I wanted to share with the forum:(Particularly note the final passages) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ectexzzX8CgEdited 08-12-2016 11:12 AM
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Ed
08-11-2016
06:01 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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Suzanne, I plan to do all those things once I get to Mario Land, this was a good chance to go for me but I can't do heat anymore. The next chance I have is Sept 24. I've seen many famous places in the world but trust me there will never be as important to me as seeing Mario's home and church also looking at his stuff I kind of think of it as a Mecca, you know what Mario means to me. Oh well put on the AC and stay cool.
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Ed
08-11-2016
02:31 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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Thanks Joe, these idiots try to scam you and in some cases hijack your computer and demand credit card payment to release the hold which never happens, I'll keep an eye out just the same, thank you.
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Joe to ALL
08-11-2016
02:13 PM ET (US) IP: 71.224.55.142
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I think all here are wise enough not to fall for this, but let me relay the info anyway. I received a virus "warning" (under the name of one of my email contacts), which asked for certain info. It also warned me not to shut the computer off less damage would be done to the hard drive etc and it even gave a Tel number to contact for further instructions (the whole deal looked very professional. DON,T FALL FOR THIS, should any of you receive it(and it is really going around). Ignore and shut off your computer. After re-starting, run your virus scan. Edited 08-11-2016 02:14 PM
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Suzanne
08-11-2016
12:19 PM ET (US) IP: 74.79.58.35
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Smart decision, Ed. Much too warm and the humidity is unreal. Haven't turned on the AC yet today, but sure I will. Listened to Mario's Greatest Operatic recordings this AM. Never fails. Wonderful Mario.Hope you'll get to the museum, maybe in the Fall, best time. You'd enjoy it so much. Feel so close to Mario , there , seeing his clothing, even his shoes, going to the church. The rest of Philly's so interesting as well. May be you'll get to one of the restaurants some have mentioned here. We didn't have time. The email was rather general, deleted all so don't quite recall, something being amazing or can't believe it. Sorry.
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Ed
08-11-2016
10:57 AM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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Suzanne what about Email, I don't understand
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Ed
08-11-2016
10:55 AM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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Suzanne, it was my plan to go on Saturday but gonna cancel because we are in a bad heat and humidity wave. The temps are high 90s and muggy till atleast Tuesday. My cousin and I wanted to walk around Philly also but I guess as I got older (oh god) the heat bothers me. I sent a message on to Bill advising him so. At home with AC on high. Gonna put Mario on soon
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Suzanne
08-11-2016
10:38 AM ET (US) IP: 74.79.58.35
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Ed. Did you do the Museum trip.? If you did, please tell us about it. !!
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Suzanne
08-11-2016
09:40 AM ET (US) IP: 74.79.58.35
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Ed. The Email??
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Suzanne
08-10-2016
09:49 AM ET (US) IP: 74.79.58.35
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Gail,you're super observant. Now I have to watch again. Here's how nutty I am over Mario. My son called me last nite late to tell me Mario was singing on PBS channel 1277. I'd missed the first song, but it was the second Chrysler show appearance, not my favorite, since Mario appears to be apologetic and he never, ever should have been. But always glad to see him.Hope someone answers your queries.
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Gail Swartz
08-09-2016
05:04 PM ET (US) IP: 204.29.186.4
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Watching Serenade last evening, questions surfaced.....why we're Mario's hands manicured different in the Mexico City opera audition...how many clay busts were used ...who was the girl in the white evening gown....did the church scene really have 100 takes...wasn't the brown suit he wore at the first Serenade singing the one he was first put in after he died...what was the dialogue between Damon and Kendall in the dressing room....why is Joan Fountaine shown different heights...did Damon and Juana return to the farm to be married...where was the storm scene filmed...???? Aside from the movie....when did Mario become interested in acting......he had such a natural way of reacting to the other actors' speaking their lines. I love the way Mario communicates the songs he sings..face, body, hands, eyes and eyebrows. Except for the "fluffy foam" song do we have anything silly that he recorded? Okay. You told me to ask!!!!
On August 8, 2016, at 10:53 PM, QuickTopic daily digest <qtopic-30-ECKcxtRbxUTNy@quicktopic.com> wrote:
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diane cox
08-09-2016
01:18 PM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.239
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Beczala is good compared to the current tenors, but not Lanza. I too would like to see one more excellent tenor. Hard to put together a beautiful voice, emotion, sex appeal, and charisma. Mario Lanza will always be the standard to me. The three young men I've been following for 7 years put Lanza as one of their idols. I will know the voice when I hear it.
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Dennis
08-09-2016
03:07 AM ET (US) IP: 73.170.201.215
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Ed, no need to apologize. Your statement makes my point—for you, with your years of loving and listening to Mario, there will never be a replacement, for as you say, "your affections take hold." I understand, but I also understand and agree with Martino's point. I would love to enjoy hearing a new tenor in Mario's class. I thought Fritz Wunderlich might have some of those qualities, and his voice was world class, but he, too, died very prematurely.
Here is the challenge for me: I get excited about a new voice (Beczala's for instance), but the more I watch him on YouTube, the more I hear his recordings, the less he measures up despite his current high standing, in my opinion, in the world of opera tenors. With Lanza, the more I watch him, the more I hear him, the more he grows in stature. And this says nothing about Lanza's way with a song, particularly a song in English which I understand best, which most excellent tenors on the stage today cannot match. How fortunate we have Lanza's recordings.
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Ed
08-08-2016
11:36 AM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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Martino, Dennis, I apologize if my slight disagreement as far as there never being a new Mario out there I guess it's the way I feel so strongly about Mario that my affections take hold. The charisma he exuded when he sang was his and his alone. I guess 90 plus years ago they talked about a Caruso heir and along came Mario.
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Suzanne
08-08-2016
09:45 AM ET (US) IP: 74.79.58.35
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I'm shocked and very saddened to read of Dan's death. Always hoped to hear him sing. Didn't think we'd lose him so soon. A gentleman, and a true Mario devotee, he'll be missed here. Joe , don't think we need to worry about anyone replacing Mario,of course no one replaces another, and even though Zhang is a wonderful tenor, like everyone else, what is lacking is the feeling in the music, only Mario had that gift, a natural thing never to be repeated.The way it should be. Thanks Ed, I'll look for it, right now I'm floored by the news of Dan.
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Martino to Dennis
08-08-2016
08:13 AM ET (US) IP: 104.255.7.178
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Yes, Dennis, we are all saying the same thing. No one believes we will ever have a duplicate of Mario Lanza, no more than we will of Caruso, Bjorling, Callas, etc. But a great, perhaps even greater voice could come along and the entire world would welcome such a gift as it always has. I have been looking for such a gift since Lanza died but it never quite has arrived, although a few have come close and they have also provided me great enjoyment. But a Lanza duplicate in every respect will never happen.
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Dennis
08-08-2016
03:12 AM ET (US) IP: 73.170.201.215
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Both Gail and Martino are correct. There will never be another Mario for those on this forum for he is connected to our past (many decades for most of us!) and thus is tied in to weddings, funerals, Christmas, repeat movie viewings, wooing, etc. Martino is right that a better singer COULD come along, and be welcomed, but we will not live long enough for him to surpass Lanza in our hearts. We can applaud a new great tenor's skill and buy his recordings, but there will not be enough important occasions in the future for his voice to bless, and he will likely not be as charismatic and handsome and thus not a movie success, and so he will not surpass Mario Lanza.
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Gail Swartz
08-08-2016
01:48 AM ET (US) IP: 204.29.186.9
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Dear, Fred, Mario was not afraid of flying....it hurt his ears and he had a bad experience on a flight. He did fly while on his European tour. He liked travelling by land. Another Mario?...he was the product of the culture and post-war era. Sure, someone will sound similar, like Mario Zhang, but none will take the place Mario Lanza has in our hearts.
On August 7, 2016, at 10:53 PM, QuickTopic daily digest <qtopic-30-ECKcxtRbxUTNy@quicktopic.com> wrote:
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Ed
08-07-2016
04:46 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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Fred, I guess I'm like most Lanza fans I too never knew about the helicopter scenes in Seven Hills. I too think that we may see a tenor who may be fortunate to come close to Lanza but in my soul I know there will never be one as good or better. None will match the drama in which he sings, the ability to make you wish you could sing like him. Yes they'll never be another. I'm going to visit the museum this Saturday for the first time and take pictures.
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Fred Day
08-07-2016
12:24 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Rest in Peace, Ricci Martin. He was Dean's youngest son, and was only 62 when he died. Ciao.
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Fred Day
08-07-2016
12:21 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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I believe Lanza was very afraid of flying. If he flew at all, it would be while he was in the army. In the helicopter ride of Seven Hills of Rome, the scenes of Lanza, Rascel, and Allasio in the copter, the copter was on the ground. The scenes of Rome locations were filmed separately. Ciao.
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Fred Day
08-07-2016
11:58 AM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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There will NEVER be a tenor better than Lanza!! But it would be nice to someday find one who is almost as good, and similar in many ways. The chances of that are quite slim, but there is always a small possibility - only time will tell. Ciao.
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Fred Day
08-07-2016
11:52 AM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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I, too, am saddened by Dan Lawlor's passing. A fine gentleman. We never met, but we traded many CD's of rare operas. Rest in peace. Ciao.
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Martino
08-07-2016
07:19 AM ET (US) IP: 104.255.7.178
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I am so sad to hear of Dan's passing. He was a true Mario Lanza fan and an inspiration to everyone who loves to sing - not for money or personal gain but for the simple reason that it made other people happy. He will be missed.
Joe, I can't speak for others but that question is easy for me to answer. Of course I would want to see a new tenor come along better than Lanza. I would want him to be the greatest singer of all time. What "better" means is always subjective and no two voices or personalities are the same so we would never get agreement even if another Lanza was born. Think of the joy another Mario Lanza would bring to the world during this period of chaos and sadness? His soaring voice would uplift us during this time of despair. Actually, I think we NEED another Mario Lanza at this particular point in history.
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diane cox
08-07-2016
05:40 AM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.239
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Dennis - he sent me a CD. If I can put my hands on it, would be glad to share. Will look tomorrow when it's light. At present just mollifying my insomnia by listening to youtube.
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Dennis
08-07-2016
02:56 AM ET (US) IP: 73.170.201.215
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Diane, thank you for your research. That was surely our friend and fellow Lanza lover, Dan. What a sweet spirit. We will miss him on this forum. I wish I could have heard him sing. I think we almost got him to post a song on YouTube a few years back, but likely it never made it. I wonder if Matt Minzer has anything that could be linked to hear Dan sing. His life certainly uplifted the multitudes in his many singing engagements. May this good man find peace with his Lord in heaven.
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Joe
08-07-2016
12:27 AM ET (US) IP: 71.224.55.142
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Search your soul and be real truthful: Do we REALLY want another tenor to come along that is as good(or better) than Mario?? Not so easy to honestly answer! Just trying to be thought provoking here.
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Gail Swartz
08-07-2016
12:24 AM ET (US) IP: 204.29.186.9
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Thank you, Kristine, for the list of movie stars that Mario had known .To Dan's family go my heartfelt sympathy...he will be missed.
On August 6, 2016, at 10:54 PM, QuickTopic daily digest <qtopic-30-ECKcxtRbxUTNy@quicktopic.com> wrote:
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Kristine
08-06-2016
09:48 PM ET (US) IP: 173.169.36.195
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Also, sorry to hear Ricci Martin, son of Dean Martin, passed away. He was a singer,too. RIP.
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Ed
08-06-2016
08:38 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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Very sad to hear of Dan's passing, we enjoyed many a good post about Mario. Always a gentleman, very respectful of all feelings, another Lanza fan has left us, may he rest in peace.
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Kristine
08-06-2016
07:08 PM ET (US) IP: 173.169.36.195
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Sorry to hear of Dan Lawlor's passing. RIP. My sympathy and condolences to his family.
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Jim Thompson
08-06-2016
05:51 PM ET (US) IP: 67.83.112.135
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Thank you Diane Cox. What sad news to learn of the passing of Dan Lawlor.Over the years I so enjoyed Dan's postings and on occasion we commented to each other on what we had written. Always a gentleman and never nasty as some posts unfortunately get. From the obit one can see how music and singing was paramount in his extraordinary life both personal with his late wife, and family and his church/performing career. I would have cherished knowing him and having Fred Day at the piano accompaning a baritone and a tenor. May God welcome him to his Eternal Kingdom.
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diane cox
08-06-2016
05:16 PM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.239
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Sorry to report that our Dan may have passed. Here is the obit I just found:
Lawlor, Daniel C. Jr. DELMAR Daniel Charles Lawlor Jr., 81, passed away Wednesday, July 27, 2016, surrounded by his family at the Good Samaritan Lutheran Health Care Center. Dan was predeceased by his wife of 43 years, Teresa Catherine (Audino) Lawlor; and his sisters, Ann VanAmburgh and Mary Janet Maguire. He is survived by his daughter, Teresa Rose Lawlor of Denver; his son Daniel C. Lawlor III of Selkirk; his grandsons, Evan and Aidan Westervelt; and his sister, Patricia Alice Boyd of Albany. He is also survived by several nieces, nephews and cousins. Dan was born in Albany, the son of the late Daniel and Anna Lawlor. He graduated from St. Joseph's Academy in Albany as Salutatorian, and the Junior College of Albany with an associate degree in business administration where he received the Earl D. Rhodes award for Excellence. He also received a bachelor of Science degree from SUNY Albany in business administration, cum laude. He attended RPI in pursuit of a master's degree in management engineering. Mr. Lawlor was a Veteran of the U.S. Army, serving for two years in Fort Polk, La. and Fort Hood, Texas, honorably discharged as specialist fourth class. Dan retired as postal operations officer from the U.S. Postal Service after 34 years where he worked in the industrial engineering division. He later worked for several New York State agencies retiring after 11 years. He was a Communicant of St. Thomas the Apostle Church in Delmar. Dan studied voice with the Karen Ranung Voice Studio of Albany and had performed as a tenor with Opera Excelsior and Opera Plus. He was also soloist for the Jerusalem Reformed Church in Feura Bush for over 20 years and a member of the Monday Musical Club and the Music Study Group. He loved classical music, especially opera, singing, fishing, reading, writing poetry, drawing and painting, casinos, books, stamp and coin collecting, and his home with family and friends. In a review of his singing, he was quoted by Ron Emery of the Times Union to have "One of the best tenor voices in the area." Dan was also a member of the Polish American Citizens Club, Colonie Elks, the Italian American Community Center, Sons of the American Legion Post 1040 and the Ancient Order of Hibernians. Dan also spent many happy winters in Greentree Villas, Boynton Beach, Fla.; basking in the sun, swimming and visiting the casinos. He also performed as tenor soloist periodically at St. Thomas More Church and for Matthew Minzer's opera appreciation groups while in Florida. Relatives and friends are invited to visit with his family, Friday, July 29, 2016, from 4-7 p.m. in the Daniel Keenan Funeral Home, Inc. 490 Delaware Ave. Albany. Funeral services will be held Saturday, July 30, 2016, at 9:30 a.m. in the funeral home. Interment will follow in Our Lady of Angels Cemetery, Colonie. Those who wish may send memorial contributions to The Community Hospice, Gift Processing Center, 310 S. Manning Blvd., Albany, NY 12208. Online condolences may be offered at danielkeenanfuneralhome.com . - See more at: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/timesunio...thash.qthBEWoD.dpuf
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Dennis to Dan Lawlor
08-06-2016
04:32 PM ET (US) IP: 73.170.201.215
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Hello friend, haven't heard from you for more than a month. How are things going with your health? Miss your input here.
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Kristine
08-06-2016
02:22 PM ET (US) IP: 173.169.36.195
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I have seen photos of Mario Lanza with James Mason, James Whitmore, Fernando Lamas, Esther Williams, Van Johnson, Gene Kelly, Red Skelton, Elizabeth Taylor, Vic Damone, Ann Blyth, Jimmy Durante, Andy &Della Russell, Ricardo and Georgiana Montalban, Frankie Vaughn, Andre Previn, Lionel Barrymore, Ethel Barrymore, Patricia Medina, Keenan Wynn, Kathryn Grayson. In the photo of the M-G-M Stars,together, from 1949, Mario is seated in between Angela Lansbury and Janet Leigh. The other stars in the photo,included Peter Lawford, Errol Flynn, Jennifer Jones(they were loan outs), Van Heflin, Lassie, Jules Munshin, Ann Sothern, Ann Miller, George Murphy, Arlene Dahl, Frank Sinatra, Betty Garrett, June Allyson, Edward Arnold, Louis Jourdan, Howard Keel,Alexis Smith. Mario posed with Doris Day, when they received awards and Gordon MacRae visited the set of "Serenade",as did Jimmy Stewart,who was friends with director Anthony Mann, who directed "Serenade".
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Gail Swartz
08-06-2016
09:29 AM ET (US) IP: 204.29.186.19
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Thanks for responding to some of my questions. Mario is my pivotal point for events, especially movies. Since TCM has been having a star per day, I get to thinking 'Did they know or ever meet Mario?' He had been photographed with some actors of the day.
On August 5, 2016, at 10:53 PM, QuickTopic daily digest <qtopic-30-ECKcxtRbxUTNy@quicktopic.com> wrote:
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Ed
08-05-2016
03:10 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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Suzanne, yes it's called The Manhattan Well by Stanley Cloud, it's relatively new I read it last August and I was glued.
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Suzanne
08-05-2016
02:16 PM ET (US) IP: 74.79.58.35
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Ed, I don't have KIndle and don't expect I will; do you think I might find Manhattan Well at the library? I'll try, in any case.Sounds good.That was the name, wasn't it?
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Suzanne
08-05-2016
12:05 PM ET (US) IP: 74.79.58.35
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Gail, agree with Ed that Mario was a powerhouse. Sure he could toss little Rita Moreno without a problem. Some people here have some of Mario's clothing. Wish I did! The boat scene in TONO looks a little bit fake, not that he couldn't have rowed , think there wasn't much he couldn't do. Even the dance scenes, more than competent.. As for the wide screen, bet it wouldn't happen, todays' audiences prefer other things, it seems and wouldn't be appreciative enough.Marnie Nixon had her own good career behind the scenes.
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Ed
08-05-2016
10:03 AM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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Gail, I don't know if that anchor was real or dummy but I sure he could lift it as he was very strong
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Kristine
08-05-2016
06:26 AM ET (US) IP: 173.169.36.195
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Happy Birthday, Tony Bennett ! I wonder if he was a fan of Mario Lanza ? Gloria DeHaven, RIP. Has anyone ever heard Tiny Tim's version of "Be My Love" ? Was he a fan of Mario Lanza ? I think TCM is re-releasing "The King and I" to movie theaters. Wonder when they'll release "The Great Caruso" to movie theaters ? Marni Nixon, RIP. For those not familiar with her,she was known as "The Ghost Voice of Hollywood". Her singing voice was dubbed in for Deborah Kerr("The King and I"), Natalie Wood("West Side Story"), the high notes for Marilyn Monroe,when she sang "Diamonds Are A Girl's Best Friend"("Gentlemen Prefer Blondes"). Marni was finally seen on screen,when she portrayed one of the nuns, in "Sound Of Music". She sang with Jeff Alexander Choir, who were back up singers,for some of Mario Lanza's recordings.
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diane cox
08-05-2016
12:24 AM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.239
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The Lanza home at 355 Saint Cloud in Bel Air is still standing. If you look up the address on google you can get a street view.
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Gail Swartz
08-04-2016
08:46 PM ET (US) IP: 204.29.186.3
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Okay, fans, here are some questions on Mario....did he in Toast really ride in the boats...in Toast did he land upon the anchor and hurt himself...did he really throw Rita Moreno...why did Mario almost always wearing sleeves...what did his music look like...did he get to keep the suits from the films..why we're there so many takes for One Love of Mine if it was not used in Kiss...where are all of the out takes from his movies..is his house in CA still there..can anything Mario did be considered for an award today...Will one of his movies be put on the widescreen for today's generation? Okay, I quit for now!
On August 3, 2016, at 10:54 PM, QuickTopic daily digest <qtopic-30-ECKcxtRbxUTNy@quicktopic.com> wrote:
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Ed
08-04-2016
02:20 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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Suzanne, yes the boss is away until Saturday. Her one cousin moved there years ago from Long Island. This was supposed to be last year but with mom dying they held off only for my sis in law to die a year later almost the same day. I love a,train I have a fear of flying, I flew for work sometimes and hated it. I will catch the O'Reil!y show. I want to recommend a good book on Kindle called The Manhattan Well, it deals with a murder and they defend the killer, it is a true story and deals with NYC early 1790s, I really enjoyed it. Edited 08-04-2016 02:21 PM
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Suzanne
08-04-2016
01:37 PM ET (US) IP: 74.79.58.35
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Hi Ed. You're by yourself today, too. My family went to a Connecticut beach for a few days. Keeping busy watering the flowers, pulling weeds,exciting huh?Actually Rob discovered that he prefers the train to flying, of course if it's not a really long trip. Meets a lot of interesting people. Nice that Darleen's family gets together often. Thinking, I have a small book about children of celebrities, but wish someone would compile a more extensive one. Many are in the film industry, I've read, but don't have the same last names, so we wouldn't know. Think it'd be pretty interesting.Tony had a wonderful way with a song, his family apparently became his managers.Will you catch O'Reilly's Hamilton and Burr on Sunday eve? Know it was of interest to you.
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Ed
08-03-2016
07:58 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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Suzanne, I've always liked Tony Bennett. I love Rags to Riches and I Left My Heart in San Francisco.
My wife travelled to Rochester today by Train for a cousins get together, after a delay of an hour she had an hour car ride to Albion. All in all eight hours on the train. UGH
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Ed
08-03-2016
02:12 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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Gail, yes ask away. I think you'll find many have answers and that will open up dialogue and that is good because it keeps Mario out there.
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diane cox
08-03-2016
01:25 PM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.239
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Ask away, Gail. Maybe you'll start a dialogue that continues for days. That's always interesting, even if different opinions come out.
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Gail Swartz
08-03-2016
10:56 AM ET (US) IP: 204.29.186.52
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I agree...there is too much to learn about Mario for the newly met fans of The Golden Voice.Those of you with the knowledge of his life and works need to help us become better acquainted with this amazing man and his gifts to keep his legacy alive and well. I have a list of questions, but am hesitant to ask because of the seemingly trivianess(is that a word) that many of the long-time fans deem the questions unworthy of a response. Listening to Mario makes me feel! Some of us do not do that anymore.
On August 2, 2016, at 10:54 PM, QuickTopic daily digest <qtopic-30-ECKcxtRbxUTNy@quicktopic.com> wrote:
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Suzanne
08-03-2016
10:44 AM ET (US) IP: 74.79.58.35
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Fred reminds us that the amazing Tony Bennett is 90 today. Loved him since his first hit recordings came out. "Cold,Cold Heart". "Boulevard of Broken Dreams", have so many of his, but only listen to our Mario these days. Gloria DeHaven the latest loss. She was adorable. Married once to John Payne.
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Phil uk
08-02-2016
08:52 AM ET (US) IP: 85.12.76.63
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Thanks Ed,we all have differing views on Mario & thats ok.Mario was not perfect but he was still great!
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Ed
08-02-2016
06:48 AM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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Phil, you are 100% right, many left here because of some getting off the Lanza path, I too have left a few times, I returned because there are good discussions here by many knowledgeable folks. This will blow over as they always do,again you are right.
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phil uk to all
08-02-2016
05:06 AM ET (US) IP: 85.12.76.63
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wow,such a tirade from a Lanza admirer(Linz)against other admirers!I posted some comments some time ago about the dry sound(at least to my ears)of the recent Sepia cds & got the same attitude from the same person down under.I decided not to comment for a while but this attack on fellow admirers warrants a reply.If we cant be decent to each other& express our personal views about the Lanza legacy etc then its a tragedy for all.Please stop these personal vendettas as they demean the Lanza name!
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RenseWebmaster 08-01-2016
03:21 PM ET (US) IP: 156.63.68.246
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"Jason" - it's another post from Pakistan, where we had some trollers a week or so ago.
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Dennis
08-01-2016
02:27 PM ET (US) IP: 73.170.201.215
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I also saw the previews on Florence Foster Jenkins. I think they are handling the situation truthfully. I plan to see it when it is released since I have treasured my Jenkins album for decades to occasionally have a laugh...or shock some of my friends who know nothing about opera and think she is a true example of the art.
By the way, we have a visit from Jason, a new troll, at 49192.
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Suzanne
08-01-2016
01:32 PM ET (US) IP: 74.79.58.35
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David, found your post interesting, informative. Refreshing change from vitriol. Fred, saw some previews from the film about Florence . Looks very amusing. As only Meryl Streep can make it. Ed, Kristine, Diane, we have registered Independent for many years. Of course this precludes us from the primaries usually, but both Parties turn us off. Linz, do you get down on your knees to the God, I doubt you believe in, to thank him that you live in New Zealand and not in the terrible U. S of A? Probably still buy your book though, to look at the pictures.(Yes, I read very well).
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David Weaver
08-01-2016
12:01 PM ET (US) IP: 156.63.68.246
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Apologies again to everyone for the forum getting off on a political tangent. Mr. Perigo is thankfully taking his diatribe to the Solopassion website, which is where it belonged in the first place. It's his site, and therefore he can say whatever he pleases and any one here or elsewhere so inclined can engage him as they choose.
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Ed
08-01-2016
10:49 AM ET (US) IP: 70.214.69.246
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I can't understand why in the hell we are debating politics here, ask yourself does anyone really give a damn where Lanza stood politically, I don't.
David, your mentioning that Teddy is perhaps my favorite US President is on the money, a very different type of republican than those of today. Ive heard some say they are of the party of Lincoln, here is where I puke. I may stay away here a while till we get back to Mario, I have to ring door bells for Hillary. Chuckle. No National Parks, disgraceful as was Trump slamming a Gold Star mother.
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Fred Day
08-01-2016
09:53 AM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Has Hollywood just released a new movie on the life of the "great" singer, Florence Foster Jenkins?? Amazing!! I am curious to know more about it. Is it a comedy, or a tragedy?? Or both?? Ciao. PS: Tomorrow is the 95th anniversary of the death of Caruso. And August 3rd is Tony Bennett's 90th birthday - God bless him!! Ciao.
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Linz to David Weaving
08-01-2016
06:27 AM ET (US) IP: 222.152.210.0
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Since it's unfair to Jeff to turn this Forum into a battleground on the matters you and I disagree so fundamentally about, I shall answer you on my site, SOLOPassion.com. If you'll allow me, I'll post a link here when I've done that. All the nervous nellies here will thus be spared, and those who have a genuine interest in these controversies will be able to read my latest contribution on SOLO. It'll be a few days away, since I'm up to my eyeballs writing the script for our upcoming The Great Mario Lanza roadshow (you know, Mario Lanza, the guy you and Moronering love to denigrate?), but it will be worth it. There's one telling difference between my calling you a pomo-nihilist or "Wevil" and your communist Social Justice Warriors calling everyone misogynists, racists and all the rest of your dreary, mindless litany of baseless, Politically Correct epithets: my description is evidence-based. Your crowd's litany of bromides is just fashionable left-fascist parrotry. You are all demonstrably evil, and gleefully so. Big difference.
Yes, I'm sure it was a proud moment for you, banning Armando Cesari, Mario's best biographer, and bragging about it. A pygmy denigrating a giant. Rather what Mario was up against.
To be continued elsewhere, when I have time.
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Deleted by topic administrator 08-01-2016 03:19 PM
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David Weaver
08-01-2016
12:08 AM ET (US) IP: 98.31.1.186
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Has happened before and will happen again, Doug.
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Doug
07-31-2016
10:47 PM ET (US) IP: 71.54.8.129
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OK. Bye-Bye Mario Lanza Forum.
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David Weaver
07-31-2016
09:54 PM ET (US) IP: 98.31.1.186
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I would note that just a few posts ago Lindsay Perigo decried how people try to shut down debates by using labels such as "bigot," "racist," "misogynist," "homophobe," "Islamophobe," etc. Yet in his latest post, Linz has resorted to the same thing, pulling out some of his favorite labels with which to dismiss or denigrate anyone who doesn't agree with him such as post-modernist, a nihilist, and now black supremacist. One of Linz's favorite devices: slurring a person's name. Note in his post I am not Weaver, but rather Weaving or Weavil. Several times in the past I was sneeringly called David Weasel. Indeed, when it comes to labels and name-calling, Linz is right up there with David Bret, a man whose vile posts, fun-making, and name-calling drove some very fine people - and major Lanza fans - from this forum. Thankfully, he didn't stay too long, but the damage was done. So, Linz, your insults and fun-making aside, let me respond to your points. First, you are 100% correct that it was the Southern Democrats - the States' Rights Democrats or "Dixiecrats" - who were the major racists of their time, opposed to every forward advance for blacks in the civil rights movement. It took one of their fellow Democrats - Lyndon B. Johnson - to break the pattern. When LBJ signed the Civil Rights and Voting Rights Acts in the mid-1960s, and when he appointed Thurgood Marshall - who had been the winning attorney in Brown vs Board of Education - as the first black supreme court justice, his fellow Southern Dems felt betrayed. LBJ said he knew when he signed the Civil Rights Acts into law he was handing the former "Solid South" over to the Republicans. And it didn't take long for guys like Strom Thurmond, George Wallace, and others to join the GOP, especially after Richard Nixon skillfully used the theme of "law and order" - wink, wink - in 1968 and again in 1972 (and we are hearing it again in 2016). It's often forgotten that the Progressive Movement in the early part of the 20th century began in the Republican Party. The greatest progressive of that era was Ed's favorite president, Teddy Roosevelt. A true champion of the people. The greatest conservationist to ever occupy the White House. This year's GOP platform calls for the elimination of national parks. How would TR feel about that? And of course the Republican Party of Mario Lanza's time was headed by President Dwight D. Eisenhower. Income taxes in the US were never higher than under Ike. And what did he do with the money? Build the interstate highway system and the St. Lawrence Seaway and started the US space program. Ike led the greatest military force in the history of the world to defeat Hitler and then served as the first commanding general of NATO. Does anyone think Ike would feel a kinship with Donald Trump, who says we need to retreat from the world? Who condones torture? If Mario Lanza was a Republican, as Damon and Bob claimed - it was the Republican Party of Teddy and Ike. Not the GOP of Trump, Cruz, Pence, Gingrich, et al. Point 2. Racism is unacceptable at any time. But Barack and Michelle Obama racists? That is simply your opinion. And no argument from me that attacking or assaulting police is an affront to civilization. The people who risk their lives to protect and serve deserve our respect, support, and cooperation. At same time, it is also an affront to civilization that a man is stopped by the police and shot when he is unarmed. In 2015 there were 965 killings by police in the USA. In 90% of those cases, the person killed was armed. Ten percent of the killings - 90 - were of men who were unarmed. Blacks represent 6% of the US population. But they represented 46% of the unarmed men killed by police. Doesn't that seem more than just a coincidence? Yes, I'll definitely say killing police is an affront to civilization and hope you in turn will say the police shooting and killing an unarmed citizen (whatever color their skin) is also an affront. Finally, point 3: Mario Lanza's voice is indeed one for the ages. He gave a great deal of pleasure to millions, myself included, and inspired some of the greatest tenors who followed him. But someone not liking him or appreciating him is not evidence that Western Civilization is collapsing. No more than someone not liking Elvis, Sinatra, Streisand, or The Beatles. Perhaps my perspective on things comes from fact I have a multi-cultural family. My wife and daughter are from China. I spent five summers with many blacks in Mississippi researching the life of Ruby Elzy for my book. I am director of a literary library where authors of many races, nationalities, and religions are welcome. One of my library's major award winners two years ago was a London-born Muslim poet. He happens to be gay - meaning if he were in any area now controlled by ISIS his life would be in jeopardy. Upshot is, I am optimistic about the future. We have problems? Sure - when hasn't the world had problems? It's just that now everything bad or negative that happens is coming thru your TV screen on a 24/7 basis. In November 1950, the month Mario's "Be My Love" was released, two Puerto Rican nationalists tried to assassinate President Truman. They killed one Secret Service agent and wounded two others before they were brought down. It was a major story in the newspapers and on radio and TV. But imagine if that happened today? It would be all you saw on television for at least 72 hours. Sorry to Kristine and everyone who does not like to talk politics here. It is not the reason the forum exists. Jeff appointed me as overseer, and unless someone attacks or ridicules a member directly, they can post. David Bret and Armando Cesari were expunged for that reason - Jeff will not abide personal attacks. Mr. Perigo insulting me or making fun of my name - is a reflection more on him than me. And fortunately, I have a thick skin. Now if Linz had similarly insulted his favorite candidate, Mr. Trump - Trump would savage him on Twitter. Or maybe even sue him. Edited 07-31-2016 10:22 PM
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Ed
07-31-2016
04:44 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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Diane, I wanted Sanders but well that didn't happen. I'm voting Hillary, I think Trump is psycho and will really screw us up and his making fun of a disabled man dusgusts me.
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Doug
07-31-2016
04:30 PM ET (US) IP: 71.54.8.129
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Floria Tosca....Act I
"Mario....Mario.....Mario"
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diane cox
07-31-2016
04:18 PM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.239
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Here in the south, sometimes it is important to register as one party or the other to vote in the primary elections. Found that to be true in Texas and here in Fla. The Rep. party is in control, so in order to have a say, I'm registered to that party. However I consider my self an independent and vote for the best candidate, no matter the party, especially in national elections. Hope that makes sense.
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Ed
07-31-2016
02:58 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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Kristine, I applaud your decision to leave the GOP, we are free to join,leave or whatever any political party we choose in this country that's what makes America great and I'm sick of people trying to tear it down.I am not and never been a repub a never will be one. Blasting our president is your right to do so and not so in other countries without getting jailed and forgotten about. The first president to come along in years since Carter with a brain is Obama, sadly its the white majority in both houses are still living the Civil War and blocked everything he tried doing, Well hope they are ready because Hillary is coming and they are scared.
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Kristine
07-31-2016
12:58 PM ET (US) IP: 173.169.36.195
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Why is this becoming a political forum ? I have had enough of the nasty, vicious political comments , on my facebook page, that I no longer want to post the nasty rhetoric of Trump supporters ! The insults coming from his campaign is not are not a good influence on children ! I respect no one who makes fun of the disabled ! The nasty racist remarks that have been said about the Obamas is disgusting ! I am a Repub ,who is leaving the GOP soon ! As I said before, Mario Lanza socked a teacher for saying anti-Italian remarks. I am not saying one should do that, of course.
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Ronald Sarbo
07-31-2016
12:12 PM ET (US) IP: 74.66.130.108
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Doug: I thought I read somewhere that they spent a week in Chicago but I could be wrong. Another book I believe said that Lanza made a side trip to Las Vegas to say goodbye to Ray Sinatra. In any case much has been lost from that time because they erased tapes and re-used them.
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Ed
07-31-2016
11:54 AM ET (US) IP: 70.214.72.186
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Joe, you've got that right why are we discussing American politics here and who really cares if Lanza appeared on this or this show I don't. I will tell you I think Linz has a grip on what's going on. Racism here is more rampant here now than when I witnessed the riots in Watts California in the 60s. This BLM movement to me is pure BS, I am not a rich white guy living large, I worked my whole life to get what I have. I will not walk in a black neighbors after dark as more than once been threatened and my kids robbed at knifepoint. As for who has grips on US politics ask Donald he seems to know. Now let's get back to Mario.
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Joe
07-31-2016
10:49 AM ET (US) IP: 71.224.55.142
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It always amazes me that a non_American, the very cogent Linz, has such a realistic grasp of politics in the USA (certainly much more so than many Americans).As usual, he is both courageous and right-on. I personally always love to hear his views. However, my friend Linz, I am guessing that most of the forum will not be amused as they will feel you are steering the vehicle away from Mario and into politics.
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Doug
07-31-2016
10:13 AM ET (US) IP: 71.54.8.129
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Ron: Live "remotes" were rare back in those days and if, possibly, it was filmed, it seems to me that someone would have found it by now. A famous mishap occurred in Cleveland one time when the local NBC station there noticed a schedule of upcoming events on "TODAY" the words "Cleveland Armory". A flurry of activity ensued preparing a spot in the armory for "something". It turned out to be just a (NY) interview with the journalist Cleveland Amery. In any case ML was in Chicago a very short time (perhaps hours) visiting Betty's family so it still wouldn't have been in April. Edited 07-31-2016 10:20 AM
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Ronald Sarbo
07-31-2016
08:42 AM ET (US) IP: 74.66.130.108
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Doug: Perhaps the interview took place in Chicago and not in NYC. I hope Elissa can tell us something.
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Linz
07-31-2016
07:48 AM ET (US) IP: 222.153.55.68
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Depressing, the willingness of folk to digress into whether Mario appeared on this or that show when his very life-affirming, libertarian essence is under attack from the Left-Fascist mentality that prevails here. Some salient facts: 1) Yes, there was white racism in 1955, when Mario was recording Serenade. The bulk of that racism came from Democrats, as did the bulk of the opposition to repealing the government-mandated Jim Crow laws. None of this negates the fact that the overall culture of the time was benevolent and colour-blind, unlike the postmodern, nihilistic, black supremacist anti-values culture my opponent Mr Weaving strives endlessly to promote. 2) Yes, there is racism now— black racism. And its main repository is Barack Obama, Michelle Obama and the Hillary-endorsed Black Lives Matter. "Pigs in a blanket, fry 'em like bacon." "What do we want? Dead cops. When do we want 'em? Now!" I await Weavil's denunciation of these affronts against civilisation. 3) The beauty of Mario transcends all of this, except among the Social Justice Warriors (what a joke) who would call him a "dead white male." But I challenge one person—just one—who agrees with me to say so. The world as it is is defined by cowardice and accommodation of depravity. So you'll see no defence of Western Civilisation here. Who would know where to begin? Edited 07-31-2016 08:16 AM
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Doug
07-30-2016
02:46 PM ET (US) IP: 71.54.8.129
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Very confusing all this about a "Today" Show appearance in April '57. ML would not even have been in NYC then. Cesari's book says they traveled by train from Los Angeles to Chicago, spent some time with Betty's family and then proceeded to New York "where they would stay for (TWO)
days before boarding the Italian liner Giulio Cesare......." The ship departed New York on May 17, ( a photo of ML's ticket confirms this) and arrived in Naples on the 28th. They then took a train from Naples to Rome apparently arriving in Rome the same day. Perhaps the Today Show appearance was booked before travel plans were finalized and there were some changes made that no one at NBC took note of. (?)
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Ed
07-30-2016
06:52 AM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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Diane, you see these kinescopes many times here on CH 13 our PBS station. Some like early Today and some Honeymooners and compared to what we have today are purely horrible. The day the show Mario was supposed to be on was a Friday I checked, the next say I made confirmation I was nine, that was a long time ago. Edited 07-30-2016 06:54 AM
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Suzanne
07-29-2016
10:22 AM ET (US) IP: 74.79.58.35
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Okay.Diane. Misunderstood. Godspeed! What a memory to have, hearing Mario at the Hollywood Bowl. I wish!
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diane cox
07-28-2016
09:52 PM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.239
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Wasn't sure when taping started - I know earlier in the 50s all they had were kinescopes, really bad quality. When first at the tv station in Bham, we used the old 2" tape, but by the time I left it was small tape - now I guess it goes direct to DVD. Our movies still came in on big reels, 2 or 3 of them. Had to be timed out, and they made little holes where a commercial break was to be. My kids were so tickled when I showed them how to spot the break coming up
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Ed
07-28-2016
06:56 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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Ronald, no problem my friend, either way it would have been nice to see. Yes the possibility of Lanza appearing does exist. I remember Dave Garroway and him hosting that show, I'm sure Mario and family were nervous setting sail for Italy.
Diane, they did have tape in '57 my uncle used to work for the Steve Allen Show in 57, they did it at the Hudson theater on W 44 live but it was taped also, my uncle was the city fire inspector there for NYFD.
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Ronald Sarbo
07-28-2016
05:49 PM ET (US) IP: 74.66.130.108
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Ed: I stand corrected. However Jim only saw 2 hours of a 3 hour show. That leaves the possibility of Lanza appearing in the hour he didn't see. Edited 07-28-2016 05:50 PM
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diane cox
07-28-2016
05:00 PM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.239
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Ronald, went back and looked again - really can't tell. Not sure there was tape in 1957. The site is IMBd.com, then search Today Episode April 26, 1957. There is little info given.
Suzanne - can't take any money or sell the work - it's all compiled from the books by well known authors. If I ever finish I will let everyone know.
I knew a young sailor, who dated a friend of mine, in Nashville. He had been stationed in California and heard Mario Lanza sing at the Hollywood Bowl. He was impressed.
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Suzanne
07-28-2016
04:52 PM ET (US) IP: 74.79.58.35
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Love to have a copy of your "Labor of Love" ,Diane. Tell me the cost . Sure it's been a painstaking process.
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Ed
07-28-2016
04:04 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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Fort Dix, NJ is in the eastern time zone.
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Kristine
07-28-2016
03:20 PM ET (US) IP: 173.169.36.195
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Awhile back, I asked if Mario Lanza had been asked to entertain U.S. Troops, during The Korean War, as did Marilyn Monroe and Debbie Reynolds, also, Paul Douglas and his wife, Jan Sterling. Perhaps he didn't have the time, however, I saw a still photo ,in book, "Mario Lanza: A Life In Pictures" by Derek Mannering, of Lanza, on the set of "For The First Time", singing for a group of sailors from the USS Forrestal. Perhaps , the sailors were on leave. I wonder if any of those sailors, are still with us, today, and if they remember what it was like to hear him sing ?
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Ronald Sarbo
07-28-2016
02:36 PM ET (US) IP: 74.66.130.108
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The Today show at that time was 3 hours long. It was seen live in the Eastern and Central time zones but each time zone only saw 2 hours.
As Jim was in the Central time zone at Fort Dix he missed the FIRST hour...so it is possible that Lanza and his family were on during that hour that was seen only in the Eastern time zone.
Perhaps someone can ask Elissa if she has any memory of being on the show?
Is the website selling the Today show selling only the audio or do they have video. And also is what they have 3 hours long?
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diane cox
07-28-2016
02:32 PM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.239
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Been working on it off and on for some time. I reread all the books I have, any articles I could find, and noted down the date and event, some family things, some professional. It is quite long. Have half of one book to finish, and now need to get The One Tenor to make sure I have everything available. Since I've taken it from other printed material, cannot make it publicly available, but would be glad to email it to any interested. Not sure when I'll finish - it is exacting work.
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Suzanne
07-28-2016
01:19 PM ET (US) IP: 74.79.58.35
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Diane, Thanks. I'd be interested in your "Time Line". Maybe you'll tell us about it.
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diane cox
07-28-2016
11:45 AM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.239
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What I found was a site offering the Today show for April 26 1957 with Mario Lanza as guest for sale, $8.99. Wasn't able to listen to any of it. But if Jim says he didn't appear for some reason, I'd trust his knowledge. In checking the time line that I've been working on for some time, I have no notes for the Today show. The Lanza's arrived in Rome on May 17 1957. Hopefully will finish the time line at some point. Edited 07-28-2016 11:48 AM
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Fred Day
07-28-2016
11:35 AM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Jim: Thanks for that info. I suppose it is not surprising that Lanza probably cancelled at the last minute. Was that the very day that he left the USA?? I guess he simply didn't have enough time to fit that TV appearance into his busy schedule. Ciao.
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Suzanne
07-28-2016
11:10 AM ET (US) IP: 74.79.58.35
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Diane, what did you find? I googled it and found a Dr. Evans appeared that morning. Jim, thank you. Wouldn't like to think I'd missed it and never could see it.
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Spam deleted by QuickTopic 07-29-2016 01:06 AM
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Ed to Diane
07-27-2016
08:37 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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Diane, thanks for that it was appreciated. Coming from the north if I did have any prejudice it was not about people maybe a job or something. My kids dont have a prejudice bone in their body. I'm glad times have changed, my irish born grands literally despised the British forcing them out of their country and till they died they held those hates.
I have my beliefs on that but not here. Still enjoying the albums you sent, Best
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diane cox
07-27-2016
04:39 PM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.239
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Ed. Not sure if I can explain the South to you, but I'll try. We didn't know any better, and were not aware - it was just the way things were. All male blacks were "boy", the women were maids,or sometimes elevator operators, if they could get a job. As I never came in contact, even on the street, had no idea how they lived or were treated. Probably was 18 before it began to dawn on me. There were drinking fountains marked black and white, restrooms the same. Black people could not sit at lunch counters, and seldom even shopped in "white" stores. The little neighborhood market, they came to the back door. Not proud of this, but it was just the way life was in the 40s. And of course, they rode in the back of the bus. My family was very prejudiced, but didn't call it that, of course. My father quit his job at the US post office when they hired a black clerk. We have come far in the south - there is nothing resembling any of this anymore, plenty of jobs, and lifestyles have improved tremendously.
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Jim Thompson
07-27-2016
04:18 PM ET (US) IP: 67.83.112.135
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Mario and family did not appear on the Today show that morning in 1957. Why I don't know. I was in the Army at Ft Dix that day and had spent the whole time the show was on at a friend's house after hearing Mario was scheduled to be on. I guess he and family went aboard the Italian liner instead.
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Ed to Diane/Suzanne
07-27-2016
03:45 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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I find it amazing how we all grew up in the same country about the same time and our environment was so different regarding people. Although I am a man of history hearing about ten foot fences and schools on a hill considering they have the same rights as me just sickens me, segregated areas, poverty and no education really is upsetting but this was and still is the world we share. We elected our first black president but didn't help and I pray that we do better next time.
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diane cox
07-27-2016
03:31 PM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.239
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I found it guys. But for some reason can't post the link here. Google today show episode April 26 1957 and you'll find it.
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Fred Day
07-27-2016
02:57 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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I guess no recording has been found of the April 26, 1957 Today Show on NBC. I believe the host at that time, was Dave Garroway. Was Lanza and family there "live" that morning, or was it pre-recorded the previous day?? I am guessing it was only a brief interview, probably no longer than 5 minutes. It would be wonderful to find and hear (or even see) again. Ciao.
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Suzanne
07-27-2016
10:22 AM ET (US) IP: 74.79.58.35
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Diane, you had much more to overcome than I did. It just wasn't a factor in my life then. The African Americans lived downtown in public housing and went to a school nearby. Never thought about them one way or another. I grew up without prejudice. Both of my daughters had AA friends, brought them home from school and work.My own mom had a friend she worked with she was fond of. Of course Ed, this is a small town, so probably wouldn't have been like your situation. Always note with interest those who served in the Civil war, The Tuskegee Airmen, all of those stories , how long they waited for recognition. Can't forget some of our favorite entertainers, Nat Cole, Billy Eckstein, Lena Horne, Billy Daniels, Sammy Davis, too many to recall. But show business seemed to be the great leveler. Anyone know how we can get to see Mario's appearance on the Today show? Never thought he appeared on any talk show. Thanks Diane, for your interesting post. Gail, I'd love to get back to the museum again. Doubt if I will and I'd sadly miss Mary Papola, but glad I went twice and got to meet her and Jeanette Frere, Frank, too, who worked so faithfully for Mario.Didn't meet him, but we had a good phone conversation once. Frustrating isn't it that we can't seem to convey our love for Mario to those who don't care or understand. Happy though, that I'm one of you who knows what it's like to appreciate him.The worst thing, I think, is to mention his name, and be told about his "vices", with no regard at all for the divine musical legacy he left for us. Makes me so angry to have to defend him. Have to commend Bill Ronayne for picking up the reins and keeping things going.Thanks, Bill.btw, how is Mario's great grandson. Singing yet? Sometimes it takes a few generations.
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Gail Swartz
07-26-2016
06:21 PM ET (US) IP: 204.29.186.50
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I hope some of the attendees of the DNC get to visit the Mario museum...if I got to Philly ,I would make it priority one...I am not very well understood in my appreciation of Mario..he has gotten under my skin like no other singer.
On July 25, 2016, at 10:52 PM, QuickTopic daily digest <qtopic-30-ECKcxtRbxUTNy@quicktopic.com> wrote:
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diane cox
07-26-2016
04:04 PM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.239
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While growing up in the 40s in Nashville Tn. I also never came into contact with any black people. The lady next door had a black maid. There was a black school near my school, but never knew that - it was up on a hill, off the highway. One day I saw lights shining on the windows and asks what that big building was. Someone whispered it was the "deleted" school. My grandmother threatened to give me to the ragman when I was bad, and when he came up the street I had to go in the house. There were black families living across the alley, but there were 10 foot fences keeping any contact unlikely. When I walked down the alley I was cautioned to stay on "my" side. The yards beyong the fences had lots of flowers, chickens, and peacocks - much peeking through the cracks in the fence. In the early 60s when integration was just beginning, I was on a city bus and a black "mammy" lady sat beside me, three petticoats, a head wrap and run over shoes. I was terrified my dad, a big bigot, would see this, stop the bus, and make me get off. Oddly enough when I finally became my own person and realized what the facts were, have never been the same as the rest of the family. Have had many friends from many nations, and welcome their differences. My children don't have a prejudiced bone in their bodies. So times have changed in the south, and things are still changing. Also I liked opera and classical music, and they were all Grand Ole Opry. Edited 07-26-2016 05:10 PM
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Ed
07-26-2016
02:42 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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Suzanne, I cannot imagine going through my daily life and not running into an African American person,my whole school years I had many races in attendance with me, many teachers who were black and many gave me guidance and a good education. When I entered service I was placed south first SC then Ga and La before going overseas. For some instructors there the Civil War was still on and I thought what a bunch of jerks. I guess my liberal status was always with me.
Debbie, now that things are calmer here I'm playing Magic Mario, thanks!!!
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Suzanne
07-26-2016
11:06 AM ET (US) IP: 74.79.58.35
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Thank you Diane, for the answer. Smart thinking .
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Suzanne
07-26-2016
10:51 AM ET (US) IP: 74.79.58.35
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The Media has so much to do with how we feel about the world today. Things we might not have been aware of until years later, unless we read Life Magazine and even then they probably weren't covered . We romanticized the Arabs, The Sheik, Desert Song, Ali Baba, when what they were doing was no doubt what they do today. We just didn't know. Guess we all tend to look back and think everything was better then. Ed, the schools I attended never had African American students. Never saw a black person in my daily life. We have a Country Club that wouldn't allow anyone but "WASPS", now they accept most and even solicit members as though they're really hurting. Gratifying to see, really. Wish we could get the "Today" show to let us see some of the old programming. Has to be better than what 's shown now. I turn it off most mornings to watch politics, which becomes irritating quickly. Ed, I admit I'm jealous of Diane's autographs. Missed out on a candid photo on Ebay a couple of years ago. Autographed in green ink, bought up in a flash, hardly had time to bid. I do have some famous signatures, but don't think they're in demand.
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diane cox
07-25-2016
08:12 PM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.239
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Had quite a few movie star autographs back in the day. I think my daughter absconded with my little book. If I remember correctly Mario Lanza was the first.
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Ed
07-25-2016
06:47 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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Diane, I'm jealous, only kidding, happy for you. I met George W. Bush at a Veterans Day breakfast in 2002. My being a VA employee and veteran I along with several others met and chatted with him alongside the stage, got autograph and photo,meeting him was an honor and I told him so. I told him the only country where a poor kid growing up in the tenements of Brooklyn could stand and talk to a president, we shook hands and he thanked me for coming,had it been Mario my knees would have been knocking.
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diane cox
07-25-2016
04:07 PM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.239
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Suzzane, I sent a page from my autograph book and a self addressed stamped envelope to an address I got out of a movie star magazine. It is an authentic autograph. I had another, just a signature on a photo, that I gave to another fan. I suspect it was one by Maria, and was several years later. There is perhaps another signature on a photo also - would have to look.
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David Weaver
07-25-2016
03:39 PM ET (US) IP: 156.63.68.208
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TV listings from the San Bernadino County Sun for Friday, April 26, 1957 re TODAY SHOW: "Mario Lanza, his wife and children visit the show before their European trip." And this on same day in the Long Beach Independent: "People who sleep on the job and get paid for it will be seen on TODAY at 6 a.m. as the show presents a film from the Sleep Research Foundation. Not asleep will be Mario Lanza and family as well as Secretary of Labor James P. Mitchell." Edited 07-25-2016 03:45 PM
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Ed to David
07-25-2016
03:14 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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I Know of the story you posted about, I recall it from middle school. The schools that I attended were very mixed and I guess that is how I live now treating all fairly. I still feel safe that no matter whom we elect no one will start organizing youth movements like the ones started back in 1938 Germany. When it comes down to it most are full of s...and no one is leaving here when either one is elected they have it too good. Edited 07-25-2016 03:15 PM
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Ronald Sarbo
07-25-2016
02:47 PM ET (US) IP: 74.66.130.108
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We can only speculate how Lanza would feel about the issues facing our country today. However in May of 1957 I wonder how happy he was with the US when he decided to move himself and his family to Italy?
Did he feel that his "Horatio Alger; American Dream come true" turned into an American nightmare?
Again we can only speculate.
Lanza's imdb page indicates that he appeared on the Today Show on April 26, 1957. This was probably when he was in NYC prior to sailing. Is there any other info on this TV appearance?
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Kristine
07-25-2016
01:52 PM ET (US) IP: 173.169.36.195
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David, I agree and there was a time, in our country, when a Catholic, a Jew, an African-American, a woman, and a divorced person would never be elected President ! I did hear that Mario Lanza was always for the underdog, though. There was a time, 1939, Marian Anderson wasn't allowed to sing in a certain area of Washington, D.C.because the DAR was opposed to her singing there. Eleanor Roosevelt resigned from the DAR,because of that. I also read that Mario Lanza hit one of his high school teachers who said an insulting remark about Italians. At one time,1890's-1900's period, the Germans controlled the Metropolitan Opera,until Enrico Caruso and Arturo Toscanini broke that barrier !
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David Weaver
07-25-2016
01:13 PM ET (US) IP: 156.63.68.208
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On August 28, 1955, in the small town of Money in the Mississippi Delta, a 14-year-old black youth from Chicago named Emmett Till was abducted while sitting on the porch of his cousin's house, driven to a nearby farm where he was beaten and mutilated, then driven to the bridge of a river where he was shot, weighted down with a 70-pound fan, and his body dumped into the water.
The two men who committed this heinous act, Roy Bryant and J.W. Milam, did so because Till had reportedly whistled at Bryant's wife in a grocery store. And of course, no self-respecting white southern male could abide having some "boy" (as all black men were called, regardless of their age) act that way to a white female. And all a white female in the south had to do to get a black man beaten or killed was to say that he'd looked at her or talked to her or whatever - didn't matter.
Till's body was recovered, partially decomposed after several days in the water, and sent home to Chicago. His mother's decision to have him in an open casket - so everyone could see what had been done to him - was one of the seminal moments in the civil rights movement. Bryant and Milam were arrested and tried, but the jury - all-white, naturally - acquitted them. Remarkably, they admitted the crime and even told how they did it in graphic detail to LOOK magazine. This is part of what Milam said:
"Well, what else could we do? He was hopeless. I'm no bully; I never hurt a nigger in my life. I like niggers—in their place—I know how to work 'em. But I just decided it was time a few people got put on notice."
Now I note that Emmett Till was killed August 28, 1955. That very week, 1,800 miles to the west in Hollywood, California, Mario Lanza was recording the soundtrack for "Serenade."
So when you hear someone talk of Mario being a "reminder of a decent, non-beheading, benevolent universe where it was not anomalous to wish people 'the best of everything in life always'" - maybe think of Emmett Till. And realize that for many people living thru those supposedly halcyon days - when men were men, women were women, and minorities stayed, to quote J.W. Milam, "in their place" - that the universe was not so decent or benevolent.
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Martino to Fred
07-25-2016
12:58 PM ET (US) IP: 104.255.7.178
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On July 10 I wrote a post concerning Lindsay Perigo's update of "The One Tenor". Part of that post was about Kiri Te Kanawa:
"I was surprised to read your countrywoman, the famed soprano Kiri Te Kanawa, was so influenced by Lanza. In reading between the lines you could tell she was not concerned with his "technique" or singing methods and fully understood he was a "different" kind of tenor than what she was use to performing with her on stage. Her admiration of Mario was based on what she felt when she heard his voice. She said, "...its that effect of making a song work, while also creating the magic of it going into your heart". This personal "communication" between him and the listener was always Lanza's great gift and what set him apart from most others. We non-singers feel it but don't understand it - Kiri and other singers understand it perfectly. She concluded by hitting the nail square on the head, "No one has been able to replace him - ever". Amen".
Based on that I can only conclude that Kiri knew Mario Lanza was a different kind of tenor than she was use to and may not have been fond of certain undisciplined aspects of his technique and style. However, she understood the reasons why he was different and it was precisely those differences that set Lanza apart from the others. Linz may have more information about her thoughts on Mario.
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Suzanne
07-25-2016
12:27 PM ET (US) IP: 74.79.58.35
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And I"ve listened to Mario Zhang, a Canadian. Quite wonderful isn't he, though never to replace our Mario.
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Suzanne
07-25-2016
12:14 PM ET (US) IP: 74.79.58.35
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Diane how did you get the autograph? Did you meet him or send for it? Fred, that's a question I've been wanting to ask about Kiri. Don't recall where I read that she wasn't a fan of Mario. But most of us grow a little smarter with time.
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diane cox
07-25-2016
11:38 AM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.239
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My autograph reads "May I wish you the very best of everything in life always" Got it about 1954
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Gail Swartz
07-25-2016
11:03 AM ET (US) IP: 204.29.186.64
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I have been listening to Mario Zhang....in some of the songs he sounds as though he copies ML a great deal. Is he the hope for opera for the future? Watching ML... when he signed autographs in the films...what did he write and were these saved ? During the layoff period, did Mario just quit singing? If Mario could not work, why not learn an opera ? What were his parents doing for him during the layoff?If Mario did not like regimentation he would have rebelled at the opera house. Movie making is hard work and time demanding. I glad he chose as he did...his legacy to us is beautifully sung music and a passion for living.
On July 24, 2016, at 10:54 PM, QuickTopic daily digest <qtopic-30-ECKcxtRbxUTNy@quicktopic.com> wrote:
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RenseWebmaster 07-25-2016
10:50 AM ET (US) IP: 156.63.68.208
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Jason, like Jackman10 a couple of days ago, has an IP number placing them in Pakistan. Clearly not wanting to participate in the normal sense, and touting links to irrelevant websites.
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Fred Day
07-25-2016
10:30 AM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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I recall that Kiri Te Kanawa once said that she appreciated Lanza's talent, but was not a fan. Has she since become a fan?? Curious. Ciao.
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Fred Day
07-25-2016
10:22 AM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Who is Jason?????
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Fred Day
07-25-2016
10:19 AM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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I seem to recall that the late Bob Dolfi once mentioned that Mario Lanza was registered as an independent, but favored Eisenhower in both the 1952 and 1956 elections. As for 1960, Lanza was dead then, but would probably have favored John Kennedy, since Papa Joe Kennedy was an ardent Lanza fan. Ciao.
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Messages 49131-49130 deleted by author 07-25-2016 10:48 AM |
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Linz to Jeff
07-25-2016
06:44 AM ET (US) IP: 222.152.209.193
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Jeff—thank you so much for your comments about The One Tenor. I especially enjoyed your being able to link the "textures and harmonics" of Mario's life to the fact that they're the antithesis of the pure evil currently running rampant that wants to destroy the land of the free and turn it into Americastan. My take: Obama is evil enough, but Hillary is a new order of evil. Trump's "crooked" and "lying" don't begin to do justice to this revolting entity. "Rotten to the core" might start to begin to remotely approximate. My chapter on Mario vs Adam Lanza was written before the full enormity of the Left-Fascist agenda was apparent to me in its naked fetidness, but I'm happy that that chapter is an accurate representation of the nihilistic depravity that now emanates from every which way—the White House in particular. Time is running out. Mario is a reminder of a decent, non-beheading, benevolent universe where it was not anomalous to wish people "the best of everything in life always"—or to embody it, as Mario did. Your chapter in my book, "A Gift from the Universe," says it all. Edited 07-25-2016 06:56 AM
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Spam deleted by QuickTopic 07-25-2016 05:35 AM
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Jeff
07-25-2016
03:59 AM ET (US) IP: 209.180.237.137
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Congratulations to Lindsay on the remarkable success of his book, The One Tenor. No Lanza fan can be 'complete' without reading this extraordinary approach to profiling the Lanza voice and legacy. He has always been an exceptionally diverse observer and, as you know, writes on a wide range of topics…from classical music reviews to political and social topics, like the engineered destruction of America…our country has been taken from 13 Trillion to 21 Trillion in debt in just 7 years…that's not 'politics'...that's reality. And speaking of 'reality'…what IS it anymore? Remember Orwell? This is a worthy commentary of where we are and where we are heading… https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DBYBbMwlVCc As for 'politics', I will just say it is profoundly obvious we are at the Final Crossroads now. America will soon decide its fate. (Barring vote fraud or electoral college fraud or fraud fraud). In The One Tenor, the reader is led through a feast of remarkable words, gourmet expressions and unique creativity and insight. Few can write from the heart as effectively as does Mr. Perigo…as you will see for yourself, if you haven't already. There can never be too many wonderful books on Lanza whose memory and living voice are blessed with some truly amazing volumes. The descriptive exuberance and masterful phrase-turning of Mr. Perigo in The One Tenor, are often magical, indeed. I was honored to make a small contribution to this unique and indispensable work. There are so many textures and harmonics to Mario's life...and many of them are brought to vivid, colorful, sparkling life here.
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Deleted by author 07-25-2016 03:49 AM
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Ed
07-24-2016
02:22 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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I won't post politics here, simply my views are my views, I could care less if Damon or Mario were dem or rep. I don't feel it matters here but that is my opinion. Sadly come November one of these unqualified people will win. Edited 07-24-2016 02:24 PM
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Joe
07-24-2016
10:25 AM ET (US) IP: 71.224.55.142
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"Right on", my friend Linz!! Well said.
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Ronald Sarbo
07-24-2016
08:27 AM ET (US) IP: 74.66.130.108
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Lanza; if he had any political thoughts at all, probably kept them to himself. Why alienate part of his public by taking sides or come under fire from right wing or left wing journalists. He was attacked enough as it was. L.B. Mayer certainly counseled his stars to avoid politics. Sinatra always said that his stands on racism and intolerance did nothing to endear him to Mayer and contributed to his dismissal from MGM. Many Italian American men of that generation kept their opinions to themselves. They were aware of their lack of higher education and did not want to be seen by the public as "dumb Italians". So they kept to themselves. Sinatra here was an exception but as to individualism and dislike of regimentation again many of them grew up resentful of authority for various reasons. They did not like being told what to do. Edited 07-24-2016 08:40 AM
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Messages 49122-49120 deleted by author 07-24-2016 03:03 PM |
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Linz to Kristine
07-24-2016
05:07 AM ET (US) IP: 222.152.209.193
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I can't answer for any of the Lanza children, except to say that I knew Damon very well and he most assuredly was not a Democrat! He had such contempt for Hollywood "liberals" that he urged them to leave the country on a one-way ticket. See my essay, Remembering a Buddy in The One Tenor. But this discussion, which I don't doubt will be quickly shut down, is not about Republican vs Democrat. It's Western Civilisation vs tyranny fans who want to sell it down the drain. One of the most potent weapons of the latter is Political Correctness: shut down any debate with labels such as "bigot," "racist," "misogynist," "homophobe," "Islamophobe," etc., etc., ad nauseam—in the name of all of which they're prepared to appease and accommodate Sharia Law! Again I say, anyone who has heard the Blue Tape will know how Politically Incorrect Mario was. He would have been arrested by the PC Thought Police. Over and above that, he was Musically Incorrect: sang everything in a way one is not supposed to. It is a tribute to the likes of Dame Kiri and Pappano that they, epitomes of the musical establishment that they are, have acknowledged his genius ... and that maybe one of the things the world needs is more Musical Incorrectness. Edited 07-24-2016 05:56 AM
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Kristine
07-24-2016
04:36 AM ET (US) IP: 173.169.36.195
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I would rather not discuss politics,here, but a certain individual , here, does. Luciano Pavarotti's widow and daughters have told Trump campaign to stop using Pavarotti's recording of "Nessuna Dorma". The Rolling Stones have told Trump campaign to stop using their song "You Can't Always Get What You Want"(1969). Clinton-Kaine campaign is using "Ain't No Mountain High"(sung by Marvin Gaye and was it Tammi Terrell ?). President Bill Clinton's campaign used "Don't Stop Thinking About Tomorrow"(Fleetwood Mac). I will not rebuttal anything political, here. However, I will no longer accept political discussion on my facebook page, due to nasty, vicious rhetoric from a certain candidate's followers-supporters ! I recall Mario Lanza's family saying that Pacific Palisades, (at that time)was heavily Republican and I think, they said, they were Democrats. Getting off this subject, did Mario Lanza ever say who was his favorite movie actress was ? I read he liked John Garfield and Tyrone Power.
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Linz
07-24-2016
03:36 AM ET (US) IP: 222.152.209.193
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I would think that Mario's unequivocal statement about regimentation, and his self-description as an "individualist," quoted in my book more than once, would tell any intelligent observer that he would detest the socialism and Islamism of the Obama Administration. He was a lover of traditional American values. He described himself as a Horatio Alger story, the American Dream made real. I know this is not a political forum, but I've seen ample Obamapologetics here in the past go unchallenged. Furthermore, this is a terminal crisis Western Civilisation is in, and as far as I'm concerned all bets are off. This is Good vs Evil, and as Dante reminded us, in such a battle, the lowest rung of hell is reserved for those who remain neutral or silent. Edited 07-24-2016 03:53 AM
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diane cox
07-23-2016
08:43 PM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.239
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Somehow I don't think his patriotism was enhanced by his military service. Everything I've read indicates he hated being in the service.
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Dennis
07-23-2016
08:18 PM ET (US) IP: 73.170.201.215
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Martino, I agree with you. It would be fascinating to get an insight to Mario's value system as relates to politics, as well as other arenas, but likely it is lost forever. I would guess that growing up in Philadelphia at that time, he would be a Democrat, but that tells us nothing about what he really believed politically. You could be a Democrat then just by being born in an Italian neighborhood and someone else registering you as a voter! LOL
I would also be interested in his Roman Catholicism. Just part of his culture as an Italian? Or did he have a real faith and worldview consistent with the teachings of the Church? It would give us a new area to explore, from his personal behavior to his selection (and rejection) of music he performed. And how about his patriotism? Real? Typical of the day? Enhanced by his military service? All things I would like to know.
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Martino to Ed
07-23-2016
07:25 PM ET (US) IP: 104.255.7.178
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On the contrary. I will have to disagree with you on that one, Ed. Politics in general has no place here and we all know that. There is no surer way of destroying a non-political forum than by introducing politics. However, any facet of Mario Lanza's life is fair game. We can talk of his music of course but also his family and personal life, his youth and religious influences, his tragedies, sicknesses, etc., etc. As long as it or anything else pertains to Mario Lanza I, and I am sure others, would like to discuss it. I think it would be fascinating to learn of his politics and value beliefs. The problem is that we really don't have anything to guide us about his political beliefs that I know of, just speculation.
I don't think it matters in how he sang if he was liberal or conservative, Republican or Democrat or whatever but how and what he believed politically would be very revealing and interesting because it provides that glimpse into the man himself. It might even give a glimmer of light into his personality because politics is mostly a question of personal values. But as I say, there is scant information about Lanza's politics that I am aware.
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Joe
07-23-2016
07:00 PM ET (US) IP: 71.224.55.142
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Did Mario use a mike (microphone) at his famous Hollywood Bowl Concert?
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Ed to Diane
07-23-2016
06:27 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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I too am glad there are no political gossip here, that's what Facebook is for.
Kristine,knowing what political party Mario belonged too is irrelevant here.
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RenseWebmaster
07-23-2016
05:10 PM ET (US) IP: 24.210.22.228
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Jackman10's IP number indicates they are posting from Karachi, Pakistan. As noted by Dennis, with nothing relevant to Mario being posted, and links to various commercial sites, messages have been deleted.
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Dennis
07-23-2016
03:51 PM ET (US) IP: 73.170.201.215
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jackman10's range of ability never ceases to amaze. Now he/she can also convert your loft, or can be a producer for your voice, and is on some kind of quest with Gonzo. I think it is time for the moderator to shut it down. Nothing relevant to Mario is being shared; it seems more like a phishing expedition.
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diane cox
07-23-2016
12:08 PM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.239
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Happy there is no political discussion here. Enough of that everywhere else.
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Kristine
07-23-2016
11:24 AM ET (US) IP: 173.169.36.195
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I am wondering why political discussion of Obama-Hillary Clinton, here ? I have my political views, but always try to avoid it here. I wonder what Mario Lanza's political views were ? Did he vote for Adlai Stevenson or Dwight Eisenhower ? Would he have voted for John F. Kennedy ?(I read,here, Joseph Kennedy was a fan of Mario Lanza, after Morton Downey brought a Lanza recording to him). Would Lanza have opposed The Vietnam War, as a number of celebrities did ? Jeanette MacDonald and her husband, Gene Raymond were Republicans. In fact, a number of Republican political leaders attended her funeral. I have the impression that Beverly Sills may have been a Liberal-Democrat, I'm not sure about it. Barbra Streisand is.
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Deleted by topic administrator 07-23-2016 05:05 PM
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Linz to Gail and Ed
07-23-2016
06:05 AM ET (US) IP: 222.153.9.173
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Thank you for purchasing the hard copy. You should notice it's much updated from the original Kindle. Frankly, having the hard copy in my hands, I am of the view that Kindle is an atrocity. What I'd love to see is some in-depth discussion of the content—and I don't mean Martino's all things to all people. Fence-sitting is very dangerous to one's fundamentals. Let's hear discussion of Pappano. Te Kanawa. Bessette on bi-polar. Jeff Rense's guest chapter, "A Gift from the Universe." Mario and Fritz. My sundry CD critiques, where the singing is broken down and its technical genius revealed. Adam Lanza vs Mario (Mario-ism's being antithetical to the very postmodernism/nihilism/cop-shooting/Islamapologetics embodied in Obama, Hillary and their shills right here). This is material of cosmic relevance. Mario was the aesthetic embodiment of the Declaration of Independence. He was of equal historic enormity. If you doubt me, listen to "This Land." But what's most frustrating of all is the silence of those who already get this but are too afraid to speak up. That's how we got WW2 when it never had to happen. Edited 07-23-2016 07:15 AM
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Messages 49105-49104 deleted by author 07-23-2016 05:06 PM |
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Kristine
07-22-2016
07:57 PM ET (US) IP: 173.169.36.195
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Prayers for Munich, Germany. When will this violence ,terrorism end ? Horrible !
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diane cox
07-22-2016
05:15 PM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.239
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Piotr Beczala is in Munich, says the city is a mess. He was to perform there.
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Dennis
07-22-2016
03:29 PM ET (US) IP: 73.170.201.215
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Any one have a clue on the meaning of the last words on jackman10's frequent and repetitive posts? I'm afraid to try clicking on those underlined words. If they all are descriptives of jackman10, he/she is a dentist in New York City who also owns a catering business, likes to write, and is willing to do homework for students. And by his/her words, an admirer of Mario. I suspect, rather, a possible troll. Happy to apologize if Mr/Ms Jackman would clarify her multi-talented status. If not, perhaps the moderator should consider deleting such posts.
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Messages 49100-49098 deleted by author 07-23-2016 05:06 PM |
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Kristine
07-21-2016
02:39 PM ET (US) IP: 173.169.36.195
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It's always interesting to see who is in photos with Mario Lanza. I remember seeing a photo of Mario Lanza ,on the set of "The Great Caruso" with visitors ,Jimmy Durante, Joe Pasternak, and movie actress Patricia Medina(who was married to Joseph Cotten).
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Gail Swartz
07-21-2016
02:20 PM ET (US) IP: 204.29.186.12
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Hi, Linz, received my book...have enjoyed having a hard copy of the Kindle one. Mario was a great artiste and singer of the various genre of music fare...we should never forget or belittle him for his career choices...he had to provide for his family and he had to sing..our lives are fuller because of his music legacy to us.
On July 20, 2016, at 10:52 PM, QuickTopic daily digest <qtopic-30-ECKcxtRbxUTNy@quicktopic.com> wrote:
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Suzanne
07-21-2016
02:15 PM ET (US) IP: 74.79.58.35
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Just thinking, was Charles GaVoian's portrayal of Mario ever recorded?
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Ronald Sarbo
07-21-2016
01:25 PM ET (US) IP: 74.66.130.108
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There is also the photo of Lanza in Italy autographing Joan's albums. She is obviously a fan and not a nanny.
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Suzanne
07-21-2016
01:12 PM ET (US) IP: 74.79.58.35
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Pam,I'm sure you are right, "Spellbinder" why don't you tell us about the interview, sure we'd all like to hear, or where to find it. Thinking about our friend, Dan Lawler, and wondering how he is. Hope he'll post.
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Pamela Latham
07-21-2016
10:46 AM ET (US) IP: 86.18.204.16
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Joan Marsden (nee Kessingland) was never a nanny to the Lanza family, just what we would now call a 'groupie' but a very devoted Lanza admirer nonetheless. Ellisa Lanza would confirm that this person is Joan Marsden as she has met her on several occasions over many years. If you won't believe her, then all is lost on you. End of any further conversation on this subject.
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Spellbinder
07-21-2016
09:21 AM ET (US) IP: 92.30.27.0
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The lady with Dr Silvestri is not the nanny who was interviewed. She may well have been a nanny at a different time. The lady pictured on the Seven Hills set is the nanny who was interviewed.
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Pamela Latham
07-21-2016
08:08 AM ET (US) IP: 86.18.204.16
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Dr Silvestri and unknown woman with the Lanza children in Rome
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Pamela Latham
07-21-2016
08:06 AM ET (US) IP: 86.18.204.16
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Above are two photos sent to me by a friend, both of Joan Marsden (nee Kessingland) the later one taken at the French club meeting just before she passed away. I seem to recall a past (expelled) member of the BMLS who claimed he had recorded an interview with this English nanny but the tape is definitely not in the archives of the society. The next photo (again sent by my friend) could possibly be of this nanny with the children, and Dr Silvestri can be seen on the extreme right.
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jackman10 07-21-2016
05:36 AM ET (US) IP: 45.116.233.12
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jackman10 07-21-2016
03:43 AM ET (US) IP: 45.116.233.12
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Spellbinder
07-21-2016
03:31 AM ET (US) IP: 92.30.29.250
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The lady in the photos is not Joan. I don't remember her name but she was a nanny Lanza hired to look after the children. She was English. I had the pleasure of meeting her some years ago and interviewing her with a view to publishing her story in a magazine. The interview was taped and eventually ended up with Paul Velda. She allowed me to copy other unpublished photos she had showing her with Mario and his family. Those photos ended up somewhere in the British Fan Club vaults. So many other people over the years have assumed and convinced themselves that the lady was one of the English fans who visited Mario in Rome but they're all wrong.
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jackman10 07-21-2016
03:07 AM ET (US) IP: 45.116.233.12
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Awesome blog. I enjoyed reading your articles. This is truly a great read for me. I have bookmarked it and I am looking forward to reading new articlesnew york city
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Dennis
07-21-2016
01:08 AM ET (US) IP: 73.170.201.215
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Pamela, I love the British phrase "windup merchant". Made me laugh. May be true about the Spellbinder, at least until we hear why he/she is so definite on whom the lady is NOT.
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Ed
07-20-2016
05:44 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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Suzanne, how in the world did Joan get to travel with Mario that blows my mind,Mario must sure have wonderful to his fans. I remember a story that he told his driver to go back for his friends and he didn't and Mario asked why not he thought they were only fans.
Bill,thanks I think that a great photo.
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Bill Ronayne
07-20-2016
04:22 PM ET (US) IP: 24.185.122.180
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Ed: The only photos I've seen of Mario with Steve Reeves on the Hercules set are with Betty.
The photo Pam has posted is the one in question and it is not reversed as it is on this site. Yes it is Joan. I met her once in Philly for the Lanza Ball and she brought some photos with her from her time with Mario. Great to see and a wonderful lady and Lanza fan. Best, Bill
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Pamela Latham
07-20-2016
03:41 PM ET (US) IP: 86.18.204.16
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Photo from the book written by Joan Marsden and Elsie Sword. I think we have a windup merchant in whoever is Spellbinder! Sad, when someone has to hide behind a pseudonym.
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Suzanne
07-20-2016
02:49 PM ET (US) IP: 74.79.58.35
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Found the photo. Knew I wouldn't have a clue. Hope someone finds out soon.Wonder how she managed to find the time to travel with Mario. Amazing!
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Suzanne
07-20-2016
02:35 PM ET (US) IP: 74.79.58.35
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Where do I find the picture in question?Thanks!
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Spellbinder
07-20-2016
01:18 PM ET (US) IP: 92.30.9.108
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Sorry - it definitely is not Joan Marsden.
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Pamela Latham
07-20-2016
04:53 AM ET (US) IP: 86.18.204.16
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The girl in the photo with Mario and the children is definitely Joan Marsden, no question.
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Spellbinder to Wendy
07-20-2016
02:48 AM ET (US) IP: 92.30.30.149
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It's definitely not Joan.
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Wendy Stilwell - UK
07-20-2016
02:02 AM ET (US) IP: 2.97.175.12
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No it's not Elsie Sword (nee Kiss). Elsie is still a member of the BMLS and lives about 7 miles from me. I am pretty sure it is Joan. There are one or two members of our Society who visited Mario. Dora Alker was one, and it is not her either. When I speak with Dora I will check with her to confirm that it is Joan.
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Ed to Fred
07-19-2016
09:29 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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Fred,I know that segment and familiar with it and believe so, it may also be the woman in the picture of Mario and Betty with Steve Reeves on the Hercules set in Rome. Bill am I right?
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Fred Day
07-19-2016
06:42 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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On the video of Mario at the London Paladium, Sunday night, which was televised, after the applause for E Lucevan Le Stelle, Mario says to the audience, "Thank you - you're certainly terrific!" A woman shouts, "So are You!" Mario chuckles, and says "Thank you...very much!" I believe that woman was Joan Marsden, who said "So are You!" Am I correct?? Ciao.
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Bill Ronayne
07-19-2016
02:10 PM ET (US) IP: 24.185.113.2
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I'm pretty sure it's Joan Marsden. Also the photo is reversed. Note which side Mario's part is on. Best, Bill
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Spellbinder to Ed
07-19-2016
10:00 AM ET (US) IP: 92.30.25.155
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I don't think it's Elsie Sword.
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Ed
07-19-2016
09:49 AM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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As for the woman in the photo I would ask Bill I am sure he would know, I believe it is Elsie Sword who followed Mario everywhere.
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Spellbinder
07-19-2016
08:22 AM ET (US) IP: 92.30.25.155
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Wendy & Fred:
Thanks for your replies. I know Joan Marsden (with another English fan IIRC) stayed with Mario in Rome but I do not think she is the lady in the picture.
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jackman10 07-19-2016
07:22 AM ET (US) IP: 103.255.4.77
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Thank you so much for the post you do. I like your post and all you share with us is up to date and quite informative, i would like to bookmark the page so i can come here again to read you, as you have done a wonderful job Wicked Web Design
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Wendy Stilwell - UK
07-19-2016
03:40 AM ET (US) IP: 2.97.174.128
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Hi Fred and Spellbinder Yes, I am pretty sure that is Joan Marsden (married surname)who visited Mario in Rome. She was indeed a long time member of our Society (BMLS) but sadly passed away a few years back. Edited 07-19-2016 03:54 AM
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Fred Day
07-18-2016
03:42 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Spellbinder: That pic is also in the Callinicos book - she is a big fan of Mario's, from England. I don't remember her name. I believe she was a guest of Mario's, at that time. I think she was one of the founders of the BMLS. Ciao.
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Spellbinder
07-17-2016
10:24 AM ET (US) IP: 92.30.16.70
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There is a pic of Mario on the Rense site taken in Rome during the filming of Seven Hills. Mario is seated with Renato Raschel and Colleen & Elissa. There is a woman on Mario's right in front of Elissa - who is she?
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jackman10 07-16-2016
06:27 AM ET (US) IP: 103.255.4.56
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I think this is an informative post and it is very useful and knowledgeable. therefore, I would like to thank you for the efforts you have made in writing this article traveling to the united states
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Suzanne
07-15-2016
02:36 PM ET (US) IP: 74.79.58.35
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btw,Joe, I did listen to Gary's "Danny Boy", it is really beautiful. I find it such a sad song.
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Ed to Suzanne
07-15-2016
12:34 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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Yes the sticky weather is pretty bad here it rained very hard last night but ni help. I look forward reading the book but I'm in the middle of a book on the King Tut excavation.
I remember John Gary was a regular on the old Gary Moore show in the 60s.
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Suzanne
07-15-2016
11:36 AM ET (US) IP: 74.79.58.35
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Ed. Same weather here, hoping for less stickiness for the weekend. Not my cup of tea. Joe, Gail, had the pleasure of seeing John Gary in New Orleans many years ago. Not sure how far his career went, but he had a lovely voice. Do you think he was Irish, by any chance! Still waiting for the book.
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Gail Swartz
07-15-2016
07:51 AM ET (US) IP: 204.29.186.63
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I bought the Kindle update....purchased the book for my library. Found John Gary on youtube...New voice for me...Found his version of Be My Love...then found Mario and his singing This Land...wow! This should have been used on July celebrations. Mario made every song his and then he shared it with us. Have great day!
On July 14, 2016, at 10:54 PM, QuickTopic daily digest <qtopic-30-ECKcxtRbxUTNy@quicktopic.com> wrote:
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Joe to Suzanne
07-14-2016
07:47 PM ET (US) IP: 71.224.55.142
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Suzanne, check out John Gary's version of Danny Boy...Joseph Patrick Fagan(born on St Pat's day!).
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0PBtCmGrJ8U
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Ed to Suzanne
07-14-2016
02:58 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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Suzanne, one of the finest versions, our Mario could sing anything. I do like his best. Very hot here today and real humid rain on the way later.
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Ed to Linz
07-14-2016
02:54 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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Linz, just got it, thanks brother!
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Suzanne
07-14-2016
09:56 AM ET (US) IP: 74.79.58.35
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Linz, can't do the kindle, but eagerly awaiting the book.
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Suzanne
07-14-2016
09:54 AM ET (US) IP: 74.79.58.35
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Listening again, is there anything more beautiful than Mario 's "Danny Boy"? Destroys me every time.
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Linz
07-13-2016
08:20 PM ET (US) IP: 222.153.78.207
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The updated Kindle version of The One Tenor is available for 99 cents for the next forty hours. Special Amazon promotion!
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Bill Ronayne
07-12-2016
04:19 PM ET (US) IP: 24.185.123.5
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The next MLSNY luncheon will take place on September 17th at Patsy's. Best, Bill
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Derek McGovern
07-12-2016
07:27 AM ET (US) IP: 112.153.216.166
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Joe recently alerted folk here to the arrival of the paperback (and Kindle) *third* edition of Linz's "The One Tenor." Not to be outdone, I've just posted an item about the book in the "News" section over on Mario Lanza, Tenor: http://www.mariolanzatenor.com/newsWhile you're there, you may want to check out the other recent news postings. These include information about Linz's forthcoming "Great Mario Lanza" Operatunity tour, scheduled for October-November; the identities (at last!)---courtesy of the amazing sleuth Steff Walzinger---of the two opera singers who recorded the "Così fan tutte" trio with Mario; and the four (!) Sepia Records Lanza CD compilations, all of which, I'm delighted to see, are reviewed in Linz's up-to-the-minute third edition of "The One Tenor." Edited 07-12-2016 07:38 AM
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Linz to Martino
07-10-2016
06:14 PM ET (US) IP: 222.153.12.197
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Martino: I'm pretty sure I already mentioned that anyone who already has the Kindle and wants to update it will have to contact Amazon direct. Crazy thing they have. All the more reason to buy the hard copy! :-)
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Vincent Ricciardi to Linz
07-10-2016
01:56 PM ET (US) IP: 24.191.101.115
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Thank you Linz.
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Martino
07-10-2016
11:02 AM ET (US) IP: 104.255.7.178
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Kiri Te Kanawa
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Martino to Linz
07-10-2016
11:01 AM ET (US) IP: 104.255.7.178
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McGovern always had a way of making his thoughts on Mario Lanza legitimate and at the same time a good read. You could agree or disagree but you always knew where he was coming from. I could say the same about you. If anyone says they want to know all about Mario Lanza, I would refer them to only four people in the world for all the information and insights they would ever want about the man, his voice, his life and his career - you, Derek Mannering, Armando Cesari and Derek McGovern. There might be some conflicting information but at least all the bases would be covered.
Just to let you know, the method of update to your book via Amazon Kindle (which I posted here a few days ago) apparently does not work; maybe it will in time. For those that have the first digital book but want the update they can get it by contacting Amazon (I used the chat feature). They will remove the original from your cloud and insert the revised edition. I read a little of it this morning and it does flow in a more cohesive manner.
I was surprised to read your countrywoman, the famed soprano Kiri Te Kanawa, was so influenced by Lanza. In reading between the lines you could tell she was not concerned with his "technique" or singing methods and fully understood he was a "different" kind of tenor than what she was use to performing with her on stage. Her admiration of Mario was based on what she felt when she heard his voice. She said, "...its that effect of making a song work, while also creating the magic of it going into your heart". This personal "communication" between him and the listener was always Lanza's great gift and what set him apart from most others. We non-singers feel it but don't understand it - Kiri and other singers understand it perfectly. She concluded by hitting the nail square on the head, "No one has been able to replace him - ever". Amen.
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Linz to Miss Elayne Eous
07-09-2016
11:07 PM ET (US) IP: 222.153.74.155
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Haven't visited in a few days. Much to catch up on: Vincent—May I belatedly join the applause for your Granada?! I've left a note on your site: "passionate and polished. Well done especially on the a dar!" Martino—thanks for posting the link to Derek's classic essay on the later Lanza voice: accurate, arresting and articulate reflections, as always from Dr McG, on an intriguing topic. Very poignant to see them revisited. Joseph—thanks for the plaudits for The One Tenor. Great timing. For a week or so it sat at #1 on Amazon's Hot New Releases page, atop works about Puccini, Beethoven, Haydn and the likes. Alas, these impertinent usurpers have begun to overtake it! Help!! Edited 07-09-2016 11:14 PM
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Vincent Ricciardi
07-09-2016
01:45 PM ET (US) IP: 24.191.101.115
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Hello Everyone,
I'm glad everyone liked it. If you have a YouTube ID please be sure to "LIKE" the video and subscribe to the page. I have some fun videos planned including some more live performances and one about the different microphones used to record operatic tenors throughout the years, including an Altec 639A which Mario used to record most of his movie soundtracks at MGM including "The Great Caruso," a U67 style mic similar to what Sergio Franchi used, and a few more. I've always found it fascinating how microphones affect the sound quality in a recording.
Anyway, I wanted to thanks Suzanne, Kris, Martino, Fred, Ed, and Dennis, for their kind words. As I said before, this community has always been super supportive and I always appreciate it.
Jim, thanks for the shout out about the language. I always try to study the languages I'm singing in so I can determine my interpretations using the lyrics the composer laid out for me. For me lyrics are just as important as the high notes and need equal value. I started in musical theater and that way of singing was part of my earliest training, even before I started training as a classical singer. I think that's why Mario was always a standout singer for me. He makes sure to hit the emotional beats of the songs, as well as the glorious high notes.
Joseph, thank you for your kind words. My first album came out in 2014 and is currently available. You can download it on iTunes or Amazon, or can purchase the CD through CD Baby. Follow the link below to purchase it:
http://www.eandventertainment.com/store/
If anyone would like a personalized, signed CD you can email me directly at eandventertainment@gmail.com and I can make that happen. CDs are $20 and I would charge shipping, which I can't imagine would be more that $5. I can take payment through Paypal.
Also, if anyone is interested in knowing where Emily and I will be performing, you can join our mailing list by clicking the link on our website:
http://www.eandventertainment.com/
Thanks again all. I'll let everyone know when I post new videos.
Sincerely,
Vincent
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Ed
07-08-2016
06:01 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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As I once said Mario fans are the very best. I started on a venture last Christmas buying a new turntable. I got some very good advice from Martino. Sam and Fred I bought an Audio Technica and have been enjoying it. This meant I now had to revamp my Lanza library on vinyl. Thanks to the kindnesses of two folks Diane and Debbie they heard my plight and offered me many from their collections. As I said they are best, we do for each other.
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Vince Di Placido (Jnr)
07-08-2016
04:23 PM ET (US) IP: 95.44.208.158
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A beautiful piece of writing, Derek! I loved reading it again. You have done so much for Mario, thank you!
https://youtu.be/2PHSMdPM20s
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diane cox
07-08-2016
02:25 PM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.239
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Martino, I'm sure I have all the selections too. I like it when all the operatic and Italian are on one disk, which is mainly why I bought it. Can't have too much Lanza
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Martino to Diane
07-08-2016
02:19 PM ET (US) IP: 104.255.7.178
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When I saw this box set at Amazon I was somewhat reluctant to buy it because 1) I had all the songs on other media and cds and 2) I now prefer to buy digital selections for download rather than bulky cds. But, the price was right and since I have a six disk changer in both my cars I thought I use it for travel. They sound fine and at less than three bucks a disk how can you go wrong?! I'm sure you will enjoy them.
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Diane Cox
07-08-2016
01:09 PM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.239
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Lanza 100 hits was just delivered - will be busy the rest of the afternoon.
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Joe to Linz and the forum
07-08-2016
11:46 AM ET (US) IP: 71.224.55.142
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Linz, I just finished reading your paperback edition of THE ONE TENOR and was reminded of how excellent it is (I had previously read the E edition on a Kindle). Every Lanza fan should have THIS sparkling collection of essays as well as Cesari’s comprehensive and objective biography (An American Tragedy) on their bookshelf.
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Jim Thompson
07-08-2016
07:05 AM ET (US) IP: 67.83.112.135
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You really enjoyed singing one of my most favorite songs and you could not have sung it with such enjoyment without knowing the words! Excellent vocal production and your Spanish is "superbo"!!
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Dennis
07-07-2016
07:07 PM ET (US) IP: 73.170.201.215
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Lovely version of Granada by Vincent Ricciardi. But it prompts me to echo Martino's question: what has happened to Frank Tenaglia? If I remember a couple of years ago Frank was excited about a singing opportunity in Europe. Anyone know what happened or where he is singing now?
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Ed
07-07-2016
05:26 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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Vincent, a fine job I enjoyed it so much, bravo!!
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Fred Day
07-07-2016
03:31 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Bravo, Vincent!! Wonderful rendition of Granada, same key as Lanza, with a great high C at the end. Bravo bravissimo!! Ciao.
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Joseph Fagan
07-07-2016
03:24 PM ET (US) IP: 209.85.218.52
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Simply Fantastic....I look forward to purchasing your first CD!!
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Martino to Vincent
07-07-2016
02:47 PM ET (US) IP: 104.255.7.178
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Great job, Vincent! I gave you your second "like" thumbs up and hope you get many more - you deserve them.
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Suzanne
07-07-2016
02:07 PM ET (US) IP: 74.79.58.35
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Lovely, Vincent.
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Kris Cimmy
07-07-2016
01:42 PM ET (US) IP: 209.85.215.48
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Vincent,
Excellent ! Kristine
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Vincent Ricciardi
07-07-2016
01:36 PM ET (US) IP: 24.191.101.115
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Hello Everyone,
I hope all is well. I wanted to share a recent live in studio video I posted on YouTube that I think you will enjoy. It's a performance of "Granada" recorded live at my studio.
https://youtu.be/ClZUdy-Kwv8
If you enjoy it, please like it on YouTube and share it with your friends. Word of mouth really is the best thing people can do for artists like myself who are striving to keep this great music alive. It is also always appreciated. You can also subscribe to my page for immediate updates when my new videos post. Thanks again for all of the support I get from this great community.
Sincerely,
Vincent
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Suzanne
07-07-2016
11:47 AM ET (US) IP: 74.79.58.35
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Heartbreaking article, Derek. Grateful for those of you who can put it into the words I can only feel.Linz says it, A gibbering wreck!
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Ed to Derek
07-07-2016
07:37 AM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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Derek, I really enjoyed reading the two essays on our Mario, in fact I read them both twice because on the first round it was a lot to take in. As I read along the first time I did so knowing that you always were fair to him, if you had to remark on something you felt not complimentary on Mario you did so in a kind way but not losing your point. I'm saving these writings because I will read them again. Thank you for your wonderful description of Mario, he was best and gave his all.
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Martino to Derek
07-06-2016
12:37 PM ET (US) IP: 104.255.7.178
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You're very welcome. Excellent observations and well written - as always.
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Gail Swartz
07-06-2016
10:48 AM ET (US) IP: 204.29.186.59
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Wonderful essay, Derek! Bill, the album was delivered yesterday....just what I have been looking for in my estate sale,etc. quests. Mario still sings the songs the best...quality,warmth,emotionally charged,finesse, thrilling, always exciting to the end,diction never failing,passion let loose, and too many other wonders to continue here. Happy summer!
On July 5, 2016, at 10:52 PM, QuickTopic daily digest <qtopic-30-ECKcxtRbxUTNy@quicktopic.com> wrote:
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Derek McGovern to Martino
07-06-2016
01:10 AM ET (US) IP: 220.92.65.19
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Martino
07-05-2016
08:40 PM ET (US) IP: 104.255.7.178
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The other day we talked of Lanza's "older" voice. I just enjoyed reading once again an essay on this subject (linked below) concerning Lanza's vocal "final years". It is well worth your time to read it. You may agree or disagree with the author, in total or in part, but nonetheless it represents as excellent and well thought out disquisition on this subject as you are likely to ever find:
http://www.freeradical.co.nz/lanza/TheFinalYears.php
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Ed
07-05-2016
01:50 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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That song has been on my shortlist for I don't know how long. I have only heard Pavarotti's performance of it today for the first time but have listened to the others before. I have always felt the Lanza recording superior to all others even Caruso. I thought Pavarotti ran through it,Lanza takes his time and really pours Tosti's melody from his soul, there is only one Mario Lanza.
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Gail Swartz
07-05-2016
10:08 AM ET (US) IP: 204.29.186.55
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Enjoyed hearing the various tenors sing,but Mario made me emotionally sensitive to all of the notes of the song.
On July 4, 2016, at 10:54 PM, QuickTopic daily digest <qtopic-30-ECKcxtRbxUTNy@quicktopic.com> wrote:
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Kristine
07-04-2016
07:11 PM ET (US) IP: 24.160.90.200
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Has anyone, here, seen the Broadway Musical "Lend Me A Tenor" ? Back in the 1990's, M-G-M movie actor Barry Nelson(who was friends with both Bert Hicks and Mario Lanza)appeared in a stage production of it, here, in Florida. Mickey Rooney also appeared in a production of it. I think the story is about a tenor who can't perform one night and someone says lend me a tenor. So far, there hasn't been a movie version of it. The story sounds like something The Marx Bros. would have filmed.
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Martino to Fred
07-04-2016
04:48 PM ET (US) IP: 104.255.7.178
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Yes, I knew "L'alba..." was one of your all time favorites. I know you have tried to get Frank Tenaglia to sing it (what happened to FranK?). I think you have tried to get Dan to sing it as well. It is just a great song and one of Tosti's biggest hits. Bergonzi's actual performance in that concert is also on youtube. I'm not sure if that recording I posted was earlier, as you said, or later. I thought the recording was inspired by the concert but I could be wrong. Here is a note from the record sleeve that makes me think that way (unless there are actually three Bergonzi recordings instead of two): "The sleeve note carries a review of John Rockwell of the New York Times, discussing an Avery Fisher Hall recital in 1977 that inspired this record. It perfectly sums up this record. "He is often called a tasteful singer, and compared to, say Gigli, he is that. But what he really is, more than tasteful, is utterly convincing in his exposition of the basic clichés of Italian tenorizing, from portamentos to catches in the throat to semisobs to stock imploring gestures."
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Fred Day
07-04-2016
03:30 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Martino: L'Alba Separa is probably Tosti's greatest song, of many great songs. My personal favorite. There are numerous fine recordings of the song, thru the years. Caruso recorded it in 1917, I think he was the first singer to record it. I think his record is still the finest of all. Lanza's 1959 record is excellent, but I have always wished he could have sang it earlier, during his Coke Show period. Jussi recorded it superbly in 1949, and sang it several times since, in concert and on TV and radio. Sadly, Corelli never sang it, as far as is known. Di Stefano never recorded it, but he once sang it in concert in Stamford, CT, around 1990, but I have never heard it, I have yet to find it. Bonisolli's recording is also excellent. Pavarotti and Carreras recorded it, but not Domingo. The Bergonzi recording you posted is a studio recording, made a couple of years earlier than his 1977 NY concert. Villazon also made a studio recording, around the same time as that live TV version - both are excellent. Tucker recorded it, nicely. Del Monaco never sang it. If I didn't know that song was written by Tosti, I would guess Puccini, because it is very Puccini-ish in style and melody. One of the finest songs ever written. Ciao.
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Fred Day
07-04-2016
03:09 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Dan: Pavarotti made "Yes Giorgio" in 1982 - 25 years before he died. His singing was fine, but the story line and the acting were poor, the film was a flop at the box office. Gigli made 17 or 18 films, starting in 1935 - he was a success in all of them. Ciao.
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Martino
07-04-2016
01:27 PM ET (US) IP: 104.255.7.178
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=98j--x9hKr...QJ2cDN7q5Mgd6mT8IYQ
Worth watching. Perhaps the best live performance of this Tosti classic since Bergonzi's 1977 NY concert, which I will also link below:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YhYAeqSM-D...5Mgd6mT8IYQ&index=2
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Martino
07-03-2016
01:44 PM ET (US) IP: 104.255.7.178
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Opera singers have seldom been considered true movie stars in America, save for a few such as Lanza and MacDonald/Eddy. But in other countries, especially Europe and Russia, opera singers were extremely popular figures in movies and tv.
There are many correlations between a couple of American singers who were very popular in film - Mario Lanza and Anna Moffo. Although they never sang together (a shame!) they did more to popularize opera through film and tv than most singers ever have. Lanza did it in America through MGM and it extended throughout the world while Moffo was doing it also through films and tv but confined mostly in Europe. Both were born in Pennsylvania to Italian parents and both had their early training in Philadelphia.
We all know about Lanza so let me talk about Anna Moffo for a minute. Moffo made movies for German and Italian studios and she hosted a very popular tv show in Italy during the 1960s. She was voted one of the 10 most beautiful women in Italy and there were few entertainers at the time in Italy, operatic or otherwise, that were more popular than "La Bellissima". She appeared in German films and tv as well and was very popular there. Moffo popularized opera and operetta through films and her "Madame Butterfly" film for RAI tv made her an overnight sensation. I was in Italy at the time the film was released and just barely remember it. Even though I was a kid, the name "Moffo" stuck with me from that moment on.
All this movie making, tv shows, recordings and concerts was in addition to an extremely heavy workload singing major roles in all the top opera houses in the world. Moffo was a quick learner and excellent with languages which helped her amass a large and diverse portfolio of roles. In her prime no one could match her "Violetta". She sang with all the great tenors of her generation (except the one), such as Bjorling, Corelli, DiStefano and even the "pop" tenor, Sergio Franchi when they recorded highlights from "Die Fledermaus" and album of duets for RCA. Although she had a fairly good singing technique, it was precisely this heavy workload that led to her early vocal problems - she simply sang too much.
But at her best, Anna Moffo helped do nearly as much as Mario Lanza, through films, records and tv to popularize opera and classical music. If only they could have gotten together in Italy and made films and tv movies - a tragedy that they did not. Both were exclusive RCA performers and I think if Lanza would have been in better health this collaboration would have taken place. At the time Moffo was starting to make a name for herself, Mario was in physical decline. There was still a year or two they could have done something before it was too late but, for whatever reason, neither RAI nor RCA got them together.
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Kristine
07-03-2016
12:27 PM ET (US) IP: 24.160.90.200
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Irene Manning, cinema soprano, at Warner Bros. Studios, tried to help Mario Lanza,took him to Warner Bros. Unfortunately, critics didn't like "Yes, Giorgio". Some opera singers didn't make many movies. Ezio Pinza was in 3 movies and had a t.v. series called "Nino". Igor Gorin was in "Broadway Melody of 1938", Grace Moore was, first, at M-G-M, then went to Columbia Studios. Robert Merrill was in one movie "Aaron Slick From Punkin Crick",co-starring Dinah Shore and Alan Young. Roberta Peters appeared in "Tonight, We Sing". Patrice Munnsel portrayed Nellie Melba in movie "Melba"(which I have never seen). Rise Stevens was in 2 movies. Lily Pons made 3 movies. Jan Peerce appeared in "Something In The Wind" starring Deanna Durbin.
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Ronald Sarbo
07-03-2016
08:42 AM ET (US) IP: 74.66.130.108
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Lanza was turned down by a few studios before being signed by MGM. Morris Stoloff met Lanza when he sang at a party at Frank Sinatra's house and took him to Columbia. Harry Cohn passed. Next Lanza tried Warner Brothers and Jack Warner passed. This of course was during Mario's "Winged Victory" days when he was very overweight.
Jack Warner when he saw Lanza in "That Midnight Kiss" said he could not believe the slim, handsome boy on the screen was the same as the "fat, sloppy boy" who sang for me.
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Dan Lawlor
07-03-2016
07:22 AM ET (US) IP: 45.47.169.106
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Crosby and Sinatra were already famous radio and record personalities. How about Pavarotti? Not until a few years before he died did he act in "Yes,Giorgio"...Gigli the same...Caruso, sorry to say was before Talkies...
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Dennis
07-02-2016
03:28 PM ET (US) IP: 73.170.201.215
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Dan, I agree with Suzanne. When Hollywood saw his physique and face and his connection with the audience, they would have immediately been thinking of a film career. Acting well would be a bonus as it was for Sinatra and Crosby who were singers first.
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Kristine
07-02-2016
01:33 PM ET (US) IP: 24.160.90.200
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Happy 4th of July ! Happy 100th Birthday to Olivia De Havilland !
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Suzanne
07-02-2016
01:14 PM ET (US) IP: 74.79.58.35
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Dan, hope you're having a good day. About Mario (and isn't it always), I'm sure that scouts on the lookout for new talent would have seen the reviews of his appearances and maybe a photo or two, and realized the potential to create a new star. How could that face and that voice have escaped for long? Someone surely would have brought him to the attention of Hollywood. btw , Olivia De Havilland turned 100 yesterday, Kirk Douglas not far behind, 100 in December. ZsaZsa lives on, a few years younger, though not in the best of health.
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Dan Lawlor
07-01-2016
09:31 PM ET (US) IP: 45.47.169.106
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Some may find these words irritating or controversial, but they continually rattle around in my brain and I thought I would share them with you.
If Mario had not gone into film, how long would it have taken Hollywood to recognize his talent? Many excellent opera stars wow'd the world with their glorious voices and occasionally Hollywood would stick them into cameo roles or try to teach them to act...with disasterous effect...anyone have any ideas???
(not sure I spelled that right? But you get the idea, eh?)
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Martino to Linz
07-01-2016
07:28 PM ET (US) IP: 104.255.7.178
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Yes, the digital update of your book can not be bought if the original is already shown as being previously purchased and is currently in the Amazon cloud. However, for those that bought the first "The One Tenor" (Kindle version) there should be a way to obtain the update. Go to your settings page, which is under the section "Manage Your Content and Devices". Once in the settings section simply scroll down the page about half way to the "Whispersync for Books", which is the automatic book update. The default setting is "NO" but you can change it to "YES". This is the opt to receive new versions of the same book, at least as I understand it. All that they indicate is required is to ensure that all your Kindle devices and reading apps have the "Annotation Back Up" or "Whispersync for Books" (on Paperwhite or later devices) setting turned on.
I turned the opt on today so I think I will wait a week or so to see if they notify me of the updated version. If not then this setting does not work for your book and they will have to be contacted by on-line chat or phone to allow the purchase to go through.
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Jim
06-29-2016
03:47 PM ET (US) IP: 75.185.84.147
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Dan;sorry to hear of your illness.I will pray for you.Take care.
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Linz
06-29-2016
01:05 AM ET (US) IP: 122.62.56.87
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 Latest from Amazon Edited 06-29-2016 01:06 AM
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Dan Lawlor
06-28-2016
09:59 PM ET (US) IP: 45.47.169.106
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Doug: I have those recordings, and tried to enlighten this website about it years ago, to no avail...glad to hear someone else has found them...
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Doug
06-28-2016
09:34 PM ET (US) IP: 71.54.15.150
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Perhaps this is old news to some of you but it's new to me....the other day I stumbled upon www.dumb.com/oldtimeradio. Thousands of radio programs from the 30's 40's 50's.....including 21 (with "more to come") Mario Lanza Coca-Cola Programs. Complete shows as broadcast some 65 years ago. And.....its free!!!
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Martino to Linz
06-28-2016
08:46 PM ET (US) IP: 104.255.7.178
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Good, I'll be looking forward to it. Although I like digital formats for everything anymore because it is so easy to store, especially with Amazon's cloud, I might just get the hard copy to include in my Lanza collection of readings. I am sure the update will be as much fun as the first edition.
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Linz
06-28-2016
07:55 PM ET (US) IP: 222.153.55.170
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Just to clarify: my comments about getting the Kindle update apply to Kindle only. There is no impediment to ordering the hard copy.
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Linz to Martino and Joe
06-28-2016
06:29 PM ET (US) IP: 222.153.11.190
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Joe—I was waiting till it was also available from my own website, lindsayperigo.com, where it'll be a little cheaper. (Nothing to do with me, but the prices Amazon makes one charge when colour photos are involved.) That's still a few days away. But yes, the all-new The One Tenor is up on Amazon, and it's beautiful. :-) Martino: you'll note substantial changes since the first Kindle version.The "hodge-podge" aspect has been replaced by a disciplined structure of categories, and the content is up-to-the-minute with reviews of the latest CDs, the Pappano and Te Kanawa comments on BBC, and an additional Foreword Joseph Calleja was kind enough to pen for me just a few weeks ago. Of course, the Malbin and Albanese interviews—historic treasures—were not in the original Kindle either, but are now there replete with photos. Incidentally, the Kindle has been updated to reflect the hard copy and will be on Special shortly, though anyone who already has the Kindle and wants to get the update must let Amazon know directly—for some bizarre reason you can't just order it again a second time. I think Bro Ed discovered this the hard way. The book will accompany the Operatunity troops as we make our way around New Zealand later this year in The Great Mario Lanza tour. Oooooo, and I've just been informed it's sitting at Number One in the "opera" category in new releases on Amazon. Edited 06-28-2016 06:47 PM
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Martino to Joe
06-27-2016
05:58 PM ET (US) IP: 104.255.7.178
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I agree Joe, this is a great read. When the original Kindle version came out a few years ago I made a review of it here. Now that it is available to those who prefer paper over digital I will post my review again for the fans who might be interested in buying this excellent book:
I have read the short, recently published Kindle book by Lindsay Perigo titled, "The One Tenor". It should be pointed out that this is not intended to be a biography of Mario Lanza, but a compilation of recording critiques and reviews, essays and interviews conducted through the years (some go back decades) by Perigo, a New Zealand journalist and media personality. More than that, it is a hodgepodge of opinions, evaluations and assessments on Lanza's music, career and life. As such, there is no real beginning, middle or end, with the emphasis seemingly to be portraying a correlation between Lanza's art and life than any kind of chronological story telling.
Perigo explores the musical aspects of this extraordinarily talented singer in a way few others have. He detects every subtlety found in the many Lanza recordings he talks about and is as quick to pass harsh judgement as he is to praise. His approach is a balanced one of merit and demerit.
One of the highlights of the book is Perigo's interview with Roland Bessette, author of the Lanza biography, "Tenor in Exile". I would have expected a typical, go for the throat Perigo attack of Bessett's theory that Lanza suffered a bi-polar disorder, a notion Perigo rejects in his retort section, "Mario's Magic Madness". However, the question and answer went back and forth between the two in a rather gentlemanly like manner. The Q&A was fascinating, not to mention a pleasure to read such elegant musings, especially from Bessette. For the first time, Bessette made his case (more convincingly than in his book) but did so in typical attorney fashion. Although his theory has merit, it is not persuasive. I have often said that defining a person as "bi-polar" requires an actual examination under clinical conditions, which is something that could not be done at that time. I agree that where there is smoke there is fire and Lanza demonstrated some characteristics that we have come to associate with this disorder. But this is an exception because of the complexity not only of the disorder itself, but of the subject himself and the situations in which he found himself. You sometimes can be the cause of the situation, other times you can be a victim and are drawn into it. Perigo does well to point this out to Roland, even as compelling as Bessette makes and supports his case. He may be right but Perigo's theory of a "Magic Madness" has just as much validity.
Interesting stories and anecdotes abound, making the book more personal than most biographies can be due to their limited nature of factual reporting. As with all Libertarians, Perigo is at his best when he has no limitations. This can lead to a somewhat abrasive quality at times but it is also why he succeeds with this tricky kind of format (rather than a formal biography). It allows him to give his opinions on everything and conjure up all sorts of things and ideas without restraints. Best of all, again unlike a biography, it allows him to be personal to the extreme and that comes through loud and clear in every "chapter". This is the work of someone who does not need to be mentally objective, as a biographer must be, but one who sincerely feels what he is saying - and Perigo feels it from the heart. You can argue a "fact" found by a biographer but you can not very well argue opinions that are supported with examples and references. Perigo is a master of bringing those opinions to the extreme without falling off the edge by making a statement of "fact". There is never a doubt that this is the work of someone who truly loves Mario Lanza, but is smart enough to realize that to understand this love takes an understanding of the subject, his strengths and his weaknesses.
"The One Tenor" is a quick and easy read and I highly recommended it to Lanza fans. You probably won't learn anything new but reading the thoughts of one of the world's foremost experts on Mario Lanza, whether you agree with those thoughts or not, will give you a perspective on Lanza's art and life that you won't find anywhere else. To those concerned about the download, don't worry about it taking resources from your tablet or even your PC because you can place it directly in Amazon's virtual "Cloud" directory to access anytime and from anywhere on almost any device.
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Joe to Linz and the forum
06-27-2016
02:49 PM ET (US) IP: 71.224.55.142
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Hey Linz!!, I thought you were going to post when your paperback edition of the "The One Tenor" would be available. At any rate, it IS available Now on Amazon....my order is already in. To the forum, I read the Kindle version of this and it is great! Edited 06-27-2016 02:51 PM
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Martino to Dan and Ed
06-26-2016
08:36 PM ET (US) IP: 104.255.7.178
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"Life is a series of punches. It presents a lot of challenges. It presents a lot of hardship, but the people that are able to take those punches and able to move forward are the ones that really do have a lot of success and have a lot of joy in their life and have a lot of stories to tell, too". These are the words of singer Josh Turner. They represent my sentiments precisely at moments such as these.
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Bill Ronayne
06-26-2016
08:15 PM ET (US) IP: 24.185.125.240
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Dan: Get well soon. Ed: My condolences to you and the family.
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Ed
06-26-2016
07:19 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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Lanza fans are the best, Darleen and I thank you for your thoughts. Days in a hospital watching someone you love try to breath is painful. We all deal differently, I put Mario on. Thank God for you nice people. Ed.
Dan, you are in my prayers.
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Suzanne
06-26-2016
05:29 PM ET (US) IP: 74.79.58.35
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Dan, I'm so sorry about your setback. Praying you're an exception and will be singing years from now. Send you affectionate thoughts from not so far away. Ed, sad for your family, know what a lonely feeling it is , I've lost my sister and two best friends in the past couple of years. My love to Darleen. Glad she has you to depend on.
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Kristine
06-26-2016
04:04 PM ET (US) IP: 24.160.90.200
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Ed,my sympathy and condolences to you,wife, family.
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Fred Day
06-26-2016
10:03 AM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Dan: Get well soon, my prayers are with you. Ed: My sincere sympathy on the loss of your wife's sister - my prayers are with you and your wife, also. Ciao.
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Dan Lawlor
06-26-2016
07:56 AM ET (US) IP: 45.47.169.106
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Ed: My prayers are with you, your wife and sisters. "All that I took from thee I did but take not for thy harms but just that thou would sleekest it in my arms...rise, clasp my hand and come" from Francis Thompsons' Hound of Heaven Edited 06-26-2016 07:58 AM
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Ed
06-26-2016
07:16 AM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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My family has suffered another big loss, the evening before my moms anniversary last night my wife lost the last of her three sisters from heart failure at 73. She fought the fight to breath and the drs were amazing keeping her alive with their medical wonders until family could get there last night,sadly some never made it. She was one to remember
everyones birthday of all of us and send a loving card. Now my wife bears it alone as all three sisters have gone. I hurt for her grief.
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Dan Lawlor
06-26-2016
01:29 AM ET (US) IP: 45.47.169.106
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Matt: I have survived the initial operation and will be getting chemo on Wednesday for my liver which was heavily involved...sorry to disappoint, but I will not be coming down any more. It was my pleasure to help you celebrate your birthday and I wish you many more. Just keep pleasant thoughts of this old tenor who thanks you for the opportunities...Dan
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Dan Lawlor
06-24-2016
06:10 PM ET (US) IP: 45.47.169.106
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Dennis: I will certainly give Pavarotti a go for his high C...ha ha
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Gail Swartz
06-24-2016
08:27 AM ET (US) IP: 204.29.186.8
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Dan,get well,and soon!
On June 23, 2016, at 10:54 PM, QuickTopic daily digest <qtopic-30-ECKcxtRbxUTNy@quicktopic.com> wrote:
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diane cox
06-24-2016
01:17 AM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.239
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Dan - during this trying period, rely on the one tenor's voice to help. You can listen during chemo with ear plugs, and certainly at home when you're feeling uneasy or blue. Helps me through anything.
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Kristine
06-23-2016
10:00 PM ET (US) IP: 24.160.90.200
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Dan,get well soon.
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Dennis
06-23-2016
09:43 PM ET (US) IP: 73.170.201.215
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Dan, the good news is that there is singing in heaven. So whether here or the life to come, you will be singing.
The bad news is that everybody who wants to sing will probably be gifted with a voice, so you will have lots of competition!
Take care, friend, and follow the doctor's advice. My father had this diagnosis, the doctors said it was very fast-growing, I called all my relatives to let them know to hurry if they wanted to see my father one more time...and he lived on for years! It wasn't fast-growing at all! May your chemo treatments be successful so Matt can relish introducing you and your voice again to his opera-loving friends in Florida.
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Dan Lawlor
06-23-2016
08:35 PM ET (US) IP: 45.47.169.106
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Thank you all for your kind remarks and wishes...just to upgrade you: They found colo-rectal cancer on the last Sat in May, took 7 inches out and now will scheduled me for chemotherapy for my liver starting next Wednsday...my trust is in Jesus who said "In my Father's House are many mansions" I will hold to that thought knowing that if He wants me there is nothing I can do about it...thanks again and my best to all...Dan Lawlor
but I want to sing again....Ha ha
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diane cox
06-23-2016
03:31 PM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.239
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Atalla ayan singing Rigoletto in Stuttgart
https://youtu.be/N2oL9Uihbd8
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Ed
06-23-2016
06:14 AM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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Why would anyone want to know 144 success facts about Grayson or anyone for that matter isn't their success enough?
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Dennis
06-23-2016
01:12 AM ET (US) IP: 73.170.201.215
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Sam, this book seems to be part of a series on various celebrities. There are more than 30 in the series, all with "success facts", all with the same advertising pitch. For example, there is "Kathryn Grayson: 144 Success Facts—Everything you need to know about Kathryn Grayson". All are published by Emereo. It wouldn't surprise me that all might be clumsily written. If you do a bit of research, you will find many of the "success facts" (what in the world is that?) listed on each of the celebrities. I wish a trusted Lanza fan would give it a review in England, perhaps from a free library, before I consider spending $40.00 for the book.
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Sam samueian
06-22-2016
11:31 PM ET (US) IP: 166.137.14.18
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Forgot to add that the subtitle of the yet to be released DVD is "The True Story of the Voice From God". A clue that the producers are aware of Mario's unmatched talents!
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Sam Samuelian
06-22-2016
08:04 PM ET (US) IP: 108.52.237.52
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TWO NEW "MYSTERIOUS" MARIO LANZA PIECES Number On: Brian, our friend from the UK, discovered that Amazon UK (and UK only) is offering a new DVD entitled "Mario Lanza The Best of Everything". It costs 11.99 pounds and has a pre-order price guarantee. What it does NOT have is a description! It only says it will be released by the producers, Screenbound Pictures, on March 13, 2017. It is in the PAL format so will not play here unless adapted. I have the best person for that job should the DVD be worthy of adapting to our NTSC format. In the meantime Brian reports that he will be going crazy until he finds out more! Number Two: A book which is available again only in the UK. It costs 21.55 pounds and is entitled "Mario Lanza 152 Success Facts-Everything You Need to Know About Mario Lanza". The author is Randy Rutledge and the publisher is Emereo Publishing. This one has a description but all you can see is: "A source of Mario Lanza inspiration. 'Mario Lanza' (born 'Alfred Arnold Cocozza'; January 31, 1921...." and then it cuts off and you cannot click to see more! The publication date was June 13, 2014, so I guess this wasn't as new as I thought. Amazon UK goes on to tell us that customers who bought this also bought the "Greatest Operatic Recordings" CD and "Desk Lamp with Brightness Control" (I guess that makes the book easier to see, lol). There are only three customer reviews and it gets 3.7 out of 5 stars average. Number one reviewer, who gave it one star, said it is "written in pidgin English and gibberish". Number two, who gave it five stars, said "as a devoted fan I loved everything about him". Number three, who gave it five stars, said "interesting". Now, don't you feel like you know a lot about this book??!! Well, at least with this work you can order it now and see for yourself. Now, it's your turn to give this post a rating and say why!!!!!! Edited 06-22-2016 08:07 PM
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Ronald Sarbo
06-22-2016
08:00 PM ET (US) IP: 108.54.52.92
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Returning to LOB it should be noted that in 1957 Lanza's close friend George London recorded "George London On Broadway" for Decca. No doubt this was inspired by Lanza's album. Lanza inspired many classical singers to record show tunes and standards.
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Ed
06-22-2016
06:10 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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For more than half my life I've been a big fan of Mario and have an extensive collection of his music, I do say LOB is not one I play often. I just listen and accept what he gave to us. No one walks in my shoes, I never walked in his.
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Martino
06-22-2016
03:54 PM ET (US) IP: 104.255.7.178
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If you want to Christmas shop early for people you might want to introduce to the great voice of Mario Lanza, here is a bargain on a five disc CD box set from Amazon. The reviews say the sound is good although I have never heard them. The discs are laid out well with three in mostly English, one CD dedicated to Italian songs and one is all operatic (although for some reason they threw in "Serenade" on the opera disc). No way you can go wrong on this deal:
https://www.amazon.com/100-Hits-Legends-Ma...QC2#customerReviews
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Suzanne
06-22-2016
02:14 PM ET (US) IP: 74.79.58.35
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Now we're saying something entirely different and probably closer to the truth. It's conceded that Opera remained his lifelong ambition and that no doubt was the problem. He probably believed he could have it all. If we believe what we've read, he was approached , but felt he wasn't ready. The pressure must have been horrific. Still, we'll never know. Does seem that most of the criticism here comes from the male side, while the distaff is happy to accept and appreciate the joy of his music. To think we might all be judged as harshly as he is. Seems the more one has to offer, the greater the urge to take it away.
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David Weaver
06-22-2016
12:32 PM ET (US) IP: 156.63.68.247
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If you look at the problems Mario Lanza had throughout his life and career with authority, you would realize a serious, full-time career on the operatic stage was out of the question.
The major difference between the Met and Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer is that the Met and Rudolf Bing would not have tolerated Mario's behavior as long did Schary and Metro did.
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Martino to Joe
06-22-2016
09:19 AM ET (US) IP: 104.255.7.178
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That explains it.
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Joe
06-22-2016
08:54 AM ET (US) IP: 71.224.55.142
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This may be a clumsy sports analogy along the points Martino and Ron were making about the position (and fear) that Mario felt after the GC…..but it occurs to me that Mario was like the brilliant minor League Baseball player who just came off a season of hitting over 0.400 with 50 homeruns. He had demonstrated he had the tools (power, bat speed, batting eye) to be “potentially “great in the majors (the opera stage) and he had a chance to break-in with the NY Yankees batting clean-up. He also knew the entire world would be watching this new “Babe Ruth” (Caruso) with many expecting him to not live up to his famous predecessor). Talk about pressure! Why not stick to the movies, the money and the less pressurized, but famous life he was already leading? Edited 06-22-2016 08:56 AM
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Bill Ronayne
06-21-2016
05:07 PM ET (US) IP: 24.185.122.49
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 The July issue of "The Legacy of Mario Lanza" newsletter has just been published and mailed out. It includes coverage of the recent MLSNY annual dinner, the MLI's April luncheon, the Lanza/Malbin vocal competition, commemorations of the 65th anniversary of the premiere of "The Mario Lanza Show" and the 60th anniversary of the premiere of "Serenade," a review of the first 2 Lanza Sepia CD's as well as the regular features. Best, Bill Edited 06-21-2016 05:08 PM
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Martino to Ron
06-21-2016
04:27 PM ET (US) IP: 104.255.7.178
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You are absolutely correct and I have thought that way for a long time. Along those lines I wrote a post a while back that I'll repeat here in response to your observations:
Here is an interesting question: Did Lanza's greatest achievement in films, The Great Caruso, actually help or destroy his opportunity to become an opera singer (for the purposes of this discussion I would like to use the term "opera singer" as singer of complete opera performances, on stage and on record)?
We all know Mario trained to be an opera singer and this was a life long ambition that, although never materialized, never left him until the day he died. How serious he truly was about fulfilling this ambition as time went on is anyone's guess but there is no question that being an opera singer and being considered a true artist was important to him and always had a place in his heart.
We must remember that Lanza had a movie contract with MGM before making his debut in "Madame Butterfly" in New Orleans. He knew even then that he was going to make movies, he just did not know for sure if he would be successful and would be able to make a career of it. I'm sure his success in New Orleans gave him the confidence that if he failed at movie making, he could simply continue on the opera path and never miss a beat. At this particular time, he had the best of both worlds in his young hands.
With the success of his first two films, he was a natural pick for TGC. That he scored a hit with that movie is an understatement. Lanza had a unique contract at MGM that called for six months filming with six months off to do as he pleased. Therefore, he had the time to learn roles, perfect his technique, polish up with languages, etc. - in other words, all the things an opera singer must do. Certainly when he went to purgatory for over two years after the "Student Prince" fiasco, he had more than ample time to study opera, instead, all that time was squandered. So assuming he had the time, why didn't he move in that direction and use the time to study to fulfill his dream? There are probably lots of reasons why but one is my belief that perhaps the comparison to Caruso in the TGC was a curse in disguise for Mario, at least in respect to his goals of being an opera singer and being considered a serious artist.
I think it is safe to say that the success of TGC was so great, the accolades on his singing (even his acting) coming from all over the world, etc., gave him a bar too high to reach on the actual stage. Everyone in the world was now in agreement - here was the next Caruso! Lanza was still a very young man and with virtually no real opera experiences, or at least very, very limited experience. Yet he suddenly, almost overnight, finds himself compared to the greatest stage opera singer who ever lived - an iconic figure. I can't help but think that had to be intimidating and very frightening to the young singer. I know it would be to me. No sooner was the movie released, opera houses around the world were trying to get Mario to perform. Can you imagine the pressure of making an appearance at ROH or San Carlo, Parma or some other major opera house when you are being compared to Caruso himself? More, that you actually "were" Caruso, at least on film? That might not be so bad if you had experience in opera having learned your craft in smaller houses over time and now getting your big break, but Lanza had virtually no opera experience and yet he knew the audience would be expecting "Caruso" himself to walk out on the stage - and to sound like it. How possibly at that point in time in his young life could he meet such expectations, especially with the harshest critics in the world looking for every subtle missing detail? Most opera critics hated the thought of their beloved Caruso being played by some young American kid who never sang more than a handful of performances in his life. How dare he portray a man of the stature of Enrico Caruso with virtually no operatic credentials to his name?! Those critics would be out to crucify him if they could. But here is the important thing - Lanza knew this.
Although the comparison to Caruso and TGC film was the vehicle by which Lanza's star was established, the movie which made him immortal and the one that inspired countless future singers and opera fans, it is my opinion that at the same time it destroyed any chance (permanently) for Lanza to ever become the opera singer of his dreams.
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Ronald Sarbo
06-21-2016
02:25 PM ET (US) IP: 108.54.52.92
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The constant comparison to Caruso helped and hurt Lanza. While the film catapulted him to super stardom Lanza was no longer judged according to his own merits. Later when his career started to falter Caruso's mantle became impossible for him to eclipse.
Bobby Darin in 1959 was the one who would eclipse Frank Sinatra. For the rest of Darin's career he was compared to Frank. And when his career faltered he suffered the same fate as Lanza.
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Deleted by topic administrator 06-21-2016 01:29 PM
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Martino to Suzanne
06-21-2016
12:12 PM ET (US) IP: 104.255.7.178
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Could this question you raised of "disenchantment" with the way Lanza's career was going have been a factor in his willingness to slide to mediocrity from time to time? I pondered Lanza's possible career path "disenchantment" when I wrote the post a couple pages back about his inconsistency in performances. If this was indeed a factor let us study it once again from your position - the standpoint that he was sad and "disenchanted" in his career because the opera establishment he so wanted to embrace him as an opera singer instead treated him like something less than a serious artist and considered his career as "fake". A lot of things went through my mind about this so pardon the length of the post (I'll repeat that brevity is an attribute I am not familiar with!).
This is an interesting question because it involves several subjective factors. I have had many opera loving acquaintances over the years and I have discussed Mario in detail with virtually all of them, including a couple who could be considered part of the "opera establishment". Almost without exception, everyone (including the most snobbish, for lack of a better term), acknowledges that Mario Lanza had an excellent natural voice and talent. Most of them, however, believe he squandered it through bad choices and not training that voice properly. They understand why he selected the movie star path rather than going to opera and some have even said they do not fault him in the least for doing so. That is my position as well.
The problem that some of these opera aficionados have (and had in Mario's time) is not that Lanza did not share his voice with the opera world because he did that through films and records more than most singers, but that the voice and talent itself was misdirected and abused, and at the very least, misused. In other words, it was a gift from God or nature, take your choice, that could and should have been directed in a more serious manner because the voice itself was a serious one. The problem is that these people consider "serious" to be defined in only one way - opera. They believe he diminished himself by taking the easier way to fame and fortune rather than using his voice as they believe was intended.
The opera "establishment" seldom forgives but today, after so many years, you will find many opera buffs among Mario's most ardent fans. It was not that way during his time and this may have caused his "disenchantment". There were some notable exceptions in the opera world back then who sang his praises, including most of the great singers who were Lanza's contemporaries. The singers understood perfectly where Mario was coming from.
One fellow I spoke to about this many years ago gave it another twist. He did not care for Lanza the man and artist and that made him a bit prejudiced to begin with. He did agree that Mario's voice was a very good one, at least on the surface. He was against Mario because he felt everything he did was fake and he displayed no work ethic whatsoever. He listed the infamous "Be My Love" on tv that was performed as a lip sync and believed Lanza coming back on tv shortly after to sing live was out of desperation due to the terrible feedback he had received. It was his opinion Mario Lanza would sing before an audience only if he absolutely had to, especially if he needed money. When I told him a lot of singers did the lip sync back then he said he was aware of that but it should not have been done with a voice such as Lanza possessed. He did not believe a "real" singer would do such a thing. He was wrong of course as sometimes even full fledged opera singers performed lip sync appearances on tv. Mario Lanza was the most famous so he got criticized the most.
There were other examples that might fuel this kind of "fake" quality such as making people believe Mario was singing live and before an audience on his radio show when in fact, the songs were nothing more than recordings made in a studio prior to the broadcasts. Unlike in front of an audience, multiple takes could have been made if necessary to clean up mistakes and "applause" would be inserted later. After he became a big movie star, Lanza seldom sang before the public until he went to live in Italy, leading many people in the opera world feeling that maybe the voice was not as great as everyone pretended it was. To opera buffs, singing live, on stage before an audience means everything. Mario even got out of singing live in Las Vegas and if it was truly due to a sore throat, the controversy that he "copped out" of this important engagement followed him everywhere adding more fuel to the fire.
That he did not sing live very often after his first few films in turn gave rise to the incorrect assumptions that his vocal power was fabricated through recordings and soundtrack enhancements. Some of that foolish thinking exists even today. It was not until years later that Mario would prove them wrong during his European concerts, but even then, the concerts were not considered by opera fans to be ambitious in their diversity, content or length, although they were enough to satisfy the general "pop" public. Once again, the impression that haunted Mario from the start would not go away - that he was the kind of person who always took the path of least resistance and did only the minimum, just enough to get by and no more. Call it lack of work ethic, discipline, "disenchantment", whatever, there were in fact enough examples to set this kind of thinking in motion.
The opera establishment that Mario wanted to so impress wants to see their singers shed blood on stage and their feelings about Lanza was that he was doing just the opposite, all the while making tons of money. That creates resentment and they took it out on him by dismissing him as a serious artist. Lanza was aware of this and it had to impact on his confidence. I think that hurt Mario emotionally more than anything. There are still other examples that some people thinking along these lines could interpret as "tricks", such as dubbing duets with another singer after the fact leading one to believe they were actually singing together and even dubbing entire choruses after the fact, or adding sound chamber and reverb to enhance his voice on records. Many singers did this, at least many of the "pop" singers, but singing duets with the two singers at opposite ends of the earth (or even after one was dead) was not considered acceptable in the world of opera.
The point is many people felt that because of all of these sort of things, Lanza was not "real", at least not in comparison to the great opera singers of the stage who were unable to fake or trick anyone because they were always exposed, night after night in front of live audiences and without microphones or engineering gimmicks or re-takes to help them. The opera establishment forgot what came before his fame when Lanza sang in front of audiences all around the country, working hard at his gigs like every other young singer. However, they never forgot the great potential he had - they only wish he saw it through. What they were most concerned about was not what he did as a young man but what he was doing with his voice once fame came giving him the power to call all the shots in his career. And what he was doing did not meet with their approval. I think Mario realizing this is what caused his "disenchantment".
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Suzanne
06-21-2016
12:04 PM ET (US) IP: 74.79.58.35
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David. How does the publication help with Genealogy? My dad was a great collector of Newspaper articles, as am I. Some date back a very long way, but they don't really provide me with a lot of information. Have to use a website for that. As for Mario, as a kid, he projected that he'd be the world's greatest Tenor, so I have to think he was disappointed that his Opera career never really materialized, though to many of us he is just that. There had to be some reason for the drinking and neglecting his health, what else but disillusionment?We can't know what he felt , of course, but certainly seems that way. From a woman's romanticized point of view, maybe. Anyway , thanks for the source.
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David Weaver
06-21-2016
11:31 AM ET (US) IP: 156.63.68.208
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Suzanne, I subscribe to Newspapers.com, an online archival source that lets you read old newspapers. I use it mostly for my own genealogical research, but it also lets me look up other things, i.e., Lanza. It's $150 a year subscription. I would like to say: I think sometimes we project our own thoughts and feelings on to Lanza. We are disappointed in LOB, so therefore assume he was, too. We feel sad that he didn't pursue an operatic career, so therefore he must've felt so, too. There are several people, mostly living in the Eastern Hemisphere, who spend more time and energy each day thinking about Lanza's artistic legacy than he spent thinking about it in his entire career. Edited 06-21-2016 11:31 AM
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Suzanne
06-21-2016
10:12 AM ET (US) IP: 74.79.58.35
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LOB tells me that Mario was suffering from "disenchantment" with the direction his career had taken.Starting out with such promise and sliding into mediocrity. How disappointed he must have been.He still had it but no one seemed to know how to make the best of it. Tough times, with TV encroaching. David, interesting. Where can we find these quotes?
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Ronald Sarbo
06-20-2016
11:24 AM ET (US) IP: 108.54.52.92
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Lanza says "the great musical hits of the last 10 years". LOB had the most "modern" songs of all his albums. It stood comparison to the albums made at the time by Sinatra, Vic Damone etc.
For all the praise that is reaped on "A Cavalcade Of Show Tunes" with the exception of "All The Things You Are" the other songs were of much older vintage probably considered old fashioned by 1956; the year of Elvis Presley. During the LP era "Cavalcade" wasn't in print anywhere near as long as "LOB".
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Kristine
06-20-2016
05:09 AM ET (US) IP: 24.160.90.200
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If t.v. movies were made in 1956, maybe Mario Lanza could have made some. TV movies didn't start until middle 1960's.
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David Weaver
06-20-2016
12:37 AM ET (US) IP: 24.210.22.228
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Mario, in an interview in early summer 1956 with UP entertainment writer Vernon Scott:
"I have a new RCA album coming out soon, 'Mario Lanza on Broadway.' I sing songs from the great musical hits of the last ten years. It should do well. But I want to do more. I am trying to decide which direction to take - television or movies. We are waiting to see how 'Serenade' makes out at the box office. I have a 50 percent interest in it. If it makes money, then maybe I'll do another. My dream is to do a series of operas for the screen. But movies are in a bad way. I'm befuddled by the fight between TV and movies. I don't like it."
That's the only comment I've ever seen of Mario personally re LOB.
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Spam deleted by QuickTopic 10-30-2019 07:38 PM
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Ed to Mike M
06-19-2016
04:28 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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Mike, I live in NYC and have attended several luncheons hosted by Bill for Mario at Patsy's and they were wonderful.
The food, music, the food and all honoring our Mario makes for a great afternoon. Hope to see you there one day and say hello.
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Bill Ronayne
06-18-2016
06:36 PM ET (US) IP: 24.185.120.151
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Hi Mike: Yes we do our events ( 3 luncheons and an afternoon dinner) at Patsy's on W56th. And yes it was one of Sinatra's favorite restaurants. He even had his own entrance. They have a lot of memorabilia there on him and many of the other celebrities that have dined there including Mario. Best, Bill
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Ronald Sarbo
06-18-2016
04:53 PM ET (US) IP: 74.66.130.108
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RCA Victor was very happy with LOB. They kept it in print all through the LP era. They even re-issued it under the title "Mario Lanza: Pure Gold".
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Mike M to Bill R
06-18-2016
03:19 PM ET (US) IP: 108.6.0.104
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Oops! Make that dinner!!
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Mike M to Bill R
06-18-2016
03:18 PM ET (US) IP: 108.6.0.104
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I am reading Mary Higgins Clark's new book "As time goes by", and on pg. 20 they are having lunch at Patsy's on West 56 street. Is this where you have your luncheons? Also, it is stated that it was one of Sinatra's favorite restaurants. Is this true?
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Joe to ALL
06-18-2016
01:38 PM ET (US) IP: 71.224.55.142
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IT doesn’t upset me that Mario had a few clunkers; after all, he was human.
My greatest disappointment is how it negatively affects his legacy. As we know, there are many Lanza-bashers out there who love to minimize his contributions e.g.He bellowed, was frequently off-key, had his voice amped up electronically etc and he lacked the discipline to sing opera. Recordings like LOB provide ammunition to support their case. They refuse to understand that a few pebbles were in his box of diamonds. Sad, but it’s their loss!
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Ed
06-18-2016
10:45 AM ET (US) IP: 70.214.68.151
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The Blue tape was made many years before LOB. If I could choose one song from it I like it would be September Song, it was poignant.
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Joe to Gail
06-18-2016
10:19 AM ET (US) IP: 71.224.55.142
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P.S. The LOB album was not mentioned on the "Blue Tape", lol. Maybe it should have been.
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Joe to Gail
06-18-2016
10:16 AM ET (US) IP: 71.224.55.142
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Thanks Gail, the “it will sell” quote is new information to me.
That could be interpreted as people will buy it, warts and all, because of my name and reputation. Maybe it was one of his financially down periods. The sloppiness of LOB will always be a mystery to me, especially since it contains so many great songs (which under typical Lanza circumstances)t would have been made into diamonds.
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Gail Swartz
06-18-2016
08:05 AM ET (US) IP: 204.29.186.14
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Happy Father's Day to all you......I have another blessing...51years of wedded bliss on Sunday...celebrated with the purchase of a new mattress set! Listened to LOB....I still like it...Mario had said,"It will sell." I suppose the "blue tape" would have some reference to some of the songs..who knows?
On June 17, 2016, at 10:52 PM, QuickTopic daily digest <qtopic-30-ECKcxtRbxUTNy@quicktopic.com> wrote:
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Ed to Joe
06-18-2016
06:38 AM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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Joe, the good part about our forum is that we can keep open minds and discuss all parts Mario and listen to and critique many things about the man and the voice and respect postings other than our own. I will agree that the LP LOB was and is to me a clunker, with the tracks on that one he was way off. As for illness, a bad time or just drunk I don't know either way I haven't shelved it and do play it time to time, shortly after he gave us Cavalcade of Showtunes which to me I !listen to all the time. I can't criticize what I don't understand. Perhaps Fred, Linz or Martino may have an answer for us, again thanks we may have opened up a new thread for discussion.
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Joe to ALL
06-17-2016
06:13 PM ET (US) IP: 71.224.55.142
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Now, bear with me, I will get to my question in a moment…. There is no question that Mario Lanza was given (by God or Nature) the greatest tenor instrument of all time. (Whether he was the greatest tenor singer is another debate.) Not only was his voice extraordinarily beautiful, he also possessed the ability to use it with maximum expression. Probably a third of his recorded legacy is unmatched; another third was superior. Yet the man was human and he also had some outright “clunkers” (Lanza on Broadway being the prime example). Since Mario, who could not read music, learned to sing by ear, he could readily distinguish bad singing such as in e.g. “This Nearly Was Mine” when he heard it. One wonders then what allowed him to release it with all the off-key and blasted notes! (I personally think Lanza was hung-over during these recordings). I guess we will never know. But, to finally get to my question: Did Mario ever acknowledge his boo-boo?...maybe with such as a statement like “I never should have released LOB, or what was I thinking?. I have never read any such evidence and I was curious as to what the forum knew about it. Edited 06-17-2016 07:45 PM
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Suzanne
06-17-2016
02:25 PM ET (US) IP: 74.79.58.35
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Happy Fathers' Day to all you Dads out there. Enjoy the spoiling!
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matt minzer
06-14-2016
03:35 PM ET (US) IP: 96.246.211.51
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DEAR DAN: I PHONED THE NUMBER THAT YOU LEFT ME FOR THE REHAB HOSPITAL BUT IT RANG AND RANG WITH NO ABILITY TO LEAVE A MESSAGE. I HOPE THAT THIS IS A GOOD SIGN. PLEASE DON'T GIVE UP ABOUT RETURNING TO TROPICAL FLORIDA THIS WINTER. THE WARM SUN AND BEAUTIFUL PALMS AND FLOWERS WILL DO YOU GOOD! PLEASE PHONE US WHEN YOU ARE UP TO IT. WE SHOULD BE HOME BY SATURDAY EVENING. GOD'S SPEED! MATT AND MARILYN MINZER Edited 06-14-2016 03:35 PM
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Suzanne
06-14-2016
01:31 PM ET (US) IP: 74.79.58.35
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Dan, prayers for your recovery. Sorry to hear you're not well. Bill, happy to hear that your latest luncheon was a wonderful one.Terrible events sadden all our hearts. To live to kill, mentality escapes all right-thinking people.
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Fred Day
06-14-2016
09:10 AM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Dan: I, too, wish you a speedy and complete recovery. My prayers are with you, also. Ciao.
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Ed
06-14-2016
06:23 AM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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Dan, I just read that you are dealing with a serious health issue, please know I join others in prayer for you.
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Kristine
06-14-2016
05:05 AM ET (US) IP: 24.160.90.200
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Prayer for Orlando, Fla. Dan, hope you feel better soon.
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Martino to Dan
06-13-2016
08:29 PM ET (US) IP: 104.255.7.178
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Matt's message to you is the first I've heard of your health issue. I don't know what it is but my prayers and best wishes are with you, Dan. Beat whatever it is you are facing and get back out there singing! The world, now more than ever, needs voices like yours to give us encouragement and confidence - those are the trademarks of a tenor voice.
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matt minzer
06-13-2016
07:26 PM ET (US) IP: 96.246.211.51
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HI DAN: I CHECKED THE MESSAGES AT OUR FLORIDA HOME AND FOUND A RECENT MESSAGE FROM YOU. YOU MAY REACH ME IN NEW YORK ON MY CELL-917 929 1103. WE ARE DRIVING HOME TO FLORIDA ON THURSDAY AND EXPECT TO ARRIVE BEFORE DINNER ON SATURDAY. I WANT TO GIVE YOU ENCOURAGEMENT AND WARM WISHES TO BEAT THE HEALTH CHALLENGE THAT YOU PRESENTLY FACE. MY MOTHER FACED THE SAME CHALLENGE AT AGE 86 AND LIVED A FEW DAYS SHORT OF AGE 96 PASSING AWAY ON MY BIRTHDAY. (MARCH 10TH) YOU SANG SO MANY BEAUTIFUL SONGS AND ARIAS ON MY BIRTHDAYS TO VAST AUDIENCES ATTENDING MY VARIOUS OPERA NIGHTS COINCIDING WITH MY BIRTHDAYS. THEY REALLY LOVED YOU AND I AM SURE THAT THEY ADDITIONALLY WISH YOU QUICK RECOVERY AS WELL AS MARILYN AND I. GOD BLESS YOU DAN. SINCERELY, MATT MINZER Edited 06-13-2016 07:28 PM
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matt minzer
06-13-2016
09:52 AM ET (US) IP: 96.246.211.51
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MET HI-DEF ENCORES:
WEDNESDAY JUNE 22ND AT 7:00 P.M.-"TOSCA"
WEDNESDAY JUNE 29TH AT 7:00 P.M.-"ELIXIR OF LOVE".
AT YOUR LOCAL FINE MOVIE THEATRE.
MATT MINZER
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Martino to Ed
06-13-2016
09:50 AM ET (US) IP: 104.255.7.178
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PBS stations are very independent. They often have pledge drives at different times and with different programming. Some stations can even nix a national feed if it so wishes. So I am not surprised that the Bocelli concert (which was first aired a couple years ago) was not shown in every market. His concerts are always well received and are shown at some point during most pledge drives. I agree with you and I am not a big fan of his either, although I give him a lot of credit for accomplishing all that he has.
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Ed
06-13-2016
08:43 AM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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Martino, our local PBS ran nothing on Bocelli or perhaps I missed it, we had Joan Baez and The Carpenters' I previewed the Bocelli CD on Soptify and didn't care for it, I don't care for him. I'm glad to see that my buddy Brother Linz hailed your post as I did. I've recently made a few CDs fie some friends at my local Y to introduce them to Mario and was well received, again a most enjoyable post.
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Martino to Linz
06-13-2016
08:06 AM ET (US) IP: 104.255.7.178
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Thank you. It is always a pleasure to talk about Mario Lanza.
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matt minzer
06-13-2016
07:38 AM ET (US) IP: 96.246.211.51
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LINZ: AMERICA IS A GREAT COUNTRY! BELGIUM, FRANCE, SPAIN, ENGLAND ETC. HAVE BEEN EFFECTED BY TERRORISTS WITH GREAT LOSS OF LIFE AND DAMAGE. THE WORLD HAS CERTAINLY CHANGED OVER THE PAST DECADE MOSTLY FOR THE WORST. I DON'T HAVE A SOLUTION BUT SEE THAT WE ARE ALL VULNERABLE.WHEN I WAS A CHILD THEY WERE CALLED NAZIS AND FASCISTS. SOME OF THE METROPOLTAN OPERA HI-DEF OPERAS WILL BE REPEATED IN THE NEXT TWO WEEKS AROUND THE WORLD. HAVE YOU SEEN ANY OF THESE WONDERFUL PERFORMANCES? I BELIEVE THAT THEY ARE STARTING WITH "TOSCA" AND "ROMEO AND JULIET". OPERA LOVERS TAKE NOTE. BEST, MATT MINZER IN THE BIG APPLE ABOUT TO DRIVE HOME TO S.E. TROPICAL FLORIDA. Edited 06-13-2016 07:39 AM
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Linz to Martino
06-13-2016
05:22 AM ET (US) IP: 122.62.65.68
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Martino—just to let you know that your commitment to substantive discussion of Mario is not going unnoticed in this quarter. I enjoyed very much the reprise of your excellent post about the darkening of Lanza's voice. As you say, this question is addressed at some length in my book, The One Tenor, which should finally be available in print version this coming week. I know I've been promising this for some weeks, but there have been honest complications. Those who already have it have given it rave reviews.
Linz
Saddened and incensed by the latest atrocities perpetrated in the Land of the Free by totalitarian filth.
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Martino
06-12-2016
08:41 PM ET (US) IP: 104.255.7.178
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Another pledge drive on my PBS station this evening showed once again the Andrea Bocelli "Hollywood" concert. This is the concert where Andrea sings hits from the movies, including "Be My Love". Placido Domingo makes a guest appearance at the piano with Andrea and they discuss Mario Lanza, his career and his influence on future opera singers. Bocelli said he studied with Franco Corelli, and he too was a fan of Lanza. Domingo responded, "who would not be"?
They spoke about Mario in Italian for about ten minutes or so and it was clear that both men held him in high regard. Bocelli said the first tenor he heard on record that caught his attention was Mario Lanza. Domingo went on to extol Lanza's influence not only on his career but also those of Jose Carreras and Luciano Pavarotti. All in all, a very nice and flattering exchange about our Mario.
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Bill Ronayne
06-12-2016
09:33 AM ET (US) IP: 24.185.123.220
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 Thanks Matt. Glad you could attend. The photo is from yesterday and features tenor Jose Heredia, Elaine Malbin, soprano Justyna Giermola and accompanist David Maiullo. The very busy musical portion of the afternoon included arias from Rigoletto, Boheme, Butterfly and Turandot and the songs Be My Love, Moon River, Chitara Romana and I'll Walk with God. There was also the duet from Boheme. Ms. Malbin sang one of her signature pieces And This is My Beloved. All were well received by the very large crowd. We also heard selections from the Mario Lanza Show to commemorate the 65th anniversary of the first show which was the day before. The video presentations included Name the Tenor with Amor ti vieta first shown complete with Mario and then in portions sung by Gigli, Bjorling, Del Monaco, Domingo, Caruso and Giulio Gari and then Un di felice from Traviata from a 1955 TV show with Gari and Lucia Evangelista followed by the second half of the Traviata duet with Malbin and Merrill also from TV and finally Mario in Dio mi potevi and Sorrento from Serenade to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the premiere which was this past April. Among those in attendance were Gloria Gari and members of the Gari Foundation and Mark Watson who did the article on Elaine Malbin for Classical Singer Magazine. It was an exceptionally fine afternoon. Best, Bill Edited 06-12-2016 09:35 AM
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Gail Swartz
06-12-2016
12:17 AM ET (US) IP: 204.29.186.7
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Mario had a set of music he would have performed in Vegas...remember..Betty forgot to get Mario's music case and it had to be quickly brought from CA. As for the selections, maybe Bill can research the info.
On June 11, 2016, at 10:52 PM, QuickTopic daily digest <qtopic-30-ECKcxtRbxUTNy@quicktopic.com> wrote:
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matt minzer
06-11-2016
08:07 PM ET (US) IP: 96.246.211.51
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HI BILL: WHAT A WONDERFUL AFTERNOON HONORING THE CAREER OF MARIO LANZA. IT WAS A PLEASURE TO MEET AND GREET SO MANY OPERA LOVERS AT WORLD FAMOUS PATSY'S RESTAURANT AND HEAR SUCH A WIDE VARIETY OF OPERA ARIAS AND NEAPOLITAN SONGS. I WAS ESPECIALLY PLEASED TO HEAR THE LOVELY ELAINE MALBIN SING WITH SUCH AGILITY. I SPOKE TO ELAINE AND ASKED HER TO RE-CREATE HER FIRST MEETINGS WITH MARIO LANZA AND THE FORMAT OF THE RED SEAL RECORDINGS. I ASKED HER IF MARIO'S VOICE WOULD HAVE FILLED THE MAGNIFICENT METROPOLITAN OPERA HOUSE WITH 3900 SEATS. SHE ASSURED ME YES AND THAT HE WOULD HAVE BEEN OF AMERICA'S GREATEST TENORS. THE GUEST TENOR AND SOPRANO SANG A VARIETY OF BEAUTIFUL ARIAS AND SONGS AND PLEASED THE AUDIENCE. THEY HAD GREAT VOICES! BEST, MATT MINZER RETURNING HOME SOON TO PALM BEACH COUNTY FLORIDA. Edited 06-11-2016 08:08 PM
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Stephen of Las Vegas
06-11-2016
07:23 PM ET (US) IP: 70.173.63.160
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Jeff Rense,
My friend got the second 3-CD Lanza set yesterday. Don't know what came of the first set.
Thank you.
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Ronald Sarbo
06-11-2016
08:16 AM ET (US) IP: 74.66.130.108
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I have always wondered what Lanza's set list would have been if he had performed in Las Vegas with Ray Sinatra. Is it known what Lanza planned to sing?
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Martino
06-10-2016
02:31 PM ET (US) IP: 104.255.7.178
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Thank you Ed, Gail and Vincent for your responses. Everyone has opinions and all are welcome.
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vincentjamesdiplacido@gma
06-10-2016
10:36 AM ET (US) IP: 88.145.122.73
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My dear Martino , I am afraid That I must Disagree, And come to mario"s defence "Inarticulate"? You could say this of any living or Dead singer, no one is perfect, But we must not forgetThat Mario,Had his own 'style, He copied no one All singers after Mario Tryed to copy him , They all faild,But you do not say that They were "CONDUCTIVE TO CONSISTENCY".You go on to say thatthat he sang to much from the heart,To sing in a Safe And Consistant Manner I will say again Martino ,Every singer that has come along after Mario,Have all tryed to sing like him As for myself I would be ashamed to Say that I had been Influenced By him If I sang like them , Why ?? because the have leared nothing As for opera singers Anyone Can shout and scream with a big voice ,, Mario Sang the way it should be sung Because One cant do what he did One would say that he was 'InCONSISTANT" Could it be sour grapes???? Sorry Martino There will never be another singe like MARIO LANZA, Since his death over 50 years , notone person has come close, What I say is this , If you donot like his singing , Then dont listen to him, I will agree with only one thing and that was his choice of songs but that is all,Once again I will say ,He was not an OpERA singer So why do you keep compareing to opera singers But I will end with this He could sing Opera Better than anyone, "BAR NONE And as you say he was not an opera singer Enjoy him for what he was, not what you wish he had been , Take Martino ,
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Bill Ronayne
06-10-2016
10:28 AM ET (US) IP: 24.185.114.205
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Today marks the 65th anniversary of the premiere of The Mario Lanza Show. We will remember this at tomorrow's luncheon in NYC by playing selections from that show and a few others. Mario sang Granada, the Toselli Serenade, Because and Be My Love on the opening program. They were recorded a few days earlier on June 8, 1951. Gisele MacKenzie was the guest and Ray Sinatra conducted the orchestra. Best, Bill
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Ed to Martino
06-10-2016
08:27 AM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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Martino, again another beautiful description of the Lanza voice, I've always enjoyed your posts on topics such as this because you delve into to issue and your interpretation makes it easy to understand. Thank you.
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Gail Swartz
06-10-2016
06:38 AM ET (US) IP: 204.29.186.52
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Thank you, Martino. Being a rather new Mario fan, your essay shed light on his talent and singing output.
On June 9, 2016, at 10:53 PM, QuickTopic daily digest <qtopic-30-ECKcxtRbxUTNy@quicktopic.com> wrote:
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Martino
06-09-2016
08:48 PM ET (US) IP: 104.255.7.178
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I had to take a rather long drive today and played some of the music from those 3 Rense CDs. They may have been altered a bit and enhanced in a way the purists would object, but overall the Lanza sound was ever present and the selections always entertaining. There is inconsistency on these disks of course, as there was throughout Lanza's career. This question of inconsistency in Lanza's performances was addressed at length by this forum a few years ago. My input in that discussion is shown below:
Lanza was always inconsistent and this was true throughout his career. This quality of "hit-or-miss" was apparent when he was a young man and it was true as he got older. It never really got better in terms of consistency for the simple reason that his style of singing was not conducive to consistency. He sang too much from the heart to sing in a safe, consistent manner.
The difference between his "younger" voice and the "older" Lanza voice towards the end of his career can be explained in several ways, each playing a part in what we hear. The older voice darkened considerably, of that there is no question and sometimes it did sound "sluggish". There might have been a "maturing" factor involved but it darkened quickly and dramatically and at too young an age. Usually the shift is gradual as one gets older, not as abrupt as we saw in Mario's case and in any event, it usually happens at an older age than 37 or 38. I believe this darkening of his basic tone (some might call it a more "dramatic" sound) was mostly the result of health issues and how those issues may have impacted on his vocal apparatus and the vocal production itself. A good voice teacher, doctor or someone who has at least studied voice for some time could probably be more accurate and descriptive, especially if they are older themselves and have experienced this same sort of aging of the voice. Linz does a good job of addressing this in his "The One Tenor".
Lanza sang full out and from the very start of his career to the very end so I would not be surprised to learn that there might have been some minor damage to his voice as time went on. But not enough that I can hear it or pinpoint it - a darker hue, yes, but vocal damage, I don't think so. In any event, his voice sounded quite different than it did when he was young regardless of the reason. But even if someone does not like Mario's "older" voice in comparison to his younger voice, his unique way with a song was certainly still there late in life and so were the high notes, perfect diction and all the other vocal attributes that made him famous in the first place - and yes, so too was the inconsistency still there as he got older.
A master singer with a far greater breadth of training than Mario had in terms of solidifying a technique and one who consistently strove and studied diligently for vocal perfection (which Mario did not do) is still going to sound different as the years pass. There are a few exceptions such as Schipa, Kraus and Gedda but they were lyric singers. Most of the big voiced spinto style singers (like Lanza) are all going to sound different as they get older, the only difference being that they rely on both the excellent technique they learned and used throughout their life to be more consistent. We must remember too that most tenors are just reaching their prime when Mario died. What would he have sounded like if he sang for another ten or fifteen years? Still good I bet but probably even less consistent, at least if his ailments still bothered him. The only redeeming factor would be that his interpretations would be more carefully thought out, as we hear time and again when we compare the recordings of the same songs recorded when he was younger with those recordings made late in his life.
This is true not only for Lanza but others as well. Listen to the young Carlo Bergonzi, eg, and then the "old" Carlo and you will hear for yourself that the older version may not be as bright and free in sound as it once was but you will be amazed at the lesson in singing you will hear - you will witness a master at work.
Sometimes this inconsistency makes Mario sound "lazy" because he revisited the same material over and over. I think the reason is that when it came to arias at least, he stayed with what was easy for him and more comfortable. Remember, he was NOT an opera singer in the traditional sense. It was not his "job" to sing a full compliment of classical works, complete or otherwise. That is what opera singers do. Lanza may have wanted to dabble in opera later in life but someone who "dabbles" is not going to sing "Poliuto" or "Les Hugenots". He is going to want to stay in a certain comfort zone with the excerpts he selects.
I still would have loved to have heard Mario sing anything and everything late in his life because on the good days, the days when he was consistent, he was capable of making magic. Maybe as time went on he would not sound as resplendent and fresh but I think we would be entertained equally well by not just a great singer but an experienced great singer - the blooming of an artist. We had youthfulness, exuberance, freshness, fearlessness and aplomb when Lanza was young but the artistry we hear later on (at least when Mario was at his best) comes only with experience, absolutely and without exception - ONLY with experience. My wish is that he had been given more time to fully gain that experience.
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Gail Swartz
06-09-2016
02:24 PM ET (US) IP: 204.29.186.1
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Just be patient....The 3cds are worth it....enjoy mine.
On June 8, 2016, at 10:52 PM, QuickTopic daily digest <qtopic-30-ECKcxtRbxUTNy@quicktopic.com> wrote:
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David Weaver
06-08-2016
03:56 PM ET (US) IP: 156.63.68.195
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Stephen, I gave Jeff your message and I'm sure you'll be hearing from him.
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Stephen of Las Vegas
06-08-2016
02:06 AM ET (US) IP: 70.173.63.160
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Jeff Rense:
Are you still selling and shipping your 3-CD Mario Lanza collection? I ordered a set to be shipped to a friend on May 26 and paid through PayPal. I have received no acknowledgment from your company. I sent an inquiry to your email address that PayPal included on the receipt they sent me (renseradio@yahoo.com) seven days later (June 3) and have not received any response from you.
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Kristine
06-06-2016
02:41 PM ET (US) IP: 24.160.90.200
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I like both drinking songs("The Student Prince" and "The Vagabond King"). I also like the drinking song from "The Pleasant Peasant", a spoof of operettas on "I Love Lucy". LOL !
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Fred Day
06-06-2016
01:29 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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And I am very fond of the Drinking Song from The Vagabond King. I feel that it rivals the Drinking Song from The Student Prince. Lanza sang both, superbly. Ciao.
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Ed to Gail
06-05-2016
07:19 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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Gail, I echo your comment that it took three to di what Mario did with a song, well that can be explained as there was only one Mario. I enjoy the song Love Me Tonight, although I haven't played that LP in sometime, my favorite is the song Nocturne.
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Gail Swartz
06-05-2016
01:51 PM ET (US) IP: 204.29.186.66
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Found a Three Tenors cd......could hear Mario's influence in their singing....but, nobody could pour the passion into the songs like Mario did....it took three of them to voice what Mario did alone! Listened to Love Me Tonight....blown away again.Thank you, Bill, for your help at the MLInstitute.
On June 4, 2016, at 10:52 PM, QuickTopic daily digest <qtopic-30-ECKcxtRbxUTNy@quicktopic.com> wrote:
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Bill Ronayne
06-04-2016
11:10 PM ET (US) IP: 24.185.120.50
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Hi Matt: I should be there around 12:15pm. See you both then. Best, Bill
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Kristine
06-04-2016
04:28 PM ET (US) IP: 24.160.90.200
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I read that Mario Lanza was a fan of writer , Damon Runyon and named his son, Damon, after him. Runyon's stories were made into movies, "The Big Street" Henry Fonda, Lucille Ball, "Little Miss Marker" Shirley Temple, later, re-made as "Sorrowful Jones" Bob Hope, Lucille Ball, again, re-made as "Forty Pounds of Trouble"Tony Curtis, Suzanne Pleshette, "The Lemom Drop Kid" Bob Hope, Marilyn Maxwell, Broadway Musical "Guys and Dolls", also, movie version of "Guys and Dolls".
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Kristine
06-04-2016
04:15 PM ET (US) IP: 24.160.90.200
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I just received the latest catalog from Movies Unlimited(DVD's). There's a large picture of Mario Lanza and Ann Blyth, from "The Great Caruso" in section of movie musicals.
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matt minzer
06-04-2016
04:08 PM ET (US) IP: 24.97.161.212
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HI BILL:
GREETINGS FROM BEAUTIFUL NEW HAMPSHIRE. I EXPECT TO JOIN YOU AT PATSY'S RESTAURANT HONORING MARIO LANZA ON SATURDAY, JUNE 11TH AND I PLAN ON PICKING UP DR.ANGELO GIMONDO ALONG THE WAY. WE WILL BOTH BRING CHECKS. HOW EARLY DO YOU PLAN TO ARRIVE?
BEST,
MATT MINZER
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Kenneth Henderson
06-02-2016
07:54 PM ET (US) IP: 61.9.189.137
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Mine is much faster now because my ISP sent me as new modem, rather large compared to those of the past that is geared for faster downloads, often in seconds unlike speeds I have never seen before for no extra monthly fee. Competition is rife in my country but this one is the oldest and biggest still part government owned. It gets you in now because you see sdo much on You Tube of interest and you keep going. XP is fatal now as there are no support options.
Ken
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diane cox
06-02-2016
07:03 PM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.239
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My PC is a 2005 model, with some new parts added. Was running XP, but it was getting harder and harder to play games, and be compatible with everything I do. So forked over some cash and my son did the update. Still installing and making sites that I use daily or weekly. No big problems so far. Can't tell it's any faster tho.
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Joseph Fagan
06-02-2016
01:50 PM ET (US) IP: 209.85.218.52
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Hi Diane, My computer "forced " me to upgrade to WIN 10!....but, the change over was fairly easy(and the upgrade didn't cost any extra). Everyone will eventually have to do it, so why "fight city hall". At some point the older versions will no longer be supported, making one more vulnerable to viruses and crashes.....Joe
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Kenneth Henderson
06-02-2016
12:29 PM ET (US) IP: 61.9.189.152
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Good luck. Many rolling back to Windows 7 which I use. Friend paid about A$1000 to have his computer(new a few months ago) redone and hours of lost time in his work this week. I had XP until Sept 2014 and was happy. The company that set up my new machine then would not use my Windows 8.1 upgrade disc. Time will tell, I guess.
Ken
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diane cox
06-02-2016
11:07 AM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.239
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Changed my computer over to W10. nice to learn new things at 77.
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Suzanne
06-01-2016
12:26 PM ET (US) IP: 74.79.58.35
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Rewarded today with Mario's second appearance on Shower of Stars on Classic Arts Showcase channel.Not my favorite, as he seemed too apologetic, which he never should have been, but of course I still love it.Mario was friendly with Ben Hecht, but don't know if Hemingway ever involved himself in any of the films made from his novels, and so being around the Hollywood sets.
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Gail Swartz
06-01-2016
12:15 AM ET (US) IP: 204.29.186.64
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The photo of Mario and Betty reading different novels was a publicity shoot...they were at Ginger Rogers's ranch . Mario was there to get in shape for BYM.
On May 31, 2016, at 10:55 PM, QuickTopic daily digest <qtopic-30-ECKcxtRbxUTNy@quicktopic.com> wrote:
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Kristine
05-31-2016
09:25 PM ET (US) IP: 24.160.90.200
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I wonder if Ernest Hemingway ever met Mario Lanza ?
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Kristine
05-31-2016
07:50 PM ET (US) IP: 24.160.90.200
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Suzanne, I agree with you. There is lack of respect, today. But then, when adult leaders show disrespect, are cheered, we shouldn't be surprised, sadly. A group of people, in Venice, Calif.(near Santa Monica,where I once lived)got together to clean the nasty graffiti off the memorial. Wonderful ! Tonight, on getTV, will be an encore performance of "When You're In Love"(1937)starring Grace Moore, Cary Grant, second feature will be "I'll Take Romance"(1937)Grace Moore, Melvyn Douglas(whose granddaughter is actress Ileana Douglas). I saw a photo of Mario and Betty Lanza reading Ernest Hemingway's novels. Was it a publicity photo or did they like Hemingway's novels ? I liked his novel "For Whom The Bell Tolls" and also, liked the movie version.
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Suzanne
05-31-2016
09:53 AM ET (US) IP: 74.79.58.35
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So right, Gail. The wonder is that the "wonder" never ends. He's the best always.
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Gail Swartz
05-31-2016
12:36 AM ET (US) IP: 204.29.186.3
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Pulled out Encore....listened, visualized Mario singing....he was the best then and still the best now!
On May 30, 2016, at 10:53 PM, QuickTopic daily digest <qtopic-30-ECKcxtRbxUTNy@quicktopic.com> wrote:
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Bill Ronayne
05-30-2016
02:36 PM ET (US) IP: 24.185.115.218
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You're welcome Ed and Gail. Gail please email the Lanza Museum at mariolanzainstitute@verizon.net and we can discuss this further. Remembering those that gave their lives so that others may be free on this Memorial Day. Best, Bill Edited 05-30-2016 02:37 PM
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Suzanne
05-30-2016
01:19 PM ET (US) IP: 74.79.58.35
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Please disregard the "L" typo.
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Suzanne
05-30-2016
01:18 PM ET (US) IP: 74.79.58.35
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The American flag is flying here and we're decrying all the terrible incidents of desecration of our cemeteries and memorials. What kind of sick people are these. They should go to prison or serve their summers cleaning up the streets after repairing all the damage they've done. Do they ever get punished? If so, not enough. We should probably have armed guards where the military are interred.Sad state of affairs. Even some Civil War locations were "excavated". Too awful to contemplate. That said, I've been enamored of "None But The Lonely Heart" after hearing Placido Domingo on Classic Arts channel. Took out Mario's rendition on the CD "You'll Never Walk Alone". What a beautiful melody from such a tragic composer. Placido sings it in Russian. Mario in English. Anyone know much about Hvorovskly the baritone. Saw a concert with he and Anna Netrebko on this same channel. It was lovely. How she seduces the audience!
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Ed to Bill
05-29-2016
09:00 AM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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Bill, thanks for the search but I'll pass on them. I will try on Amazon eBay like I did with the others. My goal is to get the ones we discussed, thank you Ed
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Gail Swartz
05-29-2016
12:07 AM ET (US) IP: 204.29.186.64
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Hi, Bill, I think the one of all opera is the desired l.p. of Mario I have been looking for . I will be in touch with the ML museum if that is the proper avenue for obtaining the LP. Thank you for going to the museum for me.
On May 28, 2016, at 10:52 PM, QuickTopic daily digest <qtopic-30-ECKcxtRbxUTNy@quicktopic.com> wrote:
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Bill Ronayne
05-28-2016
10:33 PM ET (US) IP: 69.126.175.56
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Hi Ed: We have both LP's you're looking for at the Lanza Museum but the records have some scratches on them so I don't know off hand if they will skip or just have a quick click. The album jackets are in good to very good condition. Best, Bill Edited 05-28-2016 10:34 PM
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Bill Ronayne
05-28-2016
10:31 PM ET (US) IP: 69.126.175.56
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Hi Gail: the only records I see at the Lanza Museum with Mario in the naval uniform from Madama Butterfly on the cover are a single record all opera LP and the two LP gatefold ML Sings Opera's Greatest Hits with him sitting and Grayson kneeling. Let me know if either of these is the one you're looking for.
Best Bill
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Ed
05-28-2016
01:26 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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Have a safe holiday, we celebrate our freedom. Like Joe I am a wartime vet who enlisted in the early part of the Vietnam War. Spent 39 years working with disabled vets.
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Joe to ALL
05-28-2016
01:20 PM ET (US) IP: 71.224.55.142
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I also wish everyone here a safe and wonderful Memorial Day. Like Mario and many of the men here on the forum,I also am a veteran. Unfortunately,I worked as a drafted chemist on the development of nerve gas. Not a happy assignment but I was under orders. Fortunately, all our stockpiles of the world's deadliest poison have been destroyed(or at least that is what the Army claims).
Be safe everyone!
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Ed
05-28-2016
12:31 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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Had Lanza lived into the 1970s my guess is he would have appeared on Mike Douglas Show, his show came out of Philly. He may have done the Tonight Show, that would have been nice. He is one of our treasures, Mario will always be best.
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Dan Lawlor
05-28-2016
12:30 PM ET (US) IP: 45.47.188.68
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I want to wish everyone a happy Memorial Day...just remember how many good young men had to give up their lives so we can still enjoy freedom.
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Fred Day
05-27-2016
03:20 AM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Lanza did sing one line of America The Beautiful, on the Celanese radio show, but he forgot the words, and Robert Weede quickly jumped in to fill the gap. That was a live broadcast. Too bad that he never sang it again, as far as is known. One of the best recordings of that song, plus Battle Hymn of the Republic, was by the great Leonard Warren. Ciao.
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Kristine
05-26-2016
08:58 PM ET (US) IP: 24.160.90.200
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Have an enjoyable holiday weekend, though we know the true meaning of Memorial Day. I , too, wondered, if Mario Lanza ever sang "The Star Spangled Banner", "America, The Beautiful", "My Country, 'Tis of Thee", "God Bless America", "The Battle Hymn of The Republic", "The House I Live In"(sung by Frank Sinatra, also, Shirley Jones), "This Is My Country". Imagine if he had sung "I Believe".
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Ed to Joe
05-26-2016
08:16 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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Joe, I've often thought about Mario singing that and how great it would have been.
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Joe to ALL
05-26-2016
03:12 PM ET (US) IP: 71.224.55.142
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It has always struck me strange that Mario,as far as we know,never recorded the Star Spangled Banner. Certainly one would think he would have been called on at least once to do sing our anthem(e.g.during his military service,to celebrate an opening of some institution,a sporting event etc). Maybe he did sing it but it wasn't recorded(which is even sadder).Imagine the power and emotion he would have put into it.
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Suzanne
05-24-2016
10:41 AM ET (US) IP: 74.79.58.35
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Gail, thanks for joining the chorus.
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Ed to Gail
05-23-2016
05:34 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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Gail, I won't tell you how I got mine but you won't find this as you would a standard tape or CD. I'm sure there have been high strung temperamental sopranos who swore in the key of C,
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Gail Swartz
05-23-2016
05:20 PM ET (US) IP: 204.29.186.15
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I was asked if I had heard "the blue tape" ,but when told what it was I did not request a copy. Mario had such a wonderful voice....why mess up my mind with trash. I would rather remember him as a great singer with a some-what bad-boy reputation. What Mario did for music must not be forgotten!
On May 22, 2016, at 10:54 PM, QuickTopic daily digest <qtopic-30-ECKcxtRbxUTNy@quicktopic.com> wrote:
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Ed to Linz
05-23-2016
02:13 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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Linz, I must admit from what I heard Mario went along with the gag and took it well, they must've really knew him when someone yelled out what he should go do as they were leaving.
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Suzanne
05-23-2016
02:02 PM ET (US) IP: 74.79.58.35
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Amen, Diane!
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Diane Cox
05-23-2016
11:21 AM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.239
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Have not heard this tape, not especially interested in hearing it.I accept Mario Lanza as he was. Without the passion and the earthiness, Mario would not have been the person who used his voice the way he did. All out on everything - every word as if the last. You have to be an emotional, and maybe somewhat screwed up person to excel the way he did. He burned bright, until the fire was out.
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Suzanne
05-23-2016
10:53 AM ET (US) IP: 74.79.58.35
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Linz, don''t believe I ever said "All" of "We Girls". but I am entitled to my opinion , just as everyone else here is.Noted that all of the comments are from you"guys", and I'm sure Mario got his kick out of it as his colleagues did. Waiting to hear one of our female posters to say they enjoyed it. I'm just content to be an ostrich. His voice is more than enough for me.
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Linz to Ed
05-22-2016
08:11 PM ET (US) IP: 222.153.50.66
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Good for you Brother Ed! I love the part at the end where the three culprits involved in compiling the thing step forward and talk to Mario about the fun they had not just assembling the tape but doing the show itself over the past many months. Their great affection for him is obvious.
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Ed to Linz
05-22-2016
07:03 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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Linz, I must agree with you here, once we start to pick and choose what should be discussed here and what should be omitted we are not a true forum. I have a copy of the tape and found it humorous, I'm sure Mario did too. I can still listen to Mario and the fact he cussed like a sailor doesn't bother me.
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Jim Thompson
05-22-2016
03:10 PM ET (US) IP: 67.83.112.135
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Exactly right, Martino. My point was not censorship of a subject. Discussing a tape or CD with a lot of cuss words is, in my humble opinion, uninteresting and unnecessary. Over the years, as we know well, nastiness has reared up here. As one who has dealt with words in interviews and in describing stories for radio and TV for fifty years, I love words.You, Martino, seem to use your words without slaps or malice.
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Kristine
05-22-2016
03:02 PM ET (US) IP: 24.160.90.200
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My intention is to not discuss politics , here, but I would to say our First Lady's name is Michelle Obama. On Friday night, CBS TV aired the colorized "I Love Lucy" episodes of Lucy meeting John Wayne. Hilarious ! "The Andy Griffith Show", was shown,a few months ago, which was a colorized episode. I think "The Shower of Stars" t.v. variety shows, originally, aired on CBS TV. One show , starred Tony Martin, Marguerite Piazza, Vivian Vance, and maybe William Frawley, about a woman who owned a baseball team. I'd like to see these shows, again, even colorized, because when they first aired in 1950's, I was a baby, then, a small child, hardly remembered them. It would be great, if "The Shower of Stars" t.v. shows with Mario Lanza, Betty Grable, Harry James, Gene Nelson, Sheree North, Edgar Bergen &Charlie McCarthy, hosted by William Lundigan, were aired, even colorized, again, on CBS TV.
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Diane Cox
05-22-2016
12:46 PM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.239
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What Martino said.
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Martino
05-22-2016
12:44 PM ET (US) IP: 104.255.7.178
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I have never heard the so called "blue tape" and have never sought it out because I have no interest in it. Not that I am prudish, anything but in fact, but I just have no interest. That does not mean it should be censored. Listen to it if you want, or don't - I don't care one way or the other. Am I going to learn anything from this? I doubt it. Would it be entertaining? Maybe for a moment or two, perhaps even a chuckle, then again, maybe not. It is just one of those things I don't care about.
I am curious about a lot of things involving Mario Lanza but that curiosity does not extend to his use of foul language, "cute" or otherwise. I know he used foul language and so have I, in fact with every one foot golf putt I miss!! I know what that is about all too well and I don't care at all if Lanza used those words. His mother might but I don't. It does not change my opinion of him in the least. That is my personal position but even if people choose to go there, I don't think it is anything worthy enough to dwell on for any reason I can think of. Certainly not like his singing that we can spend an eternity analyzing, talking about and debating. That sort of thing interests me far more than a few swear words here and there for the simple reason that I learn nothing from hearing them. On the other hand, I learn something new almost every time I hear the voice of Mario Lanza. THAT is what I care about and what is interesting and entertaining to me.
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Linz to Jim and Suzanne
05-22-2016
09:12 AM ET (US) IP: 222.153.50.66
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Jim—I sincerely hope no discussion concerning Mario is ever declared taboo here. The "blue tape" is a fact of reality and should not be out of bounds on any Mario forum that isn't the playground of neo-Puritans and Politically Correct Thought Police who, under Obama, rule. The Bret "bio" was defended by Sam just a few days ago, and it needed to be dismissed again as the trash it was, expeditiously, which I did. As far as discussion of Mario the artist is concerned, good luck with that. There's next to no inclination to discuss Mario's actual singing here at any time, and I don't recall your being especially active in that regard, Jim. "Discussion" means going beyond facile platitudes and talking in musically substantive terms. Martino does it well. The McGovern site did it well. Read my book for it, too (I know you won't).
Suzanne—I doubt that you are entitled to speak for all of "we girls." I have played the "blue tape" to many "girls," all of whom found it hilarious. Of course, they hadn't attended any of Michael Obama's courses in transgender humorlessness.
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Jim Thompson
05-21-2016
05:33 PM ET (US) IP: 67.83.112.135
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I sincerely hope the "blue tape discussion" ends here and that goes also for the crap which was written during the long "discussion" of the Bret Lie-Bio.
Are we really not here for discussion, and the possibilities of new information, about the artist, the singer, the person, MARIO LANZA, whose voice is etched uniquely in our hearts and souls?
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Suzanne
05-21-2016
01:10 PM ET (US) IP: 74.79.58.35
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Linz, oookaaay! But I think men would appreciate it, but we "girls" would rather not. Glad to hear he didn't really initiate it. Well, he did, but he didn't! Never thought he was an angel, though he sang like one would. Ronald, let's hope it won't be, even if it might mean more sales.
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Ronald Sarbo
05-21-2016
11:57 AM ET (US) IP: 74.66.130.108
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Perhaps the contents of the "blue tape" could be on Sepia's next CD.
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Ed
05-21-2016
09:18 AM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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I recall the many posts on Lanza Legend years back about Bret's book, although never reading the book nor did I choose to I accepted the reports from those who did that it was trash. As for Mario ands his blue tape, well after spending three years in a barracks with soldiers this was nothing that shook me.
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Linz to Sam
05-21-2016
05:10 AM ET (US) IP: 222.153.50.66
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The Bret "bio" is an abomination. Among other things it makes the claim that Bob and Damon were gay lovers. As someone who knew them well, and spent several extended periods under their roof, I can attest categorically that wasn't so. Not that it would have mattered, or been anyone else's business, if they were. Even worse than such tabloid guttersnipery, Bret literally does not know the difference in music between a B and a C. It's a piece of trash with no redeeming virtue, much like the "Matt Bernard" garbage of earlier times.
I had forgotten the pre-commercial Lord's Prayer in my earlier critique. That one is very very good—especially, as you say, the diminuendo on the last note.
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Linz to Suzanne
05-21-2016
05:01 AM ET (US) IP: 222.153.50.66
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There's nothing on the "blue tape" that one would wish to hide, as far as I'm concerned. Far from showing that the love of which Mario sang so eloquently is "improbable" or illusory, Mario's candid off-mike moments, apart from the merely funny ones, just remind us of its physical component. There's no mind/body dichotomy! The tape also shows his intense determination to get everything right. At one point he and the orchestra grind to a halt for a reason that's not apparent, and he wonders aloud what went wrong, given that "I stayed right on that horn." At another point he rebukes Bill Baldwin for speaking too fast. In the hilarious commentary, Baldwin refers wryly to Mario's ever-present penchant for making "helpful" suggestions "for the betterment of all mankind." But as I say, in these dreadful Politically Correct times, the tape would not go down well. The neo-Marxists would want to send Mario off to some sensitivity-training camp or some such.
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Linz to Joe
05-21-2016
04:42 AM ET (US) IP: 222.153.50.66
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The hard copy of The One Tenor will be available from my own website, lindsayperigo.com. I just have to finalise a price and set up a shopping basket. I may put it up on Amazon, but they will make me charge a fortune because of the colour photos. So just be patient for a week or so. Everyone here will be the first to know. Meanwhile, advance copies have gone out to the sundry Foreword, Introduction and Preface writers, along with one to a writer, by the name of Rense, of a guest chapter. :-)
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Suzanne
05-20-2016
10:34 AM ET (US) IP: 74.79.58.35
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Sam, thanks for telling me, but one question. Why did you let your mother hear it? No, no, no.As I've said , we need our illusions. We all know that the kind of love Mario sings about is improbable,if not impossible, but something we all dream about, til reality sets in. Kristine, I'd say don't read that bio by Bret. We had quite a "thing" over it here when it came out. Nothing like the sensational "stuff" where profit's concerned. Bet the "stars" today could outdo Mario's antics.He was a phenomenon, so everyone wanted to "know".
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Sam Samuelian
05-20-2016
12:35 AM ET (US) IP: 108.52.237.52
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Bobby Rydell was one of my teen idols along with Frankie Avalon. I just bought the new Rydell bio. Just missed seeing/hearing him live too. Now he is on a world tour and won't be back for months. For my money he had/has the best pipes of the famous rock kids.
I am very familiar with the Bret bio on Mario. On the Acknowledgements page it reads: "and an especial thanks to Sam Samuelian and Roland Bessette, the roses among the poison ivy". He was thanking us for supporting his writing of the book while most of the others put him down. We became friends and I read some of his other biographies too. I would rather not comment on how it ended because he was treated badly from the start and lashed out and became very ugly to people who tried to help him. As a bio, it is pretty straightforward with hardly anything new. Everyone expected it to be much more trashy like the Matt Bernard paperback which was really penned by a furrier who took over Mario's management in the later fifties. His name, Al Teitelbaum. He died at a ripe old age and was a very good friend of Jeff Rense.
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Karl Hopkins
05-19-2016
11:52 PM ET (US) IP: 69.92.69.88
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According to IMDB Shepard Menken was Fucito.
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Doug
05-19-2016
10:46 PM ET (US) IP: 71.54.15.150
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Kristine: Yes, Shep Menken was in TGC tho' I don't remember what character he played. Edited 05-19-2016 10:50 PM
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Kristine
05-19-2016
09:01 PM ET (US) IP: 24.160.90.200
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South Philly '50's Teen Idol Bobby Rydell has his autobiography out, called "Teen-age Idol On The Rocks". I think he narrated a documentary about South Philadelphia's Italiansfor PBS TV. a few years ago. I heard that Mario Lanza was mentioned in it.
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Kristine
05-19-2016
08:56 PM ET (US) IP: 24.160.90.200
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Morley Safer, RIP. I received a catalog from Oldies.com. There is another Mario Lanza book out, called "Mario Lanza - Sublime Serenade" by David Bret. Anyone familiar with this book ?
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Ed to Linz
05-19-2016
06:41 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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Linz, surely our boy was no angel nor did he wear a halo. My first intro was CD # 15 from the Coke Show set from DLP,second the blue tape. Quite enjoyable to hear him as a human with humor and such. Today I relistened to GOP volume 2 that Vesti to me beats out all others as is the Cielo e Mar
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Sam Samuelian
05-19-2016
06:38 PM ET (US) IP: 108.52.237.52
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Bill is absolutely correct. Thine Alone and O Nights of Splendor are Coke Show songs. The introductions are new. Ray Sinatra does one number on my disc. Somewhere I have disc two, which I believe has the All the Things You Are on it. But, drat, I cannot find it!
Suzanne: Mario didn't make what we call "The Blue Tape". It was made by members of the crew that produced the show along with his friends. Most are out-takes when he curses like a sailor and at times gets very sexy/dirty. I LOVE it because it's pure Mario. But it can spoil an image. When my mother heard it years back, she said "Is THAT Mario?!!" It was presented to Lanza as a gift at the end of the series.
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Bill Ronayne
05-19-2016
03:48 PM ET (US) IP: 24.185.119.12
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That introduction to the RAH BYM is on the Never Till Now CD as well as the complete concert tape. It adds to making you feel like you're there. I've always enjoyed the live Lord's Prayer from the 1948 Bergen and McCarthy show. Such confidence from someone so young and the ending is a nice touch. Best, Bill
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Bill Ronayne
05-19-2016
02:18 PM ET (US) IP: 24.185.119.12
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Sam: If I remember correctly, the performances on the Navy Star Time radio shows with Mario come from the Coke shows. He most likely recorded new introductions. The ones that I've heard are Thine Alone, O Nights of Splendor, and All the Things You Are with the high ending. Best, Bill
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Suzanne
05-19-2016
01:21 PM ET (US) IP: 74.79.58.35
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Thanks Fred. Of course I've heard that quote before, but didn't connect it with the uproar in the audience. Linz, I'm standing in line.Hope It's in my budget! When did Mario make a "blue tape"? In any case, I wouldn't care to hear it. Elaine Malbin told me she never reads about Mario, as it might change the way she feels about him. We "girls" have to have our illusions.
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Joe to Linz
05-19-2016
10:51 AM ET (US) IP: 71.224.55.142
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Linz I have "The One Tenor" (which is outstanding!) on my Kindle but I also want a hard copy. Do you know where it will be sold ? e.g. Amazon. Thanks, Joe
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Sam Samuelian
05-19-2016
09:41 AM ET (US) IP: 108.52.237.52
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Linz: I like your analysis. Just went back and listened to the Coke show Lord's Prayer. Yes! It is very fine but hard to find as I had to listen on YouTube to about 15 of the Christmas album version and about six of the BYM version. It doesn't have as much variation in dynamics but it's exciting and powerful!! kAnd there is the 1948 version from The Edgar Bergen show. It's nicely done but rather straightforward with less excitement and variety. Fine decrescendo at end. He was only 26 when he performed it! Any more The Lord Prayer versions out there?!
Incidentally, I just found my Mario Lanza 16 inch Navy radio transcription I got on ebay years ago but wasn't able to play correctly until I purchased a wonderful old RCA Transcription player that was restored and has clear sound and good tone. He starts out speaking with his pleasant charm and then the first number is "Thine Alone" which I BELIEVE has never been released commercially. He sounds younger but it's a very good recording. If there is enough interest, I am thinking of transferring the entire show (including the Ray Sinatra numbers) to CD. Mario does two other pieces I haven't heard yet since I've been playing transcriptions I have had for years and NEVER heard!
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Linz to Sam
05-19-2016
07:56 AM ET (US) IP: 222.153.50.66
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From a strict singer's singer point of view, the BYM Lord's Prayer is superior. The commercial version has too many mis-pitchings. From an advanced civilised human being's (as opposed to postmodernist's) point of view, the mis-pitchings don't matter, and the commercial version is superior. And the Coke version is superior still! All of this is dissected in my book. Have you forgotten?! :-)
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Linz
05-19-2016
07:20 AM ET (US) IP: 222.153.50.66
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Mario's full spoken introduction to 'Because You're Mine' at the RAH concert would undoubtedly be considered Politically Incorrect by the Fascists of the Left who control all public dialogue today, including right here. The moderators would have this be a "safe zone," i.e., devoid of freedom of speech. I've no idea what they would do if Mario's "blue tape" became widely available. It makes Donald Trump seem like Elizabeth Warren! Anyway, for those with enough brain to be interested, the update of my The One Tenor is now available on Kindle, and will be available in hard copy in the next week.
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Sam Samuelian
05-19-2016
07:20 AM ET (US) IP: 108.52.237.52
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I was perusing Amazon for the latest musical releases and happened upon the now hard to find CD "Be My Love: Greatest Performances At MGM". It is composed strictly of movie tracks in release and more that were unreleased or originally cut. The first price that hits you is a whopping $59.00 but if you look at the smaller print there are some copies available used and in good condition for only $2.63 plus 3.99 shipping. After those the prices go to three dollars, four fifty, seven, fourteen and keep climbing. If you don't have this wonderful and unique CD, here is your chance. I just wish I would have been looking at Part 2 which was never released while this one was pulled from distribution. The incredibly gentle and moving "All the Things You Are" which was cut from Because You're Mine" is worth the price alone!
Also, my friend Ron and I were comparing Mario's "The Lord's Prayer" from his first Christmas album to the same piece from BYM. Ron has told me for years that the Christmas album version isn't very good. I kept saying it was and in fact superior. The singing is perfect and the high notes glorious. The only drawback if you wish to call it that are "extra" sounds throughout. Like "which art in-na heaven" and "hallowed be thy name-mug. The BYM version has almost none like this. It is done at a faster speed, is more lyric and soft. Both are exciting and end in a high B flat.
So, I ask my friends here: Which is your favorite and why?
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Wendy Stilwell - UK
05-19-2016
03:07 AM ET (US) IP: 92.20.137.248
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Hi Suzanne and Fred. I also have the unedited version of Mario's RAH concert, which includes much more chat and an even more rowdier audience, especially at the end. Unfortunately, a lot has been cut for the CD version, including a piano interlude by Callinicos. The only problem is that there is quite a long period of silence from Mario between songs in the first half of the performance. Edited 05-19-2016 03:08 AM
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Kristine
05-18-2016
10:23 PM ET (US) IP: 24.160.90.200
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Was Fucito portrayed by character actor Shep Menken in "The Great Caruso" ? he appeared on "I Love Lucy", did cartoon voices, was in movie "The Glenn Miller Story".
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Kenneth Henderson
05-18-2016
07:09 PM ET (US) IP: 61.9.189.152
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BF Keith is the K in RKO Radio Pictures, Radio being Radio Corp(RCA-Victor) and Orpheum, another theater circuit that merged with BF Keith's enterprises.
Ken
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Fred Day
05-18-2016
05:20 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Fucito also wrote a book, "Caruso And The Art Of Singing" (1922) the year after Caruso died. Ciao.
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Fred Day
05-18-2016
05:03 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Caruso's pianist, Salvatore Fucito, was also present at Caruso's wedding, but was not in that particular photo. Fucito wrote 2 songs that Caruso recorded. Ciao.
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Fred Day
05-18-2016
04:48 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Suzanne: That's Lanza's little "count the money" joke. The impresario Victor Haukhauser appears on stage for just a quick moment. Lanza introduces him, and he exits right away. Lanza says: "He isn't shy, he's just rushing to count the money!!" The audience laughs. That little joke is on the raw tape, but was omitted from the CD issue. It was probably considered a little insensitive, by today's standards. Ciao.
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Suzanne
05-18-2016
03:01 PM ET (US) IP: 74.79.58.35
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Listening today to Live From London. So wonderful. I do wonder what the audience became so "rowdy" about suddenly after Mario sang "I'm Falling In Love With Someone" and "Because You're Mine". Anyone who was there, what was he doing to cause that response?Someone know? He had such rapport with his audience, who obviously adored him. Can't imagine what it was like to be there.What a great evening! Probably never forgotten.Just listening always gives me goose bumps! Glorious Mario!
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Diane Cox
05-18-2016
02:50 PM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.239
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In 1918 J.S. Keith was in investments, and a member of the Princeton Club.
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Ed to Bill/Doug
05-18-2016
01:23 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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Bill, I used to go there once in a while on my lunch hour figuring that's the church they married in and look around wondering who was there and picturing them at the alter kind of like being in attendance, got a good feeling I was so close.
Doug, thank you I recall his name many years ago watching Yankee Doodle Dandy they spoke of BF. Best
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Doug
05-18-2016
01:13 PM ET (US) IP: 71.54.15.150
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Ed: I believe the theatre Keith was B. F. Keith. No idea if B. F. and J. S. were related. Edited 05-18-2016 01:15 PM
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Bill Ronayne
05-18-2016
01:12 PM ET (US) IP: 24.185.122.198
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Hi Ed: Not sure if there is another one with the same name in NYC. The one on West 25th Street has been there since 1845 so the church would have been celebrating its 100th anniversary in 1945. Last year they merged with the Church of the Guardian Angel to form the Parish of the Guardian Angel/St Colomba. Best, Bill
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Ed to Bill
05-18-2016
10:16 AM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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Bill, have a question. I know Mario and Betty married at St.Columba's Church in 46. My question is this. I worked many years on 7th Ave an 25th Street and a Catholic church of the same name was on 9th Ave and West 25th. There may be another way downtown near China town. Do you know which one?
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Doug
05-18-2016
12:21 AM ET (US) IP: 71.54.15.150
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I have owned the Robinson book for over 50 years. Amongst the pages I have kept two swatches of cloth. One is stapled to a light blue piece of cardboard for use as a bookmark. It is a piece of the Met's gold curtain that "hung at the Metropolitan Opera House from 1905 to 1940". The other swatch is from the curtain that hung from 1940 to 1966. This one came in an RCA Victor album from the late '60's...OPENING NIGHTS AT THE OLD MET. In his book, EC Jr. isn't too complimentary when he writes about Robinson.
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David Weaver
05-18-2016
12:09 AM ET (US) IP: 24.210.22.228
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According to contemporary newspapers, Mrs. John F. Keith was the wife of a Wall Street attorney.
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Doug
05-17-2016
09:57 PM ET (US) IP: 71.54.15.150
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When Zirato married in June 1921 Caruso returned the favor by serving as his best man "in absentia" since the ailing EC was back in Italy by then and was, sadly, never to return to New York. EC also supplied the wedding ring! Zirato would eventually become managing director (or, depending on what source you read, assistant manager) of the New York Philharmonic Orchestra. He passed away in 1972 age 88. Edited 05-17-2016 10:57 PM
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Doug
05-17-2016
09:38 PM ET (US) IP: 71.54.15.150
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Zirato served as Caruso's "best man" and I assume Mrs. Keith was Dorothy's Matron of Honor. EC and Dorothy were married a second time some months later in St. Patrick's Cathedral. Edited 05-17-2016 09:39 PM
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Doug
05-17-2016
09:30 PM ET (US) IP: 71.54.15.150
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This IS the wedding party. 20 August 1918. EC and Dorothy have just been married in the Marble Collegiate Church and they are posing for a "photo shoot" on the roof of the Knickerbocker Hotel where Caruso lived for most of his career in New York.
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Diane Cox
05-17-2016
02:08 PM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.239
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The only thing I could find about Mrs. J S. Keith is that she was part of the wedding party in 1918 when Caruso married Doro.
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Ed
05-17-2016
01:45 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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I've done some research on J.S. Keith, its quite possible that he linked up with Albee who had a chain of theatres around the time of Caruso.
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Pamela Latham
05-17-2016
11:18 AM ET (US) IP: 86.18.204.16
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I would certainly look forward to meeting with you and Dima if ever you get across the pond, Jim! Fred, I'm afraid I haven't a clue who Mrs J. S. Keith is, I googled her name but all it came up with was the photo I posted on the forum. Sorry.
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Fred Day
05-17-2016
10:44 AM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Pamela: In that photo, who is Mrs. J.S. Keith?? That name is unknown to me. Thanks. Ciao.
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Jim Thompson
05-17-2016
09:50 AM ET (US) IP: 67.83.112.135
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Hi Pam, thank you for the post. I also have the books you mentioned. Dima and I so enjoyed our trips to England years ago and another vist would be welcomed. If so, we have a date to get together! Dima and I send our best and thanks for the work you and so many others do in keeping Mario curent.
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Pamela Latham
05-17-2016
09:45 AM ET (US) IP: 86.18.204.16
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Photo of Bruno Zirato with the Caruso's
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Pamela Latham
05-17-2016
09:39 AM ET (US) IP: 86.18.204.16
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Hi Jim, I wholeheartedly agree with you about the best book on Caruso, I have the unabridged version and have read it innumerable times, it is a must read for all admirers of Caruso and opera. I also have the Francis Robinson book, plus the one by his wife, Dorothy Caruso, and one by Pierre Key and Bruno Zirato, the latter was Caruso's personal secretary. All are very interesting but I prefer the Andrew Farkas/Enrico Caruso Jnr of all of them. Best wishes to you and Dima.
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Bill Ronayne
05-17-2016
09:22 AM ET (US) IP: 24.185.112.123
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OK Ed and Gail I'll look when I go there on Memorial Day weekend and get back to you both. I'm sure we have them. Gail is that the 3 LP RCA set, "The Art and Voice of Mario Lanza," that you're looking for or a single LP album?
I don't want to tie up the forum here so please email requests or questions to mariolanzainstitute@verizon.net and I'll get back to everyone.
Best, Bill
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Gail Swartz
05-17-2016
08:56 AM ET (US) IP: 204.29.186.61
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Bill, I would like to have a copy of Mario's recording with him in the white naval uniform on the cover if it is one of the ones that are available from the ML museum. The vinyl 're cord shop I frequent has been keeping an eye opened for me a copy.but no luck so far. I have loved Mario's new cds and will share them with a retired missionary-nurse who loved Mario as a teen. Thanks for your work for the legacy of Mario.
On May 16, 2016, at 10:54 PM, QuickTopic daily digest <qtopic-30-ECKcxtRbxUTNy@quicktopic.com> wrote:
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Ed to Bill
05-17-2016
07:20 AM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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Bill, it was the HiFi recording,if you could find the stereo one would be great. I purchased it on Amazon for $15. I am trying to get back some I've lost over the years. I'm also looking for Magic Mario. Just tell me what the cost, thanks Ed
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Jim Thompson
05-17-2016
07:17 AM ET (US) IP: 67.83.112.135
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Interesting posts. In my humble opinion the best book written about Caruso is "Enrico Caruso. My Father and my Family" by Andrew Farkas and Enrico Jr. Andrew is a dear friend who brought Anders Bjorling to our studios when I interviewed them about Andrew's book "Jussi". Andrew also wrote and edited "Lawrence Tibbett". All these books and Roland Bessette's book, Mario Lanza, Tenor in Exile" are available, I believe, from Amadeus Press. They have wonderful books on Leonard Warren, Jon Vickers, Lilly Pons, Maria Callas at Julliard and Paul Jackson's "Sign-off For The Old Met..1950-1956". Quite a read! By the way, Mario is glowingly and, yes, lovingly mentioned in the Caruso and Bjorling books.
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Bill Ronayne
05-16-2016
10:57 PM ET (US) IP: 75.250.94.102
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Forgot to ask if it was the Living Stereo or the mono version of the Mario album? Best Bill
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Bill Ronayne
05-16-2016
10:50 PM ET (US) IP: 75.250.94.102
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The museum is not open this week Ed. I'll check when I go next week. We have multiple copies of assorted LP's of Mario's albums so I'll pick out the best looking one. Let me know if there are any other albums you're looking for and I'll get back to you once I've checked. Best Bill
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Ed to Bill
05-16-2016
08:22 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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Bill, thanks I'll call tomorrow, can I mention your name? The one I cracked was in good condition even the cover. It was my own fault when I took it from the cover the sleeve was facing down. Lesson learned.
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Bill Ronayne
05-16-2016
06:24 PM ET (US) IP: 75.193.91.95
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Ed and anyone else interested, the Lanza Museum has many used copies of Mario's albums for sale at $1 per record plus shipping. Call 215-238-9691 or email mariolanzainstitute@verizon.net for more information and requests. Best Bill Edited 05-16-2016 06:31 PM
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Ed to Diane
05-16-2016
05:09 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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Diane, Sounds good.Just this afternoon I was in the mood to listen to a few Lanza albums I took out my copy of the Mario album I bought on Amazon and the record slid from the sleeve and fell onto the tiled floor in the dining room, it fell on its edge and chipped half way through making unplayable. :-(
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Diane Cox
05-16-2016
03:37 PM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.239
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Just ordered a copy of Caruso, his life in pictures.
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Fred Day
05-16-2016
02:20 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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PS - I forgot to add that, after Walter Ducloux praised Lanza on that Met quiz, the audience applauded. Another familiar Met name was Edward Downes, the Met quiz moderator, for many years. I have his interview of Callas, on an LP. Ciao.
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Fred Day
05-16-2016
02:07 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Francis Robinson's 1957 book, "Caruso - His Life In Pictures" was a wonderful book. It is probably out of print, but can be easily found from second-hand book sellers. Ciao.
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Fred Day
05-16-2016
02:00 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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I, also, do not recall Francis Robinson ever mentioning the name of Mario Lanza on his Met intermission features. I have been a Met broadcast listener since 1955, at age 13. But I do recall a Met quiz intermission in 1965 or 66, in which Walter Ducloux mentioned Lanza. Ducloux was the operatic advisor for the film SERENADE. He was also a frequent panelist on the Met quiz. On that particular quiz, Ducloux said that he worked with Lanza, and that Lanza had a truly beautiful and powerful voice. He was very complimentary, and I was very pleased to hear his comment. I wish I had recorded it, but it was an unexpected surprise to me, most welcome. Ciao.
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Ed to Martino
05-16-2016
01:47 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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Martino, yes very sad that I no longer have those letters, I also had three from Rucgard Tucker, oh how I wish I still had them. What started the correspondence was I had written to Mr.Tucker in care of the Met and I received the first letter from Mr.Robinson telling me that my request for a signed photo was forwarded to Mr.Tucker. when I got the photo I write each and thanked them. Both men wrote about four letters each too me. I told Mr.Robinson I was just beginning to enjoy Caruso and he told me it was so nice to hear a young man growing up today learning to enjoy Caruso. On my last letter to him I asked if there was an address for Gloria to write for a small memento of her father she could send, he told me to write her in care of her attorney's which I did, I got no reply. I met Mr.Tucker at City Opera here after service in 72 while the show was at intermission and walked to him and said hello. I mentioned our corresponding years back, when I said Brooklyn he recalled instantly, that was incredible and I met Sara. All these great memories because I was a Mario Lanza fan. I was blessed.
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Martino to Diane/Ed
05-16-2016
10:10 AM ET (US) IP: 104.255.7.178
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Diane, those are names from the past and unless you grew up listening to the MET broadcasts you would not know who these people were. But for those of us (like Ed and I) who did listen to the Saturday matinee broadcasts, Cross and Robinson were like neighbors and we could recognize their voices instantly with just one syllable spoken.
Too bad, Ed, that you did not save the correspondence you had with Robinson. It would have been neat to see what he had to say to you about Caruso. Whatever questions you asked you received the definitive answers as I doubt there has ever been a greater authority on Caruso than Francis Robinson (with the possible exception of Aldo Mancusi of the Caruso museum). In fact, it was his very first intermission special where he talked for about 20 minutes on the life of Caruso, that made the singer's biography a regular feature of the broadcasts for years. The Caruso segment was so well received that the MET had Robinson do a biography for every intermission between the third and fourth acts. Do you remember, Ed, if Robinson ever mentioned Mario Lanza? I do not recall if he did.
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Diane Cox
05-16-2016
09:47 AM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.239
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Milton Cross is a familiar name to me, but I did not recognize Frank Robinson. Did not listen to the Met broadcasts. I've come to opera much later than that.
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Ed to Martino
05-16-2016
08:14 AM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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Martino, being 68 I glady recall the names Robinson and Cross. I grew up in an Irish Catholic home in Brooklyn and during the 1960s I sat in my living room listening to broadcasts on Saturday afternoon. Although not understanding the language it was the voices and music that had my attention, my grands all Irish born must've been thrown in a tizzy as I tried to sing along in Italian and French as I read librettos ands tried singing phonetically in another language.
I had several correspondences from Mr.Robinson who at that time was assistant general manager of the met. We started writing I guess I was 15 when I wrote to him about Caruso. I may have had perhaps three letters from him which I no longer have but remember the nice man who took time to answer a kids questions, I still remember the signatures at the bottom in that familiar blue ink from his fountain pen.
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Martino to Diane
05-16-2016
06:12 AM ET (US) IP: 104.255.7.178
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Back when I was growing up the names of Francis Robinson, along with Milton Cross of course, were synonymous with Saturday afternoons, as my father and I would gather around the radio to listen to the week's MET broadcast. Texaco, Peter Allen, and up until she died a year ago, Margaret Juntwait, were other names closely associated with these broadcasts through the years. Texaco sponsored the MET broadcasts for many, many years and my father always tried to find a Texaco station to fill up whenever he could for that reason alone.
Robinson's biographies of great singers and conductors was a popular part of these broadcasts and I always looked forward to it during the third intermission of operas broadcast with four acts. Francis finally got a day off if the opera was in three acts! Opera and the MET was not a job for Francis Robinson, it was his life. No one has come close to filling his shoes since.
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Diane Cox
05-15-2016
10:46 PM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.239
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Thanks for the details Martino. I tried googling Robinson, because I didn't know who he was. Must have gotten the wrong guy - a film actor and writer is who I came up with - no opera connection. Makes more sense now - can I change my guess?
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Martino to Fred
05-15-2016
09:18 PM ET (US) IP: 104.255.7.178
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Francis Robinson was instrumental in signing Maria Callas to a MET contract. Once that was accomplished he was her constant chaperone and confidant in NY, and basically held her hand in all circumstances, good and bad. He was also at the forefront in dealing with her legal disputes.
Francis was an assistant manager and worked for the MET for decades and prepared notes for covers of dozens of recordings, mostly operatic and mostly for RCA. His work for RCA on the Lanza recording is pretty good but not great. Robinson did not have to go into Lanza's problem areas and he could have used the space to write more about the singing and music. But his biggest error was in stating, "He could not have chosen a better model for the numbers which make up this record, nor is he the first singer to copy minutely the great tenor's (Caruso) way with a song". Lanza may have been inspired by Caruso and he certainly learned from listening, but by no means was he a "copy" of his idol, either in voice or interpretation. Mario Lanza sang as only Mario Lanza could sing and he did not mimic Enrico Caruso.
Although Robinson was a great supporter of all the arts, including film, his bread and butter, oxygen and blood, was opera. For all these reasons, there is no doubt whatsoever in my mind that his note on the Lanza recording cover you cite is directed at Maria Callas.
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Kristine
05-15-2016
08:49 PM ET (US) IP: 24.160.90.200
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Julius La Rosa appeared on the '50's Songs Specials(produced by TJ Lubinsky, I think)on PBS T.V. One time, he was trying to sing "Eh, Cumpari" and he was exhausted, laughing, saying "I'm getting too old for this". LOL !
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Jim Thompson
05-15-2016
05:42 PM ET (US) IP: 67.83.112.135
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Just read your news on Julie La Rosa, Kristine. He was a delightful and pleasant guy who loved to sing and was gracious after his on-the-air firing by Arthur Godfrey. He came on my Lanza show twice years ago as he lived in near by Westchester County,NY and I was in Greenwich, CT. Julie loved Mario's voice and was a huge fan. May he rest in peace.
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Diane Cox
05-15-2016
02:39 PM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.239
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Since Robinson was involved with film, I'm going to guess Judy Garland.
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Kristine
05-15-2016
02:03 PM ET (US) IP: 24.160.90.200
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Also, Country & Western Singer, Hank Williams and drummer Gene Krupa had turbulent lives.
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Kristine
05-15-2016
01:59 PM ET (US) IP: 24.160.90.200
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Singer Julius La Rosa passed away at 86. RIP. As for what Frances Robinson wrote about only one more career more turbulent than Lanza, I, too, would guess Maria Callas, Judy Garland, maybe , also, Lillian Roth and Billie Holiday.
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Bill Ronayne
05-15-2016
12:44 PM ET (US) IP: 24.185.125.167
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I would say Callas Fred. Best, Bill
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Fred Day
05-15-2016
12:05 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Can anyone answer this question??: In his liner notes on "Lanza Sings Caruso Favorites", Francis Robinson wrote: "In modern times, only one other career has been more turbulent than Lanza's." Who might that be?? Robinson did not say. My two guesses: Maria Callas, and Judy Garland. Any thoughts on who it might have been?? Thanks. Ciao.
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Fred Day
05-14-2016
12:28 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Matt: And Netrebko will also sing Tosca at the Met, not next season, but the season after. Ciao.
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Diane Cox
05-14-2016
10:27 AM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.239
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Thanks spellbinder. Not sure why I thought it was from the Pearl Fishers. It is most beautiful. Garanca has recorded it with another soprano recently.
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matt minzer
05-14-2016
07:50 AM ET (US) IP: 65.96.53.175
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HI FRED:
THE DRAMATIC CHANGES IN ANNA NETREBKO'S BEAUTIFUL VOICE DON'T FAVOR NORMA ANY LONGER. SHE TOLD US THAT SHE IS ABOUT TO SING IN WAGNER'S "LOHENGRIN" IN EUROPE WITH MR. BECZALA AND IS LEARNING THE ROLE OF AIDA TO SING AT THE MET IN 2018. I AM LOOKING FORWARD TO HEARING ANNA IN "MANON LESCAUT" NEXT SEASON AT THE MET AND IN THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY GALA IN MAY OF 2017.
BEST,
MATT MINZER IN BEAUTIFUL VERMONT.
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Kristine
05-14-2016
04:32 AM ET (US) IP: 24.160.90.200
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I just listened to a You Tube video of late singer Teddy Randazzo, singing"The Way Of A Clown"(1960). The song was based on "Vesti La Giubba". Teddy was in the movie "Rock ! Rock ! Rock !"( 1957) with Tuesday Weld and would later write song "Goin' Out Of My Head" sung by Little Anthony and The Imperials. It's interesting combining rock'n'roll ballads with operatic tune in background.
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Spellbinder
05-14-2016
03:03 AM ET (US) IP: 92.30.0.155
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The flower duet is from Delibes' opera Lakme.
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Diane Cox
05-13-2016
11:45 PM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.239
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No Fred - the title starts out Lakme and has several more words. Maybe I'm wrong about it being from the Pearl Fishers. It's Netrebko and Garanca
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Fred Day
05-13-2016
11:34 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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I recently read that Anna Netrebko has decided not to sing the role of Norma (Bellini), and will be replaced by Sandra Radvanovsky in that role. Maybe Netrebko will tackle that role a few years later - she didn't say. Ciao.
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Fred Day
05-13-2016
11:22 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Diane: The flower duet from The Pearl Fishers?? I presume you mean the tenor-baritone duet Au Fond Du Temple Saint, correct?? The Bjoerling-Merrill recording is one of the best. Ciao.
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Bill Ronayne
05-13-2016
01:25 PM ET (US) IP: 24.185.120.100
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The next MLSNY event is on June 11th from 1pm-4pm at Patsy's Restaurant in NYC with special invited guests sopranos Elaine Malbin and Justyna Giermola, tenor Jose Heredia and accompanist David Maiullo as well as our Name the Tenor quizmaster Lou Barrella. Ms. Giermola, Mr. Heredia and Mr. Maiullo will perform live.
Three-course meal with a cash bar.
50/50 Raffle.
Parking available at the garage directly across the street from Patsy’s. Go to www.quickparkgarages.com for discount coupon if available.
Admission price: $65 per person club members and $75.00 per person nonmembers
For information and to receive the invitation, e-mail wjronayne@optonline.net.
Best Bill
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Diane Cox
05-12-2016
05:07 PM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.239
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wonderful. I love the flower duet from the Pearl Fishers also.
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Martino to Suzanne
05-12-2016
02:40 PM ET (US) IP: 104.255.7.178
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If you want to hear Anna Netrebko/Elina Garanca at their very best you must check this out: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BlZC83-eMC4
This is from a live performance from Vienna of Donizetti's "Anna Bolena". It is the confrontation scene between Bolena and Jane Seymour and represents as close as you are going to come to golden age singing today. What they do here is the stuff of Sutherland/Horne. I have often mentioned this scene whenever either of these two artists is mentioned. Stay until the last couple minutes to hear the mezzo go note for note with the soprano. No real reason to mention this clip other than to show you how good two of the very best female singers of this generation can truly be. Not bad acting either!
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Suzanne
05-12-2016
01:20 PM ET (US) IP: 74.79.58.35
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Thank you Vince. Wish I could buy a ticket right now. Sounds wonderful, I wish. Will you be there or is that a silly question? How is that darling baby? Martino, right you are, her voice nearly floored me at first.Didn't expect it. Yes, Kris, wouldn't that be terrific, but even Fiat isn't an Italian car anymore, Dodge, I think.
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Kristine
05-12-2016
05:35 AM ET (US) IP: 24.160.90.200
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Some automobile commercials have used Patsy Cline singing "Back In Baby's Arms" and Cher singing "Little Man". I thought if Mario Lanza's voice could be used for an automobile commercial,what song would fit ? If it were an Italian car, how about "Arrivederci, Roma", or "Come Prima" ? How about "If You Were Mine" ? That would show how much that car(Ford, Chevrolet, KIA, etc.)is wanted.
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Kenneth Henderson
05-12-2016
02:38 AM ET (US) IP: 61.9.189.137
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Interesting stuff but they are quite expensive by far to other sites that have been around for many many years like The Radio Lady in LA and OTRCAT. Both have nice stuff. OTRCAT has some weekly free downloads too and often around a special occasion like Easter, Christmas and so on. Often on those occasions there 6-12 free full length shows.
Ken
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Doug
05-11-2016
11:03 PM ET (US) IP: 71.54.15.150
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www.RadioSpirits.com is another good place to find those great old programs.
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Martino to Suzanne
05-11-2016
08:28 PM ET (US) IP: 104.255.7.178
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The mezzo soprano singing with Netrebko in that clip is Elena Garanca. If there is another Elina or Elena, I don't know who it might be.
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Kenneth Henderson
05-11-2016
06:22 PM ET (US) IP: 61.9.189.143
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OTR.Net comes up on my computer as a Microsoft Server Home Page in numerous Welcome languages and pages about making ones own home pages etc. I had already given the archive.org site which is good for many things not just radio programs but TV, films and complete film and record magazines going back to around 1900. All downloadable.
Ken
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Karl Hopkins
05-11-2016
05:16 PM ET (US) IP: 69.92.69.88
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Dan,
If you do an internet search, you can find several sites that have free downloads of The Bickersons. One is on OTR.Net, another is RadioLovers.com. Using these, you can make your own CD's or download to an MP3 player.
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Vince Di Placido (Jnr)
05-11-2016
02:36 PM ET (US) IP: 95.44.208.158
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Here you go Suzanne...
http://www.corkoperahouse.ie/event/a-tribu...o-lanza/2016-10-20/
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Suzanne
05-11-2016
02:17 PM ET (US) IP: 74.79.58.35
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Martino, we've never had access to this channel, so I'm ecstatic. More George London today, and several Domingo, one Anna Netrebko, "Barcarole" from Tales of Hoffman with another Elina, don't recall her last name.But, no Mario yet. Dan I have the Bickersons and it is funny. Perhaps FYE has it. Always remembered the line "You'd do it for Gloria Goosebee".
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Suzanne
05-11-2016
02:11 PM ET (US) IP: 74.79.58.35
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Vince, nice photo!! Now tell us more about the poster, would you?
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Vince Di Placido (Jnr)
05-11-2016
10:47 AM ET (US) IP: 95.44.208.158
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Great to see Mario still being celebrated, I had to grab a photo with this poster yesterday...
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Bill Ronayne
05-11-2016
08:20 AM ET (US) IP: 24.185.120.104
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Will do Matt.
Gail: there were arrangers for the music that Mario sang on the radio show and also for music he recorded for RCA and films etc. It's hard to tell what the particular music is in the 2 photos that you mentioned.
Best, Bill
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Gail Swartz
05-11-2016
08:07 AM ET (US) IP: 204.29.186.64
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Bill, did you look at the photo of Mario's music from which he was recording? Several times his music was referred to by his biographers. Did he have someone to prepare the score so that he sing the tune ?
On May 10, 2016, at 10:53 PM, QuickTopic daily digest <qtopic-30-ECKcxtRbxUTNy@quicktopic.com> wrote:
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Kristine
05-11-2016
05:33 AM ET (US) IP: 24.160.90.200
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I've heard "The Bickersons" Radio Shows. Don Ameche also hosted the radio shows, Mario Lanza appeared on. Lew Parker later replaced Don Ameche on "The Bickersons". Parker would later go on to play father of Ann Marie(Marlo Thomas)on "That Girl". "The Bickersons" was before 'The Honeymooners", another sitcom about a bickering couple(The Kramdens). "When Radio Was", hosted by Stan Freberg, years ago, played old radio shows, but as I recall, the Mario Lanza Radio Shows were never aired. I heard that Lanza did play himself on radio show "Life With Luigi" starring J. Carrol Naish, Alan Reed(later voice of cartoon character , Fred Flintstone).
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Diane Cox
05-10-2016
10:59 PM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.239
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Check ebay - several available.
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Dan Lawlor
05-10-2016
10:25 PM ET (US) IP: 45.47.188.68
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Many years ago, over radio, Don Ameche and Francis Langford starred in a series of hilarious skits called "The Bickersons"/ Anyone out there remember?..I am trying to get some recordings, tried Old Time Radio, but no luck...looked on Amazon, but mostly they had vinyl???
Help???
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matt minzer
05-10-2016
09:03 PM ET (US) IP: 23.25.212.130
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BILL:
YOUR E-MAIL DISAPPEARED INSTANTLY. WE ARE THOUSANDS OF FEET HIGH IN THE GREEN MOUNTAINS OF VERMONT.
PLEASE RE-SEND.
THANKS, MATT MINZER
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Ronald Sarbo
05-10-2016
03:37 PM ET (US) IP: 108.54.60.151
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Various sets of the Coke shows have been made by "Radio Revisited", "Redmond" and other companies. They show up from time to time on Ebay.
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Ed to Sam
05-10-2016
01:17 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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Sam,I have the set you do 15 cds, I got it from Bob about 8 years ago, it came with a booklet I no longer have the booklet. I don't know of any other set with superior sound other than the one I have, it would be interesting to learn more about it.
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Martino to Suzanne
05-10-2016
12:56 PM ET (US) IP: 104.255.7.178
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Mario Lanza is seen quite often on the Arts channel. The selections are not from his movies (which I assume they are prohibited from airing) but rather from his few recorded live performances, such as the Christophers. Perhaps the clip shown most often is from his second Shower of Stars TV performance (1954), where he sang "E'lucevan le stelle" and "Someday". Both were incredibly sung.
I agree, this is an excellent channel and they often play opera and other classical music excerpts during the day, with opera singers past and present predominant on Saturdays. You have to be lucky to catch something you like, however, because there is no listing of the upcoming clips.
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Ronald Sarbo
05-10-2016
12:53 PM ET (US) IP: 74.66.130.108
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"Classic Arts Showcase" on CUNY TV has shown Lanza's complete performance from the second "Shower Of Stars" show.
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Suzanne
05-10-2016
12:11 PM ET (US) IP: 74.79.58.35
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We have some "new" channels. My favorite is Classic Arts Showcase, everything from ballet,vocal performances and old old films. Hoping to see Mario one day. Caught George London and Pavarotti yesterday, guess it's possible. Ed. glad about the disappearance of your sciatica. Matt. lovely thought, but I can't imagine it happening. I'm in Utica,about 82 miles west of Albany. Can't think of much I'd like more, though.You could both talk to your hearts' content, and I'd just listen! btw, Congrats on your long, successful marriage.
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Sam Samuelian
05-09-2016
05:13 PM ET (US) IP: 108.52.237.52
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Hi Folks: My friend Ron and I have a dilemma here. I have the Bob Dolfi Complete Coke Recordings in the red plastic box. About 13 or 14 CDs. I never thought much about the quality, which I considered good but no better. On the other hand Ron has a complete set with EXCELLENT sound that was released in separate slim cases and has various pictures on them. One has him shaking the Queen's hand. Another is from a Lanza pre-ball dinner. This is starting to sound home made! Can anyone answer this? Also, if it's still available I would LOVE to get the superior set. Thanks, Sam
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Kristine
05-09-2016
02:23 PM ET (US) IP: 24.160.90.200
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Sad news: Rand Brooks, Jr., was killed by a drunk driver. He was riding his motorcycle at time of accident. He was grandson of Stan Laurel. William Schallert passed away at 93. He played Patty Duke's character's father on "The Patty Duke Show" and played teacher of Dobie Gillis on "Dobie Gillis". RIP. A few years ago, there was a series of books , "Stars In Blue(movie and t.v. stars who served in the Navy, Coast Guard, Merchant Marines), "Stars In The Corps"(movie and t.v. stars who served in the Marines), "Stars In Khaki"(movie and t.v. stars who served in the Army). Mario Lanza was mentioned in "Stars In Khaki" book. They are well written,interesting books.
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Bill Ronayne
05-09-2016
09:14 AM ET (US) IP: 24.185.116.95
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Thanks for your kind words Gail. Yes that's correct. There were several photo sessions. A number of the photos, including the 2 you mentioned, were originally done for a magazine photo shoot in 1952. Notice how thin Mario is in them. The others come from early on in the show from other photo shoots in 1951 with one from 1952. By the way for anyone interested, there are a limited number of copies still available of the Mario Lanza Show Anthology at the Lanza Museum or from me. Best, Bill Edited 05-09-2016 09:15 AM
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Gail Swartz
05-09-2016
08:45 AM ET (US) IP: 204.29.186.20
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Bill, the photo is on page 49 and on the back k cover. Mario is holding a cup of coffee. The photos in your book suggest that at least two recording sessions were captured on film. Your book is an eye-opener to me at Mario's ability to learn and record four tunes in one recording session. Thank you for you hard work on the book.. Now, Never Til Now is wonderful....always have loved that particular tune. Love the velvety smoothness as he caresses the words and lets the song have its way into the listener's heart. Mario !!!
On May 8, 2016, at 10:53 PM, QuickTopic daily digest <qtopic-30-ECKcxtRbxUTNy@quicktopic.com> wrote:
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Ed
05-09-2016
06:40 AM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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Fred/Diane. I found one on Amazon appears to be one other than 1978 I heard on YT will let you know. Thanks
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Fred Day
05-09-2016
12:21 AM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Ed: As far as is known, Pavarotti never made a studio recording of Tosti's Ideale, but he did sing it in concert on a few occasions, with piano accompaniment. I think there are two versions on youtube. The 1978 version is very fine. Ciao.
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Bill Ronayne
05-08-2016
10:03 PM ET (US) IP: 24.186.251.222
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Hi Gail: Which photo are you speaking about in my book? There are no photos on page 48. Best, Bill
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Diane Cox
05-08-2016
04:33 PM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.239
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The Ideal appears to be from a recital in West Germany in 1988. Maybe that's another clue.
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Gail Swartz
05-08-2016
04:21 PM ET (US) IP: 204.29.186.7
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Happy Mother's Day to all of our mothers. I have wondered about Mario's sight-reading ability. Some of the photos show him going over music with various conductors. I was reading Bill's book on Mario's radio show and noticed a photo of Mario's music stand(48). The picture had to be magnified for me...it looked quite strange to me. I would like to see it better and have someone explain its use. His memory must have been extraordinary and to use his voice like he did .quite marvelous!
On May 7, 2016, at 10:52 PM, QuickTopic daily digest <qtopic-30-ECKcxtRbxUTNy@quicktopic.com> wrote:
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Ed
05-08-2016
03:55 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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Diane, I'll look for the mail.This is the one I saw but can't find it on any CD.
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Diane Cox
05-08-2016
02:57 PM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.239
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Ed, box goes out tomorrow
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Diane Cox
05-08-2016
02:56 PM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.239
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8UeHFRfKc44
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Ed
05-08-2016
02:42 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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Does anyone know if Pavarotti ever recorded Ideale, I'm trying to make a mixed CD. I found it on YT in a 1978 performance but can't seem to find it.
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Bill Ronayne
05-08-2016
12:44 PM ET (US) IP: 24.185.121.118
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On his May 9, 1952 radio program, Mario dedicated his second selection, Mamma mia che vo' sape, to all the mothers in the listening audience. The recording in the link below is from his first recording session in 1949. Happy Mother's Day to all the mother's on the forum. Best, Bill
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3BsOqvz4FRw
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Bill Ronayne
05-08-2016
12:38 PM ET (US) IP: 24.185.121.118
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Will do Matt. Sorry you can't attend Ed.
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Ed to Matt
05-08-2016
09:23 AM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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Matt, I won't be attending the June luncheon I was at the last one in March, most likely the September or December.
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matt minzer
05-08-2016
08:28 AM ET (US) IP: 96.246.211.51
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HI ED:
DO YOU PLAN ON ATTENDING THE MARIO LANZA JUNE TRIBUTE AT PATSY'S FAMOUS RESTAURANT? I HAVEN'T SEEN YOU IN A FEW YEARS.
BILL-MY E-MAIL ADDRESS IS mminzer@aol.com Please e-mail me your cell phone number and I will call you as we drive back to long island from New Hampshire.
SUZANNE-WHERE DO YOU RESIDE? PERHAPS, YOU CAN EVENTUALLY MEET FRED DAY AND MYSELF FOR LUNCH TO DISCUSS MARIO LANZA AND SHARE WITH YOU OUR COMBINED 100 YEARS OF OPERA EXPERIENCES AND KNOWLEDGE.
.
PLEASE ADVISE.
HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY.
MATT MINZR IN CHILLY AND RAINY NEW YORK.
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Linz to Ed
05-08-2016
07:43 AM ET (US) IP: 222.153.50.66
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Nice review of 'Never Till Now.' Not sure why more here aren't appreciating it. Politics, no doubt. Three years since anything from BMG. The next re-issue of Be My Love and Other Greatest Hits is a bit overdue, I would have thought. Four stellar Sepia releases in that time. But postmodernists, nihilists and socialists must stick together. Don't promote the likes of 'Never Till Now'—some lefty PC Elisabeth Warren type might get "offended" by the "micro-aggression" implicit in titles like "The Night Is Young and You're So Beautiful." The world has gone mad, and no one will call the emperor on his nakedness. My book, at least, is an antidote to all that BS, and an unassailable affirmation that Mario was a quintessential antidote to it also. Edited 05-08-2016 07:52 AM
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Ed
05-07-2016
06:43 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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Hi Suzanne, my sciatica has finally gone about two weeks, I attribute it to going to the Y about four times a week each time about two hours and doing stretches. We had an awful eight days as it rained everyday and temps never above 50.
I had been listening to the four CDs on my phone to and from the y on the bus, great stuff. Be well.
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Suzanne
05-07-2016
02:04 PM ET (US) IP: 74.79.58.35
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Linz, waiting to hear just when. Sam, happy for you, Congrats to you and Anna. Dan, glad you sang so well.Wish I could hear you. Actually would love to meet all of you, but probably not. Hi Ed!
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matt minzer
05-07-2016
08:15 AM ET (US) IP: 96.246.211.51
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HI FRED:
THEY ARE WAITING UNTIL THE END OF THE 2017 SEASON FOR THIS ONCE IN A LIFETIME OPERA GALA. WE WILL ATTEND REGARDLESS OF THE COSTS.
BILL:
I WILL TRY TO ATTEND YOUR JUNE MARIO LANZA TRIBUTE AT PATSY'S. I MENTIONED THAT WE ARE DRIVING BACK TO OUR DAUGHTER'S HOME ON LONG ISLAND FROM NEW HAMPSHIRE THE DAY BEFORE. IF I CAN ATTEND, I WILL BRING DR. ANGELO GIMONDO AS WELL.DR. AND MRS. GIMONDO TOOK MY WIFE AND I OUT TO LUNCH YESTERDAY TO CELEBATE OUR 49TH WEDDING ANNIVERSARY. BILL-MY CELL PHONE IS 917 929 1103 ALTHOUGH, IT MAY NOT WORK IN THE MOUNTAINS OF NEW HAMPSHIRE IN ALL AREAS.
BEST,
MATT MINZER IN COLD NEW YORK.
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Gail Swartz
05-06-2016
08:50 AM ET (US) IP: 204.29.186.54
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Thank you, Linz and Vince, for your work in keeping Mario alive in our minds and hearts. We have been blessed with people who remember Mario's awesome voice.
On May 5, 2016, at 10:52 PM, QuickTopic daily digest <qtopic-30-ECKcxtRbxUTNy@quicktopic.com> wrote:
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Kristine
05-06-2016
06:19 AM ET (US) IP: 24.160.90.200
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Sam, welcome back ! As a reminder, tonight, on getTV, at 8:00 P.M. (Eastern Standard Time)the restored version of movie "When You're In Love"(1937)will be shown. It starred Cary Grant and cinema soprano Grace Moore. I haven't seen that movie , on t.v., since 1960. She sang "Siboney" in the movie. Mario Lanza sang that song, too. Happy Mother's Day weekend !
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Ed to Linz/Sam
05-05-2016
09:52 AM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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Sam, wonderful to see you back, stay
well my friend.
Linz, thanks for the nice reply to my post. I wrote a review about the cd on Amazon the other day I'd like you to read it. Best
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Martino to Vincent
05-05-2016
07:02 AM ET (US) IP: 104.255.7.178
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Thanks for this wonderful reminder, Vincent. I have heard that recording a hundred times and I am amazed each and every time I play it. I have listened to many other recordings and live performances of this aria sung by young tenors who were about the same age as Lanza when he recorded "Che Gelida Manina" in 1949, such as Carreras, Alagna, DiStefano, Pavarotti, Domingo and others - and they were all superb, wonderful and fresh sounding.
Life is nothing but a series of choices and it applies to listening to music. When I want to hear this aria sung the way I think it should be sung it is this recording by Mario Lanza that I turn to every time. Carreras was as beautiful, Pavarotti perhaps even more radiant and secure in the high C and DiStefano just as passionate. However, that something magical and mysterious which none of us can define or put our finger on makes this Lanza recording just a little more special than any other. It was a harbinger of things to come and on the basis of this early recording alone, confirms Mario Lanza as one of the foremost tenor voices of all time.
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Linz to Vince
05-05-2016
05:47 AM ET (US) IP: 222.153.73.63
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What a beautiful reminder! A Noah's Flood of tears here. Sixty-seven years since that miraculous recording!
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Vince Di Placido (Jnr)
05-05-2016
04:35 AM ET (US) IP: 86.47.39.181
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For the day that's in it, May 5th...
https://youtu.be/XOPvS5mYX70
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Linz to Sam and Ed
05-05-2016
02:06 AM ET (US) IP: 222.153.73.63
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Sam: you are quoted on the back cover, along with Dame Kiri and others! :-) I have a little dilemma in that Amazon require me to charge a fortune for the gorgeous colour version, so I'm setting up a shopping basket on lindsayperigo.com where it will be available much more reasonably. Colour will be available on Amazon Kindle, and black & white print copy will also be available on Amazon. But I'd urge folk to get the colour. I'll notify folk when my shopping basket is active.
Ed: Glad you're enjoying 'Never Till Now,' and you're quite right to single out 'For You Alone' for special mention. Actually, I play almost the whole CD right through at least twice a week. It is an inspired compendium by Dr McG.
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Fred Day
05-04-2016
10:51 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Matt: Early May of 2017?? If so, they are late. The "Farewell to the old Met" Gala concert was on April 16, 1966 - the final performance at the old house. The new Met at Lincoln Center opened on Sept 16, 1966 with "Antony & Cleopatra". I wonder why they are waiting till 8 months after the 50th anniversary for the celebration concert?? Curious. Ciao.
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Sam Samuelian
05-04-2016
09:16 AM ET (US) IP: 108.52.237.52
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Linz: Best of luck with the new edition of the book!! I know you remember how much I enjoyed the first one.
Well, folks, I went away again. Had a three month bout with depression this time that was particularly hard on me. What started brining me out was my beginning to sell of my huge collection of 400 vintage microphones. It gave me something to do each day and forced me to get out of bed. It took off and now we are selling mics like crazy. Anna said I'm selling so many she can't keep up with the boxing/shipping!
Too bad there's nothing new in Lanza recordings or film clips (as far as I know). Personally, I am finally enjoying the full benefits of having two large and great 4K television sets. Samsung has released a true 4K player (instead of just the upscaling type) and there are twenty four releases out of fine features. Also, many cheaply priced features are being released that are mastered in 4K. For example, "My Best Friend's Wedding" with Julia Roberts for about 15.00. The newer "Karate Kid" is only 9.99. We bought "Pan" with Hugh Jackman and everyone who saw it said it blew them away.
best,
Sam
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matt minzer
05-04-2016
07:30 AM ET (US) IP: 96.246.211.51
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I HAD THE PLEASURE OF HAVING LUNCH IN ORLANDO WITH FRED DAY TWICE IN THE LAST FEW WEEKS. FRED IS CERTAINLY AN ENCYCLOPEDIA OF OPERATIC KNOWLEDGE ESPECIALLY ABOUT TENORS AND VARIOUS DATES.
THE WONDERFUL METROPOLITAN OPERA HAS SCHEDULED A FABULOUS GALA IN EARLY MAY OF 2017 ON THE FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY OF THEIR MOVING TO LINCOLN CENTER IN MIDTOWN MANHATTAN AND HAVE ENLISTED DOZENS OF THE GREATEST OPERA STARS TO SING INCLUDING MY GAL, ANNA NETREBKO. ANNA IS ALSO SINGING THE ROLE OF MANON LESCAUT IN NOVEMEBR AND DECEMBER OF THIS YEAR.
BEST WISHES,
MATT MINZER IN RAINY AND CHILLY NEW YORK
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Dan Lawlor to Martino
05-03-2016
10:39 PM ET (US) IP: 45.47.188.68
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Thanks Martino and Suzanne for your support...it went well, received many nice compliments on my singing...so, onward and upward...eh?
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Suzanne
05-03-2016
01:11 PM ET (US) IP: 74.79.58.35
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Good for you, Dan. How did it go? Linz, finally!!
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RenseWebmaster
05-03-2016
10:59 AM ET (US) IP: 156.63.68.184
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The post - and the one previously that was also deleted - came from Martinsburg, WV. Not from an IP number that has appeared here before, so definitely a "ringer" versus a regular poster, and someone looking to stir up trouble.
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Dennis
05-02-2016
08:14 PM ET (US) IP: 73.170.201.215
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Looks like our moderator will be kept busy this election season deleting irrelevant political messages like 48729.
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Deleted by topic administrator 05-03-2016 10:40 AM
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Kristine
05-02-2016
06:09 AM ET (US) IP: 24.160.90.200
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Diane, thanks for information. John Lorenz was a good crooner !
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Diane Cox
05-01-2016
11:16 PM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.239
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"Bernard and Leo Gorcey along with Huntz make a great comic film trio indeed. But in 'Blues Busters', Huntz becomes a teen singing idol following a tonsillectomy which changes his voice to a rich baritone a la Bing Crosby. (There's flawless dubbing to the real voice of John Lorenz.) Louie's Sweet Shoppe is transformed into a nightclub, as Louis Dumbrowsky and the Boys attempt to capitalize on Sach's newly-developed gift of song."
Appears to be John Lorenz.
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Kristine
05-01-2016
07:48 PM ET (US) IP: 24.160.90.200
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On Saturday, I watched The Bowery Boys' movie "Blues Busters". Does anyone know whose crooner's voice was dubbed in for Huntz Hall ? He sounded like a cross between Perry Como and Dean Martin. Another movie tenor was Georges Guetary who was in "An American In Paris". On getTV, Friday night, May 6th, 8:00 P.M.(Eastern Time )will be restored version of 1937 movie "When You're In Love" starring Cary Grant and cinema soprano Grace Moore. In the movie, she sings "Siboney", which was also sung by Mario Lanza.
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Deleted by topic administrator 05-01-2016 04:56 PM
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Ed
04-29-2016
08:08 AM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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I think the new CD Never Till Now is a fine one. I wanted to express my opinion on one of the tracks For You Alone, I first heard this on the LP Love Songs and Neopolitan Serenade. I was amazed at all the strength and beauty in it
and quickly became a fan of it. I also like the Caruso version and after comparing two Lanza equally matched his predecessor for sure.
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Linz
04-28-2016
07:46 PM ET (US) IP: 222.153.73.63
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Just caught up on the discussion here. Should mention that the Adams sonnet Martino cites from my Free Radical site is also in my book The One Tenor which will shortly come out in print, updated with a Foreword by Joseph Calleja that will knock everyone's socks off. The book has been reconfigured into four sections: 1) Sense of Life; 2) "My God, could that man sing!", an allusion to Noel Tyl's comments to Jeff; 3) Fans, Friends, Family and Fellow-Artists (includes the Albanese and Malbin interviews); and 4) Controversy. More in a couple of weeks. :-)
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Martino to Dan
04-28-2016
02:00 PM ET (US) IP: 104.255.7.178
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Good luck to you and let us know how it all went.
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Dan Lawlor to Martino
04-28-2016
01:58 PM ET (US) IP: 45.47.188.68
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I am getting back on the horse on Monday, singing two duets with our favorite soprano; one from: "Phantom" and an original piece written by a member of our Music Study group...wish me luck...
As far as being a "professional": I have accepted gratuities in the past for some of my performances; but very little and not enough to reimburse me for my time, travel expenses, rehearsal time and/or the cost of sheet music; so I guess I was never a 'professional' in the sense I had made a career of it eh? ha ha... all my best old friend.
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Gail Swartz
04-27-2016
09:44 AM ET (US) IP: 204.29.186.62
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Thank you , Diane.
On April 26, 2016, at 10:53 PM, QuickTopic daily digest <qtopic-30-ECKcxtRbxUTNy@quicktopic.com> wrote:
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Diane Cox
04-26-2016
09:51 AM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.239
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youtube.com/watch?v=9JAdR058KD4
Friar Alessandro
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Deleted by author 04-26-2016 09:50 AM
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Diane Cox
04-26-2016
09:48 AM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.239
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That was Shomo Uno and the Nessun Dorma was by Pavarotti. Team Cup Challenge.
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Kristine
04-26-2016
05:18 AM ET (US) IP: 24.160.90.200
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Has anyone ever heard Friar Alessandro ? He is a Franciscan Friar who is a tenor and has recorded albums. I notice the Library of Congress has a film series, sometimes, old movies, as does Los Angeles County Museum of Art(LACMA). I wonder if either one or both will ever show Mario Lanza's movies and if Library of Congress will ever nominate Lanza's recordings in their registry ? Prince, Doris Roberts, Madeleine Sherwood, RIP.
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Gail Swartz
04-26-2016
12:09 AM ET (US) IP: 204.29.186.62
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Glad a great time was ad by all.If anyone watched the figure skating on Sunday...did you catch the artist who sang Nessom Dormna while the male Japanese skated? He sounded like Mario, somewhat. The commentators were talking so I missed the little box where it showed the selection of music used during the free-market. Vince, it reminded me of some of your Mario youtube work.
On April 25, 2016, at 10:54 PM, QuickTopic daily digest <qtopic-30-ECKcxtRbxUTNy@quicktopic.com> wrote:
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Bill Ronayne
04-25-2016
04:55 PM ET (US) IP: 24.185.122.65
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The Mario Lanza Institute would like to thank everyone that attended our benefit luncheon yesterday in Philadelphia. Thanks also to those that made donations and to Elizabeth Knecht and Pasquale DiIorio (pictured) that performed superbly and generously throughout the afternoon. Best, Bill.
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Ed to Joe
04-21-2016
07:55 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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Joe,I share your thanks concerning Martino's expression on how we are connected to Mario and what we mean to him as well as hevus to us. I don't possess that ability to do that so well, I would write on and on and it would become ramble. Folks like Martino, and Linz can decipher and unwind our feelings about Mario, do it out of love and in all fairness give it their best. I thank them.
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Suzanne
04-21-2016
02:45 PM ET (US) IP: 74.79.58.35
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Enjoying the explanations for our love of Mario. I could never express it, just know that I adore him. Told a friend just yesterday about how exquisite he was. Sure she thought I had lost it! It's there or it isn't.
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Joe to Martino
04-21-2016
01:41 PM ET (US) IP: 71.224.55.142
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Thanks for your detailed and well thought out response. I think your "theory" is as good as any I have ever seen. WE (Lanzaphiles) are all captivated by the transfer and saturation of Lanza's emotion. Good Job!
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Martino to Joe
04-21-2016
12:59 PM ET (US) IP: 104.255.7.178
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Thanks for your email. I see you would like to know my thoughts on the characteristics that we the fans of Mario Lanza possess that draws us to him, rather than the other way around. That could be an even harder question to answer than the first because Lanza was only one person while his fans number in the millions with each of us very different. That diversity alone in age, sex, national upbringing and all other environmental factors makes the task almost impossible. To even begin to address your question I think we have to define a common denominator that is applicable to all of us as human beings, not just the fans of Mario Lanza.
I think one factor is emotion. There are many emotions that humans share universally and music goes directly to emotion, especially when conveyed through the text of a song by a human voice, even if sung in a language we can't understand. I recall a study conducted by a university who sent a team to a remote, new found tribe in the Amazon region (or some such place). These people never heard a piano, an orchestra, church music or any other form of structured music and they had no knowledge of the existence of radio or records. They beat drum-like things as a ritual but had no clue as to musical composition or instrumentation. Members of the tribe, young and old and male/female were asked to listen to three recordings of music, each selected based on emotion - one joyous, one sad, one alarming or "scary" for lack of a better term. They were shown pictures of three human faces (smiling, frowning, terrified) and asked to point to the face that best went with the emotion they were feeling while listening to the musical selection. Virtually without exception, the members of the tribe pointed to the smiling face when happy, joyous music was played, the frowning face when Requiem type music was played and the terrified face when music such as a military march or Verdi's storm scene from "Otello" was heard. This experiment showed positively that even humans who had no experience or knowledge of music whatsoever could still "feel" and experience every drop of emotion that music was meant to exude.
I think this goes to the heart of the matter with Mario Lanza. He had a beautiful voice but so do many others. What I think draws his fans to the music he made is the emotional thing described above. Lanza, more than almost anyone gave his heart and soul to his singing and to his audience. This "connection" between the singer and listener enhances and goes beyond the musical connection itself and makes it even more enjoyable. We can critique a song or aria many ways and come up with singers we prefer over Lanza in certain selections but overall, I think we fans have a more acute feeling and "connection" with the voice of Mario Lanza, due to its emotional impact, than most people. Why that is so is the true mystery.
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Martino to Jim
04-21-2016
12:10 PM ET (US) IP: 104.255.7.178
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Thanks for that, Jim.
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Jim Thompson
04-21-2016
10:44 AM ET (US) IP: 67.83.112.135
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Martino: Your writing about Mario always catches the vocal eloquence of the man we all love. Thanks.
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Jim Thompson
04-21-2016
10:41 AM ET (US) IP: 67.83.112.135
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Martino: Your writings ab
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Diane Cox
04-21-2016
10:22 AM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.239
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The voice of Mario Lanza touched my heart the first time I heard it. And every time since.
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Martino to Joe
04-20-2016
09:44 PM ET (US) IP: 104.255.7.178
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Your question has been pondered here many times in the past. Here is something I said a while back and I feel the same today: It is a question I can't answer and I doubt anyone else can either. Every singer is unique of course but what makes a singer's voice more receptive to an audience than another is very subjective but I think a major factor is the singer's individual "style". Some people like Lanza's "style", others hate it, even while acknowledging the beauty of his voice itself. The same could be said of every singer that ever lived, not just Lanza but also Caruso, Callas and all the other immortals. Each was canonized by some and crucified by others. Maria Callas for example had a style that was considered "brilliant" by most opera buffs, both in acting and singing yet she was routinely bashed by her detractors because she "...was known to allow the acting to take the front stage in her performances and she was occasionally criticized for letting the quality of her vocal lines drop in favor of the emotion of the song". With Mario Lanza, the vocal lines WERE the conduit for his emotions - the two were inseparably connected. And yes of course, charisma and personalty always shows through in a person's singing - as long as the "technique" does not hide it. Here is where Lanza was unique again. The "technique" he employed never got in the way and allowed his full personality to shine through without restraint. Richard Tauber, eg, was without question a great tenor. Why does he sound dated and is now an acquired taste while Lanza still sounds fresh and relevant even today? The reason is "technique" being a major part of the Tauber style. Lanza on the other hand always sounded natural in voice and in singing the text, and no matter in what language. His voice was timeless. That reminds me of something I recently read about the great tenor Jose Carreras: "Toward the latter part of his career, Carreras began to shift his emphasis from opera to the concert stage, where he could choose songs and arias that favored the strongest part of his beautiful voice—the middle—and avoided the highest notes, which had become too difficult. He recorded West Side Story and South Pacific, and was fond of singing "Tonight," from West Side Story, with different sopranos, but I feel this was largely a failed effort. Simply the wrong choice. It is almost impossible for the classically trained foreign operatic tenor to transition to any kind of Broadway tunes, even one where the character being portrayed is a dialect character. The over-blown cover and vowel formation always make the young lover character sound too old to be taken seriously. And also, the best Broadway tenors—John Raitt is a good example—simply do not cover. It just isn't an acceptable English language sound in music any longer. That day (Victorian fin-de-siècle) is long gone. It sounds too foreign". This respect for "non-foreign" sound is one of the great contributions and changes that Mario Lanza made to musical history and to the development of singing. He was not a "foreign" tenor of course (nor was John Raitt a tenor but rather a high baritone but that is neither here nor there) but Lanza's style was classical operatic yet he stopped dead in its tracks that "Victorian fin-de-siecle" sound the author speaks of. Many modern tenors still harken back somewhat to that style when singing non-classical tunes because unlike Mario Lanza, "technique" all too often still gets in the way, but not nearly to the extent it was done by opera singers before Lanza. So, there are many things to developing an individual "style" that a young, musically well trained singer must consider. I think one secret is to be as individual as possible, as was Mario Lanza (and a beautiful, natural tone to the voice does not hurt!). I always leave a discussion like this with my much used quote from the great Luisa Tetrazzini, who said it better than anyone. Although she never knew or even heard of Mario Lanza, she captured his essence and the essence of singing in general when she said of technique, "...tending to make the singer self-conscious and to sing with the brain rather than with the heart. You can train the voice, you can take a raw material and make it a finished production; not so with the heart." What is that draws people to Mario Lanza? I think as much as any other factor and vocal attribute it is this unique "style" which hid his technique and made his voice sound natural and pure. And more importantly, as Luisa said, he found that style in his heart first, and only then transferred it to his voice. Edited 04-21-2016 08:47 AM
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Ed to Joe
04-20-2016
06:31 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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Joe-Mario's voice is what I consider to be one of God's blessings He bestowed on us and all who hear it are left with this unshakable feeling for life. At my gym many staff have been more than once been given cds I made for them to get to know and enjoy his voice the my short bio conversation about Mario. Today while at the gym one of my friends and I were taking and he said he thought it odd that a 15 year old boy would have so much interest in a singer, I said from the moment I heard him I was blessed. Some years back Damon Lanza called our home to speak with me for a favor it was like Mario called my home, I was indeed blessed.
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Joe to All, a fun exercis
04-20-2016
04:07 PM ET (US) IP: 71.224.55.142
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Something to ponder....
What quality or characteristic draws we Lanza fans to Mario?? This is something I have pondered for years but can’t put my finger on . It is not I.Q, it’s not intelligence, it’s not genetics, it is not simply we are drawn to beauty I (I am not thrilled by many beautiful things). Generally, Lanza fans also love good Broadway songs as well perhaps opera. I also don’t think it is environment or upbringing. Of course, it is of little importance as to why we all adore Mario’s voice, methinks it is a gift to have such appreciation. I hope that some of our more scholarly forum members like Linz, Martino and Derek will comment on this.
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Martino to Ed
04-20-2016
02:34 PM ET (US) IP: 104.255.7.178
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You're not the only one, Ed. You and everyone else that has heard him sing is amazed at the wonders of Lanza's voice. It simply is an amazing voice. Here is a Sonnet to Mario Lanza by David C. Adams (care of Lindsay's Free Radical site). The Sonnet can not explain Mario Lanza completely, but it puts into perspective, and in a beautiful way, the wonder of the Lanza voice:
"Alone, as dusk obscures the sky with rain,
When little glow remains to answer night;
I pause to hear a voice immune to pain.
A single note, a voice composed of light,
And I am overcome. No dim despair
Can stay the steady purity of tone,
The triumph smoldering in every flare
Of notes that reach where only stars had known
Such aching height. What place for night,
When such emblazoned song, aloft, confirms
The decency of joy, of clean delight?
You lived for this, and knew no other terms.
No critic's sneering hate for life and skill
Can penetrate the rapture you conveyed
In raging passion shaped by human will,
A sacrament in breathless serenade.
You sang each word as if with final breath;
Your song remains, a voice transcending death".
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Ed to Fred
04-19-2016
06:46 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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Fred, it never ceases to amaze me about the wonders of the Lanza voice or the person to whom it belongs. I never thought that Lanza thought to sing Ideale at a lower tone nor why, I just figured it had darkened naturally. There are many others I wished he'd have sung on Coke like Pour Un Basier or Vaghassima Sembianza. Thanks for clearing it up.
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Fred Day
04-18-2016
10:22 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Another of my favorite Tosti songs is L'Ultima Canzone, a wonderful song, sung by tenors, baritones, and basses. Tosti dedicated it to Caruso, on the original sheet music. Caruso is known to have sung it numerous times, but sadly, he never recorded it. Tenors who did record it: Pertile, Martinelli, Gigli, Di Stefano, Corelli (in concert), and all 3 of the Three Tenors. Also baritones Warren & Bastianini; and basses Pinza & Siepi. Wonderful song, which can be heard on youtube, worth checking out. Ciao.
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Fred Day
04-18-2016
10:03 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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It is interesting to note that Lanza recorded Ideale a whole tone lower than all other tenors. The reason was probably because he wanted to display his rich lower baritonal register at that time, 1959, in a quiet and reflective song. Had he sung it years earlier, such as during the Coke Show period, he would have sung it in the same tenor key as all other tenors. As Artie Johnson would say, "Veddy EEnteresting!!" (spoken with a German accent.) Ciao.
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Ed
04-18-2016
06:47 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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Sadly we cannot fully comprehend just how magnificent Caruso would have sounded recording in the 21st century we can only guess. I think Bjoring and Lanza left us with two great renditions, listening to these two are a lesson in great singing, but for heart and feeling what Tosti wrote I'll always put Mario first because to me it is better.
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Gail Swartz
04-18-2016
04:30 PM ET (US) IP: 204.29.186.15
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I prefer Mario in the shared youtube selection. He is more resonant whereas the others are thin sounding.
On April 17, 2016, at 10:53 PM, QuickTopic daily digest <qtopic-30-ECKcxtRbxUTNy@quicktopic.com> wrote:
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Martino to Ed
04-18-2016
12:44 PM ET (US) IP: 104.255.7.178
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Bjorling - SUPERB!
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Ed to Diane
04-18-2016
10:24 AM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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Thanks a lot!
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Diane Cox
04-18-2016
09:59 AM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.239
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https://youtu.be/jaqtZ6SAP5w
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Ed
04-18-2016
08:30 AM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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I was unable to paste the YouTube link to Ideale by
Jussi perhaps someone here can I think it deserves recognition as the others mentioned, one of the best for sure
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Ray to Martino
04-18-2016
02:52 AM ET (US) IP: 92.30.17.212
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Thanks for posting the link to di Stefano's Ideale. I hadn't heard it before - truly beautiful!
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Martino to Dan
04-17-2016
02:34 PM ET (US) IP: 104.255.7.178
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You are most welcome for the good wishes and compliments. At this stage of the game you are there to have fun and entertain your friends - nothing more is expected. If you were a professional I might say it is time to stop but you are not a pro and never were so tell that old hag to bug off! I think you are right and she is probably jealous that you are still singing. And tell Miss Stasio I knew she had to be Italian to sing a note like that!!
"Aprile" is another of my favorites and I'm glad you have included that in your song repertory. It is a perfect song for individual interpretation. Have you heard DiStefano's rendition? He is so natural and SO Italian in this! Pavarotti seemed to copy Giuseppe here. It seems they both sing it a bit more quickly and with more bravado than I think Tosti had in mind. There is another excellent rendition of "Aprile" (but with a slightly different interpretation), this one by a baritone, Giuseppe Valdengo. He was a Toscanini favorite, probably because of his great musicality and attention to detail, and we can hear this in his "Aprile". Valdengo slowed the tempo and it has a completely different effect than DiStefano/Pavarotti. It is interesting to compare all these renditions and if you are interested just do a search at youtube and you will find them. While you are there don't forget to also check Gigli's wonderful "Aprile" and his interpolated high note at the end, taking it to what seems to be a full octave above the written note. One of the few times I've ever heard anyone do that with a Tosti song.
Earlier I complimented you on your singing of "Ideale", yet another wonderful Tosti song. You must hear this version: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cgC7HgyzN6Q. The singer is DiStefano again, this time when he was in his early 20s and still a student. Although he did not have the polish and vocal security he would have with a few more years under his belt, his voice was incredibly fresh and at its most ravishing. Lanza could thrill you and leave you breathless time and again but no one could melt you down to nothing with the shear beauty of their voice the way Giuseppe Di Stefano was able to do. This "Ideale" is a perfect example.
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Kristine
04-17-2016
02:12 PM ET (US) IP: 24.160.90.200
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Ramon Novarro also sang "A Vucchella" in one of his early 1930's movie.
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Dan Lawlor to Martino
04-17-2016
01:19 PM ET (US) IP: 45.47.188.68
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Another Tosti piece I have performed: "Aprile"
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Dan Lawlor to Martino
04-17-2016
01:03 PM ET (US) IP: 45.47.188.68
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That soprano in the Rigoletto quartet is one whom I still have the pleasure to sing with: Janet Stasio...in fact we are rehearsing some pieces tomorrow for a program for a musical group we are members of: "The Music Study Group". We meet once a month and try and essay pieces from the classical repertoire with a little info on the composers of those pieces. And, thank you for the kudos. At this stage, 81 yrs old, encouragement is what I really need. Another soprano who no longer performs had criticized my performances for the last two years at 'get togethers' and concerts. She believes that memorization is more important than trying to sing a piece correctly and criticizes me for possible sour notes now and then. In fact, because I knew she would be in the audience, I had cancelled a May performance of three Neapolitan songs: 'Non di Scordar ti me'; 'Mattinata'; and 'Rondine al Nido'... At 81, a career in the musical profession is a long lost dream, and when John McCormack and Pavarotti had used notes or sheet music to assist them in performance, who am I to criticize them? So, I believe (which was mentioned by another friend) that because she no longer performs, she may be jealous of those who can, n'est-ce pas? So, your kind words have re-inflated the balloon of my fragile ego once again and I can offer whatever little talent I still have for friends who want to listen and enjoy...thanks again old friend... I believe in the old adage: It is better to light one candle than to curse the darkness...a kind word is better than all the criticism in the world...it helps the performer build on something that may assist him/her in future performances...n'est-ce pas? Edited 04-17-2016 01:18 PM
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Martino to Mike
04-16-2016
09:16 PM ET (US) IP: 104.255.7.178
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I've often wondered what Lanza's real problems were at MGM. We know what happened of course but not the root of the problem. Was it anger that got the best of him when he was told how to sing "Beloved"? Was it just plain stubbornness against an authority figure and authority in general? Did he think something truly artistic was in the balance that could not be compromised - or was it ego? Maybe it was nothing so complicated as all that and just a matter of personalty clashes. Maybe Lanza was just being defensive without thinking of the long term consequences. And just maybe Mario felt he had to take a stand and never give in in order to be true to himself. As someone once said, "I would rather live my life with mistakes made and lessons learned than to live it full of regrets". We will probably never know for sure but you are correct, the loss of that time in his life is immeasurable.
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Martino to Dan
04-16-2016
08:35 PM ET (US) IP: 104.255.7.178
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I am sure you sing "A'vucchella" beautifully, Dan. That is one of my very favorite Tosti songs. I played the disk you sent me again today because I remember you included some Neapolitan songs (such as "Mattinata") during that recital but was not sure if "A'vucchella" was one of them. You did not sing it on the cd but you did sing another great Tosti song, "Ideale". Your sensitivity in it was reminiscent of Lanza. Now don't think I am so generous as to rank you along side Mario Lanza in strict vocal terms but your attention to the composer's markings really showed through on that song. I was amazed once again that you were able to move from something like that to things so completely different as the duet, "Solenne in Quest'ora", with such ease.
Well my friend, just thought I would give you a pat on the back and a big "attaboy" for today - you deserve it and thanks again for sending the disk. BTW, before I forget, who was the soprano in the Rigoletto Quartet you recorded? Her final note was absolutely heavenly. If you see her tell her she has a new fan!!
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Ed
04-16-2016
03:05 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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Much agreed a year or perhaps two of more Coke Show recordings would have been super.
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Mike M
04-16-2016
12:48 PM ET (US) IP: 173.52.117.43
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It has often been discussed here that the recording of "Beloved" on the Student Prince set was the turning point of Mario's career but to me the greatest loss was the potential for at least one more year of Coca Cola shows. We are talking of more than one hundred possible recordings when his voice was still young and full of life! What a sad event!
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Ed to Joe
04-16-2016
11:57 AM ET (US) IP: 70.214.71.108
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Many thanks, was that you on Facebook I thought you already were ?
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Dan Lawlor
04-16-2016
10:42 AM ET (US) IP: 45.47.188.68
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Martino: there is one other Tosti piece which I have performed and which Mario sang in his Caruso bio-pic: A Vucchella...
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Joseph Fagan
04-16-2016
10:27 AM ET (US) IP: 209.85.214.194
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good additions ,Ed....I agree
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Ed to Joe
04-16-2016
07:23 AM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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There are so many never done better but I'm afraid I must add two. The 1949 Che Gelida Manina and the Coke Cielo e Mar.
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Martino to Fred
04-15-2016
03:17 PM ET (US) IP: 104.255.7.178
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Sorry Fred but I don't know who wrote that song or who has recorded it. I have found out while doing a couple of searches that the Beatles' "Yesterday" has the same general melody but it might not be an adaptation after all of the Italian song "Piccere Che Vene a Dicere". It might even be a coincidence that they sound the same but you never know. As someone at the Island forum noted, Keith Richard's once famously wrote, "He who has the best record collection writes the best songs"! And I have to assume McCartney and Lennon had an enormous record collection.
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Diane Cox
04-15-2016
03:15 PM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.239
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Piccere Che Vene a Dicere is given as a 19th century Italian ballad, no author given.
Can find no record of Song of Evening by Leoncavallo - several by other composers.
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Fred Day
04-15-2016
02:29 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Leoncavallo's Mattinata (Song of Morning) is well known worldwide. He also wrote a little-known sequel: Merregiata (Song of Noon). The only recording of it, to my knowledge, is an old acoustic by Titta Ruffo. Wonderful song that deserves to be revived. I wonder if Leoncavallo also wrote a "Song of Evening"?? Ciao.
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Fred Day
04-15-2016
02:22 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Martino: One more question: Who wrote Piccere Che Vene a Dicere?? Tosti?? Who has recorded that original song?? Curious. Ciao.
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Jim Thompson
04-15-2016
12:44 PM ET (US) IP: 67.83.112.135
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To all you lifelong fans...enjoyable and informative postings!
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Martino to Dan
04-15-2016
12:27 PM ET (US) IP: 104.255.7.178
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I'm glad to see you have that one. It has probably come in very handy.
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Martino to Joe
04-15-2016
12:26 PM ET (US) IP: 104.255.7.178
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Among many, here are five that will never be surpassed: Because (TGC), I'll Walk With God (TSP), Che Gelida Manina (1949), Granada (BYM), Otello Monologue (Serenade).
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Dan Lawlor
04-15-2016
12:20 PM ET (US) IP: 45.47.188.68
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Martino: I already have that book, thanks anyway...
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Diane Cox
04-15-2016
12:13 PM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.239
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Una furtiva lagrima, Recondita armonia, Ave Maria
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Joe to All, a fun exercis
04-15-2016
12:05 PM ET (US) IP: 71.224.55.142
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It is without argument that Lanza sang many great English songs and arias. Many of them were in a class by themselves with no other recording even coming close. We have to be realistic and admit that Lanza also had his share of bombs, as well ( e.g. think Lanza on B’Way). I thought it might be interesting to see what this forum considered his “never been done better” recordings. I will start off the list with a few:
Shubert’s Ave Maria from Serenade
Song of India
Be My Love
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Martino to Joe
04-15-2016
12:04 PM ET (US) IP: 104.255.7.178
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You're welcome, Joe and glad you enjoyed it.
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Joe
04-15-2016
10:39 AM ET (US) IP: 71.224.55.142
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oops! make that spelling article( too early in the morning for me). But at any rate, thanks again Martino
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Joseph Fagan
04-15-2016
10:36 AM ET (US) IP: 209.85.218.68
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Very enlightened and beautifully written artical on Tosti, Martino. I am much better informed now. Thank You, Joe
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Martino to Dan
04-15-2016
10:18 AM ET (US) IP: 104.255.7.178
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Dan, being a tenor you probably could use this compilation of Tosti songs written for high voice (in two keys) in order to study and learn the music of Tosti and to gain insights as to how his music should be sung. It can be found here:
http://www.halleonard.com/product/viewprod...&&viewtype=songlist
It seems to be a bargain at only $20 and includes the Tosti songs listed below along with translations, a discography (Lanza's recordings included) and biography of the composer. It comes from Ricordi House, the original song publishers in Italy and includes many of Tosti's most popular compositions. I think you might find it very useful for both your recitals and informal singing parties:
'A VUCCHELLA (F TOSTI)
Addio, fanciulla (F TOSTI)
Aprile (F TOSTI)
AVE MARIA (F TOSTI)
Chanson de l'adieu (F TOSTI)
Chitarrata abruzzese (F TOSTI)
GOOD-BYE (TOSTI)
Ideale (F TOSTI)
II PESCATORE CANTA (F TOSTI)
In van preghi (F TOSTI)
L'ALBA SEPARA DALLA LUCE L'OMBRA (F TOSTI)
L'ORA E' TARDA (F TOSTI)
L'ULTIMA CANZONE (F TOSTI)
L'ultimo bacio (F TOSTI)
La mia canzone (F TOSTI)
La serenata (F TOSTI)
Luna d'estate (F TOSTI)
MALIA (F TOSTI)
MARECHIARE (F TOSTI)
Mattinata (F TOSTI)
NON T'AMO PIU (F TOSTI)
Penso (F TOSTI)
Per morire (F TOSTI)
Pour un baiser (F TOSTI)
Ridonami la calma (F TOSTI)
SOGNO (F TOSTI)
Tormento (F TOSTI)
Tristezza (F TOSTI)
Vorrei (F TOSTI)
Vorrei morire (F TOSTI)
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Dan Lawlor
04-15-2016
09:38 AM ET (US) IP: 45.47.188.68
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My two favorite Tosti songs are: Ideale and Non T'amo piu
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Martino to Fred
04-15-2016
08:33 AM ET (US) IP: 104.255.7.178
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Tosti wrote over 350 songs, although I would say only about 30 are routinely sung and well known these days. He was a singing teacher as well as composer and the children of Queen Victoria were among his voice students. If he himself sang I do not know.
When I mentioned pop singers taking on Neapolitan songs I was referring to the genre, not any specific Tosti song. I think Paul and the Beatles sang versions of Italian songs in concert (in Italy and elsewhere) and recorded one of their biggest hits, "Yesterday" which is said to be a version of the 1895 song "Piccere' Che Vene a Dicere". Lilli Greco, a song writer famous during the Beatles era said, "McCartney and fellow band member John Lennon had an encyclopaedic knowledge of world music and were particularly fond of Neapolitan songs".
Elvis of course sang several well known Neapolitan songs including Santa Lucia (I think this was sung in the famous film, "Viva Las Vegas", starring Elvis and Ann-Margret), Torna a Surriento (a number one chart song and featured in his movie, "Wild In The Country"). And of course his biggest Neapolitan hit of all, O Sole Mio (It's Now Or Never), which was his second biggest selling single of all time with 30 million copies sold and one of the most popular recordings ever made on a world wide basis by anyone.
I read somewhere that Elvis, who was a big fan of Mario Lanza, was so taken back when he heard of Mario's death that he was inspired to make a tribute in some way to the great tenor. He then personally commissioned Wally Gold to write him a "pop" version of one of his favorite Lanza recordings, "O Sole Mio" and "Its Now Or Never" was born and released just a few months after Mario's death. You can hear Elvis' version of "O Sole Mio" at the link below.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QkMVscR5YOo
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Ed to Jim
04-15-2016
07:34 AM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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Jim your idea seems pretty good, perhaps there are a few sopranos out there who'd blend nicely with Mario. Ive often wished that those dreadful Raskin and Giusti recordings could be tucked away nicely and forgotten about and give birth to better recordings that are worthy of blending with Mario. For opera I'd sincerely wish Anna Netreblo would be considered.
Martino/Fred-the two very first Tosti songs I have enjoyed are L'Alba and Ideale. I have loved Mario and Caruso sing these since I was 15 I am now 68. I once tried an experiment of getting the two tenors recordings of L'Alba at the same time, the speed was a bit off but incredible. No Tosti song had better friends that Caruso and Lanza, Best
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Fred Day
04-15-2016
06:40 AM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Martino & all: How many songs did Tosti write in total?? 100?? 200?? more?? Curious. I think his greatest song is L'alba Separa Dalla Luce L'ombra. My personal favorite. Martino, you mentioned that Elvis and Paul McCartney each sang a Tosti melody with new English lyrics. What song or songs were they?? Curious. By the way, Tosti wrote a letter to Caruso, praising Caruso's record of Ideale. Was Tosti a singer?? He gave concerts, playing the piano, but I don't know if he sang his songs in his concerts. Curious. Ciao.
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Martino
04-14-2016
09:53 PM ET (US) IP: 104.255.7.178
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The other day I noted what would have been the 95th birthday of the Italian tenor, Franco Corelli. I forgot that the following day was the birthday of another Italian, the composer Francesco Paolo Tosti. Had he lived he would have been 170 years old - quite an achievement in itself!! Just as I pay tribute to various singers on the day of their birth, I always remember Tosti as well and the role his music played in the career of Mario Lanza. As I do each year at this time then, I would like to reprint my original post on Tosti/Lanza:
Tosti is not remembered the way Verdi and Puccini are but his influence over the years on Italian music and singing has been staggering. He was one of the first to bridge the two worlds of popular music and classical music. Through his music, the foundations of "crossover" were laid, if not actually practiced or defined as such until years later.
Tosti's songs are not only timeless but were so melodic, sentimental and singable that both popular singers and classical singers alike, and of both genders and of every vocal range, found success in singing his songs. These songs were considered "salon" music in Tosti's time but today are routinely referred to as "Neapolitan" music. Because Mario Lanza was one of the greatest interpreters of this kind of music and recorded many of Tosti's hits, I think it is important to visit this genre through Tosti's musical eyes in order to understand it a little better and understand the reasons Lanza seemed so attracted to it.
Many people believe "Neapolitan" song came about as a result of an annual songwriting competition for the "Festival Piedigrotta", sponsored by the Neapolitan church, Madonna of Piedigrotta. In fact, the first winner was the opera composer Donizetti. Tosti had a poet's heart and although he never got into opera, his expressions included the full range of emotions, in much the same way of American "Country Music". I think this outpouring of emotions, coupled with expressive meanings in text and melody appealed to Lanza and suited his style perfectly. And it showed in his singing as many people (myself included) feel that in Neapolitan song, Lanza created some of his very best work.
It was opera that highlighted the life and career of Enrico Caruso, and for which he will always be associated and remembered, but it was Neapolitan songs, especially those of Tosti, that brought him fame to the general public. Every important tenor since has made these songs part of his repertory, in concert and on records. Indeed, many "rock" singers have even incorporated these songs simply by changing lyrics and beats to fit their style, such as Paul McCartney, Elvis and others. This shows how versatile many Neapolitan songs can be and as we see in Lanza's various interpretations of the same song, he enjoyed experimenting with them as well.
Tosti's success can be explained in his style of composition. Here is a quote, "With exceptional intuition, Tosti created a thematic idea based on fourths and languid descents by tones and semitones, built over a simple, essential harmony, which is subordinate to the melody". Tosti's form remained consistent in this regard. Also, his attention to detail made him assign many instructions to singers on the music itself. It is perhaps this factor of very specific instructions, more than any other, why most singers do not take the liberties with Tosti's music that they do with other composers of Neapolitan song although Tosti encouraged singers to bring out their passion. And this included Mario Lanza, who as I said before, enjoyed experimenting with some songs and singing them differently from time to time, not so much by musical interpolation but by interpretation and vocal emphasis.
There was always a message to Tosti's songs and that is yet another reason why I think Lanza seemed to be so at home with his music. Lanza loved to be expressive in his singing and with Tosti he found a composer who loved to be expressive in his writing. The broken heart and sincere palpitations of lost love are frequent in Tosti music and I can think of nothing that can be expressed by the voice better than those kinds of emotions. These totally expressive "messages" Tosti wanted to give to the listener fit Lanza like a glove.
I think Mario Lanza relished singing Tosti songs for yet another reason - they were all utterly singable and in a natural way. Here is another quote, "The singable nature of the (Tosti) melody and the simplicity of the (musical) structure confer grace and elegance on the piece, which (often) is introduced by four bars in a major, subsequently modulating to the minor when the voice enters. A pleasing sense of balance and symmetry is given by the reprise to the introduction, which is often used as an interlude and postlude."
The success of Mario Lanza, Caruso and so many others in this form of music can be placed directly at the feet of Paolo Tosti. Thanks to Neapolitan music (and Tosti's contributions in particular), the great voices of the world have given generation after generation a reprieve from the usually heavy hand of opera and opened our hearts with some of the most beautiful lyrics and music ever written. Makes me proud to be Italian!!
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Kenneth Henderson
04-14-2016
06:25 PM ET (US) IP: 61.9.168.152
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Anne Shirley was Payne's first wife for about 6 years and followed by Gloria DeHaven for six years and his last wife was his longest marriage by far. Although I had read in the past that DeHaven had 6 kids to him this was not so, only a girl and a boy and one of each to another of her husbands. DeHaven maintained marriage to Payne was rough but who knows but she still seems to be alive and she did come here to Australia a few years ago as a singer in the make-up Glenn Miller Band(mostly Australian musicians under local music union rules) and my late parents were at the concert in our city. John Payne came from the same Virginia city(Roanoke) where fellow Fox actress Lyn Bari was born.
Ken
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Jim Thompson
04-14-2016
05:17 PM ET (US) IP: 67.83.112.135
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Hi Kristine: Renee expressed much admiration for Mario's voice in an interview I did with her some years ago for a show I did. And I seriously thought of putting her name first as a choice but I must admit to having reservations on her diction in English listening to her Broadway CD with Bryn Terfel and her own interesting pop/jazz CD.
Of course I would have loved to hear Mario in songs an duets with Eileen Farrell and she expressed that same thought to me in our interview a short time before her passing.
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Kristine
04-14-2016
05:03 PM ET (US) IP: 24.160.90.200
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Jim, how about Renee' Fleming's voice ?
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Jim Thompson
04-14-2016
04:01 PM ET (US) IP: 67.83.112.135
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Having some Time On My Hands, I decided to put some thoughts down on the forum. Maybe a couple of you might want to add or put down what I write. Think of Nat King Cole and Natalie and what they did with the blending of their voices. Think of the (in my opinion) nice job done on the Jerry Hadley recording with Mario of Golden days. How about that last set of three or four CD''s with Caruso and a big symphonic orch. and modern technology. In my opinion he never sounded clearer therefor better.
So here's my point: how about Sony signing some excellent, young, well known sopranos to re-record Elizabeth Doubleday, Norma Guisti and Judith Raskin's voices? These young singers would have to listen and learn correct AMERICAN pronunciations to match Mario's. I would hope the Vagabond King, Desert Song and Student Prince recorded in Italy would be able to receive an electronic clean-up of sound. Ann Blyth's lovely, clear, young soprano is always welcome to me. Anyway just some random thoughts with a prayer that deep in vaults not opened and locked away for years, a gem or two or more of Mario's voice exists. If not, think of the treasures we are lucky to enjoy for life!
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Suzanne
04-14-2016
02:52 PM ET (US) IP: 74.79.58.35
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John Payne was a lovely actor. Married to the actress Ann Shirley. I believe he was hit by a car in NYC. Don't know if he had a career after that. Now I'll look it up. Saw Roberta Peters and Robert Merrill here many years ago. Ego clash, maybe? The music in "Deep" only reminded me that Mario sang everything so much better.
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Kristine
04-14-2016
01:49 PM ET (US) IP: 24.160.90.200
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Mike, how about the marriage between Ernest Borgnine and Ethel Merman ? Didn't it last a few weeks ? I'm sorry the marriages didn't last. I thought I read, one time, William Warfield was married to Leontyne Price.
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Mike M. to Kristine
04-14-2016
10:05 AM ET (US) IP: 173.52.117.43
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I believe the Merrill/Peters marriage lasted about one month! How would you have liked to be a fly on the wall during that honeymoon? Merrill was a really nice guy but he was caught in the middle of the Peerce/Tucker feud. He was friends to both.
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Kristine
04-14-2016
04:52 AM ET (US) IP: 24.160.90.200
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I wanted to make a correction, I think I wrote Richard Olvis, instead of William Olvis, when I mentioned movie tenors. Yesterday morning, I watched the last part of "Kid Nightingale"(1939) starring John Payne and Jane Wyman on TCM. Payne had a semi-tenor voice. I think his mother was an opera singer. He was handsome. He left Warner Bros. ,went onto 20th Century Fox Studios, where he made movie musicals with Alice Faye, Betty Grable, June Haver. He played Santa Claus's Attorney in "Miracle On 34th Street". In his later years, he made dramatic movies, was in '50's t.v. western, "The Restless Gun". On the subject of "Deep In My Heart", Vic Damone and Jane Powell sang "Will You Remember"in the movie. Cyd Charisse was interviewed , years ago, and mentioned "Deep In My Heart". She said they weren't sure if the dance,she and James Mitchell(was also in"The Toast of New Orleans")did to "One Alone" from "The Desert Song", would pass the censors. It did and such a great dance scene, too. I think Eugene Loring choreographed it. He also choreographed the dance scenes in "The Toast of New Orleans".
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Kenneth Henderson
04-13-2016
07:21 PM ET (US) IP: 61.9.189.140
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My way to watch this film is on the recent Blu Ray edition from Warner Bros. Excellent restoration.
Ken
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Gail Swartz
04-13-2016
07:07 PM ET (US) IP: 204.29.186.16
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How many got to watch "Deep in My Heart" today on TCM? Knowing Mario loved Romberg's music, I could see him singing the songs. It was filmed in1955 and featured a great many of MGM 's singing stars. Mario was still the most famous and best singer .He does something to me when he sings.
On April 12, 2016, at 10:54 PM, QuickTopic daily digest <qtopic-30-ECKcxtRbxUTNy@quicktopic.com> wrote:
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Fred Day
04-13-2016
06:23 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Welcome back, Thelma. Glad you are feeling better. Best wishes. When you were 13, what was the first Lanza singing that you heard?? I presume it was on the radio - perhaps one of his appearances on "Great Moments In Music" series?? Ciao. Edited 04-13-2016 06:27 PM
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Fred Day
04-13-2016
06:20 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Suzanne: "Deep In My Heart" (1954) starred Jose Ferrer as Sigmund Romberg, and Merle Oberon as Dorothy Donnelly. In the Student Prince scene, the tenor voice was William Olvis. The set was the same set that was used in the MGM film, that had been filmed earlier that same year, with Edmund Purdom (singing voice of Lanza). Olvis singing was nice, but no match for Lanza. Ciao.
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Suzanne
04-13-2016
10:21 AM ET (US) IP: 74.79.58.35
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An eerie sensation this morning, when I happened to turn on TCM and the balcony scene from Student Prince was on screen. Dubbed singing, no idea who the actors were. Film was "Deep In My Heart", bio of Sigmund Romberg. Had forgotten what a great voice Tony Martin had.Sang "Lover Come Back To Me".
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Kristine
04-12-2016
03:07 PM ET (US) IP: 24.160.90.200
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Giuliani endorsed Trump(Ugh!) Sorry, I didn't intend to turn this into a political forum. The movie version of "Tonight, We Sing" starred David Wayne(as Sol Hurok, I think), Anne Bancroft, Ezio Pinza(who portrayed Feodor Chaliapin), Roberta Peters(I think it was the only movie she made. She was married to Robert Merrill, dated George London, and it's overdue for Kennedy Center to honor her !), and Byron Palmer. It's been a long time since I saw it on television. I think she appeared on "Medical Center" t.v. series, late '60's, as former love interest of James Daley's character. In the story, her character has a brain tumor, I think.
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Suzanne
04-12-2016
11:39 AM ET (US) IP: 74.79.58.35
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Btw, yesterday at a rally for Trump in Albany, Pav's "Nessun Dorma" was played. Wonder who chose it for the occasion. If Trump is elected, probably none of us will sleep! He's going to be 20 miles from here this afternoon at the former Griffiss Air Force base. Imagine the crowd will be too much to tangle with. For me, anyway.
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Suzanne
04-12-2016
11:29 AM ET (US) IP: 74.79.58.35
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Thelma, Hi! Thinking about you just recently. You must be getting some "Waves" from those of us who are together in thought. Best to you!
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Ed to Thelma
04-12-2016
10:55 AM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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Greetings my friend, so happy to see your post. I wish you many years with us, Mario is always out in front. :-)
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Jim Thompson
04-11-2016
08:26 AM ET (US) IP: 67.83.112.135
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A fond Hello to you, Thelma. It has been a long time since we've "spoken" here on the forum. My wife Dima corresponded with you for a while after our last get together in Philly some years ago. You have always been one of the loving leaders in keeping Mario's legacy out front and we thank you for that. Martino is correct for when our days have past here, I am sure others will be enjoying the artistry of the man we love so well. My 83rd will be coming in May but I thank God daily for all I have in health and family. Aches and pains fall away when I hear those pear-shaped tones in my ears!! All the best to you, old friend.
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Kenneth Henderson
04-11-2016
05:10 AM ET (US) IP: 61.9.189.149
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So many people who are known on the world stage are dying in the 65-70 group, which I am in the middle, this year that is makes you wonder what is happening. But then so many get way passed 90 and even 100 in good health here. A lady passed today in fairly new nursing home where my Mom died in Nov and this English lady was over 96. Was a little deaf and had a stroke recently and in a wheelchair but she was still cheerful and talkative until recently. Many of the people in the 120 bed home are Christian with a major percentage Catholic, like Mario, as it is a Catholic run home under the Mercy brand(Sisters of Mercy although none seems to be around these days). Church services are available 7 days a week and Communion is available for those whom can't come over to Church and a service is also run from time to time in the little chapel in the home(part of a dining room, really!!!). The Anglicans do a service too. All the priests are old and retired nuns from another order live next door or have rooms in the home when infirm.
Ken
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Kenneth Henderson
04-11-2016
04:58 AM ET (US) IP: 120.147.131.172
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Reply to Thelma. Thanks for the reply. I have lived in Detroit on and off in the 1970s on business and family visiting. My Mario Lanza aunt(older sister to my recently late Mom) died over two years ago suddenly from a fall. I keep in touch thru Facebook with her older daughter who connects with our family there. Yes we do have a beautiful country but the events of the world at large has eroded many of our values with bashings and killings the norm now. Too many so-called refugees have infiltrated the country and brought their hatred with them. The Vietnamese boat people of the 1970s were a different lot as are the Chinese who come here today, but the Chinese are buying up too many of our companies and farms, not to mention house and buildings. The government has stepped in and taking some properties from them. New Zealand is ahead of us not just 2 hours in time but in many bother things & their population is less than my city of Melbourne which is expanding rapidly and becoming large apartments and cafe culture. Still I keep to myself and enjoy what I have. I am surrounded by large apartments now and nearby streets are falling to the hammer daily for more and I have a large supermarket across the street now where my necessary druggist also has a store in the complex. Public transport is getting better and I get aged concessions there with Free travel across the network of all transport(not Taxis) on Sundays. Just the same it is hard living alone and paying the upkeep.
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Dennis
04-10-2016
11:24 PM ET (US) IP: 73.170.201.215
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Thelma, it is good to hear from you. You are and have been a valuable part of this forum. I send you a private email every few months, but I believe that you had some problems with your email and that you might have had to change your address. But none of my messages to you have bounced back, so they must be going somewhere. Hope you have received them.
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Diane Cox
04-10-2016
10:42 PM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.239
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So glad to 'see' you Thelma.
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Dan Lawlor
04-10-2016
09:57 PM ET (US) IP: 45.47.188.68
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Welcome back Thelma, hope you are feeling better, and that your days are brighter. I turned 81 in March and every morning, when I open my eyes, I thank God for just one more day, eh? All my best, old friend. I don't sing much any more, my better days are behind me, but I enjoy music...and a day without it is very dreary, so keep smiling and listening, eh? ps. Does anyone remember an old bio-pic about Sol Hurock, called 'Tonight we sing' ? I think they used Jan Peerce's voice in that one? Also Ezio Pinza, among others. Edited 04-10-2016 10:02 PM
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Thelma F. Prince
04-10-2016
09:44 PM ET (US) IP: 74.125.82.48
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Thanks to all. I have missed this forum too. Feeling better right now, but I don't have much strength anymore.
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Kristine
04-10-2016
09:41 PM ET (US) IP: 24.160.90.200
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Three other tenors, who were in movies, Oreste Kirkop ("The Vagabond King", which would be Kathryn Grayson's final movie. Rita Moreno co-starred, too), Frederic Forrest(I think that was his name)was in "Madame Butterfly" scene , with Grace Moore, in "One Night of Love", Richard Olvis, who was in "The Student Prince"scene in "Deep In My Heart", and "Interrupted Melody". Hello, Thelma, very nice to hear from you.
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Martino to Thelma
04-10-2016
09:19 PM ET (US) IP: 104.255.7.178
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Yes Thelma, we are still here. You are not alone as we all are getting a little older, a little more frail and forgetful. That is part of life. And Mario Lanza is part of life, at least for you and the rest of us. His memory and legacy will live on long after we are all gone - such was his talent. We miss hearing from you so please try to check in as often as you can.
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Thelma F. Prince
04-10-2016
08:10 PM ET (US) IP: 74.125.82.51
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Thanks, Ken,I used to travel all the time, Ken, and was in Australia and then New Zealand for 2 or 3 weeks each country. Both are so beautiful and air is so much cleaner than in the United States. I will never forget seeing your beautiful country. It was about 13 years ago. I was there on a thirty days trip. It was one of my most beautiful memories.
I am 84 years old, so I have been a Mario fan since I was 13 years old. In all the years, his voice is the most beautiful to me.
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Kenneth Henderson
04-10-2016
07:53 PM ET (US) IP: 61.9.189.149
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Odd that I should get this today as I was wondering late last week what had happened to you.
Good to see the post.
Ken/Australia
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Thelma F. Prince
04-10-2016
07:45 PM ET (US) IP: 74.125.82.54
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This is Thelma Prince. I used to be on this site all the time, but my health is not good anymore. It is wonderful to see everyone's posts ; I am now 84. Those who don't know me, I' m a long time (since age 13) fan of Mario Lanza. It is wonderful seeing all the posts and the fact that many of today's fans of Lanza are keeping his name around. I would enjoy hearing from any of you. Is Martino still around and David?
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Diane Cox
04-09-2016
10:58 AM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.239
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Planning on seeing Roberto Devereux in HD soon.
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Bill Ronayne
04-09-2016
10:38 AM ET (US) IP: 24.185.118.92
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TCM hasn't shown any Lanza films so far this year. They have The Student Prince scheduled for June 10th which as we all know only features Mario's voice. Hopefully there will be some films after that.
Saw Roberto Devereux at the Met Last night. It was a great performance. If you can't get to the Met, you may want to see it when they show it in theaters on the 16th.
Best, Bill
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Kenneth Henderson
04-08-2016
05:49 PM ET (US) IP: 61.9.189.137
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Any many of them are on DVD and I have them. Many are not.
Ken
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Fred Day
04-08-2016
03:40 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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PS: Joseph Schmidt and Richard Tauber both made several films. They were both quite popular and successful in films. Same for Jan Kiepura. Ciao.
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Fred Day
04-08-2016
03:24 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Kristine: Gigli made 15 films, all in Europe. His first film was "Forget Me Not" (Non Ti Scordar Di Me) in 1935. That is the one you referred to. Several of his films were made in two languages. Ciao.
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Kristine
04-08-2016
03:15 PM ET (US) IP: 24.160.90.200
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Correction" "Yes, Giorgio".
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Kristine
04-08-2016
03:15 PM ET (US) IP: 24.160.90.200
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Yes, Mike, I forgot about Felix Knight. I think Art Jarrett was a tenor. Sergio Franchi made one movie "The Secret of Santa Vittoria"(1969)and for some reason, never made another movie. Luciano Pavarotti made one movie "Yes, Girogio"in the 1980's. Critics didn't write favorable reviews. James Melton made a few movies. Beniamino Gigli did make a movie in England, I think, in the 1930's . TCM showed it, last year, I can't remember the title.
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Mike M to Kristine
04-08-2016
02:10 PM ET (US) IP: 108.74.19.115
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Oops! That would be Presnell! Rounseville made a studio recording of the Student Prince on Columbia Masterworks that was a big seller. With Dorothy Kirsten, if memory serves.
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Mike M to Kristine
04-08-2016
02:05 PM ET (US) IP: 108.74.19.115
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How could we forget Tom Tom. Felix Knight had a delightful tenor voice. Harve Presell had a splendid voice, but definitely not a tenor.
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Fred Day
04-08-2016
01:46 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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PS: April 6th was the 90th birthday of the late Sergio Franchi. He, too, is not forgotten. Ciao. Edited 04-08-2016 02:01 PM
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Fred Day
04-08-2016
01:43 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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I think TCM usually airs a few Lanza films each January 31st, Lanza's birthday. Didn't they air a few on Jan 31st of this year?? I think so. He is not forgotten, and never will be. Ciao.
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Fred Day
04-08-2016
01:39 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Martino: Re: Corelli, I fully agree, 100%. And, of course, so does Matt Minzer. Ciao.
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Ed to Suzanne
04-08-2016
08:31 AM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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Hi There, thanks for asking about my sciatica which I call the beast. I pretty much have a twinge here and there but I can deal with it. Four months it kept me in a bad state, on Good Friday my wife and I visit we the Museum of Nat Hist ands it flared up on the way whereas I had to sit every five mins for relief. I went back to the Y last week and started stretching a little each day, I think I'm on my way it was a very bad time, worst was the cramping of the thigh where I could not bend. I've been canvassing Mario albums on Amazon/EBay for my turntable I got for Christmas so far I've found five. I went to the luncheon a few weeks ago and had a glorious time, Bill always does it well it is real tribute to Mario. Well off to the gym and stretches, talk soon Ed
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Kristine
04-07-2016
11:45 PM ET (US) IP: 24.160.90.200
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Thanks, Martino. Jan Peerce was in one movie, "Something In The Wind" starring Deanna Durbin. John Boles also made some movies, too. Some thought Ramon Novarro was a tenor. Tito Guizar had a tenor voice, I think. Robert Rounseville was in movie version of "Carousel" and movie version of "Tales of Hoffman".
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Martino to Kristine
04-07-2016
05:14 PM ET (US) IP: 104.255.7.178
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That would be a good suggestion for TCM to consider. And don't forget two other opera tenors that made several Hollywood movies - Nino Martini and Lauritz Melchoir. Even Pavarotti starred in one American film!
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Kristine
04-07-2016
04:54 PM ET (US) IP: 24.160.90.200
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Happy Birthday, Gary ! Happy Birthday Tribute, Franco Corelli ! I suppose Mario Lanza will never be Star Of The Month , on TCM, because he only made 7 movies and his voice was dubbed in for Edmund Purdom in "The Student Prince". Perhaps the only way it could be done, would be have Movie Tenors as Star Of The Month. It could include Kenny Baker, James Melton, Allan Jones, Dennis Morgan, Dennis Day(he made 2 movies, I think), John McCormack(who made a movie with Maureen O'Sullivan, in 1930), Dick Powell, Mario Lanza, Bill Shirley(who was in "I Dream of Jeanie", a movie about Stephen Foster in 1951), Peter Palmer("Li'l Abner"), and Harve Presnell.
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Martino
04-07-2016
04:33 PM ET (US) IP: 104.255.7.178
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Tomorrow marks what would have been the 95 birthday of one of the great tenors of the last century, Franco Corelli. He was born the same year as Mario Lanza, and the same year Caruso died. We speak of Franco often here (at least Matt and I do) and he remains to this day one of my all time favorite singers.
There is of course so much more that can be said. The conductor Herbert von Karajan described Corelli, "A voice of heroic power, yet with great beauty of tone; darkly sensuous, mysteriously melancholic . . . but above all, a voice of thunder and lightning, fire and blood." Alan Rich of the New York Herald-Tribune wrote of him, "There is no tenor in modern times, Italian or otherwise, whose voice rings out with greater vibrancy, whose every tone carries with it emotion at white heat. The sounds he makes, seemingly without effort, are dazzlingly bright, urgent, and communicative." The music critic and Callas biographer, John Ardoin, once said that back then there was no room for three tenors - there was room for only one and that was Franco Corelli.
The accolades could fill a book. But better than that just browse youtube and you will find literally hundreds of clips, both audio and video and both from studio recordings and live performances. The Corelli voice is the best testament to his enormous talent. Since Franco Corelli's retirement we have heard nothing remotely like him.
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Dan Lawlor
04-05-2016
04:55 PM ET (US) IP: 45.47.188.68
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Speaking of Mahler: The Albany Symphony Orchestra is performing Mahler's Symphony #2, "The Resurrection"...on May 14th...if you have never heard it, listen...it is glorious...in my opinion anyway...it probably can be found on Youtube, eh? .... Edited 04-05-2016 04:55 PM
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Suzanne
04-05-2016
10:02 AM ET (US) IP: 74.79.58.35
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Fred, in case I shouldn't make mine on Oct 4, Happy Birthday ahead of time! Ed. How are you? did you manage to rid yourself of the dreaded Sciatica. Not much from you, lately. Ill, myself, so falling a little by the wayside. Hope you're well. Winter's come back to haunt us , here in the North east. All the crocuses, daffodils and Veronicas, thought they were making their debut. Seven degrees this morning, so they had a chilling surprise. Even the deer returned to our backyard, looking for something to eat under the snow. Well, can't be much longer, or can it? Strange year.
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Fred Day
04-04-2016
10:26 AM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Happy Birthday tomorrow, April 5th, to Gary Owens in Ohio, and many more. Mine follows in exactly 6 months, on Oct 5th. Ciao.
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David Weaver
04-03-2016
01:04 AM ET (US) IP: 24.210.22.228
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Kristine, I subscribe to TCM's monthly magazine, "Now Playing." Checking the April listings, each individual Barrymore has a Monday devoted to them, with the final Monday devoted to films they made together. They'll be showing six Ethel Barrymore films when it's her turn in the spotlight on April 18. "That Midnight Kiss" is not one of them.
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Diane Cox
04-02-2016
07:24 PM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.239
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Saw Madame Butterfly in HD at the theatre today. Alagna sang the tenor role and did as well as he can. I am not a big fan of his and find his voice irritating and not beautiful in the least. The soprano was better, but not the best I've heard in the role, and a little mature to be playing a 15 yr old. However, there is no way to fault the music of Puccini, and the entire effect was very good. The production was minimal, using puppets, which were manipulated skillfully. A small cast, the baritone and the supporting soprano were both very good and experienced in their parts.
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Dan Lawlor
04-02-2016
06:52 PM ET (US) IP: 45.47.188.68
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Recently, during a musical get together, Alma Gluck, the soprano, was discussed...and erroneously stated to be Gustav Mahler's wife. I did a little research, and Alma Gluck, the soprano, married Efram Zimbalist, the violinist and composer, and had Efram Zimbalist Jr., the actor, and composer...Alma Mahler's maiden name was Schindler, and after Gustav died, she married a famous author: Franz Werfel, who wrote 'The Song of Bernadette' which was made into the movie of the same name...just to clear that up for everyone... Edited 04-02-2016 07:17 PM
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Deleted by author 04-02-2016 11:08 AM
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Kristine
03-30-2016
04:29 AM ET (US) IP: 24.160.90.200
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Sorry to hear Patty Duke passed away. RIP. I was watching her t.v. series "The Patty Duke Show" on MeTV. One episode had Frank Sinatra, Jr.(who passed away , last week)as guest. Next month, Judy Garland's movies will be on TCM on Friday nights. The movies of the Barrymores(John, Lionel, Ethel)will be on TCM on Monday nights(next month). I wonder if "That Midnight Kiss"(also starred Ethel Barrymore)will be aired ?
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test
03-28-2016
04:39 PM ET (US) IP: 216.2.193.1
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test
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Gail Swartz
03-28-2016
10:00 AM ET (US) IP: 204.29.186.49
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Happy day after Easter..we had a very wet day, but we celebrated . Knowing that Mario loved Christmas, did he celebrate Easter, too?
On March 28, 2016, at 12:09 AM, QuickTopic daily digest <qtopic-30-ECKcxtRbxUTNy@quicktopic.com> wrote:
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Dan Lawlor
03-27-2016
08:45 PM ET (US) IP: 45.47.188.68
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A Blessed and Happy Easter to all.
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Diane Cox
03-27-2016
11:31 AM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.239
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Happy Easter to all.
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Bill Ronayne
03-27-2016
09:45 AM ET (US) IP: 24.185.115.52
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Happy and blessed Easter to all.
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Kristine
03-25-2016
03:26 PM ET (US) IP: 24.160.90.200
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TCM is re-releasing "On The Waterfront" starring Marlon Brando, next month(April)to select movie theaters. I wonder if TCM will ever re-release "The Great Caruso" to select movie theaters ? This month, they re-released "The Ten Commndments" starring Charlton Heston. Happy Easter !
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Jim Thompson
03-25-2016
02:35 PM ET (US) IP: 67.83.119.164
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My God,thank you Diane! One of my two daughters is named Colleen and named after Mario and Betty had theirs. My apologies.
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Diane Cox
03-25-2016
12:38 PM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.239
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And Colleen.
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Jim Thompson
03-25-2016
11:44 AM ET (US) IP: 67.83.119.164
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The BBC has a resource for anything Lanza. Simply check with the British Mario Lanza Society. Errors such as those I have been reading about are inexcusable.
Ferrucio Tagliavini's wife was a wonderful soprano named Pia Tassinari. I heard them both sing aboard the S.S. Vulcania on the way to Italy in 1948 when I was fifteen. Had I known about Lanza then I could have asked him about his cancellation of a concert at the Hollywood Bowl which was filled by Mario!
As Lanza fans, we are lucky to have so many folks who give of their time in efforts to keep the Lanza legacy alive such as Bill Ronayne and his luncheons and magazine which just arrived. Still waiting for "Never Till Now".
It came to me again this Good Friday morning of the tragic life the Mario Lanza family had and certainly faith and a wonderful family has to be a major part of what has kept Ellisa Lanza Bregman active in her father's memory.
Think of it: her Dad dies, then her Mother. Some years later her brother Marc passes and years later her brother Damon and then the man who took care of the family, Terry Robinson. In between, of course, her Grandparents, Tony and Maria. God rest their souls. I had the honor and pleasure of meeting and spending time with everyone mentioned except Marc and Tony. Happy Easter to one and all.
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Fred Day
03-25-2016
11:08 AM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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PS: Lanza did have numerous cousins, but zero siblings. Ciao.
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Fred Day
03-25-2016
11:03 AM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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If there is a way to contact and write to Alfie Boe, he should be informed of those errors, especially that Lanza had no siblings, (same as Frank Sinatra). Does anyone know how to contact Boe?? Another tiny error: it is Ferruccio Tagliavini, not Tagliatini. Probably just a typo in his script. But, I wonder who came up with the multiple siblings?? I've never heard that error before. That particular error is not excusable, and should be corrected. Ciao.
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Suzanne
03-24-2016
01:25 PM ET (US) IP: 74.79.58.35
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Vincent Jr. Please Email me. I have a question. Thank you.
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Brian Harrison
03-24-2016
01:23 PM ET (US) IP: 82.35.207.241
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Dennis, re the Alfie Boe show. Well said. Wendy I am glad we are still friends. Best wishes to you all. Brian.
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Ed to Ray
03-24-2016
08:44 AM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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Ray, I apologize for misinterpreting your post, I don't know what I was thinking. As for Granada all I will say it is a great recording, one other I think fits in that category is the 1966 recording by Wunderlich. Best Ed
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Ray to Ed
03-24-2016
04:14 AM ET (US) IP: 92.30.13.80
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I thought my post made it clear that is exactly what I was saying - the Alfie Boe programme claimed Granada was in TMK but it wasn't.
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Dennis
03-24-2016
03:46 AM ET (US) IP: 73.170.201.215
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I am grateful for the link to the Alfie Boe radio program which I enjoyed listening to. I don't have a sense of Boe's audience—older, middle age, younger, upper class, middle, lower class—but for those of his listeners unfamiliar with Lanza I think it can only be positive. Boe came to the topic with an obvious fan's perspective. I wouldn't be surprised of some of the recordings chosen were from Boe's own personal collection of Lanza recordings. The new discoverer of Lanza would be amazed at the tributes of top singers, at the variety of music, at the impact of the person that Boe obviously admires as THE tenor of the 50s, and one of the great tenors of the century.
No one new to Mario will care whether the best recordings were chosen, or if the cinema songs were identified with the wrong films, or if details of Lanza's life such as multiple siblings were accurate. What they will remember is the voice, the glorious voice, which will likely send hundreds, perhaps thousands searching for more of that voice. Whether devotees of musical theatre, opera, popular song, etc., they will want more of what they liked.
It reminds me of the day I first heard Ivan Rebroff. I was listening to some now forgotten radio program in the car and I was struck by Rebroff's unique voice. When I got home, I immediately began searching for more of his voice. I went to record stores (they existed then); searched on the infant internet; tried this new service, Amazon.com. I became a great fan and now have all of Rebroff's recordings and enjoy listening to them again and again. May the same happen to those discovering Lanza for the first time through Alfie Boe!
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Wendy Stilwell - UK
03-23-2016
05:05 PM ET (US) IP: 92.20.136.151
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Brian - thank goodness! I was beginning to think I was losing it.
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Ed to Ray
03-23-2016
04:15 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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Sorry my friend but Granada was not sung in The Midnight Kiss it was sung near the end of the movie Because You're Mine.
Brian, we that slip and misspell are in a good club of which I am a member. I am 68 and suffer from that old illness "age and don't give a damn" Best to you my friend Ed
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Joe
03-23-2016
02:50 PM ET (US) IP: 71.224.55.142
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Thank You Kristine for your B'day wishes and A special thank you to Vince Di Placido for posting the Lanza tribute by Alfie Boe. While I agree with you ,Vince, on the selection of some of the songs, ...we must remember that while ardent fans like ourselves are overly familiar with the Loveliest Night Of The Year it still has great impact on "newbies". I forwarded the link to several such people and I think they are NOW converts to Mario. So all in all, a great primer and very enjoyable listening. Thank You again for your constant support. Edited 03-23-2016 02:52 PM
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Ed to Linz
03-23-2016
02:44 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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Hi Linz, I wanted to know if you can still Skype? I just got back to it but misplaced your email that is why I am asking on here, Ed
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Ray
03-23-2016
12:51 PM ET (US) IP: 92.30.27.144
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Re the Alfie Boe programme: they played the 1959 recording of Serenade when discussing The Student Prince movie.
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Ray
03-23-2016
12:50 PM ET (US) IP: 92.30.27.144
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Re the Alfie Boe programme: they played the wrong version of Beloved.
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Ray
03-23-2016
12:32 PM ET (US) IP: 92.30.27.144
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Re the Alfie Boe programme: Granada was featured in That Midnight Kiss?
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Brian Harrison
03-23-2016
09:50 AM ET (US) IP: 82.35.207.241
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Sorry for the misspelling of Alfie Boe's surname in my earlier post and any other typo errors. Brian
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Brian Harrison
03-23-2016
09:42 AM ET (US) IP: 82.35.207.241
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Wendy, where's the sack cloth and ashes? I have just watched a replay of Pappano's program broadcast Sunday. You are correct and I am totally wrong. At 56.55 he definitely does say Lanza was the most famous tenor ever Bar None. At that moment I must have dropped off. My excuse is that at age 79 I am prone to do that. Anyway that's me put in my place. Regarding Alfie Bow's show. Why are some here criticising the fact that the BBC devoted an hour to our hero. We all could have chosen a play list but still it would not have satisfied everybody. Just be thankful that like you and I someone somewhere would have heard that wonderful voice, perhaps for the first time, and said to themselves "I want to hear more" What other national broadcaster would have produced such a program? Best wishes, a very chastised Brian.
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Wendy Stilwell - UK
03-23-2016
03:48 AM ET (US) IP: 92.20.146.54
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Ed - you are right about the five sisters and a brother. That's news to the rest of us! As regards the Pappano programme, I did watch it at the time it was broadcast on Sunday, and I definitely remember what I heard, my husband remembers it also. Just before that statement, it does cut quite quickly from one take of Pappano to a different shot, and could quite easily be missed. But no matter, it's a trivial thing continue chatting about. Edited 03-23-2016 03:54 AM
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Ed to Brian Harrison
03-22-2016
06:03 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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Brian-Forgive me if my post was misleading, I saw the show here in NY on our Public TV station many months back and they saved Mario as the final tenor and Papanno did reference Mario being the best, I didn't hear the one on the 21st so I can't say whether Alfie did or didn't. As for all those siblings that aint true, I knew Damon and Mario was an only child as you know. Best Ed
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Brian Harrison
03-22-2016
02:55 PM ET (US) IP: 82.35.207.241
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Vince, thanks for posting the Alfie Bow Show. Did I hear it wrong or did Alfie say at about 6.40 that Mario had five sisters and a brother? What's it all about Alfie? News to me, I thought Mario was an only child! Wendy, unless I am very much mistaken you must have watched a different BBC 4 Pappano to myself and Ed on Sunday. He too noticed there was no reference to Mario being the most famous tenor Bar None. My hearing is getting dodgy and my eyes have been in better shape but I watched specifically to hear and see Pappano say what he did. I shall watch the program again on I player. If I am wrong then I humbly apologise in advance. Mario for ever, Brian.
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Vince Di Placido (Jnr)
03-22-2016
10:53 AM ET (US) IP: 95.44.208.158
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Diane, we should never settle!
Mario should be represented at his best at this stage, we shouldn't allow the chance for his possible detractors to have ammunition for knocking him!
I literally couldn't believe my ears when a Lanza on Broadway track was used in a show that ran for just an hour, when there are SO MANY other choices.
I know some people will tell me to be happy with the fact that they did a show on Mario at all but why couldn't it have had a bit of class, facts checked, proper pronounciation & a discerning musical ear...
A shame really... :-(
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Diane Cox
03-22-2016
10:34 AM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.239
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Vince - sometimes there are reasons for choices that appear bad. Like choosing an unflattering photo.
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Suzanne
03-22-2016
10:33 AM ET (US) IP: 74.79.58.35
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Can't buy that Mario was ever lazy. How could he put such passion into his music, if that were so. Don't believe it for a moment. Remembering all that he did, impossible!
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Vince Di Placido (Jnr)
03-22-2016
05:25 AM ET (US) IP: 95.44.208.158
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Hi, Wendy! Yeah! Of course it was scripted & I'm sure the BBC either solely or with Alfie prepared the show but it just had that usual tone of portraying Mario as rude, lazy & practically a delinquent. Silly things like the Granada TMK/BYM mixup bothered me but that kind of thing happens, it shouldn't, but it happens!
My main problem with the show was the time taken up with bad choices, as a singer himself, Alfie should have chosen better or at least had an input. It's the usual thing, the 3 million selling singles get wheeled out yet again when there were so many other more worthy performances, if I never heard "The Loveliest Night of the Year" again it would be too soon!
I'll leave it for now until everybody listens, I don't want to fog people's judgement. It was great that Mario was held up along with Maria Callas & Enrico Caruso by Alfie but I just would have liked quality all the way through the hour.
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Wendy Stilwell - UK
03-22-2016
04:33 AM ET (US) IP: 2.97.174.236
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Vince - I enjoyed the radio programme, but felt that this was not Alfie's own words, and that he was reading from a script. Also, there were some inaccuracies, eg that Granada was from Mario's first film, TMK, when it was actually performed in BYM. (I think I am right)! I have raised this with an email to the Radio Times, they do occasionally print my correspondence!
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Vince Di Placido (Jnr)
03-22-2016
04:14 AM ET (US) IP: 95.44.208.158
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I recorded the Alfie Boe radio show on Mario Lanza last night & uploaded it to Google Drive. You can listen at this link.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0Bz7InjQps...HM/view?usp=sharing
I had several problems with what Alfie, who i do like, had to say about Mario & the choice of music, I mean did he really have to play "Falling in Love With Love" from Lanza on Broadway? BUT there were some good choices & he did wrap up the show with a positive summing up.
Enjoy everybody.
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Wendy Stilwell - UK
03-22-2016
03:29 AM ET (US) IP: 2.97.174.236
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Hi Brian - I watched the repeat of Pappano's tenor programme. And his reference to Mario being "the most famous tenor bar none" was definitely included. I specifically remember it.
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Kristine
03-21-2016
11:34 PM ET (US) IP: 24.160.90.200
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Happy Birthday, Joe ! I triedto connect to website, realgonemusic.uk.com and was unable to. Something about address unfound. They released CD's of Mario Lanza, including "The Vagabond King". A few years ago, I used to receive the Metropolitan Opera Broadcasts on NPR, but can longer receive it. I remember the opera quiz, during the intermissions.
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PETER CHRISTOPHER
03-21-2016
07:25 PM ET (US) IP: 172.58.224.2
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On the Metropolitan opera radio,telecast of Manon Lescaut,during the panel section,the panel was asked to identify three tenors singing " Una furtiva Lagrima" ,the first was Gigli,the second was Shipa, and the third was Mario, they got the first two right, but the someone thought Mario'so recording was of Richard Tucker. The moderator went on to say that Mario had the greatest tenor voice,and was an inspiration to the Three tenors.Perhaps ,what Lawrence Tippett predicted that in 50 yrs Mario will be recognized for the great artist he was.
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Ed to Brian Harrison
03-21-2016
01:08 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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Brian- I saw Pappano's piece here in America on our PBS station months ago and I thought it quite good with exceptional reference to Mario Lanza. I recall his comment about the most famous tenor bar none. Sadly it was omitted from the BBC but shown or not we all know the answer.
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Brian Harrison
03-21-2016
12:18 PM ET (US) IP: 82.35.207.241
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Derek, thank you for clearing up my question regarding musical comedies. I knew someone here would have the answer. Watched Pappano's programme on Tenors last night. They (the BBC) cut his reference to Mario Lanza being "The most famous tenor there ever was bar none". Whether he has had second thoughts on this statement and wished it to be removed I don't know. What I do know is I told many friends and family to watch because of what Pappano had said. Did any British members on this Forum notice the omission? Played the new Sepia c.d. "Never Till Now", most impressed. Well done Sepia, Derek McGovern, Vincent, Robin Cherry and all others involved. Best wishes to you all, Brian.
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Gail Swartz
03-21-2016
11:57 AM ET (US) IP: 204.29.186.9
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Just returned from a fast-paced three days in Houston singing with my chapter of Sweet Adelines. No, we did not place in the top 5 but we were pleased to only drop 4 points whereas other choruses lost significant totals. I took the new Mario cd on the bus and ladies who listened were blown away with his voice, and wanted to borrow my DVD. Would like to experience the BBC program tonight!!!! Oh, the flooding in TX and LA was not exaggerated!
On March 19, 2016, at 10:54 PM, QuickTopic daily digest <qtopic-30-ECKcxtRbxUTNy@quicktopic.com> wrote:
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Gerald Matthews. UK
03-19-2016
01:44 PM ET (US) IP: 86.167.98.239
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There is a 1hr program on the life and music of Mario being presented by Alfie Boe on BBC radio 2 on Monday 21st March at 10pm.
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Bill Ronayne
03-19-2016
11:09 AM ET (US) IP: 24.185.127.245
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 The April issue of "The Legacy of Mario Lanza" has just been published and is being mailed out. The issue is devoted to the upcoming 65th anniversary of the premiere of "The Great Caruso" in May and also includes coverage of the recent MLSNY luncheon and the birthday party in Philadelphia in January. Best, Bill Edited 03-19-2016 11:14 AM
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Diane Cox
03-19-2016
10:57 AM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.239
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Spending this birthday month getting estimates for repairs to my home. My house was one of those damaged in the Feb 23 tornado in Pensacola. Luckier than some, my damage was moderate, and should be easily repaired once I get estimates and haggle with ins. co. a little. Still a drawnout process, and one I'd rather not deal with. As I've gotten older, it's harder to make decisions, etc. Think my first Mario album was the Student Prince one. I still have lots of vinyl I'd love to give away. Edited 03-19-2016 10:58 AM
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Martino
03-19-2016
10:48 AM ET (US) IP: 104.255.7.178
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And a big happy birthday to you too, Joe and Diane!!
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Joseph Fagan
03-19-2016
10:41 AM ET (US) IP: 209.85.218.54
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I have got you all beat since my Birthday was March 17!, St Pat's day. Even more ironic, my paternal grandfather was also born on St Pat's. He was Patrick Joseph so I became Joseph Patrick. How about that, Joseph Patrick Fagan from South Boston! ( who loves everything Italian, music, food, women etc)
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Derek Mannering
03-19-2016
10:09 AM ET (US) IP: 69.209.224.89
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Good catch, Ray. This was the first Lanza record I bought and to me it's still Mario's finest hour in the recording studio.
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Diane Cox
03-19-2016
10:05 AM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.239
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Some females too, Martino. 24th for me. They say a family is only blessed with one Aries child.
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Martino to Dennis
03-19-2016
09:14 AM ET (US) IP: 104.255.7.178
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Happy Birthday old man! It looks like March is the month many people at this forum were born, at least many of the males. My father would have been 101! Having lived a full lifetime I am sure you have discovered that which all mankind seeks - the mystery of life. Here is a birthday gift just for you, sung as only Mario Lanza can: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JwEboy3BEEY.
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Ray to Derek
03-19-2016
04:42 AM ET (US) IP: 92.30.36.164
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IIRC the original UK release of The Student Prince album had exactly the same tracks as the US release.
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Dennis
03-18-2016
09:01 PM ET (US) IP: 73.170.201.215
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For my 76th birthday today, I was saving a Sepia recording of the Student Prince which also has 10 "bonus" tracks of Mario singing everything from Charmaine to Vesti la Giubba. I had a delicious birthday lunch, long anticipated at a Michelin starred restaurant, but now my son and grandchildren are hosting a birthday dinner. By the time I get home I'll have to go to bed because I have an 8:00 softball tournament game in another city. Guess Lanza will have to wait.
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Ed
03-18-2016
05:48 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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I don't know how many folks here are from Jersey, although I am not I just thought I'd post this. I remember when I was in junior high in the early 60s there was a radio station WVNJ, I think it was on am radio and they would play a block of Lanza songs about 3pm. They had a guide I subscribed to do I knew when his songs were to be played .
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Derek Mannering
03-18-2016
12:17 PM ET (US) IP: 69.209.224.89
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Brian, the original Student Prince soundtrack album was released in the U.S. under the cumbersome title "The Student Prince and other great musical comedies" – the latter consisting of 6 excellent recordings from the Coke Show series. It's currently available on the Original Album Classics collection: http://www.amazon.com/Mario-Lanza-Original...ZAQABTG9KRPJMEBWRPTIn the U.K. the album was released as "The Student Prince and The Great Caruso," with recordings linked to TGC replacing the Coke Show songs. Edited 03-18-2016 12:19 PM
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Suzanne
03-17-2016
12:51 PM ET (US) IP: 74.79.58.35
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Sad to hear of the death of Frank Sinatra, Jr. Always in his father's shadow. I last saw him on an episode of The Sopranos, in a Poker scene. Think he spoke a few words. It was a very small part. Sad for his mother, who's lived such a long time. Sympathy to the family. May he rest in peace.
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Brian Harrison
03-17-2016
11:38 AM ET (US) IP: 82.35.207.241
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Well done Wendy, You beat me to the punch regarding the repeat on BBC4 of Sir Antonio Pappano's program this coming Sunday on "The Tenor Voice" in which he has something nice to say about our Mario. Thank you also for the advance notice about Alfie Boe's broadcast about Mario. I have today taken delivery of the new Sepia c.d. "Never till now" and I am a little confused with the reference in the booklet to "The Student Prince" and "Other Great Musical Comedies". Can someone here explain what this is all about please? I havn't played the c.d. yet. It is all set up on the player for my wife and I to enjoy together later this evening. Best wishes to you all, Brian.
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Dan Lawlor
03-17-2016
08:57 AM ET (US) IP: 45.47.188.68
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Happy St Patrick's day to all the Irish out there and those who wish they were...May the road rise to meet you, may the sun be forever on your fields, may the wind be always at your back and may you be in heaven an hour before the devil knows your dead...an old Irish blessing Edited 03-17-2016 09:00 AM
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Kenneth Henderson
03-17-2016
04:45 AM ET (US) IP: 61.9.168.143
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She is said to be still alive at 98.
Ken
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Kristine
03-17-2016
04:34 AM ET (US) IP: 24.160.90.200
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Frank Sinatra, Jr., RIP. Frank Sinatra wanted to manage Mario Lanza and I always thought Colleen Lanza looked like Nancy Sinatra, Jr. Is Nancy Barbato Sinatra ( Frank Sinatra's first wife) Still with us ? She was friends with movie star Barbara Stanwyck. Happy St. Patrick's Day !
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Diane Cox
03-17-2016
01:37 AM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.239
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Frank Sinatra Jr, 72, has died of cardiac arrest in Datona.
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Ed to Wendy
03-15-2016
05:54 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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Wendy, thank you for that, I was informed by my friend Brian Beacock we are friends on Facebook. I've already downloaded the BBC website. If you'd like to friend me on Facebook look me up at Ed McManus in Staten Island, NY I'd be glad to accept, I have some good pics of Mario. Ed
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Wendy Stilwell - UK
03-15-2016
02:45 PM ET (US) IP: 92.20.119.139
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Next Monday, 21 March at 10.00pm UK time on BBC Radio 2, British tenor, Alfie Boe plays the music of singers who have had an influence on him. Next Monday's is all about Mario.
Also, Pappano's classical voices on tenors, is being repeated on BBC 4 TV - next Sunday, 20 March at 8.00 pm.
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Bill Ronayne
03-14-2016
10:48 PM ET (US) IP: 24.185.115.192
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Thanks Suzanne. I appreciate it very much. Best, Bill
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Suzanne
03-14-2016
04:47 PM ET (US) IP: 74.79.58.35
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A little slow on the draw, Bill. Sure didn't mean to exclude you. Hope you had a great Birth Day.Thanks for all you do. Wish I could make one of the luncheons.
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Suzanne
03-14-2016
11:33 AM ET (US) IP: 74.79.58.35
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Belated Happy Birthday to Dan and Matt. Hope you enjoyed your day. Watched again the three tenors last eve, and it always causes me to miss Mario even more. Though they were wonderful. Received my CD, beautiful of course, it is Mario, enjoyed his comments. Loved his sense of humor. Ed. I'm green with envy, just in time for St. Pat's. Can't believe you're still plagued with Sciatica, so good to hear that you were able to attend the luncheon again.What fun! The cake looked great, sorry you couldn't have a piece. We had our parade here on Saturday. Great turnout. Happy St. Pat's!
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,Ed to Dennis
03-13-2016
06:42 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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Hope you make it one day, look us up.
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Dennis
03-13-2016
06:31 PM ET (US) IP: 73.170.201.215
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Wonderful reporting, guys! Some day I will be in New York and attend one of the luncheons. I hope it will be while Diva Malbin is still around to stand up and sing along! What a gal!
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Bill Ronayne
03-13-2016
11:52 AM ET (US) IP: 24.186.248.116
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Here's the cake. Patsy's co-owner and chef Sal Scognamillo and I share the same birthday which is on the 14th so we celebrate together at the March luncheon. Ms. Jarvis led everyone in Happy Birthday to both Sal and I before the cake was cut. Best, Bill
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Bill Ronayne
03-13-2016
11:48 AM ET (US) IP: 24.186.248.116
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Thanks Ed. Glad you could attend. Sorry you had to leave before dessert. The cake was wonderful! The photo features accompanist Jiin Jung, Elaine Malbin and soprano Alexa Jarvis. Ms. Jarvis and Ms. Jung were heard at the beginning of the afternoon in outstanding performances of arias from La Boheme and Faust and the songs Someone to Watch Over Me and My White Knight. We also watched Mario in Vesti la giubba and La donna e mobile from The Great Caruso to commemorate the upcoming 65th anniversary of the premiere. It was the first time we had video at the luncheon and what a treat to hear Elaine singing in person. Best, Bill
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Ed to Fred
03-13-2016
07:38 AM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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Yesterday's luncheon was held at 1pm at the famous Patsy's Italian restaurant here in NYC. There were many in attendance there to enjoy good friends, good food and the event as you would guess center around Mario. Bill welcomed us all and we toasted Mario, then the event began. Our special guest was soprano Elaine Malbin who I had the pleasure of meeting several times in the past was ever so gracious. Our friend Nick Barrella provided entertainment with a game called "name the tenor" in which a video was flashed on a screen of different singers singing part of the aria "di rigori armato" from Fritz to Mario. A video of a young Elaine was shown of her singing Sempre Libre, and then You Are Love to which she stood up and sang with her video and she was marvelous. I left early to catch my ride and missed desert but knowing the great time I had earlier I was fine, it was a wonderful event and congrats to Bill he gave us all a great time and Mario Lanza.
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Fred Day
03-12-2016
10:26 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Jan Peerce also recorded Valencia, in English. He sings it well, but lacks the carefree buoyancy and abandon of Lanza's rendition. Martino hit the nail right on the head, in his description. Ciao.
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Fred Day
03-12-2016
10:14 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Ed: Please give us a review of Bill's luncheon. I'm sure you enjoyed it. Thanks. Ciao.
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Kenneth Henderson
03-12-2016
07:46 PM ET (US) IP: 61.9.168.137
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Two brothers but no Earl.
Ken
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Mminzer@aol.com
03-12-2016
06:30 PM ET (US) IP: 204.29.186.64
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THANK YOU!!
MATT MINZER IN 80 DG. TROPICAL FLORIDA
In a message dated 3/12/2016 6:12:30 P.M. Eastern Standard Time, qtopic-30-ECKcxtRbxUTNy@quicktopic.com writes:
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Kristine
03-12-2016
06:12 PM ET (US) IP: 24.160.90.200
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Happy Birthdays, Matt and Dan ! I received my "Never Till Now"-Mario Lanza CD. I was watching a rerun of "Bonanza" and saw the name, Earl Hedrick, for Art Direction, in credits. Was he related to Kathryn Grayson(real name, Zelma Hedrick) ?
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Ed to Martino
03-11-2016
06:37 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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Martino, thank you my friend I had a great one but how did 68 happen so quickly? Valencia is one of my favorite songs and your description of how he sings it. I'll be at Bill's luncheon tomorrow among many fans of our man.
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Martino
03-11-2016
04:08 PM ET (US) IP: 104.255.7.178
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Happy Birthday to Ed, Matt and Dan - and many, many more!! And I LOVE "Valencia"! This is Lanza at his most joyous, expansive and carefree. It is a short song that many singers just sing off the cuff but with Mario Lanza you can tell just how much he loved not only singing this song but singing in general. For him, it was as natural to sing a song as it was to breathe air and we hear that in every note of "Valencia". There is no regard to artistry or technique, no distinction in expression beyond the words themselves, no inner commitment or attention to subtlety or nuance for the simple reason that the song does not require it. He sings it like it should be sung, with joy and happiness in his heart being the only requirement. Here it is for everyone to enjoy again: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ps7NYV_kmhQ.
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Ed to Fred
03-11-2016
02:54 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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Thank you Fred I had a Good one. You could be right, I almost said ,"forgive me I have sinned" Haha!
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Fred Day
03-11-2016
02:41 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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There are many Dereks in the world. The easiest way to distinguish which is which is to simply use the last name, after the first name. Simple as that!! No problem. Ciao.
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Fred Day
03-11-2016
02:37 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Happy (belated) Birthday, Ed. Happy Birthday, Matt. Happy (upcoming) Birthday, Dan. Happy belated 75th Birthday, Placido Domingo, as of Jan 23rd. I hope I didn't forget anyone!! Ciao.
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Ed to Matt
03-11-2016
10:34 AM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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Happy Birthday my friend I am still here. I've been sidelined for sometime with darn sciatica all down the left hip and thigh, I occasionally get a good day but few and far between. Hopefully this beast will leave for good soon and we'll make the trip. Be well, I was 68 on Wednesday the 2nd.
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Mminzer@aol.com
03-10-2016
06:41 PM ET (US) IP: 204.29.186.8
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THANK YOU DAN. I WISH THAT I COULD SING AS WELL AS YOU!
BEST,
MATT
WHERE IS ED???
In a message dated 3/10/2016 9:30:15 A.M. Eastern Standard Time, qtopic-30-ECKcxtRbxUTNy@quicktopic.com writes:
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Dan Lawlor
03-10-2016
09:30 AM ET (US) IP: 75.145.230.187
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Happy Birthday Matt, I will turn 81 on Tuesday Mar 15th...Pisces babies eh?? ha ha
And still singing!
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Ed to Linz
03-10-2016
07:09 AM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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Perhaps we should identify them as a and b or one and two.
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Ed
03-10-2016
07:07 AM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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Linz, too many Derek's perhaps there should be Derek one and two.
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Linz
03-10-2016
06:58 AM ET (US) IP: 122.61.3.173
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In case there's any confusion, the new CD is a Derek McGovern effort, in conjunction with Armando Cesari, Vince di Placido and Sepia's Richard Tay and Robin Cherry. Disgracefully, there's been nothing from BMG/Sony for years. Sepia's Never Till Now is a stellar compendium of Mario's very best recordings in English, compiled by people who can tell.
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Gail Swartz
03-10-2016
01:34 AM ET (US) IP: 204.29.186.11
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Thanks for clearing up the Valencia vocalist....never knew that someone would sneak in another artist's selections on an established recording artist's work. Bad form!. My new CD has yet to arrive...maybe tomorrow?
On March 9, 2016, at 10:54 PM, QuickTopic daily digest <qtopic-30-ECKcxtRbxUTNy@quicktopic.com> wrote:
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Ed
03-09-2016
06:10 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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Initially, I too became puzzled by Gail's post about Valencia. I admit while puzzled I referenced Bill's book about the radio shows and saw two. Like many here I can hear that song in my head if I want. I can't imagine Mario sounding like he had a cold. Had I heard the recording I'd have known it was not Mario.
Derek-Thanks for getting that new CD going I love it.
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Derek Mannering
03-09-2016
05:55 PM ET (US) IP: 69.209.224.89
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Mystery solved! The Spanish tenor singing "Valencia" on the "Sorrento" compilation is Luis Mariano, a favorite of Roberto Alagna. My thanks to Steff Walzinger for her great research skills in identifying this artist.
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Derek Mannering
03-09-2016
04:24 PM ET (US) IP: 69.209.224.89
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Bill is right. Unless there's an alternate take lurking in the vaults, there is only one known recording of "Valencia" by Lanza.
You can find the album Gail refers to by typing Mario Lanza in the Amazon search box and selecting digital downloads. The collection is on page 2.
https://www.amazon.com/Come-Back-Sorrento-...wse-bin%3A625150011
Tracks 2 ("Walk On" – i.e. "You'll Never Walk Alone"!) and 10 ("Valencia") are not sung by Lanza. I have no idea who the singers are, but it's a reminder that Mario's digital album catalog (Amazon, iTunes, etc.) is packed with cheap rip-offs, often in lousy sound. There are over 40 bootleg/public domain collections on the first three Amazon pages alone, including an absolutely abysmal copy of the 1959 "Student Prince" album. Notice anything about the playback speed here?
https://www.amazon.com/Student-Prince-Mari...wse-bin%3A625150011
All three reviewers comment on the slooooow speed, yet, astonishingly, one of them considers it "essential, because it has never been issued on a CD"!
One thing about the song list on the aforementioned "Sorrento" collection did make me smile: The title of track 9: "You Do Something or Else." The two non-Lanza songs also turn up on "The Best of Mario Lanza" (with its bizarre cover photo), along with "Summertime in Heidel Burger" (with a side order of french-fries perhaps?).
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Bill Ronayne
03-09-2016
03:23 PM ET (US) IP: 24.185.127.146
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The only recording of Valencia that I know of that Mario made was on November 20, 1951 for his radio show and it was in English. It first aired on the December 3rd show in the same year and then again on the May 23, 1952 show. On both occasions, it opened the show. Best, Bill
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Bill Ronayne
03-09-2016
03:15 PM ET (US) IP: 24.185.127.146
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Hi Matt:
After this Saturday's luncheon the next one will be on June 11th. Best, Bill
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Mminzer@aol.com
03-09-2016
12:57 PM ET (US) IP: 204.29.186.2
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OPERA LOVERS OF THE WORLD:
TODAY AND TONIGHT ARE THEWONDERFUL ENCORE PERFORMANCES OF PUCCINI'S "MANON LESCAUT" AT THE LOCAL THEATRE IN HI-DEF DIRECT FROM THE WONDERFUL METROPOLITAN OPERA AT LINCOLN CENTER. I SAW THIS PRODUCTION FOUR WEEKS AGO WHEN WE DROVE TO NEW YORK AND THE VOICES WERE FABULOUS. (ROBERTO ALAGNA NAD KRISTINE OPOLAIS.) I BELEIVE THAT THE OPERA AND CAST ARE ALSO ON THE RADIO AND SERIUS RADIO THIS SATURDAY AFTERNOON.
I AM CELEBRATING MY 75TH BIRTHDAY TONIGHT BY SEEING THE BEAUTIFUL HI-DEF PERFORMANCE ON THE BIG SCREEN. WHAT A TREAT BEING 1250 MILES FROM NEW YORK IN BEAUTIFUL FLORIDA!
BEST,
MATT MINZER
ED-WE WILL BE BACK IN NEW YORK DURING THE FIRST FEW DAYS OF MAY. ARE YOU READY TO VISIT SAGAMORE HILL AND THE TEDDY ROOSEVELT MUSEUM?
BILL-DO YOU HAVE ANOTHER LUNCHEON SCHEDULED FOR THE LAST WEEK OF APRIL OR THE FIRST WEEK OF MAY AT PATSY'S WORLD FAMOUS RESTAURANT? DR. GIMONDO AND I WOULD CERTAINLY ATTEND,
In a message dated 3/9/2016 9:35:15 A.M. Eastern Standard Time, qtopic-30-ECKcxtRbxUTNy@quicktopic.com writes:
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Mminzer@aol.com
03-09-2016
12:48 PM ET (US) IP: 204.29.186.8
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In a message dated 3/9/2016 9:35:15 A.M. Eastern Standard Time, qtopic-30-ECKcxtRbxUTNy@quicktopic.com writes:
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Gail Swartz
03-09-2016
09:35 AM ET (US) IP: 204.29.186.13
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I ordered the Mario cd from Amazon .The cd is titled Come Back to Sorrento. It is on my play list on my Kindle. The cover is a landscape. There is also a rough selection of another song that has Mario sounding like he has a bad cold or worse. I do not know if the cd is offered anymore.
On March 8, 2016, at 10:55 PM, QuickTopic daily digest <qtopic-30-ECKcxtRbxUTNy@quicktopic.com> wrote:
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Diane Cox
03-08-2016
10:19 AM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.239
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Domingo singing Valencia in Spanish - sounds good.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=orDAgMlW8SA
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Fred Day
03-08-2016
09:57 AM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Gail: Where can I hear this rendition of Valencia in Italian?? On Youtube?? Lanza never sang that song in Italian - only in English. The song has been sung in Spanish (its original language) by Spanish tenors like Domingo, Carreras, Alfredo Kraus, Pedro La Virgen, etc. I'm sure that singer is certainly not Mario Lanza. I would like to hear it. Ciao.
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Ed to Gail
03-08-2016
08:36 AM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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Gail, Mario recorded Valencia in English Nov 1951 and on radio July 52, was this Lanza, best ask Bill or Fred,I doubt that was him, I could be very wrong. Let us know
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Gail Swartz
03-08-2016
12:18 AM ET (US) IP: 204.29.186.66
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I listened to a collection entitled Come Back to Sorrento...Mario sang Valencia in Italian...could not find reference to the date of the recording..He sounded very young. Anyone share this info? Still waiting for my CD, too Suzzane .
On March 7, 2016, at 10:55 PM, QuickTopic daily digest <qtopic-30-ECKcxtRbxUTNy@quicktopic.com> wrote:
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Suzanne
03-07-2016
10:52 AM ET (US) IP: 74.79.58.35
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Still waiting for my copy. Oh, think I see the mailman! Ed, glad you had a wonderful birthday! Jim, I was fond of Pavarotti, and admire Domingo, but you're so right about Mario. That's the reason it hurts so much to feel that he's slighted and sometimes seems to be forgotten. How can it be? We have to love him enough to make up for it. I know I do.
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Ed to Jim Thompson
03-06-2016
06:09 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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Hello Jim, we've corresponded before here on the forum. I too saw the PBS repeat of the 3 Tenors Concert this afternoon. Coincidentally I received the new Lanza cd Never Till Now yesterday and first got to listen to it today. I turned off the concert and put my cd on, anything I can comment would mirror what you said, Best!
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Jim Thompson
03-06-2016
05:29 PM ET (US) IP: 67.83.119.164
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After watching the 3 Tenors first concert on PBS earlier today, I have come to an absolute conclusion that NO tenor, living or dead, has gotten to the depth of meaning of the composer, be he or she classical or popular, as did Mario. As a former vocal student and paid performer for about fifteen years, the strain, the manner of production and the small fine line between sharp and flat, in all of these, the 3 tenors had difficulties. Mario did not. Even in a simple filming of the live songs on "The Christopher" show, one could see Mario's concentration and delivery with every part of his body.
As an American -Italian, Mario's pronunciations and again, delivery of those words, are so far above Pavarotti's. Carreras and Domingo and all the others before and since are simply too involved with what they think...believe...to be correct vocal production. Mario's vocal productions were in-born and simply God Given. Al Jolson said "You ain't heard nothin' yet"... after you've heard Lanza..."You heard it all... as it should be".
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Gail Swartz
03-06-2016
03:29 PM ET (US) IP: 204.29.186.20
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Kristine, I too, wait for the new Mario disk.Joe, I would like to see Serenade on the big screen, too.
On March 5, 2016, at 10:53 PM, QuickTopic daily digest <qtopic-30-ECKcxtRbxUTNy@quicktopic.com> wrote:
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Ed
03-06-2016
02:01 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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I got the CD yesterday and really enjoyed listening to it. The tracks are clear and the sound is a true triumph of a job well done, many thanks to all involved.
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Joe
03-05-2016
06:59 PM ET (US) IP: 71.224.55.142
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I received and listened to the new Sepia CD entitled “Never Till Now” and it is simply wonderful..…everything that Linz suggested it would be in his earlier post. Even though, like most, I had all these recordings scattered among other releases, hands down, this is the best collection of English songs in one vehicle. It captures the warmth and overwhelming beauty of the Lanza gift with astonishing fidelity. Thanks to Dr McGovern, Armando Cesari and all who persuaded Sepia to compile this great release.
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Ed
03-05-2016
08:10 AM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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Thank you Kristine I had a great birthday on Wednesday.
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Kristine
03-05-2016
06:20 AM ET (US) IP: 24.160.90.200
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Happy Belated Birthday, Ed ! I, too, am waiting for "Never Till Now" CD. TCM is releasing "The Ten Commandments"(1956-Charlton Heston)to movie theatres, this month. I wonder if TCM will ever release "The Great Caruso" to movie theatres ?
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Deleted by author 03-04-2016 03:05 PM
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Suzanne
02-28-2016
02:57 PM ET (US) IP: 74.79.58.35
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Waiting for my new CD. Thanks again, Linz for putting into words most of us can't find, but do feel. Wish I'd had more time in Philadelphia, to see everything. Saw a bit, but not enough.Didn't know Marian Anderson was a Philadelphian, too. Spring like temps here today. Brings Hope.
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Mminzer@aol.com
02-27-2016
07:31 PM ET (US) IP: 204.29.186.63
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LEN:
ALSO PLEASE CONSIDER VISITING THE JEWISH MUSEUM WHICH IS LOCATED ON THE MALL ADJACENT TO INDEPENDENCE HALL. YOU WILL BE SUPRISED HOW MAN COLONIAL JEWISH FAMILIES HELPED GEORGE WASHINGTON AND OUR COLONIAL LEADERS FINANCE THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION AGAINST MOTHER COUNTRY, ENGLAND. THIS MUSEUM IS ON THREE FLOORS AND DOCENTS WILL TAKE YOU AROUND. IT IS ALSO FIFTEEN MINUTES FROM SOUTH PHILADELPHIA AND THE MARIO LANZA MUSEUM. BE SURE TO HAVE LUNCH AT THE OLDEST ITALIAN RESTAURANT IN PHILADELPHIA, "RALPH'S"'
PHILADELPHIA IS BEAUTIFUL ESPECIALLY IN MAY AND OCTOBER.
BEST,
MATT MINZER-A LOVER OF OPERA.
In a message dated 2/27/2016 7:09:50 P.M. Eastern Standard Time, qtopic-30-ECKcxtRbxUTNy@quicktopic.com writes:
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Ed to Len
02-27-2016
07:09 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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Len, yes you must visit Philadelphia should you again visit America, aside from Lanza ands Anderson you'll find that this city holds much history from our early days. Independence Hall where we met and signed our declaration, the Liberty Bell and Ben Franklin's home. Your last stop should be Lanza's birthplace and park and his church.
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Len (UK)
02-27-2016
11:28 AM ET (US) IP: 81.154.249.47
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Today is the anniversary of the birth of the contralto Marian Anderson. I blogged about her on my office intranet yesterday. Nobody was aware of her as a singer or had heard of her role in the history of US Civil Rights.
I note that she was yet another great singer from Philadelphia. I wonder if she ever crossed paths with Lanza or Robeson. Was there something special in the water!
If and when I visit the US again I must include Philadelphia in the itinerary.
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Kristine
02-24-2016
02:37 PM ET (US) IP: 24.160.90.200
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Singer Sarah Vaughn will be honored on a stamp, this year and Shirley Temple will be on a stamp, as part of the Legends of Hollywood stamp series. Good choices. Maybe one day, Mario Lanza will be on a stamp.
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Gail Swartz
02-24-2016
10:11 AM ET (US) IP: 204.29.186.64
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Oh,Linz, you made me cry. Thank you for your appreciation of Mario and for letting us know about Robin Cherry's opinion of Mario singing romantic songs. I await my copy of Never til Now with greater anticipation.
On February 23, 2016, at 10:54 PM, QuickTopic daily digest <qtopic-30-ECKcxtRbxUTNy@quicktopic.com> wrote:
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Vince Di Placido (Jnr)
02-23-2016
02:03 PM ET (US) IP: 95.44.208.158
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Good job Linz!
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Ed to Linz
02-23-2016
02:01 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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Linz, for many years I have enjoyed the creative way that you defend Mario and with this well done addition you continue to do so. As one that chose not to purchase earlier releases I've totally come around, to tell you truthfully I don't know what I was thinking or where I was.
I just preordered my CD from Amazon and it should get here early March. My best to you Ed
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Linz
02-23-2016
04:01 AM ET (US) IP: 222.153.12.164
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Music of the Gods—Never Till NowIn a new Foreword for the upcoming, updated print copy of my book, The One Tenor, a contemporary operatic superstar—addressing the claim that a voice as impossibly beautiful as Mario Lanza's could only have been an artifice created by sound engineers—says: Not even the most modern voice mixers can replicate the beauty that was Mario Lanza’s voice. Indeed, most tenors would be out of business if technology could even come close to mimicking him. What Lanza had was a gift from God that cannot be digitally bestowed nor replicated. The "gift from God" is captured unambiguously in the latest of an admirably quick succession of Lanza CDs from Sepia Records, overseen by Dr. Derek McGovern, Never Till Now. To mix my metaphors, I am going to set a ridiculously high bar and go out on a sturdy limb: never till now did Mario sound as miraculous as this. Anyone who wants to dispute this claim must reckon with I'll Walk with God as he's never heard it before. Or the flawless Because from the soundtrack of The Great Caruso. Or For You Alone, whose penultimate note would bring down not just low-flying aircraft but the most distant satellite. To add rapture to ecstasy, the CD retrieves Mario's mischievous and beautifully-spoken introductions to The Night Is Young, If I Loved You and Because You're Mine. It is irrefutable proof of a further observation by the aforementioned super-star: Many say that the voice is one of the mirrors of the soul and there can be no shadow of a doubt that Mario was a fine, sincere man, a fact so poignantly reflected in his singing that drew you in and left you wanting for more. I shan't give a track-by-track review of this CD. Instead, I'll bestow on Derek McGovern, Sepia and its sound engineer Robin Cherry, this accolade: normally I make a point of setting aside an appropriate chunk of time each day to listen to a concerto or symphony or piano trio or quintet or some such, in my relentless desire to hear every last piece of music from the Romantic genre—music's apogee—ever written before I die. Over the last few days that time has been devoted solely to listening to this CD, without skipping a single track. It contains the essence and distillation of Romanticism. I can pay no higher tribute, nor offer any higher commendation. Never Till Now is available from sepiarecords.com, and will soon be on Amazon. Edited 02-23-2016 04:58 AM
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Dan Lawlor
02-22-2016
09:27 AM ET (US) IP: 75.145.230.187
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Matt: Sorry, but I will be heading back north on March 13th...have a great summer...I am sorry I didn't get to sing for you this year, and I had brought three Neapolitan songs which I intend to perform in May at a local Church for a group called Monday Musical Club of Albany, NY...so, next year perhaps? Edited 02-22-2016 09:29 AM
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Diane Cox
02-21-2016
07:44 PM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.239
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Matt: Rechecked the dates and it is Feb 28, next Sun. Maybe she will feel better by then.
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matt minzer
02-21-2016
05:09 PM ET (US) IP: 108.46.158.231
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HI DIANE:
I ATTENDED THE MET OPERA YESTERDAY AND THE RUMOR WAS THAT ANNA NETREBKO WAS POSTPONING AS SHE WAS IN A HOSPITAL IN PARIS DUE TO A SLIPPED DISC AND BRONKITIS AND CANCELLED THE ENTIRE RUN AT THE PARIS OPERA LAST WEEK. I WILL CHECK GOOGLE ON MONDAY TO SEE THE REVIEWS AND IF THE CONCERT ACTUALLY TOOK PLACE.
MARILYN AND I ARE DRIVING HOME FROM NEW YORK TO SUNNY FLORIDA TOMORROW AND SPENDING THREE NIGHTS IN HOTELS. I AM ANXIOUS TO VISIT CIVIL WAR BATTLEFIELDS IN VIRGINIA NAD NORTH CAROLINA IF THE WEATHER ALLOWS. I TAUGHT HISTORY IN THE NEW YORK CITY SCHOOL SYSTEM FOR FORTY YEARS AND FIVE SUMMERS AND REALLY ENJOYED IT.
BEST,
MATT MINZER ON LONG ISLAND
DON'T FORGET TO SEE "MANON LESCAUT" IN EARLY MARCH IN HI-DEF AT YOUR LOCAL MOVIE THEATRE. YOU WILL LOVE KRISTINE OPOLAIS AND ROBERTO ALAGNA. THE SINGING WAS HEAVENLY.
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Diane Cox
02-21-2016
12:19 PM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.239
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Anyone going to see the Netrebko recital at the Met today? Understand she is singing Russian selections.
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Bill Ronayne
02-21-2016
09:56 AM ET (US) IP: 24.185.121.203
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Yes Matt I did see a performance of Maria Stuarda on the 12th. Sondra was outstanding! Best, Bill
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Mminzer@aol.com
02-20-2016
05:58 PM ET (US) IP: 204.29.186.59
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OPERA LOVERS OF THE WORLD:
I JUST RETURNED HOME (OUR DAGHTER'S HOME ON LONG ISLAND) FROM THE MAGNIFICENT METROPOLITAN OPERA AND WAS WITNESS TO A FABULOUS "MARIA STUARDA' STARRING DIVA, SONDRA RADVANOVSKY AS THE DOOMED QUEEN. IT WAS ONE OF THE MEMORABLE PERFORMANCES OF MY FIIFTY YEAR OPERA LOVE.
ONCE AGAIN, THE SETS WERE MISSING OR HORRENDOUS. THEY WEREN'T AS BAD AS :MANON LESCAUT" WHICH WAS A DISGRACE
.
THE SINGING AT BOTH WAS SOME OF THE BEST BY THE BEST SINGERS IN THE WORLD.
BILL-DID YOU SEE SONDRA IN "MARIA STUARTA? YET?
DAN-I AM INVITING YOU MY OPERA LECTURE NIGHT AT ABERDEEN ON THURSDAY, MARCH 24TH AT 7:00 P.M.TO SEE JONAS KAUFMANN AND KRISTINE OPOLAIS IN "MANON LESCAUT" FROM THE ROYAL OPERA HOUSE COVENT GARGEN IN LONDON. IT IS A VERY EROTIC AND SENUAL PERFORMANCE, R.S.V.P.
FRED-I AM LOOKING FORWARD TO MEETING YOU FOR LUNCH IN ORLANDO IN APRIL AND DISCUSSING OPERA.
BEST,
MATT MINZER IN LONG ISLAND WHERE THE TEMPERATURE REACHED 68 DG. TODAY- LAST SATURDAY IT WAS MINUS TWO DEGREES.
In a message dated 2/20/2016 2:35:06 P.M. Eastern Standard Time, qtopic-30-ECKcxtRbxUTNy@quicktopic.com writes:
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Diane Cox
02-20-2016
02:35 PM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.239
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Il volo made their debut at Kennedy Center in Washinton DC last night and got a rave review from DC Metro.
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Ray to Fred
02-19-2016
02:46 AM ET (US) IP: 92.30.12.158
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Doris Day & Dean Martin also recorded Because You're Mine.
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Diane Cox
02-18-2016
01:24 PM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.239
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Miss the old variety shows of the 50s, 60s. Guess American Idol and Voice have taken their place. Neither of which I can watch.
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David Weaver
02-18-2016
12:12 PM ET (US) IP: 156.63.68.246
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In the Macfarlane book about Como, the appendix includes all his radio and television shows and the songs he sang on them. The Chesterfield series on CBS, which were live, 15-minute shows done three times a week, Perry would usually do three numbers. The show in December 1952 (doesn't list the actual date) had him singing, in addition to "Because You're Mine," "Winter Wonderland" with the Fontane Sisters, and "When Your Lover Has Gone." The song listing for September 1953 (again, no specific date) was "Wrap Your Troubles in Dreams," "Because You're Mine" and "In the Still of the Night" - and that's the show that's on YouTube.
By the way, it was 1955 that Como switched to NBC with a once-a-week, hour-long show. Which continued until 1959, when Perry became star and host of the Kraft Music Hall. The four-year, $25-million deal Perry signed with Kraft was a record at that time.
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Jim Thompson
02-18-2016
11:33 AM ET (US) IP: 67.83.119.164
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In all discussions about things Lanza, I don't find much in picture or sound of recording sessions. By this I wonder if there
were shots captured at his many sessions with orchestras and I wonder if any films were taken during the actual sessions.
What a find that would be: actually HEARING AND WATCHING Mario at real-time work.
As I write this I once again thank biographers for their work and folks like Bill Ronayne for his recent publications.
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Fred Day
02-18-2016
08:09 AM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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David: How can you tell whether the date is Dec 1952 or Sept 1953?? Curious. Ciao.
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Fred Day
02-18-2016
08:02 AM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Thanks again, David. Nice to hear Perry Como sing Because You're Mine, which he never made a record of. Some other pop singers who did record that song: Nat King Cole, Billy Eckstine, Jerry Vale, Al Martino, Jimmy Roselli, and Connie Francis. There may be a few more that I am not aware of. Lanza loved the song, but hated the movie - he never went to see it!! Ciao.
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Dan Lawlor
02-17-2016
09:24 AM ET (US) IP: 75.145.230.187
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Matt: Stay warm there in NY State, ha ha...you bring up a bugaboo of mine, updating operas to current? or recent? eras...makes no sense except to cut down the cost of sets...and to cowtow to a scene director's ego...n'est-ce pas?
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Kristine
02-17-2016
05:13 AM ET (US) IP: 24.160.90.200
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Nat King Cole also sang "Because You're Mine".
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David Weaver
02-17-2016
01:06 AM ET (US) IP: 24.210.22.228
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Here you go, Fred: Perry sang "Because You're Mine" twice on the Chesterfield Supper Club, the first time in December 1952 and the second in September 1953. This is the second time, September 1953, even though whoever posted the clip erroneously put December 16, 1950 - which actually would've been impossible, since the song hadn't even been written yet! Perry doesn't mention Mario this time - just sings the song: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cMIkVQ8ltKEBy the way, my source for this is PERRY COMO: A BIOGRAPHY AND COMPLETE CAREER GUIDE by Malcolm Macfarlane, who also wrote bios of Bing Crosby and Rosie Clooney. The Como book, co-written with Ken Crossland, has a wonderful foreword by Michael Feinstein. Edited 02-17-2016 01:12 AM
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Bill Ronayne
02-16-2016
10:22 AM ET (US) IP: 24.185.114.149
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Yes she is Matt. That 4th act set is an accident waiting to happen. I saw the Maria Stuarda you'll be seeing Saturday a few weeks ago and it was great. Sondra was fantastic. Best, Bill Edited 02-16-2016 10:23 AM
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Mminzer@aol.com
02-16-2016
10:08 AM ET (US) IP: 204.29.186.53
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BILL;
KRISTINE OPOLATIS HELD EVERYONES ATTENTION AND WAS EXCEPTIONAL. A REAL STAR. THE PRODUCTION WAS UPDATED TO 1940 NAZI OCCUPIED FRANCE WHICH MADE NO SENSE. THE STAGING FOR THE FORTH ACT WAS REAL HORROR STORY
.
I WILL BE ATTENDING THE SATURDAY MATINEE OF THE TRAGIC QUEEN STARRING SONDRA R.
BEST,
MATT MINZER
In a message dated 2/16/2016 9:39:36 A.M. Eastern Standard Time, qtopic-30-ECKcxtRbxUTNy@quicktopic.com writes:
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Bill Ronayne
02-16-2016
09:39 AM ET (US) IP: 24.185.114.149
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Hi Matt: I saw the premiere this past Friday. I wasn't too happy with the sets and updating the time to WWII. For the most part the singing was very good as was the acting. Alagna had some high note problems on the very top of the voice but sang well otherwise. Best. Bill
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Gail Swartz
02-16-2016
08:40 AM ET (US) IP: 204.29.186.11
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Perry Como sang "Because" on his show and on vinyl. I noticed d that his eyes were not always focused on the camera, but on the cue cards. Perry had a deep reserve in his voice that when needed he would reach down and pull it up to good effect. Mario used all of his in all of his singing...watch him even in the films as he "sang" that he had to have some recovery breathing space.
On February 15, 2016, at 10:54 PM, QuickTopic daily digest <qtopic-30-ECKcxtRbxUTNy@quicktopic.com> wrote:
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Mminzer@aol.com
02-16-2016
08:38 AM ET (US) IP: 204.29.186.5
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OPERA LOVERS OF THE WORLD:
MY WIFE AND I DROVE 1250 MILES FROM S.E. FLORIDA TO LONG ISLAND TO BE WITH OUR GRANDSON, RYAN, AND ATTEND SEVERAL PERFORMANCES AT THE WONDERFUL METROPOLITAN OPERA.
THE TEMPERATURES ON LONG ISLAND FELL TO -1 DG ON SATURDAY AND SNOW AND ICY RAIN FILLED THE SKY AND GROUND YESTERDAY.. BUT WE ENDURED AND SAW THE MAGNIFICENT PUCCINI OPERA, "MANON LESCAUT" LAST EVENING WITH ROBERTO ALAGNA (REPLACING JONAS KAUFMANN) AND THE FABULOUS KRISTINE OPOLAIS AS MANON LESCAUT.
MS. OPOLAIS IS A PRESENT AND FUTURE FIRST CLASS ACTRESS AND SINGER. IN ACT TWO THE NEW YORK TIMES COMPARED HER TO A BEAUTIFUL LANA TURNER. SHE SANG SO BEAUTIFULLY THAT THE PARTIALLY FILLED AUDIENCE GAVE HER A STANDING OVATION. .I GUESS THAT THE DANGEROUS WEATHER KEPT OPERA LOVERS AT HOME LAST NIGHT.
THE WORLD HAS AN OPPORTUNITY TO SEE THIS CAST AND PRODUCTION IN EARLY MARCH ON TWO DATES AT THE HI-DEF TRANSMISSION AT YOUR LOCAL MOVIE THEATRES.
MS. OPOLAIS WILL ALSO BE SINGING THE ROLE OF MADAMA BUTTERFLY LATER IN THE SEASON AT THE MET AND YOU WILL HAVE A CHANCE TO SEE IT IN HI-DEF. ENJOY!
BEST,
MATT MINZER IN WINTERY NEW YORK
BILL-DID YOU SEE THE PRODUCTION OF "MANON LESCAUT" YET?
In a message dated 2/15/2016 3:54:42 P.M. Eastern Standard Time, qtopic-30-ECKcxtRbxUTNy@quicktopic.com writes:
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Diane Cox
02-15-2016
03:54 PM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.239
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An old friend of mine lives in Perry Como's mountaintop retreat in Saluda NC
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Fred Day
02-15-2016
03:22 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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I also recall on Feb 29, 1960, Bing Crosby had a TV special, with Perry Como as his guest. A couple of weeks later, Bing guested on Como's Kraft TV show. They sang numerous songs together on both shows, which were released on an LP around 1980 or so. Wonderful songs and comedy. Ciao.
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Fred Day
02-15-2016
03:13 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Thanks, David. I haven't heard Como sing Be My Love since that date, 2/10/60, and always wished I had recorded it. Now I have it, thanks to you. I think Como also sang Because You're Mine a few years earlier, on his TV show. Does that one exist?? Curious. Ciao. Thanks again.
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Kristine
02-15-2016
03:04 PM ET (US) IP: 24.160.90.200
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Perry remembered that Mario Lanza impersonated him in "Seven Hills ofRome". The Grammys are on, tonight. I wish they would honor Mario Lanza, someday.
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Suzanne
02-15-2016
01:47 PM ET (US) IP: 74.79.58.35
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Enjoyed that clip, David. Thanks. We should all have "what he was having".So cool! A family member met him getting gas in Florida toward the end of his life. Said he was friendly and pleasant.Oh, nice rendition of Mario's song, loved the tribute. Wonderful Perry.
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Gail Swartz
02-15-2016
07:24 AM ET (US) IP: 204.29.186.8
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Thank you, David, for the clip. I wonder how many of Mario's contemporaries made similar salutes after his death. Like other great artists in all media ,after passing from the scene are they recognized for their talent and sacrifices. Be grateful that Mario still "lives" through his musical legacy.
On February 14, 2016, at 10:54 PM, QuickTopic daily digest <qtopic-30-ECKcxtRbxUTNy@quicktopic.com> wrote:
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David Weaver
02-14-2016
05:51 PM ET (US) IP: 24.210.22.228
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Como sang "Be My Love" on the Valentine edition of Kraft Music Hall on February 10, 1960, and speaks of Mario at the end. Here's link to the clip - "Be My Love" starts at just past the 3:30 mark:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lC8m6VdyNEc
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Bill Ronayne
02-12-2016
01:28 PM ET (US) IP: 24.185.114.119
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The next MLSNY luncheon will take place on Saturday, March 12, 2016 from 1pm-4pm at Patsy's Restaurant in NYC. Soprano Alexa Jarvis and accompanist Jiin Jung will perform and there will be a Name the Tenor quiz as well. Mario's recordings will heard throughout the afternoon. Elaine Malbin has said that she will attend. There's a three course menu with a cash bar and a 50/50 raffle. Admission is $65 for club members and $75 for nonmembers. Contact me at wjronayne@optonline.net if you would like to receive the invitation and for more information on attending. Best, Bill Edited 02-12-2016 01:29 PM
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Kristine
02-11-2016
10:33 PM ET (US) IP: 24.160.90.200
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"Because You're Mine" was also sung by Nat King Cole. I read somewhere, when exercise-body builder, Jack LaLanne was taking singing lessons, he would practice with "Because You're Mine". He used to sing at the end of his exercise t.v. show, back in the '50's. I think he knew Terry Robinson, too. Paul Anka's song, "Tonight, My Love, Tonight" sounded like it was based on "Caro Nome" from "Rigoletto". I am reading his autobiography, "My Way". His uncle was an opera singer, who lived in Los Angeles. He wrote that his song "You Are My Destiny" was influenced by opera. While he was growing up, he liked Frankie Laine and Johnny Ray.
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Fred Day
02-11-2016
09:17 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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"Don't You Know" is from Musetta's aria from La Boheme, not Un Bel Di from Butterfly. Jerry Vale also recorded it. Some pop singers who recorded Be My Love: Billy Eckstine, Jerry Vale, Andy Williams, Enzo Stuarti, possibly John Gary but I'm not sure. Perry Como sang Be My Love on TV, shortly after Lanza's death, but never made a record of it. Ciao.
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Ed
02-11-2016
07:23 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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Thanks Diane :-)
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Diane Cox
02-11-2016
04:16 PM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.239
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Della Reese, Be My Love
https://youtu.be/3FmXFXSJxi0
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Ed to Kristine
02-11-2016
03:46 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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I don't know for certain that Della Reese sang BML, I do know she recorded a song Don't You Know to the melody of In Bel Di from Butterfly.
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Gail Swartz
02-11-2016
08:41 AM ET (US) IP: 204.29.186.51
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Vince, I ,too, have the new CD on order. So glad to have all of the new cds so as to not have to wade through a collection to hear a favorite selection. I am reading about Mario on the Google site...he sure shook up the world of music while he lived and sang. I have a cousin who has a 91year-old friend in a nursing home....this lady is having a hard time ...I suggested that Mario's music might help...guess what?...it did. A lot of our older generation do not know about Youtube and the treasures to be regained. Keep warm...spring is coming...and soon.
On February 11, 2016, at 12:12 AM, QuickTopic daily digest <qtopic-30-ECKcxtRbxUTNy@quicktopic.com> wrote:
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Kristine
02-10-2016
04:33 PM ET (US) IP: 24.160.90.200
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Vince, I have the CD's and Never Till Now is on order. Thank you for information, though. Happy Belated Birthday Tribute to Kathryn Grayson ! I saw a photo of retired General, former Secretary of State Colin Powell with tenor Placido Domingo. I wonder if General Powell was a fan of Mario Lanza ? He served in the Army with George Price, brother of opera great Leontyne Price and he also met Elvis, while stationed in Germany.
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Vince Di Placido (Jnr)
02-09-2016
05:24 PM ET (US) IP: 95.44.208.158
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Great work so far...
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Vince Di Placido (Jnr)
02-09-2016
05:22 PM ET (US) IP: 95.44.208.158
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Thanks Suzanne & Kristine.
You can order the new cd here
http://sepiarecords.com/sepia1294.html
or here
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Never-Till-Now-Mario-Lanza/dp/B0197OIGZK
& following a train of thought...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VLKC__fIORQ
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Suzanne
02-09-2016
10:48 AM ET (US) IP: 74.79.58.35
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Today would have been the 94th birthday of Mario's loveliest co-star, Kathryn Grayson. They were a perfect match, at least on screen. Zsa Zsa was 99 on Feb. 6. Not faring so well, though.Listening today to Mario's MGM hits.
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Dan Lawlor
02-09-2016
09:44 AM ET (US) IP: 75.145.230.187
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Kristine: I watched all of the Super Bowl, and I hate football...but I must say Lady Gaga did a great job on the National Anthem...and I am not a fan of Lady Gaga...enough said...down here in W.Palm Beach Fla, there are no more FM classical stations??? sad sad sad...I guess the wealthiest retirees don't dig classical anymore??? there are a plethora of Spanish programs....I thought that new citizens were required to learn English, then why so many Spanish programs???perhaps we had better all start learning to speak Spanish?? Another bugaboo: While you can punch a button on your TV and hear the program in Spanish, there are no buttons to push to hear Spanish programs in English? why is that I wonder/???? Edited 02-09-2016 09:46 AM
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Kristine
02-08-2016
02:09 PM ET (US) IP: 24.160.90.200
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I missed some parts of The Super Bowl and didn't see the commercial with Marilyn Monroe's image. Can you imagine a commercial with image or voice of Mario Lanza during The Super Bowl ?
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Kristine
02-08-2016
02:05 PM ET (US) IP: 24.160.90.200
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Diane, the movie was "It's Always Fair Weather". Years ago, on a comedy special, Carol Burnett sang the first notes of "Be My Love". When Sammy Davis, Jr. impersonated Mario Lanza, he sang "Be My Love". Sandra Dee sang "Be My Love" in "Doctor, You've Got To Be Kidding!"(1967), Connie Francis sang it in "Looking For Love", Ricky Nelson sang it on one of his record albums, Doretta Morrow sang it in "Because You're Mine", an off-key singer(really Mario Lanza)sang it in "Seven Hills of Rome", Late tenor Joe Feeney("The Lawrence Welk Show")sang it in tribute to Lanza. I think Della Reese sang it, too. I wonder how it would sound, doo-wop style ? Vincent, best wishes to the baby.
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Suzanne
02-08-2016
01:14 PM ET (US) IP: 74.79.58.35
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Hi Vincent. How to order again? Thanks. By the way, Baby's beautiful and seems so happy! Best to you and yours.
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Diane Cox
02-08-2016
12:13 PM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.239
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In an old movie with Gene Kelly and Dan Dailey, Dailey did about a 15 second drunken spoof of "Be My Love" - came out in 1955. "It's Always Fair . . . ." Forgot the rest of the title.
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Vince Di Placido (Jnr)
02-08-2016
08:09 AM ET (US) IP: 95.44.208.158
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Nice surprise on a Monday morning, the new Mario Lanza CD, "Never Till Now", I helped work on from Sepia Records arrived & I'm listening to it now & it's AMAZING!
I'm SO proud of the now 4 releases we've produced & so happy to have paid tribute, in my small way, to the beautiful gift of music Mario Lanza gave me, I love him, always will...
Another great job Derek McGovern & Armando Cesari!
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Fred Day
02-07-2016
04:51 AM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Next Sat the Met radio b'cast will be Trovatore, with tenor Marcello Giordani. Ciao.
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Fred Day
02-07-2016
04:38 AM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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An opera with plenty of political intrigue: Tosca, for sure. The story takes place in Rome in June 1800, and the opera premiered in Rome in January 1900. There was much political unrest at both of those years in much of Italy. There was a bomb threat at the opera's premiere, but fortunately it didn't happen. The critics were, at first cool about the opera, but the public loved it immediately, and it soon got its recognition from the critics. Ciao. Edited 02-07-2016 04:40 AM
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Fred Day
02-07-2016
04:28 AM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Yesterday's Met radio broadcast of Cav & Pag were both quite good. Tenor Yonghoon Lee as Turiddu was excellent, and so was tenor Marco Berti as Canio. Berti was considerably better than he was last week as Calaf. I enjoyed both operas. Ciao.
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Dan Lawlor
02-06-2016
09:41 AM ET (US) IP: 75.145.230.187
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Kristine: I saw "Ben Franklin in Paris" with my wife many years ago, and Robert Preston did an excellent job, and that was in 1964-5
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Kristine
02-06-2016
08:29 AM ET (US) IP: 24.160.90.200
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Correction: tenor Georges Guetary.
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Kristine
02-06-2016
08:27 AM ET (US) IP: 24.160.90.200
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I wonder if Mario Lanza ever met Marlon Brando and Kirk Douglas, when they filmed movies at M-G-M ? I know Lanza met James Mason and Stewart Granger. Terry Robinson knew Kirk Douglas and some thought they looked alike. As for politics and opera, yes, I saw "Nixon In China" opera on PBS T.V. I wonder how these Presidential Debates would be like in operatic form ? What opera singer could portray Trump(Ugh!) ? LOL ! Ha ! Ha ! Ha! Ha ! Ha ! I don't mean to turn this into a political forum. Operas about Presidents ? Lincoln and The Civil War ? Opera about George Washington ? Opera about the founding of our nation ? There is a Broadway Musical "1776" which covered that subject and I think, back in the late '40's, there was a Broadway Musical about The American Revolution which starred Nanette Fabray and tenor George Guetary(who was in "An American In Paris"). In 1960, there was a Broadway Musical about N.Y. Mayor Fiorello LaGuardia called "Fiorello". There was also a Broadway Musical "Ben Franklin In Paris" starring Robert Preston.
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Martino
02-05-2016
10:41 AM ET (US) IP: 104.255.7.178
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After watching the debates last night, it occurred to me that during the last election I wrote a post about the influence of politics on opera, and vice versa. The time is right to repeat it, at least as best as I can remember.
Although opera is considered a form of entertainment, it has always been much more than just a show. From its very beginnings and throughout its history, composers from Monteverdi to Menotti have used opera as a vehicle for social and political satire and awareness, and even political dissent. In many cases, operas that were considered politically provocative had to be changed in subject matter, title and even characters in order to be approved by government censors. Even with those changes it is often clear what the composers really had in mind and what they were trying to do politically with their music.
This entire question of opera's historical role in social and political commentary is an interesting one to study. Not only is this study fascinating, it provides a brand new perspective of this art form and a greater appreciation of what composers were thinking and trying to accomplish when they wrote their music.
Here is a quote that is on point, "Within my new musical love (opera), I had no interest in the cult of singers and singing. I didn't care about rivalries among sopranos and tenors. I could not tell if the tenor hit or missed the high C. These things seemed fetishistic, a fixation on a part of the experience at the expense of the operatic whole. I reveled in opera as an aural and visual spectacle, but I wanted to link the sensuousness of the operatic experience to the realm of ideas. What did these splendid works tell us about the meaning of political and social life? More important, what vision did they have about what life could and should be like (present and future)? Is opera only a moment of respite in a still suffering world, or is it a source of indelible images that allow us to glimpse a possible better future".
Although the above question is certainly not the concern of all opera lovers, it remains an extremely interesting one to those wanting a more complete understanding of what is really behind the music we hear and understanding (or at least contemplating) the real meanings of the words being sung. This is not an easy exercise as it involves separate study of the times and historical periods in which the composers lived, the countries in which they lived, the social climate of the times, the state of the world as a whole and the individual politics of the composer. Although this exercise is not easy it is fascinating. In this respect, Wagner and Verdi compositions were far more interesting in a political sense than, for example, was Puccini.
I do not intend to make an essay here about this through examples since it is probably of no interest to most Lanza fans but there is one recent work that is worthy of note: "Spiegelgrund". This is a modern opera (or perhaps more of an oratorio), depicting the horrors of the infamous Austrian hospital of the same name, where Nazis killed hundreds of people, including children they determined to be physically or mentally deficient. It was premiered in the Austrian parliament hall with the members of parliament in attendance. "....the parliamentary venue was chosen for a particularly Austrian reason: as a reminder of how the country's politicians fomented the atmosphere of intolerance and authoritarianism that allowed Hitler's troops to walk in in 1938, and a determination to not let history repeat itself".
The composer of "Spiegelgrund", Peter Androsch, said his focus on the era was in part born of his own family's history - his great grandfather being one of the victims. Parliament President Barbara Prammer said the nation could no longer focus only on glorifying its past, and that "we can't choose our history". I wonder how today's America will be depicted in the new works and modern operas of the future? Has anyone attended a performance of "Nixon in China" and seen how historical/political myths are created, which is what the composer, John Adams, most wanted to do? Politics and opera - something to think about anyway during this election year.
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Ed
02-04-2016
07:21 AM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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Thank you Diane, hey maybe someday it will be out it is one of the best I've heard.
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Mminzer@aol.com
02-03-2016
07:14 PM ET (US) IP: 204.29.186.11
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KRISTINE OPALAIS AND JONAS KAUFMAN ARE FEATURED ON A DVD FROM THE ROYAL OPERA HOUSE COVENT GARDEN IN A STAGED "MANON LESCAUT" WHICH IS SENSUAL AND VERY EROTIC. THE SINGING IS MAGNIFICENT AND IT IS AVAILABLE ON AMAZON FOR A FEW BUCKS. I SHOWED IT YESTERDAY TO A LOVE OF OPERA COURSE AND THEY LOVED IT. BEST,
MATT MINZER IN 80 DG. YOU KNOW WHERE.
In a message dated 2/3/2016 6:57:07 P.M. Eastern Standard Time, qtopic-30-ECKcxtRbxUTNy@quicktopic.com writes:
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Diane Cox
02-03-2016
06:57 PM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.239
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Checked for her CDs and did not find Un Bel di.
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Ed
02-03-2016
04:13 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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Diane, thank you for the youtube,I should have been more clear, I heard this and was curuioius if it was on CD. I dont like to download music if not iTunes because many have virues attached. Anyway, it is a great performance.
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Diane Cox
02-03-2016
03:40 PM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.239
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Here's Netrebko's Un bel di
https://youtu.be/ViIs-AXjIKs
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Ed
02-03-2016
02:13 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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Suzanne, guess you're right, maybe?
Diane, I don't recall hearing any announcing, I just listened for 20 minutes, if she was that good I can't wait to hear Anna :-)
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Suzanne
02-03-2016
01:52 PM ET (US) IP: 74.79.58.35
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Right, Diane. And Ed, anything's possible. Not one of us really knows.
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Diane Cox
02-03-2016
01:16 PM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.239
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Ed: I posted the cast of Turandot earlier. If you're referring to Anna Netrebko, she wasn't in this particular production. But the young soprano was very good. She stole the show, IMO.
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Dan Lawlor
02-03-2016
09:53 AM ET (US) IP: 75.145.230.187
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Fred: Thanks for the spelling correction...that was a funny item:the baritone in Pagliacci...it is sad that Leoncavallo could not equal the success of his opera with another??? of equal grandeur eh?
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Ed
02-03-2016
08:24 AM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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I heard the Saturday broadcast of Turandot I enjoyed it but the tenor was only so so to me, the star was surely Anna. I caught her Berlin 2006 on YouTube it was excellent all three performers. Does anyone know if her Un Bel Di is available on CD?
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Ed to Suzanne
02-02-2016
09:01 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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Suzanne, sorry to be a killjoy but that never happened, just one more tall tale from Mario Land. The only one I know who did ring Elvis door was John Lennon, I heard him tell Mike Douglas on his show, he was frightened when Elvis opened the door. No one was taking Elvis anywhete without Parker giving an OK, especially to one of the biggest stars on the planet. He would have made a photo op and press release.
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Diane Cox
02-02-2016
07:34 PM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.239
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That actually gives the name of someone who was also involved. Other times the story has not had any real facts. who knows ?
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Suzanne
02-02-2016
05:15 PM ET (US) IP: 74.79.58.35
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While watching and listening on Youtube today, read a quote from Elvis that when he went to Hollywood , RCA Director Steve Sholes took him to meet Mario at his Bel Air home one afternoon. "I was impressed and when he died I dedicated "It's Now Or Never" to him." Could be possible. We might not know everything.
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Fred Day
02-01-2016
12:17 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Famous story: At a small minor Italian opera house, Pagliacci was performed - the baritone sang the Prolog - not very well. The audience boo'd him - he shouted back: Don't boo me, wait until you hear the tenor!! Ciao.
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Fred Day
02-01-2016
11:51 AM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Dan: Infamia, not infamnia - one n, not two. Ciao.
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Dan Lawlor
02-01-2016
10:30 AM ET (US) IP: 75.145.230.187
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Fred: thanks for the response, I was wondering if I were singing to the choir???ha ha
Infamnia, Infamnia...e tu pagliaccio,,,,ha hahahhahahh
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Gail Swartz
02-01-2016
01:31 AM ET (US) IP: 204.29.186.64
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Watched Kiss. Listened to His Italian Soul. Remembering his legacy left to us...encouraged some others to find him on youtube...with a song in my heart,Mario, I love you.
On January 31, 2016, at 10:52 PM, QuickTopic daily digest <qtopic-30-ECKcxtRbxUTNy@quicktopic.com> wrote:
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Diane Cox
01-31-2016
03:39 PM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.239
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Marco Berti: 13 gennaio 1962, Como, Italy. think that's January?
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Suzanne
01-31-2016
03:11 PM ET (US) IP: 74.79.58.35
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Our Mario. Would have been 95 today. Never forgotten.
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Fred Day
01-31-2016
01:01 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Kristine: I believe Lanza and Melton met once. Also, when Lanza appeared on TV in his 2nd Chrysler Shower of Stars program in 1954, Melton sent him a warm letter of praise, welcoming him back to performing. Ciao.
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Fred Day
01-31-2016
12:54 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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I thought Berti was fair yesterday. Not bad, but certainly not great. How old is he? What year was he born? He has no article in Wikipedia. Curious. Ciao. Edited 01-31-2016 12:55 PM
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Fred Day
01-31-2016
12:47 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Dan: In Pagliacci, Canio shouts "Infamia" twice, just before Vesti. Gigli, in his 1934 recording of Vesti, also shouts "Infamia" once during the orchestral passage following the conclusion of his singing the aria. He did this also in live performances of the aria. I rather like it - it fits the mood, and Gigli did it very well. Ciao.
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Bill Ronayne
01-31-2016
11:56 AM ET (US) IP: 24.46.61.206
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 Remembering Mario Lanza on what would have been his 95th birthday. The photo is from yesterday's birthday remembrance party at the Mario Lanza Museum in Philadelphia. The cake was made by a friend of Mario Lanza's cousin Carole Shea named Barbara. More photos will be posted on our website and on Facebook. The Mario Lanza Institute would like to thank everyone that attended the party and helped us to remember Mario's special day. Part of the festivities included watching selections from all 7 of his films in a room decorated with assorted memorabilia. Thanks to Sam for bringing his DVD projector. Best, Bill Edited 01-31-2016 11:58 AM
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Kristine
01-31-2016
10:31 AM ET (US) IP: 173.169.57.57
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Happy Birthday Tribute, Mario Lanza ! TCM showed the movie "Stars Over Broadway"(1935) starring Pat O'Brien, Jean Muir, Jane Froman, and tenor James Melton. He didn't make many movies. He sang "Celeste Aida" in the movie. Did he and Mario Lanza meet ?
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Mminzer@aol.com
01-31-2016
08:18 AM ET (US) IP: 204.29.186.63
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SADLY, MR. BERTI WAS SUB-STANDARD. WHILE IN ROME LAST YEAR, WE WENT TO REGIONAL OPERA HOUSES AND HEARD UNDISCOVERED YOUNG TENORS WHO WOULD PUT MR. BERTI TO SHAME. PETER GELB MADE A POOR CHOICE YESTERDAY IN HAVING HIS CALAF TRANSMITTED AROUND THE WORLD REPRESENTING THE WORLD'S GREATEST OPERA HOUSE. THE WOMEN WERE WONDERFUL AS WAS TIMUR (CALAF'S BLIND AND BEWILDERED FATHER.) BEST, MATT MINZER
In a message dated 1/30/2016 9:01:36 P.M. Eastern Standard Time, qtopic-30-ECKcxtRbxUTNy@quicktopic.com writes:
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Diane Cox
01-30-2016
10:45 PM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.239
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There are not many really exciting tenors available who do the more dramatic voiced roles - and I suspect the casting this year at the Met might have something to do with cash flow. Roberto Alagna is in the next two productions I believe.
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Dennis
01-30-2016
09:01 PM ET (US) IP: 73.170.201.215
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Matt, don't dare to hope for a Corelli or Domingo singing Calaf's part, but why would they cast a tenor whose performance is "wooden" and doesn't have the voice to hit the high notes? They know this is a performance that is being broadcast to tens of thousands if not more. What's behind such a choice when others are available (or to put it another way, why broadcast any opera, including Turandot, if it doesn't have a top-notch cast? It's not only for opera lovers but intended to gain new opera lovers, is it not)?
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Mminzer@aol.com
01-30-2016
06:58 PM ET (US) IP: 204.29.186.55
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AOK.
MATT
In a message dated 1/30/2016 11:16:47 A.M. Eastern Standard Time, qtopic-30-ECKcxtRbxUTNy@quicktopic.com writes:
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Mminzer@aol.com
01-30-2016
06:57 PM ET (US) IP: 204.29.186.12
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ANITA HARTIG WAS LIU AND NINA STEMME WAS PRINCESS TURANDOT. KING TIMUR WAS ALEXANDER TSYMBALYUK-(CALAF'S LONG LOST FATHER WHO IS NOW BLIND AND WITHOUT A KINGDOM WHO IS BEING LED AROUND BY THE SLAVE GIRL, LIU WHO KILLS HERSELF IN ACT THREE TO PROTECT CALAF WHOSE NAME IS "LOVE"!!)
MATT MINZER IN PARADISE
In a message dated 1/30/2016 6:07:57 P.M. Eastern Standard Time, qtopic-30-ECKcxtRbxUTNy@quicktopic.com writes:
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Mminzer@aol.com
01-30-2016
06:51 PM ET (US) IP: 204.29.186.65
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WE LOVED THIS AFTERNOON'S HI-DEF "TURANDOT." OUR THEATRE OPENED THREE
SCREENS AND SOLD OUT TO 900 OPERA LOVERS. TURANDOT AND LIU WERE GREAT BUT MARCO
BERTI WAS WOODEN AND DIDN'T HAVE ANY OF THE CLARION HIGH NOTES OF FRANCO
CORELLI OR EVEN PLACIDO DOMINGO. THE PRODUCTION BY FRANCO ZEFERRELLI WAS
MAGNIFICENT.
BEST,
MATT MINZEREYOU KNOW WHERE...
WEDNESDAY-6:30 P.M. ENCORE PERFORMANCE OF "TURANDOT: AT A DISCOUNTED PRICE.
In a message dated 1/30/2016 6:18:15 P.M. Eastern Standard Time,
qtopic-30-ECKcxtRbxUTNy@quicktopic.com writes:
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Diane Cox
01-30-2016
06:18 PM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.239
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Turandot cast: Nina Stemme takes on the title role of the proud princess of ancient China, whose riddles doom every suitor who seeks her hand, opposite Marco Berti as Calàf, the brave prince who sings “Nessun dorma” and wins her love. Anita Hartig and Leah Crocetto share the role of Liù, the faithful slave girl.
Elaborate production, complicated sets - took a 30 minute break to change between ActI and Act II. The tenor did not go for a big ending on Nessun Dorma, but he sang well. Liu stole the show. Turandot was a strong singer, but her voice was not all that beautiful - she also does some Wagner, and this was evident to me. Enjoyed it very much.
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Ed
01-30-2016
06:07 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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I managed hearing part of the performance, I think the tenor was a bit weak in Nessun Dorma, Anna of course was incredible. I just ordered a CD from Amazon a 2006 concert in germany with Anna,Rolando and Placido. What prompted me to do this was hearing the show on YouTube, her and Mario would have been incredible.
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Diane Cox
01-30-2016
11:16 AM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.239
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Thanks for the reminder Matt. Knowing it's your favorite I will pay close attention today.
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Mminzer@aol.com
01-30-2016
09:54 AM ET (US) IP: 204.29.186.1
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REMINDER"
THE MAGNIFICENT METROPOLITAN OPERA PRODUCTION OF PUCCINI'S "TURANDOT" WILL BE BROADCAST IN HI-DEF AROUND THE WORLD IN THREE HOURS. I CAN'T WAIT TO SEE MY FAVORITE OPERA TODAY!
CALL YOUR LOCAL THEATRE.
BEST,
MATT MINZER IN SUB-TROPICAL S.E. FLORIDA (FORECAST OF 80 DG. ALL WEEK)
In a message dated 1/30/2016 9:47:02 A.M. Eastern Standard Time, qtopic-30-ECKcxtRbxUTNy@quicktopic.com writes:
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Dan Lawlor
01-30-2016
09:39 AM ET (US) IP: 75.145.230.187
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I sang 'Vesti' in a performance with my opera group many years ago...the first recording I had of it was on a Camden disc, and the tenor after his last sobbing end, sang Infamnia, Infamnia (spelling???) which I added to my performance for effect? Listening to the full opera, the Infamnia (duo) comes well before the "Vesti" Has anyone out there heard any rendition with the two at the end? Matt: sorry to have missed your last session, had visitors just before I was to leave, so, had to stay home, sorry...Dan Edited 01-30-2016 09:41 AM
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Fred Day
01-29-2016
01:00 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Reminds me of a story the late great Richard Harris once told. Early in his career, he played a small role in Hamlet. The English actor who played the king kept insulting Harris because he was Irish. So, to get even, when the king asked him "How is the queen this evening?" Harris was supposed to answer "The queen is dead!" Instead, Harris answered: "She is fine - she will be right down in a few minutes." And he walked off stage, then whistled and shouted "TAXI!!" And left. Priceless!! Ciao.
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Fred Day
01-29-2016
12:43 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Matt: I will record the Turandot radio broadcast. I don't need to see the opera. I am quite satisfied just to hear it. There was once a performance in which Calaf was in bad voice. The audience hoped he would give a wrong answer to one of the riddles, and be executed!! Ciao. PS: The 3 signs of old age: one is loss of memory. I forget the other two. Ciao. Edited 01-29-2016 12:46 PM
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Fred Day
01-29-2016
12:36 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Diane: Easy solution: Simply post yourself a little reminder message on your fridge door, or right next to your computer screen. That should solve the problem. I know the feeling - sometimes I am in the same boat. Ciao.
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Diane Cox
01-29-2016
09:28 AM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.239
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If my mind doesn't do a total erase, I'll be there. The Pearl Fishers was a don't miss for me, and yet the day of, I totally forgot it. Think I'm getting old.
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Mminzer@aol.com
01-29-2016
07:42 AM ET (US) IP: 204.29.186.56
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TOMORROW IS THE METROPOLITAN OPERA HI-DEF BROADCAST OF PUCCINI'S MAGNIFICENT OPERA, 'TURANDOT" WITH AN OUTSTANDING CAST. WE CAN'T WAIT TO HEAR CALF SOLVE THE THREE RIDDLES TO WIN THE HAND OF THE ICY PRINCESS, TURANDOT. WHO ELSE IS ATTENDING THIS RARE TREAT?
MATT MINZER IN S.E. SUB-TROPICAL FLORIDA
In a message dated 1/28/2016 1:23:19 P.M. Eastern Standard Time, qtopic-30-ECKcxtRbxUTNy@quicktopic.com writes:
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Bill Ronayne
01-28-2016
01:29 PM ET (US) IP: 24.46.60.252
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Fred: Marco Berti according to the Met's site. Best, Bill
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Fred Day
01-28-2016
01:23 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Glad that matter is settled. I wonder who will sing Canio in the Pagliacci radio broadcast on Feb 6th?? If anyone finds out who, please post. Thanks. I hope Kaufmann's slipped disc is easily slipped back into its proper place, with a minimum of pain or discomfort, and hope he returns to the stage as soon as possible. Ciao.
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Suzanne
01-28-2016
11:34 AM ET (US) IP: 74.79.58.35
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Well,this is much ado about nothing! I think now, I have the answer to my own question. Sure it was Alagna in a snippet from his performance as Canio. Down boys!
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Diane Cox
01-28-2016
11:33 AM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.239
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Fred, story says it is a slipped disc.
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Fred Day
01-27-2016
09:14 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Sorry to hear that Jonas Kaufmann is ill. I hope it is not serious and I hope he recovers soon. Ciao.
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Fred Day
01-27-2016
09:11 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Apparently, last Sunday, after the Trovatore performance on PBS, they aired a brief doco on the filming of operas, and included a fragment of Pagliacci - Vesti. Perhaps it was the Zefirelli film with Domingo as Canio. I didn't see it, so I don't know who it was, for sure. Ciao.
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Ed
01-27-2016
08:52 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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Anyone here knows that Vesti is not in Trovatore and one shouldn't be judged for what is posted here asking someone where it was in Trovatore, when they may have heard something. To be honest I'm tired of hearing about Anna Netrebko, discussing the little boys disability here is not the place it should be private.
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Bill Ronayne
01-27-2016
05:07 PM ET (US) IP: 24.46.63.142
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The Mario Lanza Birthday party will go on as planned this Saturday the 30th from Noon-3pm at the Lanza Museum. Street conditions are improving daily in Philadelphia and there are a few parking lots near by. Best, Bill
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Mminzer@aol.com
01-27-2016
01:44 PM ET (US) IP: 204.29.186.66
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WE SAW ANNA INTERVIEWED WITH HER SON WHEN WE SAW THE HI-DEF PERFORMANCE OF "IL TROVATORE". TIAGO SAID "MOMMY, SING FASTER SO THAT WE CAN GO HOME AND PLAY," FOLLOWED BY "MOMMY, I LOVE YOU."
FRED:
WHERE IS "VESTI" IN VERDI'S "IL TROVATORE"?
In a message dated 1/27/2016 10:52:56 A.M. Eastern Standard Time, qtopic-30-ECKcxtRbxUTNy@quicktopic.com writes:
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Suzanne
01-27-2016
10:52 AM ET (US) IP: 74.79.58.35
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No Fred, I heard "Vesti". Not all of it ,just a portion. Not sure who the singer was. Of course I know "Vesti" from "DiQuella Pira", which I'm fond of also. Anna's child said he loved her and she reciprocated. Maybe I saw something different than some of you.PBS, Sunday PM. Mostly about the filming of Opera, from what little I saw. Beginning to wish I hadn't!
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Mminzer@aol.com
01-27-2016
09:40 AM ET (US) IP: 204.29.186.15
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TIAGO WAS SIX ON SEPTEMBER 5TH. HE IS MIIDLY AUTISTIC.
MATTHEW
In a message dated 1/26/2016 11:01:38 P.M. Eastern Standard Time, qtopic-30-ECKcxtRbxUTNy@quicktopic.com writes:
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Mminzer@aol.com
01-27-2016
09:39 AM ET (US) IP: 204.29.186.19
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BULLETIN:
STAR TENOR, JONAS KAUFMAN IS ILL AND HAS CANCELLED HIS MET PERFORMANCES IN "MANON LESCAUT". ROBERTO ALAGNA HAS CANCELLED THE REMAINDER OF HIS "PAGLIACCI" PERFORMANCES AT THE MET AND WILL TAKE OVER THE "MANON LESCAUT" PERFORMANCES FILLING IN FOR JONAS KAUFMAN. I HAVE TICKETS TO SEE "MANON LESCAUT" AT THE MET ON FEBRUARY 15TH. THEY ARE BOTH WOLD CLASS TENORS,
BEST,
MATT MINZER IN FLOODING SUB-TROPICAL FLORIDA
In a message dated 1/26/2016 11:03:30 P.M. Eastern Standard Time, qtopic-30-ECKcxtRbxUTNy@quicktopic.com writes:
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Fred Day
01-26-2016
11:03 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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The Met radio broadcast this Sat, Jan 30th, is Turandot with tenor Marco Berti. And a week later, on Feb 6th, is Cav & Pag. Yonghoon Lee as Turiddu and Roberto Alagna as Canio. Enjoy. Ciao. Edited 01-26-2016 11:09 PM
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Diane Cox
01-26-2016
11:01 PM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.239
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Fred, Tiago's father is Erwin Schrott, her first husband. The boy is about 5, and has autism.
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Fred Day
01-26-2016
10:57 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Suzanne: You must have heard the Di Quella Pira. The tenor was probably Yonghoon Lee. I missed it. It is not on tomorrow night here in Orlando. Ciao.
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Fred Day
01-26-2016
10:40 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Matt: How old is Tiago, and who is his father?? Curious. Ciao.
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Mminzer@aol.com
01-26-2016
06:14 PM ET (US) IP: 204.29.186.5
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HI:
THERE IS NO 'VESTI" IN "IL TROVATORE" BUT IN "PAGLIACCI". ANNA'S SON TIAGO ACTUALLY SAID "MOMMY, SING FASTER SO THAT WE CAN GO HOME AND PLAY." I REPEATED THIS TO HER DURING OUR BACKSTAGE VISIT AFTER "IL TROVATORE" ON OCTOBER 17TH. THE PHOTOGRAPHS ARE HANGING ON MY WALL IN MY "OPERA" OFFICE. ANNA AND HER NEW HUSBAND LIVE THREE BLOCKS AWAY FROM THE MET AT 10 WEST END AVENUE.
BEST,
MATT MINZER IN SUB-TROPICAL 80 DG. FLORIDA.
DON'T MISS PUCCINI'S "TURANDOT" IN HI-DEF THIS SATURDAY AFTERNOON AND NEXT WEDNESDAY EVENING AT YOUR LOCAL MOVIE THEATRE. IT IS MAGNIFICENT.
In a message dated 1/26/2016 3:02:41 P.M. Eastern Standard Time, qtopic-30-ECKcxtRbxUTNy@quicktopic.com writes:
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Suzanne
01-26-2016
03:02 PM ET (US) IP: 74.79.58.35
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Hi Ed. Glad you've had a break. You were on my mind during the worst of the storm, remembering last time. Yes, Sciatica, moves at its own pace and leaves when it wants to, its seems. What a relief, when it does. Fred, I was referring to the little I saw of the filming of Opera, when "Il Trovatore"was shown on Sunday. Caught the "Vesti" and just a few other scenes. Don't know who sang it. Seems it's going to be on again Wednesday at 7. I'll try to tape it, so I can watch at my leisure. Did catch Anna's little boy, Matt, cute, when he told her he loves her. She's looking very pretty and very 'Healthy"!Of course she's wonderful, and as I've said, a perfect counterpart to Mario, looks, charisma and voice.
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Mminzer@aol.com
01-25-2016
07:08 PM ET (US) IP: 204.29.186.59
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ROBERTO ALAGNA SANG A MAGNIFICENT "VESTI" AT THE MET ON SATURDAY WHICH WAS REVIEWED IN TODAY'S NEW YORK TIMES WITH PHOTOGRAPHS. SEE IT ON GOOGLE.
DAN:
I MISSED YOU SATURDAY EVENING AT MY CLUB WHEN 100 FOLKS SHOWED UP TO WATCH ANNA NETREBKO SING THE DRAMATIC ROLE OF LADY MACBETH. WHAT A FABULOUS VOICE, FABULOUS ACTING AND WHAT A BEAUTY. I LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING ANNA BACKSTAGE AT THE MET IN THE FALL AS 'MANON LESCAUT."
BEST,
MATT MINZER IN SUB-TROPICAL S.E. FLORIDA (75 DG. TOMORROW)
In a message dated 1/25/2016 2:41:20 P.M. Eastern Standard Time, qtopic-30-ECKcxtRbxUTNy@quicktopic.com writes:
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Ed to Suzanne
01-25-2016
05:37 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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Suzanne, thanks for asking about me. Well sciatica which I call the beast is slowly saying arrivederci,it was hell for three months. It was bad enough that things I took for granted like standing on a checkout line was torture if I stood five minutes or unleashing my dog after a walk, I had to pull myself up. Now the strong pains have subsided to a little residual soreness it is almost gone. As for the snow 31 inches along side my home, the wind gave us a break as the front of the house was spared as were the cars.
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Fred Day
01-25-2016
02:41 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Suzanne: You asked who sang Vesti?? What performance are you referring to?? When and where?? Ciao.
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Suzanne
01-25-2016
10:31 AM ET (US) IP: 74.79.58.35
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Dennis, noticed the same. Maybe everyone's frozen in place! Hope no one here was affected by the terrible storm. We missed it this time, but it's early. I missed "Il Trovatore", sorry to say, caught just a little of that program, always so much happening. btw, who sang "Vesti"? Anyone? Ed. hope you're ok there and have lost your sciatica. Stress doesn't help.
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Dan Lawlor
01-25-2016
10:02 AM ET (US) IP: 75.145.230.187
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Thanks Fred for enlightening me about those other tenors...good to know...
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Kristine
01-24-2016
05:03 PM ET (US) IP: 173.169.41.242
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Fred, thank you. Tony Martin also sang The Prologue from "I, Pagliacci" and "There's No Tomorrow"(based on "O Sole Mio").
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Fred Day
01-24-2016
12:55 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Kristine: You can hear the Everly Brothers sing Temptation, on youtube. Ciao.
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Fred Day
01-24-2016
12:53 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Dan: Del Monaco used to sing the Pagliacci Prolog and Largo al Factotum, both in the original keys. Ramon Vinay began his career as a baritone, later switched to tenor, later returned to baritone, and wound up his career as a basso buffo. Renato Zanelli was an excellent baritone in the acoustic period of recording, and later became a tenor in the early electric period. Caruso once sang the Pagliacci Prolog (but never recorded it), and also sang and recorded the little coat aria from La Boheme. Leonard Warren used to sing high C at parties. He once sang, at a rehearsal, the entire role of Canio. Just a few examples. Ciao.
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Gail Swartz
01-24-2016
12:41 AM ET (US) IP: 204.29.186.67
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Hope all of you that are in the winter storm are okay. Down in the south we are cold but nothing like what you have. Being stuck indoors...Mario warms your ears and set your emotions afire. Sing along with him . I found an old piano book that had two arias that Mario performed in his concerts.I tried playing along,but will have to practice a lot! Mario put so much color into his singing!
On January 23, 2016, at 10:54 PM, QuickTopic daily digest <qtopic-30-ECKcxtRbxUTNy@quicktopic.com> wrote:
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Dan Lawlor
01-23-2016
10:04 AM ET (US) IP: 75.145.230.187
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Matt: watched Il Trovatore with Anna Netrebko last night, and I can't get over how her voice has become darker and fuller??? Still confused over the female voice...while there are definite lyric, mezzo, dramatic, etc divisions to that voice, some sopranos bridge the gap, such as Callas, who sang Wagner, and Bizet etc????anyone help me out...I never knew a tenor (except Domingo) who could sing in more than one voice (tenor, baritone, tenorone)??? Anyone know anyone else in the male register???
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Kristine
01-23-2016
04:54 AM ET (US) IP: 173.169.41.242
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Glenn Frey,(The Eagles), RIP. Sadly, Noreen Corcoran passed away at 72. She was on "Bachelor Father" t.v. series in late '50's. She came from a family of show biz. Their father worked as a maintenance man , at M-G-M. She and her sister, Donna appeared in M-G-M movies, as child actresses. Their late brother, Kevin was Moochie on "The Mickey Mouse Club" and appeared in Disney movies such as "Old Yeller". He later directed some episodes of "Murder, She Wrote"(Angela Lansbury).
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Kristine
01-23-2016
04:49 AM ET (US) IP: 173.169.41.242
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I would be interested in hearing The Everly Brothers' version of "Temptation". As I wrote before, Jo Stafford sang a hillbilly, comedic version of "Temptation" called "Temp-tay-sion". I think Arthur Freed and Nacio Herb Brown wrote it.
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Dennis
01-23-2016
02:27 AM ET (US) IP: 73.170.201.215
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Good. It did.
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Dennis
01-23-2016
02:26 AM ET (US) IP: 73.170.201.215
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There has been such a void of posters this week, I'm just posting to see if the site works.
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Ed to Fred
01-19-2016
09:53 AM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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Fred, thank you for Ingemisco, yes it would have been awesome I'm sure.
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Suzanne
01-18-2016
02:04 PM ET (US) IP: 74.79.58.35
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Thanks Fred. If one day I 'm able to have enough time on the computer(when no one else is here), I plan to do that. Look forward to it.
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Fred Day
01-18-2016
12:45 AM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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The only other tenor, besides Lanza, to record Temptation was the late Vincenzo La Scola on his Lanza Tribute CD. He also recorded, on that same CD, the Song of India, with those wonderful Johnny Mercer lyrics. And he also recorded This Land, as a special favor to Bob Dolfi, who had requested it. Excellent CD. Ciao.
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Fred Day
01-18-2016
12:38 AM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Temptation is one of the great American standards. Crosby introduced it in the 1933 film "Going Hollywood", and recorded it shortly after. Como revived it in 1945. Both were hits. It was also recorded by such diverse artists as: Billy Eckstine, Sammy Davis Jr, Eddie Fisher, Steve Lawrence, Connie Francis, Everly Brothers, Roger Williams, Carmen Cavallaro. Lanza's version is wonderful!! Sinatra never sang it, as far as is known. Ciao.
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Diane Cox
01-18-2016
12:36 AM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.239
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Also own several DVDs of Tosca, Fred.
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Fred Day
01-18-2016
12:16 AM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Suzanne & Diane: There are several complete Toscas on youtube. Just type in the searchbar: Tosca complete opera. Enjoy. Ciao.
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Fred Day
01-18-2016
12:13 AM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Ed: I suppose Lanza planned to someday record the Verdi Ingemisco, but time ran out before he could. If only he had lived a few more years. He probably might have sung it on the Coke Show if the show had not ended so suddenly and prematurely. Pity. Ciao.
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Fred Day
01-18-2016
12:09 AM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Matt: Yes, Pearl Fishers was excellent, especially tenor Matthew Polenzani, who was an ideal Nadir. Ciao.
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Kristine
01-17-2016
11:43 AM ET (US) IP: 97.97.223.124
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My sympathy and condolences to singer Celine Dion. She just lost her husband and brother. Some sad news: Joanne Woodward has been diagnosed with Alzheimers Disease. She can barely remember Paul Newman, her children, grandchildren, now. She was an opera fan and did meet Nelson Eddy. I don't know if she liked Mario Lanza. I think Terry Robinson knew Paul Newman.
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Mminzer@aol.com
01-16-2016
07:03 PM ET (US) IP: 204.29.186.54
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OPERA LOVERS OF THE WORLD:
I LOVED BIZET'S "PEARL FISHERS" TODAY LIVE FROM THE MET IN HI-DEF. THE SINGING AND ORCHESTRA WERE MAGNIFICENT. THE LOCAL CINEMAX MOVIE COMPLEX HAD FOUR THEATRES SOLD-OUT FOR THE OPERA MATINEE.
IT WILL BE SHOWN AGAIN ON WEDNESDAY AT 6:30 P.M. AT A LOWER PRICE.
ENJOY!
MATT MINZER IN SUB-TROPICAL S.E. FLORIDA.
In a message dated 1/16/2016 6:00:42 P.M. Eastern Standard Time, qtopic-30-ECKcxtRbxUTNy@quicktopic.com writes:
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Diane Cox
01-16-2016
06:00 PM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.239
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My friend just called me and wanted to know why I missed the Pearl Fishers in HD at the movie. Slipped my mind - forgot. I may need to start worrying about this - really wanted to see this one. Encore on the 20th at night - maybe I can make that.
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Kristine
01-15-2016
10:24 PM ET (US) IP: 97.97.218.34
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When Mario Lanza impersonated Perry Como in "Seven Hills of Rome", he sang the first part of "Temptation". I know the song is sung by crooners like Crosby and Como. I don't think even Russ Columbo or Frank Sinatra ever sang "Temptation". There was a hillbilly version "Temp-tay-shon" sung by Jo Stafford for comedy.
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Martino to Joe
01-15-2016
07:57 PM ET (US) IP: 67.216.109.108
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You're right, "Temptation" by Lanza does not get a lot of mention here or anywhere else for that matter. His version is typical Lanza, ie, take a popular tune sung by crooners and put an operatic type mark on it with dramatics, high notes, exclamations, etc. In some cases that works very well, in some it does not.
Lanza's "Temptation" has to compete with the movie version by Crosby and of course Perry Como's numerous and excellent recordings. "Temptation" has long been a Como signature song and most other renditions are considered secondary. Although Lanza does a good job of it in his typical, overboard fashion, the Como and even Crosby versions are tough nuts to crack. Everyone has recorded this song in one way and arrangement or another, and Lanza's rendition is lumped in with the rest. Simply put, no matter how well others sing "Temptation", it is Como and Crosby who own this song by default.
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Joe
01-15-2016
03:22 PM ET (US) IP: 71.224.55.142
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An English language song done by Lanza that you rarely hear, or hear about......but I dont know why. Is it just not a popular melody or do listeners simply not care for Lanza's version? I remember when this was released in the 50's and it DID get a lot of play. Just curious, Joe
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V0MvMuPa4t4
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Kristine
01-15-2016
02:44 PM ET (US) IP: 97.97.218.34
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Hope will be a Happy New Year for all ! I noticed on cd's of 1950's singers, they have put together Mario Lanza, with Buddy Holly, The Everly Brothers, etc. That's a good strategy include all kinds of music for everybody. In Tennessee, there is a place where they sell CD's of Classical Music, Broadway Musicals, Hymns, and Mario Lanza is included. I just purchased John Considine's autobiography "Improvising -My Life And Show Business". He has been an actor, is brother of Tim Considine ("Spin &Marty", "The Shaggy Dog", "My Three Sons"). Their father was John Considine, M-G-M movie producer, and their mother was related to the Pantages Theatre Family. He mentioned a Maestro Cepparo, in his book, who trained John in singing,etc. and he wrote that Maestro Cepparo trained Mario Lanza and other great singers of M-G-M movie musicals. David Bowie RIP.
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Ed to Fred
01-15-2016
11:51 AM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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Fred,I had a chance to give a good listen to Ingemisco by a few tenors, Bjorling and Pavarotti stand out to me. I think it would have been great if it was recorded by Lanza. Would you know if he were given an opportunity to do so.
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Diane Cox
01-14-2016
02:47 PM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.239
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Tosca is my favorite. Edited 01-14-2016 02:47 PM
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Ed
01-14-2016
01:46 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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I've been caught up listening to "Celeste Aida The Verdi Album" by Pavarotti, excellent CD. The Aida and Forza selections are incredible.
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Suzanne
01-14-2016
01:32 PM ET (US) IP: 74.79.58.35
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Tosca premiered in Rome on this day in 1900. Haven't seen it in it's entirety. Wish I could. Look forward to the new CD, but offerings are coming up a little too fast and furious, at least for me. Sorry to have to miss any.
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Ed to Fred and Bill
01-12-2016
01:58 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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Thank you guys for your answers and great description of the Because recordings I will pass this information on.
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Suzanne
01-12-2016
01:39 PM ET (US) IP: 74.79.58.35
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Hope I didn't give the impression that I cared nothing for the Opera Now article. It's just that with all there is to purchase especially the new CD coming up, it would have to come second. Of course, it's always wonderful to read Ellisa's recollections of her father and her family, and I'm thankful for everything she does to memorialize Mario. How good we still have her to tell us about what a caring dad he was. Having no books to read at the moment( a rare occurrence), I picked up my old copy of Hedda Hopper's book and read again about Mario. She told that Ann Blyth appeared in TONO. Reason to doubt everything she came up with under the heading "The Whole Truth and Nothing But"! The influence she had is hard to believe.
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Bill Ronayne
01-12-2016
10:58 AM ET (US) IP: 67.80.214.190
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As for Mario's recordings of Because, the first one for RCA was done on August 26, 1950 with Ray Sinatra conducting and was a rejected take. On February 19, 1951 Mario recorded the song again for RCA with Costa conducting. In the RCA recording log for both it lists takes 1 and 1A so they must have gone back to redo something but it can't be discerned if it was Mario or just the orchestra. The 1951 recording was the one released but the earlier one with Sinatra from 1950 has been released as well. The recording for the Coke Show was done on June 8, 1951 with Sinatra conducting but the log doesn't list how many takes were made. The version recorded for "The Great Caruso" on August 9, 1950 and conducted by Peter Herman Adler is not listed in the available MGM log for the film so I'm not sure if it was done in one take. I would venture a guess that it was done in more than one take as much of the soundtrack was done that way with a few exceptions. Best, Bill
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Bill Ronayne
01-12-2016
10:33 AM ET (US) IP: 67.80.214.190
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Thanks Gail. Glad you're enjoying the book. No plans for a photo album book especially with Derek's excellent recently released Life in Pictures book that's now available. Best, Bill
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Dan Lawlor
01-12-2016
09:50 AM ET (US) IP: 199.189.192.242
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Fred: thank you for the Cd's...listened to part of Amletto last night...very nice...I am surprised it has never been recorded before...it is much better than some of the ones which are popular today, in my opinion...thanks again
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Fred Day
01-12-2016
09:47 AM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Matt & Dan: Enjoy "Amleto" by Franco Faccio, libretto by Arrigo Boito. A most interesting opera that deserves to be performed occasionally. Ciao.
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Fred Day
01-12-2016
09:39 AM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Ed:I think so. Lanza recorded 4 versions of Because: 2 for RCA Victor, a few months apart, one for the Coke Show, and one for The Great Caruso soundtrack. Bill Ronayne can probably say which ones were recorded with only one take. Ciao.
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Mminzer@aol.com
01-12-2016
09:14 AM ET (US) IP: 204.29.186.66
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HI FRED:
DAN LAWLOR CAME TO HOME YESTERDAY AND I GAVE HIM THE GROUP OF C.D.'S. THAT YOU MADE FOR BOTH OF US. HE WAS AMAZED BY MY OPERA OFFICE WITH DOZENS OF AUTOGRAPHED PHOTOGRAPHS FROM CARUSO AND MARTINELLI FOWARD TO MANY SINGED BY MY HEARTHROB, ANNA NETREBKO. (THE MOST RECENT BEING BACK STAGE AT THE MET FOLLOWING "IL TROVATORE" IN OCTOBER WITH AND WITHOUT HER FIANCE-NOW HUSBAND.) BEST,
MATT MINZER IN CHILLY SOUTH FLORIDA WITH A FORECAST OF 80 DG. BY FRIDAY.
In a message dated 1/12/2016 1:12:22 A.M. Eastern Standard Time, qtopic-30-ECKcxtRbxUTNy@quicktopic.com writes:
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Ed to Fred
01-12-2016
08:39 AM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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Fred, I hoped that you might know the answer here. Did Mario record the song 'Because' on one take, I lnow that he did some. Thanks
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Gail Swartz
01-12-2016
01:12 AM ET (US) IP: 204.29.186.54
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All I need to say is Roll Tide! Mario really sounds great on my brand new CD/ radio set. Bill, I am enjoying your latest book on Mario..any chance to have a photo album of him? As I was viewing some of the photos, I was wondering if Mario's left arm was shorter than his right arm.Will someone else look at this for me? Being a newbie, maybe this has already been discussed before I have been on this website.
On January 11, 2016, at 10:55 PM, QuickTopic daily digest <qtopic-30-ECKcxtRbxUTNy@quicktopic.com> wrote:
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Dan Lawlor
01-11-2016
10:08 AM ET (US) IP: 199.189.192.242
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Matt: got to Florida about 9 pm last night...will call you Monday afternoon...ok?
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Ed
01-10-2016
08:54 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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Thank you Ellisa, I've read your article and it made me feel wonderful hearing first hand from you all the good things I knew about your dad for fifty years. He was and will alkways be the greatest.
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Ed to David
01-10-2016
08:34 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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Thanks buddy!
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Diane Cox
01-10-2016
07:39 PM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.239
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Thanks for that link David.
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David Weaver
01-10-2016
06:12 PM ET (US) IP: 24.210.22.228
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Try cutting and pasting this link:
http://mariolanza.net/operanow.html
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Ed to David
01-10-2016
05:44 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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David, I restarted my kindle and can't locate it.
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Diane Cox
01-10-2016
03:40 PM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.239
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Gail, I have continued to send them utube videos of Mario Lanza. They frequently mention him when listing singers they love. Core n'grato is an example. I sent them the video and they have performed it well several times in concert. Passione is the next one I'm suggesting to them.
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Gail Swartz
01-10-2016
03:26 PM ET (US) IP: 204.29.186.11
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It took three guys to sing a song that Mario sang alone. and they all had mics, lights, smoke,and digital images flashing all the time. What Mario did was astounding in the entertainment of his audience. I think Elvisearned a lot from Mario in that regard. I'll Volo seems to have picked up some of Mario's singing spirit...would have loved being in the audience.
On January 9, 2016, at 10:54 PM, QuickTopic daily digest <qtopic-30-ECKcxtRbxUTNy@quicktopic.com> wrote:
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David Weaver
01-10-2016
01:54 PM ET (US) IP: 24.210.22.228
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Ed, try restarting your computer and then try the main page again to see if you can open the article.
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Martino
01-09-2016
03:53 PM ET (US) IP: 67.216.109.108
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"Yours Is My Heart Alone" is the English version of the famous German song, "Dein Ist Mein Ganzes Herz", from the Lehar operetta, "The Land of Smiles". Most tenors have sung this song in concert or on records and remains to this day one of the most popular operetta tunes of all time.
Mario Lanza recorded this song as part of his famous album titled, "A Cavalcade of Show Tunes", and few people have ever recorded it better, especially in English. There is an unusual but interesting clip on youtube where Mario's rendition is played along with a series of still photos from the romantic fantasy film from 1980, "Somewhere in Time", starring Jane Seymour and Christopher Reeve. I thought it was well done and very apropos, especially if you are familiar with the story of have seen the movie. It works and the reason it works is that both the singer and the actor had a unique ability and way to connect with their audience. Here are the words of the youtube poster who put this together, "...Why is Mario's voice so well suited to photos of Mr. Reeve? I put them together because both feel from their hearts and so touch ours. Mario sang from his heart and we hear and feel what he sings deep inside our own. Mr. Reeve, if you notice his eyes, facial expressions and body movements, revealed what was in his heart. He "felt" the words of the script, not just parroted them. They both shared the ability to touch the hearts of their audiences. A seemingly lost art for many of our actors and singers".
The above quote is very true. Many silent film actors had this ability because they had to have it but more modern actors rely on the script to get their point across. Just like many modern day singers use "technique" in place of passion and heart. Reeve and Lanza share a commonality in this regard and it is nice someone noticed it and put this little clip together. It can be found here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8yyyJy965qo
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Ed
01-09-2016
03:07 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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Help, I must be missing something because I can't find the article on the home page
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Diane Cox
01-09-2016
01:53 PM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.239
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The sound is not great, amateur video, and they're still using mics, of course, but a new duet from two of the members of Il vol https://youtu.be/Jw_NcNH0eNwEdited 01-09-2016 01:53 PM
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Dan Lawlor
01-09-2016
12:12 PM ET (US) IP: 45.47.170.225
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Matt: I just sent you a email to Mminzer@aol.com...did you get it???
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Mminzer@aol.com
01-09-2016
10:56 AM ET (US) IP: 204.29.186.57
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DON'T EXIST. CALL ME BEFORE COMING OVER. CELL 917-929-1103.
BEST,
MATT
In a message dated 1/9/2016 10:15:01 A.M. Eastern Standard Time, qtopic-30-ECKcxtRbxUTNy@quicktopic.com writes:
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Dan Lawlor
01-09-2016
10:14 AM ET (US) IP: 45.47.170.225
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Matt: the emails I sent you never came back as not valid??? Check your emails again...OK?
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Ed to Derek
01-08-2016
03:54 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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Happy New Year to you, we all patiently await the new CD "Never Till Now" I am looking forward to it.
I wanted to tell you because perhaps you did not catch my post some weeks ago about friend of mine from the gym I attend had given me several LPS that her mother had left when she passed, one of them was a Readers Digest set with six records called Be My Love. The records are in excellent condition and were well taken care of. I have since received a turntable to play them on and it is nice to hear some Lanza records I have had for many years.
I think it nice that Ellisa tributes dad, we all do his legacy proud he certainly deserves it. Best Ed
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Jeff
01-08-2016
03:45 PM ET (US) IP: 209.180.237.137
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Hi all, I've put the beautiful Opera Now tribute article up on the home page and you can click to see and read it in its entirety. Thank you, Derek. And, thank you, Ellisa, as always for sharing your loving memories of your father. It is inarguable that no other tenor has ever or will ever impact the world as did Mario. It is now closing in on 60 years since we lost him and because of his recordings and movies, he is still very much with us and shining his astonishing vocal light and heart into an ever-darkening world. Human beings seem to have lost their ability to create beauty and art and passion but thanks to our man, we will always have them in our lives. Hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas and Holiday season. How quickly it passes. My best to all and thanks to David, and all of you who care, for making this Forum such a kind and special place to celebrate such an incredible gift. Edited 01-08-2016 03:47 PM
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Derek Mannering
01-08-2016
12:59 PM ET (US) IP: 69.209.238.79
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I've just sent Jeff scans of the Opera Now article for his main Lanza page. It's a wonderful tribute: a fine selection of photos from A Life in Pictures (the choice of which I had nothing to do with, incidentally) and an intelligent and heartfelt remembrance of her dad from Ellisa. She truly does her father's legacy proud.
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Dan Lawlor
01-08-2016
08:54 AM ET (US) IP: 45.47.170.225
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Matt: Have you changed your email address? I sent the info to you several days ago...I will be coming to Florida on Sunday Jan 10th, getting in about 7 pm...so will call you on Monday afternoon...I have a lot of things to do Monday morning, ok?
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Martino to Ed
01-08-2016
07:06 AM ET (US) IP: 67.216.109.108
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Thanks, and a very Happy New Year to you too! I am so glad you are enjoying your record player. Playing records is a whole different experience and many young people who grew up in the digital era have no idea what they are missing, both directly in sound quality and indirectly in an aesthetic sense. Here is an interesting quote that hits the nail on the head: “Technically, the conversion from sine wave to digital wave to record electronically and then back from digital wave to sine wave for broadcast from the speakers are 2 unnecessary conversions for home listening. While CD’s are great for driving, they have converted out, the soul of the music, but when you are driving you are not primarily listening, you are driving and listening is secondary. At home you can sit and be enveloped by the music, listen to it, feel it, let it touch you and let it move you. That is why I listen to records over electronic recording methods.” There is a sense of quality you get from records that you do not get from mp3 or cd listening. No one loans out their record collection whereas these other things are considered discards. My first two Lanza albums, "The Great Caruso" and the double bill album of TMK and Toast can not be bought from me for any price. The same goes for my first Caruso LP and many others in my collection. I can't say that for any cd I own with possibly one exception - the Rhino "Be My Love" disk. Playing a record lets you look at the jacket and art work and read all the notes. When you put on a record you are also almost forced to listen to the whole thing instead of just a song or two from the album, as often happens when you compile a playlist for your mp3 player. Here is what someone else said, “I love vinyl because it is expensive, inconvenient, inflexible, outdated, fickle, easily damaged, inconsistent and awkward. Playing and collecting vinyl takes *effort*. Good music is worth taking trouble over.” You can look, hold, feel and admire a prized record album and get a sense of pride of ownership that does not happen very often in the digital world while holding a cd plastic jewel case. You probably experienced that feeling with your "Don't Be Cruel" record. So it is not just the quality of sound that makes me enjoy playing records now and then, it is everything that goes with it aesthetically, the whole experience. Don't forget to clean your stylus and your records often for best results. Even minor dust and particles on the record or needle can scratch and ruin your record. There are many pads, brushes, rollers and cleaning solutions on the market for this purpose. And the best thing you can do is upgrade the cartridge if it should ever need replacement. Enjoy the experience! Edited 01-08-2016 07:08 AM
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Ed to Martino
01-07-2016
09:27 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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Martino, first let me wish you a Happy New Year 2016. I wanted to tell you that I am glad I chose well with the turntable. I use it quite often, I am glad that all the vinyl I saved are in excellent playing condition. The first record I played was a reissue 45 of Don't Be Cruel by Elvis. I bought a collector's set of 12 in 1978. I noticed the sound seemed expanded and fresh and filled the downstairs of our home. Listening through the Bose Wave System gave the music depth. I've listened to a few Lanza LP'S, Caruso Favorites and Cavalcade stood out. For old times I listened to I'll See You In My Dreams as it has a sentimental issue. Again I thank you for your help. I look forward to more hours of enjoyment.
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Mminzer@aol.com
01-07-2016
08:27 PM ET (US) IP: 204.29.186.63
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n a message dated 1/7/2016 6:16:50 P.M. Eastern Standard Time, qtopic-30- DAN:
I CHECKED ALL THE E-MAILS AND DIDN'T FIND ONE FROM YOU WITH ANY CONTACT INFORMATION. ARE YOU IN FLORIDA? I WILL BE HOME TOMORROW MORNING IF YOU WANT TO DRIVE OVER. PLEASE CALL ME AT 561-732-5167 BEFORE 11:00 A.M.
BEST,
MATT MINZER
ECKcxtRbxUTNy@quicktopic.com writes:
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Dan Lawlor
01-07-2016
06:16 PM ET (US) IP: 45.47.170.225
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Matt: check you emails...I sent you all the info you will need...Dan
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Diane Cox
01-07-2016
04:54 PM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.239
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Thanks for the review Suzanne. I'm like you, I buy whatever I can, magazines, sheet music, etc.
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Suzanne
01-07-2016
04:19 PM ET (US) IP: 74.79.58.35
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Diane, purchased Opera Now online, quite expensive and disappointing, nothing new , same photos. Though I'll buy whatever I can, would say no to this, if I'd seen the issue beforehand. All you lucky people, going to Fla.It's warmed up a bit here, but some warm sun would be a great change.Enjoy!
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Mminzer@aol.com
01-06-2016
08:20 PM ET (US) IP: 204.29.186.13
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DAN:
I RECEIVED A PACKAGE OF C.D.'S TODAY FROM FRED WITH AN ENVELOPE FOR YOU. WHEN ARE YOU ARRIVING IN BOYNTON BEACH?
PLEASE CALL ME AT 561-732-5267.
BETS,
MATT MINZER
In a message dated 1/6/2016 4:16:13 P.M. Eastern Standard Time, qtopic-30-ECKcxtRbxUTNy@quicktopic.com writes:
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GARY TO BROTHER ED
01-06-2016
04:16 PM ET (US) IP: 71.72.144.56
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BROTHER ED,MY DAD SMOKED FOR 20 YEARS,ONE DAY JUST UP AND QUIT SMOKING.I HAVE READ IT'S THE NICOTINE THAT MAKES A PERSON WANT TO SMOKE OVER AND OVER.
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Diane Cox
01-05-2016
07:21 PM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.239
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FYI Opera Now is still showing the Nov issue on its web site. Will keep checking.
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Ed
01-05-2016
06:38 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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Gary, There are no smokers in our home, yet some family do and seeing our !losses this year I can't figure why they do so. I have a beer here and there but that's about it.
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GARY TO BROTHER ED
01-05-2016
03:44 PM ET (US) IP: 71.72.144.56
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BROTHER ED,AT THE AGE OF TEN,I TRIED SMOKING CIGARETTES,CIGAR,CHEWING TOBACCO.GOT VERY SICK.THAT RIGHT THERE ENDED MY HABIT BEFORE IT GOT ITS HOLD ON ME.TRIED DRINKING,EVERY TIME I WOULD DRINK,I GOT SICK.I GOT TIRED OF GETTING SICK,I QUIT DRINKING.
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Dan Lawlor
01-05-2016
11:14 AM ET (US) IP: 45.47.170.225
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Ed: I never smoked cigarettes, only a pipe and cigar now and then...never really getting the habit, but only as a diversion...which isn't good either I guess...
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Mminzer@aol.com
01-04-2016
08:44 PM ET (US) IP: 204.29.186.10
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DAN:
WHEN ARE YOU ARRIVNG IN SOUTH FLORIDA? FRED MAILED A PACKAGE TO ME TODAY AND INCLUDED A FEW C.D.'S FOR YOU. WHAT IS YOUR LOCAL PHONE NUMBER? BEST,
MATT MINZER (80 DG. SATARTING WEDNESDAY)
In a message dated 1/4/2016 6:19:47 P.M. Eastern Standard Time, qtopic-30-ECKcxtRbxUTNy@quicktopic.com writes:
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GARY TO BROTHER ED
01-04-2016
06:36 PM ET (US) IP: 71.72.144.56
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BROTHER ED,I AGREE WITH YOU.
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Ed
01-04-2016
06:19 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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I don't know about well documented eating and drinking binges I never followed Mario around, I say its mostly BS provided by those who lie and their lies become embellished.
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Ed to Dan
01-04-2016
03:52 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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Dan,I smoked while in service and being overseas there were rations on cigs and liquor. While I don't drink my cigs would pile up at $1.40 a carton, each had ten packs, very glad I quit, at 67 I can still do a mile run with no difficulty.
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Gail Swartz
01-04-2016
12:21 PM ET (US) IP: 204.29.186.57
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Happy to be a a Mario fan for another year. Had a grand time in the Smokies...only drawback, I could not stream my Mario albums...did have a bio with me...home again. Watching Toast . Wow, what emotions he could communicate with his wonderful talent.
On January 3, 2016, at 10:52 PM, QuickTopic daily digest <qtopic-30-ECKcxtRbxUTNy@quicktopic.com> wrote:
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Dan Lawlor
01-04-2016
10:37 AM ET (US) IP: 45.47.170.225
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Many year ago, I used to give cartons of cigarettes to my brothers-in-law at Christmas time...at that time a carton was very cheap...nowadays...I couldn't afford it..ha ha
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Bill Ronayne
01-04-2016
10:12 AM ET (US) IP: 68.199.21.148
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Mario Lanza Birthday Remembrance Party
Saturday, January 30, 2016
Noon-3pm
Mario Lanza Museum
712 Montrose St
Philadelphia, PA
Come join your fellow Mario Lanza Fans as we remember what would have been his 95th birthday a day before the actual date of January 31st. Coffee and cake and some other goodies will be served and a tour of the museum will be available. Lanza's recordings will be played during the afternoon. Admission is free and donations are accepted. For more information call 215-238-9691 or email mariolanzamuseum@aol.com. To make a donation make your check out to Mario Lanza Institute and mail to the following address:
Mario Lanza Institute
PO Box 54624
Philadelphia, PA 19148
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Fred Day
01-03-2016
12:45 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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I believe Mario Lanza was an occasional smoker, not a slave to the habit. He could abstain when necessary. He probably smoked mostly when he was drinking. I'm sure Lanza was paid very well to endorse Camels, in that magazine ad. Dick Haymes also did that same ad. Caruso smoked 2 packs of Egyptian cigarettes a day, always in a holder. Ciao.
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Ed
01-03-2016
10:18 AM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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I remember seeing a picture of Mario and Licia listening to a playback and he appears having a cigarette in his hand.
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vincentjamesdiplacido @gm
01-03-2016
07:34 AM ET (US) IP: 79.64.84.86
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THAT IS THE REASON HIS VOICE DEEPENED, HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE
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Joe to Dan
01-02-2016
07:23 PM ET (US) IP: 71.224.55.142
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Recall the Christopher tapes where he was playing with a pack of cigarettes and a lighter; he did smoke in real life(but how often I don't know) As you point out, smoking back in those days wasn't considered too harmful. Remember when people used to tell us that it would "stunt our growth"...lol
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Diane Cox
01-02-2016
06:43 PM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.239
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Cigarette ad
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Deleted by author 01-02-2016 06:42 PM
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Dan Lawlor
01-02-2016
05:49 PM ET (US) IP: 45.47.170.225
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Joe: I remember seeing an ad for cigarettes with Mario as the smoker, whether it was staged or not I am not sure??? Camels I think was the cigarette...which supposedly soothed the T zone??? How times have changed...now, when I see someone smoking, especially in those old movies, it seems so out of place, incongruous really...eh? Edited 01-02-2016 05:52 PM
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Joe
01-02-2016
02:20 PM ET (US) IP: 71.224.55.142
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Mario's eating binges with food and his alcoholism are well documented. Mario was also a smoker of cigarettes(I can't think of a worse habit for that golden throat), yet we don't read much about that. Does anyone here know any detail? As an ex smoker (11+years now), I know how difficult it is to kick the habit. It also may have contributed to his heart problems. Just curious, Joe Edited 01-02-2016 02:23 PM
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Kristine
01-01-2016
04:50 PM ET (US) IP: 173.169.56.75
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P.S. I saw Dennis Day, in person, in 1967, at St. Monica's Catholic Church, Santa Monica, Calif. He came to sing at Mass, when the USAF Academy Cadets were visiting there.
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Kristine
01-01-2016
04:47 PM ET (US) IP: 173.169.56.75
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I liked Natalie Cole's duet, with her father, singing "Unforgettable". I read somewhere that Mario Lanza could impersonate Nat King Cole and Nat King Cole also sang "Because You're Mine". Years ago, Tony Cocozza(Mario's father)said they met Dennis Day. And Day was brother-in-law of Ann Blyth. He could be a hilarious comedian, too. He was a guest on "The Lucy Show"(Lucille Ball)playing an old man who chased the ladies, so Lucy poses as an old woman to attract him, so Mr. Mooney(Gale Gordon)who get the old man's bank account. Well, he starts chasing her around and she grabs a drape rope starts to swing on it, and knocks him down, on the sofa ! LOL ! Ha ! Ha ! Well, she runs out of his house. The next day, he visits the bank and tells Mr. Mooney, he enjoyed Mrs. Carmichael's visit(he knew it was Lucy in disguise). He was funny on "The Jack Benny Show". He served with Jackie Cooper and The Claude Thornhill Band, in the Navy.
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Dennis
01-01-2016
02:39 PM ET (US) IP: 73.170.201.215
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Dan, interesting that you should mention Dennis Day. I was supposed to have been born on St. Patrick's Day, and when I arrived an hour late on the 18th instead, my mother went ahead with the name she had already chosen—Dennis. Why? Because she thought Dennis Day, a vocal favorite of hers, was an Irish tenor! And what more appropriate when a son arrived, then to give him an Irish name.
Of course, Dennis Day was not an Irish tenor in the sense it is normally used. When she found out years later that Dennis was actually a Greek name, she was nonplused. Later, she found out Day's real name was Owen McNulty. And then, decades later, even more shockingly for her, a lifelong teetotaler, she discovered that the name means "follower of the wine god"!
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Kristine
01-01-2016
02:24 PM ET (US) IP: 173.169.56.75
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Happy New Year ! On a sad note, singer Natalie Cole passed away from heart failure, at 65. Very tragic. RIP. She was supposed to perform at Disneyland, New Year's Eve, but cancelled , due to health problems. Also, Wayne Rogers passed away at 82. He was on "MASH" t.v. series. I still am being blocked from posting on The Lanza Legend.com. Does anyone know if Bravenet is having problems ? I have never said insulting, offensive or posted anything offensive on that website. Why would I blocked ? I heard Shirley Temple will be honored on stamps , this year. I like her movies. Keep hoping there will be a Mario Lanza stamp. I think Star Trek will be honored on stamps, too.
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Dan Lawlor
01-01-2016
06:43 AM ET (US) IP: 45.47.170.225
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Dennis: That reference to 'Dennis' was not meant for you, but a reference to the old Jack Benny show, where he would ask Dennis Day to render some vocalese to relieve the monotony of the quiet/or/boisterous audience... Edited 01-01-2016 07:02 AM
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Dennis
01-01-2016
04:12 AM ET (US) IP: 73.170.201.215
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Dan Lawlor, if I began the new year by singing, those around me would agree that the year began on a sour note! Actually, now that I remember it, I was singing along with Mario on YouTube on Wednesday, and for some reason, I couldn't find the key! So I dropped down an octave and still couldn't harmonize with Mario. My wife came and quietly shut the door to my office where my computer screen is! LOL
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Fred Day
01-01-2016
03:25 AM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Lanza and Di Stefano never actually met, but they spoke on the phone 2 or 3 times. Each had genuine admiration for each other. Lanza once said to Di Stefano: "When it comes to tenors today, there's only you and me!!" Ciao. Happy New Year to all.
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GARY TO EVERYONE
12-31-2015
04:24 PM ET (US) IP: 71.72.144.56
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HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL!
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Diane Cox
12-31-2015
01:46 PM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.239
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A Happy, Healthy and Peaceful New Year to all! Enjoy this site and all the posters daily.
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Dan Lawlor
12-31-2015
11:23 AM ET (US) IP: 45.47.170.225
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To All: I wish each and everyone on this site a Happy and Healthy New Year...let the games begin, sing Dennis; ha ha sorry! watching the Marx Bros. on TCM Edited 12-31-2015 01:43 PM
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Bill Ronayne
12-31-2015
11:15 AM ET (US) IP: 67.80.214.50
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Wishing everyone a safe, healthy and happy 2016!
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Martino
12-31-2015
09:31 AM ET (US) IP: 67.216.109.108
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Wishing everyone a safe and happy New Year!
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Ed to Joe
12-30-2015
04:08 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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Joe, I really never cared for GD, I will give you this it was an excellent Core n' grato. I usually compare tenors to Mario as do mostly all here, just listen to GD and ML do Lamemto you only need the last minute to see number one. As for Core it was a radio show recording and rushed, had ML redone it say on a new Mario LP at 38 my guess is we would have a better one.
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Diane Cox
12-30-2015
02:45 PM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.239
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Don't want to replace Mario, but it would be nice to have a young exciting tenor to watch. All the present ones are close to 40, and while in their prime now, not all that exciting. No really beautiful voices. Kaufman's high notes are subject to crack, Griggolo overacts, Bezcala is good, but not great, and so on. None of them provide the excitement that Pavarotti did in his younger years.Think I will go on utube and see what I can find.
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Joe to Martino
12-30-2015
02:44 PM ET (US) IP: 71.224.55.142
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Thanks Martino for posting that link on di Stefano's Core'Ngrato. It was superb; smooth as silk. I had never heard it before( don't know how I missed that) . Simply beautiful and better than Mario's (something I rarely admit!)
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Ed to Suzanne
12-30-2015
02:22 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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I haven't checked yet but I will thank you. We all could use a better year I think. You know I think you are right about wishes. Mario has been in my life since I was about 15. With my new turntable I am reliving days of old, Mario's records are spinning in my dining room and it seems I am 15 again. One thing I always said about how Mario is held in high esteem by his fans takes me back to what I heard John Lennon say on Mike Douglas years back when he met Elvis for the first time, he said "before you there was nobody" Mario has it all, that is why we honor him here.
I wish everyone here from my home to yours a Happy 2016.
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Suzanne
12-30-2015
02:04 PM ET (US) IP: 74.79.58.35
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Ed, I think your post is there on LL. Maybe just delayed. Wish you a much better 2016, than this year has been, and for all of us who've not had the best sort of 2015. Think it's true that we don't really want anyone to come along who would be another Mario. And I do think we'll get our wish! Never again.
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Bill Ronayne
12-30-2015
01:59 PM ET (US) IP: 24.46.62.239
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Martino
12-30-2015
01:35 PM ET (US) IP: 67.216.109.108
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True, the one big problem with Schmidt is he did not sing English songs, in fact, much of what he sang was either in German or translated to German. A shame really because he could speak English well. Rather than assessing their comparison on a song by song basis, I arrived at my conclusion based on parallel careers of singing and the impact that singing had on the public in concert, movies and records. Ed mentions Fritz Wunderlich and as I said in my previous post, he was one of those that came instantly to mind. You certainly can't go wrong with Fritz! And I agree, Joe, no one sings "Be My Love" like Lanza.
Diane has some good arias for the "litmus test" but if Core 'ngrato is used, the long version by Giuseppe di Stefano is (IMO) hands down the winner over every tenor who has ever sung this song: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NOVBrZzjOkQ. Listen at about 5:10 for the next 15 seconds and nothing more need be said.
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Ed to Kristine
12-30-2015
01:20 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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Kristine, I just checked on Lanza Legend, it allowed me to write but when I went send it came back blank.
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Ed to Joe/Martino
12-30-2015
01:17 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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Wonderful posts my friends, all great but IMO the closest to Mario Lanza is Fritz.
Schmidt never recorded in English but Fritz did he recorded his version of Be My Love, I listen to it now and then. He does a great job on it but that soaring finish given by Lanza is not there it is taken down.
Fritz does a great Estrellita that I would have liked Mario to record.
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Diane Cox
12-30-2015
12:23 PM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.239
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I would use E Lucevan lestella and Recondita Armonia for comparison. Even Core Negrato.
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Joe to Martino
12-30-2015
11:39 AM ET (US) IP: 71.224.55.142
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Hi Martino and Happy New Year to you and ALL. Yes, I have been screening various tenors for years to come up with someone that was a close second (considering ALL his attributes) to Lanza but have come up with nobody. In itself, this is a compelling testament to the greatness of Lanza. Your thought provoking post inspired me to listen to more of Schmidts singing and he WAS excellent and had some of the Lanza color in his voice. Ironically, Schmidt also was not a very tall man and also died at 38! Unfortunately there are no English language songs we can use for comparison. Same also applies to the great Wunderlich, a powerful and beautiful voice. IMO, the very popular Bocelli is not in the same league as Lanza. Let me end this post with a question: What vocal work would be the most effective "litmus test" when comparing Mario Lanza's voice? My answer to this might surprise you (since we have all heard it soooooooo many times), but my vote would be "Be My Love". Nobody has come close to Mario( IMO) on this; it really separates the men from the boys. Sometimes I wonder if Lanza fans really would want "another Lanza"? I know I still await another great tenor to come along to sing many of the songs that Mario never had the chance to perform Edited 12-30-2015 11:43 AM
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Martino
12-30-2015
11:05 AM ET (US) IP: 67.216.109.108
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It is often unfair (but always fun), to compare Mario Lanza to other tenors, both "pop" tenors as well as operatic. He has also been compared to movie stars, recording artists, radio personalities, recitalists, crossover artists, etc. These comparisons are valid because Mario wore all these hats at one time or another. I was thinking the other day while listening to some of Lanza's Christmas songs, what singer most favorably compares to Lanza in terms of career and other personal factors, if not necessarily in type or style of voice.
Many singers ran through my mind, such as Nelson Eddy, Fritz Wunderlich and Andrea Bocelli. Eddy because of his hugely successful movie/concert career and Wunderlich because of the beauty of his voice being perhaps second only to Lanza and, similar to Lanza, Fritz's tragic, early death. Bocelli because he is considered the top "crossover" tenor of this generation, as was Lanza in his time. But these and the other singers I considered were lacking in one element or another.
Finally, I came up with one singer who I think compares the most favorably to Mario Lanza - the tenor Joseph Schmidt. I say this for several reasons. Both had superb classical tenor voices capable of deep expression as well as blazing high notes. The main difference in their voices was whereas Schmidt had a plaintive sound (as do most trained Cantors), Lanza's voice was more joyous, vivacious and enthusiastic. Both men paid great attention to the words they sang and with perfect diction, in fact, Schmidt was a linguist and fluent in at least half a dozen languages. Although they possessed two of the greatest operatic voices of the last century, they each only sang one professional operatic role on stage - Lanza in Madame Butterfly and Schmidt in La Boheme.
These two men had very parallel careers as well. Although both were classical artists and possessed true operatic voices, their main success was as recording artists and movie stars. Lanza made seven films, Schmidt appeared in nine. During their respective times their films were among the most popular with both men sharing classical and popular music oriented audiences. Both recorded many, many songs and arias and they were among the most popular recording artists of their day. They were also excellent recitalists and gave numerous concerts during their careers. Both were also known as radio personalities, especially Schmidt whose small stature was hidden with radio but whose voice carried very well over the air waves. Last but not least, both died tragically young at age 38.
For all these reasons, it seems to me that Joseph Schmidt was the singer most closely related to Mario Lanza. I would like to know if other members of the forum have thought about this and who you would select and why.
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Diane Cox
12-30-2015
10:08 AM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.239
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Anna Netrebko and her fiance were married this week.
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Kristine
12-30-2015
04:59 AM ET (US) IP: 173.169.56.75
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I know some of us, also, post on The Lanza Legend.com website, which I also, do, too. Now I can't get on it. Bravenet has blocked my request and am wondering why ? Are others having this problem ? Has The Lanza Legend.com, discontinued ?
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Kristine
12-30-2015
04:50 AM ET (US) IP: 173.169.56.75
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I watched the Kennedy Center Honors, last night, on CBS T.V. Rita Moreno was one of the honorees. I wondered if a scene from "Toast of New Orleans" would be shown. I think I saw a movie poster or still from it. It went by so fast, I did see Kathryn Grayson's face. There were scenes from "Singin' In The Rain" and "West Side Story". She looks great ,as did fellow honoree Cicely Tyson. Happy New Year, Everybody !
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Fred Day
12-29-2015
08:42 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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I recall that about 2 months after Lanza's death, Perry Como sang Be My Love on his Kraft Music Hall TV show, and mentioned Lanza's name at the end of the song, as being the one who made it a hit. Como sang it nicely. I wish I had taped it, but I wasn't home when I saw it. Ciao.
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Fred Day
12-29-2015
08:35 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Kristine: Yes, I suspect that Jim Nabors was probably a Lanza fan. Nabors was one of the few who recorded I'll Walk With God. Nabors also recorded The Lord's Prayer, both Ave Marias (Gounod & Schubert), O Holy Night, Silent Night, etc. Ciao.
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Ed to David
12-28-2015
03:36 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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David,I guess it was wishful thinking to have Mario appear on stage, I think a good time would've been at the time of his return. I recall Ed would announce if there were some personality in the audience, one I recall was Rocky Marciano who rolled up his sleeve showing that forearm and bicep. Double greatness would have been him and Mario.
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Kristine
12-28-2015
03:15 PM ET (US) IP: 173.169.56.75
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I think of the t.v. variety shows like Dinah Shore, Patti Page, Perry Como, Tennessee Ernie Ford, wondering if they invited Mario Lanza as a guest performer ? You know, Ernie Ford had a baritone or basso voice and did sing "The Toreador Song" from Bizet's "Carmen", one time, on his t.v. variety show. I wonder if Jim Nabors was a fan of Mario Lanza ? On "Gomer Pyle, USMC", he did sing "The Desert Song" and "Only A Rose". Did Mario Lanza live long enough to see "For The First Time", when it was released ?
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David Weaver
12-28-2015
02:53 PM ET (US) IP: 156.63.68.222
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Ed, I guess since the interview included the clip of Mario singing "Arriverderci Roma" that would technically be considered performing. Obviously Mario being in Rome, he couldn't join Sullivan on stage as Allasio did. Ed would often times have movie stars appear, and all they'd really do is introduce a clip from whatever was their latest film.
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Ed to David
12-28-2015
02:42 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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David, I've seen the interview, my question pertained to asking to perform.
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Fred Day
12-28-2015
02:24 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Caruso said it well: "Other singers must sing 100% - Caruso, 150." He also said, "it is one thing to reach the top, it is another thing to stay there!" Old show business axiom: you are only as good as your most recent performance. Ciao.
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vincentjamesdiplacido @gm
12-28-2015
12:16 PM ET (US) IP: 79.64.84.86
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HI FRED, yES THE REASON MARIO LANZA WAS AFRAID TO SING LIVE IS THIS ,,," THE BETTER YOU ARE THE MORE YOU ARE AFRAID YOU WILL NOT BE GIVING OF YOUR BEST" , PEOPLE WITH NOT TO GOOD A VOICE CAN SING WITH NO TRUBLE AT ALL, .IN FACT THEY HAVE NOTHING TO LOSE. GOD BLESS
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Suzanne
12-28-2015
11:13 AM ET (US) IP: 74.79.58.35
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How can we forget Mario saying to Ed Sullivan, "I'm homesick, Ed, I'm homesick". How I wish he had come home then. Thelma, glad to hear you're feeling better. Gail, agree wholeheartedly,, and Martino,wish I didn't agree with what you've said, but I do. Ed, you've received a wonderful gift you'll enjoy past the holiday. Thoughtful. Peter,please keep posting. Looking forward to hearing from you.All of you enrich my life with your knowledge and love of Mario.Thank you and I wish you a blessed 2016.
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David Weaver
12-28-2015
10:13 AM ET (US) IP: 156.63.68.222
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Mario did appear on The Ed Sullivan Show on January 19, 1958, three days after his first concert at Albert Hall in London. They showed a tape of Ed interviewing Mario in Rome, and there was a clip of Mario singing "Arrivederci Roma" from SEVEN HILLS OF ROME, which was just about to be released. Mario's co-star in the film, Marisa Allasio, then came on stage with Ed. She was in the US to do promotional appearances for the film's premiere in several cities. The segment is on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7FvOWAYltt4
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Ed to Fred
12-28-2015
10:01 AM ET (US) IP: 70.214.66.6
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Fred, thanks I know too well about standing out there live, at work I'd give presentations to roughly two hundred and as many by teleconference and I wasn't Mario. I will give him a pass, would have been nice tho.
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Fred Day
12-28-2015
09:41 AM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Ed: Don't know for sure, but I would guess yes. Knowing that Mario was terrified at singing live on TV, he probably declined, saying he was too busy at MGM. Ciao.
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Ed
12-28-2015
08:03 AM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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Does anyone know if Ed Sullivan ever approached Mario for an appearance on his show?
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Jim Thompson
12-28-2015
06:42 AM ET (US) IP: 67.83.119.164
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Thanks Kenneth. Glad you enjoyed them. If things work out maybe I'll find time to start anew! Happy New Year to you and everyone!
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Kenneth Henderson
12-28-2015
04:27 AM ET (US) IP: 121.210.193.115
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To: Jim Thompson. Hi! I just downloaded the Podcasts Series 2 & 3 having done Series 1 when you first posted. In Series 2 there is no 51 but I assume it just jumped a number in indexing. 47/46/45 were not downloadable as the Message came back as Corrupted file. Great collection. Thanks for presenting them.
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Diane Cox
12-27-2015
07:23 PM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.239
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She was alive in May and was 97.
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Fred Day
12-27-2015
06:38 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Is Nancy Barbato Sinatra (Frank's first wife) still living?? If so, she must be about 97 - I think she was 3 years younger than Frank. Curious. Ciao.
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Fred Day
12-27-2015
05:50 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Did Sherrill Milnes ever sing Old Man River?? Perhaps in concert, but if so, I have never heard or found it. Ciao.
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Fred Day
12-27-2015
05:38 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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PS: I forgot to mention Bing Crosby, who recorded Old Man River 4 times. I like best his early 1928 record with Paul Whiteman. Harry Richman sang it very well in a 1935 radio broadcast, which can be heard on youtube. Jolson recorded it twice, 1928 and 1947. Tibbett and J.C. Thomas also sang it superbly, and also George London. As far as I know, Pinza never sang it. Ciao. Edited 12-27-2015 05:45 PM
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Fred Day
12-27-2015
05:15 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Ed: My favorite Sinatra rendition of Old Man River is the 1963 Reprise recording on "The Concert Sinatra" LP. Jolson also sang it very well, and so did Clive Baldwin, the man who sounded just like Jolson. Sergio sang it very well on TV, twice, but never made a record of it. Also excellent is William Warfield, who sang it in the 1951 movie of Showboat. And his predecessor, Paul Robeson, who sang it years earlier in the first Showboat movie. Leonard Warren and Robert Merrill sang it superbly, and so did bass Samuel Ramey. Ciao.
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Ronald Sarbo
12-27-2015
12:37 PM ET (US) IP: 74.66.130.108
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Sinatra first recorded "Old Man River" in 1946 on Columbia and again in 1963 on Reprise with Nelson Riddle for "The Concert Sinatra" LP. He also sang it in "Till The Clouds Roll By" MGM's film bio of Jerome Kern.
Sinatra also sang it many times in concert. I heard him sing it at Radio City in 1994 at one of his last concerts.
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Ed to Fred
12-27-2015
09:33 AM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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What do you think of the Sinatra recording of Old Man River, I enjoy it. I think it was done in the early 1950s.
Am enjoying Mario on vinyl once again thanks to my new gift.
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Gail Swartz
12-27-2015
03:46 AM ET (US) IP: 204.29.186.9
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To Vince, thanks for the wonderful DVD of the YT on Mario. I am grateful for the BBC program, too. Happy New Year, everyone. Be safe in all of your doings. My family will be in the Smokey Mts. for the week.Do I venture to ask for snow?
On December 26, 2015, at 10:52 PM, QuickTopic daily digest <qtopic-30-ECKcxtRbxUTNy@quicktopic.com> wrote:
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Savage to Fred
12-26-2015
09:52 PM ET (US) IP: 96.61.95.139
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Bobby Hill is the name Check YouTube.
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RenseWebmaster
12-26-2015
09:37 PM ET (US) IP: 24.210.22.228
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Peter, checking back thru recent numerous I do not find one from you on Bocelli, or any other subject. This is an open forum, no membership is required, and posts are not "screened" before they are posted. If anyone has observations, comments, suggestions or whatever they wish to share they simply click on the "Post a new message" box, which takes you a blank space. When you finish the message, however long or short, you just hit "Submit message" and it is immediately posted. I don't know what the problem has been that you have not had prior messages posted - but want to reassure you and everyone else who posts here that no one sees or screens or edits your post before it goes up. Our host, Jeff Rense, only asks that you do not insult or defame any of your fellow posters.
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Fred Day
12-26-2015
09:34 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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I have always been very fond of Sergio Franchi, a favorite of mine. I saw him in person 7 times, always very enjoyable. He was a favorite of Ed Sullivan, and appeared on Ed's show 30 times. He died on May 1, 1990, age only 64. Ciao.
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Martino to Peter
12-26-2015
09:31 PM ET (US) IP: 67.216.109.108
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What can I tell you, Peter? What I can't tell you is how many times I have posted things and have had no response whatsoever. Probably a thousand or two! And a few I thought were pretty good too! You just keep posting for the benefit of others or to make a point you want to make. Even post to get things off your chest as you have just done. Don't take it personal, it happens to everyone at every forum and is part of how a forum operates. No one ignores a poster on purpose, it is just part of the dynamics of the medium. Edited 12-26-2015 09:31 PM
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pchrisp27
12-26-2015
09:16 PM ET (US) IP: 209.85.192.48
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IT AMAZES ME THAT WHEN I COMMENTED Â ON BOCELLI SO NEW ALBUM"CINEMA",MY COMMENTS Â WHERE NEVER POSTED,BUT WHEN THE SAME THREE OR FOUR PEOPLE Â MAKE A CRITICISM, IT'S APPLAUDED BY MOST. THAT'S OK,IT IS NOT THE FIRST TIME I TRIED TO POST SOMETHING AND WAS IGNORED,IT WON'T HAPPEN AGAIN. I STUDIED WITH COSTA,AND TRIED TO RELATE STORIES,AND Â HIS EXPERIENCES WITH MARIO ,AND OUTLOOK APPEARED WITH TOP OPERA SINGERS IN THE LAST MAJOR STUDENT PRINCE Â TOUR,WORKED AT PALUMBOS,ON THE SAME BILL AS SERGIO FRANCHI,BUT FOR SOME REASON NOBODY RESPONDED TO MY EXPERIENCE Â WITH PEOPLE THAT ACTUALLY Â KNEW MARIO,ANYWAY GOOD LUCK WITH YOUR SITE,PETER CHRISTOPHERÂ
Sent from my T-Mobile 4G LTE Device-------- Original message --------From: QT - Ed to Martino <qtopic-30-ECKcxtRbxUTNy@quicktopic.com> Date: 12/26/2015 5:44 PM (GMT-05:00) To: QT topic subscribers <qtopic-subs@quicktopic.com> Subject: Mario Lanza
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Fred Day
12-26-2015
09:08 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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I wonder why Domingo didn't sing for the Pope?? I suppose he did, previously. He sang for Pope John Paul II. The only Franklin I care about is Benjamin, and also Franklin D. R. "Uretha" means absolutely nothing to me, zero, zilch, nada, nulla, rien. Ciao.
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Fred Day
12-26-2015
08:41 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Dan: Who was the young boy who sang for the Pope?? Curious. Is he on youtube?? Thanks. Ciao.
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Joe to Martino
12-26-2015
08:41 PM ET (US) IP: 71.224.55.142
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Well said, Martino , you hit the nail right on the head! Sadly, ratings are far more important than thoughtfulness in today's world!
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Fred Day
12-26-2015
08:35 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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I also got the new "My Christmas" CD by Domingo. Very nice. It contains a "new" Puccini song - Astro Del Cielo". It was originally a Puccini vocalease without words. Italian lyrics were recently added, and adapted into a lovely Christmas song. There is also another new song by Placido junior, called Loving Christmas With You. He is a very talented song writer, and has composed dozens of songs for his father. I enjoyed Placido's rendition of Guardian Angels, but I wish he had sung it alone, without Idena Menzel. The 2 Placido's do a nice duet on White Christmas. All in all, a nice CD. Ciao.
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Dan Lawlor
12-26-2015
08:35 PM ET (US) IP: 45.47.170.225
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Martino: You are so right about the current generation not knowing the history of theater...when I was getting physical therapy, I asked one of the female helpers her name; she said June...so I broke into 'June is Busting out all over'...and she didn't know that it was from Carousel, also not knowing South Pacific or any of the great Theater Musicals/???? I was in awe about her lack of knowledge about our musical heritage...eh?
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Martino to Dan
12-26-2015
08:28 PM ET (US) IP: 67.216.109.108
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Franklin is an icon in American music but she does not sing the kind of music familiar to the Pope. We can appreciate her, the Pope probably does not given his background. Bocelli does sing his kind of music and in the manner the Pope is use to hearing. You could tell from his expression that Francis was enjoying Andrea but many of the other performers were only being tolerated because of his extreme sense of courtesy. If it had been me I would have walked out of the place right after Bocelli finished up. I am not speaking of Franklin so much as I am the other acts because she has established her place in history and it is a lofty perch indeed. But where did they get these other people? Why did the producer not have the decency to play music appropriate to the guest? When the Russians hosted the Olympic games it was mostly classical music (including Ana Netrebko) that they put forward as representative of their nation's cultural history. Surely we could have done better ourselves if we had reached back in our great American musical heritage. But ours is a different country now and we don't look back very often even when we should. Our musical culture has receded and in terms of musical awareness we have no clue of what we really could offer. Ask any teenager who Aaron Copland was, or Irving Berlin or Rogers and Hart. They will look at you with a blank expression. Producers of shows like they gave the Pope should know better than a teenager but even they seem to operate in a musical appreciation void. The musical show put on for the Pope (Bocelli the exception) demonstrates how far down the abyss we have fallen.
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Fred Day
12-26-2015
08:20 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Dan: I also got the new Bocelli CD: "Cinema". I got the deluxe edition with 3 additional tracks. One of them is Old Man River, which very few tenors sing - it is the property of baritones and basses. Bocelli sings it in a low key, but at the end he goes up an octave and sings a couple of high C's at the end - rather impressive. His Be My Love is nicely done, same key as Lanza, with a good final high C. He does a nice Love Is A Many Splendored Thing, in Italian. All in all, pleasant, but not exciting. He lacks the excitement of a Lanza, Corelli, Del Monaco, Di Stefano, or Franchi. But, as they say, you can't argue with success. He brings his money to the bank in a Brinks truck, with a full load. Ciao.
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Dan Lawlor
12-26-2015
05:59 PM ET (US) IP: 45.47.170.225
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Dennis, Ed and Martino: I thought Bocelli did a great job when he sang for the pope, but when Aretha Franklin got up, I thought she was either drunk or high on something, unbelievably bad...n'est-ce pas? And of course that young boy was the best eh? Like a young angel! Edited 12-26-2015 06:00 PM
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Dennis
12-26-2015
05:49 PM ET (US) IP: 73.170.201.215
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Martino, good point about who to listen to. With the exception of Christmas music, which I enjoy in the background during the season, I don't have music on unless I am sitting and ready to listen. That limits my music time in a week. With 100 tenors in my collection, when I want to listen to a tenor sing, Bocelli would be near the bottom of my list. I agree with you that he does a listenable job on religious music and his native Italian music, but even there, if I listen to those genres, I listen to the best (or, if not the best, my favorites, e.g. Vestal Goodman).
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Ed to Martino
12-26-2015
05:44 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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Martino, I am in agreement with you as to what you posted on Bocelli, I just can't can't get into him. I would never say he doesn't have ability but it is limited and he should limit what he sings to religious stuff. Not many can crossover and do it well as Mario Lanza or Elvis could crossover from rock and roll to blues or gospel his true love and do it well, Elvis had soul and it showed in his singing. Lately I am becoming a fan of this girl Adele. I listened to Mario and Enrico and just enjoying the new toy.
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Martino to Dan
12-26-2015
11:26 AM ET (US) IP: 67.216.109.108
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A few of us saw the video of this CD on a recent PBS pledge drive, hosted by the songwriter/arranger David Foster. We talked about it and some thought is was pretty good, others did not. I rated it as "fair" at best. However, I admit I am a little bias because I never cared much for Bocelli except when he sings religious songs and some modern Italian tunes. Those exceptions aside, I would rather hear someone else.
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Dan Lawlor
12-26-2015
10:45 AM ET (US) IP: 45.47.170.225
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Just received for Christmas: the new Bocelli CD, where he sings the hits from movies...not overly impressed...anyone out there hear it also?
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Martino to Ed
12-26-2015
07:33 AM ET (US) IP: 67.216.109.108
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I am glad you are happy with the turntable. Anything that lets you enjoy the Lanza voice is an excellent choice for a Christmas gift.
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Ed to Matino /Sam
12-25-2015
09:02 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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I wanted to let you know I got the Audio Technia turntable we talked about a few weeks back for Christmas. I have it connected to my Bose Wave System. Many thanks for your help in getting me the right one. Mario sounds great.
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Deleted by author 12-25-2015 01:02 PM
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Martino
12-25-2015
09:36 AM ET (US) IP: 67.216.109.108
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As we celebrate the birth of Jesus today I can not help but continue to marvel at the voice of Mario Lanza, especially in the songs of faith that mark the season. Let me refer you to yet another, this one from the motion picture soundtrack of The Student Prince: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_OQ2Cc6yFz4. Not only is "I'll Walk With God" one of the highlights of the film, I consider it one of the best recordings ever made by Mario Lanza.
I want to mention another rendition of this song as well, this one by the great tenor Placido Domingo: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=64rzmX_926g. Not quite as stirring as Mario but certainly not chopped liver by any means, especially for a live performance where unfortunately singers are often drowned out by orchestra and chorus on the high notes. Two wonderful singers sounding their best when singing to God.
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Fred Day
12-25-2015
05:11 AM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night!! Santo Natale. Ciao.
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Gail Swartz
12-25-2015
12:20 AM ET (US) IP: 204.29.186.7
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To Vince. My packet arrived today! I listened to your cd....you really have a pleasing voice! You have a great group of talented musicians about you. The DVD will have to wait a bit so I will have peace and quiet when Mario sings as if only to me. Blessings on you for your gift of technology and generosity.
On December 24, 2015, at 10:54 PM, QuickTopic daily digest <qtopic-30-ECKcxtRbxUTNy@quicktopic.com> wrote:
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Martino
12-24-2015
09:44 PM ET (US) IP: 67.216.109.108
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A must hear for this evening before retiring: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xNRRp7-Ul2c. And another: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K0Ej1EZ7ql0. Both are the same song and both are presented in excellent sound. However, the first one is in "enhanced" sound. A brighter and more metallic quality, clearer than the original but also more obviously "processed". The second is the more "natural" sound where the Lanza voice is forward of orchestra and choir but unlike the first where Lanza seems "inserted", the voice on the second is fully part of the whole. Take your pick.
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Kristine
12-24-2015
04:30 PM ET (US) IP: 24.160.91.234
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It's the 60th Anniversary of The Lennon Sisters in show business. They were introduced on "The Lawrence Welk Show", Dec. 24, 1955. By the way, their uncle Jimmy Lennon was a ring announcer at boxing matches in Los Angeles. He was a fan of Mario Lanza. When Terry Robinson and Mario would go to the fights, they would always greet Jimmy Lennon, who, also, had a tenor voice. I attended St. Monica's Catholic High School, Santa Monica, Calif., with some of the Lennon cousins. I love that family.
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Kristine
12-24-2015
04:24 PM ET (US) IP: 24.160.91.234
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Rick, welcome to the group. If you have a chance, do watch Mario Lanza's 7 movies. They are out on DVD's and TCM (Turner Classic Movies Cable Channel)will air them, sometimes. Merry Christmas and yes, Mario Lanza, as Caruso, played Santa Claus in "The Great Caruso".
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Rick
12-24-2015
03:20 PM ET (US) IP: 99.61.201.208
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I want to thank everyone for the kind welcome you've given me. I hope all of you have a great Christmas. Just started reading the One Tenor book that Ed recommended. Can't put it down.
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Diane Cox
12-24-2015
02:35 PM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.239
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Glad to hear it Thelma. Merry Christmas.
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Thelma F. Prince
12-24-2015
01:05 PM ET (US) IP: 74.125.82.49
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My best wishes for everyone here for the Christmas season. I am doing better than I was awhile ago.
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Vince Di Placido (Jnr)
12-24-2015
12:05 PM ET (US) IP: 213.233.147.83
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Best Santa ever :-)
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Vince Di Placido (Jnr)
12-24-2015
11:53 AM ET (US) IP: 213.233.147.83
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Buon Natale!
http://youtu.be/q_55y7UOiBQ
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Vince Di Placido (Jnr)
12-24-2015
11:52 AM ET (US) IP: 213.233.147.83
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I'm so glad it got to you before Christmas, Suzanne! I managed to fit quite a bit onto the DVD actually!
It's good to share isn't it?
Those wee Lanza films are a pure labour of love! It's my pleasure to pay tribute to such a great artist.
Buon Natale!
Oh! My email is vincedp@hotmail.com
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Martino
12-24-2015
11:37 AM ET (US) IP: 67.216.109.108
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Merry Christmas and a very safe and happy New Year to all. And a special greeting to Rick - welcome and nice to have you on board!
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Suzanne
12-24-2015
11:36 AM ET (US) IP: 74.79.58.35
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Vincent. Received. Can't thank you enough. More than I ever expected. Even Cinema Paradiso, which I love.You're an angel. And perfect timing. Couldn't watch it all yet. Can't wait. Thank you, thank you. Email address?Merry Christmas to you and yours.
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Suzanne
12-24-2015
11:27 AM ET (US) IP: 74.79.58.35
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On this day in history, there was a world premiere of Aida in Cairo,Egypt-1871.
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Bill Ronayne
12-24-2015
11:25 AM ET (US) IP: 24.46.62.27
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Merry Christmas to everyone! Turner Classic Movies is airing the Ave Maria sequence from The Great Caruso as it was shown in theaters during Christmas time. It was a way for MGM and the local movie theaters to extend holiday greetings to the movie going public. The next airing today is 11:56am ET. It will also be shown on Christmas day at 10:40am ET. Best, Bill
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Chris Johns to ALL
12-24-2015
11:07 AM ET (US) IP: 100.37.30.166
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It's been a while since I have visited here, but I felt I must come and wish everyone here a very BLESSED CHRISTMAS and a HEALTHY, HAPPY and PROSPEROUS NEW YEAR.
With Best Wishes and Love ALWAYS
Chris Johns
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Gail Swartz
12-24-2015
10:59 AM ET (US) IP: 204.29.186.66
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Happy Merry Christmas to all. Looks to be a soggy season here in the south...you know we shovel rain instead of snow!
On December 23, 2015, at 10:54 PM, QuickTopic daily digest <qtopic-30-ECKcxtRbxUTNy@quicktopic.com> wrote:
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Ed to Rick
12-24-2015
07:22 AM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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Rick, it is only available on Kindle for now, enjoy. This book will clear up and give it to you straight .Have a Merry Christmas.
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Rick
12-23-2015
11:43 PM ET (US) IP: 99.61.201.208
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Thanks Ed, After I saw your post I bought the Kindle edition on Amazon. Can't wait to start reading it.
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Ed to Rick
12-23-2015
09:18 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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Rick, I just had an idea, I know listening to Mario one can get to know the musical side of him,if you'd like to explore the man behind the voice you will enjoy reading The One Tenor written by our resident authority Linz Perigo. I know Linz and I enjoyed the book, he pulled no punches, the book explores what made this man and does it with love.
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Dan Lawlor
12-23-2015
01:41 PM ET (US) IP: 45.47.170.225
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Someone asked: What should we sing at the top of our lungs???
"Joy To the World"
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Diane Cox
12-23-2015
12:09 PM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.239
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Merry Christmas and a wonderful New Year to all! See you every day next year. Don't always post, but I'm always here.
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Ed
12-23-2015
11:08 AM ET (US) IP: 70.199.71.137
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I would've liked to seen My Song, My Love on the new cd,many fine cuts on that cd due out.
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Suzanne
12-23-2015
09:54 AM ET (US) IP: 74.79.58.35
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So many good posts, and new devotees too! Can't be better. I ordered the Opera Now magazine on the net. Paid more , but Mario's always worth it.Didn't I go to Tanglewood a few years ago to look at the venue where Mario sang his first opera role! Anywhere that he was, where I wanted to be. Philadelphia, California, it's all about Mario. Looking forward to the"new" CD . To everyone here, wish you a Merry Christmas and a blessed New Year. Now to listen to Mario singing Christmas carols. Wouldn't Mario love all this attention!
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Dan Lawlor
12-23-2015
09:21 AM ET (US) IP: 45.47.170.225
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To Everyone on this site: A very Merry Christmas and the Happiest and Healthiest New Years ever...just sit back, relax and sing at the top of your lungs...
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Brian Harrison
12-23-2015
08:50 AM ET (US) IP: 82.46.247.162
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May I wish all my friends here on the Rense Forum a Very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. To Rick welcome to the world of Mario Lanza. I have had 63 years of outstanding pleasure listening to his voice. May you have many years of wonderment. Thank you to you all for contributing to the Forum, keep the posts coming. Best wishes from Brian and Christine in Merrie Olde England.
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Gail Swartz
12-23-2015
06:58 AM ET (US) IP: 204.29.186.64
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Rick, welcome to our world where Mario rules supreme. You have an exciting journey to start in the Mario Lanza world. Be aware, obsession can be wonderful when every thing is centered around the wonderfulness of our tenor. I am still amazed at his legacy of music. The websites are great..Even if you do not understand some of the terminology. You will broaden you scope of understanding of just how great Mario was and how important he was in the field of music. Enjoy!!!!!!!
On December 22, 2015, at 10:54 PM, QuickTopic daily digest <qtopic-30-ECKcxtRbxUTNy@quicktopic.com> wrote:
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Linz to Ed
12-23-2015
12:43 AM ET (US) IP: 115.188.214.229
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Ed—yes, you may be sure there'll be a review. :-) Delighted you're keen to help the McSepian juggernaut continue to roll! Merry Xmas, and here's to a better 2016 for you!
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diane cox
12-23-2015
12:15 AM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.239
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Passsione is one of my top ten.
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Ed to Linz/Rick
12-22-2015
09:45 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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Linz, hello there! I too am a fan of Never Till Now, I have listened many times. I am looking forward to getting CD and can't wait for your review. I wish you well at Christmas and a healthy and Happy 2016.
Rick, thank you for your reply, that album/CD is one of the best and Passione stands out, his finish to the song will give you a chill,one of my desert island 20. I started listening to Mario when I was about 15, I've gauged many tenors to him, although many are great and reknown they don't have the soul in their voice, when Lanza sings its like hes singing to you. If you are a fan-boy so are we.
Sadly so many cruel things were written about him after he passed when he wasn't here to defend himself, but here its about his music, in a dozen or so years he gave us much, he is my fave and always will be, Best Ed
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Rick
12-22-2015
07:47 PM ET (US) IP: 99.61.201.208
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Ed, I heard about Mario when listening to Jeff Rense one night. Didn't know much about him. A few weeks ago I was in a used CD store and I stumbled across MARIO! Lanza at his best. I was blown away, especially when I heard the song Passione. Since then I've been devouring information about him on the internet. I read that Jeff's CDs are very good, the sound quality is excellent, so I ordered those. Since then I've compared Pavarotti's version of Passione. Not even close to Mario's version. The passion in Mario's voice is amazing. I guess I'm sounding like a fan-boy but I've never heard anybody sing like that. I'm excited to hear more of his recordings.
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Linz
12-22-2015
05:45 PM ET (US) IP: 115.188.214.229
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I'd respectfully suggest to those playing the role of grinch re the new Mario CD that they instead celebrate the fact that Sepia and McG are just keeping 'em coming! Four in a year! And I doubt they'll be done with that! I enjoy "Never Till Now" for the fact that M is in spectacular voice and form, and, as usual, manages to make something memorable out of what would otherwise be trite. And I'm certainly looking forward to this new compendium in its entirety.
Meanwhile, nothing from Sony. I've recently been relishing the great Anna Moffo collection they put out to commemorate the 10th anniversary of her death. A 12-CD boxed set! I know we're wasting our breath pleading with them to honour Mario similarly. Yet another reason to applaud Sepia and Derek McG.
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Ed Rick
12-22-2015
04:15 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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Rick, welcome to where Mario is revered. Many here have been fans a very long time, I am 50 years. I think Jeff's CDs are an excellent choice to really give you a well rounded selection how great Mario was. How did you find Mario? I wish you many years of good listening.
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Dan Lawlor
12-22-2015
03:03 PM ET (US) IP: 45.47.170.225
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Rick: Mario's voice is the one you measure all other tenors to...and many do not live up to it!
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Diane Cox
12-22-2015
12:18 PM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.239
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Rick, I think it depends on whether you prefer the English songs or the opera arias. Jeff's CDS will give you a good variety to choose from. What a treat you have in store. My favorite is The Great Caruso and The Student Prince, and of course Mario! one of his last recordings.
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Suzanne
12-22-2015
12:16 PM ET (US) IP: 74.79.58.35
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Rick, how wonderful. Once you've heard him, you may not care to hear anyone else. Welcome! Martino, perhaps you're too caught up in "stuffiness". Sure, "Never Til Now" is pedestrian and probably "corny", but Mario elevates it to something else. It's absolutely beautiful, sung by our tenor. Now to something else, not so pleasant. Hearing about Trump, can't help but think of how a long time ago, the German people were promised prosperity by another raving , ranting Maniac. They listened, will we? A frightening prospect.
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Rick
12-22-2015
11:39 AM ET (US) IP: 204.76.113.51
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I'm new to Mario Lanza, I recently purchased the Mario! album on a lark. I'm glad I did. A truly remarkable voice. I never realized what I've been missing all these years. I purchased Jeff Rense's Lanza CDs on December 4th. I haven't received them yet. Does anyone know how long it may take to receive them. I live in the United States midwest area. I can't wait to get them, I heard the recordings are remarkable. Also, any suggestions for any of his other albums.
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Ronald Sarbo
12-22-2015
09:18 AM ET (US) IP: 74.66.130.108
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Gordon MacRae also recorded "The Student Prince" score twice. First in mono in the early 50's and again in stereo in the early 60's with Dorothy Kirsten. MacRae and Kirsten also did a stereo version of "The Desert Song" which MacRae had also recorded in the early 50's in mono. MacRae in the early 50's also did "The Vagabond King".
Of course Lanza and MacRae were also both movie stars.
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Martino
12-21-2015
08:33 PM ET (US) IP: 67.216.109.108
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I don't mind raining on the parade, I've certainly done it before. I could simply say I don't like "Never Till Now" but I can't leave it at that without explanation. I consider the lyrics rudimentary and the score pedestrian. By rudimentary I mean makeshift. Here is the first stanza: "Never till now were those rainbows there, did the skylark sing on the bough till his song filled the air". See my point? By pedestrian I mean uninspired and, quite frankly, boring in melody, drama, pathos or anything else you can think of.
Of everyone I've ever heard sing this song only Mario Lanza gives it a decent show to make it somewhat sufferable. But even at that, the high note at the end on the very difficult "U" sound is the only thing memorable with his rendition. Even Mario Lanza's penchant for making a bad song listenable was supremely challenged with "Never Till Now". This is my opinion only of course and I realize I am in the minority, but I think Green's score for this great epic picture was mostly on target with its broad scope approach but with only one exception - "Never Till Now".
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Ed
12-21-2015
06:02 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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I first heard this song on SHOR which was my first Lanza album and it became a favorite of mine.
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Diane Cox
12-21-2015
01:09 PM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.239
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VLKC__fIORQ
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Ronald Sarbo
12-21-2015
12:19 PM ET (US) IP: 74.66.130.108
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The Dec.2,1957 issue of Billboard reports that RCA will "rush release" Lanza's record of "Never Till Now".
The Dec.23,1957 issue of Billboard reviews the record praising Lanza's "soft approach". The reviewer called the flip side "Come Dance With Me" "strident".
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Ronald Sarbo
12-21-2015
10:24 AM ET (US) IP: 74.66.130.108
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Don't know what the actual recording date of MacRae's Capitol recording was but it was reviewed and listed as available in the Oct. 28, 1957 issue of Billboard so it had to have been recorded prior to Nov. 7, 1957.
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Derek McG to Kristine
12-21-2015
09:58 AM ET (US) IP: 112.153.216.167
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Hi Kristine: I suggest you wait a while before ordering "Never Till Now," as you may find cheaper options available than Amazon is offering. Sepia Records, for example, currently charges only 8.80 pounds (US$13.12), *including* postage, for its releases to customers outside of the US. More information about the CD is available here: http://www.mariolanzatenor.com/news/sepia-records-does-it-againEdited 12-21-2015 10:01 AM
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Fred Day
12-21-2015
09:21 AM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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During the opening credits of "Raintree County", they used Nat King Cole's recording of the title song, The Ballad of Raintree County, a lovely song. Never Till Now was not sung in the film, but the melody was used as orchestral background music a few times. By the way, Gordon MacRae also recorded Never Till Now for Capitol Records. I wonder who recorded it first, Lanza or MacRae?? Curious. Ciao.
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Fred Day
12-21-2015
09:09 AM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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That is amazon.co.uk - and it is also listed on Derek McGovern's Lanza website (google groups). Ciao.
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Ronald Sarbo
12-21-2015
08:39 AM ET (US) IP: 74.66.130.108
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Kristine: Approx $11.00 US.
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Kristine
12-21-2015
04:46 AM ET (US) IP: 173.169.49.36
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Ronald, thank you for info. What is the American equivalent of 7 pounds(British currency)for Mario Lanza, "Never Till Now", CD ?
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Ronald Sarbo
12-20-2015
07:48 PM ET (US) IP: 108.14.115.8
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The CD and it's contents is listed on Amazon UK.
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Kristine
12-20-2015
04:56 PM ET (US) IP: 173.169.49.36
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I just looked for the Mario Lanza CD, coming out in March 2016, "Never Till Now" and couldn't find the listing for it. I was curious what the songs were, on it. "Never Till Now" was from movie "Raintree County" a Civil War theme movie, starring Montgomery Clift, Elizabeth Taylor, and Eva Marie Saint. It would have been great if Lanza had sung it , during opening credits of movie, like Vic Damone had sung "Affair To Remember", while credits of that movie were shown. (Cary Grant, Deborah Kerr version). "Never Till Now" was on flip side of "Seven Hills of Rome" LP Soundtrack Recording, because, I assume, there weren't many songs in "Seven Hills of Rome", which could fill both sides of the LP recording.
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Ronald Sarbo
12-20-2015
04:09 PM ET (US) IP: 74.66.130.108
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Sepia in the UK will be issuing a new Lanza CD in March called "Never Till Now". A collection of Lanza recordings in English. The song list on Amazon is interesting in that it appears to contain quite a few Coke show recordings. Something that RCA/SONY have been criticized for focusing on too much.
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Terry Velda
12-19-2015
05:40 PM ET (US) IP: 86.25.79.224
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Hello Ed,
Ann and I send our condolences to you and your family.
Sincerely hope 2016 will be better for you.
Have a good Christmas and Happy New Year. I am sure your
Mom and Brother-in-Law would wish that for you.
Still hoping to make a visit next year.
I would Love to do The Mario Lanza Ball just one more time.
Lots of Love
Terry and Ann xxx
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Diane Cox
12-19-2015
02:22 PM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.239
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Just checked the Opera Now online site, and the Nov. issue is on there. Dec probably won't be available until after the Jan issue comes out. Will keep checking.
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Suzanne
12-19-2015
12:49 PM ET (US) IP: 74.79.58.35
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I tried Barnes & Noble. No copies of Opera Now. Nowhere else in this area that I know of.Maybe online.
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Martino to Ed
12-19-2015
10:10 AM ET (US) IP: 67.216.109.108
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I want to also send my condolences for what has undoubtedly been a tough year for you and your family. A new year is coming and I hope it will be a wonderful and joyous year for you and everyone else on the Rense forum.
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Dan Lawlor
12-19-2015
07:35 AM ET (US) IP: 45.47.170.225
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ED: I am so sorry for your losses...Hopefully, the New Year will be a better one for you...you are in my prayers...
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Ed
12-18-2015
09:47 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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Thank you for your condolences. It has been a very bad year for our family, I put my dog down in May after 13 years she had cancer, I was under severe stress dealing with my mom who had metastatic cancer starting as lung cancer, her passing tore me apart, Tom suffered with lung cancer dying way too young in early 60s. I pray 2016 a good year for a better year for us all.
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Kristine
12-18-2015
09:27 PM ET (US) IP: 173.169.49.36
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Ed, my sympathy and condolences to you and family.
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Fred Day
12-18-2015
09:12 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Ed: My sincere sympathy, also, on the loss of your brother in law. My prayers are with you. Ciao.
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Fred Day
12-18-2015
09:00 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Ed: Yes, Bois Epais is a lovely aria, from Amadis by Jean Baptiste Lully (1632-1687). He was a principal French composer during the baroque period. That aria was one of Caruso's final records. Similar to Handel's Largo - Ombra Mai Fu from Xerxes. I sang both of those pieces at my own graduation recital in May 1968. Ciao.
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GARY TO BROTHER ED
12-18-2015
03:49 PM ET (US) IP: 71.72.144.56
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BROTHER ED,I AM SORRY FOR THE PASSING OF YOUR BROTHER IN LAW.WILL KEEP YOU AND EVERYONE IN PRAYER.GOD BLESS YOU ALL AND GIVE YOU STRENGTH.BEST,BROTHER GARY
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Ed to Fred
12-18-2015
02:48 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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Fred, recently I downloaded 100 songs by Caruso and came upon many I have never heard before. One song I fell in love with the melody and how great he sings is called Bois Epais, what do you know about this recording, thanks Ed
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Fred Day
12-18-2015
05:49 AM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Sam: Temptation and Lygia are both from the Coke Show. This red vinyl 45 was one of the first Coke Show records issued by RCA. Another was the 45 of Someday/Sylvia. All 4 songs are also on CD. Ciao.
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Sam Samuelian
12-18-2015
01:33 AM ET (US) IP: 98.114.44.105
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Added note: I tried posting the link to the page that has a photo of the "Temptation" 45 rpm record but it keeps giving me a note that it's being blocked. Sorry....
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Sam Samuelian
12-18-2015
01:20 AM ET (US) IP: 98.114.44.105
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Hi guys, I will make no excuses but have meant to post for many days now. Something caught my eye tonight as I was unwinding and decided to look up Mario Lanza collectibles on Amazon. Most are CDs, some are 45s and some are LPs. What I saw was an RCA 45 in original sleeve with a maroon/red label. The recording is "Temptation". The only one I remember him doing is the excerpt from the imitation sequence in SHOR when he mimics Perry Como. The flip side is Lygia (which was originally on the "You Do Something To Me" Camden album. Can anyone shed more light on this? One of the most exciting things I have done in recent memory was to test drive the Tesla Motors Model S (hopefully S for Sam one day! Devon Tesla, about twenty minutes from my house, offers free test drives and I spent nearly an hour and a half there and was on the road half an hour. This car blew me away, no exaggeration! It is the greatest driving experience I have ever had. The car is now very practical with it's range of 275 miles before needing recharging. And then a power charge only takes an hour. Overnight is the norm. It goes from 0 to 60 in 2.9 seconds and takes off like a rocket. Despite cruising down the road at 75 mph, I felt the ride quiet, and dreamy. Took bumps great. It can go 155, but I didn't try. When you release the "gas" pedal it will automatically brake for you if you want it to. In fact this baby will drive itself is you put it on AutoPilot. It follows the white lines in the road and senses cars in front and on the sides to accomplish this. I only did it a short minute and a half since it is something you need to get used to. It will also park itself but I haven't tried that yet but plan to go back. The cargo space in rear is amazingly generous. It will hold about two thirds of what my van will (except less height) and the front has plenty of luggage room since the space has no engine. There is another compartment below the rear carpeting which has space to hold a spare tire or other things. You don't need a spare and they don't give you one because if you have trouble, they come out free to rescue you. To start out you use the tiny key fob and press. The door handles come out to greet you while the side mirrors move out simultaneously. You sit in the driver's seat and it senses your weight and knows you are the owner. Then all you need do is tap the brake and the car runs. You cannot hear it run since it's totally quiet. A wonderful feature is the seventeen inch by twelve inch GPS screen, large by any standard, which also doubles as the "brain" of the car as you touch it and give it commands. You can also use voice commands if it recognizes your voice. I had the choice of setting the steering to "old boat car" feel, standard feel, or sport for the steering wheel. And I loved the high definition camera in the rear that feeds into the screen in a wide angle, sharp as a razor picture. There is so much more but I was saving one neat feature for last that you'll enjoy if you ever own one. It includes a free Mario Lanza internet radio station with guest stars like Doris Day, Al Martino, and many others. Mario sounded great on the seven speaker Bose-like system with a deep subwoofer. The cost is 71K for a fairly well loaded example. The car has a sporty design and comes in eight colors of which red was my favorite with blue following. The interior is very comfortable and approaches the luxury car look. That price may sound high but I recently visited our Chrysler dealer for an inspection and the mechanic told me they sell the Dodge Ram for around 80K and a good friend always buys Mercedes which cost an average of 85K. Those are no comparison to this car. And the company stands behind it with a four year warranty and seven year drive train warranty. I couldn't find any used ones since people who buy are obviously holding onto them. Do yourself a favor and see if any dealership in your area offers free test drives. I guarantee there will be no sales calls since they have more orders than cars available to fill the orders at present. You will be walking into the future! PS. There are many government rebates off the price when purchasing since you are going green and helping save the environment. This venture took me away from my searching for the best 4K 3D TV I could find. The winner hands down is the LG OLED curved screen television which comes in either 55 or 65 inches. The deep blacks and rich color it produces are better than the best plasma TVs, which are not available much anymore. 55 inch was the max I could fit into our custom entertainment center in the kitchen. Added a Vizio sound bar, a bargain at 115.00 on Amazon for excellent fidelity sound. Vizio, incidentally, is a sub division of Sony. I need one more, preferably the large 78 inch curved screen 4K 3D Ulra High Definition Samsung LED for the family room. It has colors that pop and is excitint to watch but won't do the intense blacks the Plasma TVs will. But I'm waiting for a price break since they have come down since first released at the beginning of the year. Best regards to all! Edited 12-18-2015 01:30 AM
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Kristine
12-16-2015
06:31 PM ET (US) IP: 173.169.49.36
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Sorry about my mistake and thank you for correction. I like TJ Lubinsky's oldies shows. He has a facebook page, too. This is first time I heard of Opera Now Magazine which has a story about Mario Lanza.
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Diane Cox
12-16-2015
04:59 PM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.239
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It actually was Opera Now that I looked at, but it was the Nov issue.
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Ed to Jim Thompson/Derek
12-16-2015
04:46 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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What a marvelous idea a one or two hour show about Mario. I've seen many shows hosted by TJ. Lubinsky and I believe they were quite good. He's done shows on many genre, I do believe he could do Mario justice, he gives a lot of background on every show. I hope the powres that be about Mario could investigate this further he deserves only the very best.
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Martino to Kristine/Diane
12-16-2015
04:35 PM ET (US) IP: 67.216.109.108
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I just received the January issue of Opera News and there was no article concerning Mario Lanza, nor was there in the December issue. After reading Derek's post again I noticed he said the article is in the December issue of Opera Now. That is a British publication and it is not affiliated with Opera News as far as I know because the "News" is published by the MET Opera Guild.
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Kristine
12-16-2015
03:16 PM ET (US) IP: 173.169.49.36
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Great news about Opera News coverage of Mario Lanza ! The Library of Congress has announced its selection of films for its Registry. A Douglas Fairbanks movie, a Theda Bara movie were chosen, along with "Top Gun"(Tom Cruise). Again, no Mario Lanza movie was chosen. I would think "The Great Caruso" would be selected. It should be.
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Diane Cox
12-16-2015
02:46 PM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.239
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Had to go by B&N today, but my store didn't have the Dec Opera News. Will check again.
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Jim Thompson
12-16-2015
02:28 PM ET (US) IP: 67.83.119.164
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Pardon my interruption for a second time today. My friend of many years with whom I worked in radio called to tell me that he had put three years worth of my shows which were called "Mario Lanza and Friends" back on the internet.
You'll find them at: internetwork.com/mariolanzaandfriends
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Jim Thompson
12-16-2015
12:20 PM ET (US) IP: 67.83.119.164
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Hi Derek,
Congratulations! Opera Now has good taste in doing this article with Ellisa plus pix. I'll be heading to Barnes and Noble soon. After watching the Sinatra specials on PBS I wondered in T.J. Lubinsky, the producer of many shows dealing wit star singers, would be someone to talk to about presenting a one or two hour special on Mario with you as co-producer. What a special that would be!
To you and to all Lanza folks on this site may I wish you a Merry Christmas and the very best in 2016!
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Derek Mannering
12-16-2015
11:01 AM ET (US) IP: 69.209.233.20
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There's a wonderful two-page tribute to Mario in the December issue of Opera Now magazine. It's an interview with Ellisa and contains a number of photos from A LIFE IN PICTURES, along with a special offer to purchase the book. It's a British publication and can be ordered online. It's also sold in the U.S at Barnes & Noble, although they're usually a month or two behind the current edition.
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Bill Ronayne
12-16-2015
08:43 AM ET (US) IP: 67.80.214.162
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Thanks Matt. The next luncheon is March 12th. Best, Bill
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Mminzer@aol.com
12-15-2015
05:41 PM ET (US) IP: 204.29.186.14
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BILL;
THE BOOK IS WONDERFUL.
ANY PLANNED LUNCHEONS AROUND PRESIDENT'S WEEK IN FEBRUARY WHEN WE WILL BE IN NEW YORK TO SEE OUR BEAUTIFUL GRANDSON AND JONAS KAUFMAN IN PUCCINI'S "MANON LESCAUT"'. ALSO SONDRA R. AS THE DOOMED QUEEN.
BEST
MATT MINZER IN 85 DG. TROPICAL FLORIDA
In a message dated 12/15/2015 5:22:44 P.M. Eastern Standard Time, qtopic-30-ECKcxtRbxUTNy@quicktopic.com writes:
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Bill Ronayne
12-15-2015
05:22 PM ET (US) IP: 24.46.63.80
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The January 2016 issue of "The Legacy of Mario Lanza" newsletter has just been published and mailed out. It includes coverage of the 2015 Mario Lanza Ball Weekend,the MLSNY Christmas luncheon as well as announcements of recent CD and book releases and the usual features on Mario with many photos.
Thanks Joe for your kind words about my book, "The Films of Mario Lanza." for anyone interested, the $20 sale remains in effect through December 31, 2015. Just go to the appropriate link below and deduct $5 per book. Email me with any questions at wjronayne@optonline.net.
http://www.mariolanza.net/orderinfo.html
Best, Bill
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Suzanne
12-15-2015
01:17 PM ET (US) IP: 74.79.58.35
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Vincent, thanks so much. Didn't want it to be lost. Much appreciated.
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Dan Lawlor
12-15-2015
06:58 AM ET (US) IP: 45.47.170.225
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Thanks Fred for restoring my belief, which is the same as yours...I love Beczala's voice...sorry I didn't hear that Rigoletto...that Mezzo, who idolizes Callas (I never cared for her, myself)...has definite ideas about singers which I seldom agree with. But, what can you say about Mezzo's? ha ha...she thinks Kaufman is the greatest...I think he is good also, for once I agree with her...I never try to sing anything in German as she continuously corrects my pronunciation...so, I translate all into English Did I mention that I have a beautiful autographed photo of Nicolai Gedda in my collection...a treasured item...also one of Kaufman...I have sent a request for Beczala's but no response as of yet??? Thank you for your prayers Gary...right back at you...Merry Christmas Edited 12-15-2015 12:44 PM
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Fred Day
12-15-2015
05:01 AM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Dan: I disagree with that mezzo. Beczala was terrific in the Rigoletto Met broadcast last Sat afternoon. He sang all the high notes, wonderfully. Sometimes he reminds me of Gedda. Beczala even interpolated a high C sharp in the cadenza of La Donna e Mobile. Excellent. I found some great selections by him on youtube, including a wonderful Student Prince Serenade, Cantique de Noel (in French), and O Holy Night (in English). To me and many others, Beczala is one of today's top tenors. Ciao.
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David Weaver
12-14-2015
04:17 PM ET (US) IP: 156.63.68.179
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Wayne, if you'd email me: dweaver_52@hotmail.com I'd be glad to pass on Derek's address to you.
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GARY TO DAN LAWLOR
12-14-2015
03:19 PM ET (US) IP: 71.72.144.56
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DAN,WILL KEEP YOU IN MY PRAYERS.MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR,MY FRIEND!GOD BLESS.BEST
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wayne allington
12-14-2015
01:59 PM ET (US) IP: 86.27.179.55
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Need to contact Derek Mannering urgently!
I know Derek posts on here sometimes so if anyone is in contact with him, I have a message for him.
An email address would be handy!
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Vince Di Placido (Jnr)
12-14-2015
11:49 AM ET (US) IP: 109.76.119.125
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Hi, Suzanne! I was a bit busy with work, I only got the discs in the post on Friday gone, should be there soon hopefully!
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Suzanne
12-14-2015
10:48 AM ET (US) IP: 74.79.58.35
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Hi Vincent. Just wondering.Problems getting other peoples' mail, maybe they're getting mine. Nothing yet.Should there be? Thanks .
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Dan Lawlor
12-14-2015
06:55 AM ET (US) IP: 45.47.170.225
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Talking with another Mezzo last night, she said the recent Rigoletto with Beczala was disappointing...she said Beczala swooped up to his high notes, and she finally just turned it off, couldn't listen to it anymore...anyone else experience this?
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Dan Lawlor
12-14-2015
06:29 AM ET (US) IP: 45.47.170.225
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Dennis: The soprano was one who was partnered with me in an 8 yr venture called "Opera Plus", which included a Mezzo and an Accompanist for about 8 years...her name Janet Stazio, and she is going through traumatic times...her sister has ALS, and is in decline at the present time...so, it is a day to day with her as she doesn't know when she will get the call...So, it looks like we are both in the same boat so to speak, she lost her husband about 11 yrs ago, and I lost my wife about 8 yrs ago, we are colleagues and usually go our own ways otherwise...she is great support as is the woman who accompanied us yesterday...our accompanist recently had a slight stroke, and her right hand and her eyesight were affected, and being the organist at her local church, this greatly curtailed her efforts, her sight has restored, but she still has trouble with her right hand, so we never know whether she can play or not...yesterday was a blessing for all of us...and yes, I am getting back into the spirit..thanks....
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Dennis
12-14-2015
01:02 AM ET (US) IP: 73.170.201.215
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Dan, Gesu Bambino is one of my favorite Christmas songs. Who was the soprano? Wish I could have been there to hear you. It's good to see that you are getting into a Christmas spirit.
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Dan Lawlor
12-13-2015
09:47 PM ET (US) IP: 45.47.170.225
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Hi Guys...the duet with tenor and soprano of Gesu Bambino went over well...many kind comments and many kudos...and so the resurgence of ego swells again. ha ha
and gradually I am getting into that holiday spirit...no money but a simple phrase which says...we appreciate you...gives me enough energy to lift my head off the pillow, so to speak...ha ha
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Joe to ALL
12-13-2015
12:15 PM ET (US) IP: 71.224.55.142
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I just completed reading of Bill Ronayne’s latest work: “The Films Of Mario Lanza” and all I can say is that Bill , modestly, underplayed the excellence of this book….it is terrific!. I thought it was going to be basically a collection of Mario pictures (and it is that) but it’s so much more. A great read about Mario’s life during his movie-making periods. Very detailed, biographical and interesting. This should be in every Lanza fan’s library. It would be a great Christmas gift.
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Dennis
12-13-2015
01:29 AM ET (US) IP: 73.170.201.215
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Dan, if I remember, you had the blues last Christmas and were dreading having to sing O Holy Night again. I suggested then that you learn to sing it in the original French—much more Christian lyrics as well—and you could translate them back to the audience to give them a fresh take! Did you try it last year? If not, no better time than Christmas 2015!
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diane cox
12-12-2015
09:42 PM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.239
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No, not the only reason, but some of depression is physical - too many sugars and carbs, not enough sun, not enough hugs.
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Dan Lawlor
12-12-2015
08:27 PM ET (US) IP: 45.47.170.225
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Diane: I am headed to Sunny Florida in January...is it the lack of sunshine which causes people to get depressed? This year the great Northeast is having Springtime in December...so, that is not the only reason...eh?
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Diane Cox
12-12-2015
07:39 PM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.239
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Dan, get out in the sunshine. Just five minutes a day of direct sun will improve your mood. Mario also cures whatever ails me.
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Dan Lawlor
12-12-2015
06:54 PM ET (US) IP: 45.47.170.225
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It happens every year...just before the holidays, I settle into a deep funk, not especially appreciating the Christmas season at all, this year especially, what with all the turmoil in the world, and gradually I get resurrected to a full enjoyment of this Holy season...and it is happening this year...and do you know who helps get me out of my doldrums: Mario....and his Christmas album, especially Guardian Angels, which I have sung numerous Christmas seasons, and also Luciano's O Holy Night album ....(did you ever think you could get sick of singing O Holy Night? Well I can,as I am requested to do it every year)...this year I am scheduled to do a duet with a soprano of Gesu Bambino by Pietro Yon...which will help cheer me up... so before I lose it again: Merry Christmas and a Healthy and Happy New Year to everyone...just 12 more days to go...ho ho ho... Edited 12-12-2015 06:55 PM
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Ed to Suzanne
12-11-2015
06:53 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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Suzanne, I was watching a scene from FTFT on YouTube today,I put on the triumphant scene. I never really never watched it much because I knew I was looking at his final scene. As Mario was singing the camera got pretty close to his face, he looked like a sick man. I don't know why his close friends didn't get him medical help, either way the voice was undeniably great.
Doing a little better today,exercises seem to be key.
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Gail Swartz
12-11-2015
11:03 AM ET (US) IP: 204.29.186.6
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Suzzane,great words. The sing-outs for me only has two more to go...Dauphin Way, and Bellingraft Gardens. We have sung for a variety of groups, not all music lovers. So far the temps have mild with no rain. I did find a Mario on cassette ...his Magic one...his voice and talent was so wonderful. Had a picture of Mario on my tablet....people who viewed it asked,"Who is That?" It gave me the opportunity to educate them to find The American Caruso on Youtube. Everyone, have a safe holy day.
On December 10, 2015, at 10:53 PM, QuickTopic daily digest <qtopic-30-ECKcxtRbxUTNy@quicktopic.com> wrote:
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Diane Cox
12-11-2015
10:51 AM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.239
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Anna Netrebko, her fiance and not sure who the other woman is. Taken this week in Italy after she sang at LaScala. Sorry I didn't caption, but figured the guys would know.
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Suzanne
12-11-2015
10:06 AM ET (US) IP: 74.79.58.35
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Diane, thanks, but who?
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Diane Cox
12-10-2015
07:00 PM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.239
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For you guys
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Suzanne
12-10-2015
11:22 AM ET (US) IP: 74.79.58.35
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Matt. Sorry about your vision. Imagine it takes a great toll on your lifestyle, when you've been driving everywhere. Something gets to most of us at one time or another. You won't have any problem enjoying the opera that you love, and that can only be a good thing. Hope your holidays are good ones. Ed, never forget about you, my friend. Everyone, here, wish you holidays with many blessings.
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Ed to Suzanne
12-08-2015
05:23 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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Suzanne, thanks for the good wishes. I've had it a month on my left side, no great pain but annoying as hell. Doing exercises I was shown from a trainer at the Y. When I get in trouble I sit for relief. I stay away from over the counter pain meds, ice helps. Saw the Sinatra tribute it was excellent I agree, Tony was so good. Sorry to hear about your losses I didn't know. Going to be a sad Christmas, I'm OK but one sister is really having it bad.
Been listening to the three CDs a lot. Damon's birthday on the 12th, I used to send him a card. My uncle would flip if he knew I was in contact with Mario's son even if only a short time. Thanks for your concern it was appreciated.
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Dan Lawlor
12-08-2015
04:54 PM ET (US) IP: 45.47.170.225
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Matt: Thanks for letting me know...will try two more possibles and if nothing comes of that will use taxi service as a last resort...not to worry...by the way Happy Hannukah! (hope I spelled it correctly)
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Mminzer@aol.com
12-08-2015
03:10 PM ET (US) IP: 204.29.186.16
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HI DAN:LAWLOR:
I RECENTLY LOST THE ABILITY TO DRIVE SAFELY AT NIGHT DUE TO DIABETUS AND TWO EYE SURGERIES, I REALIZE THAT I WON'T BE ABLE TO PICK YOU UP AT THE PALM BEACH AIRPORT IN JANUARY. YOU ARE WELCOME TO JOIN US FOR LUNCH AT OUR HOME AND WATCH ONE OF THE LATEST DVD'S. I JUST RECEIVED A FINE COPY OF JONAS KAUFMAN IN "MANON LESCAUT" WHICH IS REALLY WELL SUNG.
P EASE E-MAIL ME THAT YOU RECEIVED THIS MESSAGE
.
BEST,
MATT MINZER IN SUB TROPICAL RAINEY FLORIDA.
In a message dated 12/2/2015 9:00:36 A.M. Eastern Standard Time, qtopic-30-ECKcxtRbxUTNy@quicktopic.com writes:
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Suzanne
12-08-2015
02:47 PM ET (US) IP: 74.79.58.35
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Bill, I hoped that was where Elaine had gone. She'd told me about her family in California when I met her. Ed, sorry about your sciatica. Know how painful it can be and working in a chiropractic office for a long time, saw so many people who suffered from it. Sometimes it goes away suddenly regardless of treatment or not. Hope yours does. Not been a great year for you Ed, or me. Lost my sister and a good friend as well. I will not see much of my family this year again at the holidays. Trying to bear up. Music helps so much. Did you watch the Sinatra tribute. I didn't intend to, but turned it on and saw that he was actually going to be a part of it, photos from childhood, family and his own words. Hooked!! Some of the singers were very good, especially Usher singing the "commercial" song, "That's Life" and Lady Gaga with her dramatic "New York, New York". Have to hand it to her, she's good. Tony Bennett seemed to be buoyed by the crowd's adulation and performed amazingly. Alicia Keyes is terrific. Seth MacFarland does have a good voice and has a new CD . have my reservations about him though. Listening to others singing Frank's music was much like listening to other people singing Mario's music, makes us realize even more how great he was. Martino, I have this photo of Mario and Rita. Sent it to her once , asking if she recalled what they were laughing about, since they both looked so tickled. No reply. Unlike Kathryn Grayson, who sent me a very sweet autograph.
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Martino
12-08-2015
01:05 PM ET (US) IP: 67.216.109.108
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One of the most prestigious artistic award events recently took place in Washington, DC. The Kennedy Center Honors is the the highest award our nation bestows to those people who have demonstrated extraordinary lifetime achievement in the arts. Among the honorees was the wonderful Rita Moreno, who appeared in Mario Lanza's second motion picture, "The Toast of New Orleans". A photo of the two on the set of "Toast" is shown above (click on image to enlarge).
Pres. Obama said of the 83 year old actress and singer (she turns 84 in a few days), "She's still a leading lady of her era, a trailblazer with courage to break through barriers and forge new paths".
There is no question this award for Moreno was long overdue. She is only one of a very few people to win show business' awards grand slam - an Oscar, Grammy, Emmy and Tony. The Puerto Rican Moreno joins only four other Latinos to win the Kennedy award: opera singers Placido Domingo and Martina Arroyo and Chita Rivera and Carlos Santana. Bravo Rita!!
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Diane Cox
12-08-2015
10:15 AM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.239
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Beczala just performed his 100th performance at the Met - over the last 10 years.
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Fred Day
12-08-2015
03:07 AM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Where is our own Frank Tenaglia?? Haven't heard from him in quite a while. I hope he posts again soon. This Saturday, the Met broadcast is Rigoletto, with tenor Piotr Beczala and baritone Zeljko Lucic. Both are excellent. Enjoy. Ciao. Edited 12-08-2015 03:13 AM
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Fred Day
12-08-2015
02:59 AM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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I watched Sunday night the CBS special tribute concert for Frank Sinatra's 100th birthday - good show. Tony Bennett still sounds very good, at age 89, God bless him. I was very impressed by Seth McFarlane, a fine voice in the Sinatra tradition. I noticed something interesting: Seth bears a strong facial resemblance to Mario Lanza!! If they ever make a movie of Lanza's life, Seth would be a good choice to star as Lanza, and lip-sync to Lanza's singing. Ciao.
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Fred Day
12-08-2015
02:46 AM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Ed: Welcome back. I hope your sciatica goes away soon. Follow your doctor's orders. Ciao.
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Ed to Suzanne
12-07-2015
06:02 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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I just opened the forum first time in a few weeks and saw you asked for me, let me say thank you. I came off the flu about a week ago and in the meantime suffering with sciatica. The sciatica is less but still painful if I stand too long so I haven't been in a good mood which is not my character. I started back too the gym last week but baby steps back. I hope you had a nice Thanksgiving with your family ours was wonderful. Listening to Mario a lot and Sergio Franchi. Best Ed
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Dan Lawlor
12-07-2015
04:01 PM ET (US) IP: 45.47.170.225
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Ronald: He does a great duet, I just wish he had sung it straight like Mario did on his album...
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Ronald Sarbo
12-07-2015
03:08 PM ET (US) IP: 74.66.130.108
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Placido Domingo sings "Guardian Angels" on his new Christmas CD "My Christmas". In various interviews Domingo has called Lanza "one of the most beautiful Tenor voices of the 20th Century".
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Bill Ronayne
12-07-2015
02:23 PM ET (US) IP: 24.46.63.123
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Thanks Suzanne. Elaine was in California visiting her daughter and family so she couldn't attend. Best, Bill
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Suzanne
12-07-2015
11:23 AM ET (US) IP: 74.79.58.35
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Glad the luncheon was a good one, Bill. Nice photo, but where was Elaine? Hope she's well. And where is our Ed these days? Miss you , Ed.
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Deleted by topic administrator 12-13-2015 10:59 AM
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Diane Cox
12-05-2015
01:52 PM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.239
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Grew up with doo wop. Never heard any of those versions.
Finished decorating the Christmas tree - so have to put up all the parapinalia.
Listening to Il Volo Christmas album.
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Kristine
12-05-2015
01:36 PM ET (US) IP: 173.169.48.142
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Diane, Connie Francis sang Be My Love in "Looking For Love", Sandra Dee sang it in "Doctor, You've Got To Be Kidding", Doretta Morrow sang it in "Because You're Mine", an off-key singer sang it, in scene, when Marc Revere(Lanza)was trying to find a job , singing, in "Seven Hills of Rome",(it was Lanza doing the off-key singing),Carol Burnett sang the first few notes of it, in a comedy special, I think The Three Tenors sang it, late tenor Joe Feeney sang it, as a tribute to Mario Lanza, on "The Lawrence Welk Show", I think Tiny Tim sang it, on one of his record albums(how did it sound ?), Sammy Davis, Jr. sang it, when he impersonated Mario Lanza on a recording, he made, impersonating celebrities, Ricky Nelson sang it, on one of his record albums. Years ago, when Sammy Cahn(who, with Nick Brodzsky, wrote Be My Love)would appear as a guest on talk shows,he would mention Lanza and Be My love. I wonder how it would sound, doo wop style ? I like doo wop music.
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Diane Cox
12-05-2015
11:46 AM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.239
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Just singing Be My Love is a tribute to Mario Lanza, and might prod peoples memories - or at least cause them to say what a beautiful song, wonder if anyone else has sung it.
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Fred Day
12-05-2015
04:39 AM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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The Met Sat afternoon radio broadcasts begin today, at 1pm, eastern time. Today's opera is the ever popular La Boheme, with tenor Ramon Vargas. Enjoy. Ciao.
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Fred Day
12-05-2015
02:10 AM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Dan: Make that 4 operas. Massenet wrote a sequel called "A Portrait of Manon". Anna Moffo recorded an aria from it, and a baritone also recorded an aria from it, both on a 7" LP single, circa 1968. Ciao. Edited 12-05-2015 02:12 AM
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Fred Day
12-05-2015
02:04 AM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Kristine: No, Bocelli and Kimmel did not talk. Bocelli came on at the end of the show, the final 5 minutes, and sang Be My Love, very nicely. Ciao.
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Dan Lawlor
12-04-2015
01:32 PM ET (US) IP: 45.47.170.225
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Manon Lescaut, the subject of three operas: Auber, Massenet and Puccini, of which Massenet's is the most widely performed... I believe Mr Kaufman has already appeared in the Massenet opus with Anna Netrebko...? Edited 12-04-2015 07:57 PM
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Suzanne
12-04-2015
10:02 AM ET (US) IP: 74.79.58.35
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Martino, thanks for your explanation re: Turandot. So much to be learned here. Happy to have found you all.
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Derek Mannering
12-04-2015
08:58 AM ET (US) IP: 69.209.233.58
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Bocelli is 57 and I can't think of another living tenor at his age who would even attempt, let alone carry off, singing a high C on live television - and that includes Mario himself who mimed to an old recording of "Be My Love" on "Shower of Stars" and hadn't gone near the song in his final years. Comparisons between the two singers (or anyone else for that matter) are, of course, pointless; very different voices and very different styles. What always impresses me about Bocelli is his marvelous breath control, heard to great effect on his (again) live performance of "Adeste Fideles" at the Christmas at Rockefeller Center event seen on TV this week. It was beautifully done and quite thrilling in its own way.
There are lots of talented opera stars doing great work on today's classical stages – Calleja, Florez, et al – but when it comes to enjoying the delights of a superb romantic Italian tenor, Bocelli fits that niche perfectly.
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Mminzer@aol.com
12-04-2015
08:06 AM ET (US) IP: 204.29.186.9
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I CAN HELP YOU VISIT ANNA NETREBKO BACKSATGE. SHE IS A SWEETHEART TO CHAT WITH. COMBINE A VISIT WITH ONE OF HER PERFORMANCES. SHE IS SINGING "MANON LESCAUT" NEXT YEAR AND "AIDA" IN 2017.
ALSO-FOR THOSE OF YOU IN THE NEW YORK AREA. THE WONDERFUL METROPOLITAN OPERA HAS "RUSH" TICKETS AVAILABLE AT 9:00 A.M. WITH A PHONE CALL ON THE DAY OF PERFORMANCE AT A VERY LOW PRICE. MY MEMORY-$35.00 MONDAY-THURSDAY AND $45.00 FRIDAY AND SATURDAY. THESE TICKETS ARE ON A FIRST COME BASIS AND INCLUDE ORCHESTRA AND THE VARIOUS TIERS. BILL R. PROBABLY USES THEM AND KNOWS THE LOW FEE STRUCTURE.
BEST,
MATT MINZER IN SUB TROPICAL RAINY FLORIDA.
In a message dated 12/4/2015 3:51:08 A.M. Eastern Standard Time, qtopic-30-ECKcxtRbxUTNy@quicktopic.com writes:
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Kristine
12-04-2015
05:08 AM ET (US) IP: 173.169.48.142
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Did Andrea Bocelli tell Jimmy Kimmel, about Mario Lanza ? This is one way to reach new generations. Maybe it's hard, physically, for Andrea Bocelli to be dramatic.
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Dennis
12-04-2015
03:51 AM ET (US) IP: 73.170.201.215
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Matt, you must know how envious I am of your opera experiences, and that doesn't include your opportunities to visit Netrebko back stage and give her a kiss on the cheek. Then I turn positively green! lol If I lived on the east coast, especially near New York, I would rearrange my budget to include a few Met performances (but sadly, without the Anna dream visits that you have).
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Fred Day
12-04-2015
03:24 AM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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I saw Bocelli again on the Jimmy Kimmel show last night. He sang Be My Love, very nicely, with a good high C at the end. Pleasant, but, as I said, he lacks excitement. C'est la vie. Ciao.
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Fred Day
12-04-2015
12:15 AM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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I enjoyed recently on PBS the 3 Italian boys - Il Volo, concert in Pompeii. I also enjoyed the Bocelli "Cinema" PBS concert. Very pleasant. But one thing he lacks: excitement. Singers like Lanza, Franchi, Corelli, Del Monaco, Di Stefano, Gigli, etc, have an abundance of excitement. Bocelli lacks this vital quality. Ciao. Edited 12-04-2015 12:20 AM
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Fred Day
12-04-2015
12:05 AM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Tosti was a genius, of course. Of his many fine songs, I would pick as his greatest: L'Alba Separa Dalla Luce L'Ombra. It sounds quite similar to Puccini. Ciao.
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Fred Day
12-03-2015
11:58 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Puccini had reached the death of Liu, in Turandot, before he died. From that point on, Alfano completed the opera, based on Puccini's notes. The recent Berio ending sounds more like Mahler than Puccini. Despite a few flaws, the Alfano ending is good, much preferable to the Berio hodge podge. Berio is too ultra modern, with some atonality thrown in. As the old saying goes, it is best to leave well enough alone. If it ain't broke, don't fix it. Ciao.
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Kristine
12-03-2015
10:10 PM ET (US) IP: 173.169.48.142
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Michael Burrows, RIP. Tomorrow night, Friday, Dec. 4th, EWTN will show "The Christophers" show with Mario Lanza. It will be on at 3:00 A.M. and 6:30 P.M. (Eastern Time Zone).EWTN is the Catholic Cable Channel founded by Mother Angelica. A few years ago, she suffered a stroke and isn't doing well, sadly. This coming Sunday night, CBS T.V. will air a Special celebrating, what would have been Frank Sinatra's 100th Birthday. Lady Gaga will be on it. She has a good singing voice and doesn't need purple hair for attention. Frank Sinatra is also Star Of The Month on TCM. Didn't he want to manage Mario Lanza, years ago ? Mario Lanza can't be Star Of The Month, because he made only 7 movies, which wouldn't cover the whole month. However, if they had Movie Tenors, as Stars Of The Month, perhaps, Lanza could be included.
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Deleted by author 12-03-2015 09:53 AM
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Martino to Dennis
12-03-2015
09:49 AM ET (US) IP: 67.216.109.108
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Ha, I know what you mean! Ticket prices keep going up and you can easily spend a lot of money at the MET for certain performances. If you went to last night's performance of "Eugene Onegin", and wanted a Parterre it would cost you around $450, unless you knew someone or had a discount ticket. That same seat would be a bargain in comparison for the Vittorio Grigolo MET concert in March which is priced at $175. I am sure they still price tickets according to cast and event. An opening night, special Gala or a star studded cast will usually cost more than a routine night. Check the price of a performance starring Vittorio and Anna Netrebko, for example, and then compare it with the price for the same opera sung by someone else and you will know what I mean. Local and regional opera companies are of course usually much cheaper than the MET. Yes, Matt Minzer (and Bill Ronayne) can recommend where the best seats at the best prices are at the MET these days but I think unless you go up to the family circle you are going to be hard pressed to get in the house for any performance for less than a hundred bucks. Edited 12-03-2015 09:51 AM
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Mminzer@aol.com
12-03-2015
07:19 AM ET (US) IP: 204.29.186.15
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THANK YOU FOR THE REFERENCE REGARDING PURCHASING OCCASIONAL EXPENSIVE TICKETS TO FRONT SEAT METROPOLITAN OPERA GRAND PERFORMANCES WITH THE WORLD'S GREATEST CASTS. I LIVE FOR THE OPERA AND LISTEN TO OPERA IN MY CAR ON SERIUS RADIO AND HAVE HUNDREDS OF DVD'S WHICH I TRY TO LISTEN TO REGULARLY. AT MY ADVANCED AGE (GOD WILLING-75 MARCH 10TH), I LOOK FORWARD TO TRAVELING FROM FLORIDA TO NEW YORK TO ATTEND THE MET OPERA HOUSE AND BEING THRILLED AT THE PERFORMANCES. WE ARE LOOKING FORWARD TO SEEING JONAS KAUFMAN IN "MANON LESCAUT" AT THE MET ON FEBRUARY 15TH.
BEST,
MATT MINZER IN SUB TROPICAL FLORIDA WITH FORECASTS OF HEAVY STORMS THE NEXT FEW DAYS.
In a message dated 12/3/2015 2:34:26 A.M. Eastern Standard Time, qtopic-30-ECKcxtRbxUTNy@quicktopic.com writes:
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Dennis
12-03-2015
02:34 AM ET (US) IP: 73.170.201.215
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Several hundred dollars for a ticket!? You must have me confused with Matt Minzer! lol Thankfully, my local opera house is MUCH more affordable which is why I have had season tickets for decades.
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Martino to Dennis
12-02-2015
08:04 PM ET (US) IP: 67.216.109.108
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I use to be against those subtitles when they first came out but they have gotten a little better and are now at least usually in sync, which was a rarity when they first were introduced. The MET HD telecasts are quite good in this regard. They serve a purpose for people not familiar with the opera, even if they are not always 100% accurate in the translation. But as you suggest, there is nothing better than reading the libretto beforehand and I would go further to suggest that if possible, following a recording with the libretto a day or two before going to the opera. Just a few hours of study and preparation will make a world a difference in the enjoyment of the actual performance, especially if you want a good seat and are forking over several hundred dollars for a ticket.
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Dennis
12-02-2015
05:17 PM ET (US) IP: 73.170.201.215
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Martino, you, of course, are correct that lyrics, in this internet age, can be found for most everything with a bit of searching. When I say I enjoy Tosti's works, I am thinking of the melodies that I love. Of course, as a lover of vocal music, words add to the melody, and evidently in Tosti's case, are very important to his songs.
On a related note, I enjoy operas much more in the last decade since my local opera company began to use supertitles at every performance, even the rare operas sung in English! I used to read the story of the opera in three or four books that I have, and in some situations, even read the libretto before attending the performance. But I found that sometimes wanting when actually listening at the opera. Now, with doing the same research beforehand (seldom the entire libretto any more), I am often amused, sometimes angered, at poorly done supertitles. It isn't only the wording or English translations, but sometimes the operator who loses track, and sometimes the preparer who thinks if phrases are repeated in the next minute or so, we don't need a translation on the screen since we already heard them and saw the translation (if only my ear were so good on Italian to remember the phrasing!).
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Bill Ronayne
12-02-2015
09:48 AM ET (US) IP: 24.46.63.175
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Hi:
I am making this special offer from now until December 31st. "The Films of Mario Lanza" book, which was written and published by me in August, will be available for $20 each plus appropriate shipping. You can still use the order forms at the link below and just deduct $5 per book. Shipping charges remain the same. If the book is to be a present for someone please order early and let me know so I can autograph it to that person.
http://www.mariolanza.net/orderinfo.html
Best, Bill
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Dan Lawlor
12-02-2015
09:37 AM ET (US) IP: 45.47.170.225
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Salieri wrote an opera "First the music, then the words"
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Martino to Dennis
12-02-2015
09:00 AM ET (US) IP: 67.216.109.108
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 Thanks Dennis, I'm glad you enjoyed it. Without understanding the words much is lost in appreciating the singers art. The sound of the voice is nice of course but the all important interpretation can not be assessed, not to mention the loss of meaning and message of the song. I consider it crucial to have at least a good grasp of what is being sung in context, if not a word by word understanding. There are many places on the internet where lyrics can be found of songs and arias, along with their translation. It might take some time to find the song you are looking for but most can be found with a little searching. Understanding the lyrics enhances the enjoyment of the performance immeasurably and this is especially true of a Mario Lanza performance as he put his heart and soul in every word he sang. The question of words vs music and their importance to each other in opera and song is as old as song itself. Mike brought up this very question a few years ago here and I addressed it, as did others, in the following post: "The name of a book, "First the Music, Then the Words" is an interesting one, considering the man who wrote it, the great conductor Riccardo Muti. I think it is a fitting title for Muti's autobiography, since for him nothing is more important than the music but I think that what he means is that the music is everything but talking about it is a distraction, rather than the text itself, such as a libretto. This is the same title as a Salieri opera you (Mike) noted earlier (although you had it backwards with "First the words, then the music"). Actually, the Italian title for the opera is, "Prima la musica, e poi le parlore" (First the music, then the words), just like Muti's book. A couple years ago PBS had a double header from the MET in HD, with Strauss' last opera "Capriccio" followed by Verdi's "Il Trovatore". Two very dissimilar works but "Capriccio" is germane to Mike's topic of music vs words because the opera is all about this very question. Strauss called it, "a conversation piece for music". In the opera, Countess Madeleine (in the PBS broadcast the role was sung by Rene Fleming), a young widow who lives in a chateau outside Paris with her brother, the Count, is being courted by the composer Flamand and the poet Olivier. It is her birthday, and for the occasion Flamand has written her a string sextet, and Olivier a sonnet. "The love triangle becomes an allegory for an aesthetic debate about whether music or words are more important, on their own terms or when the two arts are combined" (such as in an opera). So, then, which suitor does the Countess choose? Who is more important, the poet or composer, ie, the words or the music? For the purposes of the opera "Capriccio", and the message Strauss wanted to send through it, it goes beyond the suitors themselves who are only used as symbols and conduits of the notes and words, the music and the poetry - rather, it becomes entirely a question of importance in selecting either music or words as the most important. The Countess finally realizes how arbitrary such choices are and perhaps the answer to our question lies in her ultimate understanding that there is no reason whatsoever to have to choose between music and word, between poet and composer. The opera ends with her looking at them both and walking out of the room having never made the choice that the entire opera before asked her to make. I agree with the Countess. I won't make the choice in deciding the importance between music and word either simply because I don't have to". The photo above is Rene in "Capriccio". Edited 12-02-2015 09:01 AM
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Dennis
12-02-2015
01:57 AM ET (US) IP: 73.170.201.215
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Martino, I loved your tribute to Tosti. I have enjoyed his songs for years, but rarely do I understand the lyrics unless they are presented on YouTube or somehow attached to the music (how I miss the old 33 1/3 records which often had ample notes on the back or inside, no matter how inexpensive the record). I'm sure I would enjoy Tosti even more if I knew the words every time. Listening to Mario singing a Tosti song brings out the emotion, but not always clear whether a love was lost through fickleness, choice of a rival, absence, or death.
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Martino to Suzanne
12-01-2015
04:12 PM ET (US) IP: 67.216.109.108
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Yes, "Nessun Dorma" was written by Puccini. Much of the ending of the opera where this aria appears was put together by Alfano, a composition student who had worked with Puccini and wrote an opera or two of his own. Puccini died before he could complete "Turandot" but left many notes and his publisher gave them to Alfano to make some sense out of them. All the arias were written by Puccini but the final duet between Turandot and Calaf, coming right after "Nessun Dorma", was still to be completed. In fact, "Nessun Dorma" as written by Puccini does not contain the sustained high note at the end but that has become the traditional way to sing it - thank God! Although Alfano put the ending together from notes left by Puccini, many people believe he made the idiotic (but wonderful!) opera's finish even more idiotic. Even Toscanini felt this way.
Early in this century, Luciano Berio, a more modern day composer reworked these notes left by Puccini and created a different ending from the "Nessun Dorma" to the finale that he felt was more in keeping with what he believed was Puccini's intent. Berio may have made more sense of it but it is not as exciting and thus has lost favor to the more traditional ending.
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Suzanne
12-01-2015
03:22 PM ET (US) IP: 74.79.58.35
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Sorry, Puccini passed away in 1924, born 1858.
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Suzanne
12-01-2015
03:09 PM ET (US) IP: 74.79.58.35
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Linz, interesting man, Michael Burrows. Where could we ever hope to see his writings? Thanks for the heads-up.
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Suzanne
12-01-2015
02:51 PM ET (US) IP: 74.79.58.35
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Watched "Cinema" last eve. Bocelli had a difficult program to perform, but he gave his all. Wasn't it wonderful that Mario was given so much attention? Rarely do we get to see that. We couldn't hear Mario's voice, but that would have made the contrast too evident. It was an entertaining evening, and I'm thankful for PBS. Yes, Martino, the Neapolitan music is a favorite of most of us and Mario was perfect for it. Two days earlier in 1874it was the anniversary of the death of Giacomo Puccini. He didn't live to complete "Turandot", but I do think Nessun Dorma was his, am I correct?
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Martino
12-01-2015
01:43 PM ET (US) IP: 67.216.109.108
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Ninety-nine years ago tomorrow, composer Francesco Paolo Tosti, died in Rome at age 70. Tosti was one of the great composers of Italian and especially Neapolitan song and a good friend with most of the singers of his day, including Enrico Caruso, who made memorable many of Tosti's compositions. As has been my tradition here for several years, I will remember and honor Tosti through Mario Lanza, another great tenor who beautifully sang many of his songs. Here is a post I made a long time ago and have repeated each Dec. 2nd: "Tosti is not remembered the way Verdi and Puccini are but his influence over the years on Italian music and singing has been staggering. He was one of the first to bridge the two worlds of popular music and classical music. Through his music, the foundations of "crossover" were laid, if not actually practiced or defined as such until years later. Tosti's songs are not only timeless but were so melodic, sentimental and singable that both popular singers and classical singers alike, and of both genders and of every vocal range, found success in singing his songs. These songs were considered "salon" music in Tosti's time but today are routinely referred to as "Neapolitan" music. Because Mario Lanza was one of the greatest interpreters of this kind of music and recorded many of Tosti's hits, I think it is important to visit this genre through Tosti's musical eyes in order to understand it a little better and understand the reasons Lanza seemed so attracted to it. Many people believe "Neapolitan" song came about as a result of an annual songwriting competition for the "Festival Piedigrotta", sponsored by the Neapolitan church, Madonna of Piedigrotta. In fact, the first winner was the opera composer Donizetti. Tosti had a poet's heart and although he never got into opera, his expressions included the full range of emotions, in much the same way of American "Country Music". I think this outpouring of emotions, coupled with expressive meanings in text and melody appealed to Lanza and suited his style perfectly. And it showed in his singing as many people (myself included) feel that in Neapolitan song, Lanza created some of his very best work. It was opera that highlighted the life and career of Enrico Caruso, and for which he will always be associated and remembered, but it was Neapolitan songs, especially those of Tosti, that brought him fame to the general public. Every important tenor since has made these songs part of his repertory, in concert and on records. Indeed, many "rock" singers have even incorporated these songs simply by changing lyrics and beats to fit their style, such as Paul McCartney, Elvis and others. This shows how versatile many Neapolitan songs can be and as we see in Lanza's various interpretations of the same song, he enjoyed experimenting with them as well. Tosti's success can be explained in his style of composition. Here is a quote, "With exceptional intuition, Tosti created a thematic idea based on fourths and languid descents by tones and semitones, built over a simple, essential harmony, which is subordinate to the melody". Tosti's form remained consistent in this regard. Also, his attention to detail made him assign many instructions to singers on the music itself. It is perhaps this factor of very specific instructions, more than any other, why most singers do not take the liberties with Tosti's music that they do with other composers of Neapolitan song although Tosti encouraged singers to bring out their passion. There was always a message to Tosti's songs and that is yet another reason why I think Lanza seemed to be so at home with his music. Lanza loved to be expressive in his singing and with Tosti he found a composer who loved to be expressive in his writing. The broken heart and sincere palpitations of lost love are frequent in Tosti music and I can think of nothing that can be expressed by the voice better than those kinds of emotions. These totally expressive and emotional "messages" Tosti wanted to give to the listener fit Lanza like a glove. I think Mario Lanza relished singing Tosti songs for yet another reason - they were all utterly singable and in a natural way. Here is another quote, "The singable nature of the (Tosti) melody and the simplicity of the (musical) structure confer grace and elegance on the piece, which (often) is introduced by four bars in a major, subsequently modulating to the minor when the voice enters. A pleasing sense of balance and symmetry is given by the reprise to the introduction, which is often used as an interlude and postlude." The success of Mario Lanza, Caruso and so many others in this form of music can be placed directly at the feet of Paolo Tosti. Thanks to Neapolitan music (and Tosti's contributions in particular), the great voices of the world have given generation after generation a reprieve from the usually heavy hand of opera and opened our hearts with some of the most beautiful lyrics and music ever written. Makes me proud to be Italian!!" Edited 12-01-2015 01:44 PM
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Dan Lawlor
11-30-2015
04:15 PM ET (US) IP: 45.47.170.225
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I saw Bocelli in person in Atlantic City years ago while there with my wife...it was a Holiday concert and he was late, and we thought that that was just a come-on to keep us all from causing a disturbance, not expecting him to show at all....but finally he did show up and gave a very nice concert... my wife and I were very happy and impressed...
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Suzanne
11-30-2015
02:09 PM ET (US) IP: 74.79.58.35
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Sorry, I missed Great Performances last eve. Have to assume it will be shown again, as usual. If anyone knows when, please tell me. I've never been a Bocelli fan, but know many who are. Have to appreciate his accomplishment and happy that he appreciates and recalls our Mario.
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Bill Ronayne
11-30-2015
10:05 AM ET (US) IP: 24.46.63.152
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Tuesday December 1, 2015 is Giving Tuesday. Please consider the Mario Lanza Institute among the charities and nonprofits you support with contributions. The Lanza Institute, a 501 (c) (3) non profit organization, assists young opera singers with scholarships to further their studies and also maintains a museum filled with memorabilia from Lanza's stellar career to perpetuate his memory. No amount is too small and all contributions are tax deductible.
Please make checks or money orders out to Mario Lanza Institute and mail to the following address:
Mario Lanza Institute
PO Box 54624
Philadelphia, PA 19148
For more information about the Mario Lanza Institute and Museum please visit the web site at www.mariolanzainstitute.org
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Linz
11-30-2015
01:44 AM ET (US) IP: 115.188.54.174
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Michael Burrows, genuine Lanza-lover, author of a mini-biography of Mario back in the seventies, decent human being uncorrupted by postmodernism, aficionado of the Golden Era of Hollywood where good and evil were portrayed unambiguously, friend of Western Civilisation, has died.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/obituaries...orian-obituary.html
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diane cox
11-29-2015
07:51 PM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.239
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Watched a little of the Bocelli special. His voice is surprisingly rough in places. Not sure of his age, but definitely a little past his prime. Looked it up and he was born in 1958, same age as my son, 57. Edited 11-29-2015 07:52 PM
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Fred Day
11-29-2015
02:28 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Dan: Yes, will do. Ciao.
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Dan Lawlor
11-29-2015
02:16 PM ET (US) IP: 45.47.170.225
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Fred: No I am sorry to say I didn't...would love a copy...
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Fred Day
11-29-2015
12:51 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Dan: Did you hear the opera "Amleto" (Hamlet) yesterday?? Your opinion, if you heard it?? I enjoyed it, and of course, I recorded it. Ciao.
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Diane Cox
11-29-2015
11:34 AM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.239
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Agree 100% with comments on Bocelli. Everything he sings sounds alike to me. Have not actually listened to him in several years. Tried to like him when he first became known - bought a couple CD's but no longer have them.Same with Vittorio Griggolo. He seems so intent on acting, his singing suffers. He did so much modulation in his earlier efforts that it was distracting. He has corrected this a lot, the public seems to like him well enough. Unfortunately with most of the tenors performing now, I can find major faults, either with their voice or their interpretations. Bezcala is probably the best of the younger tenors, then Kaufman, although his top notes are questionable, and Flores.
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Alex Valiansky
11-29-2015
11:24 AM ET (US) IP: 76.126.135.99
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I feel no excitement whatsoever in Andrea Bocelli's singing, and the end result is that I get bored every time I hear him perform. He holds the microphone so close to his mouth that one would almost think that he was enjoying a lollipop, and that he was in danger of swallowing it! I agree with Martino that Bocelli's rendition of "Be My Love" was just a shadow of Lanza's version, and a pale one at that.
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vincentjamesdiplacido @gm
11-29-2015
09:13 AM ET (US) IP: 79.65.51.79
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Hi Dan my friend I am afraid you ask a Question we all want the answer to ., "They Have gone with the Wind" , " take care my friend ,
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Dan Lawlor
11-29-2015
09:08 AM ET (US) IP: 45.47.170.225
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Does anyone think we will ever have a "Golden" era again when tenors dominated the news and concerts to thousands were sold out...where are today's Domingos, Carreras', and Pavarottis???
Or for that matter where are today's Lanzas????
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Martino to Dennis
11-29-2015
05:28 AM ET (US) IP: 67.216.109.108
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I agree with you and I was being kind in my previous remarks. The truth is that I just don't like Bocelli's voice very much and never have. He is certainly better than most of the "pop" tenors around and in some things, such as modern Italian song and songs of faith, he can be quite good. His singing is measured and controlled for the most part (and a microphone is always a few inches from his lips) thereby lacking excitement even with the high notes. If he has managed this astounding popularity with the voice he has then Lanza should be placed somewhere between King and Saint. Andrea seems like a really nice guy - polite, modest to the point of being almost shy and he certainly is a dedicated worker. His singing reflects his cautious kind of personality but I like a little more bravado and temperament in my tenors. I want to feel like they are on the edge and taking risks because of their supreme confidence - I never feel that way listening to Bocelli. His life story is, as you point out, indeed an inspiration and I agree with you that he should be given a lot of credit for accomplishing what he has. Edited 11-29-2015 05:29 AM
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Dennis
11-29-2015
01:35 AM ET (US) IP: 73.170.201.215
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Martino, thanks for the review of Bocelli's PBS concert. I only heard part of the second half and I was shocked at how much he seemed to be straining. Evidently I missed the better numbers. Even my wife, who is a Bocelli fan, didn't think he did very well. But, as with you, I have never expected much from Andrea, just impressed by his life story and happy for his success which he seems to work hard at.
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Martino
11-28-2015
08:46 PM ET (US) IP: 67.216.109.108
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I watched Bocelli's PBS concert tonight and although I am not a big fan of his, Andrea did sing most of these songs better than I had expected, although I must say I did not expect much. The "Be My Love" is a mere shadow of Lanza's rendition but so is everyone else. He and Domingo did talk a bit about Mario and they were very complementary. Bocelli said he had studied with Franco Corelli and Franco also liked Lanza very much. Domingo responded saying, "who would not like him?"
Speaking of Corelli, the link below will take you to a tv show in which he performed with the famous Greek "pop" singer, Nana Mouskouri. Franco was his manly self in looks and voice and Nana appeared star struck by his matinee idol features. In fact, she looked like a little school girl in comparison to the athletic Franco, and those glasses of hers sure did not help matters. It was obvious she would not have stood a chance! Franco sang thrilling high notes and even showed he could dance and be somewhat animated - a change from his usual serious demeanor. A pretty good seven minutes anyway and in excellent color:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tnGz7sm-kbs
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Fred Day
11-28-2015
03:30 AM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Bocelli's latest CD is entitled "Cinema", and contains all those songs, 16 in total. Ciao.
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Kristine
11-27-2015
10:15 PM ET (US) IP: 97.97.50.24
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I am watching "Great Performances" -Andrea Bocelli Sings Songs From Movies, on PBS T.V. He pays tribute to Mario Lanza and sings "Be My Love". He also has a conversation with Placido Domingo about Lanza, Franco Corelli. John Travolta appeared on it, as did Ryan O'Neal and Ali MacGraw , because Andrea sang theme song from "Love Story".
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Sam Samuelian
11-27-2015
07:45 AM ET (US) IP: 98.114.44.105
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Hi everyone. Now don't get on the scale to weigh yourselves and see how much weight was gained after Thanksgiving dinner! I did, but I do every single day to monitor myself since I'm a foodie. Not bad, only gained one pound!
LANZA MOVIE SALE AT TCM: Just got a message from Turner Classic Movies about their up to 40 percent off catalogue sale. Most if not all of Mario's features are priced at 12.99 except for GC at 13.99 because of it's fame I suppose. Went to Amazon and see the same films are one dollar lower and free two day shipping to prime members while TCM wants 4.95 for standard delivery and can only guarantee you'll get them by Dec. 24th since the films are made to order on DVD-R. Here is the link: http://shop.tcm.com/?ecid=EMC-TCM-001262&p...6237443&espmid=4569
Compare Amazon's "Because You're Mine" for example which is only 12.49 with two day Amazon prime shipping. Not sure what they charge for their shipping to non-prime buyers.
Oh, yes, HAPPY CRAZY BLACK FRIDAY DAY. CYBER MONDAY IS JUST AROUND THE CORNER!
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Sam Samuelian
11-26-2015
02:50 PM ET (US) IP: 98.114.44.105
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Samuel To Vince:
I just thought of an honorary name for you with your wonnafull tenor pipes:
Vince DiPlacido-Domingo!
Samwell (you can take that two ways, lol)
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Sam Samuelian
11-26-2015
02:35 PM ET (US) IP: 98.114.44.105
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A VERY MERRY THANKSGIVING. OPPS--A VERY HAPPY THANKSGIVING TO ALL FROM ANNA AND I! (Well, who cannot stop thinking of Christmas when the stores all push it down our throats before Thanksgiving even arrives?)
Hi Vince: Are you doing any of your videos in blu ray or Hi-Def. Count me in either way if you would please.
NOW, I HAVE A WONDERFUL ANNOUNCEMENT AS OF LATE LAST NIGHT.IT IS A PRODUCTION THAT CAME TO FRUITION THANKS TO OUR DEAR FRIEND AND MY EX-MOVIE PARTNER TOOD TUCKEY OF TNT AMUSEMENTS. JUST KEEP ON READING:
Hello to our dear family, friends, and friendly business associates! (Anyone else?)
This is our new video series on YouTube called “Sam and Anna’s Blasts From The Past” (my coined phrase) and this first episode is called “Radiorama” (Anna made that one up!) and features the amazing Crosley WLW Super Power Radio from 1936 that sounds as good as a hi-fidelity system of today. It runs about 50 minutes and features live radio broadcasts, music via inputs to the radio from my iPhone including Anna and I singing as “Stardust”, MARIO LANZA’s incredible tenor voice, and a very impressive audio with video of Michael Jackson’s “Beat It”. It’s done in a very light, comedic style as well as including lots of interesting information about the radio and an A/B comparison with facts, sound, and video to the wonderful Zenith Stratosphere 1000Z only feet away and also from our collection. Hope you all enjoy seeing this and please feel free to leave comments on the YouTube site.
our best to everyone,
Sam and Anna
Its already a hit!!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3DueG7yzfn4
Note: I sent this already to everyone here for whom I had email addresses.
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Bill Ronayne
11-26-2015
09:27 AM ET (US) IP: 24.46.63.7
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Happy Thanksgiving!
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Kristine
11-25-2015
08:22 PM ET (US) IP: 97.97.50.24
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Happy Thanksgiving !
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matt minzer
11-25-2015
08:16 PM ET (US) IP: 64.12.116.203
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triple ditto as what Fred said.
GOD BLESS AMERICA.
MATT MINZER IN 80 DG. TROPICAL FLORIDA.
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Diane Cox
11-25-2015
06:56 PM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.239
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Ditto what Fred said.
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Fred Day
11-25-2015
04:57 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Happy Thanksgiving to all. Ciao.
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Vince Di Placido (Jnr)
11-24-2015
04:15 PM ET (US) IP: 95.44.208.158
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Of course, Suzanne, no problem! No charge, just email me your address :-) Edited 11-24-2015 04:16 PM
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Suzanne
11-24-2015
11:22 AM ET (US) IP: 74.79.58.35
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Vince, how generous you are. Most of Mario's filmed music I may have in his movies, other appearances, but what I'm always afraid of is that The Palladium will some day not be there when I look for it. Gladly reimburse you for that one, since I watch it very often. May I?
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Vince Di Placido (Jnr)
11-24-2015
10:15 AM ET (US) IP: 213.233.147.111
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Gail, send me your postal address to my email vincedp@hotmail.com & I'll send the Mario YouTube videos I've done to you on DVD, no charge :-)
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Gail Swartz
11-24-2015
08:32 AM ET (US) IP: 204.29.186.50
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Knowing that Thanksgiving is two days hence, I was watching tv when an ad came up that was revealing a new solution to B.E.D. binge eating disorder. Was not this what Mario did while he lived? People judged Mario...found him lacking in self-control at times. Living in under a microscope could not have been easy. Many famous people have been treated to the same. Now, I would love to have the youtube videos of Mario on DVD. Anyone know if this is available?
On November 23, 2015, at 10:54 PM, QuickTopic daily digest <qtopic-30-ECKcxtRbxUTNy@quicktopic.com> wrote:
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Suzanne
11-23-2015
01:05 PM ET (US) IP: 74.79.58.35
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Oh, Jeff, now I can eat my heart out just thinking about it. Sure I couldn't begin to afford it, but I hope that whoever does, will treasure it as I would.(Maybe I could take out a loan!) Thanks for the holiday wishes, such an awful time for so many. God knows what's ahead.Thanks for this forum, anyway. Sam, looks as though the new equipment's on hold, after the hit and run on our Honda in the grocery parking lot on Friday. Better days.
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Jeff
11-21-2015
06:35 AM ET (US) IP: 184.100.46.212
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I wish everyone a happy and joyful Thanksgiving week. Our beloved Republic is under attack, as we all know, and I do my best to honor each day… and the Holidays…as the blessings they, indeed, are. Now, I have something quite unusual to put out here on the 'table.' If you recall our boy in Serenade when he performed Amor ti Vieta, you'll remember it as one of the many highlights of that film. Now, go and take a look and see how magnificently he was dressed for that scene…the black tux and tails and white ruffled shirt. I have been the proud owner of that very same black Warners' tuxedo Mario wore for that aria in the film for over 10 years. It is absolutely flawless and other than Mario's perspiration stains on the underarm white lining of the jacket, it looks as it Frank Acuna made it just last week. If you have any interest in adding this gorgeous tux to your collection, please call me at 541 482-4298. And yes, of course, it has the studio tag with his name on it. Meanwhile, my very warmest wishes to everyone for the upcoming holiday season. You are the best and I am always (with a rare exception or two…smile) so proud of how people conduct themselves here. My special thanks to David for doing such a steady job of steering the Forum right along. Again, all good wishes to one and all. Jeff
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Suzanne
11-20-2015
10:51 AM ET (US) IP: 74.79.58.35
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Sam, hope to check out everything this weekend. Glad to see your enthusiasm. Happy Thanksgiving to everyone here, wherever you may be. I, as usual will be wishing to see my other children, but not to be. Thankful for the two who will be with me. God keep us all.
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GARY TO DAN LAWLOR
11-19-2015
04:34 PM ET (US) IP: 71.72.144.56
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DAN,THANK YOU AND THE SAME TO YOU. GOD BLESS.I ALSO WOULD LIKE TO WISH EVERYONE ON THIS SITE,A HAPPY THANKSGIVING.GOD BLESS.
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vincentjamesdiplacido @gm
11-19-2015
06:02 AM ET (US) IP: 79.65.51.79
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Thank you Dan , same to you , God bless ,
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Dan Lawlor
11-18-2015
06:30 PM ET (US) IP: 45.47.170.225
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I would like to take this opportunity to wish everyone on this site and their families a safe and Happy Thanksgiving...a time when we should thank God we live in the greatest country on the face of the earth...and may your turkey be always ready for the table..ha ha And remember..that Thanksgiving was created by Lincoln as a respite from wartime, to sit and thank God for all of his gifts... Edited 11-18-2015 06:31 PM
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Sam Samuelian
11-18-2015
04:00 PM ET (US) IP: 98.114.44.105
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Since the response was so positive re my Wild One and Torna Surriento, I figured I should make another "free" (!) offer. I spoke just the other day about how my friend Ron and I in our twenties took recordings of Mario and Enrico and "spliced" them together sonically to make parts into a whole. There are about five or six recordings (like O Sole Mio) which will start with either Lanza or Caruso or vice-versa and may have cuts in between. It's quite interesting and a fine comparison of the two great voices, with the only negative being that there is a shift in sound from an old Victor acoustical recording vs. a high fidelity RCA recording. If I don't have your email addresses, then either include here or send to me at sms@bee.net.
AND NOW: My latest thrill is adding to my sound excitement with picture excitement. I have now gone 4K Ultra High Definition TV! I went into Best Buy to look for a switcher and some cables to add two more devices to my sound system and my new salesman friend, who got to know me when I was scouting TVs for people here and family, ran over beaming and said "wait until you hear this!". It turns out that they are offering to "preferred customers" a special on a Samsung 50 inch 4K tv that was selling for 1,250 (not bad really) but was now a third off or only $799.00. Then he added that he bought one and he loves it. Since I have a 90 day return privilege and peaking interest, I saw the set and was impressed. SO, now it's home and placed in the custom entertainment cabinet that fills the entire end wall of the kitchen. My friend Todd, who came over to film and direct a new video series we're making for YouTube, helped me remove the heavy ten year old Panasonic plasma TV (which still looks and works great but far below the new Samsung) and then we screwed the stand on the Samsung and put her into the cabinet. Out of the box it looked very good, but after my personal preferences for color, hue, sharpness, contrast, brightness, etc, were adjusted the picture looks stunning. And it isn't even true 4K, only an upscaling of 1080p. More about this subject and the subject of our new series tomorrow hopefully.
Have a great night!
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Suzanne
11-18-2015
11:07 AM ET (US) IP: 74.79.58.35
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Fond of Anna Moffo, think she and Mario would have been a super team. Saw somewhere that she was very tall, played basketball at school. Beautiful lady, wondrous voice. Left us too soon, as well.
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Ed to Dennis
11-18-2015
09:11 AM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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Moffo was great, although Lanza sung with a few of the greats as Yeend,and Albanese he did have a clunker every so often. Moffo and he would have been super, like the Dream Duet with Franchi, wish they could splice them togsther, we have the tech now it would be great to hear.
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Dan Lawlor
11-18-2015
08:33 AM ET (US) IP: 45.47.170.225
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Thankfully, I have a beautifully autographed photo of Anna Moffo, sent to me just before her death in 2006...it is one of my most precious possessions... Edited 11-18-2015 08:35 AM
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Dennis
11-17-2015
06:53 PM ET (US) IP: 73.170.201.215
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Vince, thanks for the tip and the link. A wonderful bargain. I also ordered the set as well as a complete set of Elisabeth Schwarzkopf, who I think is one of the greatest sopranos in the last century. What a looker Anna was. Can you imagine she and Mario, maybe in the late 50s when she would be early 20s, in the same opera or the same film?!
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Vince Di Placido (Jnr)
11-17-2015
04:16 PM ET (US) IP: 95.44.19.180
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This is something worth checking out, I just ordered it...
Anna Moffo - The Complete Rca Recital Albums https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B014ELW6JS/ref...r_awd_Qt5swbGMGHT72
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Sam Samuelian
11-17-2015
08:52 AM ET (US) IP: 98.114.44.105
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Sam to Fred: You are, as always, right about the high Cs. Our "production" was called High Notes Arcade, not high C arcade. I wrote it overzealously.
Gail: I almost forgot about you! Yours is the only email I don't have, so if you can send it to me at sms@bee.net I can proceed.
My final touch to my hi-fi stereo is having Anna make reproductions of the usually missing Altec logos and place them on the speaker. She is using 1/8 inch thick goldish metal and applying a photo copy of it we got from the internet. Then I can put them on and start doing some business again, lol.
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Sam Samuelian
11-17-2015
08:46 AM ET (US) IP: 98.114.44.105
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Thank you Dennis, I am having the time of my life so to speak.
I have email addresses for all three of you who asked me to send the recording, so will do it shortly.
I had yet another surprise last night that was thrilling. I just received a Sherwood S-8000 IV which I had restored and replaced the solid state receiver in my new/old system. It just happens that it was made the same year the speakers were. I had the greatest, most satisfying sound ever already, but now I had FANTASTIC sound! And the clincher was proof from Mario. Overall the bass is much fuller and tighter, the midrange is so full it has to be turned down, and the highs sparkle a good bit more. I played my favorite Mario Lanza recording of "O Sole Mio" (from FTFT). We know it was made in Italy and was always said to be recorded well but could have been better. From original film tracks of it to regular CDs I enjoyed it. It was beautiful playing in my van, on many previous quality stereo systems and on my theater surround sound system the great ending note always stood back enough to frustrate me. Now it stands out boldly, thrillingly. I played various recordings from opera to jazz for hours and experienced more of the same. By 1:30 AM I was emotionally wrung out. WOW!
Note to Martino: I encourage you to try a quality vintage tube amplifier which has been restored. I think you too will experience what I did and will wonder why you didn't go this route earlier. Would love to have your system and mine in the same room to compare!
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Dan Lawlor
11-17-2015
07:19 AM ET (US) IP: 45.47.170.225
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One of the greatest Paris songs: "The Last time I saw Paris" sung by Ann Sothern...brings tears to the eyes...then as now... Edited 11-17-2015 08:26 AM
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Mark Lane
11-16-2015
08:12 PM ET (US) IP: 24.189.80.77
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Was recently at Enrico Caruso Museum in Brooklyn. Curator will soon retire. Better visit museum ASAP. Mark
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Ed
11-16-2015
05:19 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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One great song was Cole Porter's I Love Paris sung by the great Ella Fitzgerald,
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Diane Cox
11-16-2015
02:32 PM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.239
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Link to a list of songs with Paris
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_songs_about_Paris
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Suzanne
11-16-2015
10:47 AM ET (US) IP: 74.79.58.35
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Thanks again, Sam. Discussing it with my daughter. Linz, appreciative of your review. The world's too "wrecked" for words. How to stop it?Trump suggests bombing them out of existence. Listening to Brahms gives a sense of well-being for such a short while. Tom Selleck listens to it on his Jesse Stone series, which I like for some reason. Have some by Glen Gould. Extraordinary pianist.
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Fred Day
11-16-2015
07:22 AM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Dan: You should be able to listen to WFMT, and at least hear that broadcast. Go to: 98.7 WFMT - listen live - and you will hear what is currently on air. I listen on my windows media player. Ciao.
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Fred Day
11-16-2015
06:48 AM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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How many songs are there about Paris, with "Paris" in the title?? I can think of 8, offhand, but there are probably many more. Ciao.
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Fred Day
11-16-2015
06:42 AM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Sam: Caruso very seldom sang a high C. He recorded Di Quella Pira and Che Gelida Manina, but transposed both down a half tone. However, he recorded Salut Demeure and Spirto Gentil in their original keys, both containing a high C. Also, he recorded the high C with Farrar at the end of the Butterfly love duet. I think those 3 were his only recorded high C's in full voice. Lanza recorded the high C many times. Ciao.
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Fred Day
11-16-2015
06:32 AM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Kristine: Don't forget, Mario also recorded, in French, the famous Flower Aria from Carmen, and the Tosti song Pour Un Baiser (For a Kiss). In his youth, he may have sung Plaisir D'Amour by Martini, but no recording exists of him singing that one. All voice students sing that song as part of their studies. Ciao.
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Fred Day
11-16-2015
06:24 AM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Caroline: Ellisa might know the answer to your question. Perhaps Derek Mannering will ask her that question. Ciao.
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Gail Swartz
11-15-2015
08:22 PM ET (US) IP: 204.29.186.50
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From Gail to Sam...I,too, would like to hear your recordings.
On November 14, 2015, at 10:52 PM, QuickTopic daily digest <qtopic-30-ECKcxtRbxUTNy@quicktopic.com> wrote:
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Caroline
11-15-2015
04:56 PM ET (US) IP: 67.235.13.124
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Since there is such a diverse following on this site, perhaps someone can answer this question. Our church has a crucifix that was said to come from the home of Mario Lanza. It was donated about 1971, but the parishioner (deceased) may have had it longer than that before the donation. We are trying to establish whether this could indeed have been donated by the Lanza family. We are located in western PA. Thank you.
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Kristine
11-15-2015
05:59 AM ET (US) IP: 24.160.70.158
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Prayers for France. Mario Lanza sang "April In Paris" and also sang "O Mon Amour" in "For The First Time". I am reading Mother Dolores Hart's autobiography, "The Ear Of The Heart". It's interesting and I am enjoying reading it. She does mention Aunt Betty, Uncle Mario, Colleen, Ellisa, Damon, Marc. She did attend her uncle Mario's funeral.
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Linz
11-15-2015
02:18 AM ET (US) IP: 115.188.54.174
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Len—There is so much evil in the world because there are so many "people" (read: "maggots"—and that's being unkind to maggots) eager to appease it. The appeasers, being enablers, are on as low a rung of hell as the direct perpetrators. Their ranks include those who refuse to speak out in the face of evil. Their numbers, unfortunately, are legion. Cowardice is ubiquitous.
"All that is necessary for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing."
My latest concert review deals with the latest atrocities by Islamosavages as well as containing some Mario tidbits that may be news to some here:
http://www.solopassion.com/node/10112
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GARY TO SAM
11-14-2015
03:10 PM ET (US) IP: 71.72.144.56
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SAM,I WOULD LIKE TO HEAR THE RECORDINGS YOU MADE.BEST
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Len
11-14-2015
01:56 PM ET (US) IP: 86.135.248.99
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Vive La France!
May God preserve the injured and comfort the bereaved.
Why is there so much evil in the world!?
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Dennis
11-14-2015
01:34 PM ET (US) IP: 73.170.201.215
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Ah, Sam, it is so great to see that your high spirits and humor have returned.
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Sam Samuelian
11-14-2015
10:29 AM ET (US) IP: 98.114.44.105
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PS. If anyone would like to hear any of the live recordings we made last night, I would be glad to send them. But don't criticize my Italian please, lol!
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Sam Samuelian
11-14-2015
10:11 AM ET (US) IP: 98.114.44.105
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I just found an old reel to reel tape recorded in 1965 when my friend Ron and I used to have fun making recordings in my room. The first was called "High Notes Arcade" and it contains mostly Caruso high Cs followed by Lanza Cs and other tenors like Nicolai Gedda too. It goes on and on until you are ready to scream out "stop"!! But the most interesting one we did was taking famous songs that both Mario and Caruso did and splicing them together at chosen points. Mario, for example, would be singing "La Danza" and then Caruso would take the next verse and for the high notes both of them are heard one after the other. How very close many of their notes are is uncanny, with the only give-away being the change from acoustic recordings to electrical ones.
Incidentally, Anna and I were out last night singing with our dear friend and keyboard artist Joe Staffieri. I did audience pleasers like Sinatra's "It was A Very Good Year" and followed it with Bobby Rydell's "Wild One". But then came a surprising special request from the audience "Can you sing Torna Surriento"? I answered "If you canna play it, I canna sing it". No, seriously, Joe looked at me as if to say "Can you?" We found the Italian words and Joe played the accompaniment. I struggled trying to bride the gap between the confusing (and to me wrong) words on the screen and what I could remember of Mario's words. I ended up with a mix that surely no one who knew Italian would understand, but had lots of fun and to my surprise it was the hit of the evening. Joe said "He's a Mario Lanza fanl!" and I added "I know a lot more of that type!" Anna sang two crowd pleasers including "Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow" and "Under the Boardwalk". Add the great Italian food we enjoyed and the pleasure of some good old friends and you know we had a fine evening. Came back home to play another production on that old tape. Our first ad-libbed "opera" called "Ignatius Or Bust" which was a very, very funny (more-so if you knew the subject, a dirty old thrift store in Phila. I used to frequent to find 78s and Victrolas. (My first upright Victrola cost 3.00 and I still have the receipt! Our singing wasn't took bad but it was hard for me to ad-lib. Ron was much better at it and coined some phrases we still use today! More about that another time....
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MATT MINZER
11-14-2015
07:27 AM ET (US) IP: 64.12.116.203
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THANK YOU FRED.
BEST TO YOU AND DAN.
MATT MINZER
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Sabrina Lentini
11-14-2015
07:02 AM ET (US) IP: 207.46.100.249
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http://www.ferretti.com.mx/knowledge.php
Sabrina Lentini
Sent from Yahoo Mail for iPhone
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Dan Lawlor to Fred
11-13-2015
09:27 PM ET (US) IP: 45.47.170.225
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I'm sorry but I can't record over the internet...don't know how and how to dial up the program...sorry!
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Fred Day
11-13-2015
04:24 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Dan: I was unaware also, until recently. Go to WFMT.com and you can read more about it. You can hear it on the internet on Sat Nov 28th, at 1pm eastern time. Are you able to record off the internet?? If not, I will make you a copy, and also one for Matt Minzer. Let me know. Ciao. Edited 11-13-2015 04:28 PM
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Kristine
11-13-2015
02:59 PM ET (US) IP: 24.160.70.158
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I thank all military veterans for service to our country ! I was watching "The Brady Bunch"(reruns on MeTV)and saw Ruth Brooks Flippen's name as film editor, I think. She also worked on "That Girl"(Marlo Thomas). She wrote the story for "Because You're Mine"(Mario Lanza)and was married to character actor Jay C. Flippen. I am reading Mother Dolores Hart's autobiography, "The Ear Of The Heart".
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Gail Swartz
11-13-2015
09:04 AM ET (US) IP: 204.29.186.3
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I love the feature on the flat screen tv's that let you adjust the size of the picture according to the type of programming ....used to have difficulty reading the little boxes for scores on sports,etc. Have to be aware of the chopping-off of heads on the vintage movies,too. I'm enjoying Mario's music on The Ultimate Collection and Bill's new book. Mario was an amazing artiste with the gift of communication of his voice.
On November 13, 2015, at 2:01 AM, QuickTopic daily digest <qtopic-30-ECKcxtRbxUTNy@quicktopic.com> wrote:
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Dan Lawlor to Fred
11-13-2015
07:39 AM ET (US) IP: 45.47.170.225
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Fred: I would be interested to hear that 'Amletto' when you get it recorded. I was unaware of the opera and its composer?
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Sam Samuelian
11-12-2015
06:28 PM ET (US) IP: 98.114.44.105
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Hi Suzanne,
I saw the TV working today and it's very good. It just happens to be made by Sharp especially for Best Buy. Model is NS39D220NA16. It's 39 inch 1080p. Now, that being said I'd like you to consider that most programming will be widescreen but the older "Standard Ratio" picture will only be a couple inches larger than what you have. So, you might want to go up to larger screen, but then you will be spending in the high two hundred range or low three hundred. LMK what you think!
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Suzanne
11-12-2015
09:15 AM ET (US) IP: 74.79.58.35
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Sam. Thanks again for your interest and help. Yes, please, if you have the model no., but don't go to any extra trouble.Appreciate it!
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Fred Day
11-11-2015
05:24 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Matt: I looked it up: Zeljko Lucic as Macbeth, Rene Pape as Banquo, and Joseph Calleja as Macduff. Ciao. PS: I forgot to mention, Amleto premiered in Genoa in 1865, and played again in Milan in 1871. The performance from autumn 2014 in New Mexico, was the American premiere. The conductor was the one who found this "lost" opera. Ciao.
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MATT MINZER
11-11-2015
05:12 PM ET (US) IP: 64.12.116.203
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FRED"
RENEE PAP AND JOSEPH CALEGA. (SPELLING?)
MATT
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Fred Day
11-11-2015
05:02 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Matt & Dan: On Sat Nov 28th, at 1pm, eastern time, WFMT in Chicago, will broadcast a rare opera, lost for 135 years, and recently found. Amletto (Hamlet), music by Franco Faccio and libretto by Arrigo Boito. The performance was in Albuquerque New Mexico. Of course I will record it. The singers are unknown to me, but it should be a fine performance. Franco Faccio was the Toscanini of his day. Faccio conducted the world premiere of Verdi's Otello. Toscanini played cello in the orchestra that night. WFMT can be heard over the internet. Ciao.
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Fred Day
11-11-2015
04:43 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Matt: What was the name of this tenor who sang on your cruise to back home?? And, in the Anna Netrebko Macbeth, who was the Macbeth and Macduff?? Curious. Ciao.
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MATT MINZER
11-11-2015
05:33 AM ET (US) IP: 64.12.116.203
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OPERA LOVERS OF THE WORLD:
WE JUST RETURNED FROM A CELEBRITY CRUISE FROM SPAIN TO FLORIDA AND WERE HAPPY TO WATCH A GENTLEMAN OFFER A CONCERT WITH MARIO LANZA FAVORITES.
THE AUDIENCE WENT WILD AT HIS BEAUTIFUL AND POWERFUL VOICE. THE ARTIST ALSO INDICATED THAT HIS LATE DAD HAD ATTENDED ROYAL ALBERT HALL IN 1958 AND WAS ASTOUNDED BY THE POWER AND BEAUTY OF MARIO LANZA'S VOICE
YESTERDAY, I WATCHED THE NEW MET HI-DEF "MACBETH" WITH ANNA NETREBKO WITH A OPERA GROUP THAT I TEACH AND THEY WERE THRILLED BY THE MAGNIFICENT SINGING AND ACTING. IT IS AVAILABLE ON AMAZON. MY ANNA WAS SUPERB.
BEST,
MATT MINZER BACK IN TROPICAL 90 DG. SUNNY FLORIDA.
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Sam Samuelian
11-10-2015
08:40 PM ET (US) IP: 98.114.44.105
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Suzanne: I stopped at Best Buy today and was bowled over by technology I was aware of but had not seen in person. Best of the lot was the 4K TV releases by Samsung, Sony, and other leading brands. Sometimes curved screens, sometimes flat, and extremely thin either way, the picture quality was so stunning you would think there was no screen and you were looking into a window without glass. I had Anna stand next to a film of a beauty walking through the jungle where you could see every single blades of grass. single strands of her rich blonde hair, and her red dress was so intense it could burn you! There were other eye openers like the latest cellphones, and 3D DVDs selling for only 14.95, but why I am writing YOU is to tell you I was way off in pricing. You can get the set of your dreams for half of what I told you. At Best Buy they have STACKS of 39 inch (that's almost 40!) LED Insignia TVs with very good specs (didn't personally see the images or hear the sound) for......wait for it.....$199.99. I have the model number if you're at all interested.
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Ronald Sarbo
11-10-2015
03:12 PM ET (US) IP: 74.66.130.108
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Sinatra and Lanza's lives paralleled each other in certain respects. Both were only children which was very unusual in Italian families. Both had strong mothers and gentle fathers.
Just as Lanza walked off "The Student Prince" Sinatra walked off the set of "Carousel". Sinatra however settled with Fox by agreeing to star in "Can-Can".
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Martino to Ron
11-10-2015
10:10 AM ET (US) IP: 67.216.109.108
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Thanks for reminding me that it was you who made that comment about Italian-American men and authority. I had forgotten who it was and thought it might have been a friend of Linz. I think the original discussion we had was in reference to our theories as to why Lanza seemed so defiant during The Student Prince fiasco. We surmised that both MGM head Dore Schary, and Curtis Bernhardt (the original director of TSP), were authoritarian in their demeanor and approach, and that would have riled Lanza's feathers because of his possible resentment towards authority figures. It is only a theory of course but it is as good as any.
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Suzanne
11-10-2015
09:41 AM ET (US) IP: 74.79.58.35
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Thanks to Martino and Sam (sounds like an act) for all your helpful suggestions. Have to wait on it, though, snow plowing costing double this year and the roof needs fixing. But "Hope does spring eternal".Costs little for the greatest pleasure , the voice of our tenor, to brighten up a day.
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Ronald Sarbo
11-10-2015
09:34 AM ET (US) IP: 74.66.130.108
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Martino: The post about Lanza's generation of Italian-American men growing up resentful of authority was made by me. We must remember they grew up in a time when practically every gangster in the movies had a last name ending in a vowel and spoke with an accent. This continued up thru their adulthood. Frank Sinatra took Desi Arnaz to task over "The Untouchables". Desi famously replied to Sinatra "What do you want me to make them...Jews?" Sinatra; when he truly disliked someone, would say "What are you..a Cop or something?" However Sinatra lived long enough to evolve in his thinking and outlook. Sinatra kept his name. He did not try to hide his ethnicity. In his Centennial Celebration that is something that should be remembered. Although Lanza changed his name he still picked his mother's maiden name and also made no effort to conceal his "identity" from the public. Edited 11-10-2015 09:36 AM
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Ed to Martino
11-09-2015
07:29 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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Well said, i have so much distrust in this current administration I am baffled as to why the riots and protests of the 60s are not repeated. My protests of war and Vietnam were totally opposite of my father's views. Dad won two Purple Hearts and a cross for gallantry in Germany at the Bulge and the Ardennes in 1944. Like you I grew up in a strictly Catholic background, in 1968 shortly after my 20th birthday I joined the army to get away taking my chance about going to Nam. At the height of the war I went to Germany for three years. My views are still the same, I worked 37 years at Veterans Affairs, when I see these media events I laugh, both sides are clowns and if we want a real debate we must awaken Lincoln and Douglass.
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Martino
11-09-2015
05:40 PM ET (US) IP: 67.216.109.108
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Another political debate airs tomorrow night. In this climate of government mistrust and frustration, American's are looking for answers to the problems they see are being neglected through incompetence or gridlock. What has this to do with Mario Lanza? It reminds me a post I made a long time ago after a friend of Linz came to visit here with some observations. Here is what he said, ..."Another point that should be considered is that many of Lanza's generation of Italian-American men grew up resentful of authority for various reasons" (much as people are today). That is a very true statement and I went on to talk about it in the following post which I will repeat here: "I was the next generation after Lanza, but grew up very much as he did - born and raised in the North East, first generation Italian, lower middle-class upbringing, taught in a strict, Italian environment, Roman Catholic in faith and values, so on and so forth. So I am more aware than most people of what Mario faced in his formative years because I know the style of his upbringing and the cultural environment in which he found himself. But here is the difference between Mario's generation and mine, in the most important phrase used above, "resentful of authority" - Mario was born before the war, I was born after. This difference in period and historical placement is huge. Lets explore Lanza's life within the context of that period, from birth to WWII, and then the lives such as mine who grew up after the war. We must remember that the most important factor that shaped lives during Mario's early years was the Great Depression. No one had anything. Over a quarter of the population had no job at all and no prospect of getting one. Hoover's government was as impotent as the one we have today to address the problems of the time. It was not until Roosevelt and his New Deal programs were instituted that people could finally see the light at the end of the tunnel. Lanza grew up as all kids and teens did at that time, ie, perhaps not so much resenting authority (the Gov't.) as simply not trusting it, as many do not trust it today. If you don't trust something you may not necessarily resent it but you sure are not going to embrace it. The evidence was seen every day in South Philly as Mario witnessed the long soup lines and the faces of despair everywhere he looked. There was no government backed insurance to help you if the bank failed - and they all did. There was no Social Security to at least give a glimmer of hope to those growing older with no savings accounts left. To a young teenager this has a tremendous impact on you and although it affects everyone differently for many the impact can be negative and long lasting - perhaps even staying with you forever. But what you also saw was the greatest authority of all, the Government, doing virtually nothing while everyone around you suffered. When I was born after the war, my upbringing was the same as Lanza in many fundamental ways but I did not see the soup lines or hear the cries of women wanting just a glass of milk to give their child. I saw a boom as men were at work with anyone wanting a job getting it, confidence in faces instead of sorrow and despair, money was something you actually could touch and put in your wallet rather than something you just dreamed about having. Homes were not being taken back by the banks as Mario saw his neighbors thrown out on the street, rather I was witnessing incredible growth with entire new communities being built. The impact on me was much different as to how I saw the Government and authority. It was to be respected for the simple reason that I could trust it. The Gov't won the war for us and our boys were being rewarded with great GI Bill provisions. Prosperity thanks to enlightened programs was everywhere to be seen. I grew up with incredible confidence that I could do and be anything I wanted. Lanza grew up with love of course but outside the home there was little of it to be found because everyone was in pain. Unlike my time, little Alfredo had little to believe in and even less confidence. I believe in his case, this went straight to his heart. I also have to believe that much about Lanza the man, his triumphs and failures, can be attributed to his formative years (most men's lives are). As far as his voice goes, well, someday I hope to ask God how he managed that trick! Edited 11-09-2015 05:41 PM
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Martino to Suzanne
11-09-2015
05:19 PM ET (US) IP: 67.216.109.108
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One more thing, Suzanne, about "scope", size and such things. Here is a testimonial made last month by a client of AccuCal. You can see from the quote below that this person raved at the quality of performance from his equipment after calibration. This person also indicated his was not a grand home theater but a modest one. And he obviously did not have an unlimited budget for equipment. Even at that, the difference in performance can be night and day. Do not feel that because you may not have the very best equipment that you should be content. Things like pro calibrations (even self calibrations by dvd disks such as WOW! or Home Theater Essentials) can do wonders for all equipment, not just upper end. Here is "Matt's" testimonial:
"I am currently sitting in my home theater that you calibrated a couple of weeks ago. First I wanted to thank you for your outstanding services that truly enhance the overall home theater experience. The deepest blacks, natural skin tones, smooth bass response are all your doing. My family and I have enjoyed every second we spent in our home theater and your calibration services for audio and video play a huge part in it. I do not possess the skills, knowledge or equipment to properly calibrate my theater. You on the other hand are a true professional at what you do. My theater was built for function and I did not have 100k to put into it like some of your other clients. I wish I did but I don’t. Your services make me very confident that every ounce of performance had been tapped into with my gear and overall setup.
I also wanted to thank you for double checking my theater design and equipment selections. I would of spent several thousand more on equipment but you guided me in the best direction for my budget. We also appreciate you not trying to up sell us on equipment that you sell. This is huge because we exceeded our budget by a little (don’t we all when it comes to this hobby) and the last thing we wanted was more money out the door.
You will always be my first and only call for audio and video calibration. Anytime you’re in town and want to grab a beer you are always welcome at our house. Thank you again for your services and personal touch with what you do. Time to get back to my movie. – Matt in Chicago 10/6/2015".
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Sam Samuelian
11-09-2015
03:13 PM ET (US) IP: 98.114.44.105
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Sam to Suzanne: Have you looked recently at TV prices at places like Best Buy or online. They have become so cheap (especially older soon to be discontinued types like Plasma TVs) that it's amazing and bargains are galore. Incidentally, Plasma will show a much more "movie-like" image than the LED/LCD crop that is dominating the market now. Many of these make shows look like they are live soap operas and I find that jarring. BUT, now always. So you should look in person for your preferences. Right now Amazon has 55 to 60 inch TVs for 400-500 dollars! Of course you can spend a lot more, but don't have to. I like a feature my LED TV has, which is it can make standard movies look 3D. It's neat and SHOR is especially nice that way.
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Martino to Suzanne
11-09-2015
11:04 AM ET (US) IP: 67.216.109.108
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The "scale" is not important. What you just said is what is important: "...at this very moment, being enthralled..." - in the end that is all that really matters. The rest is fluff.
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Suzanne
11-09-2015
10:56 AM ET (US) IP: 74.79.58.35
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My son, who's familiar with Tracey Bregman as an actress, asked me some time ago, if she could be related to Ellisa. We found as others have, that she's a niece through marriage. Admiring all the technical knowledge here, but at this very moment,being enthralled with "Greatest Operatic Recordings". Can't imagine something on the scale you're discussing. Probably be my demise!
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Martino to Sam
11-08-2015
12:14 PM ET (US) IP: 67.216.109.108
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The site won't go hi-fidelity but from time to time we do discuss equipment because that is the only way we can enjoy music, at least the music of someone who is now dead such as Mario Lanza. Hearing him in the best possible sound is what it is all about. That is why we eagerly await new releases whose contents (we hope) have been re-mastered or enhanced, even if we have heard the same songs a hundred times before.
You have some great equipment Sam, and wonderful ideas for your system. I agree that tubes can provide outstanding results but my taste is not towards vintage equipment. That is a science and hobby in and of itself. As you intimate, that kind of stuff is difficult to obtain, difficult to find parts for, difficult to repair, etc. I still cling to one of those old Technics "muscle amps" of the early '70s that has not worked for years in the hopes I can find someone around here who knows how to fix it.
My taste is towards the more modern and I update my equipment every so often with newer technology and convenience, even if my old equipment still works. For example, I could no longer live without HDMI although I was fine without it for most of my life. The goal is always to try to have sound reproduction equipment transparent and never calling attention to itself. As Jim Salk has said, having the artist and you in the same space will never be achieved totally but that is the goal.
Another expert I want to mention is Jeff Meier, owner of AccuCal Labs. He is one of the nation's most respected ISF video and THX audio calibraton experts: http://www.accucalhd.com/. I have a good relationship with Jeff and call him in every few years when he comes to Texas on tour to calibrate all my equipment (audio and video) to my room environment and individual taste. He is always there about six or seven hours and it is quite tedious and intensive as we try to get things just right. This work is critical to not only getting the most out of your equipment but also of achieving that ultimate goal of accuracy. It is not cheap labor for sure but it makes a good system great and enhances not only your enjoyment but your equipment investment. It is like hiring an expert detailer who when he returns your car amazes you with the looks that can be achieved by someone with the proper equipment and knowledge. I highly recommend a calibration for anyone wanting excellence out of their audio/video system and Jeff Meier at AccuCal is the best at this that I know.
Getting back to your vintage equipment, I remember and appreciate the sound some of that equipment was able to reproduce. I also seem to remember that you are a collector and trader, not only of audio equipment and microphones but of many things antique or near antique. Vintage audio equipment would be right up your alley. For me, vintage is an entire discipline that goes beyond sound itself - it requires a true collector's mentality, interest and knowledge that I do not have or want to commit to.
Be sure to keep us posted on the progress you make in putting together your vintage system. I am sure it will be unique and sound great!
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Fred Day
11-08-2015
08:20 AM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Buddy Bregman was an excellent jazz musician, and is now age 85, and retired. He has a nice writeup in Wikipedia. Over the years he worked with many fine jazz musicians and singers. I have an old Verve LP by Bing Crosby, entitled "Bing Sings Whilst Bregman Swings", a nice enjoyable album. Ciao.
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Sam Samuelian
11-08-2015
12:18 AM ET (US) IP: 98.114.44.105
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Sam to Martino:
Well, you sure have some wonderful equipment Martino. And I love the photo of the speakers. Went to the Salk site and their work is fabulous. However, not everyone can spend minimum 4,400 to maximum 16,00 (!) for speakers. You can buy a car for that, lol. There are SO many new speaker manufacturers that each claim they have the best or biggest that it makes my head spin. I think that is why I am going to get a vintage one like a Bozak B-310B, a 250 pound behemoth with four 12 inch bass speakers, two enclosed aluminum cone midrange, and six aluminum cone tweeters all in lovely cabinets. These sell on ebay between 1,500 to 2,500 a pair. They only need to have crossovers rebuilt, a cheap job. A friend recommends that I hear the Altec Valencia speakers (circa 1967) that have a very large heavy magnet horn tweeter on top and a heavy magnet 15 inch woofer. He believe I will like them for the brilliant sound that is especially good on vocals. A very nice pair on ebay just sold for 1,700. But you can watch Craigslist for any equipment and get great deals.
I only have one question: Why do you choose not to use tube gear for that unique and I feel superior sound they produce? Admittedly they will be more prone to breakdown, even when rebuilt. But the sound is special indeed.
I used to use primarily receivers, mostly solid state. My first hi-fi system was a Lafayette receiver LR-1500T. I just bought a perfect one for nostalgia that sounds great and was only 35.00. And using a lovely upright Victrola cabinet in red mahogany, I left the crank there for the look and put a Garrard Lab 80 where the old crank motor was, receiver went where the doors are for the old wooden and metal horn speaker, underneath that were two doors with ample space and two shelves. Top shelf contained a pull out Sony tape deck that still sounds great today and the bottom was for record storage. Had it right up until last year when I sold the cabinet and then the parts except the Sony separately.
Now my goal is to get all separate tube gear--basic amp, pre-amp, tuner, put them in the cabinet of my 1980 stereo system and then hook up speakers. Incidentally the 1980 system was quite good and cost me with the fancy cabinet around 5,000. The speakers were the huge ADS 1290 (I think that was the number) at 1,000 each, a heavy Yamaha solid state amp and a matching Yamaha pre-amp, and finally a Denon top model turntable (still using it and will put it with my latest set up) with a moving coil DynaVector expensive cartridge. I'm sorry now I sold the speakers. Still have the amps but they need some work.
Lanza site goes hi-fidelity!
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Derek Mannering
11-07-2015
12:14 PM ET (US) IP: 69.209.228.164
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Hi Thelma, Tracey Bregman has no blood ties to the Lanza family. Tracey's dad is Buddy Bregman and his brother Bobby is married to Ellisa. That's as close as she gets to being related to the Lanza name. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tracey_E._BregmanEdited 11-07-2015 12:15 PM
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Thelma F. Prince
11-07-2015
10:27 AM ET (US) IP: 209.85.220.182
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Yes, Tracey is related to the Mario Lanza family. Her father Buddy was a brother to Mario's father, so she is a first cousin to Mario, and 1st cousin once removed to Ellisa. I don't know about the Salks.
Sent from Mail for Windows 10
From: QT - Fred Day
Sent: Saturday, November 7, 2015 3:37 AM
To: QT topic subscribers
Subject: Mario Lanza
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Deleted by topic administrator 11-07-2015 09:15 PM
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Martino to Fred
11-07-2015
08:27 AM ET (US) IP: 67.216.109.108
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I never thought of that but I do not think Jim Salk is Jewish, as was Jonas - through and through. The beauty of the Salk speakers is not only are they tweaked to your listening environment and type of music but Jim Salk takes great pride in the quality of the wood and craftsmanship. It takes a while but the wait for a fine piece of furniture is worth it - not to mention the terrific sound. He sells direct (not in stores) and all speakers are "born" with an issued "birth certificate" number.
If you ever are in the market for new speakers I would highly recommend Salks. For people like us who listen mostly to opera and vocals, the crossover points are crucial, and so is the mid range. Salk understands the importance of these things better than almost anyone and proved that when he hired the leading authority in crossover tweaking, Dennis Murphy. Here is a short interview with Jim Salk from about a year ago:
http://www.theabsolutesound.com/articles/j...lk-signature-sound/
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Kristine
11-07-2015
04:05 AM ET (US) IP: 173.169.56.184
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Ed, I hope you feel better. Fred, I think Tracey Bregman is daughter of Buddy Bregman. I don't know if Jim Salk is related to Dr. Jonas Salk. I just started to read Mother Dolores Hart's autobiography, "The Ear Of The Heart". She does mention her uncle Mario Lanza.
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Fred Day
11-07-2015
03:37 AM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Is Tracey Bregman related to Buddy Bregman, Bobby Bregman, and Ellisa Lanza Bregman?? And is Jim Salk related to Doctor Jonas Salk?? Curious. Ciao.
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Fred Day
11-07-2015
03:30 AM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Sam: My audio equipment is a Kenwood amp, a Dual 3-speed turntable, and two custom made speakers, no name, built by an audio technician, whose name I do not know. He built them for himself, later sold them to a friend who later sold them to me in 1974. Excellent sound. And I still have two Sony reel to reel tape decks, one of which has variable pitch control, to correct pitch when it is incorrect. Also have 2 dual cassette cassette decks, a Pioneer and a Sony. And an Apex CD player. Ciao.
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Martino to Sam
11-06-2015
06:09 PM ET (US) IP: 67.216.109.108
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Here are the wonderful Salk speakers.
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Martino to Sam
11-06-2015
06:03 PM ET (US) IP: 67.216.109.108
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Most people will find this boring but since you asked I will quickly give you an overview of what I have. The home theater room is set up with the Epson 6030 3D projector shooting on a Carada 110" BW screen. The heart of the system is the A/V control made by Yamaha (RX-V777). Everything goes in and out of the Yamaha including both Cable tv and Satellite (DishTV). The 3D blu-ray is an Oppo 103, connected to a Darbee Darblet processor for 3D. When playing 3D I by-pass the Yamaha and go direct from the Oppo to the Darbee to the projector with the final run using a Redmere HDMI cable. The sound for 3D being fed separately from the Oppo via optical cable to the receiver. All connections going to and from the receiver to the projector are HDMI. Speakers are custom built fronts by Jim Salk, center channel is Cambridge SoundWorks, surrounds are by Boston Acoustics and sub-woofer is a 12" powered model by Klipsch. My favorite earphones are E3 by Shure and I have many over the ear headphones but my two favorites are both Sennheisers - eH350, and HD598. I also have a dedicated Pioneer amp and Pioneer CD player for headphone use only and an Onkyo a/v receiver for my AudioTechnica phonograph (the Onkyo receiver has the necessary pre-amp whereas the others do not). There are tvs, streaming stuff, loaded external hard drives and other stuff around the house for entertainment but the home theater is where I spend most of my time when listening to music or watching video sources. Edited 11-06-2015 06:04 PM
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Ed to Sam
11-06-2015
04:06 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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Thank you for the condolences, mom lived to 87, cancer starting in her lung spread throughout her body. From her diagnosis in April to her passing in June it was tough as before that she was a true matriarch of our family. I visited the home three or four days a week shortly before she passed she struggled to know me that was hard to take. She passed in her sleep with no suffering, she raised four good kids and was a single parent. I just recently went through her stuff and found just about every letter I sent her from service of three years away. My TGC album I gave to my daughter, mom gave it to me Christmas 1963.
I am buying that turntable soon, will let you and Martino know.
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Suzanne
11-06-2015
11:59 AM ET (US) IP: 74.79.58.35
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I'd love to have a Bose or another better player, but frequently have to settle for less than best. Better to hear Mario in my own room than not at all. Incidentally, we still have a 24 inch TV and I hope some day to see Mario on a bigger screen. Oh, well.
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Sam Samuelian
11-06-2015
10:11 AM ET (US) IP: 98.114.44.105
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Ed: NO, I didn't know about your Mom dying. Please accept my condolences. I hope she led a good, long, happy life at the very least.
I agree heartily with Martino that the turntable he found you on Amazon would be your best bet. I have an older Bose Wave and you cannot plug a regular turntable in without a pre-amp.
To Gail, and others who are looking for a turntable or who need a player for them. You guys know I am not one to mince words, so I am fairly surprised that you are settling for low quality players unless cost is a consideration or unless these are for second rooms. Mario's voice will admittedly sound good on even a transistor radio (if it has a larger speaker of course) since he sings in a high range and the lows aren't quite as important. However, you are missing the depth, warmth, and overall rich sound quality the majority of his recordings have. Like Martino said, you don't need an audiophile system ( Even I never heard of the turntable he mentioned!), but I'm getting the feeling that many of my friends here are settling for below average sound. Even a Bose Wave, nice as it is, can't compare to a console stereo or some good, inexpensive components. We just sold, for example, a 1969 Zenith consolette that was only 225.00 which was wonderful in sound. Used, yes, but clean and likely to give years of enjoyment with care. If you would rather go brand new, there are many inexpensive systems like those used for theater surround sound systems that will have Mario singing all around you when you set them for such. Our TV has a sound bar and accompanying satellite subwoofer which will be so much more impressive than average. I believe it was about four hundred dollars and that was three years ago. Vizio makes some pretty nice and highly rated surrounds systems for 250.00 (go to Amazon) Or if you just want a sound bar for just stereo and a subwoofer; you can whittle the price down to 150.00. Okay, end of advice/mini-lecture.
Now, let's see if I get comments from those who have larger, more expensive systems telling me I'm generalizing. Bring it on, I love discussing audio.
Fred, I'm curious (there's that word again!) as to what kind of equipment you have.
Martino: What do you use? And I'd enjoy knowing exact model names and numbers.
Anyone else who would like to share what they have (again specifically), please do.
Totally unrelated, I was blown away by a Judy Garland Concert TV show (just her, no guests) that "GET TV" on cable showed. She was stunning in voice, movement, emotion, and beauty. Very trim, possibly too thin, but certainly not sickly looking, she went through dozens of fabulous American standards from "You'll Never Know How Much I Love You" to "Swanee River". The picture quality was better than average too. I came away not only thrilled but with the thought that here was a true lesson on how to put across a song impeccably. And I mean lesson as in lesson for voice students, too. One of our greatest female pop vocalists ever I feel. Wow.
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Ed to John
11-06-2015
08:23 AM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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Doing much better, this has been a very bad year, mom passing from cancer in June, I seem to be in a cycle of crap, missed a trip with Matt over bronchitis a few weeks back now recently stomach. Today I am going back to the gym and try to get gping again. I really wanted to meet you and have that beer and a quick tour of the city, we will do it I promise and beer and pizza on me. I enjoyed the two arias, what's not to like? Try to YT The Bell Song by Lilly Pons, it is best. The three CDs are: My Italian Soul, Greatest Operatic Recordings volumes 1 &. 2, Amazon has them. I didn't want them at first but was clearly mistaken they are excellent, Ed
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John
11-05-2015
10:59 PM ET (US) IP: 99.18.36.93
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Hello, everyone. I've been out of the loop for a while and I wanted to say hello to all of you. I hope you are all well.
Ed: Are you feeling better? My recent trip to NYC was good, but too short. It was good talking to you. What were those CDs you suggested I get?
Also, the friend I stayed with in NY showed me some very good youtube videos. Here they are:
Alfredo Kraus-Je crois entendre encoure: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q1rTaw3O1wI
Joan Sutherland-Bell Song: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VSC3zkjRcSc
Peace,
John
operajohn2012@yahoo.com
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Ed to Martino
11-05-2015
08:50 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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Thanks for the assist, much appreciated. I was looking at that turntable this afternoon, although I have only basic knowlege on this stuff I still try to get the most out of what I have. I'm rethinking that portable player and most likely not going there. I never thought about pre-amps I just thought a quick hook up and there you go. I've not played vinyl in years, time to go back to my Elvis collection of about 85 lps all in perfect condition, and Mario's 15 or so. I managed all these years to keep them well. Will keep you informed, I always liked vinyl for Mario just a better sound.
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Martino to Ed
11-05-2015
08:00 PM ET (US) IP: 67.216.109.108
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Ed, I can almost assure you you will not be happy with any phonograph like the one you described. I'm not saying you need a DaVinci Gabriel but the reason to get a phonograph these days in the first place is to enhance the listening experience of vinyl reproduction. Generally, records produce a warmer and more natural sound than anything in the digital domain. MP3s and even CDs sound a bit colder and "processed" in sound. MP3s by their very nature are compressed to start with. But if you buy a run of the mill phono with a run of the mill styli and cartridge, you are probably better off with a CD because that sound quality you are looking for will not be reproduced. The exception is if you want to listen to records that have not been made to CD (and may never be issued to CD). I have many old recordings that fall in this category and the only way to play this music at all is through a phonograph. Even cheap reproduction of sound is better than no sound at all.
In the case of wanting a player only for those recordings which are not available on CD, I would look at this: http://www.amazon.com/Technica-AT-LP60-Aut...table/dp/B002GYTPAE. This solves your problem in several ways - it is under $100, Audio Technica is a respected brand, it has a switchable pre-amp built in so that it can be used in auxiliary applications for line in as you described earlier, and it comes with a decent, although not great, cartridge that can be upgraded if desired.
I really think you will be much happier with something like this over a Crosley but be sure to read all about it at the link I provided to make sure it fits your needs and your other equipment.
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Ed to Martino
11-05-2015
06:36 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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Thanks for looking out, I don't often use that aux jack but when I do it is for my IPod. I do notice when have the output is not that great as when I throw in a CD. I've been browsing Amazon and I'm liking the compact units made by Crosley,for about a hundred bucks you can get a good deal. I am tight for space in the house so one that is portable may be the way to go. I'm going to review some and send you a link to give it a check, thanks again.
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Martino to Ed
11-05-2015
04:12 PM ET (US) IP: 67.216.109.108
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I'm not sure about how your Bose Wave System works but most audio components that offer Aux. inputs in order to play other devices are usually pass through devices, ie, they only provide amplification to the auxiliary signal. MP3 players, tape decks, portable cd players, etc. are examples of components that are often used for auxiliary connections. Phonographs are usually different in that they require pre-amplification with RIAA equalization before the audio signal can be "heard" buy the Aux input. You need to check the specs of the Wave system AND the requirements of your phonograph to see if they are compatible without a pre-amplifier. My guess is that they will not work together without a pre-amp between the two. Edited 11-05-2015 04:13 PM
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Dan Lawlor
11-05-2015
03:31 PM ET (US) IP: 45.47.170.225
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Sam: The turntable from Heartland America was an Anders Nicholson..it works fine
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Ed too Sam
11-05-2015
02:46 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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Sam, thanks for the kind word much appreciated, I got over a heck of a cold now my lower back is kicking in, my gym days are interrupted for a few weeks. I get this every year. I don't know that you knew I lost my mom in June to lung cancer, from diagnosis to her passing was just under three months. I too am glad to see you've returned my wish is that you stay well and keep with us.
I got the Bose Wave System about five years ago, it has only one CDs slot and the sound is excellent, I plan to run my turntable through the aux jack I am certain it will sound fine. My best to Anna
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Sam Samuelian
11-05-2015
01:19 PM ET (US) IP: 98.114.44.105
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Ed,
I missed the fact that you were ill and just wanted to say how glad I am you are doing better.
To all who have or are looking for turntables, I would love knowing which exact models you have or hope to have. Like Heartland America, Dan. and like the FYE set, Gail. Any others? Incidentally, Suzanne, the Crosley sets are great looking retro pieces. Sound wise, the ones I've heard are just "okay". Which one do you have?
Ed, so far I have a feeling your Bose Wave has the best sound of the lot.
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Dan Lawlor
11-05-2015
11:44 AM ET (US) IP: 45.47.170.225
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Ed: I bought a turntable; one which records onto CD's at Heartland America for about $150...perhaps they still have that offer? It also has a radio Am/FM and a cassette player... Edited 11-05-2015 11:47 AM
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Ed
11-05-2015
08:19 AM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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Linz,
You've been quiet and I wanted to pop in and say hello.
Suzanne, I got my eye on a turntable from Amazon for Christmas, they run between 80-100 bucks. I may just get one of those portable record players I really don't know yet but the idea is there.
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Gail Swartz
11-05-2015
08:14 AM ET (US) IP: 204.29.186.65
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Thanks,all of you, for the turntable advice..when I bought the record set I was in North Carolina on vacation...and the WiFi was not working at the resort....so, no Mario for a whole week! To Sam, I sing with a chorus of Sweet Adelines, two senior choirs, and one church choir....all getting ready for Christmas presentations in the Mobile area. I do have my eye on a turntable at FYE.
On November 4, 2015, at 10:52 PM, QuickTopic daily digest <qtopic-30-ECKcxtRbxUTNy@quicktopic.com> wrote:
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Sam Samuelian
11-04-2015
11:40 PM ET (US) IP: 98.114.44.105
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Derek:
Of COURSE it was Carreras. Truly a senior moment and your search result for Tracey gives me a permanent senior "moment". Ole!
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Suzanne
11-04-2015
04:55 PM ET (US) IP: 74.79.58.35
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Bill, the whole weekend sounds wonderful. So sorry again, not to have been there. Sam, glad to see more posts from you. Keep 'em coming! Ed, a few years ago my family purchased a Crosley turntable, with Cd and tape player for around $80. The sound is good. Target has them.It's a way to hear Mario in another room besides the living room.
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Derek Mannering
11-04-2015
03:55 PM ET (US) IP: 69.209.225.113
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Good to see you posting again, Sam, and congrats to Bill on another successful Ball.
Thanks to the wonders of the Google search engine, I can confirm that Tracey Bregman is 52. And I think you're confusing Bocelli with Carreras, Sam, when you refer to his problems with cancer.
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GARY TO SAM
11-04-2015
03:50 PM ET (US) IP: 71.72.144.56
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SAM.THE BOOK I HAVE BY BOB DOLFI,SAID THAT MARIO LAANZA COULD HIT A HIGH D.BEST
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Ed to Gail and Sam
11-04-2015
03:30 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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Just about two weeks ago a nice woman I know from the gym where I go gave me several Lanza albums from her late moms records collection, one was the Reader Digest six record set, I too have to get a turntable then connect it to my Bose wave system, the records are pristine, however the booklet is missing.
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Sam Samuelian
11-04-2015
10:41 AM ET (US) IP: 98.114.44.105
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Gail, the Readers's Digest is a very fine set I have had since new. I'm sure yours was a lot cheaper, lol! When you say "no where to play", do you mean you don't have a turntable? These can be found very cheap at thrift stores too and as long as you have a sound system to plug one into you will enjoy the set. I admire your having ten singing engagements. I'd like to know more about the type of singing you do and where you travel to. My wife Anna have done a lot of singing at restaurants, senior centers, parties, but in the last couple years business has dropped off sharply. (pun intended!).
TO ALL: Thank you very, very much for the welcome back. It's nice to be missed and to hear your encouragement. I hope I can stay around awhile. Thanks especially to Fred, Martino, Derek, Ed, Gary, Joe, Suzanne, Kristine. Suzanne, glad you enjoyed the article. The 1936 Crosely WLW radio I have is unbelievable and the best and largest console ever made. Terry, thanks for the lovely wishes to me and my wife. I told Anna and she sends her love back and still fondly thinks of Paul. I definitely hope we can meet again. With me it's always fear of going into depression. But I won't be negative.
Ciao Fred (thought I'd say it first instead of last, lol). I enjoyed knowing about Corelli and his high C machinations. And didn't know about Tucker's high C "problems" either. Must tell this to some friends who I know will be equally surprised. Thanks for the info.
Derek: You have me interested in the new Bocelli album now! He's 58, so he's already lived twenty more years than Mario despite his cancer problems. Bravo! Incidentally, I'm still watching "The Young and the Restless" and "Lauren" (T. Bregman) still looks amazing and I'm delighted she is in so many scenes. Not only beautiful but a gorgeous figure to match. Do you know how old she is now?
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Gail Swartz
11-04-2015
08:35 AM ET (US) IP: 204.29.186.49
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Thank you, Bill, for the report on the Mario weekend . I almost could visualize the events. I got your books but can not bring myself to do much more than look at the photos..had been on vacation with no Mario contact for a week. Once back, the thrill of Mario's voice made me cry as I listened to the cds not taken with me. One event on the trip...In a Humane Society thrift store I found a d bought the Readers Digest collection The Golden Voice of Mario Lanza, complete with booklets. No where to play...alas! Getting geared up for ten singing events this next two months...pray for energy and stamina.
On November 3, 2015, at 10:54 PM, QuickTopic daily digest <qtopic-30-ECKcxtRbxUTNy@quicktopic.com> wrote:
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diane cox
11-03-2015
09:47 PM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.239
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The fees changed when Paypal was bought out by ebay.
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Sam Samuelian
11-03-2015
08:58 PM ET (US) IP: 98.114.44.105
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Sure Bill, that will be fine. It's just that I'm not known to be patient! You might be aware of this, but PayPal can be set up easily and friends can send money to each other with no fees charged using what they call the "friends and family" tab. I also say this to help because it would very likely bring you even more book orders.
Anna and I wrote and published our book on motion lamps years ago and didn't have PayPal. Back then they promised they would NEVER charge any fees. What a crock since today they not only charge high fees but also charge a percentage on the shipping! I always say that part should be illegal.
Sam
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Bill Ronayne
11-03-2015
07:30 PM ET (US) IP: 75.250.115.6
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I'm not set up for PayPal Sam so it will have to be a check or money order.
Yes she is a beautiful and very talented young lady.
Best, Bill
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Sam Samuelian
11-03-2015
03:28 PM ET (US) IP: 98.114.44.105
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Terrific photo! Proof too of Anush's beauty. Feel bad we haven't kept in touch with her but had planned to after exchanging addresses.
After reading the enticing description, I definitely want your book! Any discount for a written review, lol? Seriously, can I PayPal you the funds? It's faster and easier.
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Bill Ronayne
11-03-2015
01:15 PM ET (US) IP: 68.199.20.43
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 Thanks Sam and it was a very busy weekend. Anush came in third last year. In the picture are L-R: Music Director and accompanist Luke Housner, Guest Artist soprano Marina Costa-Jackson, 2nd place winner soprano Anush Avetisyan, 3rd place winner baritone Tim Renner, 1st place winner soprano Katrina Galka and 4th place winner tenor Peter Scott Drackley. The Films of Mario Lanza book is available at the Lanza Museum or you can order it from me directly. Below are 2 links for each. http://www.mariolanzainstitute.org/store/books/http://www.mariolanza.net/filmsofmario.html Best, Bill Edited 11-03-2015 01:24 PM
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Sam Samuelian
11-03-2015
01:08 PM ET (US) IP: 98.114.44.105
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Bill: Wanted to add that beyond appreciating your report, I thoroughly appreciate the amount of hard work you put in each year along with Jeanette and the others to make the affair the wonderful experience it always is. No one except those who have tried mounting a happening of this scale knows better. I bet you are dragging even today! Incidentally, I wasn't aware of your book. I would enjoy more information here or at the Museum website. And I hope you have stirred up some activity here. Look at the last date before your post!
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Sam Samuelian
11-03-2015
12:40 PM ET (US) IP: 98.114.44.105
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Great report Bill! I appreciate it very, very much. You definitely left me wanting to have been there and I could "taste" it. Speaking of tasting, had I done the report you know I would have spent much more time describing the food, lol!!! Hope to be with everyone next year. Thanks again. PS. The soprano is Armenian like Anna and I and we met her when she last competed. We felt, our mutual background aside, that she deserved a higher placement with her glorious voice. And she's a beauty too. Am I wrong, but did she move up a couple notches?
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Bill Ronayne
11-03-2015
11:11 AM ET (US) IP: 68.199.20.43
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Hi: Here's a brief recap of the Mario Lanza Ball weekend. Some photos will be posted on our website soon. On Friday Carole Shea hosted a fun dinner at La Viola Restaurant for the early arrivals. Fans started visiting the Lanza Museum on Saturday and that evening was the Mario Lanza Tribute Dinner at a new venue for us Estia Restaurant across from the famous Academy of Music and a brief block away from the hotel that many stayed at. It featured wonderful Mediterranean cuisine and there was a multi-course dinner with Mario's recordings playing in the background from the Toast of Hollywood CD. Following the entrée,I gave a lecture presentation entitled Mario Lanza, the Man and His Music that included a slide show on his life and career plus a selection from each of his films followed by the complete London Palladium TV appearance. As an encore we watched Mario sing Nessun dorma from Serenade. It was a very fine evening in a very beautiful setting. On Sunday morning there was the annual memorial Mass at St Mary Magdalen de Pazzi church. During the meditation period following communion Mario's recording of the Schubert Ave Maria from Serenade was played from the balcony. It was a very touching moment. After the Mass, everyone headed next door to the Mario Lanza Museum for a reception with cake, coffee, sandwiches and other assorted goodies in a room decorated with memorabilia from his films. His recordings were played and all took a tour of the museum and made purchases from the gift shop. I was very proud to autograph copies of my book The Films of Mario Lanza and quite a few fans purchased CD's and other items featuring Mario. At 5pm family and fans gathered at the DoubleTree Hotel for the 54th Lanza Ball beginning with a cocktail hour. At 6pm the ballroom doors were opened and everyone headed for their seats as the Tony Dee Orchestra welcomed them to the room. The evening commemorated the 65th anniversaries of The Toast of New Orleans and Be My Love and began with a slide show of behind the scenes and production photos from the film with Mario singing his signature tune. Next he was heard in I'll Walk with God and then the band played and everyone sang the National Anthem. I made a welcoming speech and then turned the microphone over to our MC Elaine Malbin who introduced the 4 scholarship winners and the concert. The program featured each in an aria followed by 2 duets. We heard soprano Anush Avetisyan in Song to the Moon, baritone Tim Renner in Pierott's Tanlied, soprano Katrina Galka in O luce di quest'anima and tenor Peter Scott Drackley in Che gelida manina. Ms. Avetisyan and Mr. Renner sang a duet from Pagliacci and Ms. Galka and Mr. Drackley concluded the program with a duet from Rigoletto. Luke Housner very ably accompanied the singers and all were very well received. Dinner and dancing came next and then the guest performer soprano Marina Costa-Jackson superbly sang Musetta's Waltz, A Vucchella and Marechiare with Mr. Housner accompanying her. Ron Della Chiesa spoke next and then we enjoyed our dessert of cheese cake with Mario written in chocolate on the plate. There was a second video presentation of duets from TONO with Mario and Kathryn Grayson including Be My Love, The Bayou Lullaby, Libiamo and the act 1 duet from Madama Butterfly. The order of finishing was announced next with Ms. Galka in first, Ms. Avetisyan in second, Mr. Renner in third and Mr. Drackley in fourth. We then had everyone dancing to the Mummer's Strut and the evening concluded with God Bless America and Mario's recording of Non ti scordar di me. The Mario Lanza Institute would like to thank all that attended and especially those that traveled great distances from outside of the US from Canada, Germany and Japan to join us for the weekend all in tribute to the great Mario Lanza. Best, Bill Edited 11-03-2015 11:14 AM
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Fred Day
10-30-2015
06:24 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Ed: Yes, Tucker was a kind and generous man, and always answered his fan mail. Matt Minzer can also testify to his generosity. Tucker was always reliable, and seldom cancelled a Met performance. I'm sure you have read his bio by James Drake. Drake tells about the evening the Lanzas and the Tuckers got together, in London - a heartwarming story. Ciao.
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Kristine
10-30-2015
05:00 AM ET (US) IP: 173.169.60.129
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Ray, yes, I know he made movies in England, but for some reason, he made just 2 in America. I think when Tom Jones had his variety t.v. series in late '60's, he had Frankie Vaughn and tenor Harry Secombe as guests. Speaking of Tom Jones, he was offered the part of Woody in movie version of "Finian's Rainbow"(1968) but declined it. Don Francks was cast, instead. "Roman Holiday" will be re-released to some movie theatres in November, in conjunction,with TCM. It starred Gregory Peck and Audrey Hepburn(for those not familiar with it)and I think she won Oscar. It reminds me of "The Student Prince",where a person of royalty can't marry a commoner. There was reference to "Roman Holiday" in "Seven Hills of Rome". Maybe one day,TCM will re-release "The Great Caruso"to movie theatres. Happy Halloween !
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Ray to Kristine
10-30-2015
04:01 AM ET (US) IP: 92.30.45.203
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Frankie Vaughan appeared in at least 7 movies.
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Ed to Fred
10-29-2015
08:07 AM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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Fred, I just saw you wrote about Richard Tucker and Trovatore, interestingly I received a signed photo of him in costume of Manrico in 1964. This started a brief pen pal thing between us when I wrote back to thank him. I got about five short letters from him, the picture and letters are gone but memory of a nice man will always be thought of.
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Kristine
10-28-2015
05:43 PM ET (US) IP: 173.169.60.129
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Frankie Vaughn was also in the photo, with Mario Lanza and Queen Elizabeth. He only made 2 movies "let's Make Love"(1960)with Marilyn Monroe, Yves Montand and "The Right Approach"(1961)with Juliet Prowse, Martha Hyer, and Gary Crosby, in Hollywood. Tommy Steele is a great talent. I remember his movies "Finian's Rainbow", "The Happiest Millionaire", "Half A Sixpence". I wonder if The Beatles were and are fans of Mario Lanza ?
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Len (UK)
10-28-2015
04:33 PM ET (US) IP: 86.135.248.30
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Last night my wife and I watched a stage version of ‘The Glenn Miller Story’. Why mention this? It starred Tommy Steele who, like Mario, was on the bill at the 1957 Royal Command Performance. Tommy mentions meeting Mario at rehearsals in his autobiography. I reckon Tommy Steele is the only artist from that show who is still working. He was amazingly nimble last night for a 78 year old! Edited 10-28-2015 05:16 PM
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Fred Day
10-27-2015
11:14 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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I don't think Tucker ever sang a high C. Even in studio recordings, he transposed the Pira down a half tone. In his later years at the Met, he transposed Pira down a whole tone, to B-flat. Ciao.
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Fred Day
10-27-2015
11:11 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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When Corelli sang Pira in live performance, he always transposed it down a half tone, but in the recording studio, he sang it in the original key of C. However, he always sang the high C at the end of the riddle scene in Turandot, in all performances. Ciao.
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Fred Day
10-27-2015
10:59 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Sam and Ed: Welcome back - glad you are both feeling better. Ciao.
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Kristine
10-27-2015
06:22 PM ET (US) IP: 24.160.64.30
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Ed, glad you are better and hello, Sam, hope all's well and things getting better for you.
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Kristine
10-27-2015
06:19 PM ET (US) IP: 24.160.64.30
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On December 4th, EWTN (Mother Angelica's Catholic Cable Channel)will show Father Keller and Mario Lanza, on "The Chrsitophers" at 3:00 A.M. and again at 6:30 P.M. (Eastern Time Zone).
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Terry Velda
10-27-2015
03:33 PM ET (US) IP: 86.25.79.224
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Hello Sam, how lovely to see you back online, you have been missed. Sorry you are not able to make "The Mario Lanza Ball" this year, your account of it will be missed.
If I am able to secure travel insurance so that I can visit The States (which maybe my last visit.) I am going try and do another of my tours of some of my favourite places in the world i.e. Philadelphia, San Francisco, drive down the Pacific Coast to Los Angeles, then onto Palm Springs, visiting one of my Dearest Friends Joan Ritti, then finally back home to England stopping off in New York for a few days.
If I am able to do the above maybe you and your Dear Wife will be well enough to do The Ball next year.
I send my Love and Best Wishes to you and your Dear Wife and sincerely hope we can meet up next year.
Keep well both of you.
Love and Best Wishes
Terry Velda xxxx
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Martino to Sam
10-27-2015
02:44 PM ET (US) IP: 67.216.109.108
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Nice to see you posting again, Sam. Stay well and fit and post often.
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Derek Mannering
10-27-2015
02:07 PM ET (US) IP: 69.209.231.65
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Good to see your name on the forum again, Sam, and I was pleased to read about John Suchet's salute to Mario (via Bocelli) on Classic FM, Wendy. I saw John's brother, David (the definitive Poirot!) on stage in London recently as Lady Bracknell in "The Importance of Being Earnest" and he was just wonderful.
My thanks again, Wendy, to you and the BMLS team for such a lovely and heartfelt welcome to your gathering earlier this month.
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Ed
10-27-2015
12:53 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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Welcome back Sam, good to hear from you.
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GARY TO SAM
10-27-2015
12:11 PM ET (US) IP: 71.72.144.56
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HI SAM,WELCOME BACK!BEST
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Joseph Fagan
10-27-2015
12:00 PM ET (US) IP: 209.85.214.171
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Welcome Back Sam!.....Joe Fagan
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Suzanne
10-27-2015
10:36 AM ET (US) IP: 74.79.58.35
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Sam, glad you've posted. Meant to tell you that I did read the article on the Crosley "radio" and it was fascinating.
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Sam Samuelian
10-27-2015
09:59 AM ET (US) IP: 98.114.44.105
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Hello my friends! I've been away again for a long time. The usual ups and downs I must live with. Feeling better now but sadly must miss the Ball this year. Some have written to ask me to review it but unfortunately I can't. I'm sure Bill Ronanyne will write a very good review, so look out for it soon. I purchased what some might call a dinosaur but those in the know appreciate the ever increasing popularity of the Magnavox Concert Grand. This beautiful piece of furniture is not only biampified but puts out plenty of power through its 15 inch heavy duty woofer and heavy duty tweeter. In all it has 42 tubes! Mario sounds especially good when played on it. Nothing can beat the sound tubes produce as even the new generation is finding out. A friend who produces LPs (and actually wants to re-release the Lanza Xmas album if he can secure the rights) has more customers than ever and WB is now distributing for him. That tells you something!
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Wendy Stilwell - UK
10-27-2015
04:16 AM ET (US) IP: 92.20.155.199
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Hi all. Whilst listening to Classic FM here in the UK, the presenter, John Suchet, played Bocelli's BML and John said how much he enjoyed Mario's music and still had some of his records. I emailed him to thank him for mentioning and praising Mario, and I had a lovely reply from him saying that when he mentioned to his 24yr old producer that he had Mario singing 'Be My Love' on his iPhone, the Producer said, he did also. Edited 10-27-2015 04:17 AM
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Ed
10-26-2015
02:39 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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Well thanks to the magic of penicillin I am back to 100% and as good as ca n be. Martino, I too was never a fan of Bocelli I am not saying he does not sing well, just not a fan. A friend advised me of his newest CD called "Cinema" I gave it a listen through Spotify and when I saw that he covered Be My L ove that was the first I listened to. The closest it came to the real Be My Love was the music intro before he sang. I didn't expect to heaar Mario or anything near him and well you know the rest. The CD does have many good selections, I like the theme from Godfather, I feel that he should have lehft Moon River alone, Andy Williams has the best version IMHO, Maria from WSS is best done by Franchi, Music Of The Night from Phantom best by Michael Crawford, as for BML, well lets say that is a hard sell by anyone, I like Vincent Ricciard's cover all the way through.
A good friend of mine from my gym recently lost her mom who was a big fan of Mario, she knew I was. The other day she gave me what Lanza records she found and it was an early Christmas,she gave me three LPs, SHOR, Cavalcade and A Kiss,plus the Readers Digest boxed set from 1968 with six LPs in perfect condition, only thing missing was the booklet.
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Martino to Derek
10-26-2015
12:04 PM ET (US) IP: 67.216.109.108
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That is very nice to hear. Although I am not a big fan of Bocelli, I must say he has good taste in tenors! Fleming has always said Mario Lanza was an inspiration to opera singers, especially the American tenors who came after him. I would go further to say that he was an inspiration to tenors of every country, not just America. His voice had international appeal and we hear his praises not only from American singers but from Russians such as Vladimir Atlantov and Dmitri Hvorostovsky, the Maltese tenor Joseph Calleja, the French/Italian Roberto Alagna and countless others from Spain, Germany and everywhere else. Except for perhaps Caruso, I doubt anyone has had more influence on opera singers than Mario Lanza.
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Derek Mannering
10-26-2015
11:50 AM ET (US) IP: 69.209.228.1
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Lanza fans are always looking for ways to draw more attention to Mario and his music. One way is for one of today's tenor superstars to pay him tribute, which is precisely what Andrea Bocelli does on his just-released album of movie favorites, "Cinema." A heartfelt performance of "Be My Love" is included and Bocelli also remembers Mario in the liner notes: "This ardent declaration of love, whose expansive melody is the perfect showcase for the tenor voice, was tailor-made for a singer I've loved and admired since my childhood." Bocelli, who also paid tribute to Lanza on his album "Incanto," is still singing splendidly at 58 and doesn't run from the high note at the close of the great romantic ballad.
A friend of Ellisa's attended a tribute to Pavarotti in Los Angeles last month at which Bocelli and the sublime Renee Fleming sang together for the first time. She called Ellisa afterwards to say that Bocelli also included a mention of her dad during the evening and sang "Be My Love" to great applause. A TV special built around the new album will air on PBS in Chicago on November 27th.
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Martino to Matt
10-25-2015
10:08 PM ET (US) IP: 67.216.109.108
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I have to agree with you about Franco. Few tenors could sing the role of "Manrico" the way he did. But even he transposed the high Cs down in the "Pira", which I never understood because he had a cannon for a top, as you well know. Perhaps it is because he had so much squillo that even his more easily produced B sounded brighter and higher than it actually was, much like Mario Lanza's sound in his high register. Corelli's high notes seemed more secure and even more thrilling and powerful than Lanza, although they were not nearly as beautiful. Corelli's high notes were brilliant from start to finish (except when he scooped up to those notes, which he did every once in a while). In contrast, Lanza's high notes seemed to bloom forth becoming more radiant after the initial "attack". Check out Lanza's ending notes in "Passione" and Otello's "Dio Mi Potevi" for examples of this.
The clip below is a lip sync video of Franco Corelli's studio recording of the complete "Il Trovatore" opera for EMI records. This is the definition of thrilling and no one has sounded even remotely like this since. In a word, he was "electrifying". Although there are many good tenors today, "electrifying" is an adjective you can not use for any of them. In this clip he sings the full high Cs fearlessly - and well he should since it is a studio recording. BTW, I live in Texas.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xDHSFxVbMWc
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MATT MINZER
10-25-2015
05:03 PM ET (US) IP: 213.4.210.211
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HI MARTINO:
DURING THE PAST MONTH, I SAW THE HI-DEF "TROVATORE" TWICE IN A WEEK IN PALM BEACH COUNTY, FLORIDA AND LIVE AT THE METROPOLITAN OPERA IN NEW YORK WITH MR. LEE IN THE HI-DEF AND IN NEW YORK, A SHORT ITALIAN TENOR AS MANRICO.i LEFT THE PROGRAM AT MY DAUGHTER'S HOME ON LONG ISLAND.
LEE WAS MORE THRILLING AND DRAMATIC THAN THE SATURDAY EVENING ITALIAN TENOR AND REALLY HELD ONTO THE SECOND "C" IN PIRA. I HAD SEEN LEE IN "DON CARLO LAST SPRING AT THE MET AND WAS IMPRESSED BY HIS SINGING. I REMEMBER SEEING RICHARD TUCKER DURING THE LATE '60'S AND WAS IMPRESSED BY HIS POWER BUT NOT BY HIS RUSHED HIGH-B IN PIRA.
THE CHAMPION IN MY EYES WAS THE GREAT FRANCO CORELLI WHO I FIRST SAW IN JANUARY OF 1961 AT THE OLD MET IN HIS DEBUT ROLE OF "TROVATORE". HE SENT SHIVERS DOWN MY SPINE WITH HIS POWER AND BEAUTY OF VOICE. NO ONE COULD MATCH FRANCO IN HIS PRIME.
MARTINO-WHERE IN THE WORLD ARE YOU LOCATED?
BEST,
MATT MINZER IN BARCELONA, SPAIN UNTIL TUESDAY.
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Diane Cox
10-25-2015
04:08 PM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.239
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He's still not quite 30. I didn't remember you told me about him - after all, some time has passed. But I appreciate it as I've enjoyed watching his career. I don't think he'll rank as a Pavoratii, but he is getting better each time I hear him He's been working with Rolando Villazon, who has helped him, I believe. Villazon produced the La Traviatta he was in.
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Martino to Diane
10-25-2015
02:38 PM ET (US) IP: 67.216.109.108
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Yes, I remember introducing Ayan to you in a clip from La Boheme several years ago at the very start of his career. I was impressed enough to post that clip here and I know you were quite taken by that performance. Then you came back some time later and said you lost his name and could not find him at youtube or anywhere else. I reminded you of Ayan again and you swore you would not loose him a second time. In all these years you have made good on your promise and have kept up with his career and also kept us informed of his comings and goings. Ayan is moving slowly but surely to more important roles and reaching out to an international career. I think he has a bright future ahead of him although I do not believe he will be considered a tenor of the very top rank. Nonetheless, he should have a very rewarding career and who knows, one big break might just put him over the top. I'm sure you have seen this photo of him but I'll post it for others.
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Diane Cox
10-25-2015
02:14 PM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.239
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He did transpose the note down to a B natural. Several times I've posted utube clips of the Brazilian tenor, Atalla Ayan, who to me, is the best of the young tenors. He is becoming more well know, having sung 3 years in Germany and at La Scala this past month. He is doing La Boheme, Elixir and La Traviatta. Edited 10-25-2015 02:16 PM
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Martino to Diane
10-25-2015
01:45 PM ET (US) IP: 67.216.109.108
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I agree. I listened to the opening performance of "Il Trovatore" on Sirius radio and I was not impressed with Yonghoon Lee either. I had to decide if I wanted to go to the HD telecast a couple weeks later or play golf that day. After listening on Sirius the choice was clear. There have been a few far Eastern opera singers in the past and quite a few today but there is something about their voice (both male and female) that, while impressive in power and scope, does not fall pleasantly on my ear. There are always exceptions such as the wonderful and high strung S. Korean coloratura, Sumi Jo, and the more recent Hye Jung Lee. There was also a pretty good tenor from China a few years ago that I lost track off and can't for the life of me remember his name although I know I discussed him at this forum. But by and large the Asian opera singers do not connect with me.
The rest of the "Il Trovatore" cast was good but if the tenor does not excite me in this opera it is not worth seeing as far as I am concerned. Lee only sang one of the two traditional high Cs in the "Pira" if I recall correctly and I consider that a cheat, even if they were not written at all in the score. I am also pretty sure he transposed the note downward as well which many tenors have done. To his credit, Lee is a rarity these days and I suppose he should be more appreciated. It use to be we had the likes of Del Monaco, Corelli, Tucker, Bergonzi, Bjorling and even the unflappable Kurt Baum did well in this opera. These were true dramatic and spinto tenors and Lee is one of the few in modern times that falls in that mold. Bjorling might not be a classic fit in this group but then again, if you are Bjorling you are great no matter what you sing.
Most of the other tenors these days that sing "Manrico" are lyrics moving out of their natural range as they grow older and their voice darkens a bit (see Alagna, Alvarez, Giordani, etc.). So I suppose we should be thankful for the few Lees we have but unfortunately I remember the past too well to be satisfied. The photo is of Richard Tucker as "Manrico" - a TRUE "Manrico".
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Diane Cox
10-25-2015
12:24 PM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.239
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Martino - enjoyed Kurtzman's review of Il Trovatore. He said the opening performance was better than the HD performance - it must have been great indeed, as I thought the Sat. effort was excellent. He also highly praised the tenor, whom I was not smitten with.
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Martino to Matt
10-25-2015
12:07 PM ET (US) IP: 67.216.109.108
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Here is something more on Cahen (and check out his video photos of all the opera singers):
http://medicine-opera.com/2014/08/robert-cahen-a-life-in-opera/
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Martino to Matt
10-25-2015
11:58 AM ET (US) IP: 67.216.109.108
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If you saw Bidu Sayao at that contest in Stamford then most probably you were there that day when these very photos were taken. Small world!! The site I will link below did not say where they were taken, only that it was 1985. The webpage shows several other photographs of Di Stefano which I never saw before. The site is owned by Dr. Neil Kurtzman, an opera fanatic, who received the pictures from someone named Robert Cahen. I have no idea who Cahen is or if he was the photographer or not. I googled him and the only person I came up with who had that name who has been remotely involved with photography is a Frenchman noted for his video artistry.
Kurtzman's website is shown below: (As a side note, you may want to read Kurtzman's review of the recent "Il Trovatore" from the MET starring your gal, Netrebko. You can find it at Kurtzman's home page).
http://medicine-opera.com/2012/10/giuseppe...fano-candid-photos/
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MATT MINZER
10-25-2015
10:48 AM ET (US) IP: 213.4.210.211
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HI MARTINO:
WHERE DID YOU GET THE PHOTOGRAPH OF FRANCO AND GIUSEPPI? GIUSEPPI HAD A TERRIBLE END BEING BEATEN INTO A COMA IN SOUTH AFRICA AND ROBBED AND FRANCO'S LAST TWO YEARS EXPERIENCED STROKES, DEMENTIA AND A FATAL HEART ATTACK. HE WAS CREAMATED AND HIS ASHES WERE PLACED BEHIND A CHURCH WALL TILE IN ITALY.
I MET BOTH OF THEM TOGETHER IN 1985 IN STAMFORD, CONNECTICUT WHERE THEY WERE JUDGES AT A VOCAL CONTEST. FRONCO WASN'T WEARING HIS HAIR PIECE AND ASKED ME NOT TO TAKE HIS PHOTOGRAPH.
BEST,
MATT MINZER IN BARCELONA, SPAIN. NEAR THE LICEU OPERA HOUSE.
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vincentjamesdiplacido @gm
10-25-2015
05:48 AM ET (US) IP: 79.65.51.79
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Sad News Indeed, May they both , RIP,
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Kristine
10-24-2015
08:42 PM ET (US) IP: 24.160.91.9
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Ed, get well soon. Maureen O'Hara, RIP. She had an operatic voice,but rarely made movie musicals. I just purchased book, Mario Lanza:His Life In Pictures, by Derek Mannering. Fantastic photos ! Two great books, out, Derek's , also, Bill Ronayne's book , The Films of Mario Lanza. Tomorrow, Sunday, Oct. 25th, will be Eddie Lang Day in Philadelphia. Eddie, born Salvatore Massaro, in Philadelphia, was a great jazz guitarist,along with Joe Venuti,back in 1920's and 1930's. Eddie was friends with Bing Crosby. Sadly, Eddie passed away from complications from a tonsillectomy in early 1930's. I hope , one day, a stamp will honor him.
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Martino
10-24-2015
08:29 PM ET (US) IP: 67.216.109.108
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Di Stefano and Bidu Sayao
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Martino
10-24-2015
08:28 PM ET (US) IP: 67.216.109.108
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Today I watched the Arts Channel presentation of highlights from Lehar's "Land of Smiles", starring Rene Kollo and Dagmar Koller. It reminded me of a performance I attended in the '60s of this operetta with Koller and Giuseppe di Stefano. I have spoken of this performance a couple times here in the past but reminising about that performance caused me to do a photo search of Di Stefano. I came up with a couple 1985 pictures of him I had never seen before. One is with his one time tenor rival, Franco Corelli and the other with the wonderful Brazilian soprano, Bidu Sayao. The first picture I will post above is with Corelli, when both men (who incidentally were born the same year as Mario Lanza - 1921) were well into retirement. The second photo I will post is with Sayao. I believe these are rather rare, private photographs and like me, you may never have seen them before.
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Dan Lawlor
10-24-2015
07:21 PM ET (US) IP: 45.47.170.225
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Matt: I had planned on attending Tannhauser on Saturday at our local theater, but Botha is not one of my favorite tenors?...perhaps I will fluff it off this time...?
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Dan Lawlor
10-24-2015
02:32 PM ET (US) IP: 45.47.170.225
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Sad News: That beautiful Actress of the Golden Age of Hollywood has passed: Maureen OHara of the flaming red hair ; The world is less beautiful without her now...sob!!!! Edited 10-24-2015 02:48 PM
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Joe
10-24-2015
01:14 PM ET (US) IP: 71.224.55.142
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 Thought you all might enjoy the wall of my "music room". Yes, those ARE real orchids and the signature on the painting is Damon Lanza. Edited 10-24-2015 01:22 PM
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matt minzer
10-24-2015
01:04 PM ET (US) IP: 213.4.210.211
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HI FRED:
GREETINGS FROM BEAUTIFUL BARCELONA. WE WERE UP ALL NIGHT ON THE TRANSATLANTIC EIGHT HOUR FLIGHT FROM JFK AIRPORT. THE PLANE WAS FULL AND PLEASANT. WE WALKED ON THE "RAMBLAS' THIS AFTERNOON BUT TIREDNESS KEPT US FROM REACHING THE LICEU OPERA HOUSE. PERHAPS TOMORROW. TUESDAY WE SAIL TO SEVILLE AND THIRTEEN DAYS LATER THE SHIP TAKES US BACK TO BEAUTIFUL FORT LAUDERDALE, FLORIDA-JUST 45 MINUTES FROM HOME.
BEST,
MATT AND MARILYN MINZER
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Fred Day
10-23-2015
10:46 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Matt: In Barcelona, perhaps you might catch an opera performance. Opera is very much loved there. In her heyday, Caballe was a huge star there. Ciao.
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MATT MINZER
10-23-2015
09:21 AM ET (US) IP: 108.54.217.240
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OPERA LOVERS OF THE WORLD;
WE ATTENDED THE WONDERFUL METROPOLITAN OPERA LAST EVENING AND WATCHED ZEFFIRELLI'S GRAND MAGNIFICENT STAGING OF PUCCINI'S "TURANDOT". THE CAST WAS EXCELLENT:
MARCELLO ALVAREZ-CALAF
LISE LINDSTROM-TURANDOT
LEAH CROCETTO-LIU (DEBUT)
JAMES MORRIS- TIMUR
I CAN'T WAIT TO RETURN TO THE METROPOLITAN OPERA IN THE SPRING. ANNA NETREBKO IS GIVING A SOLO CONCERT IN A FEW MONTHS ON THE STAGE OF THE METROPOLITAN OPERA. SHE IS A NEW YORK SUPERSTAR!
BEST,
MATT MINZER-ON THE WAY TO BARCELLONA TONIGHT TO SEE SOME FLAMENCO DANCING.
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MATT MINZER
10-22-2015
02:32 PM ET (US) IP: 108.54.217.240
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THANK YOU DIANA!
MATTHEW
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Diane Cox
10-22-2015
12:52 PM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.239
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Željko Lučić’, baritone
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MATT MINZER
10-22-2015
12:36 PM ET (US) IP: 108.54.217.240
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HI FRED:
THE MOST OUTSTANDING SINGER AT THE MET'S HI-DEF "OTHELLO" LAST EVENING WAS A SERBIAN BARITONE WHO PLAYED IAGO. I DIDN'T BRING HOME THE PROGRAM BUT HE IS LISTED ON METOPERA.ORG. WHAT A LYING AND SINISTER MOTHER _______.!!
BEST,
MATT MINZER IN 76 DG, NEW YORK.
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MATT MINZER
10-22-2015
08:12 AM ET (US) IP: 108.54.217.240
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RIGHT ON FRED.
MATT MINZER
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Fred Day
10-22-2015
06:35 AM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Matt: I presume Alexanders Antonenko will sing Otello, and Marcelo Alvarez will sing Calaf, the following night - correct?? Ciao.
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MATT MINZER
10-21-2015
02:53 PM ET (US) IP: 108.54.217.240
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OPERA LOVERS OF THE WORLD:
TONIGHT AT 6:30 P.M. THE METROPOLITAN OPERA IS PRESENTING AN ENCORE PERFORMANCE OF THE MAGNIFICENT VERDI OPERA, "OTHELLO" WITH A STELLAR CAST. IT WILL BE BROADCAST TO OVER 1,000 THEATRES AROUND THE WORLD. CONSIDER ATTENDING AND YOU WILL NEVER FORGET THE EXPERIENCE.
BEST,
MATT MINZER IN 79 DG. NEW YORK
TOMORROW EVENING, WE ARE ALL ATTENDING THE MET TO SEE PUCCINI'S FINAL MASTERPIECE, "TURANDOT". (MY FAVORITE OPERA)
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Ed to matt
10-21-2015
06:35 AM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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Matt, have not thought about forum in days I am down with very sore throat and cough and body aches since Sunday so I have not posted. I cannot make the Roosevelt visit please enjoy your trip to Europe and lookalike spring may be better.
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Dan Lawlor
10-20-2015
06:19 PM ET (US) IP: 45.47.170.225
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Suzanne: surfing the net, I found a site, where a Chinese composer has written an aria for Turandot...unfortunately, the site did not give an audio...Anyone? know about this???
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Martino
10-20-2015
04:28 PM ET (US) IP: 67.216.109.108
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All you wanted to know about "Turandot" and more: http://www.classicalnotes.net/opera/turandot.html
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Suzanne
10-20-2015
12:55 PM ET (US) IP: 74.79.58.35
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Dan, are we sure that's a happy ending. Who knows what she might have done to Calaf later on. Heartless creature that she was! But the music's lovely!
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MATT MINZER
10-20-2015
08:15 AM ET (US) IP: 108.54.217.240
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HI ED:
TOMORROW IS SUPPOSED TO BE UP TO 70 DG. ARE YOU AVAILABLE TO GO TO TEDDY ROOSEVELT'S SAGAMORE HILL? I AM AVAILABLE TO MEET YOU AT THE GREAT NECK LIRR STATION AT 1:45 P.M.
PLEASE RESPOND.
BEST,
MATT MINZER
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MATT MINZER
10-20-2015
08:10 AM ET (US) IP: 108.54.217.240
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DAN:
I RECENTLY WATCHED DONIZETTI'S "DON PASQUALE" WITH ANNA NETREBKO LIVE FROM THE MET AND LAUGHED AND LAUGHED. ANNA WAS WONDERFUL AS ALWAYS.
WHEN YOU RETURN TO FLORIDA IN JANUARY PLEASE GIVE ME A BUZZ AND I WILL INVITE YOU OVER TO SEE THE FORTY-FOUR WONDERFUL PHOTOGRAPHS OF THE CURTAIN CALLS AND BACK STAGE AT SATURDAY EVENINGS "IL TROVATORE." (ESPECIALLY MATTHEW AND ANNA).
BEST,
MATT MINZER
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Dan Lawlor
10-20-2015
07:43 AM ET (US) IP: 45.47.170.225
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Fred: you are so right; there aren't many happy endings in opera in toto: can't think of any right off the top of my head right now? perhaps someone out there can????
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Fred Day
10-20-2015
01:06 AM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Dan: Turandot, a happy ending?? Only partially. Poor Liu committed suicide!! I presume Liu was Calaf's girlfriend, until Calaf became obsessed with Turandot. Why wasn't he happy with sweet Liu?? Oh well, that's opera!! (Or was Liu Calaf's sister??) Fanciulla del West has a happy ending - Dick Johnson and Minnie ride off happily into the sunset, singing addio mia bella California. Nobody dies!! Ciao.
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MATT MINZER
10-19-2015
03:02 PM ET (US) IP: 108.54.217.240
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HI FRED:
GO ON METOPERA.ORG AND YOU CAN HEAR AND SEE MARCELLO ALVAREZ SING THE SECOND HALF OF NESSUN DORMA FROM A REHERSAL TAPE. HE DOESN'T SOUND LIKE OUR WONDERFUL MEMORIES OF THE GREAT FRANCO CORELLI! REGARDLESS, WE ARE REALLY LOOKING FORWARD TO THIS FRANCO ZEFERELLI EXTRAVAGANT PRODUCTION BEFORE THEY REPLACE IT.
BEST,
MATT MINZER
TEMPERATURES IN NEW YORK CLOSER TO 70 DG. WEDNESDAY AND THURSDAY.
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GARY TO SUZANNE
10-19-2015
02:41 PM ET (US) IP: 71.72.144.56
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SUZANNE,THANK YOU FOR THE INFO.HAVE A GREAT DAY AND WEEK!BEST
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Dan Lawlor
10-19-2015
02:11 PM ET (US) IP: 45.47.170.225
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Matt: Turandot plays her game--Of "What is His Name?"--
And threatens Calaf with demise---He tries his three guesses--
And is answered with 'Yesses!'...And She ends up by being His Prize!...Finally; A Happy Ending...ha ha
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Suzanne
10-19-2015
01:59 PM ET (US) IP: 74.79.58.35
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Gary, my son ordered it on Amazon. Hope you get a copy.
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Diane Cox
10-19-2015
11:46 AM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.239
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Checked the Met schedule and on OCt 22 the tenor would be Marcelo Alvarez.
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Fred Day
10-19-2015
11:13 AM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Matt: Who will be the tenor in the Turandot you will attend?? Alexanders Antonenko?? Curious. Ciao.
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MATT MINZER
10-19-2015
08:34 AM ET (US) IP: 108.54.217.240
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HI ED:
TODAY IS MONDAY-FRIDAY WE ARE FLYING TO BARCELONA. WHAT DAY ARE YOU MEETING ME AT THE LIRR GREAT NECK STATION TO DRIVE TO TEDY ROOSEVELTS HOME AT SAGAMORE HILL. THE WEATHER IS GOING TO 70 DG ON WEDNESDAY. ON THURSDAY, WE ARE ALL GOING TO THE MET TO SE "TURANDOT" AND ARE LEAVING GREAT NECK AT 3:30 P.M. TO HAVE TIME TO HAVE DINNER.
BEST,
MATT MINZER
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Linz
10-19-2015
01:52 AM ET (US) IP: 115.188.112.223
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To Martino and Dennis: I see you are challenging the postmodern sacred cows of moral relativism and moral equivalency. A very courageous and dangerous stance to take on this Forum, especially when those anti-values are ensconced in the White House, whose occupant is idolised by many here. Ask yourself: if indeed there are an objectively definable good and evil, which of them stands to benefit from promulgating the notion that there is really no distinction between them? When such anti-values prevail, of course, we are encouraged to cut slack for, and be empathetic towards, liars, traitors, murderers and dictators, who really are victims of social injustice doing their best with the hand that fate has dealt them, pretty much as the director of this Rigoletto, clearly a pomowanker, has said. Musically, rap-trash will be touted as being every bit as valid as the great Romantics, exactly as we're seeing. A culture that claims hero-worship is uncool will in fact hero-worship ayatollahs and tyrants, exactly as we're seeing. It's all utterly topsy-turvy. More folk need to confront it head-on. Edited 10-19-2015 01:55 AM
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Gail Swartz
10-18-2015
03:31 PM ET (US) IP: 204.29.186.62
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The Mobile Opera presents I Pagaliacci this weekend. Can not attend, know the bass personally. The Merry Widow is slated for the spring. Maybe I Will get to that one. The company moved to smaller venue playing to only 500 per performance and with plans cemented for Fri. thru Sun. my attendance is not going to be granted. Watching TGC...love to see that million dollar smile and hear the golden voice. If only the younger generations would listen.
On October 17, 2015, at 10:55 PM, QuickTopic daily digest <qtopic-30-ECKcxtRbxUTNy@quicktopic.com> wrote:
< replied-to message removed by QT >
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MATT MINZER
10-18-2015
09:05 AM ET (US) IP: 108.54.217.240
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OPERA LOVERS OF THE WORLD:
IT WAS THRILLING TO SEE ANNA NETREBKO LAST EVENING IN "IL TROVATORE" AT THE METROPOLITAN OPERA. SHE RECEIVED A STANDING OVATION FROM THE SOLD OUT HOUSE OF 3900 PATRONS. I WAS ABLE TO GET SIX OF US BACKSTAGE TO SPEND TIME WITH ANNA AND HER TENOR FIANCE WHO IS ABOUT TO MAKE HIS MET DEBUT AS CALAF. IN "TURANDOT.". I EVEN GAVE HER A KISS ON THE CHEEK AND MY WIFE TOLD HER THAT I WAS HER GREATEST FAN. MARILYN TOOK A NUMBER OF DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHS TO MARK THE WONDERFUL OCCASION.
TWO MEMBERS OF THE CAST WERE NEW TO THE ROLE WHO WEREN'T IN THE HI-DEF PERFORMANCE OF TWO WEEKS AGO. COUNT DE LUNA WAS SUNG BY UKRANIAN BARITONE VITALIY BILYY AND MANRICO WAS SUNG BY ITALIAN TENOR ANTONELLO PALOMBI. THEY WERE EXCELLENT BUT WEREN'T ON THE CALIBER OF FRANCO CORELLI AND ROBERT MERRILL WHO I SAW AT THE OLD MET IN THESE ROLES IN FEBRUARY 1961. (A GREAT MEMORY!)
WE LOOK FORWARD TO THURSDAY'S FABULOUS "TURANDOT."
IT WAS A PLEASURE TO BE BACK AT THE METROPOLITAN OPERA.
BEST,
MATT MINZER IN 38DG NEW YORK
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Wendy Stilwell - UK
10-18-2015
03:28 AM ET (US) IP: 92.20.144.183
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Derek's book is available from Amazon.co.uk, but I have checked and it is also available from Amazon.com for $20.78.
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Martino to Dennis
10-18-2015
02:17 AM ET (US) IP: 67.216.109.108
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Then it looks like the director did not attempt to make a point of the production that good people can do bad things and why. If that is the case then I wonder what in the world he was talking about in the comment he made? Maybe he is one of those strange people that lays society to blame for any person's short comings. If they are a "bad" person, it is not their fault and the blame is to be found elsewhere; taking personal responsibility is not required. That of course is nonsense and "Rigoletto" is proof of it. I guess he must think "Sparafucile" can be forgiven because the economy was bad in Mantua at the time and he could find no other line of work. Usually if a director makes a comment like that he is trying to tell the audience something to watch for but that does not seem to be the case here.
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Dennis
10-18-2015
01:31 AM ET (US) IP: 73.170.201.215
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Fred, the tenor in Rigoletto was James Callon, a west coast fellow, a bit plump (there are not too many who have Pavarotti's voice and thus can pull off a romantic lead despite the girth) and sings a lot, not only opera but also oratorio and symphony. I heard him last year in Trovatore and he was applauded for reaching the right notes in di quella pira but lacked the oomph of a more polished tenor. In this performance, the Duke has to sparkle, from the opening questa o quella to the closing reprise of la donna e mobile…and he didn't. Notes were hit, but volume a bit uneven. Perhaps he was tired (although this was opening night) or under the weather. Still far better than the tenors of a dozen years ago. I love my local opera since the characters are so believable: sopranos dying of consumption who weigh about 100 pounds; male heartthrobs in their 20s; etc. It is only the young men trying to portray grandfathers or aging counselors who have trouble pulling it off.
Martino, as to characters in Rigoletto, young Gilda is foolish and naive, but not "bad". Verdi tries to give the Duke some lines about how he has finally found his "true" love and maybe now he will be faithful…but the context betrays that lie as does his further actions. I see no reprieve for Sparafucile, despite his moral alarm that he would be asked to murder his patron instead of his victim. "Am I a thief?!" he says. No, just a run of the mill psychopath. Maddalena can be forgiven as a weak woman, not necessarily a bad one, although she is the one who tries to convince her brother to murder an innocent instead of the Duke—which he does. That's bad to me. Rigoletto one can have sympathy for, despite his contract murder. He is formidably protective of his beloved daughter. The courtiers, sadly, are part of a gang mentality that we often observe today, but I have as little sympathy for them being "poor sheep led astray" as I do gangbangers.
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Bill Ronayne
10-17-2015
10:00 PM ET (US) IP: 68.199.21.57
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Matt: I was actually at the Met last night for Tosca. I thought Aronica was very good as Cavaradosi and Roberto Frontali was excellent as Scarpia. It was nice to hear a baritone in that part again. Osksana Dyka was a good Tosca but not memorable. I won't be there on Thursday. Enjoy the performances and seeing Anna Netrebko backstage. Best, Bill
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Fred Day
10-17-2015
08:25 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Gary: I believe Derek's new Lanza picture book is available on British amazon (www.amazon.co.uk). It may turn up later on American amazon. Ciao.
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Fred Day
10-17-2015
08:20 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Dennis: So who was the tenor, the Duke, in the Rigoletto you saw last night?? How was he?? Ciao.
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Fred Day
10-17-2015
08:14 PM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Matt: The Canary Islands - that is where the late tenor Alfredo Kraus was born, and I presume where he is buried. Perhaps you might find and visit his grave. Enjoy your European cruise. Ciao.
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Diane Cox
10-17-2015
06:50 PM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.239
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Attended the HD performance of Otello today, and found it most enjoyable. Debuting at the Met was soprano Sonya Yoncheva, and did a fine job, passionate yet controlled. Baritone Zeljko Luic Bari stole the show as Iago - great acting and voice. As usual the tenor, Antonenko, didn't quite give me goosebumps, and was good, but his final scene did not compare to Lanza's. Much more overt, not subtle at all - he was a bad man all the way through, and slightly mad. All in all a good performance. Edited 10-17-2015 07:06 PM
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Dan Lawlor
10-17-2015
05:15 PM ET (US) IP: 45.47.170.225
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Martino: I wrote this doggerel many years ago, perhaps it serves repeating: Rigoletto: All 'La Donne' are fickle, Sings the Duke, in a pickle- While Gilda sets Court tongues to wag; 'Cause of Dad: Rigoletto; Gets stabbed with Stiletto; and finally goes home in a Bag--- just a little humor to ease the subject topic, eh? ha ha Edited 10-17-2015 05:18 PM
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Martino to Dennis
10-17-2015
03:40 PM ET (US) IP: 67.216.109.108
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I agree with Matt that your assessment of "Rigoletto" is on target, at least at first blush. But you bring up an interesting question concerning the message the director wanted you to get while watching the production you saw. I have seen many performances of this opera, both traditional and not so traditional. In fact, a few I would describe as radical. There is nothing wrong with this as long as the composer's music is respected and the singers supported. I do not like what some stage directors are doing today in opera not because I do not want to see new ideas or that I worship tradition, it is because too often the music is not served due to the director's vision becoming a distraction and a complete entity in of itself. Nothing should trump the music - nothing. On several occasions we have talked about the "Eurotrash" direction many modern directors are taking in opera these days. I have yet to find anyone here who says they enjoy these kinds of productions. The stage director for your "Rigoletto" was not necessarily wrong IF his intent was to portray "good people" doing bad things. We know there are bad people, at least on the surface, in this opera but how he approaches the question of good/bad is what is important. The sentiments he expressed are very similar to what you will hear in Tonio's Prologue from "I Pagliacci". The difference is that, as you point out, there are not many "good" people in "Rigoletto" so it presents a real challenge for the director to make the distinction, IF he was trying to make a point. For example, the noted American writer Amy Bloom, often deals in her writings with the inherent what is good/evil question. She boils it down to this, "Bad people doing bad things is not interesting. What I find interesting is good people doing bad things". "Rigoletto" can be a vehicle where this very question is explored because of the way the characters are shaped and become transformed and,of course, their situation at any given time. Amy Bloom is a bi-sexual woman. Is such conduct a good or an evil thing? Does that make her a good or bad person? Who defines "good and evil". It is these kinds of questions Bloom contemplates in a psychoanalytical way. And similarly, that a great stage director can hit upon in an opera such as "Rigoletto" to bring it into relevancy to new audiences who may have questions concerning these very subjects, or at least can identify with them. The bottom line is - what message did you get out of this production? Edited 10-17-2015 03:42 PM
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MATT MINZER
10-17-2015
02:36 PM ET (US) IP: 108.54.217.240
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HI DENNIS:
YOUR CRITQUE OF "RIGOLETTO" WAS 100 % RIGH ON TARGET. THE BACKGROUND TIME PERIOD OF THE OPERA WAS PROBABLY ONE WHERE IDENTICAL CHARACTERS SURVIVED, DID THEIR DIRTY WORK AND EVENTUALLY DIED. IT IS EASY TO PICTURE A ADULTEROUS AND POWERFUL DUKE TRYING TO BED WOMAN AFTER WOMAN IN HIS COURT, AN INNOCENT DAMSEL PROTECTED BY A CONTROVERSAL FATHER AND AN ASSASIN WHO SOLICTED JOBS BY SWORD OR KNIFE. I LOVE WATCHING THE OPERA AND LISTENING TO THE MANY ARIAS, DUETS AND EMSEMBLES. VERDI WAS A TRUE GENIUS.
AS I AM WRITING TO YOU, VERDI'S "OTHELLO" IS BEING BROADCAST LIVE FROM THE WONDERFUL METROPOLITAN OPERA IN HI-DEF TO SOME 2,000 MOVIE SCREEN AROUND THE WORLD. WE WILL BE LEAVING FOR MANHATTAN SOON TO SEE VERDI'S "IL TROVATORE" AT THE MET. I SAW IT TWICE RECENTLY WITH ALMOST THE SAME CAST IN HI-DEF IN PALM BEACH FLORIDA VIA SATELLITE. IT WAS FABULOUS.
BEST,
MATT MINZER IN CHILLY NEW YORK.
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GARY TO SUZANNE
10-17-2015
02:34 PM ET (US) IP: 71.72.144.56
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SUZANNE,COULD YOU PLEASE TELL ME WHERE ONE CAN PURCHASE "LIFE IN PICTURES" THAT YOU BOUGHT RECENTLY?THANK YOU FOR ANY INFO BEST
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Dennis
10-17-2015
02:02 PM ET (US) IP: 73.170.201.215
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Saw Rigoletto at the local opera house last night. It is typical for small opera companies, which sometimes only pay the cast in "experience" rather than dollars, that there are good, sometimes great sopranos; usually good mezzos; capable baritones; but often weaker tenors and bassos because of the prevalence of younger singers. The tenor problem for my local company has been solved in recent years by an increasing overflow from the San Francisco Opera company, but the bass problem is usually still there. The most recent developments have been men who can hit all the bass notes with a pleasant tone, good acting, but little projection.
What I had forgotten is how powerfully an exceptional baritone can affect the opera. Last night's Rigoletto, Krassen Karagiozav, had a superb voice and good acting chops as well. A delightful evening. Now if only we could attract a young Lanza on the way up as New Orleans Opera did so many years ago!
The only thing that diminished my pleasure was a written statement in the program notes by the stage director that "there are no bad people in Rigoletto, just humans doing the best they can…within the conditions that brought them to their current situations." Really? No bad people in Rigoletto? A professional assassin who makes his living by killing people; one of the worst womanizing Dukes in opera (and that's saying a lot) who delights in seducing married women or virgins; courtiers who think it is funny to kidnap a young woman fresh from a convent (and to enroll her blindfolded father in the crime); a lusty female innkeeper who thinks a roll in the hay is proper for any guest with a flattering tongue; a bitter father who pays to have his daughter's seducer murdered. No, no bad people here!
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Diane Cox
10-17-2015
11:36 AM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.239
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Will be seeing Otello in HD today.
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MATT MINZER
10-17-2015
07:49 AM ET (US) IP: 108.54.217.240
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HI FRED:
WE FLEW TO JFK LAST EVENING. TROVATORE TONIGHT WITH BACKSTAGE PASSES TO VISIT WITH ANNA NETREBKO AND THE ENTIRE CAST. THURSDAY ZEFERELLI'S TURANDOT.
WE ARE FLYING TO BARCELONA ON FRIDAY ARRIVING SATURDAY A.M. AND STAYING ON THE "RAMBLAS" AREA OF THE PICASSO MUSEUM ND THE FAMOUS LICEU OPERA HOUSE. I WILL CHECK THE SCHEDULE FOR THE OPERA PERFORMANCES WHEN WE ARRIVE. WE ARE SPENDING THREE NIGHTS IN BARCELONA AND GOING ON A CRUISE AROUND SPAIN, PORTUGAL, CANARY ISLANDS AND TAKING US HOME TO WARM FORT LAUDERDALE.
TEMPERATURES TONIGHT IN NEW YORK AREAS ARE FALLING TO MID-THIRTIES.
BILL-WILL WE SEE YOU TONIGHT OR THURSDAY AT THE MET?
BEST,
MATT MINZER IN CHILLY NEW YORK.
FRED-REMEMBER THAT I WILL BE VISITING YOU IN ORLANDO DURING THE WEEK OF APRIL 15TH. I HAVE MANY OPERATIC TREASURES FOR YOU.
ED-WHEN ARE YOU COMING TO GREAT NECK ON THE LONG ISLAND RAILROAD TO VISIT TEDDY ROOSEVELT'S SAGAMORE HILL HOME AND MUSEUM?
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Fred Day
10-17-2015
12:21 AM ET (US) IP: 162.193.151.180
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Ed: You mean the high B natural, near the end, which Cilea did not write. Gigli claims to be the first tenor to add that high B, with Cilea's permission, in his 1936 record, and later recordings. Also sung by Jussi, Lanza, Bonisolli, Tucker, Peerce only in his first record of the aria, Kraus, Pavarotti, Domingo, and a few more tenors. Most tenors do not take the high B ending. Ciao.
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Ed
10-16-2015
03:15 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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Has anyone noticed when Mario sings E La Solita Storia that at the end just prior to mi fai tanto he soars after "the lyric lascia" and holds it which not many tenors do.
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Fred Day
10-15-2015
08:58 PM ET (US) IP: 98.85.33.201
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Matt: While you are in Europe, will you see any operas?? If so, let us know which ones, and where. And of course, who the tenors are. Thanks. Ciao.
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Dan Lawlor
10-15-2015
08:41 PM ET (US) IP: 45.47.170.225
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Matt: Tanhauser is scheduled for Saturday: Oct 31st at our local theater, at noon hour...I plan on attending (4 hours long) I hope I can last, ha ha ha
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Suzanne
10-15-2015
11:14 AM ET (US) IP: 74.79.58.35
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Derek, what a wonderful event. My love to Ellisa,as she faithfully carries forth her father's legacy.
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Dan Lawlor
10-14-2015
08:39 PM ET (US) IP: 45.47.170.225
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Matt: I should be coming down, God willing, to Florida in the first week of January...by the way, the recording I purchased of Tannhauser is with Bernard Haitink conducting, tenor: Klaus Konig Edited 10-14-2015 08:44 PM
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Kristine
10-14-2015
06:37 PM ET (US) IP: 24.160.66.217
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I hope Jeanette feels better and I thank her for her work at Mario Lanza Museum.
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Jim Thompson
10-14-2015
06:32 PM ET (US) IP: 67.83.119.164
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Thank you for the update on what seems to have been a lovely and heartfelt affair, Derek. Gosh, I remember meeting Bill Earl so many years ago in Philadelphia. I have those pictures and at his wonderful age of 100, I realize that, at 82, he was around my age back than! Ellisa looks as lovely as always and I can just imagine how happy an occasion it was as hosted by Pam Latham. Mario might have liked that saying "La vita e breve..." but he was wrong! His life of art with that God given voice will never be short for it keeps on giving joy as it continues filling all our hearts.
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Derek Mannering
10-14-2015
06:17 PM ET (US) IP: 50.178.46.171
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Ellisa and Derek at the book signing
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Derek Mannering
10-14-2015
06:16 PM ET (US) IP: 50.178.46.171
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Bill Earl and Derek
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Derek Mannering
10-14-2015
06:14 PM ET (US) IP: 50.178.46.171
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I'm pleased to hear you like the new edition of the photo book, Suzanne. The launch at Stratford-upon-Avon could not have gone better and I'd like to express my sincere thanks once again to Pam Latham, her magnificent Committee and all the members and friends of the BMLS who took time out to attend the gathering. I'll upload a couple of photos after this and as you will see, Ellisa looked radiant. It was almost surreal to be sitting next to her once more and signing copies of yet another new edition. I had thought those days were long behind us, but there we were again and at such a happy event.
I think I speak for everyone present when I say that the highpoint of the weekend was a ten-minute speech that 100-year-old (young?) Bill Earl gave to the gathering. He was simply remarkable. No notes for reference, no pausing to collect his thoughts, just Bill, totally relaxed and talking as only he can. I doubt that anyone made it through his beautiful reminiscences without shedding a discreet tear. Not that his words were maudlin or sentimental – far from it. What he talked about was his rich and eventful life, the people he loved and lost along the way, and how in a very special way his association with the British Mario Lanza Society helped him find a new start by introducing him to the woman who became his new wife, his beloved Judith. And yes, he even told an old "Irish" joke for my benefit. I had the unenviable task of following him on the floor and for that, Pam, you owe me big time!
Again, my thanks to all those dear friends in the U.K. who helped make the Lanza weekend at Stratford-upon-Avon so unforgettable.
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MATT MINZER
10-14-2015
06:11 PM ET (US) IP: 64.12.116.203
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HI DAN:
I ALSO HAD TO RETURN TANNHAUSER TICKETS FOR THE HI-DEF AS WE WILL BE AWAY. I WILL ATTEND THE JANUARY-MAY HI-DEF MET PERFORMANCES AT OUR LOCAL CINEMART.
BEST,
MATT
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MATT MINZER
10-14-2015
05:36 PM ET (US) IP: 64.12.116.203
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HI DAN:
WE DID PURCHASE TICKETS TO SEE THE MET HI-DEF OTHELLO BUT HAD TO RETURN THEM WHEN I REALIZED THAT WE ARE FLYING TO NEW YORK THIS FRIDAY AND HAVE FRONT ORCHESTRA TICKETS TO SEE IL TROVATORE AND HAVE A PASS TO GO BACKSTAGE AFTER THE PERFORMANCE TO SEE ANNA NETREBKO AND THE ENTIRE CAST. I HOPE TO TAKE A NUMBER OF PHOTOGRAPHS BACKSTAGE.
FROM NEW YORK WE ARE FLYING TO BARCELONA FOR THREE NIGHTS AND CATCHING A SHIP AROUND EUROPE AND FINALLY BACK TO FORT LAUDERDALE IN NOVEMBER.
WHEN ARE YOU RETURNING TO SOUTH FLORIDA?
BEST,
MATT MINZER
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Diane Cox
10-14-2015
04:39 PM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.239
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Dan: Planning on seeing Otello this Sat. but may skip Tannhauser.
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GARY TO BROTHER ED
10-14-2015
04:20 PM ET (US) IP: 71.72.144.56
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ED,IN THE MOVIE SERENADE,MARIO LANZA WAS ACTUALLY SINGING RIGHT LONG WITH SONGS AND ARIAS IN THE MOVIE.THIS WAS POINTED OUT TO ME BY SAM.
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Dan Lawlor
10-14-2015
01:27 PM ET (US) IP: 45.47.170.225
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Matt: Just purchased a recording of Tannhauser. It is glorious. I notice that they are showing a Met performance in November at the local theater...I plan on being there...you?
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Suzanne
10-14-2015
10:25 AM ET (US) IP: 74.79.58.35
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Gail. Are you referring to Jeanette? If I were there, I'd offer to volunteer, a labor of love. Sorry to hear of any health problems. Since Mary's death, she's been there for us.
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Gail Swartz
10-14-2015
12:17 AM ET (US) IP: 204.29.186.9
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I watched Kiss even though I have two dvds..the color was a bit redone..Mario was so good in the singing and the acting. I ordered Bill's book.....wondered about its delay of arrival. The Mario museum lady called to tell me about the delay....she is the only one working in the museum...okay, fans, she needs help at the site of Mario's memories for his legacy to stay vibrant for the nextgenerations. She also said that she is experiencing some health problems. Make her day and express your gratitude for all she does for Mario's fans.
On October 13, 2015, at 10:54 PM, QuickTopic daily digest <qtopic-30-ECKcxtRbxUTNy@quicktopic.com> wrote:
< replied-to message removed by QT >
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Suzanne
10-13-2015
02:42 PM ET (US) IP: 74.79.58.35
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Sorry. "Kiss Me Kate" is on TCM right now. The timing was off. When I tried at 10, a film with Norma Shearer and Robert Montgomery was showing and our TV section has no "Kiss" movies listed. Well, glad I own it, though I would have watched it again.Thanks Jim.
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Jim Thompson
10-13-2015
11:32 AM ET (US) IP: 67.83.119.164
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"That Midnight Kiss" will start at noon eastern time on TCM.
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Joseph Fagan
10-13-2015
11:31 AM ET (US) IP: 209.85.214.181
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Good point about Meyer vs Schary ,Martino, I hadn't even considered that aspect!
On Mon, Oct 12, 2015 at 8:07 PM, QT - Martino to Joe <
qtopic-30-ECKcxtRbxUTNy@quicktopic.com> wrote:
>
< replied-to message removed by QT >
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Suzanne
10-13-2015
10:21 AM ET (US) IP: 74.79.58.35
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There are no "kissing" films on TCM today.
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Suzanne
10-13-2015
10:02 AM ET (US) IP: 74.79.58.35
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Received "Life In Pictures" on Thursday, couldn't bring myself to open the package until yesterday. Had to be in a certain"frame of mind". It's wonderful, saw so many photos not seen before. The text was informative, of course there was a lot of sadness to go along with the joy of reading it. The photos of Mario and Betty at the Villa Badoglio were special. He looked so good, maybe not well, but slimmed down and as handsome as ever.When were these taken? Maybe at the beginning of their stay there. The book was well worth waiting for.Reading all the comments, I think of how we all seem to know what he should have done, and why it didn't turn out the way it might have. But it just "was".
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Martino to Joe
10-12-2015
08:07 PM ET (US) IP: 67.216.109.108
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Your theory is certainly reasonable. Success can sometimes go to one's head and that may have been part of the problem with Lanza and TSP fiasco. But let's face it, Mario had such a huge hit with TGC that there was no where to go but down anyway. His next film, BYM, was a fairly good movie overall and although it was not a step back, it was by no means a building block to his career coming off of "Caruso" either. After TGC it is my opinion Mario should have built on the opera fame the film produced and moved towards making full length opera movies or actually getting back on stage at the world's great opera houses. His star would continue to shine in the opera firmament he created with the movie and at the same time retain the matinee idol mystic of his Hollywood career. It could have been a win/win situation for all involved but it was not to be.
The slide downward came full blown with TSP due to many factors, one of which may have been of Lanza's own doing in not coming to a compromise with the director and, eventually, the studio itself. He was the main victim and the one who lost the most from all this.
I do not believe TSP would have turned into the fiasco it did if it had come earlier in his career and not so much because he would have been less "obstinate", as you put it, but primarily because Louis B. Meyer would still have been in charge and would have given in (probably) to Lanza's director/musical demands. Louis loved Mario but his replacement, Dore Schary, on the other hand only made the situation worse because he did not like musicals to begin with and did not care for Mario in particular. Mario could work with Meyer, he could not with Schary or the director chosen by him for the film, Curtis Bernhardt. It was a recipe for disaster that in hindsight, everyone should have seen coming - Lanza most of all.
So you don't have to convince me Joe, I agree with you!
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Joe
10-12-2015
06:10 PM ET (US) IP: 71.224.55.142
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I have brought up this personal theory once before on Dr McGovern’s forum but I was unsuccessful in convincing anyone, so I thought I’d give it a shot here:
It is my contention that the SEQUENCE of Lanza films had a great influence on his contract problems and his personal, downward slope. Specifically, what if he had made the Student Prince Movie before he had made the Great Caruso?
For example, what if the SP had been his first movie? As a “newbie” trying to launch a singing career, I doubt he would have been so obstinate with the studio heads. However, After the world success of the GC, all bets were off.
Food for debate?
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Martino
10-12-2015
03:57 PM ET (US) IP: 67.216.109.108
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Today marks what would have been the great Italian tenor, Luciano Pavarotti's, 80th birthday. Here is the aria that is most associated with him and which always thrilled his adoring audience: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rTFUM4Uh_6YEdited 10-12-2015 04:02 PM
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Martino to Fred
10-12-2015
02:39 PM ET (US) IP: 67.216.109.108
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Fred, I do not believe the review posted in the link by Diane is the final edition review by Opera News, which appears in the November issue. The latest on-line issue is October and the official review is not shown. The linked review is by Eric Meyers and it is either a non edited review or a totally separate one from that which appears in the November issue. In fact, the review appearing in the November issue is not only different in content, it has a different reviewer altogether - Matthew Sigman, not Eric Meyers. Both the on line review and the printed review of Mannering's new edition of "Singing to the Gods" are somewhat critical. I would expect as much since both reviewers were more interested in reporting the reasons for Lanza's failure at opera and life in general than they were in exploring his talents and the vocal gifts he had and shared with the world. They in effect criticized Derek for doing just that. Sigman states, "For the lay reader, the myth of the would-be opera legend is trumped by the real story of a failed movie star who destroyed his family as well as himself". That gives you an idea of the bias from where these reviewers were coming from. It should also give you an idea of where a movie director would be coming from as well should (God forbid) a bio-pic of Lanza ever be made. Edited 10-12-2015 02:43 PM
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Diane Cox
10-12-2015
02:02 PM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.239
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Fred:http://www.operanews.com/operanews/issue/article.aspx?id=1457
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Fred Day
10-12-2015
01:22 PM ET (US) IP: 98.85.33.201
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Where, online, can I read the Opera News review of Derek Mannering's new Lanza picture book?? I can't find it on line. Can anyone supply the link?? Thanks. Ciao.
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Ed
10-12-2015
09:22 AM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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I've been reading an autobiography written by Lucille Ball and it is a very fine book. The book written by her is one of the more deeply explained pasts of big stars. Lucy left RKO in the mid 40s to go to MGM because RKO was at its end and Mayer wanted her. I haven't gotten passed her going to MGM and I wonder did she meet Mario as a young star.
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MATT MINZER
10-12-2015
07:46 AM ET (US) IP: 76.108.68.231
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KRISTINE:
ABOUT FIFTEEN YEARS AGO, I ATTENDED THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF MY FOREST HILLS HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATING CLASS (THE EVENT ACTUALLY HONORED THE CLASSES OF 1956-1958.) MARTY ENGELS (A '56 GRADUATE ATTENDED WITH HIS WIFE, BEAUTIFUL SHIRLEY JONES) I CHATTED WITH SHIRLEY ABOUT MY LOVE OF THE FILMS, OF "CAROUSEL" AND "OKLAHOMA" AND SHE GAVE ME A KISS ON THE CHEEK. HER HUSBAND WAS A COMIC AND HOLLYWOOD WRITER. I ASSUME THAT THEY ARE STILL MARRIED.
I READ HER BIOGRAPHY RECENTLY AND I WASN'T IMPRESSES WITH THE TALK OF EXTRA MARITAL SEX.
I JUST RECEIVED THE BIO OF RITA MORENO AND BEGAN TO READ IT. SHE DISCUSSES HER ROLE IN "TOAST OF NEW ORLEANS" WITH MARIO LANZA AND REMEMBERS HIM AS A SHORT FAT MAN WHO ATE AND DRANK WITH A GLORIOUS TENOR VOICE.
BEST,
MATT MINZER IN TROPICAL FLORIDA LEAVING IN A FEW DAYS TO SEE ANNA NETREBKO SATURDAY EVENING AT THE WONDERFUL METROPOLTAN OPERA.
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Martino to Dan
10-12-2015
06:23 AM ET (US) IP: 67.216.109.108
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Opera News can be found much cheaper at outside sources as you do not have to belong to the MET Guild to subscribe. It can also be found in most libraries. Actually, the magazine is free if you belong to the Guild. Your yearly payment is not for the magazine but is a donation to the MET.
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Martino
10-12-2015
06:18 AM ET (US) IP: 67.216.109.108
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It appears that tomorrow, Oct. 13, is "kissing" day at TCM. Several movies will be shown where "kiss" or "kissing" is in the title, including Mario Lanza's film debut "That Midnight Kiss" at 10:00 am EST. Among other notable films to be shown are "Kiss Me Kate" staring Kathyrn Grayson and Howard Keel, "Kissin' Cousins" (one of Elvis' best, IMO) and "The Kissing' Bandit" with Frank Sinatra and once again, Kathyrn Grayson.
Although I have never been a huge fan of Grayson's voice, she was a pretty good partner for Mario early in his career. She was the answer MGM had to counter the popularity at rival Universal Studios of another film soprano, Deanna Durbin. Grayson was also the answer for MGM to the aging but truly irreplaceable Jeanette MacDonald. Lanza and Grayson never achieved the success of MacDonald/Eddy that MGM had hoped for and they ended up making only two films together. Grayson had the more stable career and made a number of good movies, especially with Howard Keel, who once described her as the most beautiful woman in Hollywood. As was the case with Mario Lanza, Grayson changed her real name of Zelma Kathryn Elisabeth Hedrick (do you blame here?!) and was again like Lanza, discovered by MGM while pursuing an operatic career.
Kathryn is pretty good in all the movies that will be shown tomorrow on TCM, even the Spanish themed farce, "The Kissing Bandit". Then again, maybe it was intended to be a farce?? This is a rare but somewhat interesting film with a number of great stars featured. However, Grayson is the only thing that saves this movie, along with (IMO) the greatest tap dancer of all time, the fabulous Ann Miller, who also appears in other movies tomorrow as well. Poor Sinatra looks out of sort and certainly out of his element in the role of "Ricardo" but sings just fine nonetheless. According to reports, Sinatra did not want the role but was forced into it and never watched the film, saying that he was embarrassed by it all. Gryason also went on record stating she considered it her least favorite movie. Despite all this the Technicolor is fabulous and the "Dance of Fury" and the trio dance with Miller, Cyd Charisse and Ricardo Montalban are highlights. I suppose "The Kissing Bandit" should be seen once, but probably once will be enough.
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Dan Lawlor
10-12-2015
05:13 AM ET (US) IP: 45.47.170.225
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Matt: I found that Opera News was not worth the cost...A very slick, shiny product without much content...that is my opinion anyway...
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Kristine
10-11-2015
06:15 PM ET (US) IP: 24.160.66.217
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On Amazon.com, there is a CD called Legends. It has Bing Crosby, Perry Como, Chuck Berry, Ella Fitzgerald, Patsy Cline, Elvis Presley, and includes Mario Lanza singing "Granada". "Oklahoma" will be re-released to movie theatres,in conjunction with its 60th Anniversary of its first release. It starred Gordon MacRae and Shirley Jones(her film debut). I saw a photo of Gordon MacRae with Mario Lanza(in his "Otello" costume, filming "Serenade")and when Shirley Jones hosted "Serenade",on AMC, a few years ago, she said there will always be one Mario Lanza. Maybe someday, "The Great Caruso" will be re-released to movie theatres. Happy Belated Birthday, Ed !
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Joe
10-11-2015
06:03 PM ET (US) IP: 71.224.55.142
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Anyone here planning on attending the Mario Lanza Ball, or the pre-Ball dinner?
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Deleted by author 10-11-2015 11:05 AM
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MATT MINZER
10-10-2015
06:09 AM ET (US) IP: 76.108.68.231
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THE PRODUCTION WAS BLOOD ON HIS LEFT CHEEK AFTER HE WAS CUT WITH A KNIFE NOT HIS LEFT WRIST.
BEST,
MATT MINZER
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diane cox
10-09-2015
09:29 PM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.239
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That was real blood? I thought it was part of the production.
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MATT MINZER
10-09-2015
07:01 PM ET (US) IP: 64.12.116.203
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THE CURRENT METROPOLITAN OPERA "OPERA NEWS" MAGAZINE HAS A VERY INVOLVED BOOK REVIEW OF A BOOK THAT WAS RE-WRITTEN ON MARIO LANZA BY DEREK M. IT IS AVAILABLE ON LINE.
BEST, MATT MINZER
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MATT MINZER
10-09-2015
06:59 PM ET (US) IP: 64.12.116.203
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DAN:
IT WAS VERY EMOTIONAL ESPECIALLY WHEN THE OPERA ENDED. THE ORCHESTRA MEMBERS SHOWERED THE GREAT RUSSIAN BARITONE WITH DOZENS OF LONG STEMMED WHITE ROSES.
THE WONDERFUL BARITONE GOT CUT IN THE SWORD FIGHT IN THE THIRD ACT AND BLOOD WAS POURING DOWN HIS WRIST AND HAND. HE STARTED SHAKING HIS HAND IN DISBELIEF BUT CONTINUED ON SINGING BEAUTIFULLY.
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Diane Cox
10-09-2015
11:43 AM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.239
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Dan: It was moving. He got lots of applause when he first appeared on stage. Evidently he has had some treatment and spoke of recovery. Last year he took considerable time off. The curtain call went on and on. He sang very well.
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Dan Lawlor
10-09-2015
11:04 AM ET (US) IP: 45.47.170.225
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Matt: Just talked with a mezzo who I used to sing with and she said the ovation given to the baritone for Il Trovatore was very emotional...I have to get a copy of that after they record it on dvd.eh? Edited 10-09-2015 11:07 AM
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Ed
10-09-2015
10:56 AM ET (US) IP: 70.199.82.219
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I watched Kevin he and Tim Considine were Spin and Marty, the show made me wish I lived on a ranch, wishful dreaming
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Suzanne
10-09-2015
10:19 AM ET (US) IP: 74.79.58.35
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Sad to hear of the passing of the adorable child star, Kevin Corcoran. Some of those kids really touched our hearts.
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Kristine
10-08-2015
08:54 PM ET (US) IP: 24.160.66.217
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Kevin Corcoran passed away at 66. RIP. He was on "The Mickey Mouse Club"(as Moochie), was in "The Shaggy Dog","Old Yeller". He later became a director and driected some episodes of "Murder, She Wrote"(Angela Lansbury). His sister, Noreen was on "Bachelor Father", and sister, Donna was in movies, at M-G-M. Their father was a security guard, at the studio. This afternoon , I watched the movie "Sea Wife" starring Joan Collins and Richard Burton, on Fox Movie Channel. Tenor David Whitfield sang the theme song of the movie. It was about a nun(Collins)who has to abandon ship, when it is torpedoed, doesn't have time to get her nun's habit. She, Burton, and some other passengers are adrift in a lifeboat, until they arrive at an island. She doesn't tell Burton, that she's a nun and he falls in love with her, while she resists him. I wonder if she felt attracted to him, too ? It's something like "Heaven Knows, Mr. Alison"(Deborah Kerr, Robert Mitchum), only Deborah Kerr is wearing a nun's habit. I wish TCM would re-release "The Great Caruso " to movie theatres.
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Jim Thompson
10-08-2015
04:56 PM ET (US) IP: 67.83.119.164
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Thanks Gail and Gary...glad you enjoyed them. Hope you'll enjoy the music too.
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GARY TO JIM THOMPSON
10-08-2015
04:08 PM ET (US) IP: 71.72.144.56
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JIM,THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR THE ARTICLES ON MARIO LANZA.THE FIRST TIME I TRIED THE LINK BELOW,IT TOOK ME TO TIME WARNER CABLE.I DON'T KNOW WHAT HAPPENED THE FIRST TIME,BUT THE SECOND TIME I WAS TAKEN TO THE LINK BELOW THAT YOU PROVIDED.BEST
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Gail Swartz
10-08-2015
12:38 AM ET (US) IP: 204.29.186.51
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Thank you Jim Thompson....enjoyed the articles on Mario...I could tell you loved him very much.
On October 7, 2015, at 10:53 PM, QuickTopic daily digest <qtopic-30-ECKcxtRbxUTNy@quicktopic.com> wrote:
< replied-to message removed by QT >
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Jim Thompson
10-07-2015
07:48 PM ET (US) IP: 67.83.119.164
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On this 56th anniversary of Mario's passing I was looking over old articles and memorabilia. As my wife and her mother had to fly to Dallas for a week, I was alone with my 14 year old tabby, "Rosie" and so the CD's were put on at full volume! This brings me to the many shows I did over the years on radio and I thought some of you may enjoy the singers and the shows. Here is the link: internetwork.com/mariolanzaandfriends
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Joe to All
10-07-2015
07:46 PM ET (US) IP: 71.224.55.142
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We all love music that ends with a thrilling note. I am attaching “The Impossible Dream’ sung by the great B’Way tenor, Colm Wilikinson. Listen to the end; I promise it will leave you gasping for air. What a voice!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lS9fPSKqL58
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Dan Lawlor
10-07-2015
07:17 PM ET (US) IP: 45.47.170.225
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Some fringe group has predicted that today is the end of days and that the earth will no longer exist after tonight...if that is so, I wish everyone a great tomorrow...and say a prayer for me, ok?
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Terry Velda
10-07-2015
05:48 PM ET (US) IP: 86.25.79.224
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Hi Ed,
Thank You for your email address I will be in touch.
Best wishes from Ann and I xx
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Kristine
10-07-2015
04:06 PM ET (US) IP: 97.97.216.165
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Happy 50th Anniversary, Brian and Chris !
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John Durso
10-07-2015
03:25 PM ET (US) IP: 100.34.127.10
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Hello: Frank Tenaglia will be on a special radio show tonight at 6pm in honor of Mario Lanza
On Radio Voice Italia www.radiovoiceitaliausa.com
You can listen live at this site http://www.ustream.tv/channel/minitape 6pm tonight
My best to all
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Bill Ronayne
10-07-2015
02:42 PM ET (US) IP: 24.46.60.128
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Remembering Mario on the 56th anniversary of his passing. May he always walk with God.
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Diane Cox
10-07-2015
01:45 PM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.239
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Well worth making the effort to see. The first aria alone (Netrebko) is worth the effort. one of the best I've seen in the HD productions.
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MATT MINZER
10-07-2015
01:22 PM ET (US) IP: 64.12.116.203
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OPERA LOVERS:
LAST CHANCE! TONIGHT AT 6:30 P.M. THE METROPOLITAN OPERA HI-DEF PERFORMANCE OF "IL TROVATORE" WILL BE TRANSMITTED TO 2,000 MOVIE SCREENS THROUGHOUT THE WORLD.
WE SAW IT SATURDAY LIVE AND WE ARE GOING TO THE ENCORE TONIGHT AS WELL AS SEEING IT AT THE MET ON OCTOBER 17TH IN PERSON. THE ENTIRE CAST WAS SUPERB AND THE PERFORMANCE WAS VERY TOUCHING DURING THE FINAL CUTAIN CALL WHEN THE ENTIRE ORCHESTRA THREW DOZENS OF LONG STEM WHITE ROSES TO THE HANDSOME RUSSIAN BARITONE (DIMITRE H.) AS HE IS SUFFERING FROM A BRAIN TUMOR. WE PRAY THAT HE RECOVERS QUICKLY AND RETURNS TO THE GREAT METROPOLITAN OPERA SOON.
PLEASE TRY TO ATTEND TONIGHT'S ENCORE PERFORMANCE OF "IL TROVATORE". THE PERFORMANCE OF A LIFETIME.
BEST,
MATT MINZER IN TROPICAL FLORIDA
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GARY
10-07-2015
12:28 PM ET (US) IP: 71.72.144.56
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OUR PAPER HAD SUCH A SMALL PICTURE OF MARIO LANZA,WITH LITTLE TO SAY THAT MARIO HAD PASSED AWAY.IT GAVE NOTHING MORE.MY FATHER WAS WITH ME,WE HAD JUST GOT THE AFTERNOON PAPER AND READ OF MARIO'S PASSING.IT WAS A SHOCK TO MY FATHER AND I.MY FATHER WENT TO SEE TGC ,THREE TIMES.
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Suzanne
10-07-2015
12:10 PM ET (US) IP: 74.79.58.35
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The Aurora Borealis may be visible in the sky tonite in the UK. Coincidence?
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Suzanne
10-07-2015
11:43 AM ET (US) IP: 74.79.58.35
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A wonderful milestone, Brian, Congratulations to you both. Kristine, thank you for the good wishes. From what I've read, Mario was anxious to return home on the day we lost him, and was planning for future appearances. Sudden as it was, we can only hope he wasn't aware of what was happening. Fifty-six years later, he's just as fresh and "new" in our hearts. Brian, thank you for being a part of the RAF. I've read so many wonderful things about it.My late husband who served in the war also, always said that if we needed an ally, there'd be none like the "Brits".
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Ed to Brian
10-07-2015
11:08 AM ET (US) IP: 70.199.84.48
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Brian a belated Happy Anniversary to you both. I am sorry I was late, 40 or 50 years I would do it again. Best to you both.
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Brian Harrison
10-07-2015
10:43 AM ET (US) IP: 82.46.247.24
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I was serving in the RAF in Germany the day Mario passed away. A great shock to me and a great loss to the world. Thanks to you lovely people who posted your congratulations to Chris and I on our 50th wedding anniversary.
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Fred Day
10-07-2015
08:06 AM ET (US) IP: 98.85.33.201
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October 5th, 1959, was my 17th birthday. I was a high school junior (grade 11) at the time. That evening, my mother and I went to a local movie theater (Lowe's Poli) to see "For The First Time". I loved it, of course. Two days later, I was stunned to hear on the radio and read in the newspaper that Mario Lanza had just died in Rome. It hit me like a ton of bricks!! It was the front page headline in our local newspaper, and in many newspapers. I remember it well, never to be forgotten. Ciao.
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Kristine
10-07-2015
05:44 AM ET (US) IP: 97.97.223.211
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Happy Birthday, Suzanne !
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Kristine
10-07-2015
05:43 AM ET (US) IP: 97.97.223.211
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Oldies.com is selling a DVD called Hollywood Tenors(something like that) and it has Allan Jones, Felix Knight, Kenny Baker, and Mario Lanza. Also, there's a CD -The 1950's, which has Perry Como, Rosemary Clooney, Mario Lanza, and Jo Stafford on the cover.
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Kristine
10-07-2015
04:39 AM ET (US) IP: 97.97.223.211
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Today, October 7th, Anniversary of Mario Lanza's passing. RIP.
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Dennis
10-07-2015
12:18 AM ET (US) IP: 73.170.201.215
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On this day in history in 1959 I was in college and madly in love, oblivious to anything else going on (including, unfortunately, my studies) so I have no recollection of Lanza dying even though I loved his kind of voice. I thought he was still alive for most of the following year since I didn't follow celebrities in the least and if I'd missed the newspaper announcement of his death, it wouldn't have likely been repeated for any reason.
It is interesting speculating what October 6 would have been like for him. Was he so ill that he just wanted to rest? Did his family visit and distract him? Were doctors alarmed at all? Was he alert enough to think of engagements he was looking forward to? Was he ill enough that a priest paid a visit? I don't read Lanza biographies, so I don't know if any one has definitive information about his last days. I am a bit skeptical about him singing for the nurses in his last hours—that seems like an apocryphal story.
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Dan Lawlor
10-06-2015
06:36 PM ET (US) IP: 45.47.170.225
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And to mention another tenor who had a big influence on the music world, the 12th of this month would have been Luciano Pavarotti's Eightieth birthday...80...I was born 7 months before him...and I am still here, who can figure?
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Ed
10-06-2015
02:30 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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I was eleven years old when Mario died, although I don't recall my parents listening to him I'm sure they knew who he was. I was introduced to his voice when I was about 15 and never left. Martino, I never thought about October 6th but you are right. I posted my remembrance of Mario on Facebook this morning, God rest his beautiful soul.
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Ed to Terry
10-06-2015
02:17 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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Terry, a trip to the states sounds great, I would love to see you both again, I'd love to spend some time and show you around some. My email is McElvis1948@aol.com. Talk with you soon.
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Joe
10-06-2015
12:41 PM ET (US) IP: 71.224.55.142
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Like the assignation of JFK and also "9/11", I think we all remember exactly where we were and what we were doing when the tragic news of Lanza's death reached our ears. I was in line for "chow" at the mess hall( U.S. Army).
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Diane Cox
10-06-2015
11:22 AM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.239
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My personal life was in chaos when Mario Lanza died, and I didn't know about it for months. It was a blow when I mentioned him and a friend told me she thought he had died. I called the public library to find out.
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Terry Velda
10-06-2015
11:00 AM ET (US) IP: 86.25.79.224
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Thank You Ed for your kind words the brain cells are diminishing these days. Ann,I and another friend are hoping to do a trip to The States next year, health permitting.
If you send me your email I will send you are itinerary a bit nearer the time and maybe we could meet up either in Philadelphia, New York, Staten Island or all three. It would be lovely to spend some time with you again.
Kindest Regards
Terry xx
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Suzanne
10-06-2015
10:22 AM ET (US) IP: 74.79.58.35
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This year's observance of Mario's death is a Wednesday, as it was the day we lost him.So many years, so many songs, miss you forever, dear Mario.
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Martino
10-06-2015
10:08 AM ET (US) IP: 67.216.109.108
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Fifty six years ago today was Mario Lanza's last full day on this earth. He died Oct. 7, 1959, in Italy. I wonder what he was thinking at this moment, fifty six years ago? Did he have a premonition? It is said he sang in his hospital room the very day of his death. Did he want to sing one last time, perhaps knowing the end was near? I wonder.
The author Eleonora Kimmel said Lanza, "blazed like a meteor whose light lasts a brief moment in time". I would also suggest everyone read Joe's poem that was posted a few days ago. These sentiments very well capture everyone's feelings at Mario's untimely death - a true tragedy.
Although we all remember Oct. 7th as the day Lanza died, it is the day before, Oct. 6, and what he was thinking and feeling that I wonder about the most.
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Fred Day
10-06-2015
01:30 AM ET (US) IP: 98.85.33.201
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Thanks to all for the birthday wishes. Just another year down the drain. Happy belated anniversary to Ed & Darlene. Ciao.
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Joe
10-05-2015
11:53 PM ET (US) IP: 71.224.55.142
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In a sense, Mario Lanza killed himself by his inattention to many health warnings. This was a real tragedy and huge loss to the music world. We don’t hear as much about another premature loss of a great American tenor, Jerry Hadley, who took his own life at 55 Yrs. Jerry had a beautiful voice, as displayed in the attached duet “You Are Love”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iVrnr5WC5DA
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Dennis
10-05-2015
10:38 PM ET (US) IP: 73.170.201.215
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Joe, I listened to the selection of Serenade by Mr. Castronovo. I was surprised by his diminishing of words at the end of a phrase since it didn't match the text; his diction was not great (but whose is compared to Lanza?). That said, I found the rendition moving. I suppose that if I were a female, I might be even more excited about it. A nice job. What is he doing lately? I see the YouTube version was four years ago.
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Ed to Matt
10-05-2015
09:33 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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Matt, either day is good for me. I am bringing along my friend Steve we always travel together and he has an interest in history. We can't leave here till about 930, will pick up train at Atlantic station about 1030 or so. He has a small job in the morning watching his little granddaughter till about 830. We are working out dates and I will let you know in a day or two.
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Bill Ronayne
10-05-2015
03:22 PM ET (US) IP: 24.46.63.216
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Happy belated anniversary to Ed and Darlene and Brian and his wife and also a big Happy birthday to Fred. Thanks Suzanne for the comments about the current Legacy of Mario Lanza newsletter. Glad you enjoyed it. Best, Bill Edited 10-05-2015 03:23 PM
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Ed to Terry
10-05-2015
02:27 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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Terry, no problem I figured it was for me and you both are sweet for the kind wishes for us. We are well and our day was grand, among several days of cold rain and wind we had a sunny day,we always do. Doing good here, my head is always in a book and dear Mario akways close by. Many stores here are readying for the Christmas season, way too early for me.
Be well, see you on the forums Ed
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GARY TO FRED DAY
10-05-2015
12:30 PM ET (US) IP: 71.72.144.56
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FRED,HAPPY BIRTHDAY AND MANY MORE!BEST
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GARY TO BRIAN
10-05-2015
12:29 PM ET (US) IP: 71.72.144.56
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BRIAN:BELATED HAPPY ANNIVERSARY TO YOU AND YOUR WIFE!BEST
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Brian Harrison
10-05-2015
12:08 PM ET (US) IP: 82.46.247.24
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Congratulations to all you anniversary celebrators, my wife and I had our 50th on 18th September this year together with our family and friends. We both have our love for Mario and I believe it has helped us through some trials and tribulations over this past half century. Best wishes to you all from Christine and Brian both ex members of Friends of Mario Lanza based in Rugby England.
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matt minzer
10-05-2015
10:50 AM ET (US) IP: 64.12.116.203
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HI ED:
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY. WE ARE MARRIED 48 1/2 YEARS.
WE ARE FLYING TO NEW YORK CITY SOON AND ATTENDING TWO PERFORMANCES AT THE METROPOLITAN OPERA, OCTOBER 17TH ("IL TROVATORE") AND OCTOBER 22ND("TURANDOT")
I AM AVAILABLE TO VISIT TEDDY ROOSEVELT'S MUSEUM AND ESTATE ON OCTOBER 19TH, OCTOBER 20TH AMD OCTOBER 22ND. WHICH DAY IS GOOD FOR YOU? I WILL PICK YOU UP AT THE GREAT NECK LONG ISLAND RAILROAD STATION MID-MORNING ON ANY OF THESE DATES. GREAT NECK IS 30 MINUTES FROM PENN STATION AND THE TRAINS RUN A FEW TIMES AN HOUR. THE DRIVE TO OYSTER BAY IS ABOUT 30 MINUTES. PLEASE DON'T DISAPPOINT ME.
BEST,
MATT MINZER IN TROPICAL FLORIDA
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Terry Velda
10-05-2015
06:35 AM ET (US) IP: 86.25.79.224
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Hi Ed, silly me forgot to put your names on your anniversary wishes it must be an age thing :) lol
I hope you both had a lovely day.
Best wishes Terry and Ann xxxx
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Terry Velda
10-04-2015
04:35 PM ET (US) IP: 86.25.79.224
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"HAPPY ANNIVERSARY" to you both hope you've had a lovely day. Lots of Love and Best Wishes on your Special Day. Terry and Ann xxxx Edited 10-04-2015 04:36 PM
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Kristine
10-04-2015
03:31 PM ET (US) IP: 24.160.64.187
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Happy Anniversary, Ed and Darlene !
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GARY TO RAY
10-04-2015
03:05 PM ET (US) IP: 71.72.144.56
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RAY:HAPPY ANNIVERSARY TO YOU AND YOUR WIFE!BEST
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GARY TO BROTHER ED
10-04-2015
03:03 PM ET (US) IP: 71.72.144.56
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BROTHER ED:HAPPY ANNIVERSARY TO YOU AND DARLENE!BEST
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Diane Cox
10-04-2015
01:59 PM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.239
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Elixir at La Scala, last night:
"Atalla Ayan's Nemorino was serious and morose, as opposed to the shy, bashful, petulant, rural country folk often affected by his character.
Ayan – in a yellow and pink jacket over white bottoms – variegated studious preparation with pleasant timber. His first act finale, "Adina, credimi", and the "Quanto è bella, quanto è cara" cavatina unlocked heartfelt nuance, while the "Una furtiva lagrima" romanza was delivered with convincing devotion from an oversized suitcase dragged into a dense forest." from a review
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Diane Cox
10-04-2015
12:27 PM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.239
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Maybe that's what I'm trying to say - he wasn't thrilling. You can be technical and correct, but not move the audience with emotion.
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matt minzer
10-04-2015
11:34 AM ET (US) IP: 64.12.116.203
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DIANE:
THE TENOR WAS MORE THAN ADEQUATE. THE ROLE WAS VERY DIFFICULT WITH TREMENDOUS ENSEMBLES, DUETS AND ARIAS. I WAS PRESENT IN THE OLD MET DURING THE WINTER OF 1961 WHEN FRANCO CORELLI (THE GREATEST TENOR OF THE 20TH CENTURY)MAKE HIS DEBUT ALONG SIDE OF LEONTYNE PRICE IN "IL TROVATORE". THOSE PERFORMANCES WERE A NOTCH ABOVE YESTERDAY'S AS FRANCO SANG MORE THRILLINGLY AND DEFINITELY WAS MUCH MORE HANDSOME. LEONTYNE AND ANNA NETREBKO SANG THE ROLE OF LEONORA ON EQUAL FOOTING.
BEST,
MATT MINZER
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Joe
10-04-2015
10:36 AM ET (US) IP: 71.224.55.142
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No, he is not another Lanza, but I found this man's voice to be stimulating....and I was wondering how the forum heard it:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SAUiP1kzD1o
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Diane Cox
10-04-2015
09:46 AM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.239
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Matt: Guess I compare all tenors unfavorably to Lanza. To me the tenor's voice was brash, his soft high notes had a pleasant tone to them, but the full voice ones I didn't find beautiful. As I said I found him adequate.
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Ed to Linz
10-04-2015
07:54 AM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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Linz, my reply from my daughter, like I said I knew that she would know what it is and could teach it if the curriculum called for it.
I rarely get to go that far with literary techniques...kids are not so bright and the curriculum calls for other stuff. I did teach that in a unit with AP seniors, though.
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Ed to Ray
10-04-2015
07:28 AM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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Ray, I am puzzled at by not having seen you on the forum before as a regular poster or perhaps you posted in the past and I missed you. My congratulations to you and your wife Shirley on 40 years.
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matt minzer
10-04-2015
07:19 AM ET (US) IP: 64.12.116.203
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HI DIANE:
AT OUR CINEMART MOVIE COMPLEX HERE IN PALM BEACH COUNTY, FLORIDA TWO THEATRES WERE SOLD OUT EACH HAVING OVER 300 PATRONS. THE KOREAN TENOR SANG WELL AND HIT TWO HIGH "C'S" IN DI QUELLA PIRA RIGHT ON THE MARK.
IT WAS CERTAINLY A FINE PERFORMANCE.
BEST,
MATT MINZER IN S.E. HOT FLORIDA
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Ray to Ed
10-04-2015
03:02 AM ET (US) IP: 92.30.4.50
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Hi Ed: My wife Shirley and I are also celebrating our 40th wedding anniversary today October 4th. I also married a wonderful girl, my best friend who has stuck by me every day. A great mom and wife. Our children are also fortunate having her as a mom. In addition my eldest son whose mom died tragically young in 1973 has been lucky to have her as a step mom. They are all well educated, decent children now all settled down in their own homes.
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Diane Cox
10-03-2015
11:47 PM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.239
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Matt: During Ms Netrebko's first aria, the audience at my theater was spellbound - applauded at the end. We only had about 20 people today. Mr. H was also extremely good, and was overwhelmed by the audience response at the Met. The tenor was acceptable, but not quite on the level of the other two, in my opinion. Of course, no Mario. I keep thinking another voice will appear. The young Brazillian tenor debuted at La Scala tonight - he is improving fast. I will see if I can find a review of his performance in Elixir of Love. Edited 10-03-2015 11:53 PM
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Ed
10-03-2015
10:48 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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My wife Darleen and I are celebrating our 40th wedding anniversary tomorrow October 4th. I married a wonderful girl, my best friend who has stuck by me every day. A great mom and wife. Our children are fortunate having her as a mom they all are educated,decent children each living their dreams in the paths she provided with love and understanding.
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matt minzer
10-03-2015
10:03 PM ET (US) IP: 64.12.116.203
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HI DIANE:
TODAYS HI-DEF PERFORMANCE OF "IL TROVATORE" WAS BETTER THAN FABULOUS. THE ENTIRE CAST WAS SUPERB. I LAUGHED WHEN ANNA NETREBKO'S SON TIAGO ASKED HER TO SING FASTER SO THAT THEY COULD GO HOME AND PLAY.
ALL CAST MEMBERS OUTSANG EACH OTHER.
WE ARE TRAVELING TO NEW YORK TO SEE IT REALLY LIVE TWO WEEKS FROM TONIGHT WITH A BACKSTAGE PASS TO SEE ANNA NETREBKO AND TAKE SOME FOTOS.
BEST,
MATT MINZER IN HOT FLORIDA
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Linz
10-03-2015
07:08 PM ET (US) IP: 115.188.98.139
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Bros Ed and Joe—you're very welcome. Bro Ed—I'll be curious to learn if indeed your daughter does know of onomatopoeia, and whether she teaches it. Such things are discouraged nowadays, alas. The language, oral and written, has been hijacked by barbarians. I guess kids raised on headbanging caterwauling are never going to appreciate aural beauty and their own verbal emissions (one couldn't call them "speech") will always be ugly. Here in NZ I'm trying to lead a campaign against the quacking noise women make when they "speak," as though they are pitching their voices into the adenoid area. I call the campaign "Kiwis Don't Quack." But I digress. I'm sure none of this degeneracy would be occurring if we were all raised on Mario. :-) "Quack," btw, is onomatopoeiac! :-) Oh, and the men are not off the hook. They may not quack, but they drone. Edited 10-03-2015 07:17 PM
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diane cox
10-03-2015
06:04 PM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.239
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Il Travatore was wonderful - Ms. Netrebko amazing. Wonderful experience.
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Joe to LINZ
10-03-2015
12:41 PM ET (US) IP: 71.224.55.142
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Your example of Lanza's "When you're in Love' really illustrates your point. Thanks, Linz!
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Suzanne
10-03-2015
12:37 PM ET (US) IP: 74.79.58.35
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Bill. Great new issue, just received. Other photos new to me. How can we fall in love again and again? Amazing! Such a phenomenon!
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Ed to Linz
10-03-2015
07:30 AM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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Bro Linz, they say you learn something everyday, now I know it to be true as I've never heard the word onomatopaeic before nor knew of its meaning, thank you. I do however have a daughter that teaches English Lit to high school seniors here in NYC and will run that by her, my guess is that she undoubtedly heard it and she can tell me the definition. Either way thank you for today's lesson. I guess now I'll have to listen to Mario paying attention to all the onomatopaeic instead of just praising how Mario sings. Be Well.
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Linz
10-03-2015
04:28 AM ET (US) IP: 115.188.98.139
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Anyone familiar with concept-formation—the distinctively human mode of cognition—knows that concepts are integrations of percepts, which then are given a perceptual designation—i.e. a word—so that we shall then know for ever after what a concept's referents in reality are. For example, the word "tree" enables us to recognise at once what is being talked about, without any necessity to re-form the concept each time: it covers every tree that ever existed, exists now, and ever will exist. Postmodernists will tell you that words are arbitrary conventions, without referents in reality. That's why postmodernists are anti-Mario. Mario made that connection unambiguous. Joe has mentioned the way he sings the word "trembling" in Trembling of a Leaf, and that's a very good example. But in fact every word Mario sang was "onomatopaeic"—the way he sang it conjured up the referent in reality about which he was singing. That's what happens when you "sing each word as though it were my last on earth." If still in doubt, listen to "Trees," "Drink! Drink! Drink!" or "When You're In Love."
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Dennis
10-02-2015
04:15 PM ET (US) IP: 73.170.201.215
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To Joe and all, I, too, wonder if there is an equivalent expression in music. There are some non-vocal songs that imitate trains, for example. Some words that are onomatopoetic are buzz, crack, and cuckoo.
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GARY TO BROTHER ED,
10-02-2015
01:05 PM ET (US) IP: 71.72.144.56
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I AGREE,THEY ALWAYS WAIT IN MARIO LANZA'S CASE,UNTIL HE WAS DEAD .AND THEN STARTED THE MUD SLINGING.
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Gail Swartz
10-02-2015
12:08 AM ET (US) IP: 204.29.186.68
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I think that Mario was one singer that did not have to have an orchestra or piano or anything to accompany him. He was music himself . Listened to one hundred hits...wow, could he communicate the words and music.
On October 1, 2015, at 10:55 PM, QuickTopic daily digest <qtopic-30-ECKcxtRbxUTNy@quicktopic.com> wrote:
< replied-to message removed by QT >
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Ed
10-01-2015
08:09 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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I listened to Mario sing one of my favorites today, Ah, Moon of My Delight,played it three times. I find that this was such a great time in his life that he must have been so excited and happy about his future it came out in his voice, as a friend once told me it was the promise of things to come. So sad that for one who gave us his all in life some chose to hurt him in death,shame on them.
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Bill Ronayne
10-01-2015
05:57 PM ET (US) IP: 68.199.20.69
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The October issue of "The Legacy of Mario Lanza" has just been published and mailed out. It includes a commemoration of the 65th anniversaries of The Toast of New Orleans and Be My Love, coverage of the recent MLSNY luncheon, a listing of recent Cd releases and the usual features on Mario with lots of photos. Best, Bill
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Joe ALL
10-01-2015
05:17 PM ET (US) IP: 71.224.55.142
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In keeping with my promise to post some of my favorite music clips, please check out the attached. Take particular notice of the magnificent “all the things you are” segment which is the last item. Play ALL of it: It will knock your socks off!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oS-dKMYU8R8
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Ed to Suzanne
10-01-2015
03:04 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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Suzanne, I think Mario's voice set to paintings by Monet was a beautiful idea. Trees has always been one I like. The photo of Mario appears to be a still of him singing Vesti in TGC for the Libery Bond Drive.
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Ed
10-01-2015
02:56 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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I've just sent a message to Veronica's daughter inquiring as to her mom's hospitalization I will post when I hear.
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Suzanne
10-01-2015
11:30 AM ET (US) IP: 74.79.58.35
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Gary, sure some of us are always thinking of Veronica and sending our love to her. She's been a true devotee of Mario for a very long time and knowledgeable as well. Veronica, my love to you and yours.
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Suzanne
10-01-2015
11:26 AM ET (US) IP: 74.79.58.35
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Eagerly awaiting "A Life in Pictures", and just listened to "Trees" on Youtube. A photo of Mario there, I have never before seen.Looks as though it's from a live performance. Anyone know? Ed. "None But the Lonely Heart" is truly something to listen to, when you aren't already feeling "down". A heart breaker. Beautiful Mario.
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Joe tED
10-01-2015
10:26 AM ET (US) IP: 71.224.55.142
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Ed, I 100% agree with you on "None But The Lonely Heart"; Mario paints a vivid picture of heartbreak. It's a masterpiece IMO!
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Joe to Linz
10-01-2015
10:11 AM ET (US) IP: 71.224.55.142
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Ahh, the brilliant Linz comes through for me (as I figured he would). Does my analogy make sense and is there an equivalent expression for words that are "sung"? Thanks, Joe
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Ed
10-01-2015
08:21 AM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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One of my favorite albums by Mario is Magic Mario, so many wonderful treats are included in it. One in which I think Mario captures total feeling is None But The Lonely Heart, so many others with equal passion and sang with the way the composer had in mind. I like and wish he had rerecorded them later on, songs like Tell Me Tonight and Fools Rush In many of my favorites.
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Ed to Martino/Vincent
10-01-2015
07:09 AM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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Thanks guys this was very beautiful, Mario was on point here and in excellent voice.
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Vincent to Martino & Fred
10-01-2015
06:29 AM ET (US) IP: 24.191.101.115
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Martino, thank you.
Fred, try this link. It's cheaper on iTunes:
https://itun.es/us/oxI31
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Linz to Joe
10-01-2015
12:46 AM ET (US) IP: 115.188.98.139
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Onomatopoeia! :-)
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Martino to Ed
09-30-2015
09:31 PM ET (US) IP: 67.216.109.108
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This should help you: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0kpBge6lCu4
The pictures Vincent has included with this selection makes it a joy to watch as well to hear.
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Ed
09-30-2015
08:46 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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For some reason I couldn't upload my selection The Song of India by Mario, when he sings about India you feel you are there,this is one of my favorites by Mario
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Joe to ALL
09-30-2015
06:24 PM ET (US) IP: 71.224.55.142
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Thanks Martino for your kind words!
The” Trembling of the Leaf “ is not one of my favorites, as well, however Mario gets every drop of juice from it with his amazing gift of expression. Note how he almost makes the note vibrate when he sings “trembling” and you can almost “feel” the breeze when he sings the word ”wind” and his voice seems to explode when he sings “blooming”, etc. There is a fancy term in English used to describe when the sound of a word denotes its action ( e.g. “boom”), but I cannot recall it (can anyone help me out here?...(.omni.....something). I don’t know if there is an equivalent expression word for sung words but if there were…… Mario would lead the world.
I’m glad you liked the Autumn Leaves, Jim, maybe others might post their personal examples as well? I have many more “bookmarked” songs and singers that I will post.
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GARY
09-30-2015
06:12 PM ET (US) IP: 71.72.144.56
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COULD EVERYONE ON THIS SITE,PLEASE KEEP VERONICA IN PRAYER.VERONICA IS IN THE HOSPITAL.SHE IS A VERY LOYAL MARIO LANZA FAN.THANK YOU,GOD BLESS YOU ALL.
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Martino to Vincent
09-30-2015
05:57 PM ET (US) IP: 67.216.109.108
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Your "Granada" was finally found per your second set of instructions. I downloaded it and find it a thrilling rendition with what has to be the longest held note in this song I have ever heard at the end of "Que yo te vengo a dar"! Your version also has a nice dose of the Spanish flare so important with "Granada". And most important, you sound like you are having a ball singing this song. Well done!! But as always, I would caution with going too overboard with any song, even one demanding extra exuberance, as this one does. Although the majority of the song is not rushed or really forced, it sounds that way in some parts. Some of the finer points and nuances can sometimes be overlooked as well because of this. But overall, it is my opinion your orchestration was full and appropriate and that you performed "Granada" with all the necessary vocal bravado to make it effective. And the best compliment of all - in a way I believe Lara would have approved.
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Jim Thompson
09-30-2015
05:40 PM ET (US) IP: 67.83.119.164
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Thank you Joe! I am always interested in "finding" a new voice and this man's voice is beautiful. I shall have to listen to many more of the superb songs in his repertoire. Again, Thanks. And you are right on, Martino: Joe, your poem-tribute to Mario is from the heart. Happy autumn everyone!
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Martino to Joe
09-30-2015
05:27 PM ET (US) IP: 67.216.109.108
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That is a beautiful song Joe, and very well sung. Since "leaves" are indeed a sign of the season, how about this one by Mario Lanza: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q1i6XZ829Qw. It is not really a big favorite of mine but it has fond memories for me as it was contained on my first 45 record I ever bought, titled "The Magic Mario". If I recall it had two 45s in the twin jacket and this song was one of the four sides.
While I'm at it, I want everyone to know that Joe wrote a great tribute to Mario Lanza a while back and it was posted here but I think too soon forgotten. It should not be. Joe is too modest but, with his permission (obtained), I want to share with all of you again his wonderful poem titled, "THE LANZA VOICE":
"Like a blazing comet it came to us, in all its stunning glory ever so brief but with a magical, unending story.
Powered with thunder and lit by flashing light yet smoothed by silk, in spite of its might.
Never before, never again, will we know such heavenly tone for all too soon, the creator called him back to home.
Only a God could grant us such a gift, even if only to borrow thrilling us today...and beckoning for tomorrow".
Those are beautiful words and a loving tribute to the man we honor at this forum. Thanks for that Joe!!
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Joe to ALL
09-30-2015
11:12 AM ET (US) IP: 71.224.55.142
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Martino’s recent post about various versions of Granada was great since it introduced me to some versions I had not heard. In turn, this stimulated me to think about the following: I think we ALL have favorite pieces of music ( Lanza, other singers etc) which may be new to others (or at least interesting to others). Of course, what strikes my fancy may hold no interest to others, but nonetheless I think it might be fun for us ALL to occasionally share such items. I’ll start it off by attaching what I feel is a great version of a song which fits the current season.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xA9WdvdyBCU
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Deleted by author 09-30-2015 09:02 AM
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Fred Day
09-30-2015
07:15 AM ET (US) IP: 98.85.33.201
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Vincent: Very fine CD, 11 songs and arias. You sing beautifully, as always. One can hear a little sample of each selection, about 20 seconds each. BUT...the price is quite steep!! It costs $22 ($2 per track) to download the album in mp3 format. Or, the cost to purchase a CD is $24. Either way, that is about double the going rate on most CD's. I simply can't afford that, at this time. If and when the price is reduced by 50%, then I would be willing to purchase. Buona fortuna. Ciao.
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Vincent to Martino
09-30-2015
06:26 AM ET (US) IP: 24.191.101.115
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You have to click on the CD cover. Try this direct link.
http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/vincentricciardi
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Martino to Vincent
09-29-2015
08:32 PM ET (US) IP: 67.216.109.108
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I tried to search within the link you provided but I could not find "Granada". I did find what was listed as your singing the "Lord's Prayer" but when I went to play it is was something else, an accompaniment of some sort, without any singing at all. Don't know what happened.
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Suzanne
09-29-2015
11:49 AM ET (US) IP: 74.79.58.35
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Kristine, how interesting! You were actually there! More stories, please, as you remember them.
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Vincent to Martino/Kristine/Joe
09-29-2015
07:34 AM ET (US) IP: 24.191.101.115
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Have you heard my recording of Granada? I think you'll enjoy it. I sing it in Mario's key, and we put together a nice arrangement for it. You can find it on iTunes under Vincent Ricciardi or follow the link below.
http://www.eandventertainment.com/store/
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Gail Swartz
09-28-2015
11:36 PM ET (US) IP: 204.29.186.3
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Watched and listened to the youtube selections for Granada...Mario's version was in a higher key and much cleaner to my ears. I still count the measures of music on ha Dar. He was a pleasure to look at,too! Wish I could make it up to the celebrations in Oct. I would never make it out of the museum!
On September 27, 2015, at 10:54 PM, QuickTopic daily digest <qtopic-30-ECKcxtRbxUTNy@quicktopic.com> wrote:
< replied-to message removed by QT >
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Ed to Matt
09-28-2015
08:41 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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Thanks for thinking of me but I'm not really into that, I enjoy a good aria or duet but sitting watching three hours is not for me. I pretty much just listen to Mario that's about all the opera I do.
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MATT MINZER
09-28-2015
08:07 PM ET (US) IP: 64.12.116.203
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PLEASE MARK YOUR CALENDARS FOR THIS SATURDAY'S HI-DEF MET.PERFROMANCE OF "IL TROVATORE" STARRING ANNA NETREBKO ETC. IT STARTS AT 1:00 P.M. AND WILL BE REPEATED AT 12:30 P.M. AND 6:30 P.M. ON WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 7TH AT A LOWER PRICE ENCORE PRICING.
ED-WHY DON'T YOU TAKE THE STATEN ISLAND FERRY INTO MANHATTAN AND SEE THE LIVE PERFORMANCE AT ONE OF THE SEVERAL LOCATIONS IN MANHATTAN? YOU WILL GET OUT BY 4:20 P.M. WITH PLENTY OF TIME TO TRAVEL HOME.
BEST,
MATT MINZER IN TROPICAL FLORIDA
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Kristine
09-28-2015
06:19 PM ET (US) IP: 24.160.81.90
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"you Belong To My Heart" was also sung by Ezio Pinza in "Mr. Imperium" starring Lana Turner. If you notice, Aladdin was in that scene,playing the violin. He performed with Xavier Cugat's Orchestra and you could see him in the M-G-M Movie Musicals, with Cugie's Orchestra. He would later perform on "The Lawrence Welk Show". "Magic Is The Moonlight" was Spanish influenced, though, I don't know who wrote it. It was sung, by Carlos Ramirez in "Bathing Beauty"(Esther Williams) and sung by both Jane Powell and Ann Sothern in "Nancy Goes To Rio". "Without You" was sung by Andy Russell in one of the Disney cartoons. Andy was friends with Mario Lanza.
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Dan Lawlor
09-28-2015
04:48 PM ET (US) IP: 45.47.170.225
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Kristine: How about "You Belong to My Heart", the Disney song based on a Spanish song "Solamente Una Vez" by Agustin Lara? It was one of my favorites growing up and watching all those Disney Classics, eh?
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Martino to Joe
09-28-2015
04:01 PM ET (US) IP: 67.216.109.108
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Email sent to you. If you don't receive it in a day or so post again.
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Joe
09-28-2015
02:59 PM ET (US) IP: 71.224.55.142
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Martino, may I have your email address?, I am jorain123@gmail.com Thanks, Joe
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Kristine
09-28-2015
02:44 PM ET (US) IP: 24.160.81.90
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The mention of Maria Margelli, brings memories back to me. My late parents and I , through, the Cocozzas and Lanzas, met her. She was very active in events held in Santa Barbara, Calif. She knew George London, too. I remember she wore gold elves shoes and had long white hair. Another Spanish-Cuban composer was Ernesto Lecuona, who wrote "Siboney", "The Breeze and I", "Say Si, Si". I like the way Mario Lanza sang "Siboney", especially, with Ray Sinatra's arrangement and conducting. Desi Arnaz also sang both "Granada" and "Siboney", though I never heard his version of "Siboney". Grace Moore sang "Siboney" in "When You're In Love"(1937)starring Cary Grant, which hasn't been seen, for years, on t.v.
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Ed to Martino
09-28-2015
01:29 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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Martino, thanks so much. I've never heard of it that's why I put it out there. I'll probably never listen to the opera but that recording gives us proof just how strong his voice was and the challenges he accepted.
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Martino to Ed
09-28-2015
09:53 AM ET (US) IP: 67.216.109.108
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La Cena Delle Beffe is an opera by Umberto Giordano, according to Wikipedia. I have never heard of this opera and can not tell you anything about it or its music. If in fact the snippet of this Lanza home recording comes from this work it solves a long standing question of what opera it came from. The recording has been out there for a while and I know Derek McGovern has gone to extremes in vain in trying to identify it. I listened to it once before and other than I believe this excerpt is from a verismo opera, I could not tell where it came from. Lanza is good and you can hear some woman in the background saying the same thing (maybe she was Maria Margelli, a Lanza benefactor). I would like to know where Spotify came up with the source for this excerpt because this opera is very rare and from what I gather, it is seldom performed. McGovern has dismissed it as being from this opera so who knows? If anyone cares enough they can sit through the opera and see if they can hear what Lanza sang. The opera can be heard here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JS-O6NLxszUEdited 09-28-2015 10:50 AM
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Ed to Martino
09-28-2015
08:13 AM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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Martino, I wanted to put this out there and see if you ever heard this small snippet Mario sings, it's called La Cena Delle Beffe. I was browsing Spotify looking for live Lanza recordings and found a CD called Live Recordings 1940-1950. This piece appears a home recording with some audio noise but Wow! Mario is awesome here.
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Martino to Kristine/Joe
09-28-2015
06:42 AM ET (US) IP: 67.216.109.108
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Durbin was just a teen when she made the movie where she sang "Granada" - and sounded like it. I never cared much for sopranos singing "Granada" and even the mature voiced Angela Gheorghiu can't seem to pull it off although I give her an A for effort. The mezzo soprano, Elina Garanca, does the best job with "Granada" of the women I have heard. If a woman sings this song it seems to better suit the female "pop" vocalists, such as the wonderful Bolero Mexican singer, Guadalupe Pineda, who seldom has to resort to vocal "operatics" to be effective. This kind of singer can get away with simple emphasis on the words and individual interpretation. Maybe I am just too use to hearing it sung by a tenor voice because even baritones of the stature of Bryn Terfel, do not strike me with this song as do the tenors. To me, "Granada" seems to suit a tenor voice better than most songs and none better than the tenor of Mario Lanza.
Joe, thanks and yes, the background to "Granada" is interesting indeed, as was its composer, Lara. It is unusual that he was able to write about Spain so effectively in this and many other songs before ever visiting the country. Lara captured the flavor of Spain so well that they erected a statue of him in his honor in Madrid. He remains revered in the musical heritage of that nation. The leader of Spain at the time, General Franco, was so impressed with Lara's music that he awarded him a house in Granada!
Lara was a slight of build, scar-faced man who hardly had any romantic appeal yet through his music he always had women swooning at his feet. It was said woman and music were the only important things in his life - and he had plenty of both (he was married four or five times). One of his wives, Maria Felix (whom he allegedly tried to shoot in a rage of jealousy) said that although he was not a handsome man, Lara's music so entranced her that even after they divorced, she remained in love with him for the rest of her life. Although Lara was given to elegant life styles, he seemed most at home in bars and brothels. In fact, his first gig was at age 13 as a piano player in a Mexican whore house.
He was one of Mexico's most beloved and prolific composers having penned over 600 compositions. "...There was no composer who understood the emotional draw of music better than Agustín Lara, and no song writer who has captured better the soul of the Mexican people". That quote perhaps describes his success as a composer better than anything. Lara fell in love and adopted the port of Veracruz (and the residents adopted him as well) and he claimed the city as his birthplace from that point on. The mayor of Veracruz gave him the keys to a home (yet another free residence) that today is a museum in his honor. Both Placido Domingo and Ramon Vargas sing very good renditions of Lara's hauntingly beautiful tribute to his adopted hometown in his song, "Veracruz".
And finally, this telling quote about Augustin Lara: "His lyrics touch the heart, and his music touches the soul. The timeless quality of his work is re-discovered with each succeeding generation, ensuring that his music will continue to be recorded and re-issued for many years to come". Sound familiar? No wonder Lanza seemed so in tune to Lara's "Granada".
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Kristine
09-27-2015
10:32 PM ET (US) IP: 24.160.81.90
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Deanna Durbin sang "Granada"in one of her movies.
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Joe
09-27-2015
09:36 PM ET (US) IP: 71.224.55.142
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Thank you Martino for that great background and for the two clips on "Granada". Both were excellent but Rolando's version made my toes curl!I enjoyed it as much as I do Mario's BYM version.
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Martino
09-27-2015
08:52 PM ET (US) IP: 67.216.109.108
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Most of us here would agree that "Granada", a song about the Spanish city by the same name and written by the Mexican composer, Augustin Lara, was one of Mario Lanza's most popular and well sung songs. I am particular enamored by the BYM movie rendition, partly I suppose because we get to see him sing it, even if it is only a soundtrack. There are many reasons to commend Lanza's "Granada", not the least of which was Lara's own opinion that Lanza's rendition was just what he had in mind when he wrote the song.
"Granada" was written in 1932, and has been sung by nearly every tenor of note since, as well as many "pop" vocalists. In fact, at one time it was considered the second most performed song in the world. Lara did not see the city of Granada until he visited Spain in 1954. After visiting the city he said everything he wrote about it in his song was true. It is my opinion (and apparently also the opinion of Lara) that Lanza's rendition is above all the others and the definitive interpretation of this great song. The question I have pondered is who comes in second?
Many people talk about Wunderlich's vocal tour de force recording of a variation of "Granada", but for reasons I have discussed here many times, I place it down the list. Up until yesterday I thought the 1986 London performance for Queen Elizabeth by Jose Carreras, was just a bit behind Lanza, but not by much. I always thought that Spanish speaking singers had the best grasp of what "Granada" was all about. Although I love Corelli's studio version with its volcanic high C at the end (or C# or whatever it is), it is once again a case of Franco singing Franco, which means an Italiante version of "Granada", without the Spanish red wine flavor I believe Lara had in mind. Not to be ignored is the rarer and perhaps an even greater sung "Granada" by Corelli much earlier in his career in 1955. But yesterday I heard another live performance that seems to me to be the equal of Carreras' rendition. This one was not surprisingly by another Latino, the Mexican tenor Rolando Villazon. This was sung when he was in his prime in 2006. The Carreras London performance was in 1986, just a short time before his decline began with the diagnosis of leukemia.
There is no reason to analyze these performances or compare them to Lanza. They are all available on youtube and you can listen for yourselves and pick your own favorite. If anyone has another singer they would give the second place trophy to please let us know and include the link so we can also hear your selection. The Carreras and Villazon video performances can be found here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_FZoXpj6JFg
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cb_OYHYi1zU
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Ed to David
09-27-2015
06:24 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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It's been some years since I read all the posts about the book, I know if I'd posted here in 2009 it was not often I posted always on Lanza Legend. As for Damon I know when he passed,as its been years I thought he was still with us.
Still very sad how even in death you can't catch a break.
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David Weaver
09-27-2015
02:09 PM ET (US) IP: 24.210.22.228
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Ed, a minor correction - the Bret biography was published 24 September 2009 - 15 months after Damon's death on 16 Aug 2008.
And despite a good deal of acrimony at first, it appears that David Bret and Bob Dolfi began some sort of long-distance friendship, although they never met. Bret posted a sincere tribute to Bob on Lanza Legend a few days after his death in January 2011.
Interestingly, it was because of Bret that I became moderator of this forum. He posted some absolutely vicious comments about the person who was the moderator at that time, going so far as to insult her and post photos of her and her late husband on his own website. She was so upset that she bowed out as moderator, and Jeff asked me to step in. My first charge was to delete all Bret posts, and block his IP. The only person blocked since is Armando Cesari.
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Dan Lawlor to Fred
09-27-2015
12:55 PM ET (US) IP: 45.47.170.225
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Fred: if you go to l'opera Quebec (Vocalia), you can hear him sing "Nessun Dorma" His name is spelled Langelier, leaving out the second L in his last name..ok? Edited 09-27-2015 12:58 PM
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Fred Day
09-27-2015
10:11 AM ET (US) IP: 98.85.33.201
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Ed & Linz: Unfortunately, the bottom line is: sleaze sells. It makes money. It is sad when the star is dead and cannot defend himself. Sadly, it seems to be a common practice nowadays. Ciao.
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Fred Day
09-27-2015
10:00 AM ET (US) IP: 98.85.33.201
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Dan: I've never heard of Louis Langellier - how is his singing?? I will still make you a copy of mine, because Angelo Lo Forese is excellent. Ciao.
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Linz to Ed
09-27-2015
08:19 AM ET (US) IP: 115.188.54.48
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Thanks Bro Ed for your comments re the Bret bio-travesty and the garbage purveyed therein. The gossip, the source of which I now know, is as reliable as the musical commentary—i.e., 100% unreliable. The guy doesn't know a High C from his elbow, or his elbow from the part of his anatomy that squirts out his grotesque tabloid sewage. Bret is a guttersnipe sleaze-merchant, on a par with three of Mario's other "biographers." I spent several periods of several months with Damon, and know the truth. I also know the truth about what motivates the aforementioned three "biographers." I'll spell it all out soon enough. Probably not here, since the postmodern moderator of this site revels in all the lies. Keep your eyes peeled for my posts on LanzaLegend.
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Dan Lawlor to Fred
09-27-2015
08:14 AM ET (US) IP: 45.47.170.225
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Fred: The production was in Amsterdam: Orch: Concertgebouw, Cond: Alfredo Bonavera; Guilietta: Francis Ginsberg; Romeo: Louis Langellier. 10/3/1991
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Fred Day
09-26-2015
10:21 PM ET (US) IP: 98.85.33.201
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Dan: Who is the tenor Romeo in the Zandonai opera that you bought, and the year?? Mine has tenor Angelo Lo Forese as Romeo, RAI, 1958. Ciao. Edited 09-26-2015 10:27 PM
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Ed to Matt
09-26-2015
08:57 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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I recall Bret' s book being crucified on Lanza Legend some years ago by posters including Damon. I don't know what is so damn interesting about people's dirty laundry after they pass, seems Lanza can't get a break. I don't buy into any books on him except from Linz, he has Mario's back. I always say ease up you weren't there and writing on so much hearsay most embellished crap.
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MATT MINZER
09-26-2015
07:23 PM ET (US) IP: 64.12.116.203
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OPERA LOVERS OF THE WORLD:
I HAVE BEEN READING "MARIO LANZA-SUBLIME SERENADE" BY DAVID BRET. I AM REALLY SHOCKED AT THE VAST AMOUNT OF INFORMATION THAT MR. BRET HAS DISCOVERED OR UNCOVERED (OR SIMPLY MADE UP) ABOUT THE TRAGIC LIFE OF TREASURED TENOR, MARIO LANZA. THE BOOK IS AVAILABLE ON AMAZON FOR A FEW DOLLARS. I PURCHASED A NEWISH USED COPY.
ROLAND-YOU AND I MET IN HYANNIS OVER LUNCH AND DISCUSSED YOUR BOOK ON MARIO LANZA AND HIS LIFE. ARE YOU FAMILIAR WITH DAVID BRET'S BIOGRAPHY?
BEST,
MATT MINZER IN STEAMY FLORIDA
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Dan Lawlor to Fred
09-26-2015
12:48 PM ET (US) IP: 45.47.170.225
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Brian: I just found an English translation of the libretto to La Forza del Destino on the internet...so, there you go, Eh?
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GARY
09-26-2015
12:45 PM ET (US) IP: 71.72.144.56
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YOU CAN'T BEAT A BOSE SYSTEM,THEY ARE THE BEST!A FRIEND OF OURS HAS A BOSE FOR SEVERAL YEARS,NO PROBLEMS WITH IT.HE SAID IT WAS THE BEST INVESTMENT THAT HE EVER MADE WITH NO REGRETS.
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GARY TO KRISTINE
09-26-2015
12:39 PM ET (US) IP: 71.72.144.56
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KRISTINE:MARIO AND JAMES WHITMORE ,GOT ALONG JUST GREAT WHILE FILMING BYM.BEST
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Dan Lawlor to Fred
09-26-2015
12:28 PM ET (US) IP: 45.47.170.225
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Fred: I have finally purchased a copy of Zandonai's Gulietta e Romeo...so you won't have to cut me a copy ...thanks anyway Edited 09-26-2015 12:36 PM
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Bill Ronayne
09-26-2015
10:48 AM ET (US) IP: 24.46.61.155
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Just a reminder that if you're planning on attending the Ball weekend and want to stay at the DoubleTree Hotel that you must reserve your room by the 29th of September to get the discounted rate. Best, Bill
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Kristine
09-26-2015
06:06 AM ET (US) IP: 24.160.81.90
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I have seen that photo of James Whitmore trying to sing, while Mario Lanza plugs his ears. LOL ! Did Whitmore ever comment how he and Lanza got along while filming "Because You're Mine" ? I saw a photo from "Forever, Darling" starring Lucille Ball, Desi Arnaz, and James Mason, where Desi is playing, either, a small accordion or concertina, both Lucy and James are plugging their ears. LOL ! By the way, Alexander Hall directed both "Because You're Mine" and "Forever,Darling". He once dated Lucille Ball, back in the 1930's. I think he was married to one of The Lane Sisters. I have seen a photo of Mario Lanza talking with James Mason.
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Diane Cox
09-25-2015
11:42 PM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.239
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Off on a trip for about a week - catch you later.
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Ed to Diane
09-25-2015
07:00 AM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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If you wind up getting a Bose you'll never listen to any other. Good luck!
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Diane Cox
09-24-2015
11:10 AM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.239
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Looked into it a couple years ago - of course I want the 5 CD changer too, so would be over $1K. Will have to save up. I presently have a far cheaper five CD changer - sound is ok as I only listen with headphones.
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Ed to Diane
09-24-2015
10:10 AM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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Diane, I have a Bose Wave System I got frim QVC about seven years ago for$499. I scrapped my old stereo for my Bose and never looked back. The sound is incredible and it fits anywhere. I say if you can see it do do it you'll be amazed. Lanza sounds like he is in my living room.
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Diane Cox
09-24-2015
09:21 AM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.239
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I'd love to have a Bose - they have gotten quite expensive.
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Dan Lawlor
09-24-2015
08:50 AM ET (US) IP: 45.47.170.225
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Gail: Many years ago, my wife and son gave me a Bose radio with CD player(also plays MP3 recordings)...since then I have had it serviced once, and the quality of the playback is absolutely great...no other CD player equals it...perhaps in long term usage, no other player is as good...it sounds like concert hall quality...that is my opinion anyway...so it is a good long term investment... Edited 09-24-2015 08:51 AM
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Ed to Dan
09-24-2015
07:16 AM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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Dan, guess you're right, either way a good movie.
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Fred Day
09-24-2015
02:44 AM ET (US) IP: 98.85.33.201
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Some players are both DVD and CD, and play both equally well. Ciao.
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Diane Cox
09-24-2015
12:55 AM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.239
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Gail, I believe wal mart still carries CD players.
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Gail Swartz
09-24-2015
12:41 AM ET (US) IP: 204.29.186.58
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I love the photo where Mario is holding his ears and making an adorable grimace as Whitmore is singing. I need a new CD player. No big box stores carry them,so will have to order from Amazon. I have listened to Mario on some cassettes...I love to hear him chuckle,huff, squeak,and correct the conductors, mimic other singers,and SING songs "his way".waiting for Bill's book. I would love to see Armond'scollection of photos,too.
On September 23, 2015, at 10:52 PM, QuickTopic daily digest <qtopic-30-ECKcxtRbxUTNy@quicktopic.com> wrote:
< replied-to message removed by QT >
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Dan Lawlor
09-23-2015
05:45 PM ET (US) IP: 45.47.170.225
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Ed: A senior moment no doubt eh? ha ha
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Ed to Dan
09-23-2015
03:23 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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Dan,you are right I put down TONO mistake.
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Dan Lawlor
09-23-2015
11:24 AM ET (US) IP: 45.47.170.225
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Ed: That scene with James Whitmore is in Because You're Mine, Not Toast of New Orleans...as I am sure you know...
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Ed
09-23-2015
07:17 AM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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I watched a few minutes of TONO yesterday and still my favorite Lanza film. One of my favorite scenes is where James Whitmore is singing a piece with Lanza at the piano and James struggles to hit the last note and can't then Lanza hits this beautiful note for him I always laugh. I don't always listen to Desert Song because it reminds me that after this there was no more.
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Fred Day
09-22-2015
11:18 PM ET (US) IP: 98.85.33.201
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Lassie and Rin Tin Tin and Bullet (Roy Rogers' dog) never died. I think the tenor in last night's Met Otello was the new Russian tenor Alexanders Antonenko. Correct?? Ciao.
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Dan Lawlor
09-22-2015
05:20 PM ET (US) IP: 45.47.170.225
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Ed: the last film I saw where the dog lived, and the hero died was with Edmond Gwen...he was a village doctor and Lassie was his dog...sad...even though the dog lived...eh? ha ha A little doggerel I wrote a few years ago: Il Trovatore: To Manrico: "Life's a bitch, being raised by a witch; while Azcucena dreams of mountain's instead...He saves her from burning, sings Leonora his yearning, and finally he loses his head!" (what a jerk!eh?) Edited 09-22-2015 06:25 PM
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Ed to Dan
09-22-2015
02:59 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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I always say, I don't care who dies in a movie as long as the dog lives.
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Dan Lawlor
09-22-2015
01:54 PM ET (US) IP: 45.47.170.225
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Diane: Under the original version of La Forza, the tenor jumps off a cliff after realizing he has caused the death of the entire Calatrava family...oh well, I am glad they let the tenor live since then...ha ha
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Diane Cox
09-22-2015
01:51 PM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.239
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Yes, tenors and sopranos lead dangerous lives in opera.
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Dan Lawlor
09-22-2015
01:49 PM ET (US) IP: 45.47.170.225
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Diane: Manrico gets his head chopped off in Il Trovatore, after Leonora poisons herself...I guess La Forza is the only opera where everyone dies, but the tenor, ha ha....
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Diane Cox
09-22-2015
12:34 PM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.239
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Soprano Anna Netrebko’s dramatic and vocal skills are on full display in her next new role at the Met—Leonora, the Verdi heroine who sacrifices her own life for the love of the gypsy troubadour. Tenor Yonghoon Lee sings the ill-fated Manrico, baritone Dmitri Hvorostovsky is his rival, and mezzo-soprano Dolora Zajick is the mysterious gypsy with the troubled past. Angela Meade sings Leonora in later performances. Marco Armiliato conducts Sir David McVicar’s Goya-inspired production.
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Fred Day
09-22-2015
12:16 PM ET (US) IP: 98.85.33.201
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Suzanne: Vagabond King was Lanza's next to last recordings. Desert Song was last, one month later. Ciao. PS: From Vagabond King, my favorites are Love Me Tonight & Drinking Song. Yes, an ocean of wine will certainly do!! Ciao. Edited 09-22-2015 12:24 PM
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Fred Day
09-22-2015
12:10 PM ET (US) IP: 98.85.33.201
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Who sang the title role in last night's Otello?? And who will sing Manrico in the upcoming Trovatore?? Curious. Ciao.
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Dan Lawlor
09-22-2015
11:23 AM ET (US) IP: 45.47.170.225
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Matt: the last time I saw a video of Il Trovatore, they had the tenor way off stage, behind scenery, responding to the soprano in the tower scene, and you could not hear the tenor's reply (Pavarotti at the time). I sincerely hope that they correct this staging as the duet does not lend itself to the tenor's voice being swallowed up in scenery...that is this poor tenor's opinion anyway...who is the tenor, by the way??? Edited 09-22-2015 11:24 AM
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Diane Cox
09-21-2015
07:15 PM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.239
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Planning to see Il Trovatore with my friends.
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MATT MINZER
09-21-2015
07:14 PM ET (US) IP: 64.12.116.203
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OPENING NIGHT AT THE METROPOLITAN OPERA IS TAKING PLACE RIGHT NOW. "OTHELLO"IS A WONDERFUL OPERA TO LISTEN TO. IT IS BEING BROADCAST ON SERIUS RADIO AND SOME LOCAL RADIO STATIONS AS WELL.
DON'T FORGET-ANNA NETREBKO IN VERDI'S "IL TROVATORE" IN HI-DEF LIVE FROM THE WONDERFUL METROPOLITAN OPERA IN 12 DAYS.
BEST,
MATT MINZER IN 87 DG. S.E. FLORIDA.
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GARY TO BROTHER ED
09-21-2015
04:51 PM ET (US) IP: 71.72.144.56
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ED,I LIKE THE TVK,BUT I ALSO LIKE MARIO'S CAVALCADE OF SHOW TUNES AND SO ON.BEST
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Diane Cox
09-21-2015
02:55 PM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.239
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I do the same thing Suzanne. That's how I happened to listen to them the other night - remote battery fail. Too lazy to get out of bed to change the CD.
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Suzanne
09-21-2015
02:51 PM ET (US) IP: 74.79.58.35
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When I listen to my "Mario" CD, I usually stop it before the Vagabond King selections. Just saddens me because they're Mario's last.
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Ed to Suzanne/Diane
09-21-2015
07:56 AM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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Although TVK is not one of my favorite albums by Mario I enjoy a few songs from it, my favorite is Nocturne. Mario just sails across beautiful lyrics in this song. I enjoy Only A Rose but none can compare to the recording on Cavalcade in my opinion.
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diane cox
09-20-2015
03:03 PM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.239
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Listened to those very recordings about two nights ago - not my favorites, particularly the Only A Rose duet.
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Suzanne
09-20-2015
01:52 PM ET (US) IP: 74.79.58.35
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On this day in 1925, "The Vagabond King" opened on Broadway. Some of Mario's last recordings from it "Someday", "Only a Rose" and "The Drinking Song" among others.
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GARY TO DENNIS
09-17-2015
01:25 PM ET (US) IP: 71.72.144.56
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DENNIS,I ALSO WANT TO APOLOGIZE TO YOU.VERONICA IS A VERY NICE PERSON,SHE SENT ME A MP3 WITH ALL MARIO LANZA SONGS ON IT,AND MADE ME LANZA DVD'S AND CD'S.HAVE A GREAT DAY!BEST
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Suzanne
09-17-2015
10:16 AM ET (US) IP: 74.79.58.35
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Dennis, thanks for explaining. Will take issue with the statement that Veronica is not familiar to those on this site. I'm sure many corresponded with her.It's never a mistake to have compassion. Peace.
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Ed to Dennis
09-16-2015
08:07 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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Dennis, guess I was wrong and apologize to you. I hope you can understand that a few of us grew very close over the years and have stood by each other in some very bad times, Veronica is special to us and liked by all and assumes a roll of proxy mom to many. I understand how you spoke of relevant, guess it was placed wrongly or I took it the wrong way. I recall your compassionate response once you knew what we spoke of. We posted on Lanza legend for years and believe me that forum was totally different, with Damon running it he reached out to all and when you least expect it he'd call you. Again I ask let's put this behind us and move on ok Best Ed
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Dennis
09-16-2015
06:11 PM ET (US) IP: 73.170.201.215
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Suzanne and Ed,
You completely misunderstand my post. I am not one who has ever criticized the personal interactions and communication of posters to this site, even when they wander away from any reference to Lanza. In fact, I enjoy hearing from Matt about Netrebko, from Gary about his love for Mario, from Fred about his past experiences in music, etc. I welcome it, and often join in, when people share their personal lives a bit and when they express concern for others such as Thelma.
Here is what was posted, out of the blue, on this site:
From Suzanne at 11:57am: E. Received. A sad, sad story. If you have a chance to, please send her my love and thoughts. I’d have emailed this, but seems you didn’t get the previous ones I’ve sent. Tell her she certainly does “matter”. Thanks, Ed
And a response from Ed at 1:15pm: Suzanne, I did what you wanted. I too agree she has a terrible bad time here, we sent her a sympathy card. Such a good friend and fan.
As I suspected, this was personal communication about a mutual friend, and since not identified, a friend unknown to anyone on this site. That’s why I questioned whether it was relevant to this site, or perhaps an email gone awry.
Ed clarified this the next day that it was about Veronica, although I must admit that I cannot remember her posting on this site in the many years I have joined in. I am happy to accept his word about her devotion to Mario.
Since I responded later that day that I thought you both were very “understanding and sweet” it could hardly be that I thought it was a topic that you were out of line in mentioning, but perhaps next time you could give some context for the many readers who have no idea who Veronica is…or, in this case, an unknown lady.
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Dan Lawlor
09-16-2015
12:51 PM ET (US) IP: 45.47.170.225
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Years ago, I purchased a recording of "Barber of Seville" and while listening to it, I fell asleep. Years later, I had the chance to see it in person at Proctor's in Schenectady, and guess what, I fell asleep in the same spot..." oh well...
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Brian Harrison
09-16-2015
10:14 AM ET (US) IP: 82.46.247.24
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May I add to the topic of sitting through complete operas - I have no trouble with musicals such as South Pacific, Carousel, Show Boat, My Fair Lady, all Gilbert and Sullivan, etc and my favourite Les Miserable. Perhaps it is because, not only are they full of wonderful music and songs, they are in English. Regarding Damon and Bob. I met with them twice at the Friends of Mario Lanza meetings in Rugby. Two nicer gentlemen it would be hard to find both devoted to the promotion of Mario. Best wishes to you all, Brian.
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Derek Mannering
09-15-2015
10:04 PM ET (US) IP: 50.178.46.171
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He is indeed, Suzanne. Birthday greetings to you in advance of next month and I feel sure you'll enjoy the wonderful photographs in the book. Some of them are priceless and I am especially fond of the Beverly Hills wedding photo from Mother Dolores. I haven't seen the new paperback version yet, but my British publisher, Robert Hale, has always done fine work.
Pam Latham has organized a book signing at the BMLS gathering in October and I am looking forward to seeing some old and dear friends again at that time.
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Suzanne
09-15-2015
04:50 PM ET (US) IP: 74.79.58.35
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Derek, eagerly awaiting my copy of " A Life In Pictures". My son ordered it for my birthday next month. Sure it won't be topped by anything else. Priceless Mario. One of life's treasures.
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Ed to Suzanne
09-15-2015
02:39 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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Suzanne, I too was taken aback about the relevance of Veronica to this or to any other forum regarding the promotion of Mario Lanza. I've known her at least seven years and I cannot convey the beauty of her love for Mario anymore than she is deeply devoted to him. As for relevance I submit also why do we need people's vacation itinerary and weather temps. To be honest I've been Netrebko'd out. I realize she is the best around today, I can't afford to go see nor hear her. I guess when it comes down to it there was more real compassion on our forum with Bob and Damon than here, we called one and other brother and sister for a reason. Like you and Brian I've compared many to Mario and they all come up short. There is only one for me.
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Suzanne
09-15-2015
11:42 AM ET (US) IP: 74.79.58.35
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First of all, Dennis, yes relevant to this site. Veronica is a long-time devotee of Mario, intelligent and knowing of his music, a great friend to those of us here. Contributing much to the discussions over the years. Are you another who looks down on our concern for each other? If it could have been private, it would have been, but I could not reach Ed, via Email for some reason.Sorry it disagrees with your ethic. How relevant do you think the constant Anna Netrebko promotion is? I agree she's pretty wonderful. As I said, when I first saw and heard her, she would be the female equivalent of our Mario, in her voice and her flamboyance.Imagine them together! Brian, afraid I'm guilty of the very same thing, comparing every tenor to Mario, even if I find them very good. I loved Pavarotti, partly because he seemed to have such passion in his singing. Linz called his book "The One Tenor" and that's just the way it is. Thelma, hello.Sorry you aren't as well as you could be. Glad you post now and then at least.
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Bill Ronayne
09-14-2015
07:08 PM ET (US) IP: 67.80.214.76
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Ed and anyone else in the NY-NJ area, there are still some seats available for my Mario Lanza presentation in Staten island, NY at Casa Belvedere at 7pm. Just contact them at 718-273-7660 or info@casa-belvedere.org if you would like to attend. Suggested donation is $25 person and you can pay at the door. I'll also be doing a book signing of "The Films of Mario Lanza" after the presentation. The book has a special event price of $20. Best, Bill Edited 09-14-2015 07:08 PM
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Ed to Diane
09-14-2015
06:12 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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Thanks, but no can do three hours at an opera.
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Diane Cox
09-14-2015
04:36 PM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.239
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Ed: Met Opera HD Broadcast – Lulu
WHEN: November 21, 2015 @ 1:00 pm – 4:30 pm
WHERE: Susan E. Wagner High School
1200 Manor Road
Staten Island, NY 10314
Looks like they are showing many of the Met HD broadcasts.
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Ed to Matt
09-14-2015
03:55 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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There are no theaters here that show anything with class let alone opera. Here you get the latest super hero film or some horror film. I would attend a movie but there are none geared for a mom and dad audience. As for attending a live opera not everyone can lay down the price of a ticket. I am on a fixed income and its bread before entertainment.
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Ed to Brian
09-14-2015
02:22 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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Brian, I read your post about opera loving. I am kind of in that position. Although I've attended perhaps three in my life I appreciate the music and had I not been a Mario Lanza fan I'd have never sat through one, it was he that got me interested in arias and the great singers. I too do not speak any language other than English, I just listen to the beauty of the voices with some understanding of what they
sing, so honestly I don't have that much of a want to sit three hours. I enjoy other performers non classical, Elvis and Neil Diamond, theirs I could do three hours. However Lanza has played wherever I lived since 1963.
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Dan Lawlor
09-14-2015
12:31 PM ET (US) IP: 45.47.170.225
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Matt: I should be coming down to Florida in January, not sure what date yet, will let you know when... Brian: the internet is a great source to get the synopses of any opera you are anticipating seeing...it also has those seldom heard ones also... Edited 09-14-2015 12:33 PM
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Diane Cox
09-14-2015
12:03 PM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.239
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Matt: I believe Gloria was the only child by his 2nd wife, Dorothy. He had two sons by the opera singer with whom he lived for many years in Europe.
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Derek Mannering
09-14-2015
10:32 AM ET (US) IP: 50.178.46.171
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Thank you, Matt, I'm pleased to hear you enjoyed the book.
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Ed to Matt
09-14-2015
08:33 AM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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Yes I've been to the museum, I visited in 2009 and it certainly is impressive. Glad you enjoyed the luncheon, Bill does it right. Due to last min changes actually the night before my trip was cancelled.
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MATT MINZER
09-14-2015
08:05 AM ET (US) IP: 108.54.217.240
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I JUST RECEIVED THE WONDERFUL BOOK-"MARIO LANZA IN PHOTOGRAPHS". IT WAS A PLEASURE TO REVIEW AS MANY OF THE PHOTOGRAPHS WERE NEVER BEFORE PUBLISHED.
PLEASE ATTEND A LIVE OPERA OR POSSIBLY THE EXCELLENT HI-DEF METROPOLITAN OPERA PERFORMANCES THAT START IN THREE WEEKS WITH ANNA NETREBKO IN VERDI'S "IL TROVATORE".
BEST,
MATT MINZER
THE CURATOR OF THE ENRICO CARUSO MUSEUM IN BROOKLYN, NEW YORK WAS PRESENT AT BILL'S WONDERFUL MARIO LANZA LUNCHEON ON SATURDAY. I HAVE VISITED THE MUSEUM ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS AND FOUND IT TO BE FASCINATING. CURATOR ALDO PLAYED THE VARIOUS ANTIQUE MUSIC PLAYERS AND THE SOUND WAS PHENOMINAL. SOME OF THESE MACHINES WERE ONE HUNDRED YEARS OLD. CARUSO CAME ALIVE IN THE ROOM. HIS CLOTHES, MEDALS AND CANES WERE PRESENT AS WELL. ALDO DISCUSSED A FUTURE OPERATIC CONCERT SCHEDULED LATER THIS MONTH AND ENRICO CARUSO'S GRANDSON ERIC WILL BE PRESENT. I SAW ERIC ON THE ANTIQUE ROADSHOW ON TELEVISION AND HE DISPLAYED AND DISCUSSED MANY OF HIS GRANDFATHER'S PLATINUM AND GOLD JEWELRY AND MEDALS. ERIC IS THE SON OF ENRICO'S DAUGHTER GLORIA. HIS ONLY CHILD WHO WAS ONLY TWO YEARS OLD WHEN HE DIED ON AUGUST 2, 1921 IN NAPLES. AT THE END OF HER LIFE, GLORIA WAS LIVING IN FLORIDA DOING WONDERFUL CHARITY WORK. I WOULD LOVE TO PURCHASE AND OWN A PIECE OF CARUSO'S JEWELRY. I HAVE THREE AUTHENTIC AUTOGRAPHED PHOTOGRAPHS OF THE GREAT TENOR HANGING IN MY OFFICE IN FLORIDA ADJACENT TO FIVE MARIO LANZA PHOTOGRAPHS.
THERE WAS MENTION THAT POSSIBLY THE ENRICO CARUSO MUSEUM WILL BE MOVING CLOSE TO LINCOLN CENTER IN THE NEAR FUTURE. TIME WILL TELL.
ED:HAVE YOU EVER ATTENDED THE ENRICO CARUSO MUSEUM? YOU LIVE SO CLOSE.
DAN:WHEN ARE YOU RETURNING TO SOUTH FLORIDA?
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David Weaver
09-13-2015
05:23 PM ET (US) IP: 24.210.22.228
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Billy Crystal opened one of the Oscar telecasts he hosted by saying, "Welcome to the Academy Awards. Or, as I like to think of them, 20 minutes of solid entertainment stretched out over a 4-hour evening."
I think that could be said of most - if not all - operas. And I say that having sung in 30 productions with Opera Columbus over the years.
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Diane Cox
09-13-2015
04:37 PM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.239
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Have that Milton Cross book, and two copies of the Victor book with lots of pictures, from the time of Caruso.
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Dan Lawlor
09-13-2015
03:38 PM ET (US) IP: 45.47.170.225
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Years ago there was a book by Milton Cross with the outline of the most famous operas included, which became my bible.
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Diane Cox
09-13-2015
12:27 PM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.239
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Usually I read the synoposis, and if there is music I know. My theory is, it doesn't matter what they are saying if the music is beautiful. In fact, it helps me appreciate the voice and music more, not to understand the words. I don't like every minute of every opera, but usually there are enough special moments to make it worthwhile.
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Dan Lawlor
09-13-2015
10:45 AM ET (US) IP: 45.47.170.225
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Brian: I had the same problem years ago, but I bought a book of opera synopses, which helped me unravel the really convoluted plots in lesser heard operas, and pre-prepared, I ventured into the stalls to listen; also many recordings have librettos included, and there is a site on the internet that has librettos in English translations: pre-prepared is always the best bet, eh? p.s. Cavalleria Rusticana is one of my favorites. Edited 09-13-2015 10:46 AM
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Phil uk
09-13-2015
10:31 AM ET (US) IP: 149.254.250.160
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Jonas Kaufmann was'live' on BBC tv last night.He sang 3 arias & a song & was in fine form.He sings Otello at Covent Garden soon,should be good.
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MATT MINZER
09-13-2015
08:47 AM ET (US) IP: 108.54.217.240
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BRIAN:
THE METROPOLITAN OPERA HI-DEF PERFORMANCES CLEARLY HAVE ALL THE WORDS ON THE BIG SCREEN IN ENGLISH. WHY NOT GIVE IT A TRY AND YOU WILL THANK ME.
BEST,
MATT MINZER IN NEW YORK
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Brian Harrison
09-13-2015
06:03 AM ET (US) IP: 82.46.247.24
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Matt and Dan, thanks for your response to my post on being a non lover of opera. I think my main problem is I don't speak or understand Italian, French or German so I find it difficult, without a synopsis, to know what is going on. I love the music especially the main arias but the remainder of the libretto is beyond me. It was in 1982 that I took out a season ticket for WNO's performances of The Bartered Bride, I Puritani and Tosca. I have also seen live La Boheme (many times), La Traviata, Cavalleria Rusticana, Rigoletto and Pagliacci. So you see I have given opera a good try. The music is lovely but unless performed in English the plots remain a mystery. Best wishes Brian
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Bill Ronayne
09-12-2015
08:25 PM ET (US) IP: 69.121.95.117
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 Thanks Matt. Glad you could make it. Maybe next time Ed. It's booked for December 5th. This is a photo of the performers. L-R: baritone Xiaomeng Zhang, soprano Justyna Giermola and accompanist David Maiullo. It was a great afternoon and we listened to selections from Mario's films in conjunction with the official release of my new book "The Films of Mario Lanza." Best, Bill Edited 09-12-2015 08:26 PM
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Ed
09-12-2015
06:41 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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I couldn't make the luncheon today, last minute changes on my mini vacation to NC kept me home and to late to attend. Glad all who all attended had fun, it is always a treat to celebrate Mario.
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GARY TO BROTHER ED
09-12-2015
06:29 PM ET (US) IP: 71.72.144.56
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ED,I TOTALLY AGREE WITH YOU,MY HEART AND PRAYERS GO OUT TO SISTER VERONICA AND NATASHA.LIKE BROTHER ED SAID,AND I HAVE SAID,VERONICA IS A TRUE MARIO LANZA FAN AND A LOYAL FAN!BEST
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MATT MINZER
09-12-2015
05:24 PM ET (US) IP: 108.54.217.240
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HI BILL:
WE REALLY ENJOYED TODAY'S MARIO LANZA SOCIETY LUNCHEON AT WORLD FAMOUS PATSY'S RESTAURANT. IT WAS A TRUE PLEASURE TO HEAR THE WONDERFUL TALENTED SINGERS SING DUETS AND ARIAS. THEIR VOICES WERE SPLENDID AND I THANK YOU FOR ARRANGING SUCH A FINE AFTERNOON!
BEST,
MATT MINZER
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Dan Lawlor
09-12-2015
04:15 PM ET (US) IP: 45.47.170.225
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Brian: I think you might want to give La Forza another look-see. It has some of the most beautiful music in Verdi's opuses. In my opinion, anyway
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MATT MINZER
09-11-2015
07:32 PM ET (US) IP: 108.54.217.240
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TO BRIAN:
I READ YOUR E-MAIL AND SUGGEST THAT DESTINY ("FORCES OF DESTINY" HAS MADE YOU A NON-LOVER OF COMPLETE OPERAS. I SUGGEST THAT YOU TRY TO FIND A MOVIE COMPLEX THAT BEAMS THE METROPOLITAN OPERA'S HI-DEF WONDERFUL PERFORMANCES WHERE YOU CAN COUNT THE TEARS, HAPPINESS AND FACIAL LINES ON THE FIRST RATE SINGERS.
PLEASE TRY VERDI'S "IL TROVATORE" WHICH IS SCHEDULED FOR THE FIRST WEEK IN OCTOBER STARRING THE BEAUTIFUL AND HIGHLY TALENTED ANNA NETREBKO.
PLEASE GET BACK TO US WITH YOUR SINCERE REVIEW.
I JUST ARRIVED IN NEW YORK TO ATTEND BILL'S WONDERFUL MARIO LANZA SOCIETY LUNCHEON AT PATSY'S FAMOUS ITALIAN RESTAURANT AND HEAR OPERA SUNG LIVE IN HONOR OF THE LATE BUT WONDERFUL MARIO LANZA.
BEST,
MATT MINZER
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Ed to Everyone Here
09-11-2015
03:34 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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Of course I will convey everyone's condolences to Veroinca. As I am told the baby girl was due on July 29 and was a preemie,born about three weeks early and didn't make it. Still no answer as to why, the little girl was buried on the day she was due to be born. As a father of three healthy children I am blessed as all of us surely are.
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Kristine
09-11-2015
03:18 PM ET (US) IP: 173.169.63.145
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Remembering, today, Sept.11, 2001 Anniversary. Martin Milner, RIP. Jean Darling passed away. She was in silent "Our Gang" movie shorts and played Carrie in Broadway's "Carousel". My condolences and sympathy to the Lanza fan, who lost her grandchild. PBS T.V.will be showing "Cavalleria Rusticana" on Sunday, Sept. 13th. Marcelo Alvarez is in it. "American Experience" will have Walt Disney as the subject on PBS T.V. I hope "American Masters",on PBS T.V., will have Mario Lanza as a subject, someday.
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Dennis
09-11-2015
01:29 PM ET (US) IP: 73.170.201.215
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Ed, the loss of a grandchild was sadly far too common 150 years ago and fortunately today is rather rare. Makes the pain all the deeper when it happens. You and Suzanne are understanding and sweet to give comfort to Veronica. Let her know that most who post here are also grandparents and can empathize with her loss and we send her our condolences.
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Brian Harrison
09-11-2015
12:40 PM ET (US) IP: 82.46.247.24
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Phoops, sorry, hit the wrong button. I said I was new to this machine. I was going on to say that I am in the Blasphemer camp. I tried a few operas performed by the Welsh National Opera Company. OK, but apart from La Boheme I found most of them boring, even walked out on Force of Destiny. But there you are, that's me. Whenever I listen to other tenors I cannot but help comparing them to Mario. I am sorry but non of them come close IMO. Anyway that's enough of me for now (thank goodness I hear some of you say} I am glad to be back amongst you lovely people. Thelma, so pleased to see you posting, keep well, Brian.
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Brian Harrison
09-11-2015
12:21 PM ET (US) IP: 82.46.247.24
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Hello All, due to my old computer breaking down I have not been able to contact this forum since message 47207 posted on 28/7/15. I am now the proud possessor of a brand new machine which I am slowly learning my way around. It has taken me two days to catch up with all your postings. Well, what a mixed bag. I shall not revisit any of the most contentious matters except to say that post 47458 from David Weaver was the best of the lot. Most thought provoking and I have decided that I am in the category
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GARY TO BROTHER ED
09-11-2015
12:11 PM ET (US) IP: 71.72.144.56
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ED,VERONICA IS A SWEET LADY AND A VERY LOYAL LANZA FAN.I AGREE WITH YOU BROTHER ED.
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Thelma F. Prince
09-11-2015
08:39 AM ET (US) IP: 209.85.212.179
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This is Thelma Prince. II remember Veronica too. I am so sorry to hear of her loss and please tell her. I have slowed down in my life also, at the age of 83 and not well enough to post often. Thanks.
On Fri, Sep 11, 2015 at 7:51 AM, QT - Fred Day <
qtopic-30-ECKcxtRbxUTNy@quicktopic.com> wrote:
>
< replied-to message removed by QT >
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Fred Day
09-11-2015
07:51 AM ET (US) IP: 98.85.33.201
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Ed & Suzanne: Please give Veronica my sincere sympathy, also, on her loss. Thanks. Ciao.
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Ed to Dennis
09-11-2015
06:29 AM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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Dennis, a very good friend of ours who no longer posts due to serious illness has just suffered a major loss that of a grandchild. I contacted her when I heard and Suzanne and I sent our sincere condolence, Veronica is a true Lanza fan and a sweet lady.
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Dennis
09-11-2015
12:23 AM ET (US) IP: 73.170.201.215
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Ed, Suzanne, What????? Relevant to this site? Private email gone awry?
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Ed to Suzanne
09-10-2015
01:14 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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Suzanne, I did what you wanted. I too agree she has a terrible bad time here, we sent her a sympathy card. Such a good friend and fan.
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Suzanne
09-10-2015
11:57 AM ET (US) IP: 74.79.58.35
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E. Received. A sad ,sad story. If you have a chance to, please send her my love and thoughts.I'd have emailed this, but seems you didn't get the previous ones I've sent.Tell her she certainly does "matter".Thanks, Ed.
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Martino to Fred
09-10-2015
05:48 AM ET (US) IP: 67.216.109.108
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Yep, both Roswaenge and Slezak could sing almost anything although Roswaenge seldom sang Wagner on stage. In addition, Roswaenge possessed some of the best high notes of any tenor. It has always been rare but back in those days there were more singers with those versatile talents than there are today. In recent years Jonas Kaufmann and Placido Domingo come to mind as tenors capable of doing a pretty good job of singing both lyric and dramatic roles. But even in their case I would say they sing and are more effective singing semi-lyric roles rather than pure lyric. Many others attempt this but are not very successful and in the worst cases, actually ruin their voices trying. I do not believe that Mario Lanza, had he gone to opera, would have been as versatile in that music as he was in crossover terms. He could have sung both a great Otello one night and a great Alfredo the next (as has Domingo), but I doubt he would have found Rossini, Mozart, Wagner or French lyric music very much to his liking, as did Roswaenge and Slezak.
It should be noted that back in the days when operas were being composed they were often done so with particular singers in mind rather than specific voice types, and this was true of Italian as well as German composers. There were no such categories as heldentenor, lyric, dramatic, etc., only singers identified as having strong voices, lighter voices and voices capable of both extremes. Wagner for example, wrote some operas specifically for singers he very much admired, such as the tenor Joseph Tichatschek. Wagner saw in Tichatschek the perfect embodiment of his visions for Rienzi, Tannhauser and Lohengrin and wrote their music to accommodate Tichatschek's vocal strong points. Wagner was to say later that had he never met Tichatschek, he would not have made his tenor music so difficult. Berlioz, who heard him sing Rienzi, described Tichatschek's voice as “brilliant and irresistible … elegant, impassioned and heroic”. But it was not until more modern times that we began to classify singers into categories and sub categories and in so doing we sort of pigeon holed them to a certain repertory. That may be the reason singers such as Roswaenge and Slezak are much more rare today. Singers, like doctors, have become specialists.
Tichatschek and others like him, honed their talents on operas that are rarely or no longer performed today such as the works of Gluck, Auber, Meyerbeer and Weber. These required a mastery of various techniques that the standard repertory of today does not call for. It is that mastery of various techniques that allows singers to move from Wagner to Mozart in an almost seamless fashion. On occasion you will have someone in the modern era, like Cecilia Bartoli, who will find these rarities and bring them out of mothballs, as she has with music of the Baroque era. Callas made similar revivals in bel canto music during the '50s. But even in these cases, their type of voice dictated the music they selected to resurrect.
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Fred Day
09-10-2015
12:07 AM ET (US) IP: 98.85.33.201
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PS: Roswaenge had the dubious distinction of being Hitler's favorite tenor. Ciao.
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Fred Day
09-09-2015
11:59 PM ET (US) IP: 98.85.33.201
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Martino: What about Leo Slezak?? He could sing Wagner or Otello one night and Mozart a few nights later. He also excelled in lieder, and could scale down his stentorian voice to a gentle pianissimo, with ease. A giant of a man, large, and 6 foot 8 tall, he was to Germany what Caruso was to Italy. Another giant of a tenor, powerful and versatile, was Helge Roswaenge. Ciao.
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Martino to Linz
09-09-2015
01:16 PM ET (US) IP: 67.216.109.108
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I enjoyed your conversation with Simon O'Neill. I have known of him but never paid too much attention, however he is no doubt a very good Wagnerian singer. I hate to use "Heldentenor" because I really don't think we have any left that really fit that description. You were more correct when you described him as a dramatic tenor. I listened to his rendition of "Ein Schwert Verhieß Mir Der Vater" and it was very, very good. He was the equal (at least in this aria) to Jonas Kauffmann, who I would also not describe as a Heldentenor (heroic). Although Siegmund is certainly heavy, both Kauffmann and O'Neill have the voices to handle it dramatically. I'm not so sure about something like Tristan, however. Has O'Neill tried Tristan yet?
Lauritz Melchior was a true Heldentenor and the standard by which all others are judged, even to this day. If you listen to his version of the aria you can hear that he has no sense of legato and the steel in his voice dominates every note: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wdTt_ST6jAI. O'Neill, Kauffmann (and Domingo as well), sing this with a bit more Italian style, even if the music does not call for it. The best I ever heard this sung in person was by Jon Vickers, another singer I would classify as "dramatic". You should also hear Del Monaco sing it. Even though it is in butchered German, he certainly had the voice for this music. These singers, unlike a real Heldentenor, find many Italian and French operas to their liking. Melchoir on the other hand had a very limited Italian repertory compared to these other singers, and as far as I know, nothing in French.
If we wanted to get real picky about voice types, I would even go so far as to say that O'Neill may have what is referred to in Germany as "Jugendlicherheldentenor" (youthful heroic tenor). It is a voice of less weight, brighter with a distinct clarity of tone. This description seems to fit O'Neill's voice very well. Next time you speak to him, ask if he ever thought of himself in those terms because I doubt he would describe himself as a Heldentenor, even though he sings most of Wagner.
I went on to listen to more O'Neill on youtube such as "Nessun Dorma" and the love duet from La Boheme, where a real Heldentenor would loose his way rather quickly. Although Simon did seem to struggle a bit with the lyricism, he was overall very effective in a role I would not have picked for him. His soft ending at the end was quite good and not something most Wagnerian specialists would consider. But the real star of the night was Te Kanawa. WoW! Singing like that at her age was really something. I think the one important attribute O'Neill has is his versatility. There are not many singers (and never have been) that can handle Rodolfo one night and Tannhauser the next. Let's hope he does more work in America.
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Ed to David
09-09-2015
12:33 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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David,so much for senior moments, what the heck was I thinking? Yes,it was Raskin who was added, seems if they did that fifty years ago it would be simple now.
Suzanne, I resent it, I copied her text to me and attached it as an email you should see it.
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David Weaver
09-09-2015
12:19 PM ET (US) IP: 156.63.68.184
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Ed, you've actually thrown a third soprano in to the mix. Judith Raskin was the soprano whose voice was added to the 1959 recordings of "The Vagabond King" and "The Desert Song." She joined New York City Opera in 1959, went to the Met in 1962 and gave more than 100 performances with them thru 1972.
Jean Fenn, who was in SERENADE, was at the Met from 1953 to 1970.
Jean Tennyson was Mario's singing partner only on the CBS radio series, "Great Moments in Music." The fact that the show was sponsored by the Celanese Corporation and that Ms. Tennyson's husband was the president of the company may explain why she was on. However, in her obit in the New York Times in 1991, it did say she also sang at La Scala and with the Chicago and San Francisco Operas. Maybe in her earlier days she sounded better than she did on "Great Moments."
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Suzanne
09-09-2015
11:57 AM ET (US) IP: 74.79.58.35
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Read Simon O'Neill's comments. Always good that Mario's included. Ed, checked, nothing shown, don't know--.
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Ed to Fred
09-09-2015
09:34 AM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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Fred, I probably got my sopranos mixed up. Wasn't it Fenn that sang the Boheme duet in Serenade and Tennyson on the Desert Song and Vagabond King?
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Fred Day
09-09-2015
02:35 AM ET (US) IP: 98.85.33.201
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Ed: Yes, Jean Tennyson was awful, but Jean Fenn was a good soprano. She sang at the Met for many years. Ciao.
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Fred Day
09-09-2015
02:32 AM ET (US) IP: 98.85.33.201
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Gary: Yes, those 3 Lanza Nessun Dorma's are the only ones. Perhaps he might have rehearsed it at home with Callinicos, but if so, no recording exists. Ciao.
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Kristine
09-08-2015
10:50 PM ET (US) IP: 173.169.63.145
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I hope everybody had an enjoyable Labor Day Holiday. Martin Milner, Judy Carne(the "sock it to me girl from "Laugh-In" and first wife of Burt Reynolds), Brad Andersen, cartoonist who drew "Marmaduke"(a Great Dane Dog)comic strip, RIP. Today, I was at the supermarket and saw the magazine books about Elvis Presley(who is on a stamp, again), Frank Sinatra, John Wayne, "Rowdy" Roddy Piper, the wrestler, on the magazine stand. There have been Marilyn Monroe magazine books. I wonder if there will ever be one about Mario Lanza ?
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Linz
09-08-2015
07:47 PM ET (US) IP: 115.188.219.199
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I've just published an article about Simon O'Neill, prominent Wagnerian tenor who wrote one of the Forewords for The One Tenor. Mario gets a mention or two. :-)
http://www.solopassion.com/node/10089
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GARY TO FRED DAY
09-08-2015
03:20 PM ET (US) IP: 71.72.144.56
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FRED,THE ONLY RECORDINGS OF NESSUN DORMA WERE THE HOLLYWOOD BOWL ,AND THE TWO FOR THE MOVIE "SERENADE".THANK YOU FOR ANY INFO.BEST
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Diane Cox
09-08-2015
02:52 PM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.239
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Since many of the duets with Mario were recorded separately, this shouldn't be that great of a challenge. Just need to find something both artists have recorded. Vince di Placido Jr may know how to do it.
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Ed to Diane
09-08-2015
02:44 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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Diane, wouldn't it be great if someone with technical wit could weed out Tennyson or Fenn and put Anna in place?
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Ed to Suzanne
09-08-2015
02:39 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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Suzanne, I fixed the msg and resent it just now.
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Diane Cox
09-08-2015
02:27 PM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.239
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Enjoyed the Wonderlich Ave Maria - I also prefer the soundtrack recording of Lanza's version, and this has always been one of my favorites.
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Martino
09-08-2015
01:49 PM ET (US) IP: 67.216.109.108
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Need to edit 47594 to correct that the first link is Lanza, the second link is Wunderlich.
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Martino to Stephen
09-08-2015
01:43 PM ET (US) IP: 67.216.109.108
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Yes, Stephen, I agree with you about interviewing Fenn before it is too late. In fact that is exactly what I said a couple months ago when I spoke of her career and association with Lanza, the MET and opera in general.
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David Weaver
09-08-2015
01:43 PM ET (US) IP: 156.63.68.244
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There was an enjoyable article about Fenn in the November 2013 issue of Opera News. While Mario Lanza was mentioned in the headline and in the body of the article, James C. Whitson, who interviewed Fenn, did not ask her specifically about Lanza or SERENADE. At age 85, Fenn was still striking looking in the photo that accompanied the article. Here's a link:
http://www.operanews.com/Opera_News_Magazi...ion__Jean_Fenn.html
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Martino
09-08-2015
01:39 PM ET (US) IP: 67.216.109.108
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Mario Lanza's greatness and success can be attributed to many factors, not only vocal but physical, personality, charisma, etc. But when speaking of his singing two vocal characteristics that always stand out are beauty of voice and his way with connecting to his listeners. The vocal beauty and tone is mostly a natural thing and this is true for any singer. In this he was indeed blessed. However, the way a singer has with a song, its words and nuances, ie, how to sing it and communicate to the audience the composer's intent is learned also through experience and practice. Mario Lanza had a strong natural musical instinct that made this job much easier for him than most singers who have to work through their technique first. The way he had with a song came from someplace deeper than the rehearsal studio - it came from his heart and soul. We have talked about this aspect of Lanza's art many times and I was reminded of it again the other day as I listened to the Student Prince album's song "I'll Walk With God". I also went to youtube to listen to his Bach/Gounod "Ave Maria".
Another singer that I listened to who sang this prayer, Fritz Wunderlich, shares some similar qualities with Mario. Fritz Wunderlich had a voice arguably as beautiful as Mario Lanza, or at least not far behind, and was also an excellent "communicator". And when speaking of opera, I believe Maria Callas was perhaps the number one communicator in history. IMO, Callas, Lanza and Piaf were the greatest singers of any type in this particular respect. Someone once said that Callas sees in her score the poetry contained in the music. Whereas most singers sing words, she sings meaning. That same thing could be said of Mario Lanza and Fritz Wunderlich. I will link below Lanza and Wunderlich singing the Bach/Gounod "Ave Maria":
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=shXG1gFZuAA...QJ2cDN7q5Mgd6mT8IYQ
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m1nJT5z7W5E...IYQ&feature=mh_lolz
Although I like TGC rendition better, the linked one does not have the soprano singing with Mario as is the case in TGC soundtrack. But this still gives you a good understanding of how Lanza sang from the "inside out". The first clip is Wunderlich. Beautiful beyond description to be sure but more one dimensional than Lanza. He comes close but does not capture the reverence quite as well. Listen to the final "Amen" by both men and you will see what I mean.
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Stephen of Las Vegas
09-08-2015
01:20 PM ET (US) IP: 72.193.49.109
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Jean Fenn, still alive at 87 according to Wiki. Maybe someone could interview her with regard to any performances involving Lanza's career?
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David Weaver
09-08-2015
12:49 PM ET (US) IP: 156.63.68.244
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Just remember that Jean Fenn's part in SERENADE was recorded in such a way that it was supposed to elicit that comment from Vincent Price.
I don't know if anyone here has visited the Met Opera database - a great resource where you can see listing of a singer's performances with the company, including broadcasts and selected reviews. Jean Fenn made her debut at age 24 in 1953 and gave 126 performances between then and 1970, 44 of those as Musetta in "La Boheme," more than any other soprano in that role during that time. Here's what Musical America wrote about her performance in 1955, the same year she went to Hollywood to record her brief part in SERENADE:
"Miss Fenn did precisely what all distinguished Musettas must - stole the show in the second act through the beauty of her soprano and the fetching coquetry implied by every gesture and deed."
Eight months after her debut she stepped in on a day's notice to sing her first Violetta in "La Traviata" when both Dorothy Kirsten and Licia Albanese were ill. Stepping in to substitute for someone and do a role for the first time in a house like the Met - not easy.
Never a first-rank star of the Met like Albanese, Tebaldi, Callas, or Kirsten, but Fenn had a very successful career. As her Wiki bio states, "An attractive blonde with a statuesque figure, Fenn was a disciplined, well-schooled singer with an excellent technique, wide range, and a highly polished sound." In other words, she was a pro.
And not a singer whose talent can be judged on the basis of SERENADE.
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Suzanne
09-08-2015
12:37 PM ET (US) IP: 74.79.58.35
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Ed, read yours to her, but not hers to you?? There will always be missing recordings of Mario, we'd like to have recorded every minute, I think, but must be happy with all that we have. Marlene has some special recordings to hear, if you look.
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Diane Cox
09-08-2015
11:45 AM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.239
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I'll bet a technical person could manufacture a duet with Mario and Netrebko.
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Ed Phil
09-08-2015
08:57 AM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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I always wished Mario would have recorded with greats like Tebaldi, Moffo or Callas but at least he recorded with Albanese,he had the talent to go one on one with any of them. How they have him Fenn and Tennyson I'll never know they were horrible. It would be great to rerecord some of those using someone like Netrebko it would be great.
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Phil to Ed.
09-08-2015
06:20 AM ET (US) IP: 149.254.250.3
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From the biogs we know that Mario sang & then Mario & Tebaldi sang together,but what!who was there,who played for them that evening?
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Ed Phil,
09-07-2015
04:09 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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Oh if someone had a tape recorder. John Lennon jammed at Graceland with Elvis in 67 no one taped that either. In56 at Sun Records Sam Phillips ran a tape and caught Robison,lewis,Perkins and cash called it million dollar quartet, all this was jamming for two hours.
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Phil uk.
09-07-2015
01:50 PM ET (US) IP: 149.254.56.201
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After looking at those photos of Mario & Tebaldi together,do we know what they sang at Mario's home?And no one recorded it!Oh to have been there.
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Derek Mannering
09-06-2015
05:17 PM ET (US) IP: 50.178.46.171
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I received my copy of Bill Ronayne's new book, "The Films of Mario Lanza," and I can't praise it highly enough. Like Bill's previous anthology of the Coke Show recordings, it's an impeccable source of information, this time for all of Mario's movies including the one he didn't appear in, "The Student Prince." It's also beautifully and intelligently written and contains terrific photos throughout, many of which I had never seen before. Bill also lists production and recording information for each of the films. No true Lanza fan should be without this in their collection. Bravo Bill, well done once again!
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Ed
09-06-2015
11:01 AM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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In reference to my post 47580 I shortened Tell Me O Blue Blue Sky to blue sky, sorry for the mix up.
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Fred Day
09-06-2015
08:15 AM ET (US) IP: 98.85.33.201
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Gail: Lanza sang Irving Berlin's Blue Skies on the Celanese radio show, but not Tell Me O Blue Blue Sky. Lanza rehearsed that song at home, in 1952, with Costa at the piano. He probably planned to sing it on his Coke Show, but unfortunately he never did. Apparently, Lanza bought a home tape recorder in 1952, and had Betty record some of the songs and arias that he rehearsed with Costa. Unfortunately, Betty did not always watch the volume meter while recording, so some of those recordings are badly overloaded, with distortion. However, some of them came out okay, including Tell Me O Blue Blue Sky. Ciao.
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Ed to Gail
09-06-2015
07:38 AM ET (US) IP: 50.16.15.238
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Gail, did you know that Bjorling couldn't speak Italian but sang it beautifully. While I agree that you can distinguish Mario's voice from others Bjorling had one of the greatest tenor voices of the century. Just like you I feel Mario gives the finest interpretations in anything he sings, Mario's voice God bless him has been a major part of my life for fifty years.
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Gail Swartz
09-06-2015
12:15 AM ET (US) IP: 204.29.186.56
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I, too, enjoy those two songs. Nelson Eddy in the movie did not sing all of the words..Tell Me O, Blue Skies was sung on the Celanese Hour. Found a Jussi cd today...played it...Mario did so much better singing the arias..I could distinguish the original interpretations Mario injected into the presentations. No one sang as he did...it is personal to me!
On September 5, 2015, at 10:54 PM, QuickTopic daily digest <qtopic-30-ECKcxtRbxUTNy@quicktopic.com> wrote:
< replied-to message removed by QT >
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Ed to phil
09-05-2015
06:51 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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Phil, the song was also released on an LP The Touch Of Your Hand, almost all were from the Coke shows 1951-1952. Live/London was done in 1958 and he was ill with phlebitis and some say stage fright, even Elvis had stage fright. All in all a good song. I enjoy "blue sky" very much. Thanks Brother Gary
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GARY TO PHIL
09-05-2015
06:49 PM ET (US) IP: 71.72.144.56
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PHIL,I WOULD HAVE GIVEN ANYTHING TO HAVE BEEN AT A MARIO LANZA CONCERT.THERE IS NO VOICE TODAY OR EVER THAT EQUALS THE VOICE OF MARIO LANZA!BEST
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GARY TO BROTHER ED
09-05-2015
04:37 PM ET (US) IP: 71.72.144.56
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ED,I ENJOY ,"I'M FALLING IN LOVE WITH SOME ONE AND ALSO,"TELL ME OH BLUE BLUE SKY"LIVE FROM LONDON.THE LIVE LONDON RECORDINGS ARE THE BEST!MARIO'S UNIQUE VOICE IS WHAT MAKES THESE SONGS.
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Phil to Ed
09-05-2015
04:13 PM ET (US) IP: 149.254.250.252
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The version of "Im falling" was put up on Dec 5/14. Mario's voice had a certain edge to it."my pulses leap madly" is superb.where was this & the date?
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Ed to phil
09-05-2015
10:51 AM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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Phil, most definitely. When Mario did those home recordings I guess they were going by the trial and error routine thereby getting reverb,noise and echo. I think Fred may clear this up, perhaps Martino, Dennis or Ronald about how they were recorded. With such a powerful voice he could have sang from the next room. Any thoughts?
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Phil to Ed
09-05-2015
10:31 AM ET (US) IP: 149.254.250.119
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That rendition of "i'm falling" live performance on y/tube is AWESOME! Great phrasing & power,Mario at his best.
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Ed
09-05-2015
08:46 AM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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Two songs I never hear discussed or perhaps it was a while and I don't recall are. "I'm Falling In Love With Someone and Tell Me Oh Blue Blue Sky" I heard some at home recordings but the live in London cuts to me are better because the background noise from the home recordings seem to obstruct Mario's true sound.
Anyone else like these?
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Suzanne
09-04-2015
10:49 AM ET (US) IP: 74.79.58.35
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Ed, hope you'll get in some Beach time in NC.What I love most .Thinking about facebook, but don't want to spend too much time on the net. Think you must be missing your boardwalk(s). Best to Darleen and all your family.
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matt minzer
09-03-2015
04:40 PM ET (US) IP: 108.54.217.240
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I WONDER WHAT MARIO LANZA BOOK WHICH I ORDERED THRU AMAZON THIS MORNING FOR APP. $38.00 WILL SHOW UP? MATT MINZER Edited 09-03-2015 09:08 PM
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Ed to Suzanne
09-03-2015
02:18 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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A friend of mine who also lives on the island sent me a forward of the event on the 15th I told her I knew all about it and I will be away until around the 16th. As for Facebook it's not for everyone, I'm fine with it, I can communicate with all my family of which about 95% are members. I share pictures of my family and a good way to talk to them all at once.
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Suzanne
09-03-2015
01:47 PM ET (US) IP: 74.79.58.35
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Ed. I have not joined Facebook and not sure about it. Peaceful would be good!Seems everything's available at the same time. A little tricky. Bill will be in your neighborhood, but isn't that when you'll be in NC?
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Derek Mannering
09-03-2015
12:47 PM ET (US) IP: 50.178.46.171
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Fred, the new paperback edition of "A Life In Pictures" is published in the U.K. only so you won't find it in bookstores (what are left of them) here in the States. I'm sure it'll find its way onto Amazon.com in the weeks to come, but right now Amazon uk is your best bet. Conversion rate at the moment is about $25 dollars plus postage.
I've ordered Bill's book and look forward very much to reading it. (And thanks, Jim - my best also you and Dima!)
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Bill Ronayne
09-03-2015
11:17 AM ET (US) IP: 24.46.63.66
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Thanks Jim for your kind words. My best to you and Dima.
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matt minzer
09-03-2015
11:10 AM ET (US) IP: 108.54.217.240
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AMAZON.COM
I TYPED IN MARIO LANZA IN PHOTOGRAPHS AND PAID ABOUT $37.00 FOR A USED COPY.
BEST,
MATT MINZER
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Bill Ronayne
09-03-2015
11:04 AM ET (US) IP: 24.46.63.66
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For those in the NY and NJ area, I will be giving a presentation entitled Mario Lanza The Man and His Music at Casa Belvedere in Staten Island, NY on September 15th at 7pm. This will be a one-hour audiovisual presentation and talk on the life and career of the legendary tenor from Philadelphia including rare early private recordings and radio appearances, a photo slide show, clips from all seven films plus a rare live appearance on British television. Q&A will follow. My new book "The Films of Mario Lanza" will also be available for sale and I will be signing copies. Reservation information is below.
Program Donation: $25 per person (cash, check or credit cards accepted). Refreshments will be served. A light reception will follow. Kindly RSVP in advance so that Casa Belvedere can plan accordingly.
Call 718-273-7660 or E-Mail info@casa-belvedere.org
Please park in the lots located directly across the street at Notre Dame Academy.
Best, Bill
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Jim Thompson
09-03-2015
11:02 AM ET (US) IP: 67.83.119.164
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Dear Bill Ronayne: you did a wonderful service to the memory of Mario with "The Films of Mario Lanza". I received my autographed copy and Dima and I thank you. Every fan should have a copy and I wish a much wider national audience could know about it. Your details of every film are exceptional and the pictures are such a nice addition. Thanks Bill. Much success with this edition. And now I look forward to getting Derek's new book!
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Ed to Suzanne
09-03-2015
09:57 AM ET (US) IP: 54.188.50.232
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Suzanne, I'm waiting until after the 30th (finances). Have you seen the Mario Lanza fan club on Facebook, so many regulars and nice folks all discussing Mario and peaceful at that. You can find it on my Facebook page. I made a copy of Italian Soul for a friend and big Pavarotti fan, she can't stop talking about it.
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Suzanne
09-03-2015
09:18 AM ET (US) IP: 74.79.58.35
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Well, guess it's a pre-order. I'll check it out again.
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Suzanne
09-03-2015
09:09 AM ET (US) IP: 74.79.58.35
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We were puzzled by the Sept. 30 release date. Matt, how did you go about it?
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Ed to Matt
09-03-2015
09:03 AM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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Matt, which edition and what did it cost?
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matt minzer
09-03-2015
08:29 AM ET (US) IP: 108.54.217.240
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I JUST PURCHASED COPY OF MARIO LANZA IN PICTURES ON AMAZON.
MATT MINZER
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Ed to Fred
09-03-2015
07:11 AM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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Fred, yes that was a good question. I'd like to know,my guess would be Amazon.
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Fred Day
09-03-2015
03:07 AM ET (US) IP: 98.85.38.3
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Derek: What is the price of your new picture book, in USA dollars and cents, and where in the USA is it available?? Thanks. Ciao.
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Kristine
09-02-2015
07:40 PM ET (US) IP: 173.169.63.145
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Dean Jones passed away at 84. He sang, also. He was in "Jailhouse Rock", with Elvis, "Ten Thousand Bedrooms"with Dean Martin, Anna Maria Alberghetti, was on t.v. sitcom "Ensign O'Toole" in early '60's. Dean Jones was in Disney movies, too. Terry Robinson knew him. RIP.
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Derek Mannering
09-02-2015
02:29 PM ET (US) IP: 50.178.46.171
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I would go with the new edition, Suzanne. The text/layout is the same in both books, but there are 9 additional photos in the paperback version. Plus, most of the hardback editions available on Amazon UK are used and the two "new" ones are pretty pricey! I think you'll be pleased with the paperback edition.
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Suzanne
09-02-2015
10:46 AM ET (US) IP: 74.79.58.35
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Derek, both editions are available. Which would be best for me to order?Different cover photo. Wondering if content is the same.Thanks.
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Ed
09-01-2015
06:20 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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Gary, you are so right about Bob and Damon they were two good men.
Derek, no problem I saw the post.
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GARY TO PHIL
09-01-2015
04:33 PM ET (US) IP: 71.72.144.56
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PHIL:TO ME,MARIO LANZA WILL ALWAYS BE THE GREATEST AND MOST UNIQUE VOICE EVER!BEST
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GARY TO PHIL
09-01-2015
04:29 PM ET (US) IP: 71.72.144.56
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PHIL:YOUR VERY WELCOME.I MISS BOB AND DAMON,THERE WERE TWO OF THE NICE AND DOWN TO EARTH PEOPLE I HAVE EVER TALKED TO AND E MAILED.HAVE A NICE EVENING AND WEEK.BEST
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Derek Mannering
09-01-2015
02:34 PM ET (US) IP: 50.178.46.171
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Thank you, SUZANNE (I typed Ed's name there by mistake, sorry). If you click on the book title below the back cover image on Jeff's main Lanza page you'll find details there. Edited 09-01-2015 02:49 PM
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Ed to Suzanne
09-01-2015
02:24 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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Suzanne, sadly I won't be going to the luncheon next week I'll be away in NC until the 20th. Looking forward to going to Teddy Roosevelt house in Oyster Bay with Matt next month. I will tell you I am pleased with the new cds.
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Suzanne
09-01-2015
02:12 PM ET (US) IP: 74.79.58.35
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Thanks, Derek. Will order. I can't imagine photos of Mario that I don't already have, but anything's possible. What is different about it from the original book?Glad the last photo wasn't included, it's not Mario as we know him. How envious I am that Ed and Matt will be attending the luncheon. Know it will be wonderful. Went to lunch at Patsy's several years ago. Heard it was a favorite of Frank Sinatra.
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Ed
09-01-2015
02:04 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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I am enjoying the new great opera recordings CD, I am particularly fond of the E Lucevan Le Stelle from the Command Performance, the sound is better than the Live From London.
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Ed to Matt
09-01-2015
01:56 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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Matt, that's Sunday or Monday, my friend Steve may join us he is a retired city bus driver and my neighbor and interested in Teddy. You both should hit it off you have grandchildren.
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Bill Ronayne
09-01-2015
12:35 PM ET (US) IP: 67.80.214.142
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Sounds good Matt. See you both soon. Best, Bill
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matt minzer
09-01-2015
10:40 AM ET (US) IP: 108.54.217.240
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HI BILL:
I HAVE INVITED DR. ANGELO GIMONDO TO YOUR SEPTEMBER 12TH MARIO LANZA AFTERNOON AT PATSY'S.
LOOKING FORWARD TO SEEING YOU AND ELAINE. SHE WAS MY NEIGHBOR YEARS AGO ON LONG ISLAND.
BEST,
MATT MINZER
YOU CAN REACH ME ON MY CELLPHONE-917-929-1103.
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Ed to Matt
09-01-2015
09:44 AM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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Matt, either one, thanks.
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matt minzer
09-01-2015
07:52 AM ET (US) IP: 108.54.217.240
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HI ED:
OCTOBER 18TH OR 19TH SOUNDS GREAT.
BEST,
MATT
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Ed to Matt
09-01-2015
07:48 AM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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Matt, I won't be attending the luncheon as I thought I will be away until the 20th in North Carolina. I would still like to go toS agamore Hill later this month or Oct. Keep me in mind ok?
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Ed to Derek Mannering
09-01-2015
07:43 AM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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Derek, I look forward to ordering your book. I just learned you were born in Dublin,all of my ancestors are Irish born except one of my great granddads born in Germany who married an Irish girl from Mayo. I agree with you about leaving out some photos.
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Ed to phil
09-01-2015
06:27 AM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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My good friend that's how wonderful Bob and Damon were, I knew them, Damon only a year but Bob about five. I can't tell you all the good things they did for me,one in particular was one I will tell you in private, you have my email I will tell you if you ask me, again it is personal and private but I will share. I still post on Lanza Legend I told the guys I'd never forget them.
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Phil to Gary.
09-01-2015
04:31 AM ET (US) IP: 149.254.49.59
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Thanks for your message.Mario sang at my Mothers & Fathers funeral & Damon & Bob sent me a lovely letter in appreciation for having Mario sing & did he sing!
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Ed to phil
08-31-2015
04:27 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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Phil, there sure is a gap,they say when lose a mom you've lost your first friend and how true. From diagnosis to the end she had two months, in that short time it spread everywhere. I was at her side everyday, I know how you feel, I'm still dealing but holding on, Hospice nurse and prayer help. I could not get consent for Mario's music at the viewing but did so at home, Ave Maria was all I could take.
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GARY TO PHIL
08-31-2015
03:06 PM ET (US) IP: 71.72.144.56
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PHIL:SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS,WILL KEEP YOU IN PRAYER.GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY AND GIVE YOU STRENGTH ALWAYS.BEST
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Phil to Ed.
08-31-2015
02:30 PM ET (US) IP: 149.254.250.32
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I can sympathise with you Ed,it leaves a BIG gape in your life,but we must take up life's challenge.
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Phil to Ed & Suzanne.
08-31-2015
02:23 PM ET (US) IP: 149.254.250.32
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I was my mothers carer for a number of years & it hurts now she's gone.Thanks for the kind words.Mario sang 3 songs at her funeral,lovely.
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Deleted by author 08-31-2015 12:31 PM
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Derek Mannering
08-31-2015
12:14 PM ET (US) IP: 50.178.46.171
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Suzanne, thank you for your inquiry. You can order "Life In Pictures" from Amazon.co.uk -
http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/0719817...067&pf_rd_i=desktop
There's a mention of this in the details provided below the book cover image on Jeff's main page, though I didn't include the direct link to Amazon. The 5-star review on Amazon, incidentally, is not for the photo book - not sure why they included that.
It was the custom at the time to photograph celebrities in their final repose. The photos were never intended to be ghoulish and the Caruso photo book has one of him laid out. I did - very briefly - consider using a longshot view of Lanza in his casket in my book as part of the historical record. In the end, I chose to leave it out and I suspect most people would agree with that decision.
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Suzanne
08-31-2015
10:16 AM ET (US) IP: 74.79.58.35
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Now that the maniacal posts are in the past, Derek, how to order "Life In Pictures"?. Think there's a photo of Mario recording in Italy , need to check on it. That "last" photo's not included I'm sure. Phil , sorry for your loss, it will be raw for quite a while, when you least expect it.
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matt minzer
08-31-2015
10:08 AM ET (US) IP: 108.54.217.240
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HI ED:
TONIGHT AT SUNSET, THE METROPOLITAN OPERA AT LINCOLN CENTER IS INVITING 3,000 OPERA LOVERS TO SEE "THE TALES OF HOFFMAN" ON THE GIANT SCREEN WITH ANNA NETREBKO. THIS EVENT IS FREE AND IT IS FOLLOWED BY OTHER CONSECUTIVE HI-DEF FREE PERFORMANCES EVERY NIGHT INCLUDING LABOR DAY EVE.
ED-PLEASE JOIN ME AT BILLS WONDERFUL MARIO LANZA LUNCHEON ON SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 12TH.
BEST,
MATT MINZER OPERA LOVER
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Bill Ronayne
08-31-2015
09:00 AM ET (US) IP: 24.46.63.248
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Hi Matt: Yes it's on September 12th at Patsy's (236 W 56th St.)from 1pm-4pm. There's a parking lot on W56th St directly across from the restaurant named Quick Park (238 W56th St). You should be able to get a discount coupon online for the parking lot at www.quickparkgarages.com. Best, Bill
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matt minzer
08-31-2015
08:39 AM ET (US) IP: 108.54.217.240
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HI BILL:
WE ARE BACK ON LONG ISLAND UNTIL FRIDAY AND RETURNING ON SEPTEMEBER 11TH FOR TWO DAYS.
WHEN IS YOUR NEXT MARIO LANZA LUNCHEON? IF IT IS ON SATURDAY SEPTEMEBR 12TH I WOULD LIKE TO ATTEND.
WHAT IS THE TIME OF THE EVENT, THE EXACT ADDRESS AND WHAT PARKING LOT AND ITS ADDRESS WHICH OFFERS A POSSIBLE DISCOUNT???
ED:I HOPE THAT YOU ARE ATTENDING THE WONDERFUL LUNCHEON. I HAVEN'T SEEN YOU SINCE WE WERE BACKSTAGE AT THE METROPOLITAN OPERA ABOUT A YEAR AGO. PLEASE ATTEND.
BEST,
MATT MINZER
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Ed to phil
08-31-2015
07:07 AM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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Phil, I too lost my mom only 2 months ago to lung cancer she was 87. You'll never know the outpouring of kindness and sympathy I got from everyone, even Linz and McGovern. Deep down we are all fans and all that other crap means nothing when a forum member loses a loved one, sorry for your loss.
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Phil uk.
08-31-2015
04:30 AM ET (US) IP: 149.254.250.90
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As i get older(62) i find myself listening to Mario's songs more than opera.I lost my mother 4 mths ago & songs like Trees,The hills of home give me peace & hope.
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Ed to Derek
08-30-2015
08:02 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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Derek, give you an A for effort in trying to find additional photos, sometimes they're just not there. I agree that those final casket photos are dreadful to say the least. I have seen only one, it is pretty bad, what ghoul took that picture?
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Bill Ronayne
08-30-2015
05:40 PM ET (US) IP: 24.46.57.154
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I neglected to include that PDF's of the Ball Weekend invitation are available on the Lanza Institute's web site. Here's the link:
http://www.mariolanzainstitute.org/
Just click on one of the 3 blue buttons to open each of the 3 PDF's.
Best, Bill
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Bill Ronayne
08-30-2015
05:36 PM ET (US) IP: 24.46.57.154
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Thank you Kristine for your kind words about my new book, "The Films of Mario Lanza." The book is now available at the Mario Lanza Museum. Also there is the new paperback edition of "Singing to the Gods" by Derek Mannering. Best, Bill Edited 08-30-2015 05:37 PM
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Bill Ronayne
08-30-2015
05:32 PM ET (US) IP: 24.46.57.154
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Below is the information for this year's Mario Lanza Ball Weekend.
2015 Mario Lanza Ball Weekend
October 31 – November 1, 2015
Philadelphia
Mario Lanza Dinner
Saturday, October 31, 2015 at 7:30pm
Estia Restaurant
1405 Locust Street in Philadelphia
Special Presentation: Mario Lanza, The Man and His Music
4 Course Dinner
$75 per person
Mario Lanza Museum Reception
Sunday November 1, 2015 at 11:00 am
Mario Lanza Museum
712 Montrose Street
Coffee and cake reception.
Tour of museum and Lanza recordings played.
Free
Mario Lanza Ball
Sunday November 1, 2015
DoubleTree Hotel at 5:00 pm.
Cocktail hour.
Performance of 2015 Scholarship Winners.
2 Video Presentations.
Dinner and Dancing to the Tony Dee Orchestra.
$155 per person.
Accommodations are available for overnight guests at the DoubleTree Hotel at a special rate of $169 plus tax per night. Reservations must be made by
September 29, 2015 to secure the rate. The hotel can be reached at
215-893-1600.
For additional information or questions about the weekend contact the
Mario Lanza Institute at 215-238-9691
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Derek Mannering
08-30-2015
03:49 PM ET (US) IP: 50.178.46.171
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Ron, it's a good question. You would have thought that some photos of Lanza in '59 would have surfaced by now. Betty's sister Shirley told me that her family had taken photos during their stay at the Villa Badoglio that last summer but she wasn't sure if they had been developed. I tried tracking them down through Mother Dolores but had no luck.
Mario looked dreadful in those final casket photos, huge and bloated. We know his health wasn't great in that last year and if his weight was out of control too, I can see why he might be particularly camera-shy. Still, he looked fine in St. Moritz and it's a mystery why nothing surfaced after that.
If I'm not mistaken, I believe the photo Roland referred to was taken a year earlier, in 1958.
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Ronald Sarbo
08-30-2015
01:21 PM ET (US) IP: 74.66.130.108
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Derek: Why have no photos of Lanza from 1959 after the St.Moritz vacation ever published? Roland Bessette wrote of photos of Lanza at "The Desert Song" recording sessions. Have you seen these photos or any photos of Lanza in 1959? Edited 08-30-2015 01:22 PM
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Phil to Derek Mannering
08-30-2015
12:36 PM ET (US) IP: 149.254.51.10
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Yes,you may be right.He had the decency to respond to my letter,best to leave it at that.
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Derek Mannering
08-30-2015
11:23 AM ET (US) IP: 50.178.46.171
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Glad you like the new cover, Phil, but I think it would be presumptuous of me to send Antonio Pappano a copy of the book. It's clear that he likes Lanza but I wouldn't press the point with him beyond that.
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Phil to Derek Mannering
08-30-2015
08:35 AM ET (US) IP: 149.254.51.199
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The cover of the new book looks great,perhaps a copy could be sent to Antonio Pappano,signed by your goodself!
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Derek Mannering
08-29-2015
11:11 PM ET (US) IP: 50.178.46.171
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Details of the new edition of "Mario Lanza: A Life In Pictures" can be found on Jeff's main Lanza page: mariolanza.net My thanks to Jeff for helping to promote the book.
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Ed to phil
08-29-2015
05:49 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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Phil, I told you there are good people here, that was so nice of Jeff,he's a stand-up fellow.
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Phil to Dave Weaver
08-29-2015
03:04 PM ET (US) IP: 149.254.250.76
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Thanks for the message Dave.I will be in touch with Jeff re his kind offer.
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David Weaver to Phil
08-29-2015
02:53 PM ET (US) IP: 24.210.22.228
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Phil, a message from Jeff Rense:
PLEASE tell Phil that I asked him not to leave. Tell him I'll be pleased to send him a complimentary set of CDs so he can judge the sound quality for himself. I just need his address.
Email Jeff at: sightings@mindspring.com
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Phil to DMan,Ronald & Ed.
08-29-2015
01:54 PM ET (US) IP: 149.254.250.146
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Thanks for the KIND words,you guys are true GENTS.Derek what about Pappano,his letter to me was very pro Mario.
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Kristine
08-29-2015
01:52 PM ET (US) IP: 173.169.63.145
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I just received "The Films of Mario Lanza" book by Bill Ronayne. I like it very much. Excellent, well written, informative, and great looking photos !
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Ed
08-29-2015
01:18 PM ET (US) IP: 54.242.17.12
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Derek,
Thank you for clearing up for me the matter of Readers Digest. I think it wrong how they changed the title from Definitive to Intimate, it kind of confuses things. I am always getting boxed sets, I have the three CD Mario Lanza Collection, one from Naxos and one recent five cd set "Classics" and one or two more. Either way Mario is on my home all the time. Thank you again.
Martino, you said it "then we hear Mario" nuff said as they say. The duet where Grayson goes so high always got me crazy,why go so high,that note goes through me like a knife. Anyway Mario did well I think.
Ronald. Bingo!
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Ronald Sarbo
08-29-2015
12:08 PM ET (US) IP: 74.66.130.108
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Joe: Of course there was no rancor there. It was a "Mutual Admiration Society" of a handful of posters. As to who is "over the top" and "sarcastic" I'll let their posts here speak for themselves... that is the ones that weren't deleted of course. Edited 08-29-2015 12:30 PM
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Martino
08-29-2015
11:31 AM ET (US) IP: 67.216.109.108
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Sills/Milnes (date unknown): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T9_ziW2msGM&feature=related
Sills solo from 1975: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Cf9geiQwew
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Martino
08-29-2015
11:30 AM ET (US) IP: 67.216.109.108
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Tucker from 1950: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aJmH1Zv1rDA&feature=related
Peerce from early '50s: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZyUt5RmaaCo&feature=related
Crooks from 1944: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZuOsCLtQy-g&feature=relate
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Martino
08-29-2015
11:30 AM ET (US) IP: 67.216.109.108
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Thine Alone from the Victor Herbert light opera "Eileen", has always been one of my favorite Lanza songs and I just finished listening to the duet version between Grayson and Lanza on youtube (I love the video portion of this clip - great job uploading this, Vincent!!). I spoke of this song several times in the past and how much I admire all of Lanza's renditions. I believe we have at least three different versions: the first, in 1948, is this duet with Kathryn Grayson I just watched. There is also a solo "Coke" show recording and another is from his "Cavalcade of Show Tunes" album. There may be one or two other recordings but if so I can't remember them right now.
The duet is slowed down to a crawl, which I don't care for very much (however, I assume from other, older recordings, this may be the tempo as written). Grayson squeaks (at best) out a high note (a high D, I believe) at the end that requires Lanza to move to some note below (probably a B or lower) which ruins the whole ending. Both of them ending on a high B or even C would have been better than Grayson's showboating here. I have to think, however, that this version would have been more to Herbert's liking because of the pace.
No ruining the endings of the solos, however, that's for sure! Both solo renditions I mentioned give us good (if perhaps not great) examples of Lanza's most secure high note - the high B. The high notes are not lacking much, only a little, and certainly not because of Lanza's ability but because singing that high on the word "alone" is very difficult in producing a round sound. No one can do it and make the vowels full while still allowing the "n" sound come through at the end. The only recording I know of where that final "alone" sounds as good as what Mario gave us is the version by Richard Tucker (who I believe sang it in even a higher key than Lanza, at least it sounds that way).
Tucker brings up an interesting contrast to Lanza, as does all the other Americans who have sung this song. Unlike arias from Grand Opera, this is a case where all singers are on equal footing with their experiences - it is an English song sung in their native language. "Thine Alone" was sung by many American opera stars over the years and was a particular favorite of soprano Beverly Sills, who sang it solo and also in duet with baritone Sherrill Milnes. Jan Peerce does a nice job of it too but Richard Crooks' rendition is in the minor leagues compared to these others, IMO. The comparison with all of them to Lanza is clear - the opera singers sing and sound like opera singers while Mario sounds like a traditional singer without operatic technique but with a big, beautiful operatic voice nonetheless. That is to say, that the opera singer's technique and vocal contrasts are the predominant thing noticed (as is often the case when they sing non-operatic music). They sing with good diction, which is to be expected from Americans singing English, but the emphasis on words is through their vocal technique which for dedicated opera singers is as if to say, "music first, the notes, and the words will follow through the musical shadings and contrasts".
When we then turn to Mario Lanza, we are of course first struck by the beauty of the voice which towers over all the others. It is that factor which instantly grabs our attention. But as we listen on we realize that we are hearing someone who has placed the text on at least an equal footing as the music while at the same time magically hiding the technique of the actual singing. The music comes alive not only on its own merit but because of the way he handles the text, and vice versa.
I will note below the links to some of the other American's singing "Thine Alone". These are links I saved a long time ago and perhaps some have now expired but search under the individual singer's name and "Thine Alone" and you may find them. Listen to them and then to Lanza and I think you will see one reason why Mario stood alone among classical style voices when singing semi-classical and "pop" music. Because of forum limitations I will post the links in two or three posts above:
Lanza/Grayson duet: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zbG-daRLPRY
Lanza from 1951: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FUegmqaJNR0&feature=related
Lanza from 1956: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n0O9M4mEbds&feature=related
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Derek Mannering
08-29-2015
11:29 AM ET (US) IP: 50.178.46.171
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Ed, no, it's a different collection. It's a 4-CD set compiled by BMG in London for the Reader's Digest UK market in 2004. It has the same cover artwork as "The Definitive Collection," which I worked on at that time, and rather confusingly BMG titled the box set "The Ultimate Collection," this despite the fact that they also had a single CD of the same name in the marketplace. The set is a fine collection in excellent sound, but there's nothing 'new' on it. It has two discs devoted to love songs, which had already been selected before I came on board, a third devoted to operetta, and the final one was all opera. Eighty two selections in all.
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Ed to Derek Mannering
08-29-2015
11:06 AM ET (US) IP: 54.157.239.68
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Derek, In one of your recent posts you mentioned a Readers Digest set. Someone gave me a set around 1972,sadly it was stolen from me in a move later on, is this the same set?
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Derek Mannering
08-29-2015
10:43 AM ET (US) IP: 50.178.46.171
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Phil, just so we're clear here: I did not mean to suggest that the discussion forum is a swamp. I was simply referring to the ugly tone of some of the recent comments. For some odd reason, this sort of hyperventilating happens every time a new Lanza project is announced, be it a CD, a documentary or something like the wonderful Met Guild salute to Lanza in New York some years ago. It just brings out the crazy in people, but it's an open forum here and as such subject at times to this sort of unpleasant discourse. The irony with the latest dust-up is that no one here attacked the Sepia CDs or Lanza's singing. One or two people simply expressed an opinion that the audio quality wasn't always to their liking. An opinion – that's all it was. I loathe rudeness and the sort of low-rent insults we've seen here this past week – all of it unnecessary and unprovoked – but that certainly won't stop me from expressing a thought or two when I have something to say. If you see something that you don't like, just ignore it. I certainly do. Edited 08-29-2015 10:52 AM
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Ed
08-29-2015
10:38 AM ET (US) IP: 54.196.245.89
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Phil, I guess I am not alone I agree with Ronald to reconsider leaving this forum,as far as I can remember all votes count, yours,mine and others do count no more no less but equal, there is and always has been disharmony among many here. Look at the great posts we have from folks like Martino, Fred, Suzanne, Diane all very true Lanza fans. Don't let some who group together influence your opinion, please stay,think of Mario this is his forum not anyone else's, your apology was gentlemanly enough to me it wasn't necessary. Please rethink this.
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Joe
08-29-2015
10:36 AM ET (US) IP: 71.224.55.142
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To Ronald Sarbo: Why the sarcastic jab about the outstanding Dr McGovern forum? I know of NO body of work that contains more objective, true information about Mario Lanza. The sycophant description of its members was over the top. MANY participated in this forum and many diverse opinions were shared and discussed (and w/o any ranchor I might add). All here could learn from the Google forum. It is a great contribution to the Lanza legacy and deserves our thanks and appreciation.
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Ronald Sarbo
08-29-2015
09:43 AM ET (US) IP: 74.66.130.108
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Phil: I hope you will reconsider. Awhile back you apologized for starting this. There was no need to. It has been going on for quite some time. People have just gotten fed up with being called stupid and ignorant. Why doesn't McGovern re-open his forum where his 4 or 5 sycophants can agree with everything he says? This is probably the cause of their frustration.
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Ed
08-29-2015
09:26 AM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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Boy o boy, I used to open up the forum and catch the latest news on up and coming Mario items, this past week seems to have been nothing like that. While I won't delete the forum I will shake my head over recent posts.
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Phil to Derek Mannering
08-29-2015
08:15 AM ET (US) IP: 149.254.250.113
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Thank you for the message,i look forward to your book release, & you were right this is a swamp,where nasty creatures lurk!Au Revoir.
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Linz to Phil
08-29-2015
08:00 AM ET (US) IP: 115.188.219.199
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Not at all does it get under my skin that others don't (note apostrophe) agree with my views. Ever heard of Voltaire? "I disagree with what you say, but defend to the death your right to say it"? It gets under my skin that others can't/won't defend/elaborate upon their disagreement. Instead, "I'm now deleting this site." How infantile.
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Phil to Linz!
08-29-2015
07:47 AM ET (US) IP: 149.254.250.156
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Had a rough night,sorry for my verbal mistake,its really got under your skin that others dont agree with yous views.Freud would have loved you.I'm now deleting this site!
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Linz to Phil
08-29-2015
07:36 AM ET (US) IP: 115.188.219.199
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Phil—what exactly do you think is getting out of hand? You made a claim about the "dryness" of the Sepia CDs, which, when challenged, you were unwilling/unable to elaborate upon or debate. Is legitimate debate "out of hand" in your Weavering universe? What exactly are you "appauled" (that should be "appalled") about?! Edited 08-29-2015 07:39 AM
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Phil to ALL.
08-29-2015
07:00 AM ET (US) IP: 149.254.250.242
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Guys,this is all getting out of hand!Stop the sniping NOW! As a new mailer on this site i am appauled! & may not mail again!
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Linz to Vince Jnr.
08-29-2015
05:51 AM ET (US) IP: 115.188.219.199
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Vince Jnr.—I've loved your heartfelt posts. Bravo, and congratulations on your magnificent sense of life. Let me thank you and Derek McG and Armando again for your tenacity in getting these CDs released, at considerable personal cost. You say: I'll say it again OF COURSE with the original masters these CDs would sound better BUT there should be support for these amazing collections, SONY aren't doing the work, Sepia is. It really smacks of jealousy &/or sour grapes to pull form some extreme critical viewpoint that the sound is a bit dry, really!!!??? Vince, you have identified the problem. There are some folks for whom the diminution of Lanza is not merely the apogee of mediocrity-worship, not merely the most postmodern form of mediocrity-worship, but the embodiment of a Deity ... oops! I mean Diety. (I wonder if that has something to do with Dr. Atkins? I hope so. I'm always arguing for the glories of meat, musical and otherwise!) They say they are postmodernists, and thus atheists, but that is not accurate— mediocrity is their god, and they give to it a fealty that Pope Francis can only dream of receiving from his flock. Ergo, in the Church of Mediocrity, there is no such thing as a "personal opinion." The [sic] is only a world where humanity is divided into four groups: the true believers, heretics, blasphemers, and atheists. For true believers, Mario Lanza—Once Over Lightly by Derek Mannering is the greatest book (sort of the Mediocrity Bible), The Seven Hills of Rome the greatest Lanza film, Mario Lanza—the Definitively Definitive Definitive Definitive Definitive Collection of His Greatest Non-Operatic Hits the greatest album (90% non-operatic Coke Show, 10% Be My Love, in a loop, over and over and over). Heretics are those who enjoy Mario Lanza, maybe even claim him as their favorite singer. But they may say they like the late Lanza voice of 1957-59 versus the Lanza voice of 1949-52. They may praise the Mario! recordings. This makes them suspect as backsliders to the true believers. Blasphemers are people who are Lanza fans, even long-time, loyal devoted fans. But they have the audacity to say publicly that while they admire Mario's non-operatic recordings they've never seen nor are particularly keen to see Lady Gaga live. They may order and enjoy the Mannering/Sony CDs, as they do all Lanza recordings, but still praise the sound quality on Sepia. They may compliment Derek McGovern as a Lanza CD compiler and Armando Cesari as a Lanza biographer. They may say their favorite Lanza film is Serenade or something other than The Seven Hills of Rome. They may even argue that Mario's appearance in The Christophers actually aired, and, worse still, present evidence that it did and that Father Keller was delighted with it. Well, to the true believers these people must be called publicly to shame, ridicule, and condemnation as knowledgeable, literate, and musically undeaf. One can almost picture Charlton Heston, aka Moses, standing on Mount Sinai holding the Sacred Tablets: Mario Lanza—Once Over Lightly by Derek Mannering in one hand, the Definitively Definitive etc. album in the other, pointing his outstretched hand, "Woe unto thee, Lanzaland! For you have sinned a great sin in the eyes of Mario the Mediocre! You are not WORTHY to stand in the light of his anti-magnificence!" And atheists—well, these are the folks who, in their disgraceful literacy, are as familiar with Wunderlich, Bjorling, Pavarotti, Caruso, or some other tenor, as they are with Lanza, but still overall, prefer Lanza. Clearly these people are going straight to hell, to play Zap the Murderous Mexican with Donald Trump. And that's how it is in the Church of Mediocrity. Edited 08-29-2015 06:42 AM
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Linz to Phil
08-29-2015
05:35 AM ET (US) IP: 115.188.219.199
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Maestro Pappano singled out Mario for his mastery of the passaggio and his operatic prowess. I too hope that certain parties understood that insight. Given their customary and just-reiterated militant oblivion to it, I'm not holding my breath.
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Phil to Derek Mannering.
08-29-2015
03:18 AM ET (US) IP: 149.254.250.10
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Thanks for replying to me.Hope you got some insight that Maestro Pappano defends Mario!
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Fred Day
08-29-2015
01:38 AM ET (US) IP: 98.85.37.58
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Captain Pinkerton??!! Perhaps BMG thought Pinkerton was in the army, rather than in the navy. Or, perhaps, they were thinking of the film "Captain Corelli's Mandolin", whose theme song was recorded by Russell Watson, on his first CD. I wonder if Pinkerton eventually made it to Rear Admiral?? Perhaps. Ciao.
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Derek Mannering
08-28-2015
10:58 PM ET (US) IP: 50.178.46.171
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My pleasure, Ron (and Ed), and I appreciate your kind words – and it's Derek, please. I'd forgotten about the operatic disc on the BMG/Readers Digest UK collection. That set came together while I was working on The Definitive Collection for BMG in London. Selections for two of the CDs had already been chosen when I came on board and I had to persuade BMG why tracks like "The Nearly Was Mine" and "My Romance" from LOB might not be such a great fit to the track list.
The booklet for the 4-CD collection was the longest I've ever written for a compilation and I was shocked when I received it to discover that someone at head office had made one small but critical change to my liner notes. What I had written was "Lanza made his professional debut on the opera stage with two performances as Lieutenant Pinkerton…" but what ended up on the page was "…two performances as CAPTAIN Pinkerton…" (my CAPS). BMG apologized and promised to correct the mistake on future printings, but I somehow doubt that they got around to doing that. I never did find out who made the gaffe (or why!) but doubtless it added a bit more fuel to my 'credentials' as an expert in all things opera!
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Ronald Sarbo
08-28-2015
10:13 PM ET (US) IP: 108.14.116.30
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Mr. Mannering: Thank you for your response. The 4 CD set you compiled for Reader's Digest UK is a collection I go to constantly and one CD in that box is all Operatic. Your work has ALWAYS been appreciated by me. Best, Ron. Edited 08-28-2015 10:17 PM
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Ed to Derek Mannering
08-28-2015
09:15 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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Thank you for your lengthy and informative post, much appreciated.
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Derek Mannering
08-28-2015
08:49 PM ET (US) IP: 50.178.46.171
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I was hoping I wouldn't be dragged into the swamp here, Phil, so let me see if I can answer your question and not draw any more crude insults to the forum.
I would expect Sony to issue a new Lanza CD in 2016. They do so every 3-4 years and we're about due for another one. They have two proposals on file from me, both of them going back to last year and both submitted before I knew about the Sepia CDs. One is an all-opera collection, a companion CD to the "Arias & Duets" compilation. It was prompted in part by a number of requests on the forum here last summer and in compiling it I made a point of not repeating any recordings on the A&D disc; some arias are repeated, yes, but they're from different recording sessions. Right now there are three all-opera Lanza CDs available from BMG and Sony: The Great Caruso (coupled of course with the Caruso Favorites LP), the Arias & Duets collection, and Mario Lanza Sings His Favorite Arias. If Sony decides to run with my latest proposal (and at this moment in time I have no indication that they will), that, coupled with the existing CDs would make up pretty much everything operatic that Mario recorded during his career. Additional arias and duets that are not included – and there are not that many – would be found on his movie soundtracks, just as they were during Mario's own lifetime.
As to the Sepia CDs, Vince Jr. has repeatedly made the claim that they contain no clunkers – "all killer, no filler" as he puts it – but keep in mind that some of the tracks he presumably refers to as "killer" would never be found on a Sony release. For example, I'd be the first to agree that the Hollywood Bowl "Nessun dorma," Butterfly Duet and "O soave fanciulla" are better performed by Mario than his later studio recordings, the Turandot aria in particular. But Sony has no rights to those live performances so when it comes to compiling a Lanza operatic collection it's the studio recordings they have to turn to. And really, if you're unhappy with those, blame Mario! When we came to produce the "Arias & Duets" CD, I was tasked with finding as many 'rare' tracks as I could for the collection. And that's exactly what I did. It's still the only CD where you can find the complete Lanza/Albanese Otello duet and on its release there were lots of recordings seeing the light of day for the first time on CD. It was never intended as a "definitive" (and I hate that word) collection of Lanza's operatic best, though no matter how many times I point that out, it's still used by a few individuals as an indication of my 'musical incompetence' when it comes to choosing material for Lanza CDs.
I was genuinely pleased for Derek McGovern when I first heard of the Sepia releases, if only because he'd finally have no excuse to complain about a new Lanza compilation. He has voiced his dissatisfaction with just about every Lanza CD coming out of BMG and Sony over the past two decades, especially the ones I've been involved with, so the new collections were sure to keep him and his supporters in a happy mood. Then someone here criticized the audio quality on the new CDs and we're back to the same old name calling. Don't you sometimes long for the days when a new Lanza album came out from RCA and you popped it on the record player, loved some of the tracks and skipped over the ones you didn't like – fully aware, of course, that the ones you didn't care for were cherished by someone else? Not anymore.
Finally, it's important to keep in mind that the vast majority of Mario's recordings are out of the vaults and available on CD, due not only to my own efforts over the past 20 years, but also to Clyde Smith, for his all-new 24-track "Don’t Forget Me" collection, and Jeff's superb BMG Special Products compilation "I'll See You In My Dreams." If I do get the opportunity to work on something new for Sony you can be assured that I'll try to include some of those few remaining treasures in the vaults; more than that I cannot do.
A lengthy response but I hope it answers your question. I'll stop by here next week with an update on the new edition of my Lanza photo book, "A Life in Pictures," but be advised that I won't respond to snarky comments or insults. Life, as always, is too short for that nonsense.
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Phil uk.
08-28-2015
04:48 PM ET (US) IP: 149.254.250.173
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After all the agro re-sound,Sepia & that version is better than that one etc,i do wonder what Rca/Bmg may do now,if anything.Come on Derek Mannering,over to you.
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Diane Cox
08-28-2015
04:24 PM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.239
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Niun Mr Tema is so sad I always put it last on the CDs I make for myself. Only Italian selections for me.
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Ed to Vince Jr.
08-28-2015
03:26 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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Vince, I've compiled several Lanza cds in the past, many did not have Niun Mi Tema and Vesti it is up to the listener. While these two are good in my opinion Vesti is one that certainly deserves attention, not the other. As for an Italian songs list I would have included Maria Mari. Again it's all up to the listener.
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Vince Di Placido (Jnr)
08-28-2015
01:44 PM ET (US) IP: 213.233.147.161
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Phil, "Niun Mi Tema" & "Vesti La Giubba" from FTFT not among Mario's best operatic recordings? Are you for real?
& in the line of Italian song, Mario's beautifully nuanced & moving "Ideale" as just one example from "Caruso Favourites" is definitely among his finest recordings in Italian song.
If you are compiling a Lanza Italian song collection & don't include the best numbers from "Caruso Favourites" then you will have failed & also cut down your choices.
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Suzanne
08-28-2015
12:16 PM ET (US) IP: 74.79.58.35
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Must admit, in spite of myself, clever, clever posts. My sense of humor is tickled! You guys are good!! For Vince Sr. thanks for your comments, Vince Jr. still admire what you've taken part in and will listen again and again. How could Mario ever be "dry"?Martino , good to see your post. O Sole Mio has always been " My sun, My radiant sunshine" as a woman, at least as I interpret it. Phil, thanks for the comment yesterday. Nothing can change the fact it's all about Mario-Mario-Mario. Pappano's documentary was gratifying, and I thank him for it. Peace!
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Phil to Vince.
08-28-2015
11:58 AM ET (US) IP: 149.254.250.182
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You state that "i missed the point" & that point was to put the best of Mario on cd.well if you think tracks from Caruso fav's & FTFT are his best then we will have to agree to disagree.
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Phil to Ed.
08-28-2015
10:58 AM ET (US) IP: 149.254.250.199
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In my letter to the Maestro i asked him to listen to 2 tracks not on cd which in my humble opinion are awesome,he said he would listen!This guys a Gent!
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Ronald Sarbo
08-28-2015
10:09 AM ET (US) IP: 74.66.130.108
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All I can say is I am more confused then ever over what "O Sole Mio" means. I wonder if Italians are confused about the meaning of "There's No Tomorrow". Maybe they think "There's No Tomorrow" translated means..."It's Now Or Never"?
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Ed to Phil
08-28-2015
10:00 AM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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Glad the maestro showed courage to include Mario in his documentary. Also very glad he responded to you,this shows class. I hope things calm down now,so until the next round,enjoy your day my friend.
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Messages 47477-47476 deleted by author 08-28-2015 03:18 PM |
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Phil uk.
08-28-2015
08:08 AM ET (US) IP: 149.254.250.117
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Maestro Pappano informed me that he has responded to the negativity.
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vincentjamesdiplacido @gm
08-28-2015
08:05 AM ET (US) IP: 79.65.51.69
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Vincent, Great Job," Im just back from Dentist She Cut my Tooth ,She did a great job of it I did not feel a thing ,,Martino Welcome Back ,,God bless Good day all,!
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Phil uk.
08-28-2015
08:01 AM ET (US) IP: 149.254.250.193
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Maestro states Mario was irresistible with genuine operatic talent!Bravo Antonio.
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Phil uk.
08-28-2015
07:56 AM ET (US) IP: 149.254.250.193
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Listem up ALL you guys.Just got a reply from Maestro Pappano! A lovely letter & he informed me he took flack over including Mario in his wonderful series.
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Ed to Martino
08-28-2015
07:44 AM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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Martino, good advice, after the last debacle over Lady Gaga which I got caught up in I should have kept a deaf ear. As you said these things pass in time. From now on my posts will clearly be in one direction a positive Mario. Glad you caught your SHOR and FTFT correction Linz might have caught it and tried you.LOL Good seeing you back.
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Martino
08-28-2015
07:01 AM ET (US) IP: 67.216.109.108
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Don't know what I was thinking but my last post mentioned the movie "Seven Hills of Rome" where Mario sang that "O Sole Mio". It should have been "For The First Time".
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Vince Di Placido (Jnr)
08-28-2015
05:52 AM ET (US) IP: 95.44.19.180
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Phil, you've slightly missed the point I think, the Sepia projects were about pulling together the BEST examples of Mario's singing in these genres. The programming of these discs was about showing Mario in the BEST light, as I said at the time, "all killer, no filler".
If they appear on other CDs, that's grand, but Mario has never been so well programmed on any RCA/BMG/Sony release, ESPECIALLY in these genres.
I do appreciate you stating your admiration for the Sepia releases, thank you. :-)
If you knew the time & money that went into it by us all, you'd see why a stray comment about "dryness" would jar SO much.
As I said already & sorry for repeating, I didn't expect blind praise but I did expect a bit of constructive support for all the work we've done to represent our favourite singer as best we can & not just on these Sepia releases. Surely we've built up enough good will over the years not to be knocked for such a noble endevour that we don't financially benefit from may I add, if anything we are out of pocket, but for Mario it was worth it!
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Phil uk.
08-28-2015
04:09 AM ET (US) IP: 149.254.250.56
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"IF"there is to be anymore cds! I suggest Maestro Pappano's text be used to give a gravitus to Mario.He did a GREAT job for Mario.Nuff said.
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Phil uk.
08-28-2015
03:58 AM ET (US) IP: 149.254.58.162
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How many NEW cds are there for the fans of Corelli,Del Monaco,Wunderlich etc,we have been well served.
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Phil uk.
08-28-2015
03:54 AM ET (US) IP: 149.254.58.162
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AGAIN!I state,i admire the Sepia venture.So Rca are'nt releasing cds after cds,so what apart from a few rarities are'nt these tracks on other cds!
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Dennis
08-28-2015
01:55 AM ET (US) IP: 73.170.201.215
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Martino, brilliant!
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Martino
08-27-2015
09:47 PM ET (US) IP: 67.216.109.108
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Fortunately the summer has been spent in the north country as has been my tradition for the last quarter century. This one a bit longer than most years. I say fortunately because I went back a few pages upon my return today and it looks like we are in another mess. It will straighten out in time as it always does so no one needs to get uptight or worry too much about it. Weaver just posted a great satire and Linz responded in kind - I love to see this stuff but decided some time ago to stay out of these things myself as it serves no purpose other than chalking up points for one-up-manship and that in the end almost always becomes a waste of time. As someone once said, "A man who dares to waste one hour of time has not discovered the value of life".
Anyway, I did notice in looking back that there was a discussion on the translation of "O Sole Mio". There were some differing opinions and no one was completely wrong, nor were they completely right - at least not from my understanding of the term within the context of the song itself. In almost every Italian song, a literal translation, ie, word for word from Italian into English, never fully captures the author's meaning. It is the intent and understanding of those words withing the context of the song, more than the individual words themselves, that must be established, understood and in the end given the greater weight overall. I believe Mario Lanza's incredible diction comes in part not so much from correctness phonetically, but his emphasis on certain words, even certain vowels within those words (as Linz and Rense so rapturously explored in one of their interviews) that set him apart from many other singers. He knew the words of course, and knew what they meant, but more than that he understood what those words meant WITHIN the context of the song. Intuitively or through study, he seemed to have a good sense of what the author/composer had in mind. The words had true meaning to him, not just words that were simply translated for literal understanding.
Let us then explore this in regards to Lanza and his understanding of what words really mean and how this understanding of TRUE meaning enhanced his performances. And we can certainly use "O Sole Mio" as an example. First, the term "O Sole Mio" must be worded separately for a literal interpretation. "O" is the Neapolitan dialect's equivalent of the "proper" Italian "Il", meaning "the". "Sole", as everyone understands, means "sun" and "Mio" translates to "me". So, literally it means "The Sun Me". Well, that does not make sense so the proper interpretation must move from the literal to one that makes sense in English such as - "My Sun" or "My Sunshine", it could even be interpreted as "My radiance". But what is important and what I think Lanza understood very well is that it in no way meant the sun in the sky. It was MY sunshine, literally and personally.
We can hear this emphasis on "My" (MIO) as early as his 1949 recording or all the way up to SHOR, where we can go further and actually see his interpretation, such as his use of his hands and eyes as he differentiates between the two "suns" that he sings about in the song. When Lanza sings, "Che bella cosa na jurnata ’e sole" he is singing about the sun in the sky and that is where he is looking as his voice and hands move upwards in unison. The same is true of the phrase, "Ma n’atu sole cchiù bello, oi ne’". But then listen to what he does when he sings "O Sole Mio sta nfronte a te!" A whole new tone comes to his voice and it is more from within, more personal than as simplay an observer because he is no longer referring to the "sole" in the sky, he is now referring to his personal "sole", his inner sun which is manifest through his love. It is this which he sees reflecting in the face of his beloved. What he sees in her face is his love, through his sun-like radiance that shines more powerfully than the sun in the sky. Lanza emphasizes it to an extreme (as the music requires but not as some singers do) to make the point that nothing is more radiant or powerful than the sun except for one thing - love. It is a greater radiance than even the sun in the sky to which he was singing about before and he leaves us with no doubt about it. When he reaches this point of singing "MIO" (in the movie SHOR) he is not looking up like before but rather down, towards the deaf girl which has smitten him in the movie SHOR. His voice in all his recordings moves to a more powerful yet personal way here because he understands that "O Sole Mio", within the context of the entire song, means that the radiance of his love is greater than the radiance of the sun and it is that radiance which he sees on the face of his beloved. What Lanza understood that many people do not who take only a literal translation, is that the "sunshine" the composer most wants to emphasize comes from within the singer's heart, not from the sky.
We all agree Lanza was a master at singing words and I believe one of the reasons for that was that he understood what they really meant, not just literally, but within the context of the composer's intent. And more importantly, using the music and his voice to full effect to enhance the words themselves.
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Ed to Dennis
08-27-2015
08:41 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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Dennis, I applaud Phil in his writing to Pappano, in the early 70s a friend and I got to meet Pavarotti after a performance of Elisir D Amor at the entrance to the garage at the Met. I praised his Una,Furtiva and told him I was a Mario fan all my life, he looked up and said Ah Mario, him too.
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Vince Di Placido (Jnr)
08-27-2015
08:39 PM ET (US) IP: 95.44.19.180
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Hi, everybody! Some interesting posts...
I have no problem with different opinions or views that's all grand BUT to not see the good intention, dedication & hard work that was/is involved in the Sepia releases is, to be honest, heartbreaking.
OF COURSE these releases would sound better if we were dealing with master tapes but that wasn't the case & with no sign of Sony releasing these type of collections it was down to us to use the best sources we could to produce 3 solid collections of Mario's best operatic & Italian/Neapolitan recordings.
So far this sounds incredibly praiseworthy & It was a job well done. The intentions were the best, Sepia did amazing work remastering & packaging the releases so to see a post remarking on "dry sound" is just so frustrating, the point of the whole project has been missed, & such nitpicking is just so frustrating & not helpful!
I'll say it again OF COURSE with the original masters these CDs would sound better BUT there should be support for these amazing collections, SONY aren't doing the work, Sepia is.
It really smacks of jealousy &/or sour grapes to pull form some extreme critical viewpoint that the sound is a bit dry, really!!!???
The endevour should be praised, I'm not expecting blind praise here but be realistic, the best possible job was done to present Mario at his best, singing the best music & did I really read someone just write that 3 releases this year is a bad thing? Sometimes you just can't do the right thing...
If you know that Sony aren't releasing Lanza CDs & another company does its absolute best to do the right thing with what is available to them then how could you in all consciousness post that the sound is a bit dry & try to rain on the good honest work that's been put in.
I expected support, not blind praise now but realistic support & not nit picky indulgent criticism. Phil, you have to admit pulling the "dry sound" thing was a stretch, especially when you know the sources. By all means pressurise Sony but don't over critique the good work that's been done.
Just for the record I don't hear dry, in fact in some instances I've never heard Mario sound better. If you really know your stuff, Phil, you'd have to admit that...
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Dennis
08-27-2015
08:33 PM ET (US) IP: 73.170.201.215
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David, a clever and enlightening post; and Linz's riposte was also fun and witty.
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Dennis
08-27-2015
08:19 PM ET (US) IP: 73.170.201.215
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I love Phil's initiative in writing to Pappano about his positive comments on Mario. This is a way to reinforce an opinion that would be controversial in some quarters.
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Linz
08-27-2015
07:21 PM ET (US) IP: 115.188.219.199
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In September and October of next year, I shall be leaving my cloister and taking to the road with three professional singers to evangelise for the heavenly creature I hitherto worshipped as my deity, but am now informed is my "diety." http://www.daytimeconcerts.co.nz/Entertain...+Great+Mario+Lanza/The Great Mario Lanza
We celebrate the life and artistry of the colourful, charismatic Mario Lanza whose portrayal of the Great Caruso inspired the Three Tenors and untold others to pursue singing careers. We are delighted to welcome the broadcaster Lindsay Perigo, a world-renowned authority on Mario Lanza. As we sing his greatest songs, Lindsay will share with us anecdotes and insights into this great artist. I offer up my voice in prayerful gratitude to Brother Weaver for providing me with a check-list of props for this sacred mission: the Mario! CD, a Serenade DVD, and of course, Mario Lanza—an American Tragedy by St. Armando. Pray for me, my brothers and sisters, that I may in holy righteousness smite all heretics, blasphemers and atheists wherever I find them along the way. Edited 08-27-2015 07:26 PM
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David Weaver
08-27-2015
06:03 PM ET (US) IP: 24.210.22.228
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Phil, you have identified the problem. There are some folks for whom Lanza is not merely a singer, not merely the greatest singer, but a diety. They say they are atheists, but that is not accurate - Lanza is their god, and they give to him a fealty that Pope Francis can only dream of receiving from his flock. Ergo, in the Church of Lanza, there is no such thing as a "personal opinion." The is only a world where humanity is divided into four groups: the true believers, heretics, blasphemers, and atheists. For true believers, "An American Tragedy" is the greatest book (sort of the Lanza Bible), "Serenade" the greatest Lanza film, "Mario!" the greatest album. Heretics are those who enjoy Mario Lanza, maybe even claim him as their favorite singer. But they may say they like the early Lanza voice of 1949-52 versus the Lanza voice of 1955-59. They may praise the Coke Show recordings. This makes them suspect as backsliders to the true believers. Blasphemers are people who are Lanza fans, even long-time, loyal devoted fans. But they have the audacity to say publicly that while they admire Mario's operatic recordings they've never seen nor are particularly keen to see live opera. They may order and enjoy the Sepia CDs, as they do all Lanza recordings, but still prefer the sound quality on RCA/BMG/Sony. They may compliment Derek Mannering as a Lanza CD compiler and biographer. They may even say their favorite Lanza film is "Toast of New Orleans" or something other than "Serenade." Well, to the true believers these people must be called publicly to shame, ridicule, and condemnation as ignorant, illiterate, or musically deaf. One can almost picture Charlton Heston, ala Moses, standing on Mount Sinai holding the Sacred Tablets: An American Tragedy in one hand, the Mario! album in the other, pointing his outstretched hand, "Woe unto thee, Renseland! For you have sinned a great sin in the eyes of Mario! You are not WORTHY to stand in the light of his magnificence!" And atheists - well, these are the folks who, while they admire Lanza, equally praise and in some cases on some recordings say they prefer Wunderlich, Bjorling, Pavarotti, Caruso, or some other tenor. Clearly these people are going straight to hell, to play Yahtzee with Dore Schary and Curt Bernhardt. And that's how it is in the Church of Lanza. Edited 08-27-2015 06:25 PM
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Phil to Ed.
08-27-2015
04:45 PM ET (US) IP: 149.254.250.7
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Yes,its all rather sad when someone gives a PERSONAL opinion & gets verbally lynched!
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Ed to Phil
08-27-2015
03:07 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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Phil, there is never this much debate and disharmony on Lanzalegend. You say one thing here to the wrong person and you get corralled by all the same folks. We each contribute
what we'd like about Mario and I'll be damned like Suzanne said that because we don't have musical knowledge we don't deserve to be here. If remarks like some say are meaty dialogue to discuss Mario then I don't know, what's the point of sticking around. Mario is probably rolling over.
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vincent james di placido
08-27-2015
01:36 PM ET (US) IP: 209.85.220.173
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Hi Suzanne , your on your high horse today ,Please dont let these people get you down, It just proves that they have nothing better to do , They should really" get a life," It is Obvious to me that they have nothing better to do, Ready to pounce on anyone that does not agree with them , ",,, they truly believe that they are Impressing People ,I for one pity them , Take care Suzanne,, God bless ,
On Thu, Aug 27, 2015 at 6:01 PM, QT - Suzanne <
qtopic-30-ECKcxtRbxUTNy@quicktopic.com> wrote:
>
< replied-to message removed by QT >
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Phil to Suzanne.
08-27-2015
01:27 PM ET (US) IP: 149.254.250.163
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Wow mail rage,guys & gals let it go ok,its not good for your health.We ALL agree Mario's the man,so let peace breakout.
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Diane Cox
08-27-2015
01:09 PM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.239
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after a brief commercial, Core 'ngrato
https://youtu.be/iwqQDcm9OT8
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Suzanne
08-27-2015
01:01 PM ET (US) IP: 74.79.58.35
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Anyone notice? The women here talk about Mario, the men, about themselves. All trying to outdo one another. By the way , scholar #1 , dribble is drool, drivel is nonsense.
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Ed to Derek
08-27-2015
11:20 AM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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Derek, On this forum surely we could and do debate certain things about Mario, but attacks on people who do not deserve such things as Cesari said to me were clearly insulting. If you,Linz and I squabble over petty things we've never downright insulted each other that has no place here and I know you'd agree. I try keeping Mario as my main reason to post, I went off a while back thankful to those who knew the hurt I was going through watching my mother die, I did indeed say Mario helped me that tough time. This is why our forum is important, I do say some stuff could be removed if it is insulting, again good cds. Thank Ed
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Ronald Sarbo
08-27-2015
11:17 AM ET (US) IP: 74.66.130.108
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A post that reads "the greater amount of material posted here is utter, unmitigated dribble, musically illiterate and irrelevant to Mario Lanza" should be deplored rather than applauded. If memory serves Bob and Damon also "shut down" Armando over a book that is now called the "best book written about Lanza" by a member of the Triumvirate who found himself between a rock and a hardplace when Bob and Damon came out against it. However why dwell on ancient history. It's heartwarming to see that with the passing of Bob and Damon the Triumvirate has kissed and made up and that can be taken literally or figuratively as the case may be. Edited 08-27-2015 11:18 AM
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Phil to Suzanne.
08-27-2015
11:10 AM ET (US) IP: 149.254.51.121
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I will apologise to you for the recent skirmish on this great site dedicated to the awesome Mario Lanza.As instigator of this SORRY.
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Ed to Suzanne
08-27-2015
11:02 AM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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Suzanne, well said. I live in NYC and yet had I a desire to attend an opera cinema or to visit the Met, firstly there are no theatres near me that show opera only the latest films and what I would watch them pickings are slim, as for live at the Met my budget does not have the room. I have come upon some who praise Bocelli and he's ok but no Mario. Mario plays in my home or car every day. He got me through a tough time recently and I say thanks. As for appalling arrogance you nailed it, some I found insulting to say the least.
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Derek McGovern
08-27-2015
10:56 AM ET (US) IP: 223.33.153.27
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I second Vince's bravo for Linz's post. Shutting down Armando has surely squandered an opportunity for some genuinely meaty *Lanza-focused* discussion.
And Suzanne: that doesn't have to exclude you, so please don't be so sensitive.
Matt Minzer: Is it too much to ask for you to post about *Lanza* once in a while rather than sharing your travel itineraries?
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Suzanne
08-27-2015
10:25 AM ET (US) IP: 74.79.58.35
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Reading what all you "guys" are posting, I'm thinking, as I'd bet many of us are, who can't discuss the technicalities of Mario's singing, that we who only adore, listen to, and support all things Mario, have no right to take part in this forum. The arrogance of some of you is appalling. Then, too, Mr Minzer , please try to keep in mind that some of us don't have access to opera even at a theatre showing and never at the actual performance. I, personally, rarely even get out of the house, much less to NYC anymore. Cushioned by the countless old recordings, biographies, photos and films, I have to be content that I can hear Mario whenever possible. But I still think that the devotion I have for him is important. Just yesterday, in one of my rare afternoons out, I amazed a group of people with a conversation about Mario and his music. They did remember him, after all, but wanted to extol the talent of Andrea Bocelli. This is what we all encounter, I think, but I do like what we say here, "You either get him or you don't". Maybe I shouldn't have read Cesari's book, in 2005, even though it brought me a whole new world I hadn't thought about for years after my life had been filled with misery. I found a new reason for joy in life with the voice of Mario Lanza and compare my love for him to that of anyone here. Even you incomparable scholars.If your aim is to spoil it all for us, you're almost succeeding. But faint heart isn't for me. I don't even believe that Mario himself would condone what you're doing. I think he'd care for us "common folk".
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Ed to Phil
08-27-2015
10:10 AM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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I was fortunate enough to get a set from Damon and probably one of the last available, Damon died shortly after, we spoke several times by phone and always a gentleman and his father's ambassador. The set is quite good in that there are 15 cds with about 20 cuts on each, some introduced by Mario.There are some doubles but who cares? The sound is good and fresh, these are truly treasures. I saw the documentary by Maestro Pappano and I agree 100%.
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Vince Di Placido (Jnr)
08-27-2015
09:26 AM ET (US) IP: 213.233.147.107
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(Reference post #47432)
Well said, Linz!
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Phil to Ed
08-27-2015
08:57 AM ET (US) IP: 149.254.250.13
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No i dont have that set.You know we ALL want Mario's voice up there,i wrote to Maestro Pappano to thank him for his input,he did more for Mario than anything.
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Ed to Phil
08-27-2015
08:38 AM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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You know I never thought about the closeness in CD releases, good point! If my memory serves me Beatles and Presley did not release so quickly. With my 94 Presley albums and the entire Beatles discography in my library Mario has become a close third with 24 albums and about 40 cds. I think they should be like timed released medications,give the first one a chance. I too applaud Sepia for getting stuff out there but slow and steady wins the race.
Do you have the 15 CD set put out by Damon? They are good, good natural sound.
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Phil to Ed
08-27-2015
08:21 AM ET (US) IP: 149.254.250.75
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Again i state that i admire the Sepia venture despite my feelings,but do we need 3 cds to be released so quickly.Fans of Corelli,Del Monaco,Di Stefano etc dont have this privilage!
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Ed to Phil
08-27-2015
07:57 AM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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Phil, I love that Vesti. I believe Mario called it his lucky aria. I once wrote to the hatted witch when I was a teen about 1964 blasting her for a very negative piece she wrote in the Daily News, she wrote back to me and her reply was curt, my dad wrote her back telling her I was just 15, and she died shortly after, now Mario is free because she is in a different place. LOL
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Ed
08-27-2015
07:50 AM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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Linz, I agree with your post about "dribble" which has bearly anything to do with Mario Lanza, many are simply self promotion of their wish to be the next Mario,well maybe so in their own minds, when I sing cats jump from the roof as a way out. But seriously I have relistened to the CDs on an alternate stereo and found them quite good. I do like many,most of the tracks if I want to hear them I can almost play in my head from memory. I did enjoy Mattinata it reminded me of the Caruso with Leoncavallo at the piano. The Agnus Dei sounded better than the one I have from DLP. We can't escape debates,all in all I criticised something I shouldn't have before I knew the real problem lied in my system which is due for repair as all my cds read with some glitch, now low output as well as dull sound. I got the email, where will this program be?
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matt minzer
08-27-2015
07:11 AM ET (US) IP: 50.79.161.149
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I AM BORED BY THE RECENT BACK AND FORTH B.S. IN THE VARIOUS POSTS. HOW MANY OF YOU HAVE ATTENDED A LIVE OPERA RECENTLY OR AT LEAST SEEN ONE OF THE WONDERFUL METROPOLITAN OPERA HI-DEF PERFORMANCES AT YOUR LOCAL CINEMA? I CAN'T WAIT TO SEE ANNA NETREBKO IN VERDI'S MASTERPIECE,"IL TROVATORE" WITH ANNA NETREBKO AND A WORLD FAMOUS CAST IN HI-DEF! THIS PERFORMANCES IS FOLLOWED BY TEN OTHER WONDERFUL BROADCASTS. WE ARE ALSO TRAVELING 1500 MILES BACK TO NEW YORK TO HEAR "IL TROVATORE" AND TURANDOT LIVE IN THE METROPOLITAN OPERA HOUSE IN MID-OCTOBER. STOP LIVING IN THE PAST AND ATTEND A OPERA PERFORMANCE WITH THE CURRENT GROUP OF FABULOUS SINGERS AND CONDUCTORS.
OPERA LOVERS OF THE WORLD IT IS TIME NOW TO BE THRILLED BY THE WORLD OF GREAT OPERA ESPECIALLY THOSE BROADCAST FROM THE WONDERFUL METROPOLITAN OPERA.
SINCERELY,
MATT MINZER IN BEAUTIFUL NEW HAMPSHIRE.
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Phil to Ed
08-27-2015
07:05 AM ET (US) IP: 149.254.250.233
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That Vesti on the Hopper shows Mario's talent for acting vocally.This is his best Vesti,he sounds impassioned & contemplating murder! & no sobs at the end,not needed in such a tirade.
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Phil uk.
08-27-2015
06:58 AM ET (US) IP: 149.254.56.48
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Linz, to quote you"dont let the bastards get you down" on reflection i feel that i cannot engage with you meaningfully,sorry.
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Phil uk.
08-27-2015
05:49 AM ET (US) IP: 149.254.250.144
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Linz,will get back to you on this but as stated before its academic now.
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Linz to Phil
08-27-2015
04:41 AM ET (US) IP: 115.188.219.199
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Let's debate this, then, in a spirit of good will, good faith and good humour. Would you care to elaborate on what you mean by "dry, vocally"? Which tracks in particular illustrate this vocal dryness?
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Phil uk.
08-27-2015
04:20 AM ET (US) IP: 149.254.56.168
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All this childish hassle & nasty insults etc JUST because i found the Sepia cds dry vocally!Next stop the Psycho ward!
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Linz
08-27-2015
02:35 AM ET (US) IP: 115.188.219.199
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I was surprised to learn that it was Jeff himself who deleted Armando's posts. Of course, as the owner of the Forum Jeff has every right to delete whatever and whomever he chooses to. Armando was wrong to call that "censorship." "Censorship" is when governments forbid and outlaw the expression of certain opinions. The First Amendment doesn't protect Armando's "right" to say whatever he likes on Jeff's Forum; it protects his right to say whatever he likes on his own Forum or the Forums of other consenting adults. Nonetheless I wish to state for the record my disagreement with Jeff's action, even as I acknowledge his right to perform it (and to remove this post if he wants to). Far and away the greater amount of material posted here is utter, unmitigated dribble, musically illiterate and irrelevant to Mario Lanza. It's become like Faecesbook here, hijacked by attention-seekers prattling away endlessly about themselves. Getting a meaningful Mario discussion going, on this Forum ostensibly dedicated to him, is next to impossible, as has been noted many times. I can't see the logic of booting Armando—author of the best Lanza bio hitherto—off while allowing the dribblers to persist with impunity. Rather than quail at Armando's "insults," why not ask if they might be justified? Better still, prove him wrong with some meaty Mario debate! Edited 08-27-2015 03:10 AM
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David Weaver
08-26-2015
09:47 PM ET (US) IP: 24.210.22.228
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Although I am the monitor of this forum it is not my forum and therefore I would not delete any message nor remove any poster of my own accord. But I have been informed by Jeff, who is the owner of this site and host of this forum, that the insults and attacks on this forum and its regular posters by someone who by their own admission does not post here regularly will not be tolerated.
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Ed to Phil
08-26-2015
08:01 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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Phil, I think Jeff did a great job on that Vesti, I have all of his three cds and enjoy them. Insulting posts should be deleted,these remarks hurt and show no class. You may argue your point and bat heads but insults show very low character. As you said earlier it's only CDS. BTW I liked the Vesti.
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Dennis
08-26-2015
06:42 PM ET (US) IP: 73.170.201.215
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Ah. Now Armando joins in with his own insults! "Censorship": most long-lasting forums have overseers/moderators who occasionally delete inappropriate or crude posts; "useless forum": where does this come from…and from a reader at that? I don't continue to read useless forums. Why would Mr. Cesari?
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Phil uk.
08-26-2015
06:30 PM ET (US) IP: 149.254.250.253
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Well now things are calmer!why not petition coka cola to do a tv ad-a 1950's house,family entertaining friends & giving them a coke with Mario singing 'Love in a home'.
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Deleted by topic administrator 08-26-2015 09:13 PM
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Ed to Phil
08-26-2015
06:00 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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Phil, I know that Vesti and have it, will play it and let you know. Some of my family made it to Manchester in the early part of the last century, Irish implants. If you want to email mine is McElvis1948@aol.com also on FB.
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Phil uk.
08-26-2015
05:51 PM ET (US) IP: 149.254.49.243
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Ed,dont worry about hiss levels,dropouts,dirtortion on now historic recordings etc.In the 70's my job was to listen to classics all day!I Live 26 miles from Cambridge.
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Phil uk.
08-26-2015
05:27 PM ET (US) IP: 149.254.250.76
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Ed,once again i may annoy someone.Versions-listen to the 'Vesti' H Hopper show,surely his best!dark & menacing.Sound not great but so what.He's great!
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Phil uk.
08-26-2015
05:21 PM ET (US) IP: 149.254.250.76
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Ed,if i did nothing else on this site,i certainly got the mail flowing!
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Ed to Phil
08-26-2015
05:16 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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Phil, Ive been a fan since 1963 and listen to Mario every day. Many times I have told people about Mario and made them a CD to listen to. I agree that only the best be put onto CD anything less is unacceptable. I applaud anyone that puts a project out there, sadly we can only do what we can with what is available. I just listened to my Caruso faves on LP, cds not playing well, now I hear hissing through speakers, back to the laptop. Where in the UK are you, I'm in NYC on Staten Island. What do you think of the Coke Set (15) cds?
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Phil uk.
08-26-2015
04:46 PM ET (US) IP: 149.254.250.139
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Hi Ed,look i admire the recent cd venture,i just mentioned the dryish sound & i must state again that Mario's best should be put on cd not his near best,after all you dont get a second chance of a first impression!
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Ed to Phil
08-26-2015
04:31 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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Phil, if I've learned anything about debates is that they bring on deep discussions. I've thrown out a few here and surprising I'm still here, and a great place to be. I have a deep respect for all here because we all have to keep Mario going. I've just relistened to some tracks, I love the Mattinata, it reminds me of the Caruso recording with Leoncavallo at the piano. As for the barrage of insults that is unnecessary.
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Ed
08-26-2015
12:42 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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Derek, I wear hearing aids, funny you ask me to get my hearing tested, I know you meant nothing by it and I'm not that shallow to take any offense, I do have difficulty with high tones, you've met my doctor? LOL, I do very much appreciate the efforts you put forth to keep Mario afloat. Here's a kicker, it seems my Bose wave system is in need of repair, after I made posts I threw in assorted cds and apparently my system is not working right, each one I played had low and weak output. I put the two cds into my computer and they were fine. I also copied them to iTunes and then to my iPod and they were fine. I realize this was coincidental but what can I say but Oops, Linz can I Skype you when I hook up, I hope not to be eating my foot. Edited 08-26-2015 04:21 PM
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Ray
08-26-2015
09:32 AM ET (US) IP: 92.30.6.87
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The greatest expert's opinion is still just that. An opinion.
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Phil uk.
08-26-2015
08:57 AM ET (US) IP: 149.254.56.163
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Thanks Ronald for your input again.I started this debate & its my view,if others agree,fine,if not thats fine to!Derek Mannering/Rca what are you doing!
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Ronald Sarbo
08-26-2015
08:31 AM ET (US) IP: 74.66.130.108
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The proper amount of noise reduction to use is something that is debated by listeners as well as audio engineers. It is a matter of individual taste. I prefer none or as little as possible.
That being said what never ceases to amaze me is the constant barrage of insults.
"The monumental stupidity displayed by the majority of those that post"
"mean-spirited post modern Anti-Mario cabal"
"self-anointed sole compiler"
"idle, ignorant, lightweight"
Maybe the argument would get more respect if it wasn't always presented with such vitriol.
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Phil uk.
08-26-2015
07:40 AM ET (US) IP: 149.254.51.108
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Just one more point in this debate.I was in charge of ALL classical masters for Deutsche Grammophon when Lps ruled so i know a little bit about sound!Once again i believe we should put the best of Mario onto cd & not he's near best!Peace rules.
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Phil uk.
08-26-2015
04:53 AM ET (US) IP: 149.254.58.133
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I cited Senza Niscuino because he's at his very best,even outsinging Di Stefano!I was'nt comparing versions ok only the dryness of transfers.
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Phil uk.
08-26-2015
04:38 AM ET (US) IP: 149.254.58.133
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Well,i seem to have caused some stress in the Lanza community,i'm sorry.These are just my views as an admirer for nearly 50 years.So lets calm down,its not a battle only cds ok
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Deleted by topic administrator 08-26-2015 05:56 PM
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Linz to Derek McG
08-26-2015
03:10 AM ET (US) IP: 115.188.219.199
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Derek—looks as though our posts crossed. I endorse everything you say about sound quality. I made similar points in my review of your first Sepia opera CD earlier this year. I challenge those who dispute them to go through the review line by line and show where it's wrong.
There is a mean-spirited postmodern anti-Mario cabal that operates behind the scenes here, Derek. I know that because one of them inadvertently sent me an email intended for the other members of it. It was very revealing. Don't let the bastards get you down! Keep those CDs coming!
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Linz to Ed
08-26-2015
02:55 AM ET (US) IP: 115.188.219.199
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Ed—regarding your question, isn't the sound on Opera Arias and Duets superior to that on the Sepia CDs, I'd answer that it damned well ought to be, given that its compiler had access to the masters—and yet notwithstanding that fact, the Sepia sound, with its LP-derived mahogany warmth, more than holds its own. Moreover, the selection on Sepia is vastly superior, a reflection of the differing levels of musical literacy between the compilers. There are some real clunkers on OAD; the Sepias are clunker-free zones.
Here's the kicker, though, Ed: OAD was released in 1999. 1999! BMG/Sony hasn't put out an operatic Mario CD since! That's 16 years! What do The Self-Anointed Sole Compiler and his loyal stooges on this site say about that? Oh well, Lanza wasn't really an opera singer. ??!! Try telling that to Antonio Pappano! All this lame excuse tells us really is that The Self-Anointed Sole Compiler knows nothing about opera and cares even less. This was the guy who thought Verdi was the composer of Lucia, after all.
So again I ask: what's so unreasonable about asking that the vaults be opened to those who know Mario's music?
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Derek McGovern
08-26-2015
02:32 AM ET (US) IP: 220.92.65.19
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There is absolutely nothing wrong with the sound on the Sepia CDs. Yes, it would have been nice to have had access to the master tapes where the RCA & Coke recordings were concerned, but in many instances the sound on the Sepia releases is actually an improvement on the often overly bright, over-digitalized or tinny CD reproductions. Examples that come to mind are the two Chenier arias on the first operatic disc---both of which are more richly and vibrantly reproduced than on "Opera Arias & Duets" (were the master tapes even used for those two arias, I wonder?!)---the 1955 O Paradiso (also on the first disc, and breathtakingly good!), the Rigoletto arias, Una Furtiva Lagrima, and the 1955 Lamento on the second disc, and everything on "My Italian Soul" from track #5 ("La Danza") onwards. Don't believe me, Ed and Phil? Listen to all of the above through *decent* sound equipment at a *decent* volume side by side with the BMG CDs "Opera Arias & Duets," "Mario!/The Vagabond King," "The Great Caruso and Other Caruso Favorites," and the BMG UK CD "Serenade/Cavalcade of Show Tunes." And after that, if you *still* think the sound is too muddy or sandy or otherwise unimpressive on the Sepia discs, then you may want to consider having your ears tested for upper frequency loss. And I say that as someone who used to work in sound recording. To argue that because the 1952 Senza Nisciuno on the "Songbook" CD sounds brighter and more vibrant than the "coarse" 1959 version on "My Italian Soul," Sepia has somehow done Mario's memory a disservice is just plain bizarre to me. The sound always *was" coarse or sandy (a more accurate description) on the 1959 rendition! But what Sepia has done---and for what people should be thanking, rather than berating, them---is reduce that sandiness to the point where it barely matters any longer. And the same is true of the other Caruso Favorites selections on "My Italian Soul," particularly "Luna d'Estate" (as Linz has pointed out) and "L'Alba Separa dalla Luce l'Ombra." Another thing that Ed and Phil fail to mention is the substantial amount of brilliantly remastered *non*-commercial material on the three CDs, especially on the two operatic discs. More than 33 minutes of the first operatic disc alone is made up of non-RCA material. The Hollywood Bowl tracks have never sounded more thrillingly vibrant (Phil and Ed: did you actually *listen* to "Agnus Dei," the Butterfly duet and the 1947 HB arias?!), and the Royal Variety "E Lucevan" would stop most listeners in their tracks. These are but a few examples. Add to the above the generosity of Sepia in giving us 76 minutes (the maximum length possible) on each of the three discs, and the most attractively presented booklets I've seen on Lanza CD releases, and it seems mean-spirited in the extreme for anyone to be claiming that they've let Mario's legacy down. Edited 08-26-2015 02:34 AM
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Linz
08-25-2015
09:52 PM ET (US) IP: 115.188.219.199
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The sound quality on the Mario! and Caruso Favorites tracks on the new Sepia CD, My Italian Soul, is, I submit, better than it's ever been, notwithstanding that Derek McG didn't have access to the masters. Take Luna d'Estate as just one example I singled out in my review. Who can cite a BMG release on which it sounded better? Of course, it remains an advantage to have access to those masters, which is why I argue that the current hegemonist should relinquish his monopoly. That wouldn't necessarily mean "replacing" him; just let some heavyweight competition in. Why not?! What possible objection could there be to letting a true, musically literate Lanza expert loose in the vaults?! I realise this is not really about the music, or Mario, but the petty politics of "camps." I don't doubt the back-channels are in overdrive as the devotees of the status quo seek to preserve their poster-boy's stranglehold. Who actually matters, I'd suggest, is Mario—and the Sepia CDs serve his memory gloriously. The nay-sayers should set petty politics aside and get in behind. Edited 08-25-2015 09:53 PM
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Ed to Linz
08-25-2015
08:16 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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Linz, I agree that it is ignorant to argue over different versions of songs, I thought I was talking about sound quality. I still think RCA and Sony put out a better project than Sepia. Don't you think the CD Arias & Duets a better sound. I do. I give you this, the track selections on both were excellent choices. Perhaps in a galaxy far far away oneday the doors to RCA will fly open and we will have all we need. BTW do you still Skype?
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Ronald Sarbo
08-25-2015
07:40 PM ET (US) IP: 74.66.130.108
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We are comparing sound quality not individual performances. I agree that the Songbook CD is excellent...therefore why is there any valid reason to replace it's compiler?
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Linz
08-25-2015
06:56 PM ET (US) IP: 115.188.214.221
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I see the devotees of the previous hegemony over Lanza CD releases are fighting a rearguard action on its behalf, and demonstrating the deficiencies of that hegemony in the process. It is idle and ignorant, for instance, to compare the Senza Nisciuno on the new Sepia CD with that on BMG's assuredly excellent Songbook CD—they are different performances (the latter 1952, the former 1959). And the fact that there is no substitute for using the masters is an argument for giving someone as knowledgeable as Derek McGovern access to those masters, not continuing to restrict that access to a lightweight.
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Suzanne
08-25-2015
04:54 PM ET (US) IP: 74.79.58.35
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Kristine, there was an interview of Ann Blyth with Robert Osborne on TCM. He asked her about Mario and she was very careful with her answer. Said he had some problems.
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Ed to Ronald
08-25-2015
04:09 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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Ronald, as Phil said about compromise I feel the same. I've been listening to Mario since I was 14 I am now 67. As Phil pointed out about Senza Nisciuno as an example, I will bring up Toselli Serenade, I first heard this on the LP Love Songs and a Neopolitan Serenade. This was one of the first Mario albums I bought. All the tweeking is fine to remove scratches and pops, I feel this alters the originals, Mario deserves what he deserves. Ronald you brought up good points, thanks.
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Phil uk.
08-25-2015
02:12 PM ET (US) IP: 149.254.250.142
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Thanks Ronald for that input,never the less one should'nt compromise on Mario's vocal sound just to get cd's onto the market.Listening to Senza Nisciuno on the 'Serenade Song Book cd is how Mario should sound,exciting,dymamic etc not dry & somewhat coarse as on the sepia cds.I admire the venture,but the outcome is'nt ideal for Mario's memory.
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Kristine
08-25-2015
02:10 PM ET (US) IP: 173.169.63.145
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You know, I never thought of that, Mario Lanza's footprints were never at Grauman's (now Mann's)Chinese Theatre. Was he invited and refused it ? His Star is on Walk of Fame(do you know 1930's crooner, Russ Columbo(1908-1934) still doesn't have a Star on Walk of Fame ?) Happy Belated Birthday to Ann Blyth. Facebook had mentioned it. I think it would be great if she were to speak about Mario on TCM. I just bought Mother Dolores Hart's autobiography, "The Ear Of The Heart". She does mention her Uncle Mario and Aunt Betty, but there are no photos of them and Ellisa Lanza Bregman is mentioned in the acknowledgements. A number of movie stars gave excellent comments about her book, including Tab Hunter. A documentary about him, called "Tab Hunter:Confidential" will be out this fall. I thought, if a film biography about Lanza,isn't made, how about a documentary, similar to PBS T.V.'s "The American Caruso",being made for movie theatres ?
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Alex Valiansky
08-25-2015
01:59 PM ET (US) IP: 208.91.28.66
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Perhaps everyone on this site overlooked the fact that August 16th was Ann Blyth's 87th birthday. We all know that she is Mario's last living American leading lady. We have often seen the spot that she did for TCM concerning the movie Mildred Pierce and Joan Crawford, but to have her do one on The Great Caruso and Mario Lanza--well, that's just TOO MUCH to hope for. And another thing. Although Mario Lanza was a huge star, especially in the early fifties, as far as I know he was never invited to leave his signature, handprints and footprints in the forecourt of Grauman's Chinese Theatre--another slight!!
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Ronald Sarbo
08-25-2015
01:26 PM ET (US) IP: 74.66.130.108
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The difference in sound is the difference between mastering from the ORIGINAL master tapes as opposed to needledrops from records or other secondary sources. Also the EQUIPMENT and AUDIOPHILE ENGINEERS at the disposal of SONY/BMG as opposed to Sepia.
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Ed to Phil
08-25-2015
09:22 AM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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You're very welcome Phil. Well I am 67. If you put on Arias & Duets you hear Mario as he must be heard, also When Day Is Done. I also give kudos to Jeff's three cds, I have all three and they are excellent. So my friend don't turn up your hearing aid just yet. Best Ed
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Phil uk.
08-25-2015
08:47 AM ET (US) IP: 149.254.49.254
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Thanks Ed,i did'nt think my hearing was defective at 62!.Yes the dry sound to me is NOT how Mario sounds at his best.I'll put up with inferior quality to get that superior Lanza sound-Awesome.
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Ed
08-25-2015
08:30 AM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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I have to agree in part with Phil in UK as to the Sepia cds and their sound. I listened to both and I liked the way the recordings were spread out over a time line. They did sound clean but dry. There are a few surprises on both and that is wonderful. I listened to my pristine LP of Mario and found it superior to the CD. It is good to add more out there for the public to buy, sadly I think we are dry. I do feel the RCA releases are best. Edited 08-25-2015 08:31 AM
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Phil uk.
08-24-2015
03:31 PM ET (US) IP: 149.254.250.39
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Just purchased new sepia cd's(3).Looked great inc booklets,sound muffled & dry vocally!Sorry the Rca/Bmg cds are better at conveying the true sound of Mario Lanza.Sorry.
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Ed to Linz
08-24-2015
03:30 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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Got my cds this afternoon and am excited. The first one I played was My Italian Soul and now listening to Passione. This CD is a powerhouse of Mario.
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Dan Lawlor
08-24-2015
01:28 PM ET (US) IP: 74.70.39.27
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Vincent: Recently I sang three Neapolitan songs: "Mattinata" "Rondine al Nido" and "Non ti Scordar di me", and I was asked: "Why the referral to the returning swallow? recur in Neapolitan songs??? I was at a loss until I thought it is like love returning, in hopes and wishes. Can you enlighten me??? Why do Neapolitan songs of love almost always refer to the returning swallows? Edited 08-24-2015 01:29 PM
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vincent james di placido
08-24-2015
12:12 PM ET (US) IP: 209.85.220.169
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Derek Sorry I forgot to add somethig , Tell M Derek You keep Saying it means" My Sunshene" So Let me ask you this " Where Does the Sunshine Come from "' Ciao ??????
On Mon, Aug 24, 2015 at 3:29 PM, vincent james di placido <
vincentjames.diplacido@gmail.com> wrote:
> Hi Derek Good day to you , I am sorry to say That I do disagree with them
> ,It is so simple ,, O' Sole" ,,Meaning SUN", And MIO", meaning My, what
> is so difficult to understand ????, Sunshine ,Apart from it being a sunny
> day Does not, I repeat Not,, come into it ,The only time The word Comes
> into the Song is at the End ""Last 3 words ,Saying that " THE RAYS
> OF THE SUN ARE ON YOU" THE song does not end with O SOLE MIO Which Again
> I say Is O" My Sun ,, O"SOLE MIO , If what you say was correct thats the
> way it would end Last 3 notes would be ,O" SOLE MIO,, They Are wrong,
> Derek, I have studied music and singing for 60 odd Years I not only
> believe my self to be Good ,I class my self as the BEST . BAR NONE " I was
> born in Italy both my mother and father are Italian born I have sung Opera
> All my Life I understand all the words and meanings , O" Sole Mio I have
> sung more times Derek, Than you have had cups Of tea ,, or coffee, I Stand
> by what I say You Derek Have not Heard me sing Please send Me your address
> I will send you a disc , O me singing "" The way it should be done "",
> thats the only way I think I can convince you ,, I am 80 years Old my
> voice is still as it was When I was 20 years old , god has been good to me
> in that respect ,Again my dear friend O" Sole Mio" means O" My Sun, Why
> ????? Because thats all Naples has Sun And Water Which Most Neapolitan
> Songs Are based on ,They talk abought the sea and sun, If you know your
> Italian, you will Know this , ", One would not say "There is a nice"
> Sunshine in the Sky " They would say "Che bel Sole"",What a lovely Sun"
> God bless vincent, The other one ,,,, send me address,,,please,My
> email vincentjamesdiplacido@gmail.com
>
> On Mon, Aug 24, 2015 at 3:54 AM, QT - Derek McG to Vincent Di P <
> qtopic-30-ECKcxtRbxUTNy@quicktopic.com> wrote:
>
>>
>
>
< replied-to message removed by QT >
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vincent james di placido
08-24-2015
10:29 AM ET (US) IP: 209.85.220.180
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Hi Derek Good day to you , I am sorry to say That I do disagree with them ,It is so simple ,, O' Sole" ,,Meaning SUN", And MIO", meaning My, what is so difficult to understand ????, Sunshine ,Apart from it being a sunny day Does not, I repeat Not,, come into it ,The only time The word Comes into the Song is at the End ""Last 3 words ,Saying that " THE RAYS OF THE SUN ARE ON YOU" THE song does not end with O SOLE MIO Which Again I say Is O" My Sun ,, O"SOLE MIO , If what you say was correct thats the way it would end Last 3 notes would be ,O" SOLE MIO,, They Are wrong, Derek, I have studied music and singing for 60 odd Years I not only believe my self to be Good ,I class my self as the BEST . BAR NONE " I was born in Italy both my mother and father are Italian born I have sung Opera All my Life I understand all the words and meanings , O" Sole Mio I have sung more times Derek, Than you have had cups Of tea ,, or coffee, I Stand by what I say You Derek Have not Heard me sing Please send Me your address I will send you a disc , O me singing "" The way it should be done "", thats the only way I think I can convince you ,, I am 80 years Old my voice is still as it was When I was 20 years old , god has been good to me in that respect ,Again my dear friend O" Sole Mio" means O" My Sun, Why ????? Because thats all Naples has Sun And Water Which Most Neapolitan Songs Are based on ,They talk abought the sea and sun, If you know your Italian, you will Know this , ", One would not say "There is a nice" Sunshine in the Sky " They would say "Che bel Sole"",What a lovely Sun" God bless vincent, The other one ,,,, send me address,,,please,My email vincentjamesdiplacido@gmail.com
On Mon, Aug 24, 2015 at 3:54 AM, QT - Derek McG to Vincent Di P < qtopic-30-ECKcxtRbxUTNy@quicktopic.com> wrote:
>
< replied-to message removed by QT >
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Suzanne
08-24-2015
10:11 AM ET (US) IP: 74.79.58.35
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Gail, thank you! Everyone,again thank you for helping out this computer illiterate person. Ed, do you have your CDs today? If so , no time to post, I think. Enjoy!
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Ed to Linz
08-24-2015
08:24 AM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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Linz,I am waiting with increased anticipation for my cds from Sepia. I was notified on the 14th they were posted to me, now today the 24th I must seek out the postman and inquire. Anyway,I too watched the documentary and thought it a real boost for Mario. Will let you know when I receive the CDs and if I can bear the excitement of listening to these immortal gems.
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Linz
08-24-2015
03:28 AM ET (US) IP: 115.188.214.221
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I just conducted a lengthy interview with tenor Simon O'Neill, who graced my book The One Tenor with one of its thousands of Forewords. Simon is here to sing in Tosca, and my interview will appear in a prominent print magazine. He's primarily a Wagnerian, so I told him I'm looking forward to hearing him sing real music for a change (a running gag between us). He's sung many times under the baton of Sir Antonio Pappano, whose glowing eulogy to Lanza was a highlight of his recent BBC documentary on tenors. I asked Simon if he'd watched the doco. He said, "Of course. And I can tell you that Tony's comments about Mario were not just for the camera. In real life he's an avid fan. He really really meant what he said. He says it all the time!"
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Derek McG to Vincent Di P
08-23-2015
10:54 PM ET (US) IP: 220.92.65.19
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Hello Vincent: I'm afraid I'm not the only one maintaining that "'O Sole Mio" means "My Sunshine"---the National Italian American Foundation also states the same thing:
https://niafblog.wordpress.com/2014/08/25/...le-mio-my-sunshine/
Perhaps you should let them know that they've got it wrong?
By the way, my knowledge of Italian and Neapolitan doesn't come from reading an English translation book; it comes from living in Italy, and studying both standard Italian and Italian dialects at university.
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Gail Swartz
08-23-2015
02:43 PM ET (US) IP: 204.29.186.2
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To Susanne..the frincka you wanted to know is the sound made by stringed instruments. Hope you enjoy.
On August 22, 2015, at 10:54 PM, QuickTopic daily digest <qtopic-30-ECKcxtRbxUTNy@quicktopic.com> wrote:
< replied-to message removed by QT >
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Diane Cox
08-23-2015
11:41 AM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.239
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Atalla Ayan, Brazilian tenor, announced his debut at Teatro Alla Scala as Nemorino in L'elisir d'amore. Rehearsals are in progress. He has been under contract in Germany the last 3 years.
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Suzanne
08-23-2015
11:23 AM ET (US) IP: 74.79.58.35
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Thank you, thank you, everyone, just a quick note, check the NY Times Puzzle today. Mario is there! All I can think is that some who haven't remembered him for a very long time, will be reminded of our Magnificent One. Have a great Sunday!
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vincentjamesdiplacido @gm
08-23-2015
04:40 AM ET (US) IP: 79.65.51.69
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To our Friend Derek, O" My sun " Is In Neapolitan O" Sole Mio "You are my sunshine" is the other song , One does Not" say ,What a lovely sunshine day ,"One would say "what A lovely SUN-ny day " ITs proper Grammer, Or " THE SUN IS ON YOUR FACE " Not "THE SUNSHINE IS ON YOUR FACE, But that Derek ,That Is Exactly what he says in the song ,,,The last. "THREE Words of the song", I repeat My friend There is no English translation , What is said in Neapolitan Dialect , could mean many thinks , You First have to speak Italian second,"AND Most Importantly,IS Understanding the different Dialects, My regional Dialect is almost the same as The Neapolitan ,So Whom Do We Believe ,I leave that To OUR Dear friend , Suzanne, And all the rest of Our dear friends On the Mario Lanza Forum. One Who speaks "ITALIAN" OR One who reads it From AN ENGLISH TRANSLATAION BOOK, your friend vincent, "THE OTHER ONE"
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vincentjamesdiplacido @gm
08-23-2015
03:55 AM ET (US) IP: 79.65.51.69
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My Dear Dear Friend Dan , Why In heavens name should I be Upset By your reply , Dan You only simply, stated a Fact, You said go to google , so what!? thats what people do , you were right to suggest that to Suzanne ,. But I repeat there is no true Translation ," ENGLISH" for The Neapolitan dialect,,your true friend vincent God bless Keep singing ,
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Derek McGovern to Suzanne
08-22-2015
09:00 PM ET (US) IP: 175.214.184.233
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Hi Suzanne: You don't need to search far for the English translations of the songs from "Mario!" and "Caruso Favorites" that appear on "My Italian Soul." They can be read/printed off at mariolanzatenor.com:
http://www.mariolanzatenor.com/mario-lyric...h-translations.html
http://www.mariolanzatenor.com/caruso-favo...h-translations.html
I should mention that there's just one tiny mistake in the above translations: "'O Surdato 'Nnammurato" doesn't mean "Oh Soldier in Love;" rather, it means *The* Soldier in Love. Similarly, "'O Sole Mio" doesn't mean "Oh my sun," as someone was posting here the other day; it literally translates as "The My Sunshine," but of course in English we would simply say, "My Sunshine."
I've translated all the Neapolitan/Italian song *titles* that appear on "My Italian Soul," and you can find these inside the CD booklet.
Glad you're enjoying the disc!
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Dan Lawlor
08-22-2015
02:27 PM ET (US) IP: 74.70.39.27
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Vincent: My recommendations to Suzanne were just to get the jist of the song, knowing that a literal translation is not available unless you speak the language; so, don't be upset at my input, not trying to say I know better, only trying to help a friend and Mario lover. I have also ordered that CD of Mario's, knowing that Some of those Neapolitan songs I would love to perform in future...and also I need some 'Jist' of the music myself...ok? All my best old friend... Edited 08-22-2015 02:28 PM
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GARY TO BROTHER ED
08-22-2015
01:17 PM ET (US) IP: 71.72.144.56
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ED,ONCE YOU GET THE CD'S,YOU'LL BE GLAD YOU DID.I GOT THEM AS A PRESENT AND BELIEVE ME,I AM GLAD I DID.BEST,BROTHER GARY
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Suzanne
08-22-2015
12:33 PM ET (US) IP: 74.79.58.35
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Diane, that sounds heavenly, my kind of relaxing, except for the cruise, I'm afraid I'd be over the side with seasickness. Can't even look at a revolving closerack without being queasy! Never got to my favorite Rockport this year, just to take in the ocean, another favorite is the Nubble Light at York Maine. Been there? The essence of the rocky coast.Glorious! Dan,Vincent. Thanks for your help . Will I be busy finding the words to those beloved songs. Especially love "Luntana", the soft words midway through. Only Mario could sing them so sweetly. By the way "Frinca, Frinca Frinca"??? Ed. bet you have the CDs today or maybe Monday. You'll love it, played it so much, Mario sings in my head every day and he even goes through all the songs. How amazing is he?Btw, my friend said her father was from Naples, mother from Sicily.When I was a teen, we moved to a sort of "Little Italy" neighborhood, where I met her and my other Italian girlfriends , boyfriends too, since I was a blonde. Imagine!What fun!
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David Weaver
08-22-2015
12:28 PM ET (US) IP: 24.210.22.228
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Just to everyone know - Jeff let me know that the problem with the main site has been fixed, and you should now be able to access everything with no difficulty. If anyone tries and still has problems, let me know.
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Diane Cox
08-22-2015
11:49 AM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.239
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Passione is also high on my top ten list.
Spent 3 days at Perdido Key, Fl - the surf, smell and sound, and the constant wind off the Gulf were very relaxing. Went on an late afternoon Dolphin spotting cruise, ate well, and enjoying seeing family from Texas. This is only about an hour from my house, but I never go unless the family is here.
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Ed
08-22-2015
07:36 AM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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Well still no CDs delivered as of yesterday. I was reading the names of the tracks on MIS, I was glad to see the song Passione was included, this was my favorite in the Mario LP, can't wait to hear all of them especially Passione.
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vincent james di placido
08-22-2015
03:32 AM ET (US) IP: 209.85.220.180
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Hi Gail Thats all you need with some songs Having the" Gist "as you call it,, I am so glad you enjoy Mario"s singing so much , It seems to me That the world has forgotten, Lanza,",, and what good music is abought ,Mario Lanza could take any song , and make it sound Great , Yes Gail,, What a voice ,! I have sent you a copy of my songs with Mario , I do hope you like them,God bless you my dear, My love to Alabama",.
On Sat, Aug 22, 2015 at 6:19 AM, QT - Gail Swartz <
qtopic-30-ECKcxtRbxUTNy@quicktopic.com> wrote:
>
< replied-to message removed by QT >
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Gail Swartz
08-22-2015
01:19 AM ET (US) IP: 204.29.186.51
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From Gail...I had some of Mario's songs translated...just wanted to know the gist of the songs...Mario sang from his heart and made the songs take on a brand new life. What a talented inspired singer-man!!!!.
On August 21, 2015, at 10:54 PM, QuickTopic daily digest <qtopic-30-ECKcxtRbxUTNy@quicktopic.com> wrote:
< replied-to message removed by QT >
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Dan Lawlor
08-21-2015
05:19 PM ET (US) IP: 74.70.39.27
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Gary: No, I am sorry to say I never recorded any Christmas Carols. I did sing some over the years: O Holy Night, Guardian Angels, Mille Cherubini in Coro and a few others...but never to CD, sorry!
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GARY TO DAN LAWLOR
08-21-2015
04:41 PM ET (US) IP: 71.72.144.56
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HI DAN:DO YOU HAVE ANY CD'S OF YOU SINGING CHRISTMAS CAROLS?I WOULD SEND YOU CD OF MY VOICE IF I HAD ONE.YOU AND VINCENT JAMES HAVE REALLY BEEN BLESSED WITH A GREAT VOICE.TAKE CARE MY FRIEND,HAVE A GREAT AND SAFE WEEK END!THANK YOU FOR ANY INFO.BEST
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Kristine
08-21-2015
03:51 PM ET (US) IP: 173.169.63.145
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Prayers for Jimmy Carter. TCM is re-releasing "Psycho"(1960) to movie theatres. I wonder if they will ever re-release "The Great Caruso" to movie theatres ?
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vincent james di placido
08-21-2015
01:24 PM ET (US) IP: 209.85.220.171
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Hi my friend Dan , Yes one can Google for translation but the Engish word that you are given is not going to be the same as in the Italian ,Or as in this case Neapolitan" meaning ,In some Neapolitan words there is no English Translation, Yes you will get a word ,But as far as the Song is concerned it means nothing Take it from An Italian ,To my mind some Engish translations are a joke,Take The song"' O"sole "Mio In English , Its "Its now or Never" How stupid is that??? If I try to Translate it Its OH MY SUN " O" SOLE MIO ! OH My Sun Does not work ,In other words Dan dear friend, I would rather leave it alone, take care,
On Fri, Aug 21, 2015 at 5:49 PM, QT - Dan Lawlor <
qtopic-30-ECKcxtRbxUTNy@quicktopic.com> wrote:
>
< replied-to message removed by QT >
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Dan Lawlor
08-21-2015
12:49 PM ET (US) IP: 74.70.39.27
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Suzanne: if you go on the internet and input the name of the song and after it "English Translation" you will find somewhere an English translation for the song...I looked up the first three and found translations already: Mamma mia, Toselli's Serenade and A Vuccella...try it out! As Vincent has already said: I am sure they are not literal translations, every part of Italy has dialects, and these simple translations probably don't tell the true passion in the words, but it is a start, eh? Edited 08-21-2015 12:56 PM
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vincent james di placido
08-21-2015
11:55 AM ET (US) IP: 209.85.220.181
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Suzanne, , They are Sung in "Neapolitan ,All of them .If I am not mistaken? ",My Italian Soul", Suzanne , I recorded them all with Mario , to me they are Neapolitan ,I really Can not translate for you, Because there is no English , words to Express the Italian ,Or Lets say " Neapolitan, One could try and translate, but it would not be the same meaning ,Its really not that simple, One really has to feel the words, Even an italian, from say the north of Italy , does not understand , I come from the south,, " Or middle Italy ",Dialect is almost the same , Even then, some of there words I dont know ,But in Song,,,, One can feel the meaning, I dont know if Im explaining myself clearly,, But getting back to Dialect its" Neapolitan,"I would not expect your friend to know Suzanne ,Sicily is different again,I wish That I could help you ,If I was there with you , it would be different, Even then Im not sure , We Will have to teach you Italian Suzanne , thats all,! god bless you my dear , vincent
On Fri, Aug 21, 2015 at 3:21 PM, QT - Suzanne <
qtopic-30-ECKcxtRbxUTNy@quicktopic.com> wrote:
>
< replied-to message removed by QT >
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Suzanne
08-21-2015
10:21 AM ET (US) IP: 74.79.58.35
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Ed, patience is a virtue(I don't have!) but more like two weeks. Even so, I thought it was pretty speedy. Worth the wait, believe me. Yesterday I had a captive audience, an old school friend who renewed acquaintance with me a few months ago. We listened to "My Italian Soul" together. She said the usual, "Didn't know anyone remembered him".Amazed at all that goes on for Mario. She's Italian, her parents were immigrants, but she can't translate for me, too many dialects. Her parents from Sicily. Vincent, keep making the air more alive with your singing. Peaceful weekend, everyone.
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Ed to Suzanne/Vincent
08-20-2015
04:15 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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Each time I listen to Mario I always say "May God bless his soul" for all he gave to us. Walking in his shoes could not have been easy I am sure. Well the mailman just came by and no CDs yet, I am growing anxious waiting. I have mentioned Mario to several of my friends at the gym I attend and have made some cds and passed them along.
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GARY
08-20-2015
01:27 PM ET (US) IP: 71.72.144.56
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I TO ONLY WISH PRESIDENT CARTER A BLESSED RECOVERY.
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Ed to Suzanne
08-20-2015
12:51 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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I agree with you about President Carter, a compassionate human being and also one of the more intelligent presidents of the past. I hope he is blessed with a positive recovery as payment for all the good he's done. I am waiting for my two cds it has been a week. Edited 08-20-2015 01:14 PM
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vincent james di placido
08-20-2015
11:53 AM ET (US) IP: 209.85.220.172
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Hi My Dear Suzanne, Yes Im feeling fine ,and Especially for Mention in the same breath as Mario ," God bless his Soul." I do hope you are well .Im still singing around the house ,Blessing Mario Every day For what He gave me ,You Suzanne, I Know will understand what I mean, bless you My prayers are always with you . vincent ,,xx
On Thu, Aug 20, 2015 at 4:05 PM, QT - Suzanne <
qtopic-30-ECKcxtRbxUTNy@quicktopic.com> wrote:
>
< replied-to message removed by QT >
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Suzanne
08-20-2015
11:05 AM ET (US) IP: 74.79.58.35
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Don't know about anyone else here, but I'm feeling extremely sad about Jimmy
Carter's illness. Maybe not the greatest president, but his heart was always in the right place. I wish him peace. Linz, agree "My Italian Soul" is a heartbreaker. Only Mario could bring such feeling to these songs. Always loving the arias as well. Vincent, hope you're still singing, at least around the house. Feeling well? Best to you.
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vincentjamesdiplacido @gm
08-20-2015
06:40 AM ET (US) IP: 79.65.51.69
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My Dear Gail, If You meant this message for me I would be more than pleased to let you hear me sing , Please E mail me your Home address And I will post you a copy My Email is vincentjamesdiplacido@gmail.com best regards vincent ,
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David Weaver
08-19-2015
12:30 PM ET (US) IP: 156.63.68.204
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I wanted to let everyone know that Jeff is aware that the main Mario Lanza site is down and that he has people working to correct the problem. I'll keep you posted.
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Gail Swartz
08-19-2015
10:28 AM ET (US) IP: 204.29.186.15
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I would like to hear you sing, too!
On August 18, 2015, at 10:53 PM, QuickTopic daily digest <qtopic-30-ECKcxtRbxUTNy@quicktopic.com> wrote:
< replied-to message removed by QT >
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vincentjamesdiplacido @gm
08-18-2015
01:41 PM ET (US) IP: 79.65.50.159
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My dear Gary , I cannot promise but If I do record xmas carols , believe me you will be the first to hear them ,, We must never say `'Never' bless you. You are more than kind , your friend vincent
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GARY TO VINCENT JAMES
08-18-2015
01:05 PM ET (US) IP: 71.72.144.56
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MY DEAR FRIEND VINCENT,IF YOU DO RECORD ANY CHRISTMAS MUSIC,I WOULD SURLY ENJOY HEARING YOU SING.YOU KNOW THE MEANING AND HOW YOU WANT EACH WORD TO SOUND.GOD BLESS YOU AND WATCH OVER YOU.MY BEST TO YOU AND YOUR FAMILY.TAKE CARE,YOUR FRIEND,GARY.BEST
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vincentjamesdiplacido @gm
08-18-2015
06:34 AM ET (US) IP: 79.65.50.159
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My Dear Gary ,I wish to thank you for your most kind words, I am so glad that You enjoyed my singing , It gives me so much plesure in knowing that my voice gives joy to others,As for "Xmas Carols" I am afraid Gary That I did record some but They are lost with time,Im Afraid. what I have is "The Lords Prayer ,Ave Maria I"LL Walk with God,, OH Holy Night,,And, Because,, Again Thank you my dear friend, Please take care ,All My very best to you , And the Family , God bless , vincent
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Bill Ronayne
08-17-2015
02:22 PM ET (US) IP: 24.46.57.72
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 Here's the order form for the new book for those outside the USA. I shaved a few dollars off of the shipping charges to make it a little more reasonable for the UK and Europe. The book will have its official release at the September 12th MLSNY luncheon. Best, Bill Edited 08-17-2015 02:39 PM
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GARY TO VINCENT JAMES
08-17-2015
01:12 PM ET (US) IP: 71.72.144.56
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DEAR VINCENT MY FRIEND,THANK YOU FOR THE CD OF YOU SINGING.YOU HAVE A GREAT VOICE!WHAT I WOULD GIVE TO HAVE A VOICE LIKE YOU HAVE.DO YOU HAVE ANY CD'S OF YOU SINGING CHRISTMAS CAROLS?YES,GOD GAVE YOU A GREAT VOICE AT AGE 14 AND HALF.WHEN YOU SING,YOU PUT YOUR HEART AND MIND AND SOUL INTO YOUR SINGING,JUST LIKE MARIO LANZA.TAKE CARE,HAVE A GREAT DAY AND WEEK!GOD BLESS YOU.YOUR FRIEND,GARY
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GARY TO BROTHER ED
08-17-2015
12:58 PM ET (US) IP: 71.72.144.56
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ED,YOU WILL ENJOY THE CD'S,I GOT MINE AS A PRESENT AND ALSO THE STUDENT PRINCE CD BY SEPIA.BEST,BROTHER GARY
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Ed to Wendy
08-17-2015
12:13 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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I don't have that set but do have all selections on various cds, I now look forward to the new releases by Sepia any day now.
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Bill Ronayne
08-17-2015
09:59 AM ET (US) IP: 24.46.57.72
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Thanks David. I am currently researching shipping charges to countries outside of the US and will post an order form for those fans later today. Best. Bill
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Wendy Stilwell - UK
08-16-2015
02:53 PM ET (US) IP: 92.20.119.182
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Mario's "The Ultimate Collection" is at 24 in the British classical chart.
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David Weaver
08-16-2015
12:22 PM ET (US) IP: 24.210.22.228
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Congratulations, Bill, on the new book. I am sure you put the same care and attention to detail as you did in your book a few years ago about the Coke Show.
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Ed to Gail
08-16-2015
10:25 AM ET (US) IP: 54.91.35.239
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Gail, I am 67 and went to elementary school in the 50s with a Roy Rogers lunch box. To me he beat out all others,as for Cisco he ran a close second. Sometime later I became a fan of Zorro,he got his start on Disneland on Sunday nights like Davey Crockett. Boy the better days,huh!
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Gail Swartz
08-16-2015
12:29 AM ET (US) IP: 204.29.186.50
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I can remember a time when Roy Rogers had a contest to name a new Palomino colt...my entry was Taffy..did n not win...we had a RR movie and birthday celebration on a local station. We lived too far away to go to movies on Sat. That was grocery shopping day since both of my parents worked at local mills. I guess RR and The Cisco Kid were my favorites...oh, Poncho! T
On August 15, 2015, at 10:53 PM, QuickTopic daily digest <qtopic-30-ECKcxtRbxUTNy@quicktopic.com> wrote:
< replied-to message removed by QT >
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Bill Ronayne
08-16-2015
12:06 AM ET (US) IP: 68.199.23.210
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 Here is the order form for the book. This order form is only for those living in the US. Please contact me at wjronayne@optonline.net if you live outside of the US and are interested in obtaining the book. Payment must be made in US dollars and shipping charges will be considerably more and also must be paid in US dollars. Presently I cannot accept credit cards. Sorry for any inconvenience. Best, Bill Edited 08-16-2015 12:07 AM
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Bill Ronayne
08-16-2015
12:02 AM ET (US) IP: 68.199.23.210
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 I am very happy and proud to announce the publication of my first book entitled "The Films of Mario Lanza." It is available exclusively through MLSNY and I have attached a photo of the cover and will post the order form shortly. The Films of Mario Lanza is an informative look at the relatively short movie career of one of the greatest voices and personalities of the twentieth century. This publication provides the reader with a wealth of behind the scenes material and a glimpse of the movie making process at its best and sometimes at its worse. The inclusion of over 150 production and casual photos, assorted ephemera as well as recording logs for all the films further enhances the reader’s enjoyment and understanding of what was going on in the often very turbulent career of a superbly gifted performer. 132 pages, 8 ½ x 11, soft cover. $25 per book plus $6.10 shipping and handling for first book. If 2 books are purchased, both books can be shipped in the same package for $6.10 so there is no additional shipping charge for the second book. For those outside of the US please contact me concerning payment and shipping charges at wjronayne@optonline.net. Best, Bill Edited 08-16-2015 12:03 AM
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Dan Lawlor
08-15-2015
10:03 PM ET (US) IP: 74.70.39.27
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Anyone remember Buck Jones, who died in the Coconut Grove fire, trying to save others?...a real cowboy hero eh?
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Dan Lawlor
08-15-2015
09:18 PM ET (US) IP: 74.70.39.27
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Matt: Once I turned in a book report stolen entirely from the inside cover of one of the Classic Illustrated Comics, and the Nun read it to all of her English classes, saying that "here is the way you write a book report" ha ha...I was really embarrassed and it wasn't until the end of term that I told one of my classmates what I had done...that Nun thought I was a genius...ha ha
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MATT MINZER
08-15-2015
06:34 PM ET (US) IP: 24.222.92.226
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DAN:
SAME FOR MY DELUXE SET OF LIONEL TRAINS WITH THE LOCOMOTIVE SMOKING AND WHISTLING. I USED TO READ THE CLASSIC COMICS IN HIGH SCHOOL RATHER THAN THE GREAT MASTERS THEMSELVES. THE TEACHERS WERE VERY IMPRESSED AT MY INSTANT ANSWERS. TOO BAD THAT I DIDN'T HAVE GOOGLE WHEN I WAS GROWING UP! I COULD HAVE BEEN A GENIUS.
BEST,
MATT MINZER IN HALIFAX, NOVA SCOTIA.
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Dan Lawlor
08-15-2015
03:09 PM ET (US) IP: 74.70.39.27
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Years ago, my sister gave her children Mickey Mouse watches for Christmas, and I thought at the time, what a ridiculous gift; but now, years later, those watches could be worth a great deal, eh?
I also had a complete collection of Classic Illustrated Comics, including the hard to find #16 "The Three Musketeers", and I kept them in a draw in my dresser. My mother said "You are a young man now, why keep those funny books? Give them to your nephews" Which I did. They had them for about a month and they were all ripped apart and discarded...If I had only kept them, today they would be worth a small fortune...too late smart eh???
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Diane Cox
08-15-2015
02:47 PM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.239
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Neat story, Dennis.
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Dennis
08-15-2015
02:30 PM ET (US) IP: 73.170.201.215
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When I was seven, my family was living in Cheyenne. The big event of the year was Frontier Days, which included a rodeo, an encampment of Sioux Indians, a beard growing contest, and other events. That year, the Lone Ranger made a public appearance! On an unusually hot summer day for Cheyenne, my mother and I waited in a long line to talk to the Lone Ranger and shake his hand and get a silver bullet!
More than once as the line snailed along, my mother suggested we go home for some cool lemonade. I resisted and eventually I stood before the Lone Ranger who shook my hand, called me kemo sabe, and gave me a silver bullet. This aluminum bullet pulled apart to reveal a compass, a tablet that would let me write in invisible ink, and could enclose a small secret message. I never dissolved the tablet and never found someone to send a secret message to that I would trust to give the "silver" bullet back, but I have that bullet to this day somewhere amongst my childhood treasures.
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Diane Cox
08-15-2015
11:39 AM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.239
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Won a Roy Rogers harmonica in a contest once.
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Dan Lawlor
08-15-2015
11:29 AM ET (US) IP: 74.70.39.27
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Matt: was that Little Orphan Annie??? I got a Lone Ranger ring that was a small pistol atop the ring, when you pulled back the hammer it sparked??? Anyone else have one? And we used to play Cowboys and Indians all day...of course today you couldn't flaunt those cap pistols around less you got shot for having a real Gun? How times have changed???
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Ed
08-15-2015
09:05 AM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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Ken Curtis who played Festus on Gunsmoke also sang with the Sons of the Pioneers. Let's not forget Clayton Moore ( the lone ranger)
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MATT MINZER
08-15-2015
07:15 AM ET (US) IP: 24.222.92.226
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DAN:
WHO WAS THE COMIC HERO IN THE 1940'S-50'S WHO OFFERED A DECODER RING WHEN YOU COLLECTED MANY BOXTOPS FROM DRY BREAKFAST CEREALS LIKE CORN FLAKES?
BEST,
MATT MINZER
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Kristine
08-15-2015
06:10 AM ET (US) IP: 173.169.63.145
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My late father liked cowboy star George O'Brien, who appeared in some of John Wayne's movies. George was a muscle man-body-builder and served in 3 wars(World War I, World War II, and The Korean War). On the subject of Roy Rogers, I think his manager/agent was Art Rush, who, also, I think, managed Mario Lanza(before Sam Weiler). I liked "The Cisco Kid", "Bonanza", "Wagon Train", "The Rifleman" and other westerns. Tenor or baritone George Houston("The Great Waltz" with Fernand Gravet, Luise Rainer, Miliza Korjus)later was in a western movie series called "The Lone Rider". Sadly, Houston passed away in 1947. He had an excellent voice. He also was in "Wallaby Jim Of The Islands". Mario Lanza liked horses and I saw a photo of him on a horse. I think he had a cowboy hat on. If he had lived, I heard he wanted to have a horse ranch. The only opera, set in The Old West,was "The Girl Of The Golden West". I saw a photo of Enrico Caruso in a production of it. He was wearing a cowboy outfit. I don't think Mario Lanza was ever in a production of it. Sometimes, westerns are called "Horse Operas" like "Soap Operas".
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Gail Swartz
08-15-2015
01:27 AM ET (US) IP: 204.29.186.64
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Been listening to the new cds...Found some unknown selections to me...enjoyed the booklets, too...the emerging talent and glorious voice is simply outstanding... Wondering, did Mario always wear long sleeves in his movies because of his dark hair? Watched BYM...Loved seeing Mario in the blue serve suit,and watching him sing Granada.
On August 14, 2015, at 10:55 PM, QuickTopic daily digest <qtopic-30-ECKcxtRbxUTNy@quicktopic.com> wrote:
< replied-to message removed by QT >
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Diane Cox
08-15-2015
01:25 AM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.239
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Loved all those cowboys - especially Lash LaRue. Big empty lot next door where we played cowboys all weekend.
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Fred Day
08-15-2015
12:22 AM ET (US) IP: 98.85.37.58
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I also loved the old Universal horror films of the 30's and 40's. My favorites were Bela Lugosi & Boris Karloff. Lugosi also made a few serials. I especially liked him in "Return of Chandu the Magician" (1934), in the title role. It was one of the few times where he played the good guy. Also am fond of John Carradine, whom I resemble somewhat. Ciao.
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Fred Day
08-15-2015
12:05 AM ET (US) IP: 98.85.37.58
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Another favorite cowboy was Hopalong Cassidy (William Boyd). Also the Cisco Kid & Pancho (Duncan Renaldo & Leo Carillo). My favorite was the Lone Ranger. There were 5 actors who played the part, 3 on radio & 2 on TV. Lash Larue was sometimes compared to Bogart - there was a resemblance in both looks and voice. I liked Buster Crabbe in westerns, but liked him even more as Flash Gordon and Buck Rodgers. I also liked on early tv: Tom Corbett Space Cadet (Frankie Thomas), and Space Patrol, and Captain Video. And of course, Captain Midnight (aka Jet Jackson) with Richard Webb in the title role. I became a member of his secret squadron, I was SQ47342. And I drank Ovaltine in milk for breakfast. And, last but not least, Stories of the Century, with Jim Davis as Matt Clark, railroad detective. Ah, the memories. Ciao.
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Dan Lawlor
08-14-2015
06:57 PM ET (US) IP: 74.70.39.27
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When I was in Denver, Colorado a few years ago, my wife and I went to visit Buffalo Bill's gravesite atop Lookout Mountain in Golden Colorado, after we went to the Coors Brewery...very impressive and a free tour and a beer. ha ha Edited 08-14-2015 07:00 PM
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Linz to Ed
08-14-2015
06:43 PM ET (US) IP: 115.188.214.221
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Ed—I'm sure you won't regret investing in the CDs. I must say that "My Italian Soul" in particular just destroyed me. Hearing so many of the Mario! and Caruso Favorites tracks back to back in such warm sound was beyond overwhelming. I posted a short review here at the time; I've now put it up on Amazon.
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Ed
08-14-2015
06:28 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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Peter Guralnick wrote a two volume set on Elvis, it was extensive and captured it all. The second volume called Last Train To Memphis deals with Elvis coming home from the army to his death. He mentions several times how Elvis loved certain singers,at 17 or 18 he had records by Mario and occasionally listened to the Met Opera, this is listed on page 52 of the book. I was emailed that my two cds were shipped today, can't wait. Edited 08-14-2015 06:30 PM
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MATT MINZER
08-14-2015
06:03 PM ET (US) IP: 24.222.92.226
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ED:
THE ROY ROGERS MUSEUM WAS ACTUALLY IN VICTORVILLE, CALIFORNIA AND HAS RELOCATED TO BRANSON, MO.
MATT
ROY'S RESPONSE TO ME WAS THAT HE WANTED TO BE REMEMBERED AS A SINGING COWBOY. (HE HAD JOINED THE SONS OF THE PIONEERS IN 1931 AND WAS KNOWN AS LEONARD SLY.)
MATT
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Linz
08-14-2015
05:52 PM ET (US) IP: 115.188.214.221
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One must have a very special mindset, postmodern and nihilistic, to go out of one's way to post as "Ray" posted about the Priscilla, Elvis and Mario story. Of course, it helps if one is already a dedicated weaver of tangled webs.
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MATT MINZER
08-14-2015
05:29 PM ET (US) IP: 24.222.92.226
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DAN:
PLEASE DON'T FORGET ANDY DEVINE. ABOUT FIFTEEN YEARS AGO I TOOK MY LATE MOTHER TO THE ANDY DEVINE MUSEUM IN KINGMAN ARIZONA. HE WAS A LOCAL HERO.
ED:
ALSO ABOUT FIFTEEN YEARS AGO, I TOOK MY LATE MOTHER TO THE ROY ROGERS/DALE EVANS MUSEUM IN BARSTOW, CALIFORNIA. ROY WAS IN A WHEELCHAIR AS HANDSOME AS EVER. I ASKED HIM IF HE WANTED TO BE REMEMBERED AS A COWBOY ACTOR OR A SINGING COWBOY. HE HANDED ME A C.D. ENTITLED "SONS OF THE PIONEERS" AND AUTOGRAPHED IT FOR ME. ROY WAS HONORED BY MANY ORGANIZATIONS THROUGHOUT HIS LONG CAREER INCLUDING A NUMBER OF JEWISH ORGANIZATIONS FOR HIS FUND RAISING AND APPEARANCES.
REMEMBER-MY NEIGHBOR IN GREAT NECK, LONG ISLAND WAS THE GREAT TENOR, RICHARD TUCKER. TUCKER AN ORTHODOX JEW WHO RAISED MILLIONS OF DOLLARS FOR NOTRE DAME UNIVERSITY (A CATHOLIC UNIVERSITY) AND HIS WIDOW, SARA, INVITED MY WIFE AND I TO ST. PATRICK'S CATHEDRAL IN MANHATTAN IN 1976 TO MEET CARDINAL HESBERG OF NOTRE DAME. THE GUEST SINGER WAS THE WONDERFUL PLACIDO DOMINGO.
BEST,
MATT MINZER IN HALIFAX, NOVA SCOTIA. (TEMPERATURE AROUND 78 DG.)
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Suzanne
08-14-2015
11:33 AM ET (US) IP: 74.79.58.35
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Priscilla has said that Elvis was a true fan of Mario Lanza. Showed albums he owned. Wouldn't Elvis be proud of his stamp. He was a real patriot.
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Ed
08-14-2015
09:55 AM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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Dan, the few cents in those days is minimal to what stars of today want, and tickets forget it they are too high for my wallet. The cards I wrote about were maybe just a quarter. I would get mine in our neighborhood candy store, yes I see why you got turned off. At 8 years old I got to meet Roy Rogers, they were at Madison Square Garden for a rodeo. My uncle was a fire inspector with the NY Fire Dept and in charge of inspection there and after the show he brought us down to the staging area and we met and talked with Roy I will never forget that night.
Matt, the two cds are a brand new,cleaner and better quality, I originally didn't order them on July as I felt it was just copies of what we had but apparently from reviews by Linz and others they are pretty good. You can look back to posts from Linz, Brian and Derek about their reviews, also the web address for Sepia and look for Mario's Grts Opera Perfs volume 2 and My Italian Soul. The money conversion is $28.19 American money. Good luck ok
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Dan Lawlor
08-14-2015
08:36 AM ET (US) IP: 74.70.39.27
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I remember sending away for "Wild Bill Elliott's" photo and got a reply asking for money for the photo, which turned me off to those Hollywood Cowboys...Remember Hoot Gibson and Ken Maynard, Smiley Burnette, Bob Steele and The Bob Nolan singing group: "Sons of the Pioneers? Gabby Hayes and Tim Holt, whose father also appeared in the "Treasure of Sierra Madre" with his son?
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matt minzer
08-14-2015
07:53 AM ET (US) IP: 24.222.92.226
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ED:
WE HAVE BEEN AWAY FOR MORE THAN A MONTH. SPECIFICALLY, WHAT ARE THE TWO DISCS FROM SEPIA? HOW MUCH ARE THEY AND HOW DO I ORDER THEM?
BEST,
MATT
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Ed
08-14-2015
07:31 AM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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Hi Matt, yes I ordered the two new cds from Sepia, the reviews I've read were five star.
Small earthquake in Jersey last night 2.5
Matt/Dan, I don't know if you both recall the picture cards they had in the 50s, many stars had cards like 3X5 and a signature on the bottom,they were in B&W of course. I'll be going through some of moms things shortly you remember I lost her in June and she held onto everything, my guess is I dont know what I'll find, I do know some letters from Richard Tucker may be in the treasure chest. I am fine and dealing as good as I can. With much support from guys like you both. Ed
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matt minzer
08-14-2015
06:53 AM ET (US) IP: 24.222.92.226
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HI DENNIS AND ED:
ANOTHER NAME THAT POPS UP FROM MYSATURDAY MORNING KIDDIE SHOWS IS JOHNNY MACBROWN.(SPELLING?)ANOTHER HOLLYWOOD COWBOY STAR.
ED:HAT TWO C.D. DID YOU ORDER?
BEST,
MATT MINZER
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Dennis
08-14-2015
02:26 AM ET (US) IP: 73.170.201.215
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Matt, I didn't know anyone remembered Lash LaRue. He was one of my favorites. I made myself a whip from a sawed off broomstick and a cotton rope. I spent some time learning how to crack the whip, and then practiced for hours wrapping my whip around tree trunks, etc. This whip adventure ended when I wrapped my whip around my younger brother's leg and he tattled on me to my parents. I don't think Lash Larue was one of the singing cowboys, but I am amazed how many of B-western stars did sing (not just Gene Autry, Roy Rogers, Tex Ritter, and Rex Allen). My parents played crooners on their 78s, but the movies expanded my love of vocal music with these cowboys and Mario Lanza.
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Ed
08-13-2015
08:50 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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Matt, I worked with a guy years back who was a descendant of Tom Mix, also Tom was pictured with Teddy Roosevelt as a Rough Rider in that famed photo.
I just ordered the two new cds, can't wait.
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matt minzer
08-13-2015
08:09 PM ET (US) IP: 24.222.92.226
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DAN:
DO YOU REMEMBER LASH LARUE? TOM MIX? BUSTER CRABBE? AND THE OTHER STARS OF THE CLIFF-HANGERS? I REMEMBER PAYING .10 CENTS FOR TWENTY CARTOONS, A CLIFF-HANGER AND A MAIN FEATURE. A FAVORITE WAS "SAMSON AND DELIAH" WITH VICTOR MATURE AND HEDY LAMAR (A REAL BEAUTY). I CRIED WHEN SAMSON PULLED DOWN THE TEMPLE AND DIED DOING SO. ON CHRISTMAS AND EASTER THE FOREST HILLS MOVIE THEATRE GAVE EACH KID A CHOCOLATE SANTA OR A CHOCOLATE EASTER BUNNY. THE KIDDY SHOWS ARE SOME OF MY FAVORITE MEMORIES.
BEST,
MATT AND MARILYN MINZER IN HALIFAX, NOVA SCOTIA.
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Dan Lawlor
08-13-2015
04:43 PM ET (US) IP: 74.70.39.27
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About Classical Music: Years ago when I spent a lot of time in theaters, watching three cowboy films, a cartoon, a short subject and a newsreel, for 25 cents; the theater used to play classical music in the background before the show started...subliminally, I guess that is where my appreciation for classical music started; and the background music for a lot of films back in the late 40's and 50's was classical to begin with, with many renowned composers lending their talents to the screen...I am sure many out there, my age, remember those days with nostalgia and a smile, eh? As far as understanding it, that comes with maturity, but at that age you felt it, and the emotions generated matched the action on the film. Edited 08-13-2015 04:45 PM
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Ray
08-13-2015
11:11 AM ET (US) IP: 92.30.23.49
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Extract from an interview recorded with Elvis Presley on Saturday 31 October 1957 in Vancouver:
Interviewer: "What do you think of serious music? Do you ever listen to it Elvis?"
Elvis Presley: "Serious music?"
Interviewer: "Like opera, symphony."
Elvis Presley: "Truthfully I don’t understand it. I’m not going to knock it. I just don’t understand it just like I don’t understand jazz."
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Linz
08-13-2015
02:30 AM ET (US) IP: 115.188.214.221
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Priscilla Presley in Rolling Stone on Elvis and Mario: http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/hea...-can-dream-20150812"This is the album I think he always would have wanted to do," Priscilla Presley, the singer's former wife, caretaker of Presley’s estate and an executive producer on If I Can Dream, tells Rolling Stone. "The label would have never allowed him to have an orchestra. And if it was up to [manager] Colonel Parker, he would have had Elvis just singing — no background, no nothing. I think we have given him the freedom here to experiment with all the orchestras he would have loved in the pieces."
Priscilla, who is seated in the Manhattan conference room of Sony, the label putting out the album, asserts that Elvis was actually a big classical music and opera fan. "When he'd see a band on television, he'd get up and imitate the maestro and get serious," she says. Elvis, she says, greatly admired opera singers like Mario Lanza and Caruso. "He loved their drama, their voices, their power," she says. "When you hear 'It's Now or Never,' that's Mario Lanza." He was also especially fond of the 1924 operetta The Student Prince, a work over which Elvis and Priscilla bonded. "That's how we got together, basically," she says. "He couldn't believe a 14-year-old kid had seen The Student Prince and loved Mario Lanza. He was fascinated by that." Edited 08-13-2015 02:31 AM
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Ed
08-12-2015
08:21 PM ET (US) IP: 54.234.9.198
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Matt, sounds good to me, we should plan a day.
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matt minzer
08-12-2015
07:30 PM ET (US) IP: 24.222.92.226
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HI ED:
WE ARE RETURNING TO NEW YORK THE WEEK OF OCTOBER 16TH. IT SHOULD BE COOL AND THE LEAVES WILL BE CHANGING. LET'S MAKE A PLAN...
BEST,
MATT
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Ed
08-12-2015
05:15 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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Matt, I was but I am going away until the 16th, there is usually one near Christmas that I will attend. I still want us to go to Teddy' s house in Oyster Bay, are you free in late August or anytime before or after Sept 10?
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matt minzer
08-12-2015
04:27 PM ET (US) IP: 24.222.92.226
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HI ED:
ARE YOU PLANNING ON ATTENDING THE MARIO LANZA SOCIETY LUNCHEON AS INDICATED BY BILL ON SEPTEMBER 12TH? WE ARE RETURNING FROM THE BERKSHIRES OF MASSACHUSETTS THE NIGHT BEFORE AND WILL TRY TO ATTEND THIS WONDERFUL EVENT..
BILL-I WIL LET YOU KNOW IN ADVANCE.
BEST,
MATT MINZER PRESENTLY IN HALIFAX, NOVA SCOTIA.
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Ede
08-12-2015
02:55 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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Suzanne, glad you got the lyrics and you are most welcome. I've heard the Agnus Dei many times it is thrilling to say the least, the notes at the finish are incredible, the Hollywood Bowl shows must have been out of this world, a young Mario just starting out, what we did miss my friend?
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Suzanne
08-12-2015
10:33 AM ET (US) IP: 74.79.58.35
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Ed. of course it's wonderful and I've listened to it many times. Hadn't heard the "Agnus Dei"from Hollywood Bowl before. Thanks, by the way.
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Bill Ronayne
08-12-2015
09:01 AM ET (US) IP: 24.46.61.248
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The next Mario Lanza Society of NY event is on September 12, 2015 at Patsy's Restaurant in NYC from 1pm-4pm. Elaine Malbin is the special guest and the featured performers are soprano Justyna Giermola, baritone Xiaomeng Zhang and accompanist David Mauillo. Recordings of Elaine Malbin and Mario Lanza will be played and Ms. Giermola, Mr. Zhang and Mr. Maiullo will perform live. 3 course lunch with a cash bar. Admission price: $65 per person club members and $75.00 per person nonmembers. Contact me at wjronayne@optonline.net for more information and to receive the flyer invitation. Best, Bill
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Ed
08-12-2015
07:37 AM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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Sue, I hope you got the web address I emailed you for the English lyrics to Tu Ca Nun Chiagne yesterday. This has always been my favorite on the Mario CD. I heard it by several tenors but there is no better recording than the one by Mario. I chose not to buy the new CD, I prefer the original off the album, it is an exceptional recording, but God I wish there were more. Do you enjoy the Sepia CD, anything different?
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Dan Lawlor
08-11-2015
04:39 PM ET (US) IP: 74.70.39.27
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Suzanne: No, I have never sung Tu Ca Nun Chiagne in concert...will look it up and see if it feels good in my voice
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Suzanne
08-11-2015
04:17 PM ET (US) IP: 74.79.58.35
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Thank you ,Dan, didn't know that was possible. You're a gem! I listened to Caruso,Del Monaco , Corelli and the three tenors and I'll let you guess who takes the prize. Mario brought something to it that the others didn't. Is it part of your repertoire? Like to hear it.
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Dan Lawlor
08-11-2015
11:00 AM ET (US) IP: 74.70.39.27
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Suzanne: look under Lyrics of the Three Tenors on the Internet...for Tu Ca Nun Chiagne...there is a translation there Edited 08-11-2015 11:00 AM
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Suzanne
08-11-2015
10:25 AM ET (US) IP: 74.79.58.35
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Anyone have or know where I can find a translation of "Tu Ca Nun Chiagne"(You Who Do Not Cry). I've been listening to it on the new CD and find it stays with me. Bought a book of Neapolitan songs but not much in it that I'm familiar with.Good to know what a song is about.The "Agnus Dei" is a nice addition. Mario at Hollywood Bowl.
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Dan Lawlor
08-10-2015
03:54 PM ET (US) IP: 74.70.39.27
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Kristine: also: "Tonight We Love" based on Tchaikovsky's Piano Concerto theme (used by Freddy Martin as his opening theme); and "So Deep is the Night (Tristesse)" based on Chopin's Etude Op.10 No.3... also: "Full Moon and Empty Arms" based on Rachmaninoff's piano concerto no.2... Edited 08-10-2015 04:49 PM
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Kristine
08-10-2015
02:27 PM ET (US) IP: 173.169.63.145
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On the subject of popular songs based on classical music pieces, "Till The End of Time" was based on Chopin's "Polonaise", "Don't You Know ?" (sung by Della Reese and Jerry Vale)was adapted from "Musetta's Waltz"("La Boheme"), Paul Anka's song, "Tonight, My Love, Tonight" sounded like it was based on "Caro Nome"("Rigoletto").
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Ed
08-10-2015
02:05 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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Dan, it was Groucho Marx that said Brahms had a 3rd movement because he couldn't pay his rent.
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Dan Lawlor
08-10-2015
11:28 AM ET (US) IP: 74.70.39.27
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Matt: Kristine was asking about "You're the Song Angels Sing" which was based on Brahms 3rd Symphony, 3rd movement...the duet with Kathryn Grayson in TMK was based on themes from Tchaikovsky, yes...Symphony #5 I believe
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matt minzer
08-10-2015
10:07 AM ET (US) IP: 108.54.217.240
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DAN:
THE BEAUTIFUL DUET BETWEEN MARIO LANZA AND KATHERINE GRAYSON WAS BASED ON A TCHAIKOVSKY ARRANGEMENT.
BEST,
MATT MINZER OFF TO HALIFAX, NOVA SCOTIA TODAY.
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Kristine
08-10-2015
04:59 AM ET (US) IP: 173.169.63.145
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I remember that I heard the song was based on a classical piece, Dan.
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Dan Lawlor
08-09-2015
10:54 PM ET (US) IP: 74.70.39.27
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Kristine: The Song Angels Sing is based on a theme from Brahms 3rd Symphony...Third movement I think...?? Edited 08-09-2015 10:56 PM
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Ed
08-09-2015
05:33 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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Matt, that offers sounds good but you must remember I live on Staten island and use public transportation to get there and back and transportation back home after ten to the island is not fun.
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Gail Swartz
08-09-2015
03:29 PM ET (US) IP: 64.12.133.13
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Tha k you, Dan. Will try your suggestion.
On August 8, 2015, at 10:53 PM, QuickTopic daily digest <qtopic-30-ECKcxtRbxUTNy@quicktopic.com> wrote:
< replied-to message removed by QT >
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matt minzer
08-09-2015
11:28 AM ET (US) IP: 108.54.217.240
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FRED:
SAM RAMEY WAS A GREAT METROPOLITAN OPERA SINGER. THE LAST FEW TIMES THAT I HEARD HIM I REALIZED THAT HE WAS SINGING WITH A DISTINCT WOBBLE. HIS SAN FRANCISCO OPERA TAPED "MEFISTOFLES" (1993) WAS SUPERB AND I SHOW IT TO OPERA AUDIENCES IN FLORIDA DURING THE SEASON. I BELIEVE THAT I GAVE YOU A VCR COPY OF RAMEY'S PERFORMANCE OF "MEFISTOFLES AMONG THE HUNDRED OPERAS THAT I GAVE YOU DURING A RECENT VISIT TO ORLANDO. DID YOU EVER WATCH THIS PARTICULAR ONE?
BEST,
MATT MINZER
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Fred Day
08-09-2015
11:04 AM ET (US) IP: 98.85.37.58
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Samuel Ramey was born on March 28, 1942, and is now 73. I think he is semi-retired now. Ciao.
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Fred Day
08-09-2015
10:52 AM ET (US) IP: 98.85.37.58
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Herman Malamood died on Sept 23, 1989, age 57, of cancer. Ciao.
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Kristine
08-09-2015
10:36 AM ET (US) IP: 173.169.63.145
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I amfacebook friends with opera basso Samuel Ramey.
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matt minzer
08-09-2015
08:06 AM ET (US) IP: 108.54.217.240
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ED:
I MENTIONED PREVIOUSLY THAT THE METROPOLITAN OPERA IS INVITITING LOCALS TO THEIR FREE ENCORE SERIES BEING HELD THE TEN NIGHTS PRIOR TO LABOR DAY ON LINCOLN PLAZA OUTSIDE OF THE METROPOLITAN OPERA ON A GIANT SCREEN. THE FIRST FEATURING BEAUTIFUL ANNA NETREBKO. IF I WERE STILL IN NEW YORK I WOULD ATTEND ALL TEN NIGHTS. WHY DON'T YOU ATTEND THESE WONDERFUL OPERAS? YOU CAN CHECK WHICH ARE BEING FEATURED ON METOPERA.ORG.
I REMEMBER HEARING SALVATDOR NOVOA AT THE HOLLYWOOD BOWL IN LOS ANGELES IN THE EARLY 1960'S IN HIGHLIGHTS FROM "AIDA." HE WAS EXCELLENT.
BEST,
MATT MINZER
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matt minzer
08-09-2015
07:56 AM ET (US) IP: 108.54.217.240
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HI ED:
YOU MENTIONED TENOR HERMAN MALAMOOD. THE GENTLEMAN WAS A CANTOR AT THE BROOKLYN JEWISH CENTER (WHERE RICHARD TUCKER ALSO SERVED AS A CANTOR EARLY IN HIS CAREER) AND MALAMOOD WAS CHOOSEN BY SARA TUCKER TO SING THE MOURNERS PRAYERS ON THE STAGE OF THE METROPOLITAN OPERA AT TUCKER'S FUNERAL IN JANAURY 1975. WE HEARD MALAMOOD SING A NUMBER OF TIMES AT THE NEW YORK CITY OPERA AND HE WAS EXCELLENT. SADLY, HE DIED OF THROAT CANCER SEVERAL YEARS AFTER TUCKER. HE WAS STILL A YOUNG MAN.
I GAVE FRED A RECORD OF MALAMOOD SINGING AT A LIVE PERFORMANCE OF "IL TROVATORE" AND HE HIT THE TOP NOTES IN "DI QUELLA PIRA" RIGHT ON THE BUTTON.
BEST,
MATT MINZER
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Ed
08-09-2015
07:32 AM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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Diane, I attended a few performances at City Opera on the 70s when prices weren't so high. I caught o Boheme and Pagliacci, I only remember Beverly Sills and the tenor Herman Malamood. I stay away from the Met as they are too pricey as for a side box you need to really dig down into your pockets. Now I visit the center in the nice weather just to walk around its beautiful site.
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Fred Day
08-09-2015
06:52 AM ET (US) IP: 98.85.37.58
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David: Yes, I recall you mentioning those two tenors before, and your working with them. Novoa is now retired, and I think Vaughan is also retired. In their primes, both were excellent. Ciao.
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Wendy Stilwell - UK
08-09-2015
03:37 AM ET (US) IP: 92.20.157.196
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Just a message to say that The Great Caruso is being shown again in the UK on BBC2 at mid-day on Monday, 10 August.
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Kristine
08-08-2015
10:56 PM ET (US) IP: 173.169.63.145
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Back in the 1960's, my late parents and I met Vahan Khanzadian. He was using the name Marco Vahn and was living with the Cocozzas and Lanzas. for awhile. He then entered the U.S. Army, later was discharged. Does he still sing, today ? He's from Syracuse, N.Y. and his mother was still corresponding with Cocozzas and Lanzas back in the 1970's. Another singer, who stayed with Cocozzas-Lanzas, for awhile, was Art Perri. He later sang religious hymns. TCM is showing "Grease" ,starring John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John, in some movie theatres. I hope someday, they will show "The Great Caruso" in movie theatres. I watched The Tenors, tonight, on PBS T.V. They are from Canada. This morning, TCM showed the movie "Undercurrent" starring Robert Taylor and Katharine Hepburn, directed by Vincente Minnelli. At end of movie, Robert Mitchum was playing a classical piece, on the piano and the tune sounded like "The Song Angels Sing" which was sung by Mario Lanza in "Because You're Mine".
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David Weaver
08-08-2015
10:40 PM ET (US) IP: 24.210.22.228
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Fred, I mentioned before that in 1973 I was in the chorus of a concert performance of AIDA in 1973 presented by the Columbus Symphony. Salvador Novoa was the Radames; the Aida was Martina Arroyo, then one of the most popular female stars at the Met.
A year later I made my professional debut - paid $100 for two performances - in the chorus of "The Barber of Seville," with William Walker in the title role. And the tenor who played Almaviva was Vaughan Khanzadian, who had performed several times in the 1960s at the Mario Lanza Ball.
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Fred Day
08-08-2015
09:36 PM ET (US) IP: 98.85.37.58
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Another tenor who sang at the NYC Opera, but sadly, never at the Met, was Salvador Novoa. He was excellent. Same is true for the great basso Norman Treigle. Ciao. PS - I never cared for the music of Ginastera. His Don Roderigo is too atonal. It lacks beautiful melodies. Ciao.
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matt minzer
08-08-2015
07:39 PM ET (US) IP: 108.54.217.240
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HI DAN:
PLACIDO DOMINGO WAS SINGING AT THE NEW YORK CITY OPERA AT LINCOLN CENTER AND RECEIVED A PHONE CALL FROM MR. BING INDICATING THAT STAR TENOR FRANCO CORELLI WAS ILL AND ASKED DOMINGO TO MAKE HIS DEBUT THAT EVENING IN CILEA'S "ADRIANNA". FRED WOULD KNOW BUT I BELIEVE THAT THE SOPRANO WAS THE GREAT RENATA TEBALDI. DOMINGO RECEIVED FINE REVIEWS IN THE NEW YORK TIMES AND CORELLI WAS SUDDENLY WELL FOR THE REMAINDER OF THE PERFORMANCES.
MY WIFE AND I HAVE FINE MEMORIES OF DOMINGO SINGING IN "DON RODRIGO" AT THE CITY OPERA AT LINCOLN CERTER AND OF JOSE CARRERAS SINGING THE ROLE OF EDUARDO IN DONIZETTI'S "LUCIA DI LAMMERMOOR." THEY BOTH WERE VERY IMPRESSIVE AND AT BOTH PERFORMANCES, I TOLD MY NEW BRIDE THAT THESE TENORS ARE DESTINED TO STAR AT THE METROPOLITAN OPERA ACROSS THE PLAZA.
BEST,
MATT MINZER
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Diane Cox
08-08-2015
06:22 PM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.239
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Hard to judge that Dan. I was never really aware of the New York opera. Have just heard about the Met all my life. If there were broadcasts on public radio or tv it would be the Met. I think the NY opera kind of held themselves aloof - and as the older patrons died off, found few new ones. Mind you, just an opinion - have no real facts. But the Met is better know, and does an admirable job of promoting themselves over the last 40 years or so. Would love to attend an opera there again - and my dream is to sit in one of those side boxes. Ha!
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Dan Lawlor
08-08-2015
06:05 PM ET (US) IP: 74.70.39.27
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Diane: do you think broadcasting their performances to local theaters as the Met is now doing would have helped???
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Diane Cox
08-08-2015
05:48 PM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.239
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I understand it was a matter of money, Dan. They chose to close the doors before they were deep in debt and had to bankrupt. Edited 08-08-2015 05:49 PM
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Dan Lawlor
08-08-2015
05:42 PM ET (US) IP: 74.70.39.27
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I just reviewed Jose Carreras bio and he did make his NYC debut at NY City Opera, as did Domingo...other notables who sang there of course include Beverly Sills...too bad the NY City Opera no longer exists, eh?
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Diane Cox
08-08-2015
02:57 PM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.239
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From Domingo's bio:
In 1961, Domingo made his operatic debut in a leading role as Alfredo in La traviata at the Teatro María Teresa Montoya in Monterrey. Later the same year, he made his debut in the United States with the Dallas Civic Opera, where he sang the role of Arturo in Lucia di Lammermoor opposite Joan Sutherland in the title role and Ettore Bastianini as Enrico. In 1962, he returned to Texas to sing the role of Edgardo in the same opera with Lily Pons at the Fort Worth Opera.[18] It would be the coloratura soprano's final operatic performance. That November Domingo sang the second tenor role of Cassio to Mario del Monaco's celebrated Otello in Hartford, Connecticut. At the end of 1962, he signed a six-month contract with the Israel National Opera in Tel Aviv, but later extended the contract and stayed for two and a half years, singing 280 performances of 12 different roles.
In June 1965, after finishing his contract in Tel Aviv, Domingo auditioned at the New York City Opera. He was hired to make his New York debut as Don José in Bizet's Carmen with the company, but his debut came earlier than expected on 17 June 1965 when he filled in for an ailing tenor at the last minute in Puccini's Madama Butterfly. In February 1966, he sang the title role in the U.S. premiere of Ginastera's Don Rodrigo at the New York City Opera, to much acclaim. The New York Times review noted: "Mr. Domingo was as impressive as ever—a big, burly, large-voiced singer who looks exactly as one would visualize a hero from Gothic Spain."[19] The performance also marked the opening of the City Opera's new home at Lincoln Center.
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Dan Lawlor to Matt
08-08-2015
01:32 PM ET (US) IP: 74.70.39.27
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Matt: Didn't Domingo get his start at the defunct NY City Opera? along with Carreras??? My last entry was for Gail::: Edited 08-08-2015 01:33 PM
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Dan Lawlor to Matt
08-08-2015
01:26 PM ET (US) IP: 74.70.39.27
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Gail: if you go to the National Library of Australia on the internet, they have a printable copy of the duet (I listened to Gordon MacRae sing this on Youtube along with Lucille Norman)...Mario sang it utilizing both the soprano and baritone parts... Edited 08-08-2015 01:28 PM
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Gail Swartz
08-08-2015
10:15 AM ET (US) IP: 204.29.186.13
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Good morning! Found an old copy of music...on the facing page was an excerpt of Love Me Tonight showing the soprano part of the duet..do any of you possess this music? Mario does such a wonderful rendition of this song. Love to hear him soar in the long high phrases in all of his songs. Waiting for my copies of the Sepia cds. Did a bit of smocking on a baby dress while watching Kiss and Toast.... Mario was still entertaining and why people fell in love with him is so very evident today.
On August 7, 2015, at 10:52 PM, QuickTopic daily digest <qtopic-30-ECKcxtRbxUTNy@quicktopic.com> wrote:
< replied-to message removed by QT >
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matt minzer
08-08-2015
08:20 AM ET (US) IP: 108.54.217.240
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DAN: FRANCO CORELLI'S HIGH NOTES WERE THRILLING AND MAGNIFICENT AND HELD THE OPERA LOVERS SPELLBOUND. IT WAS A REAL TREAT TO WATCH HIM PERFORM ON THE STAGES OF THE TWO METROPOITAN OPERA SITES. THE PATRONS SAT ON THE EDGE OF THEIR SEATS WATCHING HIM. CORELLI WAS THE ANNA NETREBKO OF THE POST GOLDEN YEARS OF OPERA-1961-1975 WHEN HE SUDDENLY RETIRED. HIS PERFORMANCES HAD MANY SURPRISES AND HE WAS A PLEASURE TO WATCH-6'2", THIN, HANDSOME AND AN EXCELLENT ACTOR. OUR NEIGHBOR, RICHARD TUCKER, EVENTUALLY THOUGHT THE WORLD OF HIM. THIS WAS CONVEYED TO ME AFTER TUCKER'S EARLY DEATH IN JANUARY 1975. THEY REMAINED GREAT FRIENDS WITH CORELLI LIVING ON WEST 57TH STREET (NEAR CARNEGIE HALL) AND TUCKER JUST FORTY-FIVE MINUTES EAST IN GREAT NECK, LONG ISLAND WHERE I AM NOW. PRIOR TO CORELLI MAKING HIS DEBUT IN JANUARY 1961 AT THE MET (ALONG WITH LEONTYNE PRICE0 IN "IL TROVATORE"0 HE HAD A GREAT PERIOD AT LA SCALA AND BECAME AN ITALIAN HERO. I LISTENED TO ANNA NETREBKO ON U-TUBE LAST EVENING IN A RECENT CONCERT FROM GERMANY WHERE SHE BEAUTIFULLY SINGS ARIAS FROM "AIDA"-A ROLE THAT SHE IS LEARNING AND WILL SING AT THE METROPOLITAN NEXT SEASON. WHAT A BEAUTIFUL VOICE. I WONDER WHAT DONALD TRUMP WOULD SAY ABOUT HER? BEST, MATT MINZER Edited 08-08-2015 08:21 AM
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Ed
08-08-2015
08:15 AM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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Dan, I know what you mean, I am a Bjorling since I was fifteen, although many (52) years ago I remember growing up in our small apartment in Brooklyn with my parents and siblings listening to him on a very inexpensive phonograph and was amazed, then I heard Mario the rest is history. Today I love them both, to me they are both wonders in our musical world. So I know how you feel about Corelli.
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Dan Lawlor to Matt
08-08-2015
07:19 AM ET (US) IP: 74.70.39.27
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The first and last times I saw Corelli was in Hartford. His hair was unthinkably long, with a bald spot on top...He should have gotten a better barber and embraced his age, n'est-ce pas...but it took a long time for me to appreciate his talent...in fact not till I saw him perform on video; did I finally become a fan...the recordings unfortunately show the swooping to the high notes, which I did not like...but that is my opinion and I guess I am stuck with it...
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Fred Day
08-07-2015
11:25 PM ET (US) IP: 98.85.37.58
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August 2nd (5 days ago) was the 94th anniversary of Caruso's death. Also, Happy Birthday to Tony Bennett. He turned 89 on August 3rd. God bless him!! Ciao.
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Fred Day
08-07-2015
11:02 PM ET (US) IP: 98.85.37.58
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I heard and saw Corelli in person only 5 times: twice at the old Met and 3 times in Hartford, CT. Matt saw him in person at least a hundred times!! Ciao.
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matt minzer
08-07-2015
08:49 PM ET (US) IP: 108.54.217.240
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HI DAN:
THE HISTORY OF THE EARTH SHOWS ALL TYPES OF DISASTERS THROUGHOUT TIME. I WAS ALWAYS EFFECTED WHEN MY GREAT TENOR, FRANCO CORELLI DIDN'T SHOW AND A SUBSTITUTE TENOR REPLACED HIM. A YOUNG SPANISH TENOR NAMED PLACIDO DOMINGO REPLACED HIM IN "ADRIANNA.... AND MADE HIS DEBUT AT THE METROPOLITAN OPERA SEVERAL WEEKS EARLY. FRED DAY AND I HEARD CORELLI THROUGHOUT HIS CAREER AND FELL IN LOVE WITH HIS WONDERFUL TENOR SINGING.
HOPE THAT YOU ARE WELL!
BEST,
MATT MINZER
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Dan Lawlor to Matt
08-07-2015
08:31 PM ET (US) IP: 74.70.39.27
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The News: Plague in Colorado, Leprosy in Florida, Legionaire's disease in NY City, Drought and Wilfires in California...Do you think God is mad at us??? Edited 08-07-2015 08:36 PM
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Dan Lawlor
08-07-2015
08:20 PM ET (US) IP: 74.70.39.27
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Ed: you said Mario and Diane said Mario, so I said "Son Qui" ha ha Here I am..ha ha Just my attempt at a little Irish humor..ha ha I agree with you about Bjorling...what a voice...my first tenor, who I always loved was DiStefano...he encouraged me to listen to more, and of course Mario, who inspired me to singing. "E Lucevan Le Stelle" from the last act, haven't sung that in years, perhaps I will resurrect it in future, eh? Edited 08-07-2015 08:24 PM
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matt minzer
08-07-2015
07:08 PM ET (US) IP: 108.54.217.240
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I LOVE O DOLCI MANI-ACT THREE OF "TOSCA".
BEST,
MATT
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Ed
08-07-2015
07:06 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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Dan, I once had a Tosca and Turandot with Bjorling headlining the casts on LP many years back, simply awesome, now reduced to highlights and pieces but great just the same. The Non Piangere Liu is my favorite. I feel and my opinion only here that Bjorling was a master. You can really hear how great he was in the CD Duets and Scenes.
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Diane Cox
08-07-2015
06:40 PM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.239
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Tosca is my favorite.
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Dan Lawlor
08-07-2015
05:21 PM ET (US) IP: 74.70.39.27
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Ed: Listen to Tosca, first act, love duet
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Ed
08-07-2015
05:13 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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Suzanne, Gary thank you, while I enjoy the many different things brought up and spoken about here like many I get away from Mario sometimes but what can we do we have a group of fine people here with many good things to say.
Dan,what is "Son Qui"I don't understand.
Matt, thanks for the offer but I don't think I could sit that long, nor afford the ticket. My last visit was in 73 hearing Pavarotti. I do think Anna is the very best around today.
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Deleted by author 08-07-2015 05:03 PM
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matt minzer
08-07-2015
04:44 PM ET (US) IP: 108.54.217.240
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HI ED:
IWE ARE INVITING TOU TO THE METROPOLITAN OPERA IN MID-OCTOBER TO SEE "IL TROVATORE" WITH ANNA NETREBKO AND "TURANDOT" WITH MARCELLO ALVAREZ. I HAVE A FRIEND IN THE ADMINISTRATION WHO CAN ARRANGE FOR ANY TICKET. THEY ARE BOTH EVENING PERFORMANCES. I CAN EVEN ARRANGE FOR YOU TO JOIN US BACKSTAGE TO MEET THE BEAUTIFUL ANNA AND HAVE A PHOTOGRAPH TAKEN.
HAVE YOU RECENTLY ATTENDED THE MAGNIFICENT METROPOLITAN OPERA?
PLEASE ADVISE.
BEST,
MATT MINZER
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Dan Lawlor
08-07-2015
04:40 PM ET (US) IP: 74.70.39.27
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"Son Qui"
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GARY TO BROTHER ED
08-07-2015
01:22 PM ET (US) IP: 71.72.144.56
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ED,I TOTALLY AGREE WITH YOU.BEST
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Suzanne
08-07-2015
01:07 PM ET (US) IP: 74.79.58.35
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Not usually a "mission impossible" fan, but heard some of Turandot was featured, so will make an effort to see it. Right you are, Ed, this is still the Mario site.
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Ed
08-07-2015
06:58 AM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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Now back to Mario! I recently joined the tracks from two Lanza albums from the mid 1960s, If You Are But A Dream and I'll See You In My Dreams as a playlist for my IPod. I enjoy these two as I remember buying them when I was a teen. I feel they offer Mario at one of the best times in recording, Edited 08-07-2015 07:26 AM
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matt minzer
08-06-2015
05:27 PM ET (US) IP: 108.54.217.240
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HI DAN:
THE MONTHS THAT YOU SPEND IN SOUTHERN FLORIDA ARE SHOWING IN YOUR "SHO-NUF".
BEST,
MATT
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Dan Lawlor
08-06-2015
01:49 PM ET (US) IP: 74.70.39.27
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Matt: Sho-nuff?
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matt minzer
08-06-2015
07:56 AM ET (US) IP: 108.54.217.240
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DAN:
AT LEAST YOU HAVE THE COMPANY OF DEER, RACCOONS, FOXES AND HILL-BILLIES IN THE COUNTRY.
MATT MINZER
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David Weaver
08-06-2015
12:36 AM ET (US) IP: 24.210.22.228
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Fred, the main page of the site should be accessible via this link:
http://www.rense.com/excursions/lanza/
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diane cox
08-05-2015
09:40 PM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.239
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Fred: that's American tenor Gregory Kunde
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Fred Day
08-05-2015
09:22 PM ET (US) IP: 98.85.37.58
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Does this site have a new url?? The regular one no longer works, but oddly, the old one from several years ago still works. Please advise and explain. Thanks. Ciao.
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Fred Day
08-05-2015
09:10 PM ET (US) IP: 98.85.37.58
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Matt: Who was the tenor who sang Nessun Dorma in the Tom Cruise film?? Curious. Ciao.
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Dan Lawlor
08-05-2015
07:31 PM ET (US) IP: 74.70.39.27
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Matt: please stop rubbing it in to us poor people who live in the hinterlands...ha ha
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matt minzer
08-05-2015
05:33 PM ET (US) IP: 108.54.217.240
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OPERA LOVERS OF THE WORLD:
I WAS BOTH SURPRISED AND PLEASED TO SEE PUCCINI'S MASTERPIECE,"TURANDOT", FILMED AT THE VIENNA STATE OPERA INCORPORATED INTO THE THRILLING TOM CRUISE FILM,"MISSION IMPOSSIBLE." THERE WERE MANY WONDERFUL SCENES FROM "TURANDOT" IN THE MOVIE. IN ADDITION,, THE ARIA, "NESSUN DORMA" THEMES WERE WOVEN INTO THE GREAT MUSICAL SCORE OF THE FILM.
I MUST ADMIT THAT I DIDN'T ALWAYS UNDERSTAND THE PLOT BUT I FOUND THE FAST MOVING FILM WELL DONE AND IT KEPT MY INTEREST.
"TURANDOT" IS ONE OF MY FAVORITE OPERAS AND WE HAVE TICKETS TO SEE IT AT THE METROPOLITAN OPERA DURING OUR STAY IN NEW YORK IN MID-OCTOBER IN ADDITION TO "TROVATORE" WITH MY GAL ANNA (YOU KNOW WHO!)
BEST,
MATT MINZER
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Suzanne
08-05-2015
01:20 PM ET (US) IP: 74.79.58.35
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Bill, thank you. Of course I have it, so little space and everything piled up, I'd forgotten it. Think most of what I wanted to hear was there. Enjoyable. Wonder, did Licia ever make it to New Zealand?
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matt minzer
08-05-2015
08:03 AM ET (US) IP: 108.54.217.240
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HI DIANE:
THE TWO HANDSOME COUPLES LIVE BLOCKS FROM THE METROPOLITAN OPERA AT 10 WEST END AVENUE IN MANHATTAN. MY WIFE AND I HAVE A DATE TO GO BACKSTAGE AT THE METROPOLITAN OPERA IN OCTOBER TO VISIT WITH ANNA NETREBKO AFTER A PERFORMANCE OF "IL TROVATORE". I HOPE TO TAKE A BUNCH OF PHOTOGRAPHS FOR MY FLORIDA OFFICE.
BEST,
MATT MINZER
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Diane Cox
08-04-2015
05:32 PM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.239
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Recent photo of Anna Netrebko, her fiance or husband, Piotr Beczala, his wife, and I belive Anna'a son.
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Diane Cox
08-03-2015
12:04 PM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.239
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In the new HD season there are at least three that I can't miss, and a couple more I'd like to see. Maybe a couple I know nothing about, so will have to decide on those. My friends and I usually see most of the productions. Of course I prefer the operas that I am familiar with, and that have beautiful romantic music featuring the tenor, although Butterfly is always a favorite. Looking forward to Turandot also. For some reason I can't really get into it in the theater - much prefer my headphones and just the voices - can concentrate on the beauty and the music better. Ms Netrebko has been the best voice for the last few years, but this Olga Peretyatko is coming along and is also a beautiful woman. She needs a little more experience performing. Edited 08-03-2015 12:05 PM
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matt minzer
08-02-2015
08:25 PM ET (US) IP: 108.54.217.240
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DIANE:
"AIDA" WAS A ONE TIME ENCORE NIGHT IN A SERIES OF SEVERAL THIS SUMMER. YOU CAN CHECK FUTURE PERFORMANCES ON METOPERA.ORG.
I UNDERSTAND THAT THE MET IS INVITING THOUSANDS OF OPERA LOVERS TO LINCOLN CENTER TO WATCH TEN OPERAS ON A GIANT SCREEN ENDING WITH LEONARD BERNSTEIN'S "WEST SIDE STORY THE NIGHT BEFORE LABOR DAY. THIS IS FREE TO ONE AND ALL WHO SHOW UP TO GET A SEAT. MY LOVE AND MOST RED BLOODED GENTLEMEN-ANNA NETREBKO IS FEATURED IN THE FIRST ONE.
BEST WISHES,
MATT MINZER ON LONG ISLAND ABOUT TO TAKE THE PORTLAND, MAINE OVERNIGHT FERRY TO NOVA SCOTIA FOR A WEEK. THE TEMPERATURE HERE HAS BEEN OVER 90 DG. WHILE IN HALIFAX IT IS IN THE LOW 70S.
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Bill Ronayne
08-02-2015
07:15 PM ET (US) IP: 75.250.5.196
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Suzanne:look in The Legacy of Mario Lanza newsletter volume 15 issue 4 (October 2014). Lindsay sent me an abridged transcript of the interview to publish. Best Bill
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Diane Cox
08-02-2015
05:36 PM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.239
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theaters in New York where HD productions are shown
NEW YORK
The Brooklyn Academy of Music, Brooklyn
Guild Hall, East Hampton
1891 Fredonia Opera House, Fredonia
Time and Space, Hudson
Lake Placid Center for the Arts, Lake Placid
Sullivan County Community College, Loch Sheldrake
Walter Reade Theater/Film Society of Lincoln Center, New York
Foothills Performing Arts Center, Oneonta
SUNY Potsdam, Roxy Theater, Potsdam
Bardavon/UPAC, Poughkeepsie
SUNY Stonybrook, Staller Center for the Arts, Stonybrook
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Dan Lawlor
08-02-2015
04:07 PM ET (US) IP: 74.70.39.27
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Matt: Donna del Lago by Rossini was on the TV today...but Aida is not listed anywhere near where I live in the near future???...I have watched Alagna sing Celeste Aida on youtube, and he does seem to go slightly above the note in several places, which grates on my ears...he does better with the French idiom, in my opinion...!
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Suzanne
08-02-2015
03:00 PM ET (US) IP: 74.79.58.35
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All of the cut scenes would be a treasure to see. Maybe someone would be encouraged to assemble them for us. Listening today (or trying to) to Linz'1995 interview with Licia Albanese and unable to understand all she is saying. Kindle? Where can I read it. It's an exercise in frustration. She sounds so lovely and I want so much to hear it. .
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Diane Cox
08-02-2015
11:22 AM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.239
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I have those new DVDs, but have the two movies on DVR so haven't watched the DVDs. May have to do that. Also have THC.
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Ed to Gail
08-02-2015
09:35 AM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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Gail. I too would enjoy seeing deleted scenes, I would enjoy seeing any takes of TGC I am sure Mario was in fine voice. Enjoy your double dvd.
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matt minzer
08-02-2015
08:21 AM ET (US) IP: 108.54.217.240
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HI DAN:
PLEASE CHECK THE MET WEBSITE-METOPERA.ORG FOR A LIST OF THEATRES WHO WILL HAVE THE ENTIRE ENCORE PRESENTATIONS. I BELIEVE THAT "AIDA" WAS BEAMED INTO 850 THEATRES.
BEST,
MATT MINZER
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Gail Swartz
08-02-2015
12:12 AM ET (US) IP: 64.12.143.75
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Had to pre-order the double DVD of Kiss and Toast...the new packaging is neat and there is a "chapter" or scene selection guide. Loved the out take song from Kiss. Wondered about all of the cut scenes....listened to a film restorer...he said that all of the cut scenes were saved so when a restoration of a film was done they might use them to enhance the storyline. Would love to see the Serenade ones.
On August 1, 2015, at 10:54 PM, QuickTopic daily digest <qtopic-30-ECKcxtRbxUTNy@quicktopic.com> wrote:
< replied-to message removed by QT >
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Dan Lawlor
08-01-2015
09:44 PM ET (US) IP: 74.70.39.27
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Matt: how come we don't get those HD Met performances up here in NY State...I asked an officianado if she had seen Alagna in Aida, and she said it was not anywhere up in NY State?????
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Diane Cox
07-30-2015
06:11 PM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.239
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There are 3-4 clips, seven to nine minutes each on youtube. I searched Atalla Ayan to find them. I thought they were worth watching.
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Phil uk
07-30-2015
05:16 PM ET (US) IP: 149.254.250.150
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Can someone tell me why the Sepia cds of Mario are not announced visually on this great site?
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Diane Cox
07-30-2015
03:20 PM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.239
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Villazon's production of La Traviata was done in Baden Baden and received good reviews, as did Ayan, the Brazillan tenor. He's coming into his own, looked very comfortable in this role, Villazon has sort of taken him under his wing and is a good influence.
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matt minzer
07-30-2015
12:21 PM ET (US) IP: 72.68.131.107
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DIANE:
WHERE WAS THE OPERA PRESENTED? WHERE DID YOU SEE THE SEGMENTS?
ROLANDO VILLAZON IS NOT LISTED ON THE METROPOLITAN OPERA ARTIST LIST FOR NEXT YEAR. I WAS AT HIS RETURN LAST YEAR IN THE BEAUTIFUL "EUGENE ONEGIN" AND MET HIM BACKSTAGE TO GET SOME WONDEFUL PHOTOGRAPHS. HE IS A VERY WARM AND FINE PERSONALITY.
MATT MINZER
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Diane Cox
07-30-2015
12:00 PM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.239
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Matt: I watched youtube clips of Villazon's production of La Traviata, with Atalla Ayan and Olga P. Very well done, different, and musically thrilling.
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matt minzer
07-30-2015
08:11 AM ET (US) IP: 72.68.131.107
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"AIDA"WAS WONDERFUL LAST EVENING AT THE METROPOLITAN OPERA HI-DEF PERFORMANCE. WATCHING IN THE MOVIE THEATRE WAS BETTER THAN A $300.00 FRONT ORCHESTRA SEAT.
WHO ELSE ON THIS WEBSITE WATCHED THIS RARE TREAT. ROBERTO ALAGNA WAS WONDERFUL AS WAS THE REMAINDER OF THE CAST.
MATT MINZER ON LONG ISLAND WHERE IT IS 96 DG.
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vincent james di placido
07-29-2015
01:48 PM ET (US) IP: 209.85.217.179
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THANK YOU MY DEAR FRIEND ,MY PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU ,GOD BLESS ,
On Wed, Jul 29, 2015 at 6:11 PM, QT - GARY TO FRED DAY <
qtopic-30-ECKcxtRbxUTNy@quicktopic.com> wrote:
>
< replied-to message removed by QT >
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GARY TO FRED DAY
07-29-2015
01:11 PM ET (US) IP: 71.72.144.56
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FRED:THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR YOUR KIND WORDS AND PRAYERS.GOD BLESS YOU.
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GARY TO VINCENTJAME
07-29-2015
01:09 PM ET (US) IP: 71.72.144.56
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DEAR VINCENT:THANK YOU FOR YOUR VERY KIND WORDS.GOD BLESS YOU AND WATCH OVER YOU AND KEEP YOU OUT OF HARMS WAY.
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vincentjamesdiplacido @gm
07-29-2015
04:55 AM ET (US) IP: 79.65.48.8
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Dear Gary So sorry to hear this Sad news ,My deepest Sympathy to you and your dear Family ,May she rest in Peace , With God ,
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Ed to Fred
07-28-2015
07:46 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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Fred- the first one I heard included the recitative, this was on an album called A Treasury of Immortal Performances, you may have this. The cover was red and had a photo of him from Carmen on the back cover. This album got me to appreciate who Caruso was.
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Fred Day
07-28-2015
07:16 PM ET (US) IP: 98.85.37.58
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Ed: Actually, Caruso recorded Celeste Aida six times!! The first 3 are with piano, the last 3 are with orchestra, but only the last (6th) one included the recitative - that one is the best one. Ciao.
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Fred Day
07-28-2015
07:09 PM ET (US) IP: 98.85.37.58
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Gary: My sincere sympathy on the loss of your younger sister. I, also, will keep you in my prayers. She is in a better place, now, in heaven above. Rest in peace. Ciao.
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Ed to Gary
07-28-2015
06:10 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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Gary, I am going through this now and know how you feel, I can only offer our most sincere condolences on the loss of your sister, will talk with you soon. ED
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GARY TO TERRY VELDA
07-28-2015
06:05 PM ET (US) IP: 71.72.144.56
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TERRY,MY YOUNGEST LIKED MARIO LANZA.BEST
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GARY TO TERRY VELDA
07-28-2015
02:52 PM ET (US) IP: 71.72.144.56
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TERRY,THANK YOU FOR YOUR PRAYERS,GOD BLESS YOU.I JUST FOUND OUT THAT MY SISTER HAD CANCER.GOD KNEW SHE WAS SUFFERING AND TOOK HER HOME.I AM THANKFUL TO GOD SHE IS NOT SUFFERING ANYMORE.
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Terry Velda
07-28-2015
01:14 PM ET (US) IP: 86.25.79.224
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So sorry for your loss Gary, I'll keep you in my prayers xx
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GARY TO DAN BILL RONAYNE
07-28-2015
12:59 PM ET (US) IP: 71.72.144.56
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BILL,THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR YOUR KIND WORDS.GOD BLESS YOU.THIS PAST SATURDAY AFTERNOON, SHE FINE,LAUGHING AND JOKING.SOME TIME BETWEEN LATE SATURDAY,SHE HAD A HEART ATTACK.SHE IS WITH MY MOM DAD AND BROTHERS IN HEAVEN AND NOT SUFFERING ANYMORE.
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GARY TO DAN LAWLOR
07-28-2015
12:51 PM ET (US) IP: 71.72.144.56
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DAN,THANK YOU FOR YOUR VERY WORDS.GOD BLESS YOU MY FRIEND.
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Bill Ronayne
07-28-2015
08:55 AM ET (US) IP: 67.80.214.186
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Gary: Sorry for your loss. Best, Bill
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Deleted by author 07-27-2015 10:48 PM
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Dan Lawlor to Gary
07-27-2015
06:39 PM ET (US) IP: 74.70.39.27
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My condolences in your loss to you and your family...
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GARY TO KRISTINE
07-27-2015
06:12 PM ET (US) IP: 71.72.144.56
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KRISTINE,THANK YOU FOR YOUR KIND WORDS AND PRAYERS.GOD BLESS YOU.
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Kristine
07-27-2015
05:34 PM ET (US) IP: 173.169.63.145
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Gary, my sympathy and condolences to you and family. I just read The Hollywood Sopranos facebook page which posted that Wal-Mart is selling a movie poster of Jeanette MacDonald. I wonder if they will sell a Mario Lanza movie poster ?
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GARY TO SUZANNE
07-27-2015
04:38 PM ET (US) IP: 71.72.144.56
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SUZANNE,THANK YOU VERY MUCH.SHE WAS ONLY 67.GOD BLESS YOU.
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Suzanne
07-27-2015
10:13 AM ET (US) IP: 74.79.58.35
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Gary, sorry for your unexpected loss.She wasn't a very old person. Wish you blessings.
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Ed to Matt
07-27-2015
09:36 AM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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Matt, when judging singers I always listen with my ears no one elses. I think Alagna has a good voice but unsure as to Rhadames, again my opinion. To me the very best two were Caruso and Bjorling. I wish there was a better recording of Celeste Aida recorded by Caruso, sadly we have only one. To me he was the very best.
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matt minzer
07-27-2015
08:24 AM ET (US) IP: 72.68.131.107
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DAN:
THAT WAS A PUT-UP TO HAVE A LOCAL TENOR SING THE ROLE. I HAVE A DVD OF ALAGNA SINGING THE ROLE OF RHADAMES AND HE SOUNDED WONDERFUL. HE IS A GREAT TENOR AND WE ARE LOOKING FORWARD TO WEDNESDAY'S HI-DEF "AIDA" AT THE LOCAL CINEMA.
BEST,
MATT
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Dan Lawlor to Matt
07-26-2015
05:52 PM ET (US) IP: 74.70.39.27
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Matt; this was the opera that Alagna was booed off the stage in Italy eh?...what do they know????
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matt minzer
07-26-2015
12:30 PM ET (US) IP: 72.68.131.107
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OPERA LOVERS OF THE WORLD:
PLEASE DON'T FORGET THAT THE METROPOLITAN OPERA IS BROADCASTING A HI-DEF "LIVE PERFORMANCE" OF VERDI'S "AIDA" THIS WEDNESDAY JULY 29TH AT 6:30 P.M. TO 850 MOVIE THEATRES AROND THE WORLD. THE INEXPENSIVE PRICE OF ADMISSION IS CERTAINLY WORTH THE EVENING OF THRILLING GRAND OPERA WITH ALL OF THE BACKSTAGE FEATURES SHOWN BETWEEN THE ACTS. ROBERTO ALAGNA IS RHADAMES.
BEST,
MATT MINZER ON LONG ISLAND, NEW YORK.
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Ed
07-25-2015
09:19 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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One thing I wish Mario had recorded was Verdi' s Requiem, just to have heard Ingemisco.
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Dan Lawlor to Fred
07-25-2015
06:51 AM ET (US) IP: 74.70.39.27
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Yes, high B is only 1/2 tone down from High C...I sang two numbers last year that had a High A sharp, and then realized that they were the same as High B flats...too soon old, too late smart eh?
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Fred Day
07-24-2015
07:43 PM ET (US) IP: 98.85.37.58
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Ed: That note is a high B. Caruso sang Pira transposed down a half tone. Same for Che Gelida Manina, recorded the same day. However, same day, he sang Salut Demeure and Spirto Gentil in their original keys, both containing a high C. The date was Feb 11, 1906. Ciao. Edited 07-24-2015 07:49 PM
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Ed to Fred
07-23-2015
04:29 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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Fred, what is the note that Caruso hits in the finish of Di Quella Pira? He seems to make it with ease with no dramatics.
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vincent james di placido
07-23-2015
01:39 PM ET (US) IP: 209.85.215.47
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Hi Suzanne , My dear, I do hope that you enjoy the discs, Iam sure that you will, , regards vincent,
On Thu, Jul 23, 2015 at 4:53 PM, QT - Suzanne <
qtopic-30-ECKcxtRbxUTNy@quicktopic.com> wrote:
>
< replied-to message removed by QT >
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Ed to Suzanne
07-23-2015
01:38 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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Enjoy your new treasures.
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Suzanne
07-23-2015
11:53 AM ET (US) IP: 74.79.58.35
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Just received the two Sepia CDs. Quick. If I ever get them open, can't wait to hear them!Great to see others posting.
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Fred Day
07-23-2015
03:19 AM ET (US) IP: 98.85.37.58
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Carusiello (Hector):It was nice to talk to you on the phone earlier this evening. We will have to get together again in the near future. My regards to your wife, and brother. Ciao. Hasta la vista.
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Fred Day
07-22-2015
08:56 PM ET (US) IP: 98.85.37.58
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Dan: Yes, I will make you a copy of that Zandonai: Giuletta e Romeo, as soon as possible. That line you mentioned came from the wonderful Anna Russell: "The reason you are such a great singer is because you have resonance where your brains ought to be!!" She was a great concert comedienne in the 1950's. Ciao.
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Carusiello
07-22-2015
07:22 PM ET (US) IP: 50.89.149.22
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Hello, every one. Recently I have received some CDs and DVDs that I'd like to share with you all. PAGLIACCI - Recorded in Milan, June 1907(!) with Antonio Paoli and Giuseppina Huguet.; CHATTERTON - also recorded in Milan, May 1908(!) with Francisco Granados as Chatterton as a child, and Francesco Signorini as Chatterton as an adult. Ruggiero Leoncavallo was the conductor of the Chorus and Orchestra :Teatro alla Scala. My brother Raymond gave me a double CD of "Die Walkure" with Astrid Varnay, Leonie Rysanek and Jon Vickers. Recorded in 1958. The two DVDs are : CAVALLERIA RUSTICANA with Giulieta Simionato, Angelo LoForese and Attilio d'Orazi. Recorded live in 1961. I received in the mail a DVD of the opera PAGLIACCI with Gina Lollobrigida as Nedda and she was just 18 years old (!!!)Stuning. And a CARMEN with Geraldine Farrar, Wallace Reid and Pedro de Cordova. It feels nice to be writing here again. Bye.
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Dan Lawlor
07-22-2015
03:54 PM ET (US) IP: 74.70.39.27
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Gary: Laughter is the gift God has given us to face troubles, foibles, woes and armagedan (sp?) plus music to ease the skids...
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GARY TO DAN LAWLOR
07-22-2015
12:53 PM ET (US) IP: 71.72.144.56
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DAN:YOU MADE MY DAY,LAUGH SO HARD I THOUGHT MY SIDES WOULD BUST.YOU HAVE A GREAT DAY AND EVENING!BEST
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Dan Lawlor
07-22-2015
11:46 AM ET (US) IP: 74.70.39.27
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Thanks Fred for the clarification, you know me, a tenor, with a sounding chamber where his brains should be..ha ha Fred: did you say you had a recording of Zandonai's Romeo e Juliette? Edited 07-22-2015 11:47 AM
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Fred Day
07-22-2015
11:21 AM ET (US) IP: 98.85.37.58
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Dan: The top note in Nessun Dorma is a high B natural. Di Quella Pira has two high C's, neither of which Verdi actually wrote. Ciao.
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Dan Lawlor
07-22-2015
09:13 AM ET (US) IP: 74.70.39.27
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Sorry Gang: there is no high C in Nessun Dorma...only a High B Flat...but in Di Quella Pira there are several High C's...ok?
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Bill Ronayne
07-21-2015
01:56 PM ET (US) IP: 68.199.21.14
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Dan: check out his Di quella pira on youtube. Equally exciting.
Welcome back Carusiello!
Best, Bill
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Dan Lawlor
07-21-2015
01:20 PM ET (US) IP: 74.70.39.27
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I just heard an amazing performance by Angelo LoForese on Youtube...who at 92 yrs old sang Nessun Dorma, and hit his high C with no effort whatever...there is still hope ha ha
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Dan Lawlor to Gary
07-21-2015
12:31 PM ET (US) IP: 74.70.39.27
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Gary: I sang mostly local, Albany, Troy, Schenectady, Clifton Pk, Saratoga; all in NY State...the only out of state performances were in Boynton Beach, FL; some with my friend Matt Minzer, for some of his followers; I did sing at the Metropolitan Opera once, but that was in the men's room..ha ha would have gotten a standing O, but most were sitting down, ha ha
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GARY TO DAN LAWLOR
07-21-2015
11:53 AM ET (US) IP: 71.72.144.56
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DAN:AT 80 AND STILL SINGING,AT 73 AND WOULD GIVE ANYTHING TO BE ABLE TO SING.I AGREE ,MUSIC UNITES MANY OLD AND NEW EARS...AS MARIO DID.DID YOU EVER TRAVEL AND GIVE CONCERTS AROUND THE COUNTRY?THANK YOU FOR ANY INFO.HAVE A GREAT DAY MY FRIEND!BEST
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Dan Lawlor to Gary
07-21-2015
08:12 AM ET (US) IP: 74.70.39.27
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Gary: I am glad you liked the CD...as I said before, at 80 yrs young, this "has been" will continue to sing until the Man Upstairs says: Enough!...It is indeed good for the soul to share love for music with old and new found friends...music is the one thing that unites many old and new ears...as Mario did eh?
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Dennis
07-20-2015
07:48 PM ET (US) IP: 73.170.201.215
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Carusiello, of course we care and have missed you. Thanks for the updated information on Villazon. That's good news. I was ready to write him off as a tenor for any new work.
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GARY TO ED
07-20-2015
04:19 PM ET (US) IP: 71.72.144.56
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A FRIEND OF MIND GOT A LETTER FROM SOCIAL SECURITY SAYING THEY WOULD SEND HIS CHECK TO A DIFFERENT BANK.HE DIDN'T REQUEST THAT.I WOULD ADVISE ANYONE ON SS TO TO BE ON GUARD.BEST,BROTHER,GARY
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GARY TO ED
07-20-2015
04:12 PM ET (US) IP: 71.72.144.56
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BROTHER ED,I LISTEN LOB,EVEN IF IT ISN'T UP TO PAR,I STILL ENJOY IT.I JUST FIGURE MARIO JUST HAD A TIME IN HIS LIFE WHERE HE HAD A LOT OF THINGS ON HIS MIND.BEST,BROTHER,GARY
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GARY TO DAN LAWLOR
07-20-2015
03:51 PM ET (US) IP: 71.72.144.56
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DAN,I GOT IT AND LISTEN TO YOUR CD.THANK FOR TAKING TIME TO PUT A LETTER IN THERE WITH ALL THE SONGS LISTED.DAN,YOU HAVE A VERY GOOD VOICE,I WOULD SAY FANTASTIC!YOUR DICTION IS GREAT!I WOULD GIVE ANYTHING TO BE ABLE TO SING LIKE YOU DO.NESSUN DORMA,ONE OF MY FAVORITES ,YOU HIT THE HIGH NOTES WITH EASE.THANK YOU VERY MUCH!I LIKE ALL 17 SONGS ON YOUR CD.THANK YOU AGAIN,WISH I HAD A SINGING VOICE.DAN,KEEP UP THE SINGING,IT'S GOOD FOR THE HEART AND MIND AND SOUL!THANK YOU FOR ALL THE INFO ABOUT OPERA PLUS!THANK YOU AND GOD BLESS YOU
BEST TO YOU,HAVE A GREAT DAY AND WEEK!YOUR FRIEND,GARY.BEST
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Kristine
07-19-2015
09:35 PM ET (US) IP: 173.169.63.145
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I had a recording of Nancy Ames singing "Cucurucucu Paloma", back in the '60's. You may remember she was on "That Was The Week That Was" on t.v. in the '60's. It was satirizing political events, etc., similar to "Laugh-In", a few years later.
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Carusiello
07-19-2015
02:40 PM ET (US) IP: 50.89.149.22
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It's been a very long time since I last posted here. To those who care, I'm doing fine. I wish to salute my good friend Fred, and say hello to Jeff, among others. I don't know if it's been mentioned, but Rolando Villazon has made a very successful comeback from his hiatus due to problems with his vocal chords a while back, and is singing better than ever. Recently I purchased three CDs by Villazon titled: Rolando Villazon--Arias by Gounod & Massenet; Rolando Villazon-- Songs from the movies and Rolando Villazon -- "MEXICO" and his Cucurrucucu, Paloma from this CD is to die for. The best I've ever heard. He also made a DVD of La Boheme with Anna Netrebko. He also recorded two CDs of arias by Verdi. He makes very good use of the "morendo" beginning with "bocca spiegatta" and dying in a "susurro." This is all for now. Again hello to all.
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Dan Lawlor
07-19-2015
01:28 PM ET (US) IP: 74.70.39.27
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Gary: did you receive the CD yet? I Hope so!
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Kristine
07-19-2015
11:01 AM ET (US) IP: 173.169.63.145
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Jon Vickers, Frank Porretta, RIP. I remember reading that Frank Porretta and Anna Maria Alberghetti were first considered for Broadway Musical 'West Side Story", but instead, Carol Lawrence and Larry Kert were cast in it. Wasn't Porretta in movie "Song of Norway" with Florence Henderson, back in '69 ?
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Jim Thompson
07-19-2015
10:16 AM ET (US) IP: 67.83.119.164
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Thanks Fred for the info on Frank Poretta. Strangely enough I did not see his obit in Connecticut papers or heard it in the other media. Frank and I worked beautifully for some years as he coached me and helped after I had been away from singing. His late wife, Roberta was also a wonderful soprano. Frank III has superb tenor voice. His dad coached me and Frank for a performance of "Golden Days" some years ago which I have on tape. Frank accompanied me in a concert at St. John's church in Darien, CT where he was choir master..I sang "La ci darem la mano" with a soprano and then did "A 'vuchella". Frank was a fine lyric tenor and a wonderful guy. May he rest in peace. All the best to you, Fred..I wish you could accompany me again!!
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Ed to Brian
07-19-2015
07:09 AM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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Brian, I enjoy LOB,there probably are others that do, while I don't think it is up there with others, tweaking everything would not be right, let's just accept it. There are many good songs within it, my favorite is a song called "September Song". One good recording of this was by Jimmy Durante back in the late 60s. Sadly Mario was not in a good voice then but what can we do. I am passing on the new cds because I have just about everything, they do indeed offer a new fan a description of just how great Mario is. I wouldn't worry about a hornet' s nest I've done it once or twice, in my opinion buy the cd and enjoy it.
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Fred Day
07-19-2015
02:56 AM ET (US) IP: 98.85.32.102
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Another tenor, an American, died recently - Frank Porretta. Born in May 1930, he died on April 23rd of this year, age 84 (almost 85). Rest in Peace. Jon Vickers death has already been mentioned. He died on July 10th, age 88. Rest in Peace. Ciao. Edited 07-19-2015 03:00 AM
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Brian Harrison
07-18-2015
02:08 PM ET (US) IP: 82.35.122.181
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Gosh, what a hornets nest I have raised by asking whether LOB could be remastered. I asked because it is one of very few Lanza recordings that I hav'nt bought over the last 64 years. I started buying his records when I was 14 years old after seeing TGC beginning with 78s going on to LPs, EPs, cassettes and now CDs. I am ashamed to say that not once did the question of royalties enter my head. Many of the CDs have duplicated, even triplicated, recordings on them but I buy them because I love the voice of Mario Lanza and, who knows, there may be a track on them that is new to me. Best wishes to you all and keep posting in a friendly manner!!
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Suzanne
07-18-2015
12:41 PM ET (US) IP: 74.79.58.35
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Vincent, thanks for the link but I guess I hoped that you'd been able to make it as clear as the Palladium. Not a complaint, always so grateful for what you do! Really, I'm not a fan of that appearance , as Mario seems so apologetic, as he never should have been. Always amazing to me that 3 years later on the Christopher Show, he looked so much better . Mario actually appears in today's Crossword, "Mario Lanza classic". Such a small thing but always so good to see an acknowledgement of him.
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Ed
07-18-2015
08:43 AM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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I keep Mario out there, while shopping for a CD and browsing artists in the pop or classical section when I see one of his cds I put it in the front,maybe someone will pick him.
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Dan Lawlor
07-18-2015
05:26 AM ET (US) IP: 74.70.39.27
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Gail: Play on Gail...all best wishes!
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Gail Swartz
07-18-2015
01:07 AM ET (US) IP: 64.12.143.86
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To Dan. I live in LA....that is lower Alabama....I play mainly for me and a small choir. Love to sing with Mario and be amazed with his range and musicality.
On July 17, 2015, at 10:54 PM, QuickTopic daily digest <qtopic-30-ECKcxtRbxUTNy@quicktopic.com> wrote:
< replied-to message removed by QT >
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Ed
07-17-2015
06:54 PM ET (US) IP: 54.161.137.37
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I bought SP around 1963, I wonder if it was the original or 1959, being only 15 I had no idea about two releases. I tend to enjoy the Beloved take from the film better than the earlier one. As for LOB,my take is leave it alone, I don't think you should tweek it, we can't redo Mario's voice,so leave it be.
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Ronald Sarbo
07-17-2015
02:23 PM ET (US) IP: 66.108.219.253
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There have been many advances in re-mastering since the late 80's and early 90's.
The Japanese SP CD is not easy to find. The Japanese press for a limited market.
I was responding to a post and not preaching however in the land of Lanza's birth a bootleg is a bootleg no matter it's legality in other countries.
As to the royalty question being misplaced or nonsense again I wonder how Lanza would feel about it. I know how the Estates of Frank Sinatra, Elvis Presley and many others feel about it.
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Derek McGovern to Joe
07-17-2015
02:09 PM ET (US) IP: 175.214.184.233
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Hi Joe: Well, certainly Mario was in no financial situation at the time to insist that the LP be canned after three expensive sessions. It was Terry Robinson's belief that Mario knew the album had been "a mistake"---and I'm sure he did feel that way, despite recent efforts here to make it seem as though he was proud of it.
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Joe
07-17-2015
01:57 PM ET (US) IP: 71.224.55.142
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I agree with the opinion that LOB is beyond salvage. For whatever the reasons, Mario simply sang poorly and no remastering can change that. The real "head-scratcher" for me is why he consented to its release. I once used to think that Mario was simply "hung-over" during the recording...but, as Dr McGovern pointed out it was done over three sessions, thus minimizing alcohol as a probable explanation. Mario DID realize the album would sell, after all it was the GREAT one's voice and some of the best of the American songbook. And he also had to recognize the poor quality of his performance, so the only explanation that makes sense to me is that he was in a "fix" with his finances at the time.
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Derek McGovern
07-17-2015
12:55 PM ET (US) IP: 175.214.184.233
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The idea that Ellisa Lanza is being swindled out of potential royalties because of the Sepia releases doesn't stand up to any real scrutiny. For a start, the reason Sepia's two operatic CDs and its Neapolitan/Italian release even became a reality is entirely due to Sony/BMG's lack of interest in bringing out such compilations! It's been 16 years since BMG's last operatic compilation---how much longer were we supposed to wait? Moreover, Derek Mannering, Sony/BMG's anointed compiler of Lanza discs since 1994, has made it clear here on numerous occasions that he has no interest in promoting the release of the 1959 Student Prince (nor, for that matter, Lanza on Broadway---"not on my watch!" he has said, to his credit), so the idea that Sepia's Student Prince CD somehow ruined the chances of a Sony/BMG version being released is nonsense. Besides, both the 1959 Student Prince and Lanza on Broadway have already been released in *pristine sound* by RCA's subsidiaries, so I really don't understand what all the fuss is about regarding these two albums' supposed neglect. RCA Japan released the 59 SP in the early 1990s---and I have the CD---and LOB was released in the UK (along with four Cavalcade tracks) in the late 1980s under the ironic title "Sixteen Top Tracks" by an RCA subsidiary. It wouldn't require much effort to locate these discs if anyone truly wants to purchase them---and, I repeat, the sound is immaculate on both CDs. (And LOB, unsurprisingly, sounds as ghastly as ever in spite of the decent sound.) All this concern about Ellisa's royalties is misplaced in any event. She's only *one* of quite a number of people who currently receive royalties from the sales of Lanza CDs. The others are not even blood relatives of her father---they're heirs, in several instances, of a motley group of people (lawyers & managers) who managed to persuade a gullible Mario to sign over percentages of his income to them (seemingly in perpetuity). It actually offends me that a percentage of what I hand over for each official Lanza release (and, like Vince, I buy everything that comes out) goes to people who, in all likelihood, don't give a toss about his legacy. And one last thing, Ronald: were you aware that no fewer than *sixteen* of the tracks on Sepia's two operatic CDs were never owned by RCA/BMG/Sony in the first place?! So much for denying Ellisa her birthright. Sepia also deserves credit---not misguided criticism---for going way beyond the call of duty (and for very little reward) in the care it has lavished on these CDs. P.S. The new 70-year copyright rule in the EU only applies for recordings released after December 31, 1962, and has rightly been criticized by many as ridiculously excessive. A 50-year limit made much more sense. Edited 07-17-2015 01:43 PM
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Vince Di Placido (Jnr)
07-17-2015
12:47 PM ET (US) IP: 95.44.19.180
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Ronald those people that ripped off Lanza during his lifetime I think still have royalties heading to their heirs. I feel no guilt if they're not getting money, absolutely none!
I sincerely wish Sony were promoting & releasing quality products like Sepia are & the only person I wish was getting a bit more money is Ellisa, but as I said before I've definitely done my bit in helping with royalties & promoting our Mario!
No need to preach to me Mr. Sarbo! :-)
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Vince Di Placido (Jnr)
07-17-2015
11:43 AM ET (US) IP: 95.44.19.180
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Thanks, Suzanne :-)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qsjhjClG3xo
(copyright free)
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Ronald Sarbo
07-17-2015
11:41 AM ET (US) IP: 66.108.219.253
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Vince: As a collector I understand full well what you are saying but I have to respectfully disagree. The EU recently extended their expiration of copyright from 50 to 70 years. Why? Because NOW their artists like the Beatles, Rolling Stones etc were now threatened. They didn't care about US artists like Sinatra, Crosby, Cole as well as Lanza. Our copyright laws did. "Keeping Mario in the marketplace" is something I wholehearted agree with but "by whatever means" I cannot agree with. I doubt 1959 "Student Prince" will ever be remastered by SONY/BMG in the immediate future. Why should they if everyone bought the Sepia CD? We talk endlessly about how people ripped off Lanza in his lifetime. Sam Weiler was denigrated for making bootlegs of the Coke show recordings. How times have changed when we can rationalize ripping off Lanza's heirs because we feel we are doing so in a just cause. Edited 07-17-2015 11:42 AM
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Suzanne
07-17-2015
11:40 AM ET (US) IP: 74.79.58.35
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Because Vincent has done so much for us where Mario is concerned, I'll have to side with him. Now I'll be greedy and ask you, Vincent, if you would ever consider bringing us his performance on "The Chrysler Show" so that it's as wonderful to see as "The Palladium"?
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Vince Di Placido (Jnr)
07-17-2015
11:12 AM ET (US) IP: 95.44.19.180
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Hi, Ronald, I have spent a lot of money on RCA/BMG/Sony Lanza products, buying multiple copies of some releases over the years & in every incarnation.
I have no guilty conscience in helping put together releases that celebrate & showcase Mario's talent. I wish Sony were actually doing it but they don't seem to care anymore, if they did release something, I'll be the first to buy it & help yet again support Mario's memory & 1 surviving daughter & 2 grandchildren.
What Sepia are doing should be celebrated, keeping Mario in the marketplace in the right way by whatever means surely is the most important thing here, not trying to make people feel guilty about taking possible & negligible royalties from artists children, especially an artist who passed away 56 years ago.
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Ronald Sarbo
07-17-2015
10:54 AM ET (US) IP: 66.108.219.253
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When Sepia or other EU labels take advantage of the expiration of copyright and produce Lanza CDs SONY/BMG loses the incentive to invest in remastering Lanza CDs from their master tapes.
That Lanza heirs are denied royalties on these EU CDs should also make those "so called fans look at themselves" and ask how Lanza would feel about his daughter and grandchildren being denied the fruit of his labor?
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Dan Lawlor
07-17-2015
09:48 AM ET (US) IP: 74.70.39.27
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Gail:do you live anywhere near Albany, NY...am always looking for an accompanist...???
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vincentjamesdiplacido @gm
07-17-2015
06:30 AM ET (US) IP: 79.65.48.8
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Good For You Vincent , Some Sense at Last ,From A true "FAN", What I would Add is this,,,, If You dont Like "MOB" I would suggest, you dont Listen to it ,When You Can Sing Like "Mario Lanza", Then , And not before,,Then ,You can Citicise his Singing, What I see from this "forum" is that some of you So called "Fans" Are trying to change History ,,I trully suggest you Look at Yourselfs,, have a great day ,,.
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Vince Di Placido (Jnr)
07-17-2015
04:58 AM ET (US) IP: 213.233.132.167
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Hi, everybody!
As you all know I love Mario, there is far more to love & admire about his recorded work than to criticise or have problems with, having said that, the "Lanza on Broadway" album contains his worst moments in the recording studio.
Some great songs, actually some of the best show tunes ever written, and on another day, ANY other day he would have excelled. For whatever reason Mario is not in good form, he's straining & struggling & his usual beautiful tone & interpretive skills are lacking. I can live with "And This is My Beloved", just, but to think that remastering can fix bad singing is frankly ludicrous.
I'll say again I love Mario & it makes me sad that on these few studio dates he was not in good form but let's not call for bad material to be remastered, when there is so much great, excellently sung Lanza material that is crying out to be remastered & treated well.
It is amazing how fantastic he was on his next album just a few months later on "A Cavalcade of Show Tunes", I think that's a classic & imagine that Mario, in that form, singing those "Lanza on Broadway" tracks, now that would have been something.
I love Mario enough & have enough respect for his artistry to notice when he's doing well & when he dropped the ball, now thankfully he got it right far more times than he didn't. :-)
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Ed
07-16-2015
08:50 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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I still listen to LOB,while it is is not a favorite of mine I still enjoy it with all its faults because I cherish what we have. I think editing out sopranos Fenn and that God awful Tennyson he duetted with and put in Netrebko would be a plus.
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GARY TO RONALD SARBO
07-16-2015
01:23 PM ET (US) IP: 71.72.144.56
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RONALD,I AGREE WITH YOU ON "LOB"AND SHOULD BE REMASTERED BY SONY/BMG UP TO DAYS STANDARDS AND RELEASED.THE LISTENERS COULD JUDGE FOR THEIR OWN SELVES,WHERE THEY LIKE OR DISLIKE IT.
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Ronald Sarbo
07-16-2015
10:43 AM ET (US) IP: 66.108.219.253
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As "LOB" was Lanza's first "Concept" album it deserves to be remastered by SONY/BMG up to today's standards and released. The results could then be judged by listeners.
In the LP era it was always in print because it was in English and had the most "modern" songs Lanza recorded. As Lanza himself said in 1956 they were "Broadway songs from the last 10 years"
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Diane Cox
07-15-2015
11:00 AM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.239
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Gail: I have a book of 24 Italian Songs and Arias. May I send it to you. Contact me at dccox1@yahoo.com
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Suzanne
07-15-2015
10:31 AM ET (US) IP: 74.79.58.35
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Gail, what a find! Must have seemed like Christmas. Don't have my piano anymore, but know what it was like to be able to play songs I love. How I miss it.
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Gail Swartz
07-14-2015
11:50 PM ET (US) IP: 64.12.183.210
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Been to my favorite estate sales site...found sheet music for Serenade, Granada,Thine Alone, what'll I Do,wanting You,Toslli sererenade,September Song, One Alone,and more. Have a great time playing Mario's songs. Does anyone know the maker of his piano in New York? I bought a Krakauer baby grand made between 1920-1925 in New York...it needs tuning and the music rest...it was in the same category with Steinway..Can hardly wait to play Mario songs. Still love to hear him sing "Love Me Tonight"
On July 13, 2015, at 10:54 PM, QuickTopic daily digest <qtopic-30-ECKcxtRbxUTNy@quicktopic.com> wrote:
< replied-to message removed by QT >
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Derek McGovern to Brian H
07-14-2015
08:15 PM ET (US) IP: 175.214.184.233
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Hi Brian: Sadly, the main problem with Lanza on Broadway is Mario himself, not the recording quality. The sound engineering (and post-session fiddling) didn't help matters, but even if the sound quality were perfect, we'd still be faced with the fact that Mario is consistently coarse, off-key and straining throughout the three sessions. It's as simple as that, and no amount of remastering would ever be able to obscure the fact.
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Ed to Linz
07-14-2015
07:14 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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Linz-I am enjoying the updated edition of One Tenor, and just finished reading your interview with Elaine Malbin. I chose to read the book cover to cover because I needed a burst of Mario. I found the interview excellent, you covered so many topics like how she was chosen to sing with Mario,the size of his voice as compared to others as Tucker' s,. I found the mentioning of how Peter Hermann Adler was not comfortable with Mario going to Hollywood a town that would eat him up. The point that Mario may have had voice help on the microphone since he was on radio and in movies. I liked how Lawrence Tibbett thought highly of his voice. Elaine many times defended and cleared up even how tall he may have been. Good questions all around and a great interview. I met her twice she appeared the same to me,honest,a defender of Mario and knew him well, sadly concerts and duets never happened. Now back to the book.
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Ed
07-14-2015
01:48 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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Derek-Is there any chance RCA may one day open their vault and allow us to peek through and grab some goodies. Thanks for your review on the CDs, look forward to listening to them and reading the liner notes.
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Diane Cox
07-14-2015
01:47 PM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.239
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Atalla Ayan
https://youtu.be/QhTVJvAAK1Q
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Ed
07-14-2015
01:40 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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Suzanne, I am glad to be back and thank you, I got caught up in all my grief and devotion to Mario and it got out of hand. I too am looking towards the new cds. Yes I have been a fan of General Grant all my life and visit his tomb often. Oddly how he witnessed so much shed blood during the war and his father had a leather tannery and he and his family lived above it and the smell of the blood sickened him. Oh by the way thanks for the bookmark I needed one.
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Suzanne
07-14-2015
01:39 PM ET (US) IP: 74.78.255.171
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Linz, wishing again that I could hear Elaine Malbin's interview with you, but no Kindle and none in sight. Mostly because I'm a lover of books, the real thing, and reluctant to change. Of course, the entire book would be of interest as well.Any hope?
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Brian Harrison
07-14-2015
11:31 AM ET (US) IP: 82.35.122.181
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Derek, thank you for posting your review of the Sepia cd "The Student Prince". My order for it is being sent off today. Another question. Do you think Sepia could do anything for "Lanza on Broadway"? Was it the voice or the sound engineering that was at fault. I suspect the cost would be prohibitive unless many sales would justify such an effort. Just a thought.
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Suzanne
07-14-2015
09:44 AM ET (US) IP: 74.78.255.171
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Reading the reviews and planning to order the "new" CDs, I'm almost afraid, wondering how many times my heart can stop and then start again. Mario can make this happen.Has to be a miracle. Ed, glad you're back. If I remember correctly, you've been a fan of Gen. Grant as I have.
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Derek McGovern to Brian H
07-13-2015
09:19 PM ET (US) IP: 175.214.184.233
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So glad you enjoyed Greatest Operatic Recordings, Vol. 2, Brian. Yes, Sepia's Robin Cherry is a sound engineering genius! I'm also in awe of designer Ray Leaning's stunning-looking booklets. These are surely the most attractively presented Lanza CDs since the 1998 Rhino/TCM disc "Mario Lanza at MGM." Just a reminder to all that Greatest Operatic Recordings, Vol. 2, and My Italian Soul are available from Sepia now at http://sepiarecords.com. (I've provided full track details here: http://www.mariolanzatenor.com/news.) The first volume of Greatest Operatic Recordings is also available directly from Sepia (and, again, more cheaply than via Amazon) at http://www.sepiarecords.com/sepia1274.html. Brian: You were asking about the 1959 Student Prince album that Sepia released on CD in 2012. The best answer I can give is that if you liked the original LP, then you'll love Sepia's remastering. Here's what I wrote about it on the Google forum at the time: Remastering from a combination of tape and LP sources (but not RCA's master tapes), Sepia has managed to remove a lot of the harshness that marred RCA's own LP. The result is that Mario's voice sounds warmer and (in places) less distorted. More Lanza-like, in other words. "I'll Walk With God," for example, is better than both the LP reproduction and the RCA Japan CD (which came out in the early 1990s). "Golden Days" is also an improvement on all other sources. While Mario is clearly not in his best voice on either of these recordings, what's more apparent than ever is that his *singing* of both songs is really quite good. There's a moving operatic grandeur to both of them. (And even some of the notes are better than in 1952: "love" on days of youth and love" rings out splendidly on "Golden Days," while "pray"---as in "I'll pray to him/each day to him"---is impressive on "I'll Walk With God.") So while neither rendition would ever displace the earlier versions, they're certainly not the "painful" efforts that a certain biographer would have us believe :) The one indisputable "A+" rendition on the album---"Thoughts Will Come to Me"---impressed me the most *soundwise* on this CD. Somehow it manages to be warmer and more vibrant than even the RCA Japan CD reproduction (which itself is very good). In every instance, the Sepia CD is an improvement on the original RCA LP. Edited 07-14-2015 01:18 AM
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Ed to Linz
07-13-2015
09:06 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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Linz-Will do, I am interested in that as we met a few times here in the city at luncheons in Mario's honor and she spoke so well of him.
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Linz to Ed
07-13-2015
08:59 PM ET (US) IP: 115.188.217.5
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Ed—glad you're appreciating the update. Let me know how you enjoy the Elaine interview!
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Ed
07-13-2015
07:57 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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I just started reading the updated version of The One Tenor and enjoying it. I always enjoy reading good stuff about Mario from the folks that don't tear him apart, this promises to be a good read.
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Ed to Brian
07-13-2015
04:19 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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Brian, I had the SP on vinyl years back, there are several duets, Summertime in Heidelberg and Just We Two and I enjoyed them. I am ordering the CDs tomorrow and can't wait to listen to them.
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Brian Harrison
07-13-2015
02:06 PM ET (US) IP: 82.35.122.181
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Finally got round to playing the new Sepia Greatest Operatic Recordings Vol 2. Very impressed with the quality of the remastering (well done Robin Cherry and all involved) especially the tracks from the 1947 Hollywood Bowl concert. They could have been recorded yesterday! And what fantastic value, 25 tracks on both new cds. Now a question for you experts an all things Mario. In the liner notes for the Sepia cds there is reference to a cd of The Student Prince with Mario and the soprano Norma Giusti. Has anyone here bought this cd and is it worth me buying it? Your opinion would be appreciated. Derek, thank you for pointing out my mistake about there being nothing new on the Italian Soul cd. Of course Mattinata is.
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Dan Lawlor
07-13-2015
01:30 PM ET (US) IP: 74.70.39.27
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Matt; the cd is in the mail...enjoy...as far as my singing career is concerned; it was at a time when tenors were rare in my area, so I guess I was a big frog in a small pond so to speak...never made much money but had a lot of fun...and my only drawback was I couldn't read music, or sight read etc, which caused other musicians to look down their noses...you know what I mean? Instrumentalists always look askance at soloists, first because they had to buy their instruments and they could read music, while the soloist was born with his/her instrument and just had to study the correct way to utilize it...it is a tough business, a lot of cat fights etc etc...you know how to make a tenor's eyes sparkle, don't you? shine a flashlight into his ear...ha ha We can't take ourselves too seriously ha ha Edited 07-13-2015 01:31 PM
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Bill Ronayne
07-13-2015
09:02 AM ET (US) IP: 24.46.61.111
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Mario Lanza Ball Weekend October 31- November 1, 2015 Philadelphia Saturday, October 31, 2015 Mario Lanza Dinner Estia Restaurant 7:30 pm 1405 Locust Street Mario Lanza The Man and His Music audio visual presentation 50/50 raffle. Four course dinner $75 per person. Sunday, November 1, 2015 Mario Lanza Museum Open House 712 Montrose Street 11:00 am Coffee and cake reception Tour of Lanza Museum Free Mario Lanza Ball DoubleTree Hotel 5:00 pm Cocktail hour, scholarship winner’s concert, video presentations, 50/50 raffle and dinner and dancing to the Tony Dee Orchestra. $155 per person. Invitations will be mailed in September and a PDF will be available for download by the end of August. Please RSVP for the above events by October 26, 2015. For more information call 215-238-9691. Special room rate for out of town guests at DoubleTree Hotel: $165 + tax per night. Rooms must be booked by September 29, 2015. Call 215- 893-1600 to make a reservation. Edited 07-13-2015 09:05 AM
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Dan Lawlor
07-13-2015
08:17 AM ET (US) IP: 74.70.39.27
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Matt: Yes I did and thank you very much...you came back to NY when the weather is delightful now! I guess Florida is getting a little warm eh?
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Kristine
07-12-2015
10:43 PM ET (US) IP: 173.169.63.145
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Omar Sharif and Jon Vickers , RIP. They both had Alzheimer's Disease. I saw the documentary ,"I'll Be Me" on CNN, last week. It's about Glen Campbell's battle with Alzheimer's Disease. It's sad. This morning, I watched "The Big Braodcast of 1937" on TCM. It starred Jack Benny, Burns&Allen, Martha Raye, Shirley Ross,Ray Milland, and tenor Frank Forest. He was also in "Madame Butterfly" scene with Grace Moore in "I'll Take Romance" which was on getTV. I wonder why Frank Forest didn't make more movies ? He had a good tenor voice, had good looks.
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matt minzer
07-12-2015
08:06 PM ET (US) IP: 72.68.131.107
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HI DAN:
DID YOU RECEIVE THE DVD-"GREAT TENORS AND BARITONES" WHICH I MAILED YOU LAST WEEK WHEN WE WERE STILL IN FLORIDA? WE DROVE TO NEW YORK AND ARRIVED LAST EVENING. WE WON'T BE BACK IN TROPICAL FLORIDA UNTIL SEPTEMBER 16TH.
BEST,
MATT AND MARILYN MINZER
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Diane Cox
07-12-2015
06:46 PM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.239
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The Canadian tenor Jon Vickers, who brought a colossal voice and raw dramatic intensity to everything he sang, including legendary portrayals of Wagner’s Tristan, Verdi’s Otello, Beethoven’s Florestan and Britten’s Peter Grimes, died on Friday in Ontario, Canada. He was 88.
The Royal Opera House in London posted a statement from the Vickers family saying the cause was Alzheimer’s disease.
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Dan Lawlor
07-12-2015
05:47 PM ET (US) IP: 74.70.39.27
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Jon Vickers died Friday...RIP Jon
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Ed
07-12-2015
04:53 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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Dan, well they say "to each his own" I kind of think Caruso and all the praise and recognition he received for so long and acknowledgements and being revered as the best is well deserved. You must remember that in his time there was no one there his equal. Like you I've heard plenty in fifty years Caruso's voice grabs your attention right away. I consider him to be the best ever, and you didn't step on my toes,then we have Mario who will always be number one to me. Best Ed
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Vince Di Placido (Jnr)
07-12-2015
03:48 PM ET (US) IP: 95.44.19.180
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Grazie Mille, Papa! :-) I'm so happy with the CDs, great collections of great music & great singing! I'm sure you like the cover of "Greatest Operatic Recordings 2", I know you always thought Mario looked great in that scene. :-) So proud to be attached to the 3 Sepia releases, a job well done by all involved, I think. Edited 07-12-2015 03:50 PM
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GARY TO DAN LAWLOR
07-12-2015
02:16 PM ET (US) IP: 71.72.144.56
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DAN,WILL KEEP YOU IN PRAYER.CAN HARDLY WAIT TILL YOUR CD ARRIVES AND TO HEAR YOU SING.HAVE A GREAT DAY AND WEEK COMING UP.AGAIN,THANK YOU VERY MUCH.GOD BLESS YOU.DAN,KEEP ON SINGING AS LONG AS YOU CAN.SINGING IS GOOD FOR THE HEART,MIND,SOUL!BEST
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vincentjamesdiplacido @gm
07-12-2015
01:37 PM ET (US) IP: 79.65.48.8
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Dear Vincent I Listened to Both Cds I truly enjoyed them both , Great sound , Great choice of music , I am sure I talk for all here that have heard ,new Discs ,Mario Lanza, "Greatest Operatic Recordings Vol 2 " plus" My Italian Soul" Great work Vincent !, For Your Part In making these CDs possible.Thank You My Son ,
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Vince Di Placido (Jnr)
07-12-2015
08:59 AM ET (US) IP: 95.44.19.180
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Linz to all
07-11-2015
09:36 PM ET (US) IP: 115.188.217.5
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The two new McGovern/Sepia releases are preposterously good. I intended to do my usual track-by-track review, but part-way through Greatest Operatic Recordings Vol. 2 I just threw my pen in the air and decided simply to wallow. It seemed fatuous to be applying mere words to these musical miracles. Especially startling were Una Furtiva Lagrima and Parmi Veder le Lagrime. Yes, we've heard them before a million times on CD and vinyl, but here they have somehow taken on a heart-stopping quality I had hitherto missed. The former is sung quadruple forte throughout, an outrage that, as McGovern observes in his excellent liner notes, would "induce apoplexy in critical circles"—but is no less irresistible for that. Oh to have overheard the discussions in which that approach was settled upon! The explosion of sound on "m'ama" will assuredly induce floods of tears among the susceptible (such as I). The sequel to GOR Vol. 1 is littered with such gems, all mixed up so that without the sleeve listings a listener would have no idea what was coming next. There's even Mario's E Lucevan le Stelle performed before the Queen; its thunderous climax makes one appreciate anew why Her Majesty was moved to proclaim, "Mr. Lanza, I had no idea human lungs were capable of producing such volume!" Yet the inner logic behind the compilation is such that as the last glorious B-flat of Cielo e Mar rings out (the Coke version at last!) one feels one has arrived at the finish line, completing an emotional marathon in which "runner's high" has been constant and overwhelming. I e-mailed Derek to say, "Please, put some clunkers in next time! I can't take all these stunners, one after another!"
The companion release, My Italian Soul, takes one on another such marathon, but the "high" is tinged—nay, drenched—with poignance. Dr. McG, Armando Cesari and Vince di Placido spared no effort or expense in their quest for the very best copies of each and every selection taken from the LPs originally titled Mario! and Mario Lanza Sings Caruso Favourites, both from the final chapter in Mario's life. In some cases, accurate speed had to be restored, having been compromised in several official RCA releases. With proper pitch intact and the annoying sandy quality of yore virtually eliminated (extreme compliments again to Sepia's Robin Cherry), a seemingly throw-away item like Luna d'Estate has become a mini-masterpiece, a model of nimbleness of voice and clarity of diction. Tracks many of us already thought were mini-masterpieces have become quite excruciatingly sweet-yet-sad—in Vaghissima and L'Alba, for example, you'd swear Mario is bidding us goodbye and part of him was already in another dimension.
The CDs will be available soon from Amazon, and are already available (at lower price) from sepiarecords.com. Be in quick! They are so good they are immoral. Secure your copies before they are declared illegal!
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Derek McGovern to Brian H
07-11-2015
09:03 PM ET (US) IP: 175.214.184.233
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Brian: Good to read that you enjoyed the new Sepia CD "My Italian Soul." Just one thing I'd like to correct: you mentioned that there was nothing new on the disc. Actually, there is: the concluding track, "Mattinata," is a newly discovered *second* take of the song that Mario recorded for RCA in June 1945 (as a test record). The first take appeared on the Damon Lanza Productions CD "The Lord's Prayer," and until quite recently it was believed to be the only version of the song from that session. But if you compare the two renditions, you'll hear that they *are* different, and that the new version is the better take.
Nothing else on the disc is new, but it's the first time so much Lanza Italian/Neapolitan "goodness" has appeared on the one CD, and as such it should be a revelation to skeptics and newcomers alike :) I'd also argue that the sonic improvements made to some of the Caruso Favourites selections on this CD make them almost seem like new recordings!
Hope you enjoy "Greatest Operatic Recordings, Vol. 2." If nothing else, two of its bonus tracks should make your hair stand on end! One is the home rehearsal of an obscure Giordano aria; the other is the Royal Variety performance of "E lucevan le stelle." Neither recording has ever appeared on CD before (Damon Lanza Productions or otherwise), though some fans may have encountered them on tape. The Royal Variety performance was always a struggle to listen to because of the poor sound quality; here, Sepia has improved the sound to the extent that it emerges as a thrilling rendition. Now we can finally appreciate why Lanza received royal "roars" of approval, to quote Cyril Ornadel. In fact, it's a more exciting piece of singing than the much better-known rendition from the televised Sunday Night at the London Palladium show of six days later. Enjoy!
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Dan Lawlor
07-11-2015
07:02 PM ET (US) IP: 74.70.39.27
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Gary: We do the best with what the Good Lord has given us..n'est-ce pas?
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Ed
07-11-2015
07:01 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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Is anyone having difficulty in downloading the updated version of One Tenor by Linz? I've tried ordering it twice and get a message that I already ordered one last January. Even though in the ad it states updated version. Help?
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Dan Lawlor
07-11-2015
06:54 PM ET (US) IP: 74.70.39.27
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Gary: I didn't start voice lessons until I was in my 40's, as I was working two jobs and going to school to obtain a graduate degree in Business Administration, utilizing the GI Bill. I had a wife and two children at the time and only started lessons after my son volunteered me to sing in his class's Christmas pageant, and his teacher asked if I had ever taken lessons, to which I replied: NO..she advised me to go to her voice teacher, Karen Ranung, who told me I was a tenor, which blew my mind and I thanked her profusely, and that is how I started lessons with her...I was also accepted into Opera Excelsior, a group out of Schenectady NY, to sing the role of Faust for First Night in Albany (the final prison scene only, repeating it three times during the night), and after that they used me wherever they needed a tenor, that is why I call myself a Utility Tenor, ha ha...after that group dwindled, I helped form another group: Opera Plus; a soprano, mezzo, myself and accompanist, and we sang in churches, hospitals, libraries etc, wherever we could find a venue...that lasted for about 8 yrs, until the soprano left, then that group disbanded...I also sang as the soloist for a church near my home for about 20 yrs, now I sing for two groups: Monday Musical and Music study...and at 80 am not going to stop until the Man upstairs says: "Enough"...ha ha I never made much money ($150 was the most I ever received, and that was for Christmas Eve and Morning for a Florida church, where I go during the winter months) Say a prayer that I have a few more years left eh? ha ha And, yes, Mario is the one who got me interested in opera and singing, and as you know I am not the only one who he influenced...I just wish I had the voice he had... Edited 07-11-2015 07:01 PM
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GARY TO DAN LAWLOR
07-11-2015
04:30 PM ET (US) IP: 71.72.144.56
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DAN,THANK YOU VERY MUCH,LOOKING FORE WARD TO HEARING YOU SING.WHAT AGE WERE YOU WHEN YOU STARTED TAKING VOICE LESSONS?DID MARIO LANZA INSPIRE YOU TO SING?THANK YOU FOR ANY INFO.HAVE A GREAT WEEK END!BEST
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Vince Di Placido (Jnr)
07-11-2015
03:35 PM ET (US) IP: 95.44.19.180
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Here is a clip of a new South Bank Show with Joseph Calleja talking to Melvyn Bragg about his early influence & inspiration, Mario Lanza & especially the film "The Great Caruso".
This is an extended clip of the conversation, the broadcast version was shorter & included stills of Mario & a great pristine clip of The Great Caruso "Celeste Aida" climax & a freeze frame of Mario coming off the final note as they went to commercial break, the effect was stunning!!! I'll upload that broadcast version tomorrow...
I love Melvyn Bragg's dwelling on what was special about Mario, I am so surprised Melvyn Bragg has never done a South Bank Show special on Mario...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k8hpHnBO830&feature=youtu.be
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Brian Harrison
07-11-2015
12:22 PM ET (US) IP: 82.35.122.181
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So pleased so many of you over the pond have viewed Antonio Pappano's Voices programme on Tenors. Thank goodness for the BBC again broadcasting a show that included reference to Mario and his fantastic voice. Ordered the two new Sepia cds last Monday, arrived Wednesday. Have only played the "My Italian Soul" cd. Nothing new but good sound quality and well worth buying especially for newcomers to the magic of Mario's voice. Hope to get around to playing "Greatest Operatic Recordings Vol.2" this weekend. Will let you know what I think later. The booklets with the cds are very good.
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Dan Lawlor
07-11-2015
10:27 AM ET (US) IP: 74.70.39.27
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Gary: The CD will be in the mail on Monday...hope you enjoy it! and thanks again!
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GARY TO DAN LAWLOR
07-10-2015
01:17 PM ET (US) IP: 71.72.144.56
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HI DAN,HERE IS MY ADDRESS,GARY OWENS,3923 JENSEN DRIVE,APT.G,SPRINGFIELD,OHIO,ZIP CODE:45503.THANK YOU VERY MUCH.LOOKING FORE WARD TO HEARING YOU SING!HAVE A GREAT DAY AND WEEK END!THANK YOU VERY MUCH.I CAN'T CARRY A TUNE IN A BUCKET,THAT'S HOW BAD MY SINGING IS.MY WIFE CINDY PUTS HER PILLOW OVER HER HEAD WHEN I SING IN MY SLEEP.BEST
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Ed
07-10-2015
11:58 AM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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David, I've seen this before and didn't think of it as passagio. You know my story about waiting for Pavarotti in the lobby entrance to the stage area I was ten feet away and heard him hit several notes as he walked through the door, what can I say? Thanks for the YT. Edited 07-10-2015 11:59 AM
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David Weaver
07-10-2015
11:45 AM ET (US) IP: 156.63.68.152
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Ed, here is a clip from 1979 of Luciano Pavarotti during a master class in Philadelphia talking about the "covered sound" which is how singers pass thru (passagio) the registers from the chest voice to the head voice:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uo6dDQiBGyI
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Ed
07-10-2015
07:48 AM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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I look forward to ordering the updated One Tenor today,then shortly after ordering the new CDs from Amazon, this will be a summer of Mario, lots of new stuff.
Again, my compliments to Mr.Pappano you could see the excitement in his eyes as he mouthed Vesti along with Mario and explained what Mario was doing. I never heard of passagio before this video, now I understand what it is and glad Mario knew how to use it, I've always wondered how he would go up and down so darn easily and to be in a small group of others who had it figured out.
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Dan Lawlor
07-09-2015
06:55 PM ET (US) IP: 74.70.39.27
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Gary: yes I do...if you would like a copy, either leave your email address or your home address and I will contact you/and/or send a copy of my CD...thanks for asking...and, yes, I saw the Pappano video..amazing and very enlightening...especially about tenors; I also watched the one about sopranos, which was also very enlightening...I finally understand why Caruso was so revered...he was perhaps one of the first tenors who sang with the chest sound, or baritone sound rather than the falsetto sound in the head tones. if I understood the commentary rightly...although I have listened to other tenors before him and they also used that baritone approach???? still in a quandary about why he was so revered? His voice was no better or worse than other tenors of his time??? like Martinelli? in my opinion...have to be careful not to step on any toes out there ha ha Edited 07-09-2015 07:11 PM
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GARY TO ED
07-09-2015
06:45 PM ET (US) IP: 71.72.144.56
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BROTHER ED,WHEN MARIO LANZA WALKED OUT ON THE STAGE AT THE PALLADIUM,IT WAS LIKE SEEING MARIO FOR THE FIRST TIME.IN MY OPINION,THE MAGNIFICENT AND GOLDEN VOICE OF MARIO LANZA IS THE GREATEST VOICE EVER!MARIO NEVER BECOMES OLD OR DATED.MARIO IS THE ONLY TENOR THAT TOUCHED MY HEART AND MIND AND SOUL,AND STILL DOES!I LOVE MARIO LIKE A BROTHER.MARIO LANZA IS THE ONE TENOR IN MY LIFE!BEST
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Ed
07-09-2015
02:22 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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I chose to watch the Pappano video again, rushing through the show to catch the few minutes that we had for Mario. One part that stood out for me was when he walked out on stage of the Palladium. He walked out so relaxed and the audience just warmed to him and happy to be there.
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GARY TO DAN LAWLOR
07-09-2015
01:22 PM ET (US) IP: 71.72.144.56
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DAN,SORRY I MEANT TO PUT YOUR NAME OVER TO THE LEFT OF MY MESSAGE TO YOU.BEST
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GARY
07-09-2015
01:08 PM ET (US) IP: 71.72.144.56
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DAN LAWLOR,HI DAN,DID YOU HAVE CHANCE TO SEE PAPPANO DOCUMENTARY ON YOU TUBE.THANK YOU FOR ANY INFO.DAN,DO YOU HAVE ANY CD'S OF YOU SINGING?THANK YOU FOR ANY INFO.HAVE A GREAT DAY AND EVENING!BEST
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Martino to Fred
07-09-2015
05:30 AM ET (US) IP: 67.216.109.108
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I'm sorry but I did not record that La Boheme performance. However, I can direct you to a couple youtube clips of another MET broadcast where Eugene Conley sang Rodolfo. The two excerpts linked below are from the 1953 performance conducted by Alberto Erede and co-staring Hilde Gueden, Robert Merrill and, once again, Jean Fenn as Musetta. From the clips of this performance I would say it is not as good overall as the one I listened to yesterday with Albanese.
The first clip is Eugene singing "Che Gelida Manina". You can hear right away the distinctive, somewhat nasal quality he had when singing from the middle of the voice. There was little sense of legato as well and when you compare this rendition to the top singers of his day, such as DiStefano and of course, Mario Lanza, the difference is quite noticeable. Although it was a distinctive sound, unlike anyone else I've ever heard, it was not a particularly beautiful one. I would describe him as sort of an "Irish" tenor on steroids, more vibrant and rich than we usually associate with "Irish" tenor. He was still very good of course but just a half step below the best and that is where history has correctly placed him. That was not the case once he hit the high notes, however. That was where he was most comfortable and it showed in all his performances - he was fearless with his high Cs and beyond. In fact, I would say only Gedda, Lauri-Volpi, Roswaenge and perhaps Pavarotti, surpassed the quality of his sound above high C. His high note at the end of the second clip, "O Soave Fanciulla", with Gueden, nearly drowns her out! They are not as good here as in the Albanese performance but I doubt anyone today could sound like that above the staff. The photo above shows Conley in uniform of the US Army Air Force Corps so perhaps he did sing with Lanza in the Winged Victory show.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2GdwlT7Uo2I
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tbbgWXY26no
Linz, I will send you my email address, as you requested.
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Linz
07-09-2015
01:09 AM ET (US) IP: 115.188.217.5
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http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00ERKHX2M/ref=cm_sw_su_dpNewly updated, The One Tenor is a labor of love for life-long Mario Lanza devotee, New Zealand radio and television broadcaster Lindsay Perigo. It's the bringing together of his best Lanza-related essays, critiques and interviews over the years, with significant new material exclusive to this book, including Perigo's take on the theory that Mario Lanza suffered from Bipolar Disorder. This theory was first touted in the biography of Lanza, Tenor in Exile, by Roland Bessette, with little explication. In The One Tenor Perigo interviews Mr. Bessette, who elaborates on his theory for the first time. Perigo responds in his stellar chapter, "Mario's Magic Madness." New evidence against Mr. Bessette's claim that an extended TV interview with Mario was canned because of his "manic" demeanour has now been appended. As of July, 2015, two landmark interviews have been added—one from 2015 with soprano Elaine Malbin, who made two iconic recordings with Lanza in 1950; the other with the late Licia Albanese, whose astounding collaboration with Lanza in an extended Otello sequence for the movie Serenade produced one of the all-time-great performances of the duet from Act 3. This classic interview was recorded in 1995 and appears here for the first time in full in print, with the endearing idiosyncrasies of Madam Albanese's Italian-English left intact. The author stresses in his Introduction that The One Tenor is not a biography, but a chance to meet the overpoweringly charismatic Mario of screen and record who, in Perigo's opinion, has somewhat eluded biographers hitherto. Perigo argues that the uniqueness of Lanza lay in both his voice and spirit, as he strives to immerse his readers in the glories of both. The book is exceptional for its musical literacy. Perigo uses his own background as a singing student and connoisseur of voices to maximum advantage. In his time as a broadcaster, Perigo presented a series for New Zealand's National Radio called Singers of Renown, devoted to the great recordings of all great voices. He conducted extended interviews with Joan Sutherland, Sir Donald MacIntyre, Dame Malvina Major, Luciano Pavarotti, Jose Carreras, Licia Albanese and Anna Moffo, along with Mario Lanza's conductor and accompanist, Constantine Callinicos. His wealth of knowledge about the vocal art permeates this entire collection. Among the diverse features of The One Tenor are Perigo's critiques of several Lanza CD releases of recent times, including the 2015 Sepia release, Mario Lanza—Greatest Operatic Recordings. Youngsters studying voice will find Perigo's observations about Lanza's technique and style illuminating, but these observations are not so technical as to baffle the layman. Perigo's insights into Lanza are further informed by his friendship for many years with Mario's son, the late Damon Lanza, of whom Perigo writes movingly here in Remembering a Buddy. Another gracious feature of the book is that Perigo makes way for Lanza-buddy and internet radio personality, Jeff Rense, to write a touching guest-memoir. Perigo and Rense have collaborated in several acclaimed radio shows devoted to Lanza's art. The One Tenor now boasts three Forewords, two by outstanding singers and one by a leading Lanza authority: Perigo's compatriot, pre-eminent contemporary Wagnerian tenor Simon O'Neill; one of the Irish Tenors now enjoying a distinguished solo career, Honorary President of Lanza Legend, Anthony Kearns; and, newly added in July 2015, compiler of the Sepia CDs Mario Lanza—Greatest Operatic Recordings Vols 1 and 2, and Mario Lanza—My Italian Soul, Dr. Derek McGovern. Coinciding as it does with the release of these CDs capturing what Perigo calls simply "The Voice" in some of its most dazzling performances, the update of The One Tenor provides an indispensable addition to the Lanza literature and timely salute to Mario's magnificent voice and spirit. http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00ERKHX2M/ref=cm_sw_su_dpParticular thanks to Sam Pierson for doing all the "fiddly stuff"—to which I am allergic and at which I'm comprehensively incompetent—getting the book Kindle-ready! Sir Sam, you're a champ!!Edited 07-09-2015 01:54 AM
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Linz
07-09-2015
12:24 AM ET (US) IP: 115.188.217.5
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I used to love Eugene Conley as a boy. He was regularly on the radio singing a song called "My Persistent Guitar." It was English lyrics to the tune of "Marechiare"!
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Fred Day
07-09-2015
12:17 AM ET (US) IP: 98.85.32.102
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Martino: Did you record that March 1955 Boheme, with Eugene Conley?? If so, I would love a copy. Please inform me. Conley was born in March 1908, and died in Dec 1981, age 73. I am surprised that he sang in Winged Victory, with young Lanza. He was 13 years older than Lanza. He sang at the Met from 1950 to 1956. Ciao.
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Linz
07-08-2015
11:53 PM ET (US) IP: 115.188.217.5
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Great to see the response to the BBC doco. I'd urge everyone to tick "like" and leave a message too. :-) Martino, Gail, Gary and Fred—would you mind e-mailing me your e-mail addresses: linz@lindsayperigo.com? Thanks. Edited 07-08-2015 11:54 PM
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Ed to Bill
07-08-2015
08:38 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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Bill, I agree that the kind of boost Mario got from Pappano in his program is what Mario needs, perhaps the younger generation will listen and learn.
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Bill Ronayne
07-08-2015
02:19 PM ET (US) IP: 67.80.214.227
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Martino: Conley was a very fine tenor and also was in the Winged Victory chorus with Mario. Linz: Enjoyed the Pappano program. That's the kind of programing needed to get the younger music lovers interested in the stars of the past and especially Mario. If anyone's interested in the labels I offered a few days ago and wants a clearer order form just email me. Best, Bill Edited 07-08-2015 02:19 PM
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Martino
07-08-2015
01:24 PM ET (US) IP: 67.216.109.108
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I've been listen this morning to a Sirius broadcast of "La Boheme" performed at the MET on 3/26/55. The singers were all excellent and mostly Americans, except for Licia Albanese (Mimi). The cast included Eugene Conley, Frank Guarrera and Jean Fenn, with the always steady and dependable Fausto Cleva, cond.
The first act just concluded with a wonderful "O Soave Fanciulla" sung by Licia Albanese and Eugene Conley. They ended it with a terrific high C at the end, both in forte, and it was as thrilling as one could hope for and every bit the equal of the famous tv performance of this duet by Kirsten and Corelli. Although some people may prefer that the tenor take the soft ending, leaving the high note for the soprano, when Conley is singing that just is not going to happen (nor would it ever happen with Mario Lanza!). Conley had one of the finest top registers of the last century and this was an example where anything less than the capo C would have diminished the performance. Conley and Albanese soared in this duet in a way we just don't hear very often these days. He may have had an overall pedestrian way of singing and an ordinary sound in the middle but the top was truly spectacular and sounded almost like another voice.
The partnering of Albanese and Fenn, (who sang Musetta) in this performance of "La Boheme", reminded me that they appeared together again shortly after - but not in an opera. This time they appeared with Mario Lanza in the film, "Serenade". Licia of course was Desdemona in the "Otello" excerpts and Fenn sang the La Boheme duet with Mario in the restaurant scene. Jean Fenn performed both soprano roles in La Boheme on stage but was much more famous as Musetta than she was as Mimi.
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GARY
07-08-2015
12:20 PM ET (US) IP: 71.72.144.56
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WATCHED PAPPANO ON YOU TUBE.MARIO LANZA IS GETTING THE PRAISE HE DESERVES.ONLY THE VOICE OF MARIO LANZA TOUCHES MY HEART,MIND AND SOUL!
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Phil uk.
07-08-2015
06:53 AM ET (US) IP: 149.254.224.223
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Hats off to maestro pappano in giving Mario the credit he deserves vocally.It took courage to say what he did.Bravo Antonio.
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Wendy Stilwell - UK
07-08-2015
02:53 AM ET (US) IP: 92.20.121.92
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For anyone in the UK who missed the Pappano documentary, it is being repeated on Friday night at 8.00 pm on BBC4.
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GARY
07-07-2015
06:50 PM ET (US) IP: 71.72.144.56
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LINZ,THANKS FOR THE LINK.BEST
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Dennis
07-07-2015
06:09 PM ET (US) IP: 73.170.201.215
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Linz, thanks for the link. Very enjoyable hour and surprising praise for Mario from an opera professional (surprising that he would risk criticism from opera snobs).
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Gail Swartz
07-07-2015
03:04 PM ET (US) IP: 64.12.226.25
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Ordered my copy of the new Mario cd. So glad Mario was honored and praised on the broadcast in UK...we have been doing that for 60+ years..and will not cease as long as people continue to "find"the glorious golden voice . What Mario could do with his voice continues to amaze me!
On July 6, 2015, at 10:55 PM, QuickTopic daily digest <qtopic-30-ECKcxtRbxUTNy@quicktopic.com> wrote:
< replied-to message removed by QT >
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Ed
07-07-2015
01:48 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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Just finished Pappano on YouTube. I thought it great how they saved the most famous for last. Being shown and heard among all those greats is only fitting. Thanks Linz
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Suzanne
07-07-2015
11:21 AM ET (US) IP: 74.78.255.171
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Likable Pappano brings this documentary to us and Imagine what Mario would have felt to hear himself described so. Lovely. Hope everyone watches it. Thanks Linz for the heads up.
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Ed
07-07-2015
08:53 AM ET (US) IP: 54.234.24.238
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As excited as I am about the new releases I can't help but think back how excited I was when I bought Cavalcade years ago. While traveling yesterday and listening to various recordings by Mario one still amazes me on the finish and that is the track Rose Marie, what a finish on the lyric "Rose"
Will catch Pappan later today.
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Linz
07-06-2015
06:59 PM ET (US) IP: 115.188.217.5
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Here is a link to the Pappano programme. While I'm naturally delighted at the description of Mario as "the most famous tenor there ever was, bar none; and, together with Enrico Caruso, the most influential," I'm even more thrilled at the singling out of Mario as one of the "masters of the passaggio" and Pappano's literal thumbs up to the cleverness of Mario's technique in delivering the emotion of Vesti right at the end of the programme. Those of us who've been pointing this out for years and felt we were banging our heads against a wall of aggressive ignorance and indifference may now feel that the cavalry has arrived! With reinforcement from the new McGovern/Sepia CDs! Oh, and perhaps even helped by my updated The One Tenor to be announced any day now. :-)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8DDEA-3nWU8
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Dan Lawlor
07-06-2015
06:15 PM ET (US) IP: 74.70.39.27
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Correction: I do have a recording of Corelli in Turandot with Birgit Nillson as Turandot , but on CD...so, I knew I had Corelli in Turandot, it just took me some time to find it...ha ha
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Bill Ronayne
07-06-2015
04:25 PM ET (US) IP: 68.199.20.147
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Hi Joe: It's a label not a stamp. :) If people request that, I can add Lanza's name at the bottom of the picture in white with a black background. Some of the people that post here that purchased them through the club when I first announced this have them with his name on them. Best, Bill
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Joe
07-06-2015
02:48 PM ET (US) IP: 71.224.55.142
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Bill, will Lanza's name appear on the stamp? WE all know who he is but I thought one of the objectives was to publicize him. Thanks, Joe
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Bill Ronayne
07-06-2015
12:53 PM ET (US) IP: 68.199.20.147
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 Here is a special offer from MLSNY. Please note that if you are outside of the US especially in the UK, you should contact me at wjronayne@optonline.net to first see if I can fit your address and also the shipping charges as the cost per set will be more than listed on the form. By the way, the labels will be much clearer than the jpeg shown here. Best, Bill Edited 07-06-2015 12:54 PM
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GARY
07-06-2015
12:50 PM ET (US) IP: 71.72.144.56
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CHRIS JOHNS,DID YOU HAVE NICE JULY 4TH.WE WENT OVER TO A FRIENDS HOUSE AND SPENT SOME TIME WITH THEM.HAVE A GREAT DAY AND WEEK.BEST
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GARY
07-06-2015
12:32 PM ET (US) IP: 71.72.144.56
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I APOLOGIZE IF I HAVE OFFENDED ANYONE ON THIS FORUM,I AM SORRY.BEST
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Martino
07-06-2015
12:28 PM ET (US) IP: 67.216.109.108
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When speaking of "Otello" and singers who SHOULD have sung this role, perhaps none were vocally, temperamentally and in-character more for this role than was Mario Lanza. We have several of his clips and movie performances to show that Lanza, especially the mature Lanza, would have been right up there with the "Otellos" of Del Monaco, Martinelli and Pertile.
Speaking of Del Monaco, if one is to believe all that is written, both he and the great Italian soprano Renata Tebaldi, owe it to Mario Lanza for their American debut chance, at least in a round about way. Here is the justification for that statement, as written by the opera fanatic and collector, David Akins:
"I next heard Del Monaco at the San Francisco Opera where he had made his American debut in the Fall of 1950, being a replacement, believe it or not, for Mario Lanza. Lanza had agreed to open the season in "Andrea Chenier" with his idol Licia Albanese as Maddalena. MGM, who had invested so much money in Lanza, forbade him to sing, fearing the possibility of poor review which might damage their investment. Gaetano Merola, the founder and principal conductor of the San Francisco Opera, turned to Frank De Bellis, a wealthy record collector (a man who five years later became a friend of mine), to ask his advice as to who were the most prominent Italian tenors to replace Lanza. De Bellis played recordings of both Del Monaco and Tebaldi, and thus these two giants made their American debuts on the opening night of the 1950 season, in "Aida." Rudolf Bing, who was in his first season as manager at the Met, came to San Francisco for the opening night and offered Del Monaco an audition performance at the Met of "Manon Lescaut" on his way back to Italy from San Francisco. Del Monaco was paid $300 for the performance, for which he never forgave Bing, and so their relationship, which was to continue for approximately ten years, on and off, began badly."
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Martino
07-06-2015
12:07 PM ET (US) IP: 67.216.109.108
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Corelli also sang "Niun mi tema" in concert late in his career and much earlier in his career he recorded one of the best "Esultate!" entrances ever sung by anyone. These along with the first act love duet mentioned by Matt, shows what a towering "Otello" he would have been. Franco admitted later in life his regret at not having taken on the role. Here is a clip:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O5XWaikWS50
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matt minzer
07-06-2015
11:00 AM ET (US) IP: 76.108.68.101
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ED:
FRANCO CORELLI NEVER SANG THE ROLE OF OTHELLO EXCEPT FOR THE LOVE DUET FROM ACT 1 AT THE RUDOLPH BING GALA WHICH WAS TAPED.
BEST,
MATT MINZER
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Ed
07-06-2015
08:23 AM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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Wendy/Brian,Derek, I've always said Mario Lanza was the most famous tenor there ever was. While I do not think Antonio Pappano is known here in America, I am sure he surrounded Mario in discussion with other great tenors of near equal popularity, saving Mario for last assured me. I hope we on the other side of the pond get to hear his program. Derek, thank you for updating us on the newly released material, my best to you. The past few months have taken a terrible toll on our family with a major death in our famiky and things said, disagreements were blown up and I offer my apologies to those who may have been offended by my comments. We Lanza fans are a tough bunch. Best Ed Edited 07-06-2015 10:32 AM
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Brian Harrison
07-06-2015
08:04 AM ET (US) IP: 82.35.122.181
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Wendy, so glad that you caught the Antonio Pappano's Classical Voices on BBC Four last night. Very informative about the art of tenor singing. He also stated what we here on this forum have been saying for years quote - "Mario Lanza is the most famouse Tenor there ever was, bar none." At last true recognition by an expert. For those in the UK the programme can be seen for the next six days on BBC iplayer. Not sure whether it is available in America but I am sure someone over the pond will find a way.
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Derek McGovern
07-06-2015
03:39 AM ET (US) IP: 220.92.65.19
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Sam posted an announcement here a few weeks back about two exciting new Mario Lanza CD releases from UK-based Sepia Records: "Greatest Operatic Recordings, Volume 2" and "My Italian Soul." I'm happy to report that both CDs are now available from Sepia's own website for 8.80 pounds apiece (US$13.67), including international postage: http://sepiarecords.com/ (The site says that the discs will be out in August; in fact, they're available now.) The discs will also be available from all Amazon outlets on August 7th (at a somewhat higher price), and from Propermusic.com from August 14th. More information about these CDs is available at http://www.mariolanzatenor.com/news/two-mo...-from-sepia-records and http://solopassion.com. Please note that the track listings and recording details shown at the above sites contain the *correct* information. I say this because I've noticed that some of the promotional material at various online sellers' sites incorrectly claims, among other things, that the newly discovered "Mattinata" is a live recording and that "Lasciatemi Morire" is included. Edited 07-06-2015 03:54 AM
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Wendy Stilwell - UK
07-06-2015
03:14 AM ET (US) IP: 92.20.185.11
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I watched BBC4's Classical Voices on Sunday night presented by the Musical Director of the Royal Opera House. This edition was all on tenors, and he left Mario until the last, as he said "he was the most famous tenor of the twentieth-century". An extract from Sunday Night at the Palladium was shown and The Great Caruso trailer and the Pagliacci exerpt from the same film. A previous episode was sopranos, and two more are planned on baritones and mezzo-sopranos.
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Dan Lawlor
07-05-2015
11:11 PM ET (US) IP: 74.70.39.27
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I made a mistake, I checked on my vinyl records and DelMonaco was the tenor in my Turandot, w/Tebaldi...sorry!
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Ed
07-05-2015
05:21 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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David-Excuse senior moment,you're correct.
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David Weaver
07-05-2015
05:12 PM ET (US) IP: 24.210.22.228
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Ed, I think you might mean Del Monaco - Otello was a role Corelli never tackled.
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Ed
07-05-2015
04:22 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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Dan-Corelli was my favorite Otello.
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Dan Lawlor
07-05-2015
03:35 PM ET (US) IP: 74.70.39.27
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Ed: I have an LP with Corelli in Turandot.
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Ed
07-05-2015
12:06 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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Aside from Pav' s Nessun Dorma I really don't know about the whole Turandot my guess it is very good. I no longer have the vinyl Turandot but I have Bjorling on CD Great Duets and the whole Turandot segment is off the charts. As for Othello I think Lanza in his late 30s would have been great. Just my opinion. Edited 07-05-2015 12:07 PM
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Diane Cox
07-05-2015
11:58 AM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.239
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I have Turandot with Pavarotti.
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Fred Day
07-05-2015
09:08 AM ET (US) IP: 98.85.32.102
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Ed: No, as far as is known, Leinsdorf never conducted for Lanza. That Turandot, with Nilsson in the title role, was superb, to be sure. Ciao.
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Ed Matt/Fred
07-05-2015
08:51 AM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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Just looked over the post about Turandot, many years back I had a vinyl recording of the opera with Bjorling,Tebaldi and Tozzi,and Leinsdorf,I thought it best
Fred-Did Leinsdorf ever conduct Lanza?
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Fred Day
07-04-2015
04:17 PM ET (US) IP: 98.85.32.102
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Matt: Yes, I would like a copy of that Turandot. Sounds interesting. Thanks. Ciao.
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MATT MINZER
07-04-2015
12:19 PM ET (US) IP: 64.12.116.203
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DAN:
I JUST WATCHED MY NEW COPY OF "TURANDOT" WITH A GREAT CAST-STEMME, AND ANTONENKO (THE GREAT RUSSIAN TENOR WHO IS SCHEDULED TO SING THE ROLE OF OTHELLO OPENING NIGHT AT THE MET.) WHILE THE PRODUCTION IS UNIQUE AND MODERN AND HAS ITALIAN SUBTITLES-IT IS REALLY BEAUTIFUL AND WAS TAPED A FEW WEEKS AGO AT LA SCALA.
WOULD YOU LIKE A COPY? PLEASE E-MAIL ME YOUR NEW YORK ADDRESS BEFORE TUESDAY AFTERNOON AS WE ARE DRIVING TO NEW YORK ON WEDNESDAY AND WILL BE AWAY FOR TWO MONTHS.
BEST,
MATT MINZER
FRED: WOULD YOU LIKE A COPY AS WELL? GIVE ME A CALL.
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Kristine
07-04-2015
11:25 AM ET (US) IP: 173.169.63.145
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Happy 4th of July ! In August, Elvis Presley will be honored on stamps, again, in the Music Icon series. Also, in August, Ingrid Bergman will be honored as part of Hollywood Legends series, in conjunction with Sweden. Paul Newman will be on stamps in September. Long overdue for a Mario Lanza stamp ! Fans wanted Tyrone Power to be on stamps, in 2014, which would have been his 100th Birthday, but it never happened. Charlton Heston was chosen as the subject for stamps. MOMA(Museum of Modern Art, N.Y.) and LACMA(Los Angeles County Museum of Art)show old movies, such as "Meet Me In St. Louis" and "An American In Paris". I think The George Eastman House(Rochester, N.Y.)does, too. I hope, one day, Mario Lanza's movies will be shown at these museums.
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MATT MINZER
07-04-2015
07:57 AM ET (US) IP: 64.12.116.203
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DAN:
THE RUSSIAN OPERA BEING "IOLANTA" BY TCHAIKOVSKY FEATURING ANNA NETREBKO.
BEST,
MATT
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David Weaver
07-03-2015
11:09 PM ET (US) IP: 24.210.22.228
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Joe, maybe he DID like the recording. The fact that many people consider it his worse recording doesn't necessarily mean he did. This interview was less than two months after he recorded the album, which took place May 14, 15, and 17.
Note his last comment: "The voice is better than ever, and I want people to hear it." Most fans do not think he was better than ever on the Broadway album.
On the other hand, less than a month after the interview, on August 10, he did his first recordings with Henri Rene - four Christmas carols and the single "Earthbound" and "This Land." A few weeks later they recorded the CAVALCADE OF SHOW TUNES album. The difference in his voice and singing on those recordings compared to the Broadway album is remarkable.
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Joe
07-03-2015
05:59 PM ET (US) IP: 71.224.55.142
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Thanks David! I had never read that article before (and I am still a little befuddled that Mario consented to the release of LOB). Of course, he had to pretty much say he expected it to do well and I guess the sales WERE good-so in a sense, he was correct. But, I have to believe in his heart-of-hearts he knew it was below his "standard" Edited 07-03-2015 06:01 PM
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Suzanne
07-03-2015
05:49 PM ET (US) IP: 74.78.255.171
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Watching Vince DiPlacido's wonderful contributions to Youtube.The film clips are great to watch over and over, and Mario's voice-well! I'll always be grateful to Vince for lending these to us.Happy Fourth of July, everyone!
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MATT MINZER
07-03-2015
05:27 PM ET (US) IP: 64.12.116.203
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DAN:
I AM HAPPY THAT YOU ENJOYED THE EXTENSIVE ANNA NETRBKO DVD THAT I MAILED YOU OF THE PAST TEN YEARS OF HER ILLUSTRIOUS CAREER AND GROWTH AS A FINE AND BEAUTIFUL ARTIST.
THE RUSSIAN OPERA HAS A COPY GUARD ATTACHED AND I CAN'T SEND IT TO YOU.
BEST,
MATT MINZER
HOW ABOUT A RECENT PERFORMANCE OF "RIGOLETTO" OR "TURANDOT." ONCE AGAIN, PLEASE SEND ME YOUR SUMMER ADDRESS AT MMINZER@AOL.COM. WE ARE DRIVING TO NEW YORK ON WEDNESDAY FOR TWO MONTHS.
BEST,
MATT MINZER
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Ed
07-03-2015
04:41 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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David, excellent interview and thanks for giving the opportunity to read up. I was just 8 when that interview was given. I have been a champion for Mario since 1963 and stand in his corner all the time. As for LOB it may not be my favorite but it is what it is. I am glad to have it and enjoy the songs. It is strange though when Cavalcade is so great. IMHO, more recitals would have great, leaving America a bad move. Happy Fourth!
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David Weaver
07-03-2015
03:02 PM ET (US) IP: 24.210.22.228
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Joe, below is a link to an interview Lanza gave in the summer of 1956 to UPI reporter Vernon Scott. As far as I know, it's the only reference he made to the Broadway album and his assessment of it was: "It should do well." Note too that Lanza tells Scott he is not sure which direction to take in his career at that point - television or movies. While he speaks of doing a series of opera on screen, there is no mention of returning to the operatic stage - or the concert stage for that matter. Here's the link: http://www.newspapers.com/clip/77752/lanza_1956_interview/Edited 07-03-2015 03:02 PM
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Joe to David Weaver
07-03-2015
02:13 PM ET (US) IP: 71.224.55.142
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As you have pointed out, the awful Lanza on Broadway Album was released while Mario was alive--so he must have consented. Does anyone know a reason for this illogical move by Mario because he certainty would have recognized its many flaws. Was it financial, perhaps, maybe an emotional crisis? It's simply so inconsistent with Mario's knowledge of what was good. I've never heard a good explanation of his motivation.
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Suzanne
07-02-2015
01:09 PM ET (US) IP: 74.78.255.171
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Ed, my thoughts are with you.
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Ed
07-01-2015
03:42 PM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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Mom was laid to rest on Monday, the service had more people than I could count which was a testament to who she was and what she meant to those who knew her no matter how long. I must admit it was moving to many, myself I will let you imagine how I was. The choir sang Ave Maria and all the time Mario's recording was stuck in my head. Again, let me thank you all for thinking of my family and me at a very hard time. Ed Edited 07-01-2015 03:43 PM
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Thelma F. Prince
06-30-2015
10:34 PM ET (US) IP: 209.85.212.170
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Thank you both for your concern about my health. I am feeling some better. I look on the computer everyday when I feel like it.
I am glad Elvis finally got on a stamp.
On Tue, Jun 30, 2015 at 5:55 PM, QT - Kristine <
qtopic-30-ECKcxtRbxUTNy@quicktopic.com> wrote:
>
< replied-to message removed by QT >
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Kristine
06-30-2015
05:55 PM ET (US) IP: 173.169.63.145
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Thelma, I hope you feel better. Elvis Presley will be on a stamp, again, in August. He was on a stamp in 1992. Ingrid Bergman will be on a stamp in August. It's a joint venture between U.S. Post Office and Sweden. Paul Newman will be on a stamp in September. Good choices. Long overdue for a Mario Lanza stamp.
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Suzanne
06-30-2015
09:25 AM ET (US) IP: 74.78.255.171
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Hi Thelma. Good to see your post. Thinking about what you've posted in the past. Would you remind us of your history with Mario? Seems I recall that you saw him in person or attended the premiere of one of his films. Like to hear about it again. Sorry your health isn't as good as it might be. Miss you here.But isn't it good that new names keep cropping up, remembering Mario?
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Gail Swartz
06-30-2015
08:51 AM ET (US) IP: 64.12.143.81
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Very enlightening posts...thanks to all of you that possess information about Mario. Watching FT FT right now...he did sing his guts out for us! He made all of his characters on the big screen believable and warm. Hard to realize that he has been gone from us low these 55 years. He will live forever if we keep hi s legacy alive. A voice like his....wow!
On June 29, 2015, at 10:54 PM, QuickTopic daily digest <qtopic-30-ECKcxtRbxUTNy@quicktopic.com> wrote:
< replied-to message removed by QT >
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David Weaver
06-29-2015
04:14 PM ET (US) IP: 156.63.68.177
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And Dennis, what's important to remember is this - these releases were made when Mario Lanza was ALIVE. So he had to have been involved in, known about, or approved what was released. Certain folks like to make it seem as though RCA was pulling the wool over his eyes and that he was caught unaware when a new album of show tunes or love songs came out. As if he was lounging at home in 1956 and a box arrives with copies of a new LP. He opens it and fumes, "LANZA ON BROADWAY? Where the hell did THIS come from? Who told RCA they could put my name out on garbage like this? Dammit, I'm an OPERA SINGER! Boy, if I can get my hands on that Manny Sacks, I'll beat the crap out of him!" Edited 06-29-2015 04:15 PM
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Ray Reeves
06-29-2015
01:05 PM ET (US) IP: 92.30.4.238
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Hi David - thanks.
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David Weaver
06-29-2015
12:58 PM ET (US) IP: 156.63.68.177
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At least re the albums, here is the list released during his lfetime: 10-inch lps by catalog number: LM-75 Toast of New Orleans - 1950 LM-86 That Midnight Kiss (although the film TMK was released before TONO and the songs and arias from the film released on singles, in LP format TONO was first) - 1950 LM-155 Mario Lanza Sings Christmas Songs - 1951 LM-6015 Because You're Mine - 1952 12-inch lps by catalog number: LM-1127 The Great Caruso - 1951 LM-1188 Love Songs and a Neapolitan Serenade - 1951 LM-1837 Hit Songs from The Student Prince and Other Great Musicals - 1954 LM-1860 A Kiss and Other Love Songs - 1954 LM-1927 The Touch of Your Hand - 1955 LM-1943 The Magic Mario - 1956 LM-1996 Serenade -1956 LM-2029 Lanza Sings Chistmas Carols - 1956 LM-2070 Lanza on Broadway - 1956 LM-2090 A Cavalcade of Show Tunes - 1957 LM-2211 Seven Hills of Rome - 1958 CAL-458 You Do Something to Me (RCA Camden) - 1958 LM/LSC-2331 Mario! - 1959 (LM was mono, LSC was stereo) LM/LSC-2333 Lanza Sings Christmas Carols (released late Sep 1959, so technically last recording released in Mario's lifetime) - 1959 LM/LSC-2338 For the First Time - 1959 (released in Aug 1959) First album released after Mario died was DOUBLE FEATURE (mono only - LM-2422), which was actually a re-issue in 12-inch fomrat of Mario's first two 10-inch LPs (which has been discontinued), with TMK on side 1 and TONO on side 2. Other than the Christmas album, the recordings Mario made in 1959 - Student Prince, Caruso Favorites, Vagabond King, and Desert Song - were released in either 1960 or 1961, along with the "live" recording of his 1958 recital at Albert Hall. From 1962 on - everything was a re-issue of previous recordings, unreleased recordings from the Coke show, and alternate takes. Edited 06-29-2015 01:05 PM
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Diane Cox
06-29-2015
12:52 PM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.239
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That's what the lists I named are, Ray. The Cescare list gives the date, orchestra, money received, and company doing the record. Edited 06-29-2015 12:54 PM
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Ray Reeves
06-29-2015
12:26 PM ET (US) IP: 92.30.4.238
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Hi David
That sounds exactly what I'm looking for.
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Ray Reeves
06-29-2015
12:24 PM ET (US) IP: 92.30.4.238
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Hi Dennis Right at this time I am particularly interested in the history of how his recordings were released during his lifetime. For example The First Noel was issued as part of a boxed 45rpm album set, a 78rpm boxed album set, on a 10" LP and then on a 12" LP. I am fairly sure that,many years ago, the BMLS published a list of all his US record releases but it's not on their website. Edited 06-29-2015 12:25 PM
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David Weaver
06-29-2015
12:24 PM ET (US) IP: 156.63.68.177
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In the 1960 book THE MARIO LANZA STORY by Constantine Callinicos, there was a complete listing of recordings issued by RCA up to the time of the publication of the book. Since it came out only a year after Lanza's death, nearly every listing was of recordings released during his lifetime. It listed singles by their catalog numbers in both 78 and 45 rpm format (until 78s were abandoned in the mid-50s). The singles are listed by those which appeared on Red Seal and those on the regular RCA Victor label (from 1956 on Mario's singles were on the black label). It included his four 10-inch lps (another format abandoned by the mid-50s), the extended play singles and albums (for example, LANZA ON BROADWAY was a single LP but also released on three 45 EP singles, with one having four songs). Mario's 1959 albums were listed with their catalog numbers in both their mono and stereo foramts. Again - the listing is strictly of recordings RELEASED - not recorded that came out later.
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Dennis
06-29-2015
12:09 PM ET (US) IP: 73.170.201.215
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Ray, that certainly narrows it down, but are you sure it is what you want? What about radio recordings that subsequently were made into records, perhaps decades after Mario's death? Or home recordings that can be found on YouTube? What about just-released recordings that never have been put on vinyl but are initially sold on CDs? There likely will be more in this category in the years to come as "lesser" recordings are released…or excellent recordings that for some reason were never released before by the owners (Sony, RCA, who knows)…or unsuspected recordings found in vaults…and on and on.
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Ray Reeves
06-29-2015
12:02 PM ET (US) IP: 92.30.4.238
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Hi Diane
That's not what I'm looking for. I want a list of every 78rpm, 45rpm, EP, 10" LP and 12" LP he released during his lifetime. It's not a list of recordings - it's a list of records.
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Diane Cox
06-29-2015
11:49 AM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.239
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Ray, if you google ML recordings list, you will find a list prepared by Derek Mannering that has all the early recordings named. There are still recordings being issued, at least 2 in the last year, and 2 more coming up. Some of the material is out takes or never released material. There is a disography list in the back of An American Tragedy by Amando Cesari. Also on ebay many vinyl recordings are for sale, and of course CDs. Hope this helps.
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Ray Reeves
06-29-2015
10:40 AM ET (US) IP: 92.30.4.238
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Hi
I hope somebody reads this - by today's standards I'm not very PC literate.
I am a Mario Lanza fan and have been since I was 16 (54 years ago). I guess my mother first introduced me to his voice. Over the years I became really "into" Mario although my interest., alas, waned a little in more recent times. But I stll have what I consider to be a more-or-less definitive collection in that I have practically every recording that has ever been made available.
What I am hoping someone can help me with is this: where can I find a complete list of all the US record releases (records not recordings) during his lifetime? I believe I did have such a list some years ago but for whatever reason I don't have it now.
Can anyone please help?
Many thanks
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Thelma F. Prince
06-28-2015
04:43 PM ET (US) IP: 74.125.82.53
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Thelma to Ed: I don't get around here very much recently due to my poor health. I am so sorry to hear of your mother's death.
On Sun, Jun 28, 2015 at 1:39 PM, QT - matt minzer <
qtopic-30-ECKcxtRbxUTNy@quicktopic.com> wrote:
>
< replied-to message removed by QT >
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matt minzer
06-28-2015
01:39 PM ET (US) IP: 64.12.116.203
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HI DAN L:
I MADE YOU THE COPY BUT REALIZE THAT I DON'T HAVE YOUR ADDRESS. PLEASE WRITE IT TO ME HERE OR AT MMINZER@AOL.COM.
BEST WISHES,
MATT AND MARILYN MINZER
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matt minzer
06-28-2015
11:46 AM ET (US) IP: 64.12.116.203
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HI DAN L:
"IOLANTA" MUST HAVE HAD A COPY GUARD. I AM MAILING YOU A DVD OF MANY ANNA NETREBKO PERFORMANCES FILMED BETWEEN 2003-2013.
HOPE IT WORKS FOR YOU.
BEST,
MATT MINZER
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Ed
06-28-2015
06:57 AM ET (US) IP: 54.159.221.17
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I am in awe of the many kind words and sympathies posted here about my mom's passing. My mom was so loved by many, you've shown the love,respect, and you shared my heart at one of the most hurtful times in my life giving me support. It seems the magic of our Mario shines on us all in spreading his warmth at times as these, his fans know this.I know time will heal as God says but we never forget those who have left a whole in our heart by their passing. From my family and I we thank you. Ed
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Gail Swartz
06-28-2015
12:09 AM ET (US) IP: 64.12.143.75
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To Ed...praying right now for you. Your mom was blessed to have you at her side.
On June 27, 2015, at 10:52 PM, QuickTopic daily digest <qtopic-30-ECKcxtRbxUTNy@quicktopic.com> wrote:
< replied-to message removed by QT >
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David Weaver
06-27-2015
07:41 PM ET (US) IP: 24.210.22.228
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Today marks a milestone in the history of Mario Lanza: 65 years ago. June 27, 1950, he recorded "Be My Love" for RCA Victor Red Seal.
For its 60th anniversary in 1964, RCA chose this recording of Lanza's to include in their compilation MUSIC AMERICA LOVES BEST. The liner notes read:
"This stunning, bravura performance of a splendid song was one of Lanza's first and most successful recordings. His superb voice won him a tremendous following in both the classical and popular fields, and his RCA recordings continue to sell in the millions."
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Terry Velda
06-27-2015
07:15 PM ET (US) IP: 86.20.87.86
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Ed, Ann and I send our deepest and sincere sympathy and prayers. It is hard to loose our Mum but she is now in a better place and no more suffering. Thinking of you at this sad time. Lots of Love from us both xxxx
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Martino
06-27-2015
04:54 PM ET (US) IP: 67.216.109.108
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Many people continue to ask why opera is in a popularity decline, why opera voices are not as appreciated and revered today as they once were and, in general, what has happened to this art form and great, classical style singing? I read here a while back someone posting about a radio programmer who when asked why Lanza was not played more on the station said that in today's world, the voice of Mario Lanza is simply "too startling" for modern audiences. I am not sure I would ever use that word when describing the voice of Mario Lanza, but if he is correct, why is this so?
I dug up an old (2008) rant by a poster at an opera forum that tried to answer some of these questions and he made a lot of sense. I don't agree totally but I do with most of it. What do you think, especially of his last four words which pretty well sums up his thoughts?:
"The opera world has changed, in ways too big to enumerate -
but with very few exceptions - Netrebko and Kaufmann and Hvoroskovsky come
to mind - the glamour is gone. At the risk of sounding superannuated, "in
the old days" even the B-string singers had strong personality, their own
recording companies, their own friends, their own entourages and claques,
and generated a degree of partisanship and sometimes animosity that
enlivened the whole opera-listening world's conversation, and only served to
make the big stars even more vociferously the subject of adulation and
debate (and significant hysteria at some performances!). It also helped
that so many singers stayed resident in New York for
the entire season and were heard in many roles - you got to know them, and
as a consequence, it was they who mattered - no one really cared whether the
production was new and splendid or old and tattered - when Tebaldi and
Corelli in Boheme were followed a week later by Kirsten and Tucker in the
same roles, the cardboard cutouts simply didn't matter, nor did the
conductor very much, although a tight performance was always appreciated.
And to make one last geriatric remark, singing technique has advanced
institutionally to the point where voices are well-produced but totally
bland, and at the risk of a fluffment of feathers, I would include Netrebko
and Kaufmann in that group - big superbly controlled sound, good looks, and
zero personality - once in a blue moon, a voice appears that is memorable on
its own - like Beczala for example, and we think we have been transported
back to the golden age. Perhaps transportation back on occasion is all the
thrill that's left. Another point before the rant peters out - the great
singers of yesterday had EGO, sometimes overbearing, but more often than not
reined in by true humility, generated by their own knowledge that the gifts
they possessed were precious, and to be revealed like a sacrament (Enthüllet
den Gral!). Nowadays singers just wanna seem like the next gal or feller,
called by their first name, galloping the range and in it for the
fun...sigh.
The thrill is gone."
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Dennis
06-27-2015
01:56 PM ET (US) IP: 73.170.201.215
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Ed,
From your previous posts it is obvious that you were a dedicated son, bringing your mother happiness due to your care and love. The doctors do their best but are not God, but you did your best by expressing your love to her in her hour of deepest need. God will not forget, your mother will not forget, your family will not forget, and your friends on this forum are aware of your commitment. May she rest in peace and may you grieve with hope in the life to come.
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Audrey Petrella
06-27-2015
01:06 PM ET (US) IP: 100.1.222.69
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Ed,
My heartfelt sympathy. No one can replace a mother - those who have lost our mothers know this to be true. However, they do live forever in our memories and in the faces of our children and grandchildren. Will pray the rosary for her again in church on Monday night. Always remember, you are a good son, and she is still watching over you and smiling.
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Suzanne
06-27-2015
01:01 PM ET (US) IP: 74.78.255.171
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Bill, received the labels . Like them very much. Have sent out some already.
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Suzanne
06-27-2015
01:00 PM ET (US) IP: 74.78.255.171
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Ed, my deepest sympathy to you and your family. When we hadn't heard from you in a few days, I thought perhaps your mom had passed away. Thinking of you.
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Fred Day
06-27-2015
11:26 AM ET (US) IP: 98.85.32.102
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Ed: My sincere sympathy on the loss of your mother. She is in a better place now, free of pain and suffering. May she rest in peace. Ciao.
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Bill Ronayne
06-27-2015
09:04 AM ET (US) IP: 24.46.61.227
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Deepest sympathies and condolences to you and the family Ed. Best, Bill
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matt minzer
06-27-2015
08:23 AM ET (US) IP: 64.12.116.203
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Ed:
Our sincere sympathy on the passing of your mom. Knowing you, I am sure that you were a fine son.
best,
Matt Minzer
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Ed to Martino
06-27-2015
08:08 AM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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Martino-Your words to me bring a much needed comfort. This is one of the worst times of my life and I have had no time to grieve because of all the goings on, you have no idea how words help. These are important things and nothing trivial as prior comments or posts which come and go. Best Ed
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Martino to Ed
06-27-2015
07:14 AM ET (US) IP: 67.216.109.108
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I am saddened to hear of the loss of your mom. There are very few things more difficult than the death of a parent. We are all here for you so do not hesitate to reach out to the forum in these tough times. I offer my prayers and condolences to you and your family.
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vincentjamesdiplacido @gm
06-27-2015
06:39 AM ET (US) IP: 79.65.48.8
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Ed My dear friend , So Sorry to Hear the sad news ,my deepest Sympathy to you and your family,
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Ed
06-27-2015
06:24 AM ET (US) IP: 24.164.144.197
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I just wanted to tell my friends here and to thank those who post here that after a really short bout with lung cancer yesterday mom died in her sleep. Mom was diagnosed on April 23 and in two months she was gone. I didn't know I would post here again but it was the right thing to do. Diane-Thank you very much for announcing this earlier on my behalf I really appreciate it. Best Ed Edited 06-27-2015 06:25 AM
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Dan Lawlor
06-27-2015
05:46 AM ET (US) IP: 74.70.39.27
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Ed: My deepest condolences to you and your family
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Kristine
06-26-2015
08:48 PM ET (US) IP: 173.169.63.145
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Ed, my sympathy and condolences to you and family.
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diane cox
06-26-2015
08:13 PM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.239
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Ed's mother passed away this morning.
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diane cox
06-25-2015
09:08 PM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.239
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Brazilian tenor, Atalla Ayan, appeared this week in Rolando Villazon's production of La Traviata in Baden-Baden. Edited 06-25-2015 09:32 PM
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Martino
06-24-2015
09:29 PM ET (US) IP: 67.216.109.108
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Arts Beat just posted this message: "The celebrated Russian baritone Dmitri Hvorostovsky has a brain tumor and has canceled all engagements through the end of August, according to an announcement posted Wednesday on his website."
“He has recently been suffering from serious health issues, and a brain tumor has just been diagnosed,” the statement said. “Although his voice and vocal condition are normal, his sense of balance has been severely affected.”
The site said that he would begin treatment this week and that he remains “very optimistic for the future.”
Mr. Hvorostovsky, one of the best-loved baritones in the world, is still scheduled to appear in September at the Metropolitan Opera in a star-filled production of Verdi’s “Il Trovatore,” featuring Anna Netrebko as Leonora."
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Diane Cox
06-24-2015
01:16 PM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.239
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The young tenor Piero Barone, 22 today, sang E Lucevan le stelle at one of their concerts recently. He did well, still needs some maturity to his voice, and of course, more training.
In an article on line about tenor Vittorio Griggolo, it showed pix of his home, and there is a photo or painting of Mario Lanza prominently displayed, along with other famous tenors.
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Linz
06-22-2015
03:13 AM ET (US) IP: 115.188.223.147
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Naturally I'm rapt at Sepia's rapid sequels to its highly successful touting of Mario Lanza, the opera singer. Here's a very thoughtful article by a British writer about "crossover," and how collaboration among the best (note that caveat) of different genres is not new and should be embraced as the uplifting commonplace that it is. I would disagree with him to the extent that the exemplars of some genres are simply trash touting trash (postmodernists like Stockhausen and Cage for example) who ought not to be countenanced for a second, but within the parameters of talent and melodiousness I think he's right on the money. http://www.independent.co.uk/voices/commen...music-10332857.htmlQuote (I love the description of Mario as "turbocharged"): With operatic voices, the boundaries between “classical” and “popular” celebrity have often proved as threadbare as Mimi’s poor rags in a bog-standard production of Puccini’s La Bohème. Superstar status came to the great vocal powerhouses around a century before Luciano Pavarotti nailed “Nessun Dorma” to the 1990 World Cup and Freddie Mercury duetted into eternity with Montserrat Caballé. In 1951, the top-grossing film in Britain was The Great Caruso: a biopic of one operatic giant played by another, Mario Lanza – that turbocharged tenor who was much more than a middlebrow heart-throb.
Half a century before that, the opera divo or diva did not merely compete with the pop idols. They were the pop idols. From Enrico Caruso himself to John McCormack, Adelina Patti and Nellie Melba, these first authentic global stars – their voices spread around the planet by phonograph recordings – routinely mixed operatic arias with folk songs, popular ballads and favourite hymns. Edited 06-22-2015 04:33 AM
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Bill Ronayne
06-21-2015
10:50 AM ET (US) IP: 24.46.62.215
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Happy Father's Day to all the dad's!
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Kristine
06-20-2015
02:50 PM ET (US) IP: 173.169.63.145
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Happy Father's Day !
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Gail Swartz
06-20-2015
01:59 PM ET (US) IP: 64.12.133.13
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Mario lived in a fishbowl everyone watching every move. Had he not married before Hollywood, he and Betty would not have had permission to marry...wonder what that would have been like? Susanne, I thought Mario on the Christopher program, looked slim but nervous. I know that he was singing live ..I watched him concentrate on the lyrics and the formation of the sounds coming from mouth..I have noticed that his vocal cords were situated at the base of his neck ...not in the neck center..was this what he referred to as "an elongated larynx" ?I play some of the classics and words have been added...Mario sang a lot of these..like to play while he sings..he had so many extra touches to the songs. Love to hear him sing any song... no one will ever take his place..he is still the one tenor!
On June 19, 2015, at 10:54 PM, QuickTopic daily digest <qtopic-30-ECKcxtRbxUTNy@quicktopic.com> wrote:
< replied-to message removed by QT >
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Dan Lawlor
06-20-2015
12:45 PM ET (US) IP: 74.70.39.27
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Looking over the Mario Lanza list of hits, I have sung 14 of those to audiences myself...
tomorrow's Father's day and I want to wish all the dads out there a great day...my son is taking me out to dinner tomorrow, linguine and red clam sauce, my favorite...ha ha
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Suzanne
06-19-2015
10:40 AM ET (US) IP: 74.78.255.171
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Gail, didn't you think Mario looked wonderful on the Christopher show? Younger than he did on the Chrysler show and in Serenade. I've always thought he was like a chameleon,different in nearly every photo. At the Palladium, though his eyes looked tired, he seemed in wonderful shape, much more mature, but as handsome as he could ever be. How deceiving! Guess Youth helps one to bounce back, for a time, anyway.Watching for a few moments Nelson Eddy and Jeanette MacDonald, interesting to note that Nelson was no slim-jim either. Did anyone ever comment on that? Poor Mario, they never let up on him.
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Diane Cox
06-19-2015
10:30 AM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.239
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Christopher program was taped in 1957 - several years after early films were made. Weight flucuations made a difference in how he looked, and after the trouble with the studio, he lost a little of the gleam in his eyes.
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Gail Swartz
06-19-2015
01:25 AM ET (US) IP: 64.12.133.13
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Bill, Maytime was shown earlier this year. My favorite, too. I am still in awe of Mario and his diction. I am still wondering how his face could change in his films and photos. I watched the Christopher program and Mario did not look like he did in the films. Watching him lipsync , it is amazing how well he could get all of the words. He must have been the intelligent, musical, articulate man you have known so much longer than I. Could not find Sepia so as to pre-order the new cd s....Amazon did not have a listing either.
On June 18, 2015, at 10:54 PM, QuickTopic daily digest <qtopic-30-ECKcxtRbxUTNy@quicktopic.com> wrote:
< replied-to message removed by QT >
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Bill Ronayne
06-18-2015
04:09 PM ET (US) IP: 24.46.62.215
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Enjoying the MacDonald/Eddy films. Too bad they didn't include my favorite Maytime. The photo in Martino's post is from that film.
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Martino
06-18-2015
09:31 AM ET (US) IP: 67.216.109.108
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On this date 1903, the American actress and singer Jeanette MacDonald was born. TCM is celebrating her birthday today by presenting her most popular film collaborations with her most famous co-star, the baritone Nelson Eddy. The films include, Naughty Marietta, Rose Marie, Sweethearts, Bitter Sweet and New Moon. There is some fine music to be found in all these classics and even some decent acting here and there. I believe these are all the remastered copies. Set the dvr or settle in for an enjoyable day with the most famous singing duo in American history.
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Sam Samuelian
06-18-2015
09:15 AM ET (US) IP: 108.52.41.124
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I already have an update for you fine people! The first announcement about them was made on Derek McGovern's Mario Lanza, Tenor Forum yesterday. Go here to see what he has to say: http://www.mariolanzatenor.com/news/two-mo...-from-sepia-records
Thank you Derek, Armando, Vince, and everyone else associated with making this a reality and was, in Derek's words "a labor of love".
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Sam Samuelian
06-18-2015
08:59 AM ET (US) IP: 108.52.41.124
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I just received an exciting letter from my dear friend Ross Mills in England. Two new Mario Lanza CDs are soon to be released that have what appear to be a number of never before heard recordings and what hopefully will be better remastering of ones we already know about and have. Sepia records, the company who carries Mario Lanza's Greatest Operatic Recordings Volume One will have both available starting July 5th. In the meantime I want to research to see if any other venue will carry them. Also, would like to know if Derek McGovern, who worked on Volume One has done Volume Two. The "My Italian Soul" album has mostly recordings already known and heard but if they do a better job of remastering---especially on the later recordings done in Rome--that will be rewarding. See the following:
Mario Lanza: Greatest Operatic Recordings, Volume Two
1. Cilea: L’Arlesiana. Lamento di Federico. Recorded 13 July 1955.
2. Scarlatti: L’honestà negli amori. Già il sole dal Gange. Performed at the Royal Albert Hall, London, 16 January 1958. Constantine Callinicos, pianist.
3. Lanza warming up his voice. Recorded in Rome, September 1958.
4. Verdi: Rigoletto. Questa o quella. Recorded 15 May 1950.
5. Verdi: Rigoletto. Parmi veder le lagrime. Recorded 29 May 1950.
6. Donizetti: L’elisir d’amore. Una furtiva lagrima. Recorded 15 May 1950.
7. Verdi: La traviata. Parigi, o cara. With Frances Yeend, soprano. Performed at the Hollywood Bowl, 28 August 1947.
8. Puccini: La bohème. O soave fanciulla. Details as for track #7.
9. Leoncavallo: La bohème. Testa adorata. Recorded 9 May 1952. Source: radio broadcast acetate.
10. Rimsky-Korsakov: Sadko (adapted Mercer). Song of India. Recorded 17 June 1953.
11. Mascagni: Cavalleria rusticana. Bada, Santuzza, schiavo non sono! With Marina Koshetz, soprano. Recorded 17 October 1950. Source: private acetate.
12. Verdi: Il Trovatore. Sconto col sangue mio. With Lucine Amara, soprano. Recorded 19 August 1950. Source: private acetate.
13. Puccini: Tosca. Qual occhio al mondo. Recorded 13 July 1955. Private acetate.
14. Puccini: Tosca. E lucevan le stelle. Performed at Hollywood Bowl, 28 August 1947.
15. Giordano: Andrea Chénier. Un dì all’azzurro spazio. Details as for #14.
16. Leoncavallo: Pagliacci. Un tal gioco. Details as for #9.
17. Leoncavallo: Pagliacci. Vesti la giubba. Recorded 17 July 1950. Source: RAI broadcast, La Mia Vita per il Canto, 11 October 1959.
18. Verdi: La forza del destino. O tu che in seno agli angeli. Recorded 6 June 1950.
19. Verdi: Aida. Celeste Aida. Recorded 5 May 1949.
20. Verdi: Aida. Gloria all’Egitto. With chorus; Gian Giacomo Guelfi, bass-baritone; and unidentified soloists. Recorded September 1958.
BONUS TRACKS
21. Ignoto: Aria sconosciuta. Private recording, 22 May 1944. Pianist unknown.
22. Giordano: Madame Sans-Gêne. Questa bocca tua profumata e pura. Home rehearsal, 1952. Constantine Callinicos, pianist.
23. Puccini: Tosca. E lucevan le stelle. Performed at the London Palladium, 18 November 1957.
24. Bizet: Carmen. La fleur que tu m’avais jetée. Recorded 8 April 1950.
25. Ponchielli: La gioconda. Cielo e mar. Recorded 21 March 1952. Original radio broadcast acetate.
Orchestras and conductors: #4-6, 10, 18, 19, 24: RCA Victor Orchestra; Constantine Callinicos, conductor. #1, 13: Warner Bros. Studio Orch.; Ray Heindorf, cond. #11: MGM Studio Orch.; John Green, cond. #12, 17: MGM Studio Orch.; Peter Herman Adler, cond. #7, 8, 14, 15: Hollywood Bowl Symphony Orch.; Eugene Ormandy, cond. #9, 16, 25: Untitled orchestra with C. Callinicos, cond. #23: London Palladium Orch.; C. Callinicos, cond. #20: Rome Opera House Orchestra; C. Callinicos, conductor.
My Italian Soul
1. Mamma Mia, Che Vò Sapé? (Mama, What Do You Want to Know?) (Nutile-Russo)
2. Rimpianto (Regret) (Toselli’s Serenade) (Toselli-Silvestri)
3. ’A Vucchella (Little Mouth) (Tosti-D’Annunzio)
4. Torna a Surriento (Come Back to Sorrento) (E. De Curtis-G. De Curtis)
5. La Danza (The Dance) (Rossini-Pepoli)
6. ’O Sole Mio (My Sunshine) (Di Capua-Capurro)
7. Tu Ca Nun Chiagne! (You Who Do Not Cry!) (De Curtis-Bovio)
8. Santa Lucia Luntana (Santa Lucia Far Away) (Mario)
9. Fenesta Che Lucive (The Window That Used to Shine) (G. Cottrau-Paolella)
10. Dicitencello Vuie (You Tell Her) (Falvo-Fusco)
11. ’O Surdato ’Nnammurato (The Soldier in Love) (Cannio-Califano)
12. Voce ’e Notte (Voice in the Night) (De Curtis-Nicolardi) With RCA Italiana chorus.
13. Canta Pe’ Mme! (Sing for Me!) (De Curtis-Bovio)
14. Comme Facette Mámmeta? (How Did Your Mother Make You?) (Gambardella-Capaldo)
15. ’Na Sera ’e Maggio (One Evening in May) (Cioffi-Pisano)
16. Passione (Passion) (Tagliaferri-Valente-Bovio)
17. Senza Nisciuno (Without Anyone) (De Curtis-Barbieri)
18. Vaghissima Sembianza (Very Vague Semblance) (S. Donaudy-A. Donaudy)
19. Serenata (Serenade) (Bracco-Caruso)
20. Pour un Baiser (For a Kiss) (Tosti-Doncieux) Sung in French.
21. Luna d’Estate (Summer Moon) (Tosti)
22. L’Alba Separa dalla Luce l’Ombra (The Dawn Divides the Darkness from the Light) (Tosti-D’Annunzio)
23. Ideale (Ideal) (Tosti-Errico)
BONUS TRACKS
24. Agnus Dei (Lamb of God) (Bizet) Sung in Latin. Live recording
25. Mattinata (Morning) (Leoncavallo) Previously unreleased
Languages: Songs #2, 5, 18-19, 21-23 and 25 are sung in Italian. All other songs, except where noted, are sung in Neapolitan dialect.
Recording information: #1: Recorded May 5, 1949. #2: June 6, 1950. #3: February 23, 1951. #4: June 30, 1955. #5: June 28, 1955. #6: September 1958. #7-16: December 1958. #17-23: June 1959. #24: July 24, 1948. #25: June 1945.
Orchestras, conductors, and accompanists: #1-3: RCA Victor Orchestra; Constantine Callinicos, conductor. #4: Jakob Gimpel, pianist. #5: Dominic Frontiere, accordionist. #6: With unknown orchestra; Carlo Savina, conductor. #7-16: RCA Italiana Orchestra; Franco Ferrara, conductor. #17-23: RCA Italiana Orchestra; Paul Baron, conductor. #24: Hollywood Bowl Symphony Orchestra; Miklós Rózsa, conductor. #25: Unknown pianist.
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Diane Cox
06-18-2015
12:16 AM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.239
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Butterfly surely fits the breathtakingly beautiful description.
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Dan Lawlor
06-17-2015
10:14 PM ET (US) IP: 74.70.39.27
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Thanks Diane for reminding me what started me to love opera...perhaps the aria from Butterfly also? And of course Nessun Dorma? and I just heard the overture to Pirates of Penzance, which they might also enjoy...it has the "Hail Hail the Gang's all here" motif...ha ha
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Fred Day
06-17-2015
12:14 AM ET (US) IP: 98.85.37.22
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Sam: Welcome back. Glad you are feeling better. Yes, Christopher Lee was a superb actor and will always be missed. And, when teamed up with Peter Cushing, what a team!! Rest in Peace, Chris Lee. Ciao.
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Diane Cox
06-16-2015
04:50 PM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.239
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Then I'd start with something from Carmen; they may have heard the melody. For beauty, from La Boheme or Turandot. You want them to see opera can be fun and entertaining, and then breathtakingly beautiful. If your friends like country music they should appreciate opera plots - lots of intrigue, sadness and death. Edited 06-16-2015 08:49 PM
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Dan Lawlor
06-16-2015
03:33 PM ET (US) IP: 74.70.39.27
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diane: just opera in general, arias for starters
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Terry Velda
06-16-2015
03:21 PM ET (US) IP: 86.20.87.86
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Hi Sam,
Glad you are feeling better and singing again.
Best Wishes to you both. xx
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Diane Cox
06-16-2015
01:53 PM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.239
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Full opera or just arias?
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Dan Lawlor
06-16-2015
01:20 PM ET (US) IP: 74.70.39.27
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Question: I have been enraptured with opera and classical music since High School...am in a quandary as to how to interest others in the beauty of this music? I have a friend who is into country western and Irish music...and would love to find some intro piece to get him and his wife particularly interested??? I have considered a variety of pieces but wonder if there is one or two in particular which would sway their minds and ears? without turning them away???
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Suzanne
06-16-2015
11:27 AM ET (US) IP: 74.78.255.171
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Listened to Elinor Ross on Youtube, wonderful voice. Sad that she was stricken with Bell's Palsy . Sam , glad you're posting. Always interesting. In case anyone would like to know, and maybe he won't appreciate my saying it, but our Scottish friend Vincent has been ill and I hope he's feeling better now. How I appreciate him and his wonderful son, who produced the fantastic "Palladium" event. Thrilling to see Mario so clearly.
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Dan Lawlor
06-16-2015
07:57 AM ET (US) IP: 74.70.39.27
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Martino: I couldn't remember who had said that "Shut up your damned coughing!" Jon Vickers...ha ha...some people are very inconsiderate of others and of performers...That is the beauty of recorded music, that which is done in the studio rather than live...you hear no coughing, no noise at all from the audience that is now only you listening...Live performances are usually hindered by the audience making unwelcomed noises...why do they have to cough so much? if they are sick: stay the hell home...ha ha Which reminds me of a very personal incident...When I graduated from High School, I was chosen to give a memorized speech, as I was Salutatorian of the class...My father had died a month before and my mother was a little under the weather, but just had to be there to hear me give my speech...Afterwards, she told me she almost strangled herself trying not to cough during my speech...I will never forget that... Edited 06-16-2015 08:05 AM
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Martino to Dan
06-15-2015
10:10 PM ET (US) IP: 67.216.109.108
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No, you are not the only one who feels that way. Take a listen to this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VrHMla5AJgQ
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Dan Lawlor
06-15-2015
09:35 PM ET (US) IP: 74.70.39.27
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Sam: I agree wholeheartedly with you about people who are so rude as to make noise when someone is performing...a dear friend of mine (a soprano unfortunately) repeatedly clears her throat during performances, which drives me nuts...I don't know whether she realizes what she does, and I mentioned to her girlfriend who said she never heard it???...then I thought, perhaps it is me....whenever I am listening to an opera or concert, I deliberately hold my breath and try and be as quiet as possible as I know how it feels to have your performance interrupted by an inconsiderate audience...why is it, that especially during the quieter sections of opera, there are several people clearing their throats in the audience??? If they didn't want to be there, why did they come??? I guess that is only me who feels that way, eh???
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Martino to Sam
06-15-2015
07:55 PM ET (US) IP: 67.216.109.108
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You sound very upbeat, Sam. Good for you! Welcome back and post often.
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Joe to Sam
06-15-2015
03:31 PM ET (US) IP: 71.224.55.142
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Welcome back Sam!!!, we have all missed you...Joe in Pa
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Sam Samuelian
06-15-2015
02:41 PM ET (US) IP: 108.52.41.124
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Speaking of Dennis, he just wrote to me and I updated him fully. Then figured I should use the letter as a post for her and LL. Here goes:
d
Hi Dennis!
I am feeling better than I have in many years with the exception of putting on weight in the last two months that I have been depression free. Before that it was horrible and lasted longer than any previous bout—nearly two thirds of a year. Glad you liked my songs. And yes, I hate when some people talk much louder when the music starts. Last night I took a BIG chance at a favorite bar/restaurant with karaoke on Sunday nights that includes the best hot wings ever and something very delectable called an inside outside pizza (pepperoni of course). The big chance was performing Ol’ Man River with the “colored folks” lyrics. I explained a few things about Showboat and it’s famed history first. It went over quite well and I got big applause. But hearing the recording was disappointing because some chowderhead lady was gabbing half the time. That song has quite a range from very low notes to a very high end that must be an F. Mario came into the picture twice yesterday. Once when talking to an Italian antiques dealer who likes him, Pav, Corelli, etc. So, when I approached him I remembered Mario talking to Santi when first seeing him in GC and says “Santi! Hey…come’ va”. I didn’t know the exact meaning but thought it appropriate. Carmelo (really his name!) said it means “Hi, how are you”. Perfect! Second I visited an antiques dealer who had a lovely Sophia Loren signed poster a friend wants. I was never at this place but he blew me away with his over 3K movies. Surprisingly most are on VHS though. And he has all his titles (including about another thousand DVDs) in order by year, which is very unusual. Neither of us could think of Edmund Purdom’s name so he found the SP videotape!
My newest interest as a dealer, collector, and sound aficionado is vintage hi fidelity equipment ranging from amps to preamps to tuners to receivers to turntables to speakers, etc. I have invested in quite a few pieces in the last month. Only trouble is I am out of room since the “usual” console and table radios we sell are still plentiful.
We have been earnestly looking for singing gigs. The senior centers are mostly booked up for this year, restaurants are a very tough nut to crack, and private parties come by so rarely since we haven’t been “out there” in more than a year. We used to sing two to four times a month while last year we only had one gig. My first love has crumbled quite a bit. BUT I’ve worked on our repertoire and we have over 700 songs in the Macbook. Can only sing about half of those at present but even just 100 songs you do well will suffice. Put a big emphasis on more upbeat songs like the Beatles. Their songbook is over fifty years old, so seniors remember them well.
We have done several outdoor antiques extravaganzas with varying results. Some were very disappointing sales wise but I always find good salable merchandise at any show large or small. My best was one I did without Anna since it’s not her “bag”. That was a radio meet with two big outdoor pavilions jammed with dealers who handle vintage radios and related equipment like tape recorders, etc. One man even makes dollhouse sized radios he carved by hand and they are unbelievable in quality and detail. And only thirty dollars each! I sold 2,700.00 worth of radios, a record of me. Don't ask me how much I spent in the many, many radios for sale and at the big auction!
We have a new dog we named Buddy. He is a combination Chihuahua and Rat Terrier. Well, the rat part comes out when he gets annoying with his barking that sounds more like a tenor high note. Our Zena is now reaching 13 and showing her age with problems-- but we keep a close eye on her. She’s the best animal I have ever had and perfect for me as I like small, quiet lapdogs. She is exactly that. Doesn’t even know how to fetch a ball, but sweet as can be. But Buddy torments her to show her he’s boss and once he’s done with that he’ll go lick her face for minutes at a time.
Know what? I’m going to use this letter as my first post in a long time on both Lanza sites. After this I promise I will try to post more, especially more about ML!!
with fondest regards,
Sam
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Martino to Dennis
06-15-2015
01:52 PM ET (US) IP: 67.216.109.108
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I went back to youtube to find the speech Elinor Ross gave and you are absolutely correct that she was sharp as a tack. Ross had her share of personal and physical problems but spoke of them frankly and faced them like a trooper. Except for the huge loss of her singing, she seems none the worse for the wear. A reviewer at youtube posted that if Ross was singing today she would be the number one Verdian soprano of our time. Radvanovsky might have something to say about that perhaps but at the very least, Ross would be THE "Turandot" of our time. No one else even comes close. With the exception of Callas and perhaps Olivero, it would be Ross I would want to hear most with Lanza in the Tosca duets. If you go to youtube and listen to her and Bergonzi in these Tosca selections you will know what I mean.
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Dennis
06-15-2015
02:32 AM ET (US) IP: 73.170.201.215
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Martino, what a glorious performance by Ms. Ross, a singer much neglected now who was also overshadowed by a couple of giants in her day, but put one soprano at the Met, one at La Scala, and Ross would be singing at a stellar house during the same time. Born in 1932, there is a YouTube clip of her giving a speech when she was 80 and certainly all her faculties are there. It would indeed be interesting to see if she has any memories of Lanza.
Sadly, it was Bell's Palsy that struck her down when she was 47, and it was a severe attack that took her 5 years to overcome. That ended her opera career as she recovered her voice somewhat but her face was disfigured so she did not return to the stage although she gave some recitals when asked. Thanks for the link and weren't Matt's memories of her great?! One wonders how many other excellent voices have been lost to memory because of illness, circumstance, or other causes.
A wonderful anecdote about her Met debut. She was called at the last moment to replace Birgit Nilsson as Turandot when Ms. Nilsson took ill. She had no rehearsal opportunity; her husband was dying of early onset heart disease; Franco Corelli showed up only when he was to sing that evening; and she had to sing what opera critic James Anderson called "one of the most severely demanding of all Italian dramatic soprano roles"…and she nailed it!
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Martino to Matt
06-14-2015
09:03 PM ET (US) IP: 67.216.109.108
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Those are very found remembrances of Ross. Wouldn't it have been wonderful if you had had the opportunity when you hired her to talk to her about Mario Lanza? That she was able to bring in 900 patrons to your concert speaks volumes of her talent and ability. The link below is an excerpt of her "Casta Diva" from the opera Norma. No, she is not a Sutherland or Caballe and it would be foolish to place her there but just listen to the clarity of the tone of her voice - WUNDERBAR! No one but a singer of the first rank sings like this. I believe her Pollione that night was the incomparable Mario Del Monaco: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=udh7oXzT0lo
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Mminzer@aol.com
06-14-2015
07:26 PM ET (US) IP: 64.12.133.13
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PLEASE CHECK IT OUT ON U-TUBE.
BEST,
MATT MINZER, OPERA LOVER.
In a message dated 6/14/2015 10:55:53 A.M. Eastern Daylight Time, qtopic-30-ECKcxtRbxUTNy@quicktopic.com writes:
< replied-to message removed by QT >
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Mminzer@aol.com
06-14-2015
07:08 PM ET (US) IP: 64.12.143.75
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HI:
IN 1977, I HAD HEARD ELINOR ROSS AT AN AFTERNOON STUDENT PERFORMANCE AT THE METROPOLITAN OPERA (I WAS A TEACHER WHO ESCORTED A HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT GROUR.. I FOLLOWED IT UP WITH A LETTER TO MS. ROSS. C/O THE MET. I WAS PRESIDENT OF A MEN'S GROUP CALLED THE BROTHERHOOD OF TEMPLE BETH EL IN GREAT NECK, LONG ISLAND AND HIRED MS. ROSS TO SING A SATURDAY EVENING CONCERT AT THE TEMPLE. HER FEE WAS $1200.00. INCLUDING THE PIANIST. WE SOLD TICKETS AND ATTRACTED 900 MUSIC LOVERS. MS. ROSS SANG BEAUTIFULLY ESPECIALLY THE MAIN ARIAS FROM "TRAVIATA" AND THE ENTIRE MAD SCENE FROM "LUCIA".ETC.
FOLLOWED THE WONDERFUL CONCERT, THE CONGREGATION ENJOYED SPEAKING TO HER AT A DESERT PARTY. SHE REALLY HAD A BEAUTIFUL AND STRONG VOICE.
IF I AM NOT MISTAKEN, I HEARD ELINOR ROSS SING "TURANDOT" TO RICHARD TUCKER'S CALAF AT A MET IN THE PARKS CONCERT IN THE EARLY 70'S. (HAD TO BE SINCE RICHARD TUCKER SUDDENLY PASSED AWAY PRIOR TO A CONCERT IN KALAMAZOO, MICHIGAN WITH ROBERT MERRILL IN EARLY JANUARY 1975.) ANYONE ELSE REMEMBER THE ROSS/TTUCKER "TURANDOT" MET IN THE PARKS CONCERT/
BEST,
MATT MINZER ON LONG ISLAND DRIVING HOME TO S.E. FLORIDA TOMORROW.
In a message dated 6/14/2015 2:48:53 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time, qtopic-30-ECKcxtRbxUTNy@quicktopic.com writes:
< replied-to message removed by QT >
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Martino to Diane
06-14-2015
02:48 PM ET (US) IP: 67.216.109.108
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Thanks Diane, maybe the Lanza events she was involved with is what I was thinking of. I knew there was something connecting Lanza and Ross, I just couldn't remember what it was. She might have been mentioned in one of Lanza's bios also but I've forgotten about it. If Ross attended these events she was obviously a fan of Mario, even if she never had the opportunity to sing with him. Many opera singers who have attended Lanza events have been interviewed and given their thoughts and insights about Mario, and this is especially true of the American singers who saw Lanza as their hero. I wonder if anyone ever interviewed Elinor Ross about Mario Lanza?
Ross was an interesting artist. She was a true dramatic soprano who was polished beyond her years (she had the same teacher as Roberta Peters). In fact, she made her debut in one of Verdi's most dramatic and demanding soprano roles - Leonora in Il Trovatore. But this was no ordinary first time gig in the usual, remote and small provisional company where you learn your trade before moving up. She made this debut singing the lead role opposite some of the greatest singers who ever lived: Giulietta Simionato, Jussi Bjorling and Ettore Bastianini. Quite an accomplishment for a young woman to be thrust into this kind of company for your operatic debut!
The recordings we have of her show Ross was first rate singer. Unfortunately, she was best known for her ability to sing almost anything and at a moments notice so she was perhaps the most dependable and heralded (and abused) understudy to all the other "star" sopranos of her era. Today, Elinor Ross would be a true star in her own right. She contracted a disease (Bell's palsy) and could not open her mouth fully for nearly two years and that proved to be her undoing and the end of her career, at least a career on a major scale.
She once told an interesting story about her Turandot performances with Franco Corelli. Corelli did not bother to attend any of her rehearsals as he was a big star and knew his role of Calaf inside out and he did not care what anyone else was going to do. It was as though he knew everyone was there to see him and all the others were mere props. Everyone knew Corelli would sing his way and do what he wanted on stage and his partners would have to follow his lead. During the three riddles part of the performance he turned his back to the audience and faced her. He then put his hand down the front of his pants and she was startled, not knowing what in the world he was about to do. She then saw him take out a damp sponge he had hidden down his pants and put it in his mouth in order to moisten his lips. Ross said she soon found out Franco had sponges hidden all over the stage and would make his way slyly to all of them during the course of a performance. No doubt it was his wife, Loretta Corelli, that hid those sponges and told Franco where they were located. Ross has gone on record as saying, "I love to talk!" so I'm sure she could discuss Mario Lanza for a long time and give some interesting observations. I assume she is still alive and maybe someone should get to her before it is too late.
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Diane Cox
06-14-2015
11:56 AM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.239
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Martino: Found a couple articles where Ms Ross attended events for Mario Lanza, but no mention of her singing with him.
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Martino
06-14-2015
11:07 AM ET (US) IP: 67.216.109.108
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There will be a very good, historic MET performance of "Tosca" broadcast on Sirius next week staring Carlo Bergonzi and American soprano Elinor Ross, in the title role. The original date of this performance was 12/12/70. Ross was an excellent, dramatic soprano who sang with all the great tenors of her generation. In addition to Bergonzi, she sang with giants such as Tucker, Corelli, Bjorling, Del Monaco and many others, and from all accounts, held her own with all of them.
I seem to recall Ross had some connection to Mario Lanza. I could be wrong about this but did she actually sing with him? Since she sang with Bjorling, she had to have been around for a short time before Lanza died. I believe there is some association there but I can't put my finger on it. Does anyone know what, if any, this connection between Lanza and Ross might be?
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Joe to Stephen
06-14-2015
10:55 AM ET (US) IP: 71.224.55.142
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Stephen,like many stories about Lanza, I think recordings of him at ten years old are fabricated.
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Stephen of Las Vegas
06-14-2015
09:36 AM ET (US) IP: 72.193.49.109
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Matt:
Can you please provide a link to the Youtube Lanza recordings at the age of ten? I couldn't locate them. I did find a Lanza at 19 and an interview with Armando Cesari relating Lanza's meeting with Renata Tebaldi. I believe the recording is from the CD that comes with Cesari's book, but I haven't checked that out:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=idPhMeVG8ZU
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pzoVsCfR74Q
Mario's mother sings:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wkkc5QBEzZ0
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BIr9KkNYkew
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Martino
06-13-2015
10:52 PM ET (US) IP: 67.216.109.108
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I am not sure if this has been posted before and if so, I apologize in advance for not going back far enough to find it. Sepia records, which gave us the very fine Derek McGovern inspired compilation disk of Lanza's Greatest Operatic Recordings, is about to release a second CD of Lanza operatic recordings. In addition, Sepia has announced a CD titled, "My Italian Soul", a disk of Lanza singing Italian songs. These two new CDs should be out sometime in July. According to McGovern's website, the disks were once again compiled by him and several other Lanza fans. These disks will also be available on Amazon sometime after the initial Sepia exclusive release. There is no information as to songs and arias contained on these disks. Edited 06-13-2015 10:58 PM
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Derek Mannering
06-13-2015
06:20 PM ET (US) IP: 50.178.46.171
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Deceptive indeed, Len, but blame the company that issued the digital collection, not Amazon. If you click on the link to the complete compilation you'll see that it's two (almost) complete recordings: Hockridge's and Lanza's, one following the other. Brucie competes with Mario on "One Good Boy Gone Wrong" and actually sings "It" which was offered as an instrumental on the Rome recording. It's just another example of the literally dozens of public domain digital downloads currently available in Europe, many of them in lousy sound, and there's little that can be done about that.
Listening to some of the Desert Song tracks I was struck again by how dated the score is, dated even when Lanza recorded his version in 1959. And I'd say the same for "The Vagabond King," too. I suspect RCA pushed for those two albums in part to cash in on the fabulous success of the glorious Student Prince movie soundtrack, but there were surely far more worthy projects for Lanza to tackle than those two tired old warhorses. I can't recall the last time I listened to both albums all the way through, but of course I know they have their admirers.
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Bill Ronayne
06-13-2015
03:34 PM ET (US) IP: 67.80.214.117
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 The July issue of "The Legacy of Mario Lanza" newsletter has just been published and mailed out. It features coverage of the MLSNY's concert in May and Annual Dinner in June, the induction ceremony of Mario into the SPHS Cultural Hall of Fame, the Lanza/Malbin competition in NY, an article on the Lanza Museum as well as other features on Mario and an assortment of photos from his films. This is an international fan club. To become a member and subscribe contact Bill Ronayne at wjronayne@optonline.net. Best, Bill Edited 06-13-2015 04:09 PM
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Len (UK)
06-13-2015
11:07 AM ET (US) IP: 217.42.180.165
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If you go to www.amazon.co.uk and search for ‘Mario Lanza Desert Song orginal London cast’ you will find a selection of downloads claiming to be just that; a cast of Mario, June Bronhill, Edmund Hockridge and (most implausibly of all) Bruce Forsyth.
I complained to Amazon UK a couple of years ago and followed up with a review deprecating the fraud being perpetrated. I have never had a reply other that the automated acknowledgement.
Unsuspecting folk who have discovered Mario in recent years could easily be taken in by this fiction. The though of Mario and Sir Brucie together is surreal. Maybe Mario could have improved Bruce’s singing and Bruce could have done something about Mario’s dodgy dancing!
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matt minzer
06-13-2015
10:00 AM ET (US) IP: 72.68.226.139
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DAN:
ALAGNA HAS SINCE REDEEMED HIMSELF AND HAS SUNG BEAUTIFULLY AROUND THE WORLD. THE LA SCALA "AIDA" WAS A PUT-UP AS THE LOCALS HAD A BUDDING TENOR IN THE WINGS READY TO SUNG THE ROLE OF RHADAMES. ALAGNA WALKED OFF WITH BOOING AND THE LOCAL HERO TOOK OVER. THIS ACTUAL PERFORMANCE IS AVAILABLE AS A DVD FROM PREMIEROPERA.COM FOR $3.75 TODAY.
ALAGNA HAS A BEAUTIFUL VOICE AND IS A WORLD STAR.
BEST,
MATT MINZER ON BALMY LONG ISLAND.
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Dan Lawlor
06-13-2015
08:45 AM ET (US) IP: 74.70.39.27
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Matt: Alagna got booed at La Scala for that opera??? Hope he does better here!
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matt minzer
06-12-2015
09:49 PM ET (US) IP: 72.68.226.139
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U-TUBE HAS INCLUDED SEVERAL OPERATIC SELECTIONS WITH PIANO ACCOMPANMENT SUNG BY MARIO LANZA AT AGE TEN. HE REALLY HAS A MATURE STYLE AND FINE VOICE FOR A YOUNG SINGER. THEY ALSO OFFERED A FEW SELECTIONS SUNG BY HIS PRETTY MOM, MARIA WHICH WERE VERY PLEASANT TO WATCH AND LISTEN TO.
BEST,
MATT MNZER ON BEAUTIFUL LONG ISLAND DRIVING SOUTH TO S.E. FLORIDA NEXT WEEK TO TEACH A NUMBER OF "LOVE OF OPERA" COURSES.
P.S. A NEW METROPOLITAN OPERA VERSION OF VERDI'S "AIDA" WILL BE OFFERED ON JULY 29TH AT THE LOCAL HI-DEF MOVIE THEATRES WITH ROBERTO ALAGNA. CAN'T WAIT.
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Bill Ronayne
06-12-2015
10:18 AM ET (US) IP: 24.46.62.209
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I've been giving presentations on Mario at various organizations in NY, NJ and PA for a number of years now. I've attached a flyer for the latest one. If you belong to an organization that you think might be interested, the contact information is in the flyer. Best, Bill.
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Kristine
06-11-2015
10:17 PM ET (US) IP: 173.169.63.145
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Oldies.com is selling a CD, Leading Men Sing Classic Movies. Mario Lanza sings "All The Things You Are: from "Because You're Mine". This must be an outtake. Howard Keel, Gene Kelly, Fred Astaire, Tony Martin, Peter Lawford, Mel Torme', and Vic Damone are also on the CD. They sing songs from their M-G-M Movie Musicals. Sadly, Patrice Messina(I think that was her name)passed away. She had been battling cancer. She wrote a screenplay for a film bio about Jeanette MacDonald and Nelson Eddy. Christopher Lee, Patrice , RIP.
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Derek Mannering
06-11-2015
02:16 PM ET (US) IP: 50.178.46.171
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CD review
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Derek Mannering
06-11-2015
02:15 PM ET (US) IP: 50.178.46.171
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Classic FM Chart
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Derek Mannering
06-11-2015
02:11 PM ET (US) IP: 50.178.46.171
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I was saddened indeed to hear of the passing of Christopher Lee. When BMG in London commissioned me to write the Mario Lanza Story for audiobook, I did not expect a star name to read the text. However, the producer of the series was a good friend of Christopher Lee, knew that he liked Mario's singing and sent him the script. Having Lee read it (and so beautifully) was a great thrill. His portrayal of Dracula, especially in the first movie, was, IMO, definitive. It was certainly the scariest ever and that film, along with "The Great Caruso", made a huge impact on me as a young lad growing up in Dublin in the 1950s. Having those two incredible experiences come together all those years later with the release of the Lanza Story audiobook was simply wonderful.
You can find Christopher Lee's marvelous reading of The Mario Lanza Story on Disc 2 of "The Definitive Collection."
http://www.amazon.co.uk/music/dp/B00021LQ6...eywords=mario+lanza
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Suzanne
06-11-2015
09:35 AM ET (US) IP: 74.78.255.171
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The legendary actor Christopher Lee has died, apparently on June 7, at the age of 93. My son and I were just discussing him last week. He was active to the end. Best known for Dracula, I suppose, music was important to him. He himself appeared in 14 operas. I own a set of tapes , text by Derek Mannering, of Mario's life, narrated by Christopher Lee. Such a distinctive, wonderful voice. Apparently he was a fan. His own mother was Italian. A fantastic career. .How he'll be missed!
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matt minzer
06-10-2015
07:25 AM ET (US) IP: 74.75.125.5
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HI FRED:
I WAS LOOKING FORWARD TO MEETING MARGARET JUNTWAIT IN OCTOBER WHEN WE ATTEND "IL TROVATORE" WITH ANNA NETREBKO AND A PROMISED VISIT BACKSTAGE AFTER THE PERFORMANCE. I AM SADDENED BY THIS LOSS AS I HAVE LISTENED TO MARGARET SO MANY TIMES ON SERIUS RADIO INTRODUCE THE 24 HRS. DAILY OF HISTORIC MET PERFORMANCE. I JUST HEARD HER SPEAKING SO BEAUTIFULLY ABOUT OUR NUMBER 1 TENOR-FRANCO CORELLI WITH SUCH ENDEARING TERMS.
BEST,
MATT MINZER IN BETHEL, MAINE
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Fred Day
06-09-2015
09:50 PM ET (US) IP: 98.85.34.16
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I am sad to read that Margaret Juntwait died on June 3rd of ovarian cancer, age 58. She was host of the Met broadcasts since 2004. I presume the lady who replaced her these past several months will continue in that capacity. Rest in Peace. Ciao.
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Gail Swartz
06-09-2015
05:41 AM ET (US) IP: 64.12.183.210
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Can't sleep...watched Mario on youtube...got teary...gotta go.
On June 8, 2015, at 10:55 PM, QuickTopic daily digest <qtopic-30-ECKcxtRbxUTNy@quicktopic.com> wrote:
< replied-to message removed by QT >
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Diane Cox
06-08-2015
05:51 PM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.239
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Not the greatest sound, and not my favorite, but still gives me goosebumps.
https://youtu.be/y2AtJprNMtk
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RenseWebmaster 06-07-2015
03:53 PM ET (US) IP: 24.210.22.228
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Not a problem, Kristine - the private message has been deleted.
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Kristine
06-07-2015
11:36 AM ET (US) IP: 173.169.63.145
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I am very sorry that my private reply to Bill Ronayne, ended up, here. It was a mistake and thank you for deleting it. I made the error. There is a You Tube video of Marilyn Monroe and Joe DiMaggio, with Mario Lanza singing "I've Got You Under My Skin"on video soundtrack.
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Deleted by topic administrator 06-07-2015 03:52 PM
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Bill Ronayne
06-07-2015
10:08 AM ET (US) IP: 67.80.215.135
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 From yesterday's MLSNY Annual Dinner. L-R: Tenor Ernest Revell, Aldo Mancusi from the Caruso Museum, legendary soprano Elaine Malbin, Name the Tenor Quiz Master Lou Barrella, soprano Zhanna Alkhazova and accompanist David Maiullo. It was a fine afternoon with wonderful music and great food. Ms. Alkhazova sang arias from Tosca and Pagliacci and the song Someone to Watch Over Me, Mr. Revell sang Parlami d'amore Mariu, Mr. Barrella's quiz was on the aria Vesti la giubba and the "Ridi Pagliaccio" portion as sung by Caruso, Gigli, Merli, Corelli, DelMonaco, Lanza, Martinelli, Domingo, Tucker and Kaufman and then the complete aria with portions sung by Caruso, Gigli, Merli, Corelli, DelMonaco and Lanza. We listened to Ms. Malbin in selections from La Traviata including the duet with Robert Merrill and also the Butterfly duet with Mario and Mario was heard in Italian songs from the Mario and Caruso Favorites albums. Best, Bill Edited 06-07-2015 11:08 AM
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Diane Cox
06-06-2015
02:58 PM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.239
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If anyone is interested there is a copy of Callincos book listed on ebay.
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Suzanne
06-05-2015
10:09 AM ET (US) IP: 74.78.255.171
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Thanks Diane. He never stops amazing. For Gail, about Mario's interview. He seemed to be a little bit dramatic in most of them, maybe attribute it to self consciousness. But what a terrific speaking voice. Magnificent Mario!
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Diane Cox
06-04-2015
02:21 PM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.239
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https://youtu.be/o5xddwRHH4A
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Suzanne
06-04-2015
01:34 PM ET (US) IP: 74.78.255.171
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Hear Mario on youtube singing"Ah Sweet Mystery of Life". So glorious.. He, himself is part of the "mystery".
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Dan Lawlor
06-04-2015
10:38 AM ET (US) IP: 74.70.39.27
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Martino: DiStefano was one of my idols in first listening to opera and classical music. LP's had just started giving $1 Camden's which got me interested in listening to opera, and on hearing excerpts from Butterfly I think it was one of my first ventures into a full opera with DiStefano and DeLosAngeles..always one of my favorites, one I compare others to in listening...
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Brian Harrison
06-03-2015
09:34 AM ET (US) IP: 82.35.122.181
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Hi Thelma, so happy to see you back here on the Forum. I too suffer with gout and can only sympathise with you. My doctor recommended that I don't eat Green Peas. I asked him "what other colour peas are there?" Smile here please. I expect someone on this site to tell me of several. Anyway, so glad to have you back and getting better. Mario for ever.
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Martino to Dan
06-02-2015
10:21 PM ET (US) IP: 67.216.109.108
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matt minzer
06-02-2015
06:58 PM ET (US) IP: 72.68.226.139
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HI DAN:
WE WILL BE WITH ANNA BACKSTAGE AFTER HER PERFORMANCE IN "IL TROVATORE" DURING THE WEEK OF OCTOBER 16TH, 2015. I WILL TAKE A BUNCH OF PHOTOGRAPHS AND SEND YOU SOME. I KNOW THAT YOU SAW THE MANY HANGING IN MY OFFICE OF ANNA, MYSELF AND MY WIFE MARILYN WHEN YOU VISITED
HOPE THAT YOU ARE GAINING YOUR STRENGTH.
BEST,
MATT MINZER ON CHILLY LONG ISLAND.
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Dan Lawlor
06-02-2015
03:59 PM ET (US) IP: 74.70.39.27
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Martino: where can I get a copy of Giuseppe di Stefano's CD? the one you just posted on Spotify?
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Martino
06-02-2015
12:14 PM ET (US) IP: 67.216.109.108
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Spotify has recently put on its site a completely remastered Italian Song recital recorded by Giuseppe Di Stefano. It is part of its "Singers of the Century" series and the sound is indeed as good as I've ever heard these recordings: https://open.spotify.com/album/1O0JKQnlrF0i1sYvKfalNl
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Dan Lawlor
06-02-2015
09:18 AM ET (US) IP: 74.70.39.27
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Matt: Next time you visit Anna Netrebko, give her my love and devotion...ha ha
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matt minzer
06-02-2015
07:38 AM ET (US) IP: 72.68.226.139
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HI DAN: I NEVER KNEW YOU TO SAY ANYTHING BUT SUITABLE AND POLITE REMARKS SO DON'T WORRY. THOSE SELECTIONS ARE WONDERFUL AND I WILL WELCOME THEM AT MY FLORIDA OPERA BIRTHDAY EVENING. I AM RETURNING TO SOUTH FLORIDA IN TIME TO SHOW "LA JUIVE" WITH NEIL SHICOFF ON JUNE 18TH. IT IS REALLY A REMAKABLE OPERA. BEST, MATT MINZER IN CHILLY AND FLASH FLODDY LONG ISLAND. Edited 06-02-2015 07:38 AM
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Dan Lawlor
06-01-2015
05:07 PM ET (US) IP: 74.70.39.27
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If anything I said has caused anyone on this site to feel uncomfortable and to absent it, I apologize...and will keep my big yap shut with opinions which grate on others' nerves or sensibilities...I hope this is taken in the true spirit of friendship and comaraderie it is intended Also: to anyone who cares: I had a great concert today...sang three of the offerings that Pavarotti sang at NY Central Park many years ago: Mattinata (Leoncavallo); Rondine al Nido (DeCrescenzo) and Non ti Scordar di me (DeCurtis)...and the kudos came from fellow musicians, which is always gratefully appreciated by this old tenor.ha ha Matt: perhaps any one or two of these might be appreciated by your attendees in Florida??? Edited 06-01-2015 05:11 PM
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Diane Cox
06-01-2015
12:50 PM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.239
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Matt: Ed left us for a time. We hope he'll be back. Teresa: Mario Lanza's family tree is available, but it wouldn't show Godfather info. Does show relations. Edited 06-01-2015 12:51 PM
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matt minzer
06-01-2015
07:30 AM ET (US) IP: 72.68.226.139
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HI ED:
I AM CONCERNED ABOUT YOU AND HAVEN'T SEEN ANY RECENT POSTS FROM YOU. IS YOUR MOM STILL SURVIVING? YOU LOVE MARIO LANZA AND THIS WEBSITE AND SHOULD CONTINUE.
BEST,
MATT MINZER IN CHILLY AND RAINY LONG ISLAND UNTIL FRIDAY.
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Teresa
06-01-2015
01:05 AM ET (US) IP: 68.80.206.89
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I was wondering if there is any research on Mario Lanza's Godfather? Or who Mario Lanza was the Godfather of? Apparently one of my great grandfather's had a relation to Mario Lanza but I cannot figure out who was the Godfather of whom.
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Kristine
05-31-2015
06:36 AM ET (US) IP: 173.169.63.145
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Julie Andrews also wrote that some compared her to Deanna Durbin, at the time of her screen test, at M-G-M, in 1949.
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Kristine
05-31-2015
06:34 AM ET (US) IP: 173.169.63.145
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I am reading Julie Andrews's autobiography, "Home", about her early years. She wrote that she had a screen test for Joe Pasternak, at M-G-M Studios, Elstree, England, in 1949. She was about 13 or 14, could hit F above High C. Even with a Shirley Temple hairdo, by a hair stylist, the studio thought she wasn't photogenic for the movie screen. I wonder what Mario Lanza's screen test was like ? I know that Elvis fans want to see Elvis's screen test. He did it with Frank Faylen("It's A Wonderful Life", "Dobie Gillis")in a scene from "The Rainmaker". Paramount Studios was planning to put Elvis in movie "The Rainmaker" starring Katharine Hepburn and Burt Lancaster, but instead, Elvis was loaned out to 20th Century Fox Studios, for "Love Me Tender". Ava Gardner's screen test was silent, due to her heavy southern accent. M-G-M figured with her looks, it didn't matter if the screen test was silent. On a sad note, Vice-President Joe Biden's son, Beau passed away from brain cancer, at 46. Very sad. He served in Delaware National Guard, a veteran of Iraq War, was State Attorney General-Delaware and was planning to run for Governor of Delaware. I thank him for service to our country !
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Derek Mannering
05-30-2015
10:54 AM ET (US) IP: 50.178.46.171
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Great photo, Wendy, and I'm delighted to see Judith looking so well, too. My best to them both when you speak with them next.
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Gail Swartz
05-30-2015
08:35 AM ET (US) IP: 64.12.143.75
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I have been listening to some of Mario's radio interviews. Just wondering about his manner of speaking on the Heindorf one. Was this a joke? On the others he seems more down to earth. Listened Mario on a couple of cd s....am still amazed at his gift of voice and the determination to learn all of the difficult arias, despite the sight-reading lack. His ability to retain just by listening had to be a wonderful thing to work with . Did Mario ever try to direct an orchestra,other than time one in Kiss? Have e joyed the Google forum...learned much!
On May 29, 2015, at 10:55 PM, QuickTopic daily digest <qtopic-30-ECKcxtRbxUTNy@quicktopic.com> wrote:
< replied-to message removed by QT >
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Wendy Stilwell - UK
05-30-2015
02:23 AM ET (US) IP: 92.20.173.137
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For those of you who remember Bill Earl of the BMLS, I am attaching (hopefully) a photo of him and his wife Judith I took a week ago, following his 100th birthday.
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diane cox
05-29-2015
08:07 PM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.239
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The newsreels during the war scared me to death - piles of bones or bodies, and tanks. As a child I frequently had nightmares about tanks. Did not understand what the war was about. Loved the war time musicals though -
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Dan Lawlor
05-29-2015
06:02 PM ET (US) IP: 74.70.39.27
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Len: Thank you for enlightening me...I was only 10 yrs old when the second World War ended, but witnessing newsreels of the Holocaust and its bull dozing of the dead into trenches left an awful and indelible scar on my mind. I was glad I didn't have to go through that nightmare like so many others, glad that in America, I could think what I wanted, and read what I wanted and worship where I wanted, and others, not of my religion could do the same. When still young, I asked the little Greek boy upstairs why I didn't see him in church. He answered that he didn't go to my church. That is the first time I realized there were other religions besides mine. A young mind growing up. Edited 05-29-2015 06:05 PM
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Diane Cox
05-29-2015
02:51 PM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.239
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Yes, Derek, thanks.
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Derek Mannering
05-29-2015
02:29 PM ET (US) IP: 50.178.46.171
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Diane, not a dumb question at all. Over 55 years have passed since Mario left us and it's remarkable that there are still some "unreleased" recordings in the vaults, though not a lot remains. They're mostly alternate takes of recordings made for the Coke Show, selections like "Love Is the Sweetest Thing" and "The Hills of Home," or RCA recordings like "If You Were Mine" and the Rome version of "The Loveliest Night of the Year." Nothing earth-shattering there, though of course it would be nice to see them released on CD one day. There's also the complete "Lanza on Broadway" but if you shop around on Amazon you can find that on CD. One track I'd love to see on disc is the Coke version of "Be My Love" and there's also an exciting RCA take of "Vesti la giubba" that's hiding somewhere in the Sony vaults. I've been blessed to have sourced so much rare and new-to-CD material over the years, both at BMG and Sony, something that wouldn't be doable today with CD sales declining as they are.
Incidentally, there are some thrilling Hollywood Bowl performances by Mario on the new "Greatest Operatic Recordings" CD but you won't see any of those on an official Sony release. Sony has no contractual rights to that early live material or to MGM soundtrack recordings prior to "The Student Prince" (and even there only the material licensed for the original RCA LP).
I hope that answers your question.
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Len (UK)
05-29-2015
12:22 PM ET (US) IP: 217.42.180.117
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Dan: Fascism was a madness that spread over most of Europe rather than being a German phenomenon. I have always found Germans to be educated, God fearing and charming. I too am amazed that they fell for the lies of the Nazis. The British Union of Fascists had 50,000 members from a 1930s population of 45 million at one point. In the 1935 Dutch elections the National Socialist Movement in the Netherlands (NSB) led by Anton Mussert got 8% of the vote and had a membership of 33,000 apparently initially including prominent Jews. By 1944 membership had trebled. Then there was also Mussolini and Franco in Italy and Spain respectively. In 1954 West German government figures stated that 33,000 German citizens were executed for resistance activities. An unknown number were executed without trial or sent to concentration camps. Other official data shows that between 1933 and 1945 about 3,000,000 Germans out of a population of about 70,000,000 were held in a ‘normal’ prison or the concentration camps for ‘political’ reasons. Some were held for just a few weeks, other survived the whole 12 years! Sorry about the history lesson; you are probably aware of all this. I happen to be researching occupied Holland for a book I want to write as a retirement project. Edited 05-29-2015 12:22 PM
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Dan Lawlor
05-29-2015
12:05 PM ET (US) IP: 74.70.39.27
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It always amazes me that a country that could produce a Beethoven, a Schubert, a Mendelssohn, a Goethe, a Heine, a Schumann, and many other geniuses, could also spawn a Hitler? Edited 05-29-2015 12:06 PM
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Bill Ronayne
05-29-2015
10:12 AM ET (US) IP: 68.199.20.18
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The DVD of the Mario Lanza Society of NY's May 2nd concert is now available. It will have its official launch at the upcoming June 6th event at Patsy's. Best, Bill
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Dan Lawlor
05-28-2015
04:10 PM ET (US) IP: 74.70.39.27
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Len: thanks for correcting me about Tauber...I thought that Schmidt died in a concentration camp? Edited 05-28-2015 04:11 PM
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Joe to ALL
05-28-2015
03:08 PM ET (US) IP: 71.224.55.142
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The recent “dust-up” on the forum was unfortunate but what precipitated it was a very noble goal that we ALL share: what can WE do to maintain/increase the popularity of the great Lanza voice?
Allow me to ask this of the good people who read/post to this forum:
Have you ALL signed up for the Mario Lanza Museum Organization? There are various levels of membership starting as low as $20 annual dues (which includes a quarterly newsletter). They do great work on behalf of Mario and could really use the help. The Museum store stocks all type of Lanza stuff for sale (books, CD’s, souvenirs etc.).
Our own Bill Ronayne of this forum is the President and he would be pleased to discuss any of this with you.
Even if you are unable to attend some of the events (like the fabulous annual Ball), or visit the Museum in Philly, the funding is sorely needed. Another possibility is to designate a small amount of money to the Museum in your will. Just a thought, Charity begins at home as they say.
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Len (UK)
05-28-2015
02:47 PM ET (US) IP: 217.42.180.117
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Dan, my understanding is that Tauber would not play ball with the Nazis who made him stateless by withdrawing his Austrian citizenship. He was stateless until granted British citizenship.
Tauber also tried desperately to get Joseph Schmidt (the wonderful Jewish Austro-Hungarian tenor) to flee to Britain. Instead he died in an inn near his Swiss refugee camp. If you are unaware of Schmidt then check him out on YouTube.
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Dan Lawlor to Thelma
05-28-2015
12:08 PM ET (US) IP: 74.70.39.27
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Matt: there were a great deal more stars who made their peace with the Nazis: Franz Lehar, Richard Strauss and Herbert Von Karajan to name a few...and also Richard Tauber !
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matt minzer
05-28-2015
06:50 AM ET (US) IP: 173.9.74.78
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HI KRISTINE:
PLEASE LOOK-UP KIRSTEN FLAGSTAFF AND HER FRIENDSHIP WITH THE NAZIS. I BELIEVE THAT SHE WAS BANNED FROM THE MET FOR SOME PERIOD AFTER THE WAR. GIGLI SOLD-OUT FOR HIS SUPPER. ALSO LOOK-UP PIETRO MASCAGNI AND HIS BITTER END AFTER BEING A NAZI SYMPATHIZER DURING THE WAR. THE ALLIES BOMBED LA SCALA LEAVING MASCAGNI WITHOUT A JOB AND A WIFE AS WELL.
BEST,
MATT MINZER IN BEAUTIFUL VERMONT.
WHAT DID ED DROP OFF THIS WONDERFUL WEBSITE?
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Kristine
05-28-2015
05:24 AM ET (US) IP: 173.169.63.145
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On the subject of tenor Beniamino Gigli, there were accusations that Maurice Chevalier sang for the Nazis. Even Josephine Baker thought he was a Nazi sympathizer. Chevalier claimed he sang for them, on one condition , that they release some P.O.W's. That's why he wasn't cast in "An American In Paris"(Gene Kelly, Leslie Caron), tenor George Guetary was cast, instead. Evenutally, time passes by, people forget, Chevalier was cast in "Gigi". Charles Higham wrote a book about Errol Flynn and stated that Flynn was a Nazi sympathizer, which was denied by his Flynn's family, friends, even Sonja Henie(figure skater in 1930's-'40's movies)was accused of that, by her brother, who wrote a nasty book about her. Of course, we know Marlene Dietrich was opposed to The Third Reich, entertained our G.I.'s(Danny Thomas was in her USO Troupe), and I think was commissioned an Honorary Colonel, U.S. Army. She even did radio broadcasts urging the Axis to surrender. I only commented on all this, because others started a discussion about it. Usually, I will stick to Mario Lanza, etc. as subjects.
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rita irrera
05-27-2015
11:43 PM ET (US) IP: 69.248.74.254
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I think things are getting out of hand and off track. Mario brings good people together, let's keep its that way.
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diane cox
05-27-2015
11:34 PM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.239
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A dumb question: I have wondered why the stuff that is in the vaults has been stored in the vaults. Were these items considered not of the quality to put out at the time they were put in the vaults? Or was this material put away for future recordings? Anyone know the answer?
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Fred Day
05-27-2015
11:32 PM ET (US) IP: 98.85.34.16
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Matt Minzer: Gigli was accused of being a Fascist sympathizer during WW2, but was later found innocent and absolved of all charges. He said, I never involved myself with any politics, never wore a black shirt or a fascist badge. I simply sang for whoever was in power at the time. My job was to sing, so that is what I did. (I'm sure his paycheck was hefty.) His singing career continued for 10 years until his retirement in May, 1955. He died on November 30, 1957, age 67 and a half. It is interesting to note that on Gigli's record of Giovinezza, which had become the Fascist march song, Gigli sings the word "Mussolini", twice. Ciao.
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Linz
05-27-2015
10:40 PM ET (US) IP: 115.188.212.198
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I expect I'm one of the "gasbags" and "windbags" to whom Mr. Mannering refers in his sadly sour rearguard action against the McGovern/Sepia CD—a creative implementation of his purported policy of politeness, to be sure. I'd urge Mr. Mannering again to accept more graciously that his hegemony has ended, and to make way for Dr. McGovern in the Sony vaults so that a) future selections will be as outstanding and unhackneyed as those on the Sepia CD, and b) these selections will have the benefit of being remastered from the originals. If not, he should at least react less defensively and belligerently when literate suggestions are offered as to what should be included on future Sony compendiums. (I say this, btw, as someone who has reviewed Mr. Mannering's compilations for the most part glowingly.)
Mr. Mannering adjudicates, "The day that one or two windbags have a say about who posts what here is the day Jeff should shut the forum down." I can assure him that this "windbag" is seeking no such say. Certain people have chosen to flounce, on account, apparently, of something I said about Lady Gaga. I did not use any non-existent power here to force them to do so (and had no idea that they would), though I did suggest in two cases that since the flouncers had made rather a habit of it, at some point they should actually flounce and stay flounced. What they did was their choice. I do find Mr Mannering's latest position incongruous, though, given that when Ed first posted here, he, Mr. Mannering, told him in not-remotely-polite terms he should go back to Lanza Legend.
Personally I can't for the life of me see why an "insult" directed at Lady Gaga (actually I thought I was flattering her) should occasion such a brouhaha. We're all adults, supposedly, and have the capacity to engage in robust disagreement without repairing to gratuitous umbrage. The world is perishing from an orgy of offence-taking. Let the forum indeed be open and vigorous. Let those who don't like technical analysis of Mario's singing indeed ignore it. Let those who mainly wish to confine themselves to social pleasantries and posts about themselves do so, if that's fine by the host (and it clearly is). Let those who consider Lady Gaga great indeed say so—but let me say what I think of her too! I might be wrong about her; so what if I were?! (Yes, I get it that she was just offered as an example of a contemporary icon who might, hypothetically, record a posthumous duet with Mario.) Why should anyone feel the need to storm off over it? What does that achieve for Mario?! Beats me.
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Suzanne
05-27-2015
02:45 PM ET (US) IP: 74.78.255.171
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Rita, so true! Can't discuss technicalities, but know what wonderful is.
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Mike M
05-27-2015
02:29 PM ET (US) IP: 108.74.19.115
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Just trying to do a little catch-up. Have been in my new winter home in Lake Worth, FL for the last five months. Renovations almost complete, then will head back to Long Island for a time. Did people really get mad over the Lady Gaga thing. My take is Placido Domingo and John Denver did some wonderful work together, and that's only one example.
Kristine,I seriously doubt there was a romantic connection between Eddy and MacDonald. When she married Gene Raymond, one of Hollywood's real mister nice guys, the marriage was not expected to last, but it did. And that is a fact.
Any new Mario material coming out of the vaults? I have the 15 cd Coke set that I bought direct from Damon Lanza, and it seems the unreleased stuff comes mostly from there. When it is newly remastered, it doesn't pay toby because my 75 year old ears can't tell the difference.
Hello to all
Mike Magner
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rita irrera
05-27-2015
01:30 PM ET (US) IP: 69.248.74.254
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Thank you, Derek. I do not claim to have much knowledge of music. I simply go by what is so pleasing to the ear, as Lanza is. However, there are some, only a very few, that made me feel less than worthy to discuss on this forum.
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Thelma F. Prince
05-27-2015
01:00 PM ET (US) IP: 209.85.212.177
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I have been away from the forum over three months.. For a long time I was the forum moderator and David took over. Is he still the moderator? I have a serious disease in my right leg called gout. I was in the hospital first in February and then spent three month in rehab. at a rehab facility with
physical therapy in house. There isn't much to do for this disease except physical therapy and diet.and I have come a long way already. I can now stand a short while and take care of my necessary movements. I will now have physical therapy at home. Please, all of you be able to work with others on this forum and appreciate this forum. Arguments do nothing to further the legacy of Mario Lanza. I am 83 years old and have been a fan since I was 13 years old.
On Wed, May 27, 2015 at 11:50 AM, QT - Derek Mannering <
qtopic-30-ECKcxtRbxUTNy@quicktopic.com> wrote:
>
< replied-to message removed by QT >
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Derek Mannering
05-27-2015
11:50 AM ET (US) IP: 50.178.46.171
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Chris, thank you for those kind words and believe me, you have absolutely nothing to apologize for re your recent posts. This is an open forum and everyone should feel free to express their opinions as long as they are polite. If the comments stray too far from matters Mario, someone will surely bring the main topic back into the fold.
Because it's an open forum, of course, it's inevitable that the occasional crude or ignorant comment will pop up. Gasbags blow in and gasbags blow out, and there's little anyone can do about that. So please, if you feel you have something to say about Lanza, say it. And of course the same goes for Ed and Gary, too. The day that one or two windbags have a say about who posts what here is the day Jeff should shut the forum down.
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Chris Johns
05-27-2015
10:22 AM ET (US) IP: 100.37.30.166
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I've been away from the forum for a few days due to a family illness. I can't believe what had transpired. My dear friend Ed and good guy Gary have left the forum. I feel responsible.
I simply made a suggestion to get Mario's talents to a new generation. Ed liked the idea and he was insulted by several people here.
The forum has definitely changed in recent times. Now we have bullies and folks so entrenched in self-aggrandizement that Jeff should start charging for advertising. Well, in my obviously worthless opinion......the only 2 people who have truly forwarded the Lanza cause, besides Damon and Bob Dolfi are Jeff Rense and Derek Mannering. Not just for literary reasons but for the time, effort and expense to bring Mario's Coke and other performance recordings to us in unparalleled sound quality. Their efforts have also brought royalties to Lanza recipients. They didn't bypass royalties by back dooring them, copying readily available tracks from LP's.
Not that it matters to anyone but I too must say Addio.
To the majority of folks here who are loving, decent people.....I apologize for my venting and rambling.
I wish you all Love, Happiness and Good Health.
Chris
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Suzanne
05-27-2015
09:48 AM ET (US) IP: 74.78.255.171
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Did Mario's voice ever shatter glass? An article I read recently in "Mental Floss" magazine states "Famed turn of the century tenor Enrico Caruso could purportedly shatter Champagne glasses by belting out high notes. And Ella Fitzgerald did it herself in a 1972 Memorex commercial(although she had a little help from two speakers). So it can be done, but it's incredibly difficult. What you'll need is a good ear, some powerful pipes and a lesson in Physics 101. Here's why it works: All objects have a "resonant frequency"-in other words everything vibrates at a certain wave frequency. If you've ever tried tracing a wet finger around the rim of a crystal glass, you'll notice that it rings a specific note." That's the glass's resonant frequency. If a strong singer matches that pitch, his/her voice's sound waves will cause the air molecules around the glass to shake. As those air molecules vibrate, the glass will vibrate too. The louder he/she sings on pitch, the more likely those vibrations will cause the glass to crack. That's why opera singers are the glass-breaking champions of the world: They're trained to sing loudly without amplification, with some voices topping 100 decibels.' Of course something like this was shown in TONO and Serenade, but it didn't quite happen.Anyone?
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Thelma F. Prince
05-26-2015
07:18 PM ET (US) IP: 74.125.82.46
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Brian, thank you for your good wishes. I am getting better slowly.
On Fri, May 15, 2015 at 1:22 PM, QT - Dan Lawlor <
qtopic-30-ECKcxtRbxUTNy@quicktopic.com> wrote:
>
< replied-to message removed by QT >
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Kristine
05-26-2015
06:45 PM ET (US) IP: 173.169.63.145
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I just read Sharon Rich's facebook page. She is head of The Mac/Eddy Fan Club and a woman named Patrice Messina just wrote a screenplay for a biopic of Jeanette MacDonald and Nelson Eddy, based on Sharon's book. According to the book, Mac/Eddy, though married to others, were in love with each other. Sadly, Patrice is in the hospital, battling cancer and I wish her well.
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Diane Cox
05-26-2015
02:32 PM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.239
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Joe: I agree that he put his stamp on each song. This trait makes some of his recordings the standard that other singers only aspire to, as with Song of India.
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Suzanne
05-26-2015
02:13 PM ET (US) IP: 74.78.255.171
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Hi Thelma, glad you're back and feeling better. Hope you'll keep posting. Best.Hello, too , to Vincent. Missed you both.
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Joe to Diane
05-26-2015
01:31 PM ET (US) IP: 71.224.55.142
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A Mets fan here who also likes your "Night to Remember" song. As a former NY sports fan, you might note its similarity to the old Rheingold Beer adv? Almost everything Lanza did has certain nuances that only he could impart.
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Dan Lawlor to Thelma
05-26-2015
01:29 PM ET (US) IP: 74.70.39.27
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Welcome back Thelma...hope you are much better...all the best
.
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vincentjamesdiplacido @gm
05-26-2015
11:58 AM ET (US) IP: 79.65.48.8
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Thelma Glad you are feeling much better , Take care ,
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Kristine
05-25-2015
09:02 PM ET (US) IP: 173.169.63.145
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Hello, Thelma. Welcome back and hope you feel better soon.
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Diane Cox
05-25-2015
06:53 PM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.239
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Thelma: So good to know you're feeling better and can join us again.
Dan: Maybe you better stick with them.
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Thelma F. Prince
05-25-2015
06:20 PM ET (US) IP: 209.85.212.171
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Hello Everyone: I have been away for three months or so, first in the hospital and then in rehab. I had no access to a computer. I have a siege of gout in my right leg and needed much physical therapy; it is better now with treatment and physical therapy. It is a very painful disease and requires a special diet and physical therapy,. I came home this pass Saturday.
I have read most of the posts done when I was gone and see we have some new members who are always welcomed here. I add my welcome to all the new ones. I have been a Lanza fan since I was 13 years old, and now I am 83 years old.
It is so good to read all the new posts and welcome the new members!
On Wed, May 20, 2015 at 4:49 PM, QT - Suzanne <
qtopic-30-ECKcxtRbxUTNy@quicktopic.com> wrote:
>
< replied-to message removed by QT >
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Dan Lawlor
05-25-2015
05:37 PM ET (US) IP: 74.70.39.27
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Diane: I can't believe the Yankees won one today...14-1, wow!
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Diane Cox
05-25-2015
01:02 PM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.239
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Someone said not too long ago that they didn't like this particular selection by Mario. It has become a staple with me, because of it's straightforward singing - and yet the nuances make it as complicated as an aria. It is packed with emotion, but no soaring high notes.
https://youtu.be/rCHGgSdBby4
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G to Kristine
05-25-2015
12:54 PM ET (US) IP: 104.138.138.190
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Thank you Kristine, as soon as I submitted that question, I though of searching opera singers of the 40s and Howard's name went right in my head, I looked up pictures of him and then I realized who it was. Thats why I deleted the question but thanks again.
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Diane Cox
05-25-2015
11:16 AM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.239
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Dan: Sounds like a good idea. They are expected to do well this years - led their division for several weeks, although I believe they have dropped down now to 2nd. I am a Marlins fan also by default. When things changed so in baseball, and they all went to tv pay stations I could no longer get Braves games. The Marlins are on a cable station that I can get with no extra charges, and they are Natl League, so my choice was made for me. They have not done well the last five years.
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rita irrera
05-25-2015
10:39 AM ET (US) IP: 69.248.74.254
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Dennis, I agree. It is fine to disagree, in fact that is what makes the forum interesting. However, it is not necessary to be rude and condescending in the process. I hope after things settle down, Ed will return.
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Kristine
05-25-2015
05:27 AM ET (US) IP: 173.169.63.145
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There is a photo of Mario Lanza with David Niven and Howard Keel. Mario is in costume from "The Toast of New Orleans".
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Deleted by author 05-25-2015 03:46 AM
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Dan Lawlor
05-25-2015
03:03 AM ET (US) IP: 74.70.39.27
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Diane: perhaps I can switch my allegiance to the Mets, after all they are a NY team also?
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Dennis
05-25-2015
12:17 AM ET (US) IP: 73.170.201.215
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Martino, very wise and true post. I suspect that the vast majority of the millions of fans that Mario had in his day would fall into the category of loving his voice, but not knowing (or caring) why it was so unique. As those fans have declined in number, primarily by death and health decline, we are today a remnant (average age of the posters I would guess as 70), and the same proportion holds—most enjoy Lanza for his voice and style, few for his technical perfection.
As to Ed and Gary, Ed is going through a difficult time with the failing health of his mother and his stressed response is within normal reaction and Gary is very loyal to Ed. Both have stormed away before on this forum as well as Lanza Legend, and both have returned. I value them both and await better days and their return.
As to Linz, he is a habitual provocateur and although I value his opinions as an expert, and even share his perspective that discussions should be lively without participants feeling hurt or withdrawing, he has stirred up forums wherever he posts and his occasional rude choice of words have offended many, some of whom drop out of the discussion.
As to your verbosity, count me as one who enjoys it immensely and reads every word, often to my benefit in expanding my limited knowledge of music and voice. I seldom have the ability to carry it into a discussion. Keep posting.
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Peter Christopher
05-24-2015
09:18 PM ET (US) IP: 209.85.213.177
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Tony Bennett, once introduced, Michael Amante, as the next Mario Lanza, that says it all!, Peter
On May 24, 2015 2:39 PM, "QT - Kristine" <
qtopic-30-ECKcxtRbxUTNy@quicktopic.com> wrote:
>
< replied-to message removed by QT >
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Martino
05-24-2015
08:43 PM ET (US) IP: 67.216.109.108
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I wrote the following paragraphs some time ago, with a few recently added comments. I think it is more applicable today than it was then. I have read through the last few pages of posts and wonder where we have gone, the direction we are taking and where we are heading.
The sentiments for sticking to meaningful, informative and entertaining posts about Mario Lanza, singers, opera, etc. are all very well and good and I agree with those sentiments. Who doesn't? That is what I would like to see and I have been preaching that for many years here. I also believe I have done my part to initiate exactly those kinds of discussions and partake in similar ones started by others. But I realized long ago that there are two kinds of posters - those that come here to discuss and exchange information about these topics, hopefully in a civil and entertaining way, and those that see this place as more of a social forum to talk about Lanza and music and their various experiences with both, but who could care less about going deeply and beyond those personal experiences into the subject matters themselves. I generally stay out of discussions that fall in the later category and that is about all there is left here. For those people analysis and the fine points is not their cup of tea, either because they do not have that kind of knowledge or are simply not interested in that sort of thing. People should not be penalized for not knowing the difference between a treble clef and bass clef. The only requirement is that listen to and enjoy the voice of Mario Lanza.
I loose a little patience with some discussions too, although not to the extent as people such as Linz, for example, who find it utterly frustrating not to be able to engage with people in spirited and knowledgeable debate about music and Mario Lanza specifically - things in which he is expert. Unfortunately, few people in the world have the depth of knowledge he has acquired and are not capable of carrying on those kinds of conversations. He has had several long and interesting interviews with Jeff about Lanza's sacred music and the use of vowels in helping to explain Mario's incredible diction and way with words. These were worthy of lengthy discussions here but were virtually ignored by most posters, other than perhaps a passing comment that they enjoyed the discussion and that was that. What Linz and Jeff talked about are the essence of what made Mario Lanza the singer he was, unique and incomparable.
I can tell from the first couple sentences if a post is the kind of thing I want to get into or find interesting and if not, I quickly scan it and go on to the next. Everyone does this and I'm sure people do exactly the same with my posts, especially those that are technical and never ending, as is my tendency. I understand these post may not be of interest to the casual fan but maybe they are worth it for the few who enjoy reading in-depth analysis because they find this stuff interesting, even if they do not participate or respond.
So this is the reality and we all have to understand that is how it is and probably always will be. We sure don't want to scare people into thinking that their contributions are worthless or they won't write anything at all. Gary and Ed leaving as a result are just two unfortunate examples of many over the years. Nor do we want to exclude personal experiences in favor of technical issues because in the end, that is what music and especially the music of Mario Lanza, is all about.
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matt minzer
05-24-2015
06:52 PM ET (US) IP: 173.9.74.78
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HI ED:
HOW IS YOUR MOM DOING?
BEST,
MATT MINZER
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matt minzer
05-24-2015
06:51 PM ET (US) IP: 173.9.74.78
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HI DAN:
I DON'T GET DIZZY DRIVING BUT HAVE EYE SYMPTOMS WHEN MY BLOOD SUGAR IS LOW.
BEST,
MATT MINZER IN THE GREEN MOUNTAINS OF VERMONT. LOOKING FOWARD TO THE PBS CONCERT FROM THE D.C. MALL TONIGHT.
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Kristine
05-24-2015
06:27 PM ET (US) IP: 173.169.63.145
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Happy Birthday, Elaine Malbin !
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Suzanne
05-24-2015
05:44 PM ET (US) IP: 74.78.255.171
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Happy Birthday wishes in order for wonderful Elaine Malbin, Mario's singing partner still supporting him after all these years. Thank you, Elaine! Tony Bennett, interesting suggestion.One thing, though, in his autobiography, he never mentions Mario.Rivalry, or just not a fan?Hope no one goes far, Mario needs every one of us and we all have something to contribute.
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Dan Lawlor
05-24-2015
04:13 PM ET (US) IP: 74.70.39.27
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Matt: talked with my sister about getting dizzy on the road; she recommended taking my vitamins, 1/2 aspirin, fish oil tablet and water...which seem to be doing the job...guess us old guys have to watch ourselves, n'est-ce pas?
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Kristine
05-24-2015
02:39 PM ET (US) IP: 173.169.63.145
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I wish everybody an enjoyable holiday weekend, though we know the true meaning of Memorial Day. How about a duet of Tony Bennett singing with Mario Lanza ? Tony told Bob Osborne(TCM Host)that he loved opera, while growing up. I will not comment about Gigli's political views, due to those, who don't want this to become a political forum. I will follow the rules.
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Diane Cox
05-24-2015
12:11 PM ET (US) IP: 99.177.241.239
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Dan: Not the Marlins - just lost 8 in a row before they won one. The Mets are doing very well this year.
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Derek Mannering
05-24-2015
11:07 AM ET (US) IP: 50.178.46.171
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Wonderful to hear that Bill is keeping well, Wendy. It will be great to see him again in the fall (and of course you and our BMLS friends, too). And that's an excellent point about the venerable Mr. Bennett, Ronald. I think most of us would agree that he's intelligent enough to recognize the difference between talent and trash. Edited 05-24-2015 11:19 AM
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Dan Lawlor
05-24-2015
08:54 AM ET (US) IP: 74.70.39.27
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Matt: I sent a request to the Metropolitan Opera...along with several other opera star requests: Piotr Beczala, Elena Garanca, etc...hers was the first response I got back...put it into a frame and hung it in my music room... ps: House of Opera also has a huge selection of CD and DVD operas, a little more costly, but immense catalog of selections... pps: is anyone out there a Yankee fan...I used to be, but they broke my heart too often...think I will look around for another team to follow...any suggestions? Edited 05-24-2015 08:57 AM
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matt minzer
05-24-2015
07:46 AM ET (US) IP: 173.9.74.78
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WRONG QUOTE. THE ENTIRE OPERATIC CATALOGUE OF PREMIEREOPERA.COM IS SELLING FOR $3.44 THIS WEEKEND. THEY OFFER THOUSANDS OF DVD AND CD SELECTIONS GOING BACK TO THE 1960'S.
BEST,
MATT MINZER
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matt minzer
05-24-2015
07:43 AM ET (US) IP: 173.9.74.78
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HI DAN:
WHERE DID YOU OBTAIN THE BEAUTIFUL AND SIGNED PHOTOGRAPH OF MY GAL, ANNA NETREBKO? I AM READY TO SEND AWAY NOW. PLEASE ADVISE. I HOPE THAT YOU ARE FEELING BETTER.
IT IS 39 DG, THIS MORNING IN THE GREEN MOUNTAINS OF VERMONT WITH FORECAST OF 80 LATER IN THE WEEK. THE AREA IS REALLY BEAUTIFUL.
BEST,
MATT MINZER IN LUDLOW, VERMONT.`
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Wendy Stilwell - UK
05-24-2015
04:30 AM ET (US) IP: 92.20.115.8
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To Brian Harrison
Have been away for a few days, but saw Bill Earl on the way home. He is looking very well indeed for 100 and still quite lively!
To Derek Mannering
Derek, Bill is hoping he will be able to get to the BMLS GTG and share the Irish jokes with you and talks (five minutes he says)!
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Dan Lawlor
05-23-2015
11:12 PM ET (US) IP: 74.70.39.27
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Matt: Just received a beautiful autographed photo (in color) of gorgeous Anna Netrebko...I am in love...ha ha
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matt minzer
05-23-2015
06:09 PM ET (US) |
