I was 11 years old girl back in 1971 in Germany and I had a record player "Stockholm" and I played Mario Lanza all day long. His greatest hits. I was hypnotized by his voice and couldn't understand why nobody loved it too. Thank you Fil for this video
My father (R.I.P) played vinyl records of Mario Lanza while igrew up in the '70's. Mario was one of my dad's favorite singers. Thanks for bringing me back. And thanks Papa for letting me listen to your favorite singers.
Mario's diction was immaculate. Another great American tenor and opera legend Richard Tucker said his voice was the best he'd heard . Great analysis btw
What a voice Mario Lanza had sadly he died at the young age of 38 due to health-related issues I agree it's great to have a look back at these early performance's untouched by modern technology. 😊👍
Read a bit deeper . He'd crossed the mafia. He was being treated for weight gain with insulin. Apparently he was given too much and the doctor and nurse caring for him disappeared
My family knew him very well as my maternal family grew up next door to him. My uncle told me, as you heard, that it was constant dieting to slim down for movies, then gaining it back that eventually killed him, plus whatever medications he took to slim down. For years they had a picture of him in the window of the house where he grew up with a lighted candle. Totally uncertain of what that house is like now as the neighborhood has completely changed.
Picking Mario really helps with depression caused by radio hits with all sorts of strange voices and songs. I think his approach was ahead of time, although some still don't understand the abilities this man had.
Mario Lanza! Back then, I and millions of other boys listened to his singing, saw his movies, read about him in the fan magazines and . . . tried to sing like him in the shower. I thought I did pretty well until I heard my own voice on a tape recorder. There was only one Mario Lanza.
I am from Philadelphia and my mom was a member of the Mario Lanza Institute and Museum located there. Lanza, himself, was a native Philadelphian. My mom is sending her love to you from heaven as a heartfelt thank you for this video. I'm all about classic rock, but I appreciate Lanza's talent. My favorite song by him is not from an opera. The title is "Guardian Angels," and it was actually written by Harpo Marx, one of the Marx Brothers. Listen to it and be amazed. My thanks to you, Fil. This video touched my heart.
I absolutely LOVE that song!!! I’m into classic rock too, but great music is not even about category, it’s about talent. Thanks for mentioning that mighty performance.
A magnificent example of... not just hitting the note, but true inflection. He really means every word he is singing, and it makes for a great performance.
What?? He's had a lot of great "real" singers featured on his channel. Not just great performers, but specifically great singers. Who are all these "not real singers" he's had on?
Yesica I definitely agree, Yes! Hope 1955? Part of the reason I don't like most music since then. This is so beautiful! You definitely have ears to hear! 😊😊😊
Interesting how many commenters are familiar with this singer through a parent. In my case, it was my mom - she loved tenors. So I grew up listening to the likes of Caruso and Lanza. When Pavarotti came along she immediately recognized his technical prowess, even bought an album, but she always preferred Lanza and so did I. I never understood why but now I think I do. The emotion or drama in the performance makes the difference. I think when the quality of singing is this high, it takes the addition of convincing emotional depth to set it apart. This makes me understand why Pavarotti's version, while amazing, never wowed me, while this does. I haven’t thought of this singer in years. Thanks for the memories.
Pavarotti’s voice wasn’t really made for a piece as heavy as Nessun Dorma. Mario Lanza’s voice was a little darker sounding than Pavarotti’s, so it sounds a little warmer. But the best Calaf’s would be along the lines of Caruso, Del Monaco, and Corelli. Voices that were made for that verismo music.
Mario Lanza has a stunning voice and it's so powerful it seems it could go on indefinitely. I can understand how it takes years to be able to sing so beautifully. It's a shame we're losing the emotion that should be inherent in our music. Great analysis of a wonderful performance.
Mario Lanza was one of the greatest singers of the 20th century. Mario left us all too soon (aged thirty-eight) -- the same age as my dad. Mario Lanza -- an incredible voice! He was capable of singing opera as well as songs from musicals. The lovely lady holding the glass at timestamp 8:53 was actress Joan Fontaine -- sister of actress Olivia DeHavilland. Mario Lanza (RIP). Thanks, FIL.
He is my absolute favorite tenor. I get chills and misty eyed listening to him. You should listen to Student Prince . He wasn't in it because of problems, I think, but recorded all the songs for the actor who starred in it.. Magnificent.
He should have starred in Student Prince. Edmund Purdom added nothing. Was Lanza’s weight a perceived issue for the studio? An injustice to a great singer.
Mario Lanza was one of Elvis' favorite singers and was influenced greatly by him. If Elvis had professional training he could have been an outstanding opera singer. Pavarotti said "Elvis could sing like me, but I could never sing like him". He admired Elvis. Listen to Elvis sing "What Now My Love?" from Aloha From Hawaii, 1973 to hear how his voice could soar into operettic brilliance. Thanks for this reaction. So interesting. Autotune and pitch control is really cheating. Another interesting note, if you have read a biography of both singers, they had eerily similar lives in many ways.
@@tarakb7606 You know, you can admire a singer from afar but not have to sing his/her style. I am 73 years old and I grew up with Elvis right from the Ed Sullivan Show and on to now and frankly, I was immediately turned off by him. Elvis and Ricky Nelson, especially the canned girls screaming. I just didn't like their style and made a point to change the channel when they came on or avoided their movies like the plague.Too many greater artists out there back in the day.everyone has different tastes, I realize; but those are my opinions. 😘
The best Elvis ever did in the sense you're describing is in 'unchained melody' and it's fantastic and the best version of it by far, but it's not operatic breathing or technique or range at all. And it doesn't need to be.
My mother and father loved Mario and I heard many of Mario's 78s played by them when I was a child. They had a wide range of shared musical interests, with some small exceptions (mom loved country, dad didn’t). While I didn’t share their interests in opera, there were selections I would ask them to play over and over. Mario Lanza sang many of them.
Hi Fil, Mario Lanza had one of the most incredible voices of our time. The trills he does on the Rs is just fabulous. This is one of those arias that classically trained tenors strive to achieve and perfect. It’s been recorded by Pavarotti, Bocelli, Watson, Groban, but Mario just adds that something special to Nessun Dorma that gives you chills as he sings it! Awesome to listen to and look at this performance. Very retrospective and extraordinary analysis. He was a great talent, thank you for taking a look at this great performer! Debbie☮️
I couldn't click on this video fast enough, haha! Beautiful analysis, Fil! It doesn't get much better for me than Mario Lanza singing a song by my favorite opera composer. I went through a period in my 20s where I was just obsessed with him - was constantly watching his movies and listening to cds. My favorite of his movies was "The Toast of New Orleans" . It has the gorgeous song "Be My Love" in it. That song still makes me melt when I hear it!
How refreshing to be able to listen to a genuinely beautiful and poignant voice that hasn't had all the expressiveness and emotion manipulated out of it. And, yes, let's hope that no one ever takes a notion to doing something so pointless and ridiculous. You've featured a few singers that were favourites of my grandparents, and Mario is another. I can still remember my grandfather putting on one of his records, when I was little, and telling me that this from back in the day, when they made "real music". As opposed to whatever 6-7 year old me was listening to at the time, I guess.😆 Thank you for another great analysis. ❤
Growing up Italian-American, Mario Lanza was a staple in family homes. So lovely to hear his voice in a different context and deeply appreciated at that.
What a powerful performance that was by Mario Lamza. He had incredible range and love the expression in his voice. Great analysis Fil and always enjoy your appreciation for all types of music. 😊🎸🎵
If you enjoy Mario Lanza, I bet you will also love Placido Domingo. Another powerful voice with a lot of expression and richness. And going farther back, Enrico Caruso, my dad's favorite from his old Victrola phonographs. A very powerful voice. This made my eyes well up tonight with my dad, a huge opera fan, in the hospital. But this music is just what I needed, thank you.
Caruso was another amazing tenor, considered one of the best ever. My dad's fave was Mario, who was honored to play the Great Caruso in a movie. Did you see it?
This performance is so excellent, beautiful, and phenomenally executed- both singer and orchestra! Even Mario's trills, swells and vibrato's are so perfectly timed (16th's, triplets etc). This emotionally brings me to tears- the love, the life... I also love the photo audio from films which somehow sounds so natural. Enrico Caruso is also spectacular. Thanks so much for exposing me to this wonderful artist!
Thank you for doing this. Mario Lanza was a God given voice. He could sing anything and brought such love and joy to all who loved him. I have all this records and all his videos. I was 10 when I saw The Great Caruso and fell in love with him. He brings so much joy to me at 85. It is sad that people don’t realize the blessing his voice was to us. I’m really glad you are doing so much to let us know he doesn’t have all the things t make his voice larger. He is better than any Tenor since Caruso.
My father-in-law introduced me to Mario Lanza's music when I was 28 years old. I'm now 63 and hearing this today brought back so many memories of the times spent with my in-laws, their son whom I was married to for almost 30 years, and our Sunday dinners together with Mr. Lanza's music filling the house. Thanks Fil!
THANK YOU for remembering this great performer, Mario Lanza, the biggest MGM star in the world at the time. But as beautiful and powerful as his voice was so was his desire for women, drugs, and wild living, making him like the model for the rock stars to come. He was "bigger than life" in every way, bringing opera to the public as never before. Lanza died at the height of his career at 36 under mysterious circumstances, and although he is now gone, his magnificent voice will linger forever.
OK I closed my eyes just to truly listen since I've never heard this. I cried, literally astounded! I'm seriously moved, going to listen again before I hear fils analysis. Ty for uploading this ...I'm seriously speechless
An astonishingly beautiful voice that sadly went forever quiet way too soon, at 38 years old...💜 THANK You for another insightful and informative analysis, FIL!💕
Mario Lanza! Wow! this takes me back to my early teen years. He was quite popular particularly with Italian families. He had such an incredible voice. This sparks a memory of my best friend's mother who played him full blast and sing along. We couldn't have conversation. All we could do was listen and enjoy. I love that you always surprise us! Thank you for your wonderful analysis. It reminds me also of The Great Caruso who I belive came before Mario Lanza!!
Mario Lanza actually played Caruso in the movie The Great Caruso. I saw it with my parents as a child in Australia. Lanzo was world renowned. He was my father's favourite singer.
I'm all for going back to 55 -- predating autotune and pitch correction. Back to the times when singers really had talent. While this isn't my music I really do like and respect the talent of the singer.🎸👍🎸
We will see what happens. When compressors/limiters became high quality and cheap producers started "loudness" war still going on to this day. How many times we told them to not overdo it, we are not working on this great gear like microphones to hear pancakes at the end, but very little has changed. Over compressing can make songs stand out on the radio, at the same time it reduces details and dynamics to absurd levels...
While you go back to 1955..I am going to stay right here and listen to people like Cecilia Bartoli, Renee Fleming, Sumi Jo, Helene Fischer, Jennifer Nettles, Kelly Clarkson, Pink, Alison Krauss, Chris Stapleton, Vince Gill etc etc etc and as for Nessum Dorma these days...check out Jonas Kaufman
@@reddragonready Oh well, Helene Fisher like Was für ein Tourauftakt!!! Wahnsinn!!! Danke Hamburg💋, or Kelly Clarkson one hears right away her voice is heavily edited, manipulated. This women build the careers more on looks and "great" producers than music. Cecilia Bartoli is great as are some other artists from your list, so is Mario Lanza. We are discussing very different music than usually for a reason.
@@reddragonready Nessun Dorma by Jonas Kaufmann is sang very well, for my taste maybe a bit too similar to other known signers with his type of voice. Mario Lanza is often accused of being "too pop" whatever that means. His voice was very open, mature, for my taste better than most others from any recording singing similar repertoire... Maybe i'm just too excited as it often happens with music to all of us :)
Fil is dicussing the use of pitch correction and the likes being used in modern music. However I was reacting to yet another of the many commenters I see on youtube lamenting the absence of good and live singing today when actually there is no absence,there is only people too lazy to look for such singers. Your remark on Kelly Clarkson is hilariously incorrect . And you didn't hear me say anything against Mario..who was indeed an excellent singer Generally you completely missed the point of my reaction..the point was absolutely not personal preference but that this was a list of people alive in 2023, singing live and doing an excellent job technique wise. @@codaalive5076
I grew up in South Philly -- Mario Lanza country -- and we loved him. Furthermore, I very much appreciate your discussions of expression as it relates to pitch -- being 'flat' or 'sharp', in the service of musical expression, is essential and marks the real artist vs. the machine. Lanza had an immensely beautiful voice, one of the great tenors, sublime and passionate.
Yes! That's why I wrote the first Mario Lanza biography in french, "the Voice from the heart," "La Voix du coeur," after many trips to Philadelphia etc...etc...Who said Mario was forgotten? Tribute concerts all over the world, new SEPIA Cds issued in the UK every year, new Lanza fan clubs etc... Why did two french authors write a book on Lanza in 2022-2023 ? Tell me...
One of my favorite operatic songs, Nessun Dorma. This song and Mario’s astonishing voice takes you on a beautiful journey. He was born and raised here in Philadelphia, PA, 🇺🇸He is regarded as one of the best voices of that genre. Thank you Fil, for another extraordinary analysis. ❤️
You’re really delving into the past lately. Interesting change. You’re a true renaissance man, Fil. Your musical knowledge is stunning and your enthusiasm so contagious. Your smile could launch a thousand ships.
Without Mario Lanza, we may not have had the pleasure of hearing Pavarotti, Carreras and Domingo sing. They all said he inspired them to become opera singers when they saw him in his films.
Huge respect for this one Fil. Mario was an astonishing singer and one of my dad's favourites. Brings back fond memories, cheers. Vocal expression and the 'human' touch are extremely crucial components for any vocalist and for the Art itself, and the primary issue with software that manipulates tuning, timing and elements such as vibrato (Melodyne does all that and more) is that those essential human components are all but removed. All those who, for example, say that "vibrato is cheating" have, in that one statement, embarrassingly nullified any right to comment on anything to do with music. It's laughable, of course, that they would be ill-equipped to recognise that.
Elvis was a huge fan of Mario Lanza and was hugely influenced by him. Their lives were eerily similar in many ways and both had gorgeous voices. Listen to Elvis sing "What Now My Love?" from Aloha, From Hawaii, 1973. It is operettic.❤
@@jennyjorgensen9935I think his song SURRENDER comes close to opera too!? I totally understand, why Elvis admired Mario Lanza. Best Opera voice I've ever heard.
Finally Mario is being discovered and listened to again. He was the most fabulous tenors of the 20th century. Pavarotti just opens his mouth and yells with zero passion. Lanza had a huge open sound like no other full of passion.
Mario Lanza, Frank Sinatra, Louis Prima, and Tony Bennett. The Italian American Mount Rushmore. Great video Fil. Your appreciation of true talent, in any genre, is what sets you apart from the rest 👍
I played some Mario Lanza recordings for my son when he was in his early twenties. He was blown away. I loved his films when I was a kid. There are some very interesting documentary type videos about him on youtube.
And we now gave confirmation (not that we needed it) that Fil is a true lover of music, hears great vocals regardless of genre and appreciates them. Thanks for introducing us to music we may have otherwise never heard, Fil. ❤
When I was a little girl my parents took me to a movie of/or with Mario Lanza. I was so excited. Also because of me going to the big cinema for the first time. But I never forgot that voice. He played Caruso I think... Also a famous singer I guess, but I can't remember that. 📽🎬🎞 Edit: That movie was from '51 & I wasn't even born yet. (Just looked it up). But maybe that movie was in the cinema years later in our small town. 😊
Oh My Gosh! My father absolutely LUVED Mario Lanza! I grew up listening to him. I remember him, but I sure didn't think that many others would. This will be great hearing you talk about his performance!
Mario was my dad's hero. What a voice! Allegedly didn't have the stamina to do full operas, hence the film roles, etc., but what he did, he excelled at.
I did wonder about that. I sing opera chorus, it’s hard work, a principal role Even more so. A real opera singer would. NOt of course use a microphone. I am of course conscious this is a movie. Certainly sounds like he had the voice for it. Nessun Dorma, is an incredibly demanding aria. He does a wonderful job.
So glad that you used the qualifier “allegedly.” In the late 1940s, after his US military service and nearly a year and a half of vocal training, he toured incessantly with others, singing scenes and arias across the country. His reviews were positive, and at times, stellar. It was not an issue or question of stamina, rather that he was immediately (1947) contracted and transformed, beyond his or anyone’s imagination, into a film idol and recording star on radio, selling records and tickets on a worldwide basis, and captivating radio audiences, on a scale that was virtually unprecedented. His persona was characterized by exuberance in all facets of his life, but the record is clear that his voice was of exceptional beauty and skill, and that, as he said, he sang each note as if it were his last. Mario Lanza’s vocal talents and the beauty, power and range of his voice, across genres, remains studied, appreciated, and listened to today across the globe.
One of my newly departed dads favorites singers. Love Mario! Fil please do this for Queensryche Take Hold Of The Flame live in Tokyo 1984. You can compare to Mario Lanza. Thanks so much
My father introduced me to opera via Mario Lanza when I was quite young. On a side note, I don't know why I haven't subscribed to your channel until this very moment.
I fell in love with Mario Lanza , as a little girl . He was so handsome and his singing captured my heart , I think I was about 6/7 , even today at 75 he gives me Goosebumps , when ever I hear his voice ,instantly you know who it is , thank you , a pleasure to spend a little time with your telling how , my heart and ears knew what a wonderful singer he was , just because , it’s such a stunning and well trained voice , and you’ve now explained how wonderful he was .
My father was briefly trained in the bel canto style before the war , joined the RNZAF and returned from London to Auckland in 1944 to help set up radar stations .After the war he became a farmer and used to sing in the milking shed .He'd sing Mario's "Drinking Song" and Peter Dawson's version of "The Road to Mandalay" among others .He kept singing powerfully into his nineties . Thanks for your informative analysis of Mario's voice .Ka pai koe.
Hi Fil. Thanks for the Lanza treat it was great. If you fancy trying a different performance could I suggest "Torna Surriento" from the same film (Serenade) where he sings just with a piano....easier for you to isolate vocal. Keep up the great work ...happy new year
One of the best tenor of the history.
For those who have perfect pitch, Mario Lanza sings in it. Unbelievable pure tones and voice.
Jeez, you don’t hear Mario Lanza these days. Well done.
Maybe not on the radio, we have him here every sunday, or monday if it is difficult day.
He was one of Elvis’s favourites.
Wonderful singer!thank you.x
@@codaalive5076Excellent!
I do, virtually every day... lol
His voice is still "Alive".
As an Italian American from Philadelphia, I just want to thank you for taking a close look at this underappreciated and extremely talented singer. 🙂
Mario was magnificent.
He wasn't unappreciated in my parents house!
Lanza was Dio’s favorite singer. As an Italian American from Philly, he was always heard in my home. My mother grew up next door to him.
My mother played his records all the time.❤❤❤
@@JackFalltrades Anybody born before 1965 knows Mario Lanza - now they just know Mario Lopez
I was 11 years old girl back in 1971 in Germany and I had a record player "Stockholm" and I played Mario Lanza all day long. His greatest hits. I was hypnotized by his voice and couldn't understand why nobody loved it too. Thank you Fil for this video
My father (R.I.P) played vinyl records of Mario Lanza while igrew up in the '70's. Mario was one of my dad's favorite singers. Thanks for bringing me back. And thanks Papa for letting me listen to your favorite singers.
Mario's diction was immaculate. Another great American tenor and opera legend Richard Tucker said his voice was the best he'd heard . Great analysis btw
Mario Lanza was my mom's hero. She has several of his albums and I saw his movies several times. One of the greatest tenors for sure.
Same here. Some women really have the ear.
Ditto-Mario was my mom’s fave. My mom would hear Mario on the radio and in the 50s started to collect vinyl 33s. Great memories
Same. My Mom adored Lanza.
My parents had his album, too. I loved his voice. Everyone that was from Philadelphia, loved Mario.
What a voice Mario Lanza had sadly he died at the young age of 38 due to health-related issues I agree it's great to have a look back at these early performance's untouched by modern technology. 😊👍
Read a bit deeper . He'd crossed the mafia. He was being treated for weight gain with insulin. Apparently he was given too much and the doctor and nurse caring for him disappeared
Fil maybe you have a little Italian in you...after all many English do have Roman roots..ahh
Yes very sad it was all his dieting that gave him the problems .. shame he didn’t know that we would have loved him no matter his size
My family knew him very well as my maternal family grew up next door to him. My uncle told me, as you heard, that it was constant dieting to slim down for movies, then gaining it back that eventually killed him, plus whatever medications he took to slim down. For years they had a picture of him in the window of the house where he grew up with a lighted candle. Totally uncertain of what that house is like now as the neighborhood has completely changed.
One of the greatest voices ever.
AGREE! AND, PAVAROTTI. ❤️❤️❤️
@@roseyc.5846 Caruso
@@richardperkins5046 Carpenter and Perry…..end of story.
One of the greatest voices ever... But the greatest tenor who ever walked the face of the Earth.
Mario Lanza 👑
Picking Mario really helps with depression caused by radio hits with all sorts of strange voices and songs. I think his approach was ahead of time, although some still don't understand the abilities this man had.
I think Mario Lanza was one of my suggestions. My mothers favorite song is I’ll Walk With God. Beautiful.
Mario Lanza! Back then, I and millions of other boys listened to his singing, saw his movies, read about him in the fan magazines and . . . tried to sing like him in the shower. I thought I did pretty well until I heard my own voice on a tape recorder. There was only one Mario Lanza.
Most emotionally expressive performance of all Tenors . My personal favorite.
I am from Philadelphia and my mom was a member of the Mario Lanza Institute and Museum located there. Lanza, himself, was a native Philadelphian. My mom is sending her love to you from heaven as a heartfelt thank you for this video. I'm all about classic rock, but I appreciate Lanza's talent. My favorite song by him is not from an opera. The title is "Guardian Angels," and it was actually written by Harpo Marx, one of the Marx Brothers. Listen to it and be amazed. My thanks to you, Fil. This video touched my heart.
The first recording of Guardian Angels from Mario is an absolute masterpiece in singing. It is absolutely mind blowing.... And no autotune....
I absolutely LOVE that song!!! I’m into classic rock too, but great music is not even about category, it’s about talent. Thanks for mentioning that mighty performance.
me too and my mom went to high school with Mario (Freddie Cocozza) and told me stories about his big voice way back then ... an incredible singer!
A magnificent example of... not just hitting the note, but true inflection. He really means every word he is singing, and it makes for a great performance.
Oh, it's a joy to hear a real singer for a change! It gives me hope. Thank you, Fil!
What?? He's had a lot of great "real" singers featured on his channel. Not just great performers, but specifically great singers. Who are all these "not real singers" he's had on?
Some people are simply too lazy to look beyond Billboard charts and/ or prefer to whine and complain @@trekkiejunk
All the auto tuned trash.
@@trekkiejunk Probably all of the auto tune singers that he’s featured lately as an example of how not to do music.
Yesica I definitely agree, Yes! Hope 1955? Part of the reason I don't like most music since then. This is so beautiful! You definitely have ears to hear! 😊😊😊
Interesting how many commenters are familiar with this singer through a parent. In my case, it was my mom - she loved tenors. So I grew up listening to the likes of Caruso and Lanza. When Pavarotti came along she immediately recognized his technical prowess, even bought an album, but she always preferred Lanza and so did I. I never understood why but now I think I do. The emotion or drama in the performance makes the difference. I think when the quality of singing is this high, it takes the addition of convincing emotional depth to set it apart. This makes me understand why Pavarotti's version, while amazing, never wowed me, while this does. I haven’t thought of this singer in years. Thanks for the memories.
Pavarotti’s voice wasn’t really made for a piece as heavy as Nessun Dorma. Mario Lanza’s voice was a little darker sounding than Pavarotti’s, so it sounds a little warmer. But the best Calaf’s would be along the lines of Caruso, Del Monaco, and Corelli. Voices that were made for that verismo music.
He is my Mother's favourite singer of all her 93 years , so I was exposed to him by default . He truly is the best !
Mario Lanza has a stunning voice and it's so powerful it seems it could go on indefinitely. I can understand how it takes years to be able to sing so beautifully. It's a shame we're losing the emotion that should be inherent in our music. Great analysis of a wonderful performance.
Mario Lanza was one of the greatest singers of the 20th century. Mario left us all too soon (aged thirty-eight) -- the same age as my dad. Mario Lanza -- an incredible voice! He was capable of singing opera as well as songs from musicals. The lovely lady holding the glass at timestamp 8:53 was actress Joan Fontaine -- sister of actress Olivia DeHavilland. Mario Lanza (RIP). Thanks, FIL.
He is my absolute favorite tenor. I get chills and misty eyed listening to him. You should listen to Student Prince . He wasn't in it because of problems, I think, but recorded all the songs for the actor who starred in it.. Magnificent.
My very favorite songs! Drink, drink, drink!!!!
He should have starred in Student Prince. Edmund Purdom added nothing. Was Lanza’s weight a perceived issue for the studio? An injustice to a great singer.
@@keithgompertz549 Yes, his weight was the issue.
Mario Lanza was one of Elvis' favorite singers and was influenced greatly by him. If Elvis had professional training he could have been an outstanding opera singer. Pavarotti said "Elvis could sing like me, but I could never sing like him". He admired Elvis. Listen to Elvis sing "What Now My Love?" from Aloha From Hawaii, 1973 to hear how his voice could soar into operettic brilliance. Thanks for this reaction. So interesting. Autotune and pitch control is really cheating. Another interesting note, if you have read a biography of both singers, they had eerily similar lives in many ways.
Interesting, I agree. Elvis had something that was never fully completed.
I am not surprised Pavarotti admired Elvis, he was a great singer.
Elvis? An opera singer? You're kidding, right?
@@tarakb7606
You know, you can admire a singer from afar but not have to sing his/her style. I am 73 years old and I grew up with Elvis right from the Ed Sullivan Show and on to now and frankly, I was immediately turned off by him. Elvis and Ricky Nelson, especially the canned girls screaming. I just
didn't like their style and made a point to change the channel when they came on or avoided their movies like the plague.Too many
greater artists out there back in the day.everyone has different tastes, I realize; but those are my opinions. 😘
The best Elvis ever did in the sense you're describing is in 'unchained melody' and it's fantastic and the best version of it by far, but it's not operatic breathing or technique or range at all. And it doesn't need to be.
My mother and father loved Mario and I heard many of Mario's 78s played by them when I was a child. They had a wide range of shared musical interests, with some small exceptions (mom loved country, dad didn’t). While I didn’t share their interests in opera, there were selections I would ask them to play over and over. Mario Lanza sang many of them.
Ah yes, that's how it's done. Beautiful. And 1955 was a very good year. 😉
PS: You have a wonderfully "old soul" Fil. 💜💙💜
I'll second that!😊
Indeed, FIL, you Do have a old soul...thanks for Mario!! 😘
my mother loved playing his records...she adored his voice
What a voice indeed! What more can I say? Absolutely beautiful!
Hi Fil,
Mario Lanza had one of the most incredible voices of our time. The trills he does on the Rs is just fabulous. This is one of those arias that classically trained tenors strive to achieve and perfect. It’s been recorded by Pavarotti, Bocelli, Watson, Groban, but Mario just adds that something special to Nessun Dorma that gives you chills as he sings it! Awesome to listen to and look at this performance. Very retrospective and extraordinary analysis. He was a great talent, thank you for taking a look at this great performer! Debbie☮️
Watson should not be in your names. He was a pop MIKE singer.
I couldn't click on this video fast enough, haha! Beautiful analysis, Fil! It doesn't get much better for me than Mario Lanza singing a song by my favorite opera composer. I went through a period in my 20s where I was just obsessed with him - was constantly watching his movies and listening to cds. My favorite of his movies was "The Toast of New Orleans" . It has the gorgeous song "Be My Love" in it. That song still makes me melt when I hear it!
"Be My Love" just melts my heart!! ❤️
He was a truly gifted singer!
How refreshing to be able to listen to a genuinely beautiful and poignant voice that hasn't had all the expressiveness and emotion manipulated out of it. And, yes, let's hope that no one ever takes a notion to doing something so pointless and ridiculous.
You've featured a few singers that were favourites of my grandparents, and Mario is another. I can still remember my grandfather putting on one of his records, when I was little, and telling me that this from back in the day, when they made "real music". As opposed to whatever 6-7 year old me was listening to at the time, I guess.😆
Thank you for another great analysis. ❤
My mom's favorite tenor. Had all of his movies.
Talking about Lanza while wearing an AC/DC shirt symbolizes exactly how I feel about music! ❤
Thank you. I've always been in awe of Mario Lanza's diction. To my ear it is extraordinary.
Growing up Italian-American, Mario Lanza was a staple in family homes. So lovely to hear his voice in a different context and deeply appreciated at that.
What a powerful performance that was by Mario Lamza. He had incredible range and love the expression in his voice. Great analysis Fil and always enjoy your appreciation for all types of music. 😊🎸🎵
Ohhh, my dear uncle's favorite singer of all time! Mario was amazing, and so unfairly forgotten today -- thank you for choosing him for your analysis!
Hi,
Mario Lanza! Excellent choice, Fil 😃
TH-cam is like a time machine, isn't it?
Thanks 🖤🤘🏽
If you enjoy Mario Lanza, I bet you will also love Placido Domingo. Another powerful voice with a lot of expression and richness. And going farther back, Enrico Caruso, my dad's favorite from his old Victrola phonographs. A very powerful voice. This made my eyes well up tonight with my dad, a huge opera fan, in the hospital. But this music is just what I needed, thank you.
Caruso was another amazing tenor, considered one of the best ever. My dad's fave was Mario, who was honored to play the Great Caruso in a movie. Did you see it?
This performance is so excellent, beautiful, and phenomenally executed- both singer and orchestra! Even Mario's trills, swells and vibrato's are so perfectly timed (16th's, triplets etc). This emotionally brings me to tears- the love, the life... I also love the photo audio from films which somehow sounds so natural. Enrico Caruso is also spectacular. Thanks so much for exposing me to this wonderful artist!
I’ve heard a lot of opera songs in my 68 years and this is one of the best even though I’m not really a fan of operatic songs.
Thank you for doing this. Mario Lanza was a God given voice. He could sing anything and brought such love and joy to all who loved him. I have all this records and all his videos. I was 10 when I saw The Great Caruso and fell in love with him. He brings so much joy to me at 85. It is sad that people don’t realize the blessing his voice was to us. I’m really glad you are doing so much to let us know he doesn’t have all the things t make his voice larger. He is better than any Tenor since Caruso.
My father-in-law introduced me to Mario Lanza's music when I was 28 years old. I'm now 63 and hearing this today brought back so many memories of the times spent with my in-laws, their son whom I was married to for almost 30 years, and our Sunday dinners together with Mr. Lanza's music filling the house. Thanks Fil!
00:25 Sweet goodness, what a great choice. This is something of a family piece, since childhood.
16:03 A lot of Pavarotti in the air. Maybe slightly _lower_ physical voice, but same sweet quality.
If that graph was a seismograph we' be in the rubble now!
THANK YOU for remembering this great performer, Mario Lanza, the biggest MGM star in the world at the time. But as beautiful and powerful as his voice was so was his desire for women, drugs, and wild living, making him like the model for the rock stars to come. He was "bigger than life" in every way, bringing opera to the public as never before. Lanza died at the height of his career at 36 under mysterious circumstances, and although he is now gone, his magnificent voice will linger forever.
OK I closed my eyes just to truly listen since I've never heard this. I cried, literally astounded! I'm seriously moved, going to listen again before I hear fils analysis.
Ty for uploading this ...I'm seriously speechless
I'd forgotten what a rich and emotive voice Mario Lanza had! Thank you!
An astonishingly beautiful voice that sadly went forever quiet way too soon, at 38 years old...💜
THANK You for another insightful and informative analysis, FIL!💕
Mario Lanza! Wow! this takes me back to my early teen years. He was quite popular particularly with Italian families. He had such an incredible voice. This sparks a memory of my best friend's mother who played him full blast and sing along. We couldn't have conversation. All we could do was listen and enjoy. I love that you always surprise us! Thank you for your wonderful analysis. It reminds me also of The Great Caruso who I belive came before Mario Lanza!!
Mario Lanza actually played Caruso in the movie The Great Caruso. I saw it with my parents as a child in Australia. Lanzo was world renowned. He was my father's favourite singer.
Caruso died in 1921, Mario's birth date..By yhe way, it's Mario Lanza who played "The Great Caruso"
I'm all for going back to 55 -- predating autotune and pitch correction. Back to the times when singers really had talent. While this isn't my music I really do like and respect the talent of the singer.🎸👍🎸
We will see what happens. When compressors/limiters became high quality and cheap producers started "loudness" war still going on to this day. How many times we told them to not overdo it, we are not working on this great gear like microphones to hear pancakes at the end, but very little has changed.
Over compressing can make songs stand out on the radio, at the same time it reduces details and dynamics to absurd levels...
While you go back to 1955..I am going to stay right here and listen to people like Cecilia Bartoli, Renee Fleming, Sumi Jo, Helene Fischer, Jennifer Nettles, Kelly Clarkson, Pink, Alison Krauss, Chris Stapleton, Vince Gill etc etc etc and as for Nessum Dorma these days...check out Jonas Kaufman
@@reddragonready
Oh well, Helene Fisher like Was für ein Tourauftakt!!! Wahnsinn!!! Danke Hamburg💋, or Kelly Clarkson one hears right away her voice is heavily edited, manipulated. This women build the careers more on looks and "great" producers than music. Cecilia Bartoli is great as are some other artists from your list, so is Mario Lanza. We are discussing very different music than usually for a reason.
@@reddragonready Nessun Dorma by Jonas Kaufmann is sang very well, for my taste maybe a bit too similar to other known signers with his type of voice. Mario Lanza is often accused of being "too pop" whatever that means. His voice was very open, mature, for my taste better than most others from any recording singing similar repertoire... Maybe i'm just too excited as it often happens with music to all of us :)
Fil is dicussing the use of pitch correction and the likes being used in modern music.
However I was reacting to yet another of the many commenters I see on youtube lamenting the absence of good and live singing today when actually there is no absence,there is only people too lazy to look for such singers. Your remark on Kelly Clarkson is hilariously incorrect . And you didn't hear me say anything against Mario..who was indeed an excellent singer
Generally you completely missed the point of my reaction..the point was absolutely not personal preference but that this was a list of people alive in 2023, singing live and doing an excellent job technique wise. @@codaalive5076
My Mom loved Mario's singing
I grew up in South Philly -- Mario Lanza country -- and we loved him. Furthermore, I very much appreciate your discussions of expression as it relates to pitch -- being 'flat' or 'sharp', in the service of musical expression, is essential and marks the real artist vs. the machine. Lanza had an immensely beautiful voice, one of the great tenors, sublime and passionate.
This guy had to have had the most emotional voice I have ever heard. Mario Lanza, a beautiful tone and emotion. Amazing
Yes! That's why I wrote the first Mario Lanza biography in french, "the Voice from the heart," "La Voix du coeur," after many trips to Philadelphia etc...etc...Who said Mario was forgotten? Tribute concerts all over the world, new SEPIA Cds issued in the UK every year, new Lanza fan clubs etc... Why did two french authors write a book on Lanza in 2022-2023 ? Tell me...
One of my favorite operatic songs, Nessun Dorma. This song and Mario’s astonishing voice takes you on a beautiful journey. He was born and raised here in Philadelphia, PA, 🇺🇸He is regarded as one of the best voices of that genre. Thank you Fil, for another extraordinary analysis. ❤️
Mario Lanza, one of my lifetime favorite all time singers, this guy was just amazing. Thanks for a great analysis and short dedication.
Your smile during watching and hear Mario speaks books to me.
so glad you did Mario Lanza. His Christmas album plays at our house every year since I was a little kid.
You’re really delving into the past lately. Interesting change. You’re a true renaissance man, Fil. Your musical knowledge is stunning and your enthusiasm so contagious. Your smile could launch a thousand ships.
Their voices are like fine wine. Better with age & experience. The Timbre is very 'manly'. When I was young, I had a crush on Mario 😂
Without Mario Lanza, we may not have had the pleasure of hearing Pavarotti, Carreras and Domingo sing. They all said he inspired them to become opera singers when they saw him in his films.
I love, love, love Mario Lanza. Such beautiful emotion in his singing! What a talent!
Mario was my mother’s favorite singer in the 1950s. It took me decades to appreciate his art. Thanks, Fil.
Huge respect for this one Fil. Mario was an astonishing singer and one of my dad's favourites. Brings back fond memories, cheers.
Vocal expression and the 'human' touch are extremely crucial components for any vocalist and for the Art itself, and the primary issue with software that manipulates tuning, timing and elements such as vibrato (Melodyne does all that and more) is that those essential human components are all but removed. All those who, for example, say that "vibrato is cheating" have, in that one statement, embarrassingly nullified any right to comment on anything to do with music. It's laughable, of course, that they would be ill-equipped to recognise that.
Oh wow.....he was the best of the best in my day!! Thank you 👍
Lanza, along with Elvis, was my mum's fave. Tragic story, amazing voice. "Guardian Angels" on his Xmas album- wow
Mario Lan,]za's wife, Betty died 5 days later when she overdosed on pills. That is so sad😭
Elvis was a huge fan of Mario Lanza and was hugely influenced by him. Their lives were eerily similar in many ways and both had gorgeous voices. Listen to Elvis sing "What Now My Love?" from Aloha, From Hawaii, 1973. It is operettic.❤
@jennyjorgensen9935 Thanks, .I'll check it out
@@jennyjorgensen9935I think his song SURRENDER comes close to opera too!?
I totally understand, why Elvis admired Mario Lanza. Best Opera voice I've ever heard.
Finally Mario is being discovered and listened to again. He was the most fabulous tenors of the 20th century. Pavarotti just opens his mouth and yells with zero passion. Lanza had a huge open sound like no other full of passion.
Beautiful. I can't thank you enough for how much you have enhanced and deepened my understanding and appreciation of good vocal work over the years. 🙂
Mario Lanza, Frank Sinatra, Louis Prima, and Tony Bennett. The Italian American Mount Rushmore. Great video Fil. Your appreciation of true talent, in any genre, is what sets you apart from the rest 👍
Phil brings me joy the way you really enjoy real talent 👏👏👏👏👏
Pure perfection👌 Thank you for sharing this❣️
Oh my God, his voice makes me cry, im so overwhelmed.
I played some Mario Lanza recordings for my son when he was in his early twenties. He was blown away. I loved his films when I was a kid. There are some very interesting documentary type videos about him on youtube.
The late great Maestro Mario Lanza❤️❤️❤️
Mario was my mother's favorite performer. I grew up listening to his albums---what a voice!
And we now gave confirmation (not that we needed it) that Fil is a true lover of music, hears great vocals regardless of genre and appreciates them. Thanks for introducing us to music we may have otherwise never heard, Fil. ❤
When I was a little girl my parents took me to a movie of/or with Mario Lanza.
I was so excited.
Also because of me going to the big cinema for the first time.
But I never forgot that voice.
He played Caruso I think...
Also a famous singer I guess, but I can't remember that.
📽🎬🎞
Edit: That movie was from '51 & I wasn't even born yet.
(Just looked it up).
But maybe that movie was in the cinema years later in our small town. 😊
Oh My Gosh! My father absolutely LUVED Mario Lanza! I grew up listening to him. I remember him, but I sure didn't think that many others would. This will be great hearing you talk about his performance!
After making my comment, I scrolled down to read others. It's wonderful to see how loved he was. As a child, I had no idea.
I appreciate anyone who appreciates Mario Lanza.
Mario Lanza was so impressive.
🩷Bravo, Mario Lanza! My mother cried to his records… esp, when he died. What a voice!
Mario was my dad's hero. What a voice!
Allegedly didn't have the stamina to do full operas, hence the film roles, etc., but what he did, he excelled at.
I did wonder about that. I sing opera chorus, it’s hard work, a principal role Even more so. A real opera singer would. NOt of course use a microphone. I am of course conscious this is a movie. Certainly sounds like he had the voice for it. Nessun Dorma, is an incredibly demanding aria. He does a wonderful job.
So glad that you used the qualifier “allegedly.” In the late 1940s, after his US military service and nearly a year and a half of vocal training, he toured incessantly with others, singing scenes and arias across the country. His reviews were positive, and at times, stellar. It was not an issue or question of stamina, rather that he was immediately (1947) contracted and transformed, beyond his or anyone’s imagination, into a film idol and recording star on radio, selling records and tickets on a worldwide basis, and captivating radio audiences, on a scale that was virtually unprecedented. His persona was characterized by exuberance in all facets of his life, but the record is clear that his voice was of exceptional beauty and skill, and that, as he said, he sang each note as if it were his last. Mario Lanza’s vocal talents and the beauty, power and range of his voice, across genres, remains studied, appreciated, and listened to today across the globe.
A voice that can inspire and break your heart with it's beauty at the same time. Thanks for this.
One of my newly departed dads favorites singers. Love Mario!
Fil please do this for Queensryche Take Hold Of The Flame live in Tokyo 1984. You can compare to Mario Lanza. Thanks so much
Hello.Fil.🏹🌟on the air of opera..look at you..and emotions..! Here are the tears that flow.💦🌹always intense..thank you, sweet🫂
My father introduced me to opera via Mario Lanza when I was quite young.
On a side note, I don't know why I haven't subscribed to your channel until this very moment.
I fell in love with Mario Lanza , as a little girl . He was so handsome and his singing captured my heart , I think I was about 6/7 , even today at 75 he gives me Goosebumps , when ever I hear his voice ,instantly you know who it is , thank you , a pleasure to spend a little time with your telling how , my heart and ears knew what a wonderful singer he was , just because , it’s such a stunning and well trained voice , and you’ve now explained how wonderful he was .
My father was briefly trained in the bel canto style before the war , joined the RNZAF and returned from London to Auckland in 1944 to help set up radar stations .After the war he became a farmer and used to sing in the milking shed .He'd sing Mario's "Drinking Song" and Peter Dawson's version of "The Road to Mandalay" among others .He kept singing powerfully into his nineties . Thanks for your informative analysis of Mario's voice .Ka pai koe.
Hi Fil. Thanks for the Lanza treat it was great. If you fancy trying a different performance could I suggest "Torna Surriento" from the same film (Serenade) where he sings just with a piano....easier for you to isolate vocal. Keep up the great work ...happy new year
I live in Belguim ,when I hear Mario Lanza , people loved him , great singer one hell of a voice ,I even saw that movie
Great video. Loved your analysis on this. As a vocalist myself, I always learn something from these vocal analyses videos. Thank you!
What a joy to hear Mario Lanza. Thank you!
Gives me chills!!
If you’re in the spirit, i’ve been listening to two Lanza christmas albums since I was a child. His christmas music is just phenomenal
Always been a big Mario Lanza fan. One of the best tenors ever
Bravo!! Fil! What a Master Tenor Mario Lanza was! He was superb. Your analysis of his Beautiful tenor gift, points out every perfect note.
I just love that the pitch is "all over the place" AND perfect
so loved this analysis Fil, thanks
His voice is just spellbinding.