Mario Lanza ~ Opera Arias & Duets, from Andr?a Chenier ? La Boh?me ? I Pagliacci ? Madama Butterfly ? Otello
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Free Music Notes for Mario Lanza ~ Opera Arias & Duets, from Andr?a Chenier ? La Boh?me ? I Pagliacci ? Madama Butterfly ? Otello
Free Music Review: Mario Lanza: Opera Arias & Duets...What Might Have Been
Hit: 5 Stars
Toscanini called Lanza's voice the "Greatest natural tenor voice of the 20th Century." In listening to this disc one understands why he made this amazing statement. Every track is wonderful and exciting listening, but the real gems are the recordings which have, up to now, never been released. The lovely aria "Amor ti vieta" from Giordano's seldom performed FEDORA is sung so lyrically at the start and then builds to a wonderful verismo climax. His reading of "Lamento di Federico" from L'ARLESIANA, finds Lanza in beautiful shape vocally and his investment of passion and pathos of this work is overflowing. One note regarding this aria from this seldom done work; would that Mario have observed the composers dynamics a bit more. It is a lyric piece and often times more effective when sung with that type of approach. One of the finest tracks on this reasonably priced recording is the third act duet from Verdi's OTELLO. Lanza is partnered by the great soprano Licia Albanese. The singing is glorious and had Mario lived past the age of 38, he would have, in all likelihood, have created an Otello on the opera stage that would have rivaled even Del Monaco and Domingo. Certain music critics still turn their noses up at the mention of Mario Lanza doubting his legitimacy as a classical vocalist. To them I commend this recording. Listen, and with objectivity, and you will hear the "Greatest natural tenor voice of the 20th Century."Free Music Review: A treat for Lanza fans everywhere
Hit: 5 Stars
This new CD is a joy to behold. The quality of the tracks will make you think Lanza is alive and well and in your living room. The excitement felt by listening to the raw power and clarity of this legend's voice will make you wonder why this CD doesn't cost twice its price. Keep the vaults open and bring us more of the same. In response to an earlier reviewer's comment about Lanza "sounding like" he is singing Nessun Dorma in a lower key than written, nothing could be truer--and that is a true tribute to the richness of Lanza's instrument. He sings the aria in the correct key with a fullness that makes you wonder why he doesn't sound like he's "reaching" for these notes. Lanza's style transcends classification. Comfortable in both pop, operetta and opera, he was one of a kind.Free Music Review: Mario knocks 'em dead again!
Hit: 5 Stars
The review by the music fan from Detroit is as "week" as his/her spelling. Mario's Chenier arias, far from being "week" are a study in marrying lyrics to music. And who else could soar up to the climactic B-flat in the Improvviso the way Mario does? Nessun Dorma is not transposed down - it finishes with a B & an A just as Pavarotti's (et al) does. It sounds to be in a lower key because Mario's voice has more depth. The CD is worth having for the Lamento di Federico alone. With the other gems that are on it, it is astonishingly under-priced.Free Music Review: Fantastic, should be given a rating of 10 stars
Hit: 5 Stars
This CD is truly one that everyone who loves the tenor voice whether it is singing pop, operetta, or opera, must add to their collection. Some of the arias such as the Andre Chenier aria "Come un bel di di maggio," plus Giordano's "Amor ti vieta," Leoncavallo's "Un tal gioco, credetemi" and Cilea's "Lamento di Federico" are exquisite. Another highlight, the duet from Madama Butterfly, "Stolta paura, l'amor," with Mario Lanza and Elaine Malbin.Free Music Review: Mario was great! But he was no Opera Singer!
Hit: 3 Stars
Let me just say one thing thing. Lanza had a great voice. He could sing the same notes as Bjorling, Di Steffano, and Del Monaco. But he couldn't sing opera like them. His "Amor ti vieta", "Come um bel di di maggio" and "Improvviso" were fairly week and sounded like he was sight reading the pieces for the first time. His "Nessun dorma!" was good but it almost sounds like he sings this piece 1/2 step lower in key than what we hear today from the likes of Pavarotti and Carreras and Domingo. We all know that Lanza was a great singer of American Popular repertoire,( not quite like Sinatra and Bennett though!) But he certainly was no Opera singer. He had an Operetic voice. That was it. Maybe this is why he never ever performed in a staged Opera. If you're a Lanza fan through and through, buy this disc. If you are an Opera fan, don't!