Lanza's 1947 Hollywood Bowl Concert -- the Andromeda release
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Derek McGovern
Aug 5, 2008, 11:15:21 PM8/5/08
to The Mario Lanza Forum
There's been a fair bit of interest on the Rense forum recently in an
apparently remastered CD of Mario's 1947 Hollywood Bowl concert, which
has just been released on the Andromeda label. At this point, though,
it's still unclear as to whether the sound on this disc actually is an
improvement on earlier reproductions. Unfortunately, the only person
who's heard the disc -- one Steve Cutler -- is currently performing
the world's slowest striptease as the Rense regulars plead daily for
his verdict on the CD :-) (I share their frustration; after all, how
long can it take to play just six tracks?!)
Here's a link to the only online shop in English that I've found so
far for this disc:
http://www.norpete.com/Testimonialslist.asp?showmaster=Product&ProdCode=V1390
If the sound has been significantly improved (without any tampering to
Lanza's singing, of course!), as Andromeda are suggesting, then I'll
certainly buy this CD. The disc features the entire concert (with
Frances Yeend's solos & Eugene Ormandy's orchestral interludes), which
I already have on a 1989 Melodram release -- but in fairly thin sound.
I have to say, though, that on both the CD that accompanies Armando's
book (which excludes only the slightly disappointing Una Furtiva
Lagrima from this otherwise superb concert) and the Gala label release
of Lanza's portion of the concert the sound quality is very good for
its time. The orchestra is muffled, but Mario is beautifully captured
in all his vibrant glory.
apparently remastered CD of Mario's 1947 Hollywood Bowl concert, which
has just been released on the Andromeda label. At this point, though,
it's still unclear as to whether the sound on this disc actually is an
improvement on earlier reproductions. Unfortunately, the only person
who's heard the disc -- one Steve Cutler -- is currently performing
the world's slowest striptease as the Rense regulars plead daily for
his verdict on the CD :-) (I share their frustration; after all, how
long can it take to play just six tracks?!)
Here's a link to the only online shop in English that I've found so
far for this disc:
http://www.norpete.com/Testimonialslist.asp?showmaster=Product&ProdCode=V1390
If the sound has been significantly improved (without any tampering to
Lanza's singing, of course!), as Andromeda are suggesting, then I'll
certainly buy this CD. The disc features the entire concert (with
Frances Yeend's solos & Eugene Ormandy's orchestral interludes), which
I already have on a 1989 Melodram release -- but in fairly thin sound.
I have to say, though, that on both the CD that accompanies Armando's
book (which excludes only the slightly disappointing Una Furtiva
Lagrima from this otherwise superb concert) and the Gala label release
of Lanza's portion of the concert the sound quality is very good for
its time. The orchestra is muffled, but Mario is beautifully captured
in all his vibrant glory.
Message has been deleted
Message has been deleted
Vince Di Placido
Aug 6, 2008, 1:29:58 PM8/6/08
to The Mario Lanza Forum
Thanks for the link, Derek. I know I'm a reckless fool but I have
ordered the cd anyway, it's a small risk, it's only a few dollars & I
don't have the full concert, only the Gala cd with Mario & Frances
Yeend's performances. I'm hopeful for a good quality product...
On Aug 6, 4:15 am, Derek McGovern <derek.mcgov...@gmail.com> wrote:
> There's been a fair bit of interest on the Rense forum recently in an
> apparently remastered CD of Mario's 1947 Hollywood Bowl concert, which
> has just been released on the Andromeda label. At this point, though,
> it's still unclear as to whether the sound on this disc actually is an
> improvement on earlier reproductions. Unfortunately, the only person
> who's heard the disc -- one Steve Cutler -- is currently performing
> the world's slowest striptease as the Rense regulars plead daily for
> his verdict on the CD :-) (I share their frustration; after all, how
> long can it take to play just six tracks?!)
>
> Here's a link to the only online shop in English that I've found so
> far for this disc:
>
> http://www.norpete.com/Testimonialslist.asp?showmaster=Product&ProdCo...
ordered the cd anyway, it's a small risk, it's only a few dollars & I
don't have the full concert, only the Gala cd with Mario & Frances
Yeend's performances. I'm hopeful for a good quality product...
On Aug 6, 4:15 am, Derek McGovern <derek.mcgov...@gmail.com> wrote:
> There's been a fair bit of interest on the Rense forum recently in an
> apparently remastered CD of Mario's 1947 Hollywood Bowl concert, which
> has just been released on the Andromeda label. At this point, though,
> it's still unclear as to whether the sound on this disc actually is an
> improvement on earlier reproductions. Unfortunately, the only person
> who's heard the disc -- one Steve Cutler -- is currently performing
> the world's slowest striptease as the Rense regulars plead daily for
> his verdict on the CD :-) (I share their frustration; after all, how
> long can it take to play just six tracks?!)
>
> Here's a link to the only online shop in English that I've found so
> far for this disc:
>
Vince Di Placido
Aug 6, 2008, 2:14:54 PM8/6/08
to The Mario Lanza Forum
Just a quick update, I got this email a few minutes after I placed my
order for the Hollywood Bowl cd
"Thanking you, Mr Di Placido for your order. Please note, however,
that #V1390, Lanza & Yeend, is unexpectedly out of stock. We shall
ship and charge this item within a week or so. We apologize for the
delay.
Cordially,
Norbeck, Peters & Ford"
On Aug 6, 6:29 pm, Vince Di Placido <vincent.diplac...@gmail.com>
wrote:
> > in all his vibrant glory.- Hide quoted text -
>
> - Show quoted text -
order for the Hollywood Bowl cd
"Thanking you, Mr Di Placido for your order. Please note, however,
that #V1390, Lanza & Yeend, is unexpectedly out of stock. We shall
ship and charge this item within a week or so. We apologize for the
delay.
Cordially,
Norbeck, Peters & Ford"
On Aug 6, 6:29 pm, Vince Di Placido <vincent.diplac...@gmail.com>
wrote:
>
> - Show quoted text -
Heidi
Aug 6, 2008, 4:28:53 PM8/6/08
to The Mario Lanza Forum
Hello Derek
I`ve just talked to my friend in Cologne, she told me that she bought
the Andromeda CD at a store in her hometown and she is very happy with
the sound of it. It is much better than the older Cd she ownes.
Cheers Heidi
On 6 Aug., 05:15, Derek McGovern <derek.mcgov...@gmail.com> wrote:
> There's been a fair bit of interest on the Rense forum recently in an
> apparently remastered CD of Mario's 1947 Hollywood Bowl concert, which
> has just been released on the Andromeda label. At this point, though,
> it's still unclear as to whether the sound on this disc actually is an
> improvement on earlier reproductions. Unfortunately, the only person
> who's heard the disc -- one Steve Cutler -- is currently performing
> the world's slowest striptease as the Rense regulars plead daily for
> his verdict on the CD :-) (I share their frustration; after all, how
> long can it take to play just six tracks?!)
>
> Here's a link to the only online shop in English that I've found so
> far for this disc:
>
> http://www.norpete.com/Testimonialslist.asp?showmaster=Product&ProdCo...
I`ve just talked to my friend in Cologne, she told me that she bought
the Andromeda CD at a store in her hometown and she is very happy with
the sound of it. It is much better than the older Cd she ownes.
Cheers Heidi
On 6 Aug., 05:15, Derek McGovern <derek.mcgov...@gmail.com> wrote:
> There's been a fair bit of interest on the Rense forum recently in an
> apparently remastered CD of Mario's 1947 Hollywood Bowl concert, which
> has just been released on the Andromeda label. At this point, though,
> it's still unclear as to whether the sound on this disc actually is an
> improvement on earlier reproductions. Unfortunately, the only person
> who's heard the disc -- one Steve Cutler -- is currently performing
> the world's slowest striptease as the Rense regulars plead daily for
> his verdict on the CD :-) (I share their frustration; after all, how
> long can it take to play just six tracks?!)
>
> Here's a link to the only online shop in English that I've found so
> far for this disc:
>
Jan Hodges
Aug 6, 2008, 5:53:59 PM8/6/08
to mario...@googlegroups.com
|
Hi Vince,
If you are a "reckless fool" then I am one too. I ordered the CD yesterday. I am looking forward to the whole concert as I only have snippets and I am curious as to the quality.
Sorry you have to wait for your copy.....perhaps they miscalculated the level of interest and only ordered a few .
Jan
| |||
|
|
Derek McGovern
Aug 6, 2008, 5:56:01 PM8/6/08
to The Mario Lanza Forum
Thanks for the info, Heidi -- it sounds promising! No doubt Vince will
be able to give us his verdict in about 10 days or so.
Incidentally, Heidi, you can order this CD from a German internet
site:
http://www.gebhardtmedien.de/7,0,andromeda,index,0.html
(If you scroll right down the page, you'll find Mario's disc listed
there.)
Cheers
Derek
be able to give us his verdict in about 10 days or so.
Incidentally, Heidi, you can order this CD from a German internet
site:
http://www.gebhardtmedien.de/7,0,andromeda,index,0.html
(If you scroll right down the page, you'll find Mario's disc listed
there.)
Cheers
Derek
Heidi
Aug 8, 2008, 4:25:55 PM8/8/08
to The Mario Lanza Forum
Thanks for the link Derek,I am a lucky one, I will recieve this disc
as a gift from my friend.
Cheers
> > > in all his vibrant glory.- Zitierten Text ausblenden -
>
> - Zitierten Text anzeigen -
as a gift from my friend.
Cheers
>
> - Zitierten Text anzeigen -
Vince Di Placido
Aug 11, 2008, 2:14:38 PM8/11/08
to The Mario Lanza Forum
I ordered the Andromeda cd from the German site that Derek gave the
link to a few days ago (I'll give Papa the cd I ordered from the other
site, when it arrives)
& it arrived today!!! It sounds FANTASTIC! I loved the concert in it's
entirety, I had never heard it in it's original context. Our boy was
on fire that night.
link to a few days ago (I'll give Papa the cd I ordered from the other
site, when it arrives)
& it arrived today!!! It sounds FANTASTIC! I loved the concert in it's
entirety, I had never heard it in it's original context. Our boy was
on fire that night.
Vince Di Placido
Aug 11, 2008, 2:33:11 PM8/11/08
to The Mario Lanza Forum
Oh! I meant to add that I will go on record & say that I have never
heard these recordings sound better! The remastering, to my ears at
least, is just amazing! Great work!
On Aug 11, 7:14 pm, Vince Di Placido <vincent.diplac...@gmail.com>
wrote:
> > - Show quoted text -- Hide quoted text -
heard these recordings sound better! The remastering, to my ears at
least, is just amazing! Great work!
On Aug 11, 7:14 pm, Vince Di Placido <vincent.diplac...@gmail.com>
wrote:
Derek McGovern
Aug 11, 2008, 3:21:14 PM8/11/08
to The Mario Lanza Forum
That's great news, Vince! I certainly trust your ears :-) Wouldn't it
be wonderful if Andromeda also remastered the best of Mario's other
concert recordings?!
On Aug 12, 6:33 am, Vince Di Placido <vincent.diplac...@gmail.com>
wrote:
be wonderful if Andromeda also remastered the best of Mario's other
concert recordings?!
On Aug 12, 6:33 am, Vince Di Placido <vincent.diplac...@gmail.com>
wrote:
Vince Di Placido
Aug 11, 2008, 3:33:12 PM8/11/08
to The Mario Lanza Forum
Oh! Yes! If we can find some way of contacting them we must
congratulate them & ask for more, they know what they are doing that's
for sure!
The orchestral performances sound very fresh, I especially loved the
first piece performed that night, Bach's Passacaglia & Fugue, what a
beautiful piece, I had never heard this before.
> > least, is just amazing! Great work!- Hide quoted text -
congratulate them & ask for more, they know what they are doing that's
for sure!
The orchestral performances sound very fresh, I especially loved the
first piece performed that night, Bach's Passacaglia & Fugue, what a
beautiful piece, I had never heard this before.
Vince Di Placido
Aug 11, 2008, 4:28:22 PM8/11/08
to The Mario Lanza Forum
I have just listened to the cd through headphones & compared it to
other releases & the only thing I would say in a way of a warning is
that at the expense of the reduction of surface noice there has been a
reduction in the brightness of tone, now this is actually a good thing
as my ears hear things because the recordings are actually easier to
listen to, not as harsh or bright BUT if you like a brighter sound
then this might be a problem & to be honest this only became
noticeable when I listened through headphones, when I played it
through my system & filled the house (& the street) with the recording
it sounded beautiful!
On Aug 11, 8:33 pm, Vince Di Placido <vincent.diplac...@gmail.com>
other releases & the only thing I would say in a way of a warning is
that at the expense of the reduction of surface noice there has been a
reduction in the brightness of tone, now this is actually a good thing
as my ears hear things because the recordings are actually easier to
listen to, not as harsh or bright BUT if you like a brighter sound
then this might be a problem & to be honest this only became
noticeable when I listened through headphones, when I played it
through my system & filled the house (& the street) with the recording
it sounded beautiful!
On Aug 11, 8:33 pm, Vince Di Placido <vincent.diplac...@gmail.com>
wrote:
> Oh! Yes! If we can find some way of contacting them we must
> congratulate them & ask for more, they know what they are doing that's
> for sure!
> The orchestral performances sound very fresh, I especially loved the
> first piece performed that night, Bach's Passacaglia & Fugue, what a
> beautiful piece, I had never heard this before.
>
> On Aug 11, 8:21 pm, Derek McGovern <derek.mcgov...@gmail.com> wrote:
>
>
>
> > That's great news, Vince! I certainly trust your ears :-) Wouldn't it
> > be wonderful if Andromeda also remastered the best of Mario's other
> > concert recordings?!
>
> > On Aug 12, 6:33 am, Vince Di Placido <vincent.diplac...@gmail.com>
> > wrote:
>
> > > Oh! I meant to add that I will go on record & say that I have never
> > > heard these recordings sound better! The remastering, to my ears at
> > > least, is just amazing! Great work!- Hide quoted text -
>
> > - Show quoted text -- Hide quoted text -
> Oh! Yes! If we can find some way of contacting them we must
> congratulate them & ask for more, they know what they are doing that's
> for sure!
> The orchestral performances sound very fresh, I especially loved the
> first piece performed that night, Bach's Passacaglia & Fugue, what a
> beautiful piece, I had never heard this before.
>
> On Aug 11, 8:21 pm, Derek McGovern <derek.mcgov...@gmail.com> wrote:
>
>
>
> > That's great news, Vince! I certainly trust your ears :-) Wouldn't it
> > be wonderful if Andromeda also remastered the best of Mario's other
> > concert recordings?!
>
> > On Aug 12, 6:33 am, Vince Di Placido <vincent.diplac...@gmail.com>
> > wrote:
>
> > > Oh! I meant to add that I will go on record & say that I have never
> > > heard these recordings sound better! The remastering, to my ears at
> > > least, is just amazing! Great work!- Hide quoted text -
>
Vince Di Placido
Aug 11, 2008, 7:34:38 PM8/11/08
to The Mario Lanza Forum
Here is the Andromeda "Improvviso"
http://www.4shared.com/file/58688371/33685a4d/Un_Di_AllAzzurro_Spazio.html
On Aug 11, 9:28 pm, Vince Di Placido <vincent.diplac...@gmail.com>
http://www.4shared.com/file/58688371/33685a4d/Un_Di_AllAzzurro_Spazio.html
On Aug 11, 9:28 pm, Vince Di Placido <vincent.diplac...@gmail.com>
Vince Di Placido
Aug 11, 2008, 7:47:36 PM8/11/08
to The Mario Lanza Forum
& here is the Butterfly duet, thrilling stuff!
http://www.4shared.com/file/58690248/988fda42/Vogliatemi_Bene_-_Lanza__Yeend.html
On Aug 12, 12:34 am, Vince Di Placido <vincent.diplac...@gmail.com>
wrote:
http://www.4shared.com/file/58690248/988fda42/Vogliatemi_Bene_-_Lanza__Yeend.html
On Aug 12, 12:34 am, Vince Di Placido <vincent.diplac...@gmail.com>
wrote:
> Here is the Andromeda "Improvviso"
>
> http://www.4shared.com/file/58688371/33685a4d/Un_Di_AllAzzurro_Spazio...
>
tfprince
Aug 11, 2008, 10:04:52 PM8/11/08
to The Mario Lanza Forum
This is my very favorite recording of Mario Lanza and Frances from all
time! I think there is definite improvement in the recordings you
have shared, Vince, and thank you very much!
On Aug 11, 7:47 pm, Vince Di Placido <vincent.diplac...@gmail.com>
wrote:
time! I think there is definite improvement in the recordings you
have shared, Vince, and thank you very much!
On Aug 11, 7:47 pm, Vince Di Placido <vincent.diplac...@gmail.com>
wrote:
> & here is the Butterfly duet, thrilling stuff!
>
> http://www.4shared.com/file/58690248/988fda42/Vogliatemi_Bene_-_Lanza...
>
Message has been deleted
Armando
Aug 12, 2008, 3:04:42 AM8/12/08
to The Mario Lanza Forum
Stupendous singing, Vince!
The sound is very good but, frankly, I cannot detect much of a
difference between this and either the Gala or Melodram CD (the
latter, which has the entire concert on it, is no longer available).
The Gala has a brighter sound and that’s about it. However for anyone
that doesn’t have this concert on CD, the Andromeda is definitely
worth getting.
This is Lanza at his very best on the verge of an outstanding operatic
career, and it’s all that one needs to silence even the most
persistent of critics or stuffed shirts!
On Aug 12, 9:47 am, Vince Di Placido <vincent.diplac...@gmail.com>
wrote:
The sound is very good but, frankly, I cannot detect much of a
difference between this and either the Gala or Melodram CD (the
latter, which has the entire concert on it, is no longer available).
The Gala has a brighter sound and that’s about it. However for anyone
that doesn’t have this concert on CD, the Andromeda is definitely
worth getting.
This is Lanza at his very best on the verge of an outstanding operatic
career, and it’s all that one needs to silence even the most
persistent of critics or stuffed shirts!
On Aug 12, 9:47 am, Vince Di Placido <vincent.diplac...@gmail.com>
wrote:
> & here is the Butterfly duet, thrilling stuff!
>
> http://www.4shared.com/file/58690248/988fda42/Vogliatemi_Bene_-_Lanza...
>
Muriel
Aug 12, 2008, 12:24:28 PM8/12/08
to The Mario Lanza Forum
Thanks to all for the comments. As I've never heard the entire
concert, I'll give this a try. I've enjoyed the Gala recordings, so
this should be worthwhile.. I particularly appreciate Mario's
dedication to operatic singing at this time in his career.
Cheers - Muriel
concert, I'll give this a try. I've enjoyed the Gala recordings, so
this should be worthwhile.. I particularly appreciate Mario's
dedication to operatic singing at this time in his career.
Cheers - Muriel
gary from N.S.
Aug 12, 2008, 9:07:31 PM8/12/08
to The Mario Lanza Forum
Vince..Many many thanks for these 2 links..I have been listening to
these over and over tonight..
I love both these pieces,and never tire of hearing them. Splendid
sound.
these over and over tonight..
I love both these pieces,and never tire of hearing them. Splendid
sound.
> & here is the Butterfly duet, thrilling stuff!
>
> http://www.4shared.com/file/58690248/988fda42/Vogliatemi_Bene_-_Lanza...
>
Sam
Aug 14, 2008, 3:57:16 AM8/14/08
to The Mario Lanza Forum
Vince or anyone: I am about to order the Andromeda CD, but it doesn't
mention the Ormandy orchestral selections. Is the disc you have
Andromeda 5133(stock number V1390)? I would appreciate the
information. Thanks!
mention the Ormandy orchestral selections. Is the disc you have
Andromeda 5133(stock number V1390)? I would appreciate the
information. Thanks!
Jan Hodges
Aug 14, 2008, 4:48:42 AM8/14/08
to mario...@googlegroups.com
|
Hi Sam,
I have the disc and it is 5133 and it has three orchestral works on it as well as the solos and duets I haven't listened to it yet as it has only just arrived.
Jan | |||
|
|
Sam
Aug 14, 2008, 9:32:22 AM8/14/08
to The Mario Lanza Forum
Jan: Thanks so much. I should receive it soon. Getting any new Lanza
record is like getting a favorite Xmas present!
record is like getting a favorite Xmas present!
Sam
Aug 14, 2008, 4:45:59 PM8/14/08
to The Mario Lanza Forum
FYI: Norbeck, Peters, and Ford sent me the following letter today:
Thanking you, Mr Samuelian, for your order, due to unprecedented
demand, the new Lanza & Yeend CD is sold out out!
More copies are already on their way to us from Germany, due early
next week, at which time your copy will be sent.
Cordially,
Well I am delighted to see the disc is selling so well. I'll just be
patient until mine arrives. Incidentally, the cost with shipping was
about fourteen dollars.
> > Jan- Hide quoted text -
Thanking you, Mr Samuelian, for your order, due to unprecedented
demand, the new Lanza & Yeend CD is sold out out!
More copies are already on their way to us from Germany, due early
next week, at which time your copy will be sent.
Cordially,
Well I am delighted to see the disc is selling so well. I'll just be
patient until mine arrives. Incidentally, the cost with shipping was
about fourteen dollars.
Muriel
Aug 15, 2008, 1:34:35 PM8/15/08
to The Mario Lanza Forum
I have had the same response as Sam - out of stock, but it's nice to
know people are interested. I tried to order from the German site, but
couldn't find an order entry place. I e-mailed the fellow there and he
sent a message that someone from here in the USA would provide an
order form. So, far, nothing.
Perhaps the German site *is* sending copies over here? We'll see, so
patiently, I wait......M
> > - Show quoted text -- Hide quoted text -
know people are interested. I tried to order from the German site, but
couldn't find an order entry place. I e-mailed the fellow there and he
sent a message that someone from here in the USA would provide an
order form. So, far, nothing.
Perhaps the German site *is* sending copies over here? We'll see, so
patiently, I wait......M
Muriel
Aug 22, 2008, 12:06:47 AM8/22/08
to The Mario Lanza Forum
Tonight I received word that my CDs were mailed yesterday, so I should
have them soon. I'm looking forward to a treat!!!.......
have them soon. I'm looking forward to a treat!!!.......
Sam
Aug 22, 2008, 5:35:49 AM8/22/08
to The Mario Lanza Forum
Muriel: I received the same notice and it was written to me
personally. You have to admire a company that gives people such
personal attention. Enjoy the CD!
personally. You have to admire a company that gives people such
personal attention. Enjoy the CD!
Message has been deleted
Sam
Aug 24, 2008, 6:33:42 AM8/24/08
to The Mario Lanza Forum
I received my CD yesterday (after spending all day at a bead and gem
show in honor of my wife....it isn't that bad because I was surrounded
by thousands of beautiful women and hardly any men except for
dealers). I immediately played it, but first looked at the liner notes
(there are none) and the program (its all too short). I was tickled at
seeing the producers proclaim that this recording is in Hi Definition
sound. I have never heard this term applied to audio, only video.
Well, guess what? The sound really is Hi Definition considering the
age and recording quality of the material. Like Vince said, this is
great sound. In fact, I can't imagine it being any better for a live
outdoor concert from the forties. Even the orchestra, which is hard to
record, has very good sound and fine nuances. I developed a particular
fondness for Frances Yeend after hearing her three solos. This lady
could really sing and has a beautiful voice that is rich and clear.
Mario's three solos, of course, are the highlight of the album and his
three duets with Yeend are also wonderful. So, this is a tremendous
disc to cherish and enjoy often. My only complaint is that it left me
wanting MORE!!
PS. There are extraneous thumping noises here and there and the sounds
of a needle playing a transcription are unmistakable in the quietest
passages. But that hardly bothers a guy weaned on 78's.
show in honor of my wife....it isn't that bad because I was surrounded
by thousands of beautiful women and hardly any men except for
dealers). I immediately played it, but first looked at the liner notes
(there are none) and the program (its all too short). I was tickled at
seeing the producers proclaim that this recording is in Hi Definition
sound. I have never heard this term applied to audio, only video.
Well, guess what? The sound really is Hi Definition considering the
age and recording quality of the material. Like Vince said, this is
great sound. In fact, I can't imagine it being any better for a live
outdoor concert from the forties. Even the orchestra, which is hard to
record, has very good sound and fine nuances. I developed a particular
fondness for Frances Yeend after hearing her three solos. This lady
could really sing and has a beautiful voice that is rich and clear.
Mario's three solos, of course, are the highlight of the album and his
three duets with Yeend are also wonderful. So, this is a tremendous
disc to cherish and enjoy often. My only complaint is that it left me
wanting MORE!!
PS. There are extraneous thumping noises here and there and the sounds
of a needle playing a transcription are unmistakable in the quietest
passages. But that hardly bothers a guy weaned on 78's.
Thelma
Aug 25, 2008, 5:00:56 PM8/25/08
to The Mario Lanza Forum
I received the CD of the 1947 Lanza Concert at Hollywood Bowl, and
it's in completely stupendous sound! They did an excellent job! I am
enjoying this one again and again!
Muriel
Aug 26, 2008, 9:19:39 PM8/26/08
to The Mario Lanza Forum
I'm pleased to hear the whole concert as it was presented at the
Hollywood Bowl that fateful August night. I concur with Sam that this
is amazing sound for an outdoor concert, especially from 1947!!
Frances Yeend's solos are worth hearing as well. As this was the time
of the Bel Canto Trio concerts, Mario was quite comfortable singing
these duets with Ms Yeend. In fact, they sounded as though they were
ready to jump onto the Metropolitan Opera stage that very evening.
Mario certainly had that goal in mind at this stage of his career. I
recommend buying this CD, if at all possible.
As for that *thumping* noise, I've always thought it might be the wind
blowing around the stage. It sounds the same as when one blows into a
microphone to test if it's on. I'm only guessing, though. I've noticed
it in the Gala CD as well.
Oh, and Mario sings "spazio" correctly in the Improvviso!! I'm sure he
did so all the time or his peers would not have allowed him to get
away with being so lazy. I'm sure he behaved himself musically in
those days....
Hollywood Bowl that fateful August night. I concur with Sam that this
is amazing sound for an outdoor concert, especially from 1947!!
Frances Yeend's solos are worth hearing as well. As this was the time
of the Bel Canto Trio concerts, Mario was quite comfortable singing
these duets with Ms Yeend. In fact, they sounded as though they were
ready to jump onto the Metropolitan Opera stage that very evening.
Mario certainly had that goal in mind at this stage of his career. I
recommend buying this CD, if at all possible.
As for that *thumping* noise, I've always thought it might be the wind
blowing around the stage. It sounds the same as when one blows into a
microphone to test if it's on. I'm only guessing, though. I've noticed
it in the Gala CD as well.
Oh, and Mario sings "spazio" correctly in the Improvviso!! I'm sure he
did so all the time or his peers would not have allowed him to get
away with being so lazy. I'm sure he behaved himself musically in
those days....
Derek McGovern
Sep 5, 2008, 4:43:00 PM9/5/08
to The Mario Lanza Forum
A dear friend recently gifted me with this CD, and I'm happy to report
that I too find the sound excellent on this disc. It's a superb record
of Lanza in top form, and I hope it gets the widest-possible attention
from critics and customers alike. This is certainly one Lanza CD that
can be recommended from start to finish!
Is it the best reproduction to date of that fantastic concert in 1947?
I guess that depends on personal taste. If you're distracted by
surface noise, then this reproduction will be a revelation, as, for
the first time, it's virtually clean as a whistle in terms of hiss
reduction. Mario's high notes are also generally brighter and more
exciting than they've ever sounded (to my ears) before on these
recordings. The only downside is the trade-off incurred in achieving
that brighter, more vibrant sound: there's a slight loss of warmth or
richness at times compared with the sound quality we hear on the CD
that accompanies the second edition of Armando's book. The one
exception is O Soave Fanciulla (remastered by Vince on Armando's CD),
on which Lanza is actually more vibrantly captured -- especially at
the beginning -- on the book CD rather than on the Andromeda disc.
(Vince: Since you have the second edition, I suggest you compare the
two reproductions of this duet; you may well find yourself preferring
your own efforts to those of Andromeda's engineers!)
But I definitely prefer the sound on the Andromeda CD to that of the
1989 Melodram Hollywood Bowl CD, which is the only other disc to have
appeared that contains the entire concert. I also wholeheartedly agree
with Muriel that it's historically important (not to mention immensely
satisfying) to hear Lanza's contributions in their original context.
For that reason alone, the CD is a must-have for anyone who doesn't
already own the Melodram disc. Lanza was certainly in great company
that night, and my only quibble is that Andromeda has repeated the
misspelling of Frances Yeend's name that first appeared on the
Melodram CD, masculinizing poor old Frances into "Francis" :-)
Cheers
Derek
that I too find the sound excellent on this disc. It's a superb record
of Lanza in top form, and I hope it gets the widest-possible attention
from critics and customers alike. This is certainly one Lanza CD that
can be recommended from start to finish!
Is it the best reproduction to date of that fantastic concert in 1947?
I guess that depends on personal taste. If you're distracted by
surface noise, then this reproduction will be a revelation, as, for
the first time, it's virtually clean as a whistle in terms of hiss
reduction. Mario's high notes are also generally brighter and more
exciting than they've ever sounded (to my ears) before on these
recordings. The only downside is the trade-off incurred in achieving
that brighter, more vibrant sound: there's a slight loss of warmth or
richness at times compared with the sound quality we hear on the CD
that accompanies the second edition of Armando's book. The one
exception is O Soave Fanciulla (remastered by Vince on Armando's CD),
on which Lanza is actually more vibrantly captured -- especially at
the beginning -- on the book CD rather than on the Andromeda disc.
(Vince: Since you have the second edition, I suggest you compare the
two reproductions of this duet; you may well find yourself preferring
your own efforts to those of Andromeda's engineers!)
But I definitely prefer the sound on the Andromeda CD to that of the
1989 Melodram Hollywood Bowl CD, which is the only other disc to have
appeared that contains the entire concert. I also wholeheartedly agree
with Muriel that it's historically important (not to mention immensely
satisfying) to hear Lanza's contributions in their original context.
For that reason alone, the CD is a must-have for anyone who doesn't
already own the Melodram disc. Lanza was certainly in great company
that night, and my only quibble is that Andromeda has repeated the
misspelling of Frances Yeend's name that first appeared on the
Melodram CD, masculinizing poor old Frances into "Francis" :-)
Cheers
Derek
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