The Mystique of Mario Lanza
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Sam
Oct 11, 2008, 10:13:03 AM10/11/08
to The Mario Lanza Forum
I don't normally bring a post to this site that appeared on another,
but a very intelligent fellow named Martino posted this yesterday and
I thought it would be a good topic for discussion here. Here goes:
I tuned in to the EWTN "Christopher" program which I had not seen in
its entirety for many years. I listened closely to Mario's answers,
particularly to the question regarding how he became a singer.
Many of us have asked what it was that made Lanza so unique and
incomparable. What was it that made his voice invoke the passion that
it does? What was it that made it seem as though he was singing just
to you, from his heart to yours? In listening to his response on how
and why he became a singer, I think I have finally found the answer.
Lanza responded to the question by saying that as a young alter boy at
his church in South Philadelphia, he would often sit alone and in
total silence looking up at a flickering flame above the alter. He
said that flame enkindled a spirit within himself and he saw his
career as a singer unfold before him, even at that young age. He said
he was but a keeper of the gift God gave him and that it was his "job"
to use that gift as a vehicle to provide joy to others.
There is a certain eloquence in simplicity and although Mario spoke in
words that would not be considered poetic, he still made his point
crystal clear. He felt that his voice did not "belong" to him alone
and as "keeper" of this extraordinary gift, he had something more to
give than to simply sing. In fact, the show is titled, "Keeper of the
Gift". Mario went beyond thanking God for the gift, he felt he had a
solemn obligation to use this gift not just to make records and movies
and earn a living, but as a means to provide joy to the world. Unlike
most singers who sing the notes with the technique they learned and
find their passion in the music (if they find it all), Lanza took it
one step further reaching out to a religious experience. He found his
inspiration in that flickering flame above the alter and that
inspiration transcended technique and "musical correctness" in a way
few singers, past or present, have been able to do.
Many of Lanza's finest moments have come when singing to God; when
doing so he seldom sounded better. After listening to this interview,
I believe Mario knew from the very start that his gift was a truly
great one and was compelled to sing to us with the same spirit in his
heart and soul that he summoned when singing sacred music. Although
non-believers may scoff at this, it is not relevant if the listener
believes or not because Mario DID believe and it was this connection
between him and his God and his gift that bridged his way to make that
unique connection with the rest of us.
I believe it was this religious factor that made that something
special he had connect with his audience in a way that nearly no one
else has ever been able to do. Through his unique awareness, he passed
through the physical attributes to the metaphysical, which is the
point at which even the greatest singers usually stop. But Lanza went
even further than the metaphysical to the reaches of religious and
spiritual awareness which as far as I am concerned, is the only
explanation for that unique quality we have been talking about.
I do not think anyone, even the Lanza "experts", have ever come up
with a sound explanation as to the reason for Mario's uniqueness and
they way he was able to "connect" with the listener. It certainly is
not a matter of vocal quality as a number of singers have had similar
physical attributes. It is also not a matter of technique as other
singers have mastered the "technique" of singing at least equally
well. It therefore must lie in the realm of the metaphysical and
beyond that made Mario Lanza the unique singer that he was. After
studying his interview, I am now convinced this uniqueness was based
in a spiritual and religious awareness that went far beyond the point
where most singers stop.
Incidentally, my response to the above was:
MARTINO: Brilliant post and very eloquent. Of course we have come to
expect no less from you.
I am here to tell you that most of the "experts" feel that Mario's
story is sheer fantasy, that he "spun" this story because he was in
the company of a holy man (Father Keller who made many of the
Christopher programs). They support this argument with the fact that
Lanza never before or after mentioned anything like this.
I first saw this film when I was in my twenties and believed it then
and still believe it now. And even if it isn't true I LIKE believing
it because it is a sensible answer to why and how Mario reaches our
souls with his voice. But I don't believe in Santa Claus!
but a very intelligent fellow named Martino posted this yesterday and
I thought it would be a good topic for discussion here. Here goes:
I tuned in to the EWTN "Christopher" program which I had not seen in
its entirety for many years. I listened closely to Mario's answers,
particularly to the question regarding how he became a singer.
Many of us have asked what it was that made Lanza so unique and
incomparable. What was it that made his voice invoke the passion that
it does? What was it that made it seem as though he was singing just
to you, from his heart to yours? In listening to his response on how
and why he became a singer, I think I have finally found the answer.
Lanza responded to the question by saying that as a young alter boy at
his church in South Philadelphia, he would often sit alone and in
total silence looking up at a flickering flame above the alter. He
said that flame enkindled a spirit within himself and he saw his
career as a singer unfold before him, even at that young age. He said
he was but a keeper of the gift God gave him and that it was his "job"
to use that gift as a vehicle to provide joy to others.
There is a certain eloquence in simplicity and although Mario spoke in
words that would not be considered poetic, he still made his point
crystal clear. He felt that his voice did not "belong" to him alone
and as "keeper" of this extraordinary gift, he had something more to
give than to simply sing. In fact, the show is titled, "Keeper of the
Gift". Mario went beyond thanking God for the gift, he felt he had a
solemn obligation to use this gift not just to make records and movies
and earn a living, but as a means to provide joy to the world. Unlike
most singers who sing the notes with the technique they learned and
find their passion in the music (if they find it all), Lanza took it
one step further reaching out to a religious experience. He found his
inspiration in that flickering flame above the alter and that
inspiration transcended technique and "musical correctness" in a way
few singers, past or present, have been able to do.
Many of Lanza's finest moments have come when singing to God; when
doing so he seldom sounded better. After listening to this interview,
I believe Mario knew from the very start that his gift was a truly
great one and was compelled to sing to us with the same spirit in his
heart and soul that he summoned when singing sacred music. Although
non-believers may scoff at this, it is not relevant if the listener
believes or not because Mario DID believe and it was this connection
between him and his God and his gift that bridged his way to make that
unique connection with the rest of us.
I believe it was this religious factor that made that something
special he had connect with his audience in a way that nearly no one
else has ever been able to do. Through his unique awareness, he passed
through the physical attributes to the metaphysical, which is the
point at which even the greatest singers usually stop. But Lanza went
even further than the metaphysical to the reaches of religious and
spiritual awareness which as far as I am concerned, is the only
explanation for that unique quality we have been talking about.
I do not think anyone, even the Lanza "experts", have ever come up
with a sound explanation as to the reason for Mario's uniqueness and
they way he was able to "connect" with the listener. It certainly is
not a matter of vocal quality as a number of singers have had similar
physical attributes. It is also not a matter of technique as other
singers have mastered the "technique" of singing at least equally
well. It therefore must lie in the realm of the metaphysical and
beyond that made Mario Lanza the unique singer that he was. After
studying his interview, I am now convinced this uniqueness was based
in a spiritual and religious awareness that went far beyond the point
where most singers stop.
Incidentally, my response to the above was:
MARTINO: Brilliant post and very eloquent. Of course we have come to
expect no less from you.
I am here to tell you that most of the "experts" feel that Mario's
story is sheer fantasy, that he "spun" this story because he was in
the company of a holy man (Father Keller who made many of the
Christopher programs). They support this argument with the fact that
Lanza never before or after mentioned anything like this.
I first saw this film when I was in my twenties and believed it then
and still believe it now. And even if it isn't true I LIKE believing
it because it is a sensible answer to why and how Mario reaches our
souls with his voice. But I don't believe in Santa Claus!
Lou
Oct 11, 2008, 1:04:17 PM10/11/08
to The Mario Lanza Forum
Hi Sam: Frankly, I don't know know what to make of Mario's claim that
he saw his career as a singer unfold before him while looking at a
flickering candle flame in church. I'm not prepared, though, to say
that he was just making it up simply because he never mentioned
anything like it before or after the Christopher program. If he did
have, or think he had, a near-religious experience like that, I'd
think that he'd want to keep it private out of reverence, lest it be
exposed to ridicule, but that the reassuring presence of a "holy man"
inspired him to share it. At any rate, I'm re-posting below my January
5 message in the Agnus Dei thread, which I think has a bearing on the
subject:
"Lanza's magnificent voice and the intense passion with which he
delivered it are the common denominator in his most thrilling and
affecting performances, whatever the genre. There is, however, an
additional, indefinable quality to his rendition of religious songs
that gives me the feeling that his singing reflects his own faith
experience. His readings of Agnus Dei, The Lord's Prayer, the two Ave
Marias, and especially I'll Walk with God have the ring of thorough
understanding and absolute conviction that solidly connects and leads
listeners to experience something beyond themselves. Indeed, these
recordings are a delight to ear and soul. Personally, I think Mario
couldn't have sung these songs of faith with such reverence and depth
of feeling unless he was drawing, consciously or otherwise, from some
personal wellspring of spirituality. Either that or he was an
infinitely better actor than he had been given credit for."
he saw his career as a singer unfold before him while looking at a
flickering candle flame in church. I'm not prepared, though, to say
that he was just making it up simply because he never mentioned
anything like it before or after the Christopher program. If he did
have, or think he had, a near-religious experience like that, I'd
think that he'd want to keep it private out of reverence, lest it be
exposed to ridicule, but that the reassuring presence of a "holy man"
inspired him to share it. At any rate, I'm re-posting below my January
5 message in the Agnus Dei thread, which I think has a bearing on the
subject:
"Lanza's magnificent voice and the intense passion with which he
delivered it are the common denominator in his most thrilling and
affecting performances, whatever the genre. There is, however, an
additional, indefinable quality to his rendition of religious songs
that gives me the feeling that his singing reflects his own faith
experience. His readings of Agnus Dei, The Lord's Prayer, the two Ave
Marias, and especially I'll Walk with God have the ring of thorough
understanding and absolute conviction that solidly connects and leads
listeners to experience something beyond themselves. Indeed, these
recordings are a delight to ear and soul. Personally, I think Mario
couldn't have sung these songs of faith with such reverence and depth
of feeling unless he was drawing, consciously or otherwise, from some
personal wellspring of spirituality. Either that or he was an
infinitely better actor than he had been given credit for."
Sam
Oct 11, 2008, 1:18:40 PM10/11/08
to The Mario Lanza Forum
Lou: I agree that Mario is magnificent when doing religious material.
Am I right in saying that Mario was Catholic?
> > souls with his voice. But I don't believe in Santa Claus!- Hide quoted text -
>
> - Show quoted text -
Am I right in saying that Mario was Catholic?
>
> - Show quoted text -
Sam
Oct 11, 2008, 6:49:18 PM10/11/08
to The Mario Lanza Forum
I forgot to menton that Mario inspired me so much with I'll Walk With
God" that I sang it at an outdoor concert a few years ago. My wife
introduced it with background information. If you want to hear it,
copy and paste this: http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=fJiNVvtYCpo
Actually I have been singing this since I first saw the Student Prince
in 1965.
> > - Show quoted text -- Hide quoted text -
God" that I sang it at an outdoor concert a few years ago. My wife
introduced it with background information. If you want to hear it,
copy and paste this: http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=fJiNVvtYCpo
Actually I have been singing this since I first saw the Student Prince
in 1965.
Joe Fagan
Oct 11, 2008, 7:37:15 PM10/11/08
to mario...@googlegroups.com
nice job, Sam !!
Message has been deleted
Lou
Oct 11, 2008, 11:54:25 PM10/11/08
to The Mario Lanza Forum
Thanks for sharing this, Sam. You have the stance and poise of a
professional singer. Are you one?
professional singer. Are you one?
Message has been deleted
Derek McGovern
Oct 12, 2008, 12:15:44 AM10/12/08
to The Mario Lanza Forum
Sam: I know you mean well, but I'm very uncomfortable with posts being
copied and pasted here from other Lanza sites. It's one thing to
provide a *link* to a discussion that's occurring elsewhere, but quite
another to reproduce someone's post. (There's also the possibility of
copyright infringement as well.) Just a thought.
For what it's worth, though, I don't agree at all with Martino's
conclusions. Regardless of whether Lanza actually believed in God (and
the admittedly unreliable Callinicos maintained that Mario lost his
faith early on in his career), religious songs only account for a
small part of his recorded legacy. And truly superb though his
renditions of the Schubert Ave Maria, I'll Walk With God, The Lord's
Prayer, Agnus Dei, etc are, there are many other performances of songs
and arias that are sung with just as much conviction, and which are
equally moving. It wasn't Lanza's "religious factor" that made him a
great singer; it was his unique voice and his ability to believe in
*whatever* he was singing that made him special. Whether he was
praising God or singing about unrequited love -- or even about a girl
named Tina! -- he was able to make even the tritest lyrics seem real.
And that -- coupled with the tremendous excitement of much of his
singing -- is why I believe that audiences connected with him to such
an extraordinary extent.
But the voice itself was just as important as the way he used it, and
I therefore disagree with Martino's statement that Lanza's special
appeal "certainly is not a matter of vocal quality, as a number of
singers have had similar physical attributes." I'd like to know who
those other singers are! There have been many truly beautiful voices,
but I honestly feel that Lanza was something else again: a vocal
phenomenon. Callinicos put it perfectly when he said that the first
time he heard Lanza sing, he immediately thought that a great trick
was being played on him -- such was the unimaginable beauty of the
voice. For Lanza had what can only be described as a miraculous timbre
-- a unique vocal quality -- with a voice that remained exceptionally
beautiful throughout its lower, middle and upper registers, and at all
dynamic levels. It really was the stuff of fantasy: a force of nature,
as Domingo so rightly observes.
copied and pasted here from other Lanza sites. It's one thing to
provide a *link* to a discussion that's occurring elsewhere, but quite
another to reproduce someone's post. (There's also the possibility of
copyright infringement as well.) Just a thought.
For what it's worth, though, I don't agree at all with Martino's
conclusions. Regardless of whether Lanza actually believed in God (and
the admittedly unreliable Callinicos maintained that Mario lost his
faith early on in his career), religious songs only account for a
small part of his recorded legacy. And truly superb though his
renditions of the Schubert Ave Maria, I'll Walk With God, The Lord's
Prayer, Agnus Dei, etc are, there are many other performances of songs
and arias that are sung with just as much conviction, and which are
equally moving. It wasn't Lanza's "religious factor" that made him a
great singer; it was his unique voice and his ability to believe in
*whatever* he was singing that made him special. Whether he was
praising God or singing about unrequited love -- or even about a girl
named Tina! -- he was able to make even the tritest lyrics seem real.
And that -- coupled with the tremendous excitement of much of his
singing -- is why I believe that audiences connected with him to such
an extraordinary extent.
But the voice itself was just as important as the way he used it, and
I therefore disagree with Martino's statement that Lanza's special
appeal "certainly is not a matter of vocal quality, as a number of
singers have had similar physical attributes." I'd like to know who
those other singers are! There have been many truly beautiful voices,
but I honestly feel that Lanza was something else again: a vocal
phenomenon. Callinicos put it perfectly when he said that the first
time he heard Lanza sing, he immediately thought that a great trick
was being played on him -- such was the unimaginable beauty of the
voice. For Lanza had what can only be described as a miraculous timbre
-- a unique vocal quality -- with a voice that remained exceptionally
beautiful throughout its lower, middle and upper registers, and at all
dynamic levels. It really was the stuff of fantasy: a force of nature,
as Domingo so rightly observes.
Michele
Oct 12, 2008, 9:17:50 AM10/12/08
to The Mario Lanza Forum
Derek,
How right you are. Mario did have a phenomenal instrument. He was born
with a unique sound like no other. As you say he made the tritest
lyrics seem real. Given well written music and poetry to sing he more
often than not produced something magical. I think Domingo was
right, his voice was the stuff of fantasy, a force of nature. I have
listened to other tenors sing the same music but I keep coming back to
Mario. He really is the only one for me.
How right you are. Mario did have a phenomenal instrument. He was born
with a unique sound like no other. As you say he made the tritest
lyrics seem real. Given well written music and poetry to sing he more
often than not produced something magical. I think Domingo was
right, his voice was the stuff of fantasy, a force of nature. I have
listened to other tenors sing the same music but I keep coming back to
Mario. He really is the only one for me.
Sam
Oct 12, 2008, 10:18:41 AM10/12/08
to The Mario Lanza Forum
Derek: I am sure Martino wouldn't mind his post being
copied...especially since he thinks highly of this forum. Why he
doesn't join is beyond me. Sure there are some good minds on the Rense
site, but this one beats them all. Incidentally, Placido Domingo just
appeared in a new film and surpisingly it was just his voice playing
the part of a chihuahua in "Beverly Hills Chihuahua". I was surprised
that he would do something like that, but it was probably for fun. It
is a fine little movie and very entertaining.
Regarding Mario's voice, I do like your theory better. But
whatever the case, the voice was one of a kind and incredibly moving.
The only part I believed of the Christopher film is that he just might
have imagined his career flashing before him in that candle light.
Makes a good story, anyway.
> > as Domingo so rightly observes.- Hide quoted text -
copied...especially since he thinks highly of this forum. Why he
doesn't join is beyond me. Sure there are some good minds on the Rense
site, but this one beats them all. Incidentally, Placido Domingo just
appeared in a new film and surpisingly it was just his voice playing
the part of a chihuahua in "Beverly Hills Chihuahua". I was surprised
that he would do something like that, but it was probably for fun. It
is a fine little movie and very entertaining.
Regarding Mario's voice, I do like your theory better. But
whatever the case, the voice was one of a kind and incredibly moving.
The only part I believed of the Christopher film is that he just might
have imagined his career flashing before him in that candle light.
Makes a good story, anyway.
Message has been deleted
Jan Hodges
Oct 12, 2008, 6:09:21 PM10/12/08
to mario...@googlegroups.com
|
We all know the obvious things that made Mario special.....the magnificent unique vocal instrument,the superb diction,the interpretive powers, the ability to sing any song from any genre and the charisma he exhibited. But for me there is something more..an indefinable "je ne sais quoi" that is best described by this line from The Lost Chord...."That came from the soul of the organ and entered into mine"
This ability to make his song feel as if it were coming from his very essence and speaking to one's own soul is what makes him so special for me. No other singer has been able to reach me to the same extent.
Jan | |||
|
|
Derek McGovern
Oct 12, 2008, 11:07:52 PM10/12/08
to The Mario Lanza Forum
Beautifully put, Jan.
Sam: Mario's claim on The Christophers that, as a young boy, he'd had
visions in church of his entire career unfolding has to be taken with
several grains of salt. He may well have felt *inspired* in church,
but I doubt that even the most one-eyed Lanza fan would regard him as
a seer :-) Besides, I have a tape of Lanza saying in a much earlier
interview that as a youngster he "never knew" that he would one day be
a singer (although he did feel confident that a future in "show
business" awaited him).
Martino has stated rather defensively that, "If the 'experts' don't
want to believe him then why don't they just call Mario a liar and get
on with it." Now he doesn't say who these "experts" are, but I
certainly don't see Lanza as "a liar". Rather, I think that on this
occasion he simply got caught up with all the excitement of being at
the Vatican and enjoying the company of the thoroughly decent Father
Keller, and ended up embroidering his boyhood experiences just a
tad :-)
Sam: Mario's claim on The Christophers that, as a young boy, he'd had
visions in church of his entire career unfolding has to be taken with
several grains of salt. He may well have felt *inspired* in church,
but I doubt that even the most one-eyed Lanza fan would regard him as
a seer :-) Besides, I have a tape of Lanza saying in a much earlier
interview that as a youngster he "never knew" that he would one day be
a singer (although he did feel confident that a future in "show
business" awaited him).
Martino has stated rather defensively that, "If the 'experts' don't
want to believe him then why don't they just call Mario a liar and get
on with it." Now he doesn't say who these "experts" are, but I
certainly don't see Lanza as "a liar". Rather, I think that on this
occasion he simply got caught up with all the excitement of being at
the Vatican and enjoying the company of the thoroughly decent Father
Keller, and ended up embroidering his boyhood experiences just a
tad :-)
Message has been deleted
Armando
Oct 13, 2008, 1:17:05 AM10/13/08
to The Mario Lanza Forum
The Christopher’s interview was essentially a public relations
exercise for the religious order as well as for Lanza.
In my opinion, what Mario did was to very cleverly tell the priest and
the predominantly catholic viewing audience exactly what he though
they wanted to hear.
Lanza was rather good at adapting to whatever mood he thought was
appropriate at any given time. I am sure that had he been talking to
an art historian instead of father Keller he would have told him that
he had been inspired by the paintings of the Renaissance artists.
Maria Luísa
Oct 13, 2008, 7:55:18 AM10/13/08
to The Mario Lanza Forum
Now that was funny! I laughed quite a bit reading your last paragraph
Armando. Honestly I did. Although I do not agree completely with your
opinion on this matter, as I consider him to have been a most
righteous person and this only from what I have been reading about him
and as far as I am able to get into his personality naturally, even
though I did find what you said very funny indeed and may be - just
may be - you may have a part of reason in there since you know about
him a lot more than most. Whatever Mario might have 'invented' in
interviews, if ever he did which I still doubt, one thing is clear as
water, he was the most adorable, sweetest, dear person there ever was
and precisely because of that he might as well have announced he was
some sort of God (exaggerating a little on my part of course) that
those who loved him so very much, would have believed him right away.
This only meant how much people cared about him.
Armando. Honestly I did. Although I do not agree completely with your
opinion on this matter, as I consider him to have been a most
righteous person and this only from what I have been reading about him
and as far as I am able to get into his personality naturally, even
though I did find what you said very funny indeed and may be - just
may be - you may have a part of reason in there since you know about
him a lot more than most. Whatever Mario might have 'invented' in
interviews, if ever he did which I still doubt, one thing is clear as
water, he was the most adorable, sweetest, dear person there ever was
and precisely because of that he might as well have announced he was
some sort of God (exaggerating a little on my part of course) that
those who loved him so very much, would have believed him right away.
This only meant how much people cared about him.
Vince Di Placido
Oct 13, 2008, 12:51:02 PM10/13/08
to The Mario Lanza Forum
I have watched the Christopher program many times over the years & it
is first & foremost a public relations exercise for the Catholic
church & Mario himself! I agree, Derek, that Mario was quite possibly
inspired & influenced by the spectacle of the Catholic mass as he was
growing up but all the stuff about seeing detailed visions of his
future career sound like pure fantasy stuff to me!
(Derek, I had never heard that Mario had lost his faith early in his
career, I am fascinated by this, can you elaborate on this, please? I
know the great job the Catholic church does on conditioning &
brainwashing young children & it would impress me if Mario shook this
off.)
Mario was convincing in whatever he sang that is for sure, but this
doesn't necessarily mean he was full of religious fervour, aside from
the commercial interests of releasing 2 versions of Christmas carols,
there was never an album of Sacred music, when you think of the many
beautiful sacred & religious pieces it is amazing that an album wasn't
put together.
I was brought up Catholic but now realise that there is no evidence,
to me at least, of a personal God & that organised religion isn't
something I want to be involved with BUT I am asked to sing at
weddings & funerals & I get lost in the beauty of pieces like
Schubert's Ave Maria & Frank's Panis Angelicus & people tell me that I
moved them & it was a very moving & spiritual performance but it isn't
faith that makes me perform these pieces convincingly, it is the
beauty of the music & my love of performing & singing.
Frankly, I am a little uncomforatable with all the religious &
spiritual baggage that most fans write as regards Mario & his singing.
Mario was a very passionate & emotional man & it is evident in
everything he did, it just seems that people want to bring religion to
the table when there is no need really. Something can be beautiful
just because it is beautiful, there is no need to invoke an imaginary
sky daddy to help you make sense of it.
I love Mario's religious performances because of the beauty of the
music & the passion in Mario's singing.
is first & foremost a public relations exercise for the Catholic
church & Mario himself! I agree, Derek, that Mario was quite possibly
inspired & influenced by the spectacle of the Catholic mass as he was
growing up but all the stuff about seeing detailed visions of his
future career sound like pure fantasy stuff to me!
(Derek, I had never heard that Mario had lost his faith early in his
career, I am fascinated by this, can you elaborate on this, please? I
know the great job the Catholic church does on conditioning &
brainwashing young children & it would impress me if Mario shook this
off.)
Mario was convincing in whatever he sang that is for sure, but this
doesn't necessarily mean he was full of religious fervour, aside from
the commercial interests of releasing 2 versions of Christmas carols,
there was never an album of Sacred music, when you think of the many
beautiful sacred & religious pieces it is amazing that an album wasn't
put together.
I was brought up Catholic but now realise that there is no evidence,
to me at least, of a personal God & that organised religion isn't
something I want to be involved with BUT I am asked to sing at
weddings & funerals & I get lost in the beauty of pieces like
Schubert's Ave Maria & Frank's Panis Angelicus & people tell me that I
moved them & it was a very moving & spiritual performance but it isn't
faith that makes me perform these pieces convincingly, it is the
beauty of the music & my love of performing & singing.
Frankly, I am a little uncomforatable with all the religious &
spiritual baggage that most fans write as regards Mario & his singing.
Mario was a very passionate & emotional man & it is evident in
everything he did, it just seems that people want to bring religion to
the table when there is no need really. Something can be beautiful
just because it is beautiful, there is no need to invoke an imaginary
sky daddy to help you make sense of it.
I love Mario's religious performances because of the beauty of the
music & the passion in Mario's singing.
Andrew Bain
Oct 13, 2008, 2:27:49 PM10/13/08
to mario...@googlegroups.com
Hi
I am new to the forum and have been reading the posts with interest. The Christophers program is very hard to interpret, I think he seems so sincere in his religious conviciton but the program is so dated and of its time that it seem like another world. I almost feel his sincerity is too perfect to be the reality. In my reading of published material I don't find any references to him being a practicing Catholic but quotes seem to suggest that he is a believer. I would be interested, Derek, to hear your views on his faith as it may be a contributary factor to his troubled persona and perhaps some self-loathing could be attributed to "catholic guilt"?
I agree that his sacred music offerings are superb but no more superb than anything else he sang.
Thelma
Oct 13, 2008, 3:29:09 PM10/13/08
to The Mario Lanza Forum
Please take this as my personal belief. I do believe in a personal
relationship with Jesus, my Saviour, and the Saviour of each one of us
who accepts him and repents his sins. Also I believe in the Trinity:
Jesus the Son, God the Father, and the Holy Spirit, three persons in
One. When a person believes, the Holy Spirit dwells in the person and
guides and comforts him. I am not Catholic; I am Baptist and I
believe in what the Bible says. I still don't know, however, if
Mario was moved actually by the Holy Spirit to see his career pass
before him in the flame and flicker of a candle. Being moved by the
Holy Spirit is a very, very, personal thing between a person and the
Holy Spirit, so another person cannot say.
Whatever Mario believed, a beautiful God-given voice came out of him.
On Oct 13, 12:51 pm, Vince Di Placido <vincent.diplac...@gmail.com>
wrote:
> > souls with his voice. But I don't believe in Santa Claus!- Hide quoted text -
relationship with Jesus, my Saviour, and the Saviour of each one of us
who accepts him and repents his sins. Also I believe in the Trinity:
Jesus the Son, God the Father, and the Holy Spirit, three persons in
One. When a person believes, the Holy Spirit dwells in the person and
guides and comforts him. I am not Catholic; I am Baptist and I
believe in what the Bible says. I still don't know, however, if
Mario was moved actually by the Holy Spirit to see his career pass
before him in the flame and flicker of a candle. Being moved by the
Holy Spirit is a very, very, personal thing between a person and the
Holy Spirit, so another person cannot say.
Whatever Mario believed, a beautiful God-given voice came out of him.
On Oct 13, 12:51 pm, Vince Di Placido <vincent.diplac...@gmail.com>
wrote:
Derek McGovern
Oct 13, 2008, 5:18:32 PM10/13/08
to The Mario Lanza Forum
First of all, a hearty welcome to Andrew! It's good to see a new
member posting so soon after joining us, and it would be most
interesting to learn more about you. I think you mentioned in your
application to join this forum that you were a singer -- and, in fact,
your name is intriguingly familiar to me. I hope you enjoy being an
active member of this group, and if you have any Lanza-related
questions, please don't hesitate to post them.
Vince and Andrew: According to Callinicos, Lanza had long since
"rejected" his faith by the end of his life. This is mentioned in
Callinicos' book. As to whether Mario was ever truly a "believer",
your guess is as good as mine. He certainly had all of his children
baptized into the Catholic faith, and Terry Robinson claims in his
book that Lanza stopped at a church to pray on the day that he
recorded I'll Walk With God in 1952. Who knows? My hunch is that Lanza
*was* vaguely religious, though not to the extent that he was ever
tormented by "Catholic guilt". I put his inner conflict largely down
to feelings of guilt over his unfulfilled operatic career, not
religion.
I do share Vince's concern about Lanza fans bringing up religion so
often in discussions about the man. At times -- and this is especially
true of the Rense forum -- there seems to be an assumption that
everyone is religious -- or at least that they ought to be. Little
wonder that some years back there was a British radio "mockumentary"
called The Church of Lanza!
member posting so soon after joining us, and it would be most
interesting to learn more about you. I think you mentioned in your
application to join this forum that you were a singer -- and, in fact,
your name is intriguingly familiar to me. I hope you enjoy being an
active member of this group, and if you have any Lanza-related
questions, please don't hesitate to post them.
Vince and Andrew: According to Callinicos, Lanza had long since
"rejected" his faith by the end of his life. This is mentioned in
Callinicos' book. As to whether Mario was ever truly a "believer",
your guess is as good as mine. He certainly had all of his children
baptized into the Catholic faith, and Terry Robinson claims in his
book that Lanza stopped at a church to pray on the day that he
recorded I'll Walk With God in 1952. Who knows? My hunch is that Lanza
*was* vaguely religious, though not to the extent that he was ever
tormented by "Catholic guilt". I put his inner conflict largely down
to feelings of guilt over his unfulfilled operatic career, not
religion.
I do share Vince's concern about Lanza fans bringing up religion so
often in discussions about the man. At times -- and this is especially
true of the Rense forum -- there seems to be an assumption that
everyone is religious -- or at least that they ought to be. Little
wonder that some years back there was a British radio "mockumentary"
called The Church of Lanza!
Armando
Oct 13, 2008, 6:21:28 PM10/13/08
to The Mario Lanza Forum
Maria Luisa: The fact that Mario convinced you and others of his
sincerity while talking to Father Keller proves that he was a far
better actor than he was given credit for. :-)
sincerity while talking to Father Keller proves that he was a far
better actor than he was given credit for. :-)
Andrew Bain
Oct 13, 2008, 6:24:03 PM10/13/08
to mario...@googlegroups.com
Thanks for your kind welcome Derek
I am indeed a singer, a tenor in my 30s based in London. I used to work in music theatre but started retraining classically about 3 years ago. I recently signed a record deal with RCA, it is a very different outfit to the label Mario was with, but it's amazing to be linked to him this way. I think I feel a little bit like he did when Art Rush signed him to RCA Victor the label of Caruso but I didn't get paid anything like the advance he got! I guess what I do at the moment could be classified as crossover, so who better to draw inspiration from than Mario.
I have been a fan of his for a quite a few years now and am constantly thrilled by new discoveries of his work. I think he was blessed with a voice virtually unmatched in history. To me he sang opera repertoire with a passion and freedom which I think singers constantly on the opera circuit don't achieve and he sang lighter repetoire like noone else ever has - classically, fully on the voice with more passion than one could possibly imagine. Anyway I am preaching to the converted, I look forward to finding out more about the great man.
Sam
Oct 13, 2008, 7:36:43 PM10/13/08
to The Mario Lanza Forum
Andrew: I welcome you here also. Great to know we have another singer
our midst. I am a baritone that performs American Popular Standards
like Sinatra, etc. Singing is my greatest passion, but my wife and I
do it only part time for resrtaurants and senior centers. No RCA
contract in my future, but congrats on getting yours! If you have any
examples of your singing online (website, youtube,etc)please share
your voice with us. I enjoyed reading your post above and completely
agree with you on everything you mentioned.
On Oct 13, 6:24 pm, "Andrew Bain" <andrew.d.b...@gmail.com> wrote:
> Thanks for your kind welcome Derek
> I am indeed a singer, a tenor in my 30s based in London. I used to work in
> music theatre but started retraining classically about 3 years ago. I
> recently signed a record deal with RCA, it is a very different outfit to the
> label Mario was with, but it's amazing to be linked to him this way. I think
> I feel a little bit like he did when Art Rush signed him to RCA Victor the
> label of Caruso but I didn't get paid anything like the advance he got! I
> guess what I do at the moment could be classified as crossover, so who
> better to draw inspiration from than Mario.
> I have been a fan of his for a quite a few years now and am constantly
> thrilled by new discoveries of his work. I think he was blessed with a voice
> virtually unmatched in history. To me he sang opera repertoire with a
> passion and freedom which I think singers constantly on the opera circuit
> don't achieve and he sang lighter repetoire like noone else ever has -
> classically, fully on the voice with more passion than one could possibly
> imagine. Anyway I am preaching to the converted, I look forward to finding
> out more about the great man.
>
> On Mon, Oct 13, 2008 at 10:18 PM, Derek McGovern
> <derek.mcgov...@gmail.com>wrote:
our midst. I am a baritone that performs American Popular Standards
like Sinatra, etc. Singing is my greatest passion, but my wife and I
do it only part time for resrtaurants and senior centers. No RCA
contract in my future, but congrats on getting yours! If you have any
examples of your singing online (website, youtube,etc)please share
your voice with us. I enjoyed reading your post above and completely
agree with you on everything you mentioned.
On Oct 13, 6:24 pm, "Andrew Bain" <andrew.d.b...@gmail.com> wrote:
> Thanks for your kind welcome Derek
> I am indeed a singer, a tenor in my 30s based in London. I used to work in
> music theatre but started retraining classically about 3 years ago. I
> recently signed a record deal with RCA, it is a very different outfit to the
> label Mario was with, but it's amazing to be linked to him this way. I think
> I feel a little bit like he did when Art Rush signed him to RCA Victor the
> label of Caruso but I didn't get paid anything like the advance he got! I
> guess what I do at the moment could be classified as crossover, so who
> better to draw inspiration from than Mario.
> I have been a fan of his for a quite a few years now and am constantly
> thrilled by new discoveries of his work. I think he was blessed with a voice
> virtually unmatched in history. To me he sang opera repertoire with a
> passion and freedom which I think singers constantly on the opera circuit
> don't achieve and he sang lighter repetoire like noone else ever has -
> classically, fully on the voice with more passion than one could possibly
> imagine. Anyway I am preaching to the converted, I look forward to finding
> out more about the great man.
>
> On Mon, Oct 13, 2008 at 10:18 PM, Derek McGovern
>
>
>
>
>
> > First of all, a hearty welcome to Andrew! It's good to see a new
> > member posting so soon after joining us, and it would be most
> > interesting to learn more about you. I think you mentioned in your
> > application to join this forum that you were a singer -- and, in fact,
> > your name is intriguingly familiar to me. I hope you enjoy being an
> > active member of this group, and if you have any Lanza-related
> > questions, please don't hesitate to post them.
>
> > Vince and Andrew: According to Callinicos, Lanza had long since
> > "rejected" his faith by the end of his life. This is mentioned in
> > Callinicos' book. As to whether Mario was ever truly a "believer",
> > your guess is as good as mine. He certainly had all of his children
> > baptized into the Catholic faith, and Terry Robinson claims in his
> > book that Lanza stopped at a church to pray on the day that he
> > recorded I'll Walk With God in 1952. Who knows? My hunch is that Lanza
> > *was* vaguely religious, though not to the extent that he was ever
> > tormented by "Catholic guilt". I put his inner conflict largely down
> > to feelings of guilt over his unfulfilled operatic career, not
> > religion.
>
> > I do share Vince's concern about Lanza fans bringing up religion so
> > often in discussions about the man. At times -- and this is especially
> > true of the Rense forum -- there seems to be an assumption that
> > everyone is religious -- or at least that they ought to be. Little
> > wonder that some years back there was a British radio "mockumentary"
> > called The Church of Lanza!- Hide quoted text -
>
>
>
>
> > First of all, a hearty welcome to Andrew! It's good to see a new
> > member posting so soon after joining us, and it would be most
> > interesting to learn more about you. I think you mentioned in your
> > application to join this forum that you were a singer -- and, in fact,
> > your name is intriguingly familiar to me. I hope you enjoy being an
> > active member of this group, and if you have any Lanza-related
> > questions, please don't hesitate to post them.
>
> > Vince and Andrew: According to Callinicos, Lanza had long since
> > "rejected" his faith by the end of his life. This is mentioned in
> > Callinicos' book. As to whether Mario was ever truly a "believer",
> > your guess is as good as mine. He certainly had all of his children
> > baptized into the Catholic faith, and Terry Robinson claims in his
> > book that Lanza stopped at a church to pray on the day that he
> > recorded I'll Walk With God in 1952. Who knows? My hunch is that Lanza
> > *was* vaguely religious, though not to the extent that he was ever
> > tormented by "Catholic guilt". I put his inner conflict largely down
> > to feelings of guilt over his unfulfilled operatic career, not
> > religion.
>
> > I do share Vince's concern about Lanza fans bringing up religion so
> > often in discussions about the man. At times -- and this is especially
> > true of the Rense forum -- there seems to be an assumption that
> > everyone is religious -- or at least that they ought to be. Little
> > wonder that some years back there was a British radio "mockumentary"
Vince Di Placido
Oct 14, 2008, 3:50:26 AM10/14/08
to The Mario Lanza Forum
Welcome Andrew & big Congratulations on your RCA contract, that is
dream stuff, well done! What are your favorite Mario performances?
On Oct 13, 11:24 pm, "Andrew Bain" <andrew.d.b...@gmail.com> wrote:
> Thanks for your kind welcome Derek
> I am indeed a singer, a tenor in my 30s based in London. I used to work in
> music theatre but started retraining classically about 3 years ago. I
> recently signed a record deal with RCA, it is a very different outfit to the
> label Mario was with, but it's amazing to be linked to him this way. I think
> I feel a little bit like he did when Art Rush signed him to RCA Victor the
> label of Caruso but I didn't get paid anything like the advance he got! I
> guess what I do at the moment could be classified as crossover, so who
> better to draw inspiration from than Mario.
> I have been a fan of his for a quite a few years now and am constantly
> thrilled by new discoveries of his work. I think he was blessed with a voice
> virtually unmatched in history. To me he sang opera repertoire with a
> passion and freedom which I think singers constantly on the opera circuit
> don't achieve and he sang lighter repetoire like noone else ever has -
> classically, fully on the voice with more passion than one could possibly
> imagine. Anyway I am preaching to the converted, I look forward to finding
> out more about the great man.
>
> On Mon, Oct 13, 2008 at 10:18 PM, Derek McGovern
> <derek.mcgov...@gmail.com>wrote:
dream stuff, well done! What are your favorite Mario performances?
On Oct 13, 11:24 pm, "Andrew Bain" <andrew.d.b...@gmail.com> wrote:
> Thanks for your kind welcome Derek
> I am indeed a singer, a tenor in my 30s based in London. I used to work in
> music theatre but started retraining classically about 3 years ago. I
> recently signed a record deal with RCA, it is a very different outfit to the
> label Mario was with, but it's amazing to be linked to him this way. I think
> I feel a little bit like he did when Art Rush signed him to RCA Victor the
> label of Caruso but I didn't get paid anything like the advance he got! I
> guess what I do at the moment could be classified as crossover, so who
> better to draw inspiration from than Mario.
> I have been a fan of his for a quite a few years now and am constantly
> thrilled by new discoveries of his work. I think he was blessed with a voice
> virtually unmatched in history. To me he sang opera repertoire with a
> passion and freedom which I think singers constantly on the opera circuit
> don't achieve and he sang lighter repetoire like noone else ever has -
> classically, fully on the voice with more passion than one could possibly
> imagine. Anyway I am preaching to the converted, I look forward to finding
> out more about the great man.
>
> On Mon, Oct 13, 2008 at 10:18 PM, Derek McGovern
>
>
>
>
>
> > First of all, a hearty welcome to Andrew! It's good to see a new
> > member posting so soon after joining us, and it would be most
> > interesting to learn more about you. I think you mentioned in your
> > application to join this forum that you were a singer -- and, in fact,
> > your name is intriguingly familiar to me. I hope you enjoy being an
> > active member of this group, and if you have any Lanza-related
> > questions, please don't hesitate to post them.
>
> > Vince and Andrew: According to Callinicos, Lanza had long since
> > "rejected" his faith by the end of his life. This is mentioned in
> > Callinicos' book. As to whether Mario was ever truly a "believer",
> > your guess is as good as mine. He certainly had all of his children
> > baptized into the Catholic faith, and Terry Robinson claims in his
> > book that Lanza stopped at a church to pray on the day that he
> > recorded I'll Walk With God in 1952. Who knows? My hunch is that Lanza
> > *was* vaguely religious, though not to the extent that he was ever
> > tormented by "Catholic guilt". I put his inner conflict largely down
> > to feelings of guilt over his unfulfilled operatic career, not
> > religion.
>
> > I do share Vince's concern about Lanza fans bringing up religion so
> > often in discussions about the man. At times -- and this is especially
> > true of the Rense forum -- there seems to be an assumption that
> > everyone is religious -- or at least that they ought to be. Little
> > wonder that some years back there was a British radio "mockumentary"
> > called The Church of Lanza!- Hide quoted text -
>
>
>
>
> > First of all, a hearty welcome to Andrew! It's good to see a new
> > member posting so soon after joining us, and it would be most
> > interesting to learn more about you. I think you mentioned in your
> > application to join this forum that you were a singer -- and, in fact,
> > your name is intriguingly familiar to me. I hope you enjoy being an
> > active member of this group, and if you have any Lanza-related
> > questions, please don't hesitate to post them.
>
> > Vince and Andrew: According to Callinicos, Lanza had long since
> > "rejected" his faith by the end of his life. This is mentioned in
> > Callinicos' book. As to whether Mario was ever truly a "believer",
> > your guess is as good as mine. He certainly had all of his children
> > baptized into the Catholic faith, and Terry Robinson claims in his
> > book that Lanza stopped at a church to pray on the day that he
> > recorded I'll Walk With God in 1952. Who knows? My hunch is that Lanza
> > *was* vaguely religious, though not to the extent that he was ever
> > tormented by "Catholic guilt". I put his inner conflict largely down
> > to feelings of guilt over his unfulfilled operatic career, not
> > religion.
>
> > I do share Vince's concern about Lanza fans bringing up religion so
> > often in discussions about the man. At times -- and this is especially
> > true of the Rense forum -- there seems to be an assumption that
> > everyone is religious -- or at least that they ought to be. Little
> > wonder that some years back there was a British radio "mockumentary"
Vince Di Placido
Oct 14, 2008, 3:54:55 AM10/14/08
to The Mario Lanza Forum
Derek, "The Church of Lanza"!? I don't know whether to laugh or cry!
Can you please tell me a little about this?
Can you please tell me a little about this?
gary from N.S.
Oct 14, 2008, 11:57:08 AM10/14/08
to The Mario Lanza Forum
Hello folks, and to Andrew Bain, may I also extend a welcome to you
sir, and good on you for having a contract with RCA. I look forward to
your input on Derek's forum, and hope to hear you sing.
Vince and Derek, I must try to address your comments concerning your
statements on "religious" in regards to some posts.
First of all I do not plan to talk of my religious views as they are
personal, and I keep it that way.Simply I believe in the Lord.I am not
a religious person.
In addition I do not give a tinker's damn of anyone's religious, or
non religious views.That is their business. I guess the same can be
applied to most anything, ie. sexual persuasions,political views, or
what is your favourite food. All these "choices" in life are personal
choices, and I simply believe in live and let live.
Vince, I don't think I have ever dis-agreed with you over the years
but I was a bit surprised reading your words "I am a little
Mario's incredible tools for singing; I have used such expressions as
"A voice from God" "A God given talent""A voice from heaven"
"A voice that could only come from God" "A voice reaching into my soul
so deeply,it feels like a religious experience".
Yes, Mario's voice is simply a thing of beauty..but to myself just
being a thing of beauty, does not give his voice as much credit as I
think should be given. So, I then "ratch" it up many notches to the
fact it is a "God given" voice., for lack of any other descriptor.
I guess I take some sort of exception to your view that I am therefore
bringing religious and spiritual BAGGAGE to the table, in my attempts
to describe something out of this world, and more like something into
the spiritual world, or beyond.
It is to me, more a writing form used descriptively, in trying to
paint a picture of this talent brought to us by Mario.
Derek, to carry on briefly re. the Rense forum (where I post often).
Never would I assume that everyone is religious, or ought to be.
In fact some of the most ignorant,and self important people I have met
over the years, are those calling themselves "religious".
Derek also I am curious about,and have never heard the story of "The
Church Of Lanza"..a mockumentary on radio.
Sounds like a forum run by some self-annointed holy man of Lanza Lore.
Cheers
Gary
On Oct 14, 4:54 am, Vince Di Placido <vincent.diplac...@gmail.com>
wrote:
sir, and good on you for having a contract with RCA. I look forward to
your input on Derek's forum, and hope to hear you sing.
Vince and Derek, I must try to address your comments concerning your
statements on "religious" in regards to some posts.
First of all I do not plan to talk of my religious views as they are
personal, and I keep it that way.Simply I believe in the Lord.I am not
a religious person.
In addition I do not give a tinker's damn of anyone's religious, or
non religious views.That is their business. I guess the same can be
applied to most anything, ie. sexual persuasions,political views, or
what is your favourite food. All these "choices" in life are personal
choices, and I simply believe in live and let live.
Vince, I don't think I have ever dis-agreed with you over the years
but I was a bit surprised reading your words "I am a little
uncomforatable with all the religious &
spiritual baggage that most fans write as regards Mario & his
singing."
I shall try to explain. Often times when I have discussed (posted)
spiritual baggage that most fans write as regards Mario & his
singing."
Mario's incredible tools for singing; I have used such expressions as
"A voice from God" "A God given talent""A voice from heaven"
"A voice that could only come from God" "A voice reaching into my soul
so deeply,it feels like a religious experience".
Yes, Mario's voice is simply a thing of beauty..but to myself just
being a thing of beauty, does not give his voice as much credit as I
think should be given. So, I then "ratch" it up many notches to the
fact it is a "God given" voice., for lack of any other descriptor.
I guess I take some sort of exception to your view that I am therefore
bringing religious and spiritual BAGGAGE to the table, in my attempts
to describe something out of this world, and more like something into
the spiritual world, or beyond.
It is to me, more a writing form used descriptively, in trying to
paint a picture of this talent brought to us by Mario.
Derek, to carry on briefly re. the Rense forum (where I post often).
Never would I assume that everyone is religious, or ought to be.
In fact some of the most ignorant,and self important people I have met
over the years, are those calling themselves "religious".
Derek also I am curious about,and have never heard the story of "The
Church Of Lanza"..a mockumentary on radio.
Sounds like a forum run by some self-annointed holy man of Lanza Lore.
Cheers
Gary
On Oct 14, 4:54 am, Vince Di Placido <vincent.diplac...@gmail.com>
wrote:
gary from N.S.
Oct 14, 2008, 12:26:17 PM10/14/08
to The Mario Lanza Forum
Hello Andrew..please without sounding rude, are you indeed the dentist
in London,Andrew Bain. Since reading of your welcome here, I began to
search,and found this wonderful singer on youtube.
If you are one of the same may I congratulate you on your wonderful
voice. I must add, my wife was looking over my shoulder while the
youtube video was playing,and she says your are a very handsome
person.
Anyways Andrew keep up the good work.
Cheers
Gary
On Oct 13, 7:24 pm, "Andrew Bain" <andrew.d.b...@gmail.com> wrote:
> Thanks for your kind welcome Derek
> I am indeed a singer, a tenor in my 30s based in London. I used to work in
> music theatre but started retraining classically about 3 years ago. I
> recently signed a record deal with RCA, it is a very different outfit to the
> label Mario was with, but it's amazing to be linked to him this way. I think
> I feel a little bit like he did when Art Rush signed him to RCA Victor the
> label of Caruso but I didn't get paid anything like the advance he got! I
> guess what I do at the moment could be classified as crossover, so who
> better to draw inspiration from than Mario.
> I have been a fan of his for a quite a few years now and am constantly
> thrilled by new discoveries of his work. I think he was blessed with a voice
> virtually unmatched in history. To me he sang opera repertoire with a
> passion and freedom which I think singers constantly on the opera circuit
> don't achieve and he sang lighter repetoire like noone else ever has -
> classically, fully on the voice with more passion than one could possibly
> imagine. Anyway I am preaching to the converted, I look forward to finding
> out more about the great man.
>
> On Mon, Oct 13, 2008 at 10:18 PM, Derek McGovern
> <derek.mcgov...@gmail.com>wrote:
in London,Andrew Bain. Since reading of your welcome here, I began to
search,and found this wonderful singer on youtube.
If you are one of the same may I congratulate you on your wonderful
voice. I must add, my wife was looking over my shoulder while the
youtube video was playing,and she says your are a very handsome
person.
Anyways Andrew keep up the good work.
Cheers
Gary
On Oct 13, 7:24 pm, "Andrew Bain" <andrew.d.b...@gmail.com> wrote:
> Thanks for your kind welcome Derek
> I am indeed a singer, a tenor in my 30s based in London. I used to work in
> music theatre but started retraining classically about 3 years ago. I
> recently signed a record deal with RCA, it is a very different outfit to the
> label Mario was with, but it's amazing to be linked to him this way. I think
> I feel a little bit like he did when Art Rush signed him to RCA Victor the
> label of Caruso but I didn't get paid anything like the advance he got! I
> guess what I do at the moment could be classified as crossover, so who
> better to draw inspiration from than Mario.
> I have been a fan of his for a quite a few years now and am constantly
> thrilled by new discoveries of his work. I think he was blessed with a voice
> virtually unmatched in history. To me he sang opera repertoire with a
> passion and freedom which I think singers constantly on the opera circuit
> don't achieve and he sang lighter repetoire like noone else ever has -
> classically, fully on the voice with more passion than one could possibly
> imagine. Anyway I am preaching to the converted, I look forward to finding
> out more about the great man.
>
> On Mon, Oct 13, 2008 at 10:18 PM, Derek McGovern
Vince Di Placido
Oct 14, 2008, 3:46:57 PM10/14/08
to The Mario Lanza Forum
Gary, I take what you say on board & I realise that when you use such
phrases as "God-given" etc. you are merely reaching for what you
consider the highest praise possible in describing Mario, I wasn't
thinking of any of your writings, in particular at all, when I wrote
my post.
This is going to get messy, not on my part but because I know the
protective wall that people build around their "Faith" & "Beliefs" &
it is considered not up for rational discussion so I will leave it be.
I just have a problem when people write about Mario in heaven meeting
this person & that person & watching down on us & being happy about
such & such & disapointed about this argument or fight etc. I've just
read too many posts over the years that involve god & prayer, it's a
very personal reaction but I'm just slightly weary of it all.
> > > called The Church of Lanza!- Hide quoted text -
phrases as "God-given" etc. you are merely reaching for what you
consider the highest praise possible in describing Mario, I wasn't
thinking of any of your writings, in particular at all, when I wrote
my post.
This is going to get messy, not on my part but because I know the
protective wall that people build around their "Faith" & "Beliefs" &
it is considered not up for rational discussion so I will leave it be.
I just have a problem when people write about Mario in heaven meeting
this person & that person & watching down on us & being happy about
such & such & disapointed about this argument or fight etc. I've just
read too many posts over the years that involve god & prayer, it's a
very personal reaction but I'm just slightly weary of it all.
gary from N.S.
Oct 14, 2008, 4:20:29 PM10/14/08
to The Mario Lanza Forum
Vince..thanks for your quick response today,much appreciated.
Personal beliefs in this area, are better off left alone, as you say.
I am sure we have all been told in the past to leave religion and
politics alone..or something to that affect..it makes sense to me..
Those things can be discussed with fervor in the proper places.
Best to you, and by the way Vince I would love to see or hear you sing
one of those great "religious" pieces..I recall fondly your Orbison
cover of "Crying" which was so very well done.
On Oct 14, 4:46 pm, Vince Di Placido <vincent.diplac...@gmail.com>
Personal beliefs in this area, are better off left alone, as you say.
I am sure we have all been told in the past to leave religion and
politics alone..or something to that affect..it makes sense to me..
Those things can be discussed with fervor in the proper places.
Best to you, and by the way Vince I would love to see or hear you sing
one of those great "religious" pieces..I recall fondly your Orbison
cover of "Crying" which was so very well done.
On Oct 14, 4:46 pm, Vince Di Placido <vincent.diplac...@gmail.com>
Andrew Bain
Oct 14, 2008, 8:45:44 PM10/14/08
to mario...@googlegroups.com
Hello
Thanks you for your kind words it is great to feel so welcome on this forum. To answer questions my favourite Lanza recordings are a bit random. I recently bought a retro record player and a vinyl version of Mario singing the Great Caruso arias it is an old record red seal but the sound is so warm. His versions of E lucevan e stelle and Vesti la guibba for me are unamtched. I also have a recording of him singing
E la solita storia on the cd that came with cesari's book which blows me away.
E la solita storia on the cd that came with cesari's book which blows me away.
Of his lighter stuff my favourite is I'll walk with god, I am not sure hen it was recorded but the first one that comes up on youtube is AMAZING!
I also count the whole of the student prince soundtrack as one of the best all round singing ever recorded.
My efforts can be found at www.andrewbainmusic.com
gary from N.S.
Oct 14, 2008, 9:46:18 PM10/14/08
to The Mario Lanza Forum
Hello,
Andrew the web sight is very well done,and again congrats. on your
signing.Best wishes to you on a great and rewarding singing career.
I am so pleased you are a fan of Lanza.
Cheers
Gary
On Oct 14, 9:45 pm, "Andrew Bain" <andrew.d.b...@gmail.com> wrote:
> Hello
> Thanks you for your kind words it is great to feel so welcome on this forum.
> To answer questions my favourite Lanza recordings are a bit random. I
> recently bought a retro record player and a vinyl version of Mario singing
> the Great Caruso arias it is an old record red seal but the sound is so
> warm. His versions of E lucevan e stelle and Vesti la guibba for me are
> unamtched. I also have a recording of him singing
> E la solita storia on the cd that came with cesari's book which blows me
> away.
> Of his lighter stuff my favourite is I'll walk with god, I am not sure hen
> it was recorded but the first one that comes up on youtube is AMAZING!
> I also count the whole of the student prince soundtrack as one of the best
> all round singing ever recorded.
> My efforts can be found atwww.andrewbainmusic.com
>
Andrew the web sight is very well done,and again congrats. on your
signing.Best wishes to you on a great and rewarding singing career.
I am so pleased you are a fan of Lanza.
Cheers
Gary
On Oct 14, 9:45 pm, "Andrew Bain" <andrew.d.b...@gmail.com> wrote:
> Hello
> Thanks you for your kind words it is great to feel so welcome on this forum.
> To answer questions my favourite Lanza recordings are a bit random. I
> recently bought a retro record player and a vinyl version of Mario singing
> the Great Caruso arias it is an old record red seal but the sound is so
> warm. His versions of E lucevan e stelle and Vesti la guibba for me are
> unamtched. I also have a recording of him singing
> E la solita storia on the cd that came with cesari's book which blows me
> away.
> Of his lighter stuff my favourite is I'll walk with god, I am not sure hen
> it was recorded but the first one that comes up on youtube is AMAZING!
> I also count the whole of the student prince soundtrack as one of the best
> all round singing ever recorded.
> My efforts can be found atwww.andrewbainmusic.com
>
Message has been deleted
Message has been deleted
Muriel
Oct 15, 2008, 10:45:28 PM10/15/08
to The Mario Lanza Forum
I've been following the comments in this thread with much interest. I
agree that you'd have to take Mario's *revelation* of his career
unfolding before him at the age of nine, with amusement. Even if he
had an inkling of owning a *voice* at that time, he was too young to
see into the future yet.
On the Christopher Show he mentioned experiencing the calming quiet
in Mary Magdalen De Pazzi Church. That part I can believe, having been
there myself. It is a pretty and airy church, with lots of light
shining through the stained glass windows. There are bright paintings
on the walls and ceiling, which make you feel uplifted and happy,
nothing at all like some of the dark cathedrals you might have seen.
The fact that Mario lived in a busy home with numerous family members,
I'm sure he appreciated a place where he could go and think his own
thoughts. People, no matter what age, need respite at times. The
church was just around the corner from his home and he could easily
slip in to catch his breath, so to speak.
I cannot say what his beliefs were, but I'm sure that those early
encounters in such a place made an impression on him, as well as his
first instructions of religion. Even if he did not practice a formal
religion, he might have unconsciously drawn on his early experiences
when he sang.
I just finished writing an ad for the program of the upcoming Lanza
Ball in Philadelphia and used Without A Song as my guide. These lines
are key to the song: "When things go wrong, a man ain't got a friend,
without a song", "I'll get along as long as a song is strong in my
soul.", and ""I only know - there ain't no love at all - without a
song." Mario *was* the song. He felt the meaning very clearly. When
Mario sang *any* song, that was the most important song to him at the
time. As he sang this particular song very powerfully, I can believe
that he felt an affinity with it. And so, the religious songs he sang
were powerful as well, and surely he felt the need to convey their
importance to his listeners.
The enduring success Mario enjoys today is the end result of his
belief in his own voice and his own musical artistry. We cannot help
but believe along with him.
Ciao, Muriel
agree that you'd have to take Mario's *revelation* of his career
unfolding before him at the age of nine, with amusement. Even if he
had an inkling of owning a *voice* at that time, he was too young to
see into the future yet.
On the Christopher Show he mentioned experiencing the calming quiet
in Mary Magdalen De Pazzi Church. That part I can believe, having been
there myself. It is a pretty and airy church, with lots of light
shining through the stained glass windows. There are bright paintings
on the walls and ceiling, which make you feel uplifted and happy,
nothing at all like some of the dark cathedrals you might have seen.
The fact that Mario lived in a busy home with numerous family members,
I'm sure he appreciated a place where he could go and think his own
thoughts. People, no matter what age, need respite at times. The
church was just around the corner from his home and he could easily
slip in to catch his breath, so to speak.
I cannot say what his beliefs were, but I'm sure that those early
encounters in such a place made an impression on him, as well as his
first instructions of religion. Even if he did not practice a formal
religion, he might have unconsciously drawn on his early experiences
when he sang.
I just finished writing an ad for the program of the upcoming Lanza
Ball in Philadelphia and used Without A Song as my guide. These lines
are key to the song: "When things go wrong, a man ain't got a friend,
without a song", "I'll get along as long as a song is strong in my
soul.", and ""I only know - there ain't no love at all - without a
song." Mario *was* the song. He felt the meaning very clearly. When
Mario sang *any* song, that was the most important song to him at the
time. As he sang this particular song very powerfully, I can believe
that he felt an affinity with it. And so, the religious songs he sang
were powerful as well, and surely he felt the need to convey their
importance to his listeners.
The enduring success Mario enjoys today is the end result of his
belief in his own voice and his own musical artistry. We cannot help
but believe along with him.
Ciao, Muriel
Derek McGovern
Oct 16, 2008, 5:49:12 PM10/16/08
to The Mario Lanza Forum
Beautiful post, Muriella. I can well imagine the impact that the
atmosphere of Mary Magdalen De Pazzi Church would have made on young
Mario/Freddie. Though I'm not religious at all myself, I often had my
breath taken away by the splendour of some of the churches I visited
in Italy.
Vince and Gary: You were asking about the "Church of Mario Lanza"
radio programme. This was produced by BBC Radio 3 in the mid-1990s,
and was essentially a dig at the way that certain Lanza fanatics
"deify" Mario's voice and character. I don't have a copy of it any
longer -- in fact, I don't recall listening to more than a few minutes
of it. It was pretty ghastly, mean-spirited stuff, and could equally
have been about Presley or any of the other 20th century idols who
inspire similar fanaticism from a certain type of "follower".
atmosphere of Mary Magdalen De Pazzi Church would have made on young
Mario/Freddie. Though I'm not religious at all myself, I often had my
breath taken away by the splendour of some of the churches I visited
in Italy.
Vince and Gary: You were asking about the "Church of Mario Lanza"
radio programme. This was produced by BBC Radio 3 in the mid-1990s,
and was essentially a dig at the way that certain Lanza fanatics
"deify" Mario's voice and character. I don't have a copy of it any
longer -- in fact, I don't recall listening to more than a few minutes
of it. It was pretty ghastly, mean-spirited stuff, and could equally
have been about Presley or any of the other 20th century idols who
inspire similar fanaticism from a certain type of "follower".
Muriel
Oct 16, 2008, 9:49:34 PM10/16/08
to The Mario Lanza Forum
Thanks, Derek. Perhaps I'll try to take a nice picture of the inside
of the church and put it on the forum for all to see. Mario sang the
Ave Maria there for the first time in public, as you know.
Ciao for now....M
of the church and put it on the forum for all to see. Mario sang the
Ave Maria there for the first time in public, as you know.
Ciao for now....M
Maria Luísa
Oct 28, 2008, 11:48:51 AM10/28/08
to The Mario Lanza Forum
This message was to arrive there on the 22nd also, but didn't go. So
here it is, still in time.
What a splendid idea Muriel! For me I would very much like to see the
inside of the church where I trust Mario was baptized and sang in his
childhood. Besides of being the first Catholic church to be built in
the U.S. as I have read, it must be very beautiful as all old churches
are. So Muriel - and I'm sorry to not have responded to your
suggestion before, that is, when you came to visit Spain some time
ago, out of total forgetfulness and a lot of distraction too - if you
like visiting very old churches, we have them from all periods of
History and quite some wonderful from the Barroque', great monuments
and other beautiful sights, all you have to do next time you be in
Spain, which I believe you visit often, is prolonging your trip and
come to Portugal. The distance is not that big, about two hours by
plane. In case you decide to do that, then you will be very welcome
and very well received.
here it is, still in time.
What a splendid idea Muriel! For me I would very much like to see the
inside of the church where I trust Mario was baptized and sang in his
childhood. Besides of being the first Catholic church to be built in
the U.S. as I have read, it must be very beautiful as all old churches
are. So Muriel - and I'm sorry to not have responded to your
suggestion before, that is, when you came to visit Spain some time
ago, out of total forgetfulness and a lot of distraction too - if you
like visiting very old churches, we have them from all periods of
History and quite some wonderful from the Barroque', great monuments
and other beautiful sights, all you have to do next time you be in
Spain, which I believe you visit often, is prolonging your trip and
come to Portugal. The distance is not that big, about two hours by
plane. In case you decide to do that, then you will be very welcome
and very well received.
Muriel
Oct 28, 2008, 9:21:54 PM10/28/08
to The Mario Lanza Forum
Hi Luisa: I will try my best to bring some pictures of St. Mary
Magdalen De Pazzi Church for all to see. Yes, I assume Mario was
baptized there and he sang his first public Ave Maria there when he
was nineteen years old.
It isn't the first Catholic church to be built in America, or even in
Philadelphia. St. Joseph's and St. Mary's were there before. However,
it was the first *Italian* Catholic church. I'll try to find the date
it was built for you.
Our buildings here are quite new compared with yours in Europe. I've
seen so many churches since I've been traveling and they are all works
of art. I marvel at the architecture and the amount of time it took to
construct them!! In Spain, there are various interesting types,
reflecting the different civilizations that occupied the south of
Spain. Of course, I saw the Muslim mosques and palace that make up the
Alhambra in Granada. Then came the Mosque-Cathedral in Cordoba, and
lastly, the magnificent La Giralda/Cathedral in Seville. This last one
is the third largest cathedral in the world, following only St.
Peter's in Rome and St. Paul's in London. The Giralda (bell tower) is
over 100 metres high and I climbed to the very top and saw a very
impressive view of Seville!
So, St. Mary Magdalen will seem quite small to you, I believe. It is
colorful and bright inside. I hope you will be pleased to see it.
Thanks for the invitation to Portugal - you'll never know where I'll
turn up next!!!
Ciao, Muriel
> > > inspire similar fanaticism from a certain type of "follower".- Hide quoted text -
Magdalen De Pazzi Church for all to see. Yes, I assume Mario was
baptized there and he sang his first public Ave Maria there when he
was nineteen years old.
It isn't the first Catholic church to be built in America, or even in
Philadelphia. St. Joseph's and St. Mary's were there before. However,
it was the first *Italian* Catholic church. I'll try to find the date
it was built for you.
Our buildings here are quite new compared with yours in Europe. I've
seen so many churches since I've been traveling and they are all works
of art. I marvel at the architecture and the amount of time it took to
construct them!! In Spain, there are various interesting types,
reflecting the different civilizations that occupied the south of
Spain. Of course, I saw the Muslim mosques and palace that make up the
Alhambra in Granada. Then came the Mosque-Cathedral in Cordoba, and
lastly, the magnificent La Giralda/Cathedral in Seville. This last one
is the third largest cathedral in the world, following only St.
Peter's in Rome and St. Paul's in London. The Giralda (bell tower) is
over 100 metres high and I climbed to the very top and saw a very
impressive view of Seville!
So, St. Mary Magdalen will seem quite small to you, I believe. It is
colorful and bright inside. I hope you will be pleased to see it.
Thanks for the invitation to Portugal - you'll never know where I'll
turn up next!!!
Ciao, Muriel
Maria Luísa
Oct 29, 2008, 9:03:39 AM10/29/08
to The Mario Lanza Forum
Thanks Muriel. Congratulations you have visited fantastic monuments,
Spain is full of them and all well worth to visit. I know a bit of
Spain, unfortunately not Sevilla which I know is wonderful. I did not
visit Barcelona yet, another big gorgeous city. Thank you for your
reply Muriel.
Spain is full of them and all well worth to visit. I know a bit of
Spain, unfortunately not Sevilla which I know is wonderful. I did not
visit Barcelona yet, another big gorgeous city. Thank you for your
reply Muriel.
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