Re: January 31, 1921
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zsazsa
Jan 31, 2009, 4:50:29 AM1/31/09
to The Mario Lanza Forum
Dear Mario: God bless you on your birthday. You're the song angels
sing, you've touched our hearts and soul, and you'll never be
forgotten. Thank you for the beauty! With love from Susan (Zsa Zsa).
On 31 Jan., 06:33, Derek McGovern <derek.mcgov...@gmail.com> wrote:
> Today is the *88th* anniversary of the birth of Mario Lanza.
> Incredible, isn't it?
>
> Ordinarily, I'd try and write something profound on a day like this,
> but I'm afraid my creative juices aren't exactly flowing at the
> moment. Too many distractions! So instead, I'll simply offer this
> little tribute that I wrote a few years ago on the grandi-tenori site
> for another important Lanza anniversary:
>
> http://www.grandi-tenori.com/articles/articles_mcgovern_lanza.php
>
> Happy Birthday, Freddy Cocozza!
sing, you've touched our hearts and soul, and you'll never be
forgotten. Thank you for the beauty! With love from Susan (Zsa Zsa).
On 31 Jan., 06:33, Derek McGovern <derek.mcgov...@gmail.com> wrote:
> Today is the *88th* anniversary of the birth of Mario Lanza.
> Incredible, isn't it?
>
> Ordinarily, I'd try and write something profound on a day like this,
> but I'm afraid my creative juices aren't exactly flowing at the
> moment. Too many distractions! So instead, I'll simply offer this
> little tribute that I wrote a few years ago on the grandi-tenori site
> for another important Lanza anniversary:
>
> http://www.grandi-tenori.com/articles/articles_mcgovern_lanza.php
>
> Happy Birthday, Freddy Cocozza!
Muriel
Jan 31, 2009, 6:08:33 AM1/31/09
to The Mario Lanza Forum
Yes, Derek, my sentiments exactly - "Happy Birthday, Freddy Cocozza!"
As Freddy Cocozza and later as Mario Lanza,
this talented man caused much controversy all throughtout his
lifetime. There were those who fiercely defended him and also those
who looked at him with distain. I have written many posts and essays
over the years, trying to explain how his great gift has touched my
life. You can read my tribute to him on his birthday on this site in
the essays and photos section - "Lovin' Mario on His Birthday" - if
you have a few minutes to spare.
I'm not able to write an original post this year, but here is what I
wrote last year - for those who were not with us then:
Buon Compleanno, Mario!
How can we best celebrate this day, this anniversary of Mario Lanza’s
birth? Many will view his films, listen to his CDs and, perhaps, look
through his biography (Armando’s, of course!), and stop to view the
pictures. He was very photogenic, but sometimes he looked like
entirely different people. Always, though, he looked young. Today he
would be eighty-seven years old and it is possible he could still be
with us if he had taken better care of his health.
I wonder what he’d think of the world today? He would certainly be
pleased that so many people remember him and pause to wish him a happy
day. Would he lead the birthday song? Oh, surely he would love to, but
he might need a little help in blowing out all the candles!
Let’s see….he would still have a sense of humor and be larger than
life. Oh, and he would charm us and tell us stories and thoroughly
entertain us. Mario was a dreamer, you know, and once he even told us
how he saw his whole career before him as he gazed at the flickering
light in St. Mary Magdalen De Pazzi Church! Would he do some
impressions for us? I know I’d love to see that.
We could ask him so many questions. What was his favorite recording?
What was his favorite opera? Who was his favorite singing partner?
Which movie did he enjoy making the most? Which conductor did he feel
he did his best work with?
Perhaps we could ask him to sing a few lines of some songs and arias –
just a few. How about:
“Some day, when the winter is over, some day in the blush of the
spring…”
“My romance doesn’t have to have a moon in the sky...”
“Love is the sweetest thing, the oldest, yet the newest thing…”
“If I loved you, time and again I would try to say…”
“Overhead the moon is beaming…”
“You are the angel glow that lights a star…”
“Torna, caro ideal, torna un istante a sorridermi ancora…”
“Comm’a chesta vucchella, che pare na ruselllllllaaaa…”
“Te voglio – te penzo – te chiammo – te veco – te sento – te sonno…”
“Chiudimi, o notte, nel tuo sen materno…”
“Ridi, Pagliaccio, sul tuo amore infranto…”
“Dio, mi potevi scagliar, tutti mali, della miseria, della vergogna…”
“I’ll walk with God, I’ll take his hand…”
Yes, I’m a dreamer too, and I can hear the “voice” singing all these
melodies in my head as I pause here today on Mario’s special day. It’s
a lovely day..
I’ll add the verse I wrote for the Lanza Ball program in November,
2007:
Only a rose, I give you…only a song dying away….
Only a smile to keep in memory, until we meet another day….
Only a rose to whisper, blushing as roses do….
I’ll bring along a smile and a song for anyone…
Only a rose for you!
Today we celebrate and remember you – mille grazie e mille rose!!
Happy Birthday! From Muriel
As Freddy Cocozza and later as Mario Lanza,
this talented man caused much controversy all throughtout his
lifetime. There were those who fiercely defended him and also those
who looked at him with distain. I have written many posts and essays
over the years, trying to explain how his great gift has touched my
life. You can read my tribute to him on his birthday on this site in
the essays and photos section - "Lovin' Mario on His Birthday" - if
you have a few minutes to spare.
I'm not able to write an original post this year, but here is what I
wrote last year - for those who were not with us then:
Buon Compleanno, Mario!
How can we best celebrate this day, this anniversary of Mario Lanza’s
birth? Many will view his films, listen to his CDs and, perhaps, look
through his biography (Armando’s, of course!), and stop to view the
pictures. He was very photogenic, but sometimes he looked like
entirely different people. Always, though, he looked young. Today he
would be eighty-seven years old and it is possible he could still be
with us if he had taken better care of his health.
I wonder what he’d think of the world today? He would certainly be
pleased that so many people remember him and pause to wish him a happy
day. Would he lead the birthday song? Oh, surely he would love to, but
he might need a little help in blowing out all the candles!
Let’s see….he would still have a sense of humor and be larger than
life. Oh, and he would charm us and tell us stories and thoroughly
entertain us. Mario was a dreamer, you know, and once he even told us
how he saw his whole career before him as he gazed at the flickering
light in St. Mary Magdalen De Pazzi Church! Would he do some
impressions for us? I know I’d love to see that.
We could ask him so many questions. What was his favorite recording?
What was his favorite opera? Who was his favorite singing partner?
Which movie did he enjoy making the most? Which conductor did he feel
he did his best work with?
Perhaps we could ask him to sing a few lines of some songs and arias –
just a few. How about:
“Some day, when the winter is over, some day in the blush of the
spring…”
“My romance doesn’t have to have a moon in the sky...”
“Love is the sweetest thing, the oldest, yet the newest thing…”
“If I loved you, time and again I would try to say…”
“Overhead the moon is beaming…”
“You are the angel glow that lights a star…”
“Torna, caro ideal, torna un istante a sorridermi ancora…”
“Comm’a chesta vucchella, che pare na ruselllllllaaaa…”
“Te voglio – te penzo – te chiammo – te veco – te sento – te sonno…”
“Chiudimi, o notte, nel tuo sen materno…”
“Ridi, Pagliaccio, sul tuo amore infranto…”
“Dio, mi potevi scagliar, tutti mali, della miseria, della vergogna…”
“I’ll walk with God, I’ll take his hand…”
Yes, I’m a dreamer too, and I can hear the “voice” singing all these
melodies in my head as I pause here today on Mario’s special day. It’s
a lovely day..
I’ll add the verse I wrote for the Lanza Ball program in November,
2007:
Only a rose, I give you…only a song dying away….
Only a smile to keep in memory, until we meet another day….
Only a rose to whisper, blushing as roses do….
I’ll bring along a smile and a song for anyone…
Only a rose for you!
Today we celebrate and remember you – mille grazie e mille rose!!
Happy Birthday! From Muriel
gary from N.S.
Jan 31, 2009, 6:10:19 AM1/31/09
to The Mario Lanza Forum
Derek, a very fine tribute indeed;for a man whose talent,has left
behind, a legacy to be treasured.
Cheers
Gary
behind, a legacy to be treasured.
Cheers
Gary
gary from N.S.
Jan 31, 2009, 6:17:32 AM1/31/09
to The Mario Lanza Forum
Hi Muriel,
We both posted within a couple of minutes,and I didn't see your post
until I had "sent" mine to the forum.
A lovely tribute to Mario by your words..indeed mille grazie,Mario.
Cheers
Gary
We both posted within a couple of minutes,and I didn't see your post
until I had "sent" mine to the forum.
A lovely tribute to Mario by your words..indeed mille grazie,Mario.
Cheers
Gary
Muriel
Jan 30, 2015, 12:22:54 PM1/30/15
to
Thanks, Gary, I couldn't let this day go by without including my
thoughts. He was unique and still remains a force to be reckoned
with!!!!
Ciao from Muriel
thoughts. He was unique and still remains a force to be reckoned
with!!!!
Ciao from Muriel
Muriel
Jan 31, 2009, 11:20:57 AM1/31/09
to The Mario Lanza Forum
May I also insert "buon compleanno" wishes to our Michael as well
today? I know you weren't born in 1921, but you got the day
right!!!!!! Have a happy and celebrate!! Ciao ciao
> > Happy Birthday, Freddy Cocozza!- Hide quoted text -
>
> - Show quoted text -
today? I know you weren't born in 1921, but you got the day
right!!!!!! Have a happy and celebrate!! Ciao ciao
>
> - Show quoted text -
Muriel
Jan 31, 2009, 11:26:18 AM1/31/09
to The Mario Lanza Forum
Thank you, Maria. We can pretend that Mario is still with us as long
as his music is heard around the world. He is timeless in that sense.
Hearing him sing is always a cause for celebration!!!
Ciao from Muriel
On Jan 31, 8:41 am, Maria Luísa <Maria.c...@gmail.com> wrote:
> Beautiful message Muriel as everything you write. I liked also
> Thelma's very much. I certainly will read your previous tribute to
> Mario as well as Derek's. We do not have the custom to wish happy
> birthday to people who have died, for us these stopped making
> birthdays the day they stopped living. But we always do remember very
> fondly and pray for those dear ones gone forever. So being Mario the
> wonderful person he was, who left us unfortunately much too soon, I
> simply say in case he hears: thank you Mario for all the beauty you
> brought into the world. Know that for those who remember the kind
> generous soul you were and continue to appreciate your extraordinary
> voice so very much, you will never be forgotten.
> > Ciao from Murielwill read
as his music is heard around the world. He is timeless in that sense.
Hearing him sing is always a cause for celebration!!!
Ciao from Muriel
On Jan 31, 8:41 am, Maria Luísa <Maria.c...@gmail.com> wrote:
> Beautiful message Muriel as everything you write. I liked also
> Thelma's very much. I certainly will read your previous tribute to
> Mario as well as Derek's. We do not have the custom to wish happy
> birthday to people who have died, for us these stopped making
> birthdays the day they stopped living. But we always do remember very
> fondly and pray for those dear ones gone forever. So being Mario the
> wonderful person he was, who left us unfortunately much too soon, I
> simply say in case he hears: thank you Mario for all the beauty you
> brought into the world. Know that for those who remember the kind
> generous soul you were and continue to appreciate your extraordinary
> voice so very much, you will never be forgotten.
> > > > > Happy Birthday, Freddy Cocozza!- Hide quoted text -
>
> > > - Show quoted text -- Hide quoted text -
>
Message has been deleted
Derek McGovern
Jan 31, 2009, 3:24:13 PM1/31/09
to The Mario Lanza Forum
It's especially gratifying to read -- on this day of all days -- more
glowing praise of Lanza from Plácido Domingo. This from a CBS Special
Report:
"Domingo has sung 124 different operatic roles, the most of any tenor.
And he says his inspiration came from Philadelphia's favorite son,
Mario Lanza. 'His passion and the way his voice sounds, it's what made
me sing opera. I actually owe my love for opera, thanks to a kid from
Philadelphia.' "
http://cbs3.com/specialreports/Eye.On.The.2.922970.html
glowing praise of Lanza from Plácido Domingo. This from a CBS Special
Report:
"Domingo has sung 124 different operatic roles, the most of any tenor.
And he says his inspiration came from Philadelphia's favorite son,
Mario Lanza. 'His passion and the way his voice sounds, it's what made
me sing opera. I actually owe my love for opera, thanks to a kid from
Philadelphia.' "
http://cbs3.com/specialreports/Eye.On.The.2.922970.html
Message has been deleted
BobD
Feb 1, 2009, 10:17:47 AM2/1/09
to The Mario Lanza Forum
All these tributes to Mario on what would have been his birthday are
proof that his voice touched so many people all over the world. I
cannot think of anyone in his particular field who is so missed and
still revered after such a long time gone. I still get a thrill when I
listen to many of his songs and I am saddened that in this day and
age, things move too fast for the modern generation to just stop for a
while and listen. So many lives would be changed (and enhanced) if it
were possible. One day, maybe......
On Jan 31, 9:14 pm, Thelma <TFPri...@gmail.com> wrote:
> This is the reason I like Domingo so much; He credits Mario Lanza
> every chance he gets with his own inspiration to sing opera . Domingo
> may not have the best voice ever, but he certainly is a very good
> singer, musician and conductor. I am sure Domingo will always be
> remembered for what he has done and the inspiration he has been to
> others in the opera world.
proof that his voice touched so many people all over the world. I
cannot think of anyone in his particular field who is so missed and
still revered after such a long time gone. I still get a thrill when I
listen to many of his songs and I am saddened that in this day and
age, things move too fast for the modern generation to just stop for a
while and listen. So many lives would be changed (and enhanced) if it
were possible. One day, maybe......
On Jan 31, 9:14 pm, Thelma <TFPri...@gmail.com> wrote:
> This is the reason I like Domingo so much; He credits Mario Lanza
> every chance he gets with his own inspiration to sing opera . Domingo
> may not have the best voice ever, but he certainly is a very good
> singer, musician and conductor. I am sure Domingo will always be
> remembered for what he has done and the inspiration he has been to
> others in the opera world.
Maria Luísa
Feb 1, 2009, 3:24:04 PM2/1/09
to The Mario Lanza Forum
Thanks Muriel and you are right, that's why we remember him so very
much even after such a long time and with exactly the same beautiful
face he had when he died. And that is also why none of us can imagine
Mario with 88 years of age. At least I cannot. Mario stopped living at
38 years old and I believe that is how all who still love him keep
remembering him. I certainly do. But I understand quite well your
point of view. Thanks again Muriel.
much even after such a long time and with exactly the same beautiful
face he had when he died. And that is also why none of us can imagine
Mario with 88 years of age. At least I cannot. Mario stopped living at
38 years old and I believe that is how all who still love him keep
remembering him. I certainly do. But I understand quite well your
point of view. Thanks again Muriel.
Mike McAdam
Feb 1, 2009, 11:24:29 PM2/1/09
to The Mario Lanza Forum
Yes....Placido is such a selfless, generous man without that over-
inflated ego usually attributed to tenors. He has never wavered over
the years in his praise of Freddy from Philly ( I just listened to Mr
Domingo singing "Because You're Mine". Very nicely done). It was nice
to know that he said this just before that special day that some other
famous singers have as their birthday (Marty Robbins, Don Everly of
the Everly Bros. and the famous "shower singer" Mike McAdam :-))
M.
inflated ego usually attributed to tenors. He has never wavered over
the years in his praise of Freddy from Philly ( I just listened to Mr
Domingo singing "Because You're Mine". Very nicely done). It was nice
to know that he said this just before that special day that some other
famous singers have as their birthday (Marty Robbins, Don Everly of
the Everly Bros. and the famous "shower singer" Mike McAdam :-))
M.
gary from N.S.
Feb 2, 2009, 2:09:02 PM2/2/09
to The Mario Lanza Forum
Hello,
Yes, Mike and Derek:Placido has always struck me as being very much a
gentleman,and it is always wonderful to hear his praise of Mario..
Mike,I'm glad you mentioned Marty Robbins,and Don of Don and Phil..The
Everly's and Marty were always favourites of mine 'back in the day'.
Can't say I recognize that shower singer though..:-))
Cheers
Gary
Yes, Mike and Derek:Placido has always struck me as being very much a
gentleman,and it is always wonderful to hear his praise of Mario..
Mike,I'm glad you mentioned Marty Robbins,and Don of Don and Phil..The
Everly's and Marty were always favourites of mine 'back in the day'.
Can't say I recognize that shower singer though..:-))
Cheers
Gary
frank lazzari
Feb 5, 2009, 6:50:20 AM2/5/09
to mario...@googlegroups.com
I've recently returned from a holiday with my family to England and the USA.
As luck would have it we were in Los Angeles on the 31st of January 2009 and
we went to visit Mario Lanza's grave.
It was a strange thing for us to do since we have two children aged 16 and
11 and visiting the graves of strangers is not somthing that we normaly do
with them. Of course since they are my children Mario Lanza is not realy a
stranger to them. It was also a strange thing for me to do since I don't
belive that a grave represents a person any more than a memory or a feeling
does or in Mario's case more that listening to one of his recordings.
All the same it was an intensly moving experience for us. We were the only
people there, the people in the cemetry did not seem to be aware of who
Lanza was. He was just one of many, some famous in life ,most not, who's
remains were intered there.
Someone had placed some flowere in the vase on his crypt, my children added
some more. It was ironic that someone who had produced such wonderful sounds
was now somwhere where it was so quiet. The silence made it easier for me to
imagin Mario singing still.
As luck would have it we were in Los Angeles on the 31st of January 2009 and
we went to visit Mario Lanza's grave.
It was a strange thing for us to do since we have two children aged 16 and
11 and visiting the graves of strangers is not somthing that we normaly do
with them. Of course since they are my children Mario Lanza is not realy a
stranger to them. It was also a strange thing for me to do since I don't
belive that a grave represents a person any more than a memory or a feeling
does or in Mario's case more that listening to one of his recordings.
All the same it was an intensly moving experience for us. We were the only
people there, the people in the cemetry did not seem to be aware of who
Lanza was. He was just one of many, some famous in life ,most not, who's
remains were intered there.
Someone had placed some flowere in the vase on his crypt, my children added
some more. It was ironic that someone who had produced such wonderful sounds
was now somwhere where it was so quiet. The silence made it easier for me to
imagin Mario singing still.
Derek McGovern
Jan 30, 2015, 12:24:13 PM1/30/15
to
Good to see you here again, Frank, and thanks very much for this
touching post. How wonderful that your children should place flowers
at Lanza's crypt.
I've never been to Holy Cross Cemetery, but I think now that I would
like to.
Here's one of many links available on the Internet to a photo of
Mario's crypt: http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GRid=603
touching post. How wonderful that your children should place flowers
at Lanza's crypt.
I've never been to Holy Cross Cemetery, but I think now that I would
like to.
Here's one of many links available on the Internet to a photo of
Mario's crypt: http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GRid=603
Derek McGovern
Jan 30, 2010, 1:11:36 PM1/30/10
to The Mario Lanza Forum
Since today (January 31) is Mario Lanza's birthday, I thought I'd
revive this sweet
thread from one year ago. Happy 89th, Mario! (And happy birthday to
Mike S.P. McAdam!)
revive this sweet
thread from one year ago. Happy 89th, Mario! (And happy birthday to
Mike S.P. McAdam!)
Five years ago on this day, Muriella wrote a very touching birthday
tribute; here's the link for anyone who hasn't read it:
http://groups.google.com/group/mariolanza/web/lovin-mario-on-his-birthday
Beautiful stuff.
zsazsa
Jan 30, 2010, 3:57:52 PM1/30/10
to Mario Lanza, Tenor
Hi Derek,
wonderful, touching article from Muriel, I think she put all of our
feelings and love in this wonderful essay. Many thanks for you brought
it in our attention.
We are all singing togethere our Mario`s praise and sending our hearts
and thoughts to him, singing together:
H A P P Y B I R T H D A Y M A R I O ! THANK YOU FOR THE
BEAUTY!
wonderful, touching article from Muriel, I think she put all of our
feelings and love in this wonderful essay. Many thanks for you brought
it in our attention.
We are all singing togethere our Mario`s praise and sending our hearts
and thoughts to him, singing together:
H A P P Y B I R T H D A Y M A R I O ! THANK YOU FOR THE
BEAUTY!
> http://groups.google.com/group/mariolanza/web/lovin-mario-on-his-birt...
>
> Beautiful stuff.
Maria Luísa
Jan 31, 2010, 1:24:42 PM1/31/10
to Mario Lanza, Tenor
Glad you mention it Derek. Not that I forget but not always open the
computer in time as now I just did and here is almost night. Is still
almost impossible to believe that Mario is not with us. Even more
unbelievable is to think that was he to be alive and would be today 89
years old. Still this wonderful man with a singing voice that cannot
be compared with anyone else, although gone a long time ago, will
never be forgotten. He left a seed, his glorious voice, which will
flourish in those many in the years to come, as did some before, who
will follow his step. As for Mario himself, those who had the
blessing to listen to him alive, in records or in movies will never
forget him - both his voice and his persona - and will keep passing
the testimony for the generations to come.
computer in time as now I just did and here is almost night. Is still
almost impossible to believe that Mario is not with us. Even more
unbelievable is to think that was he to be alive and would be today 89
years old. Still this wonderful man with a singing voice that cannot
be compared with anyone else, although gone a long time ago, will
never be forgotten. He left a seed, his glorious voice, which will
flourish in those many in the years to come, as did some before, who
will follow his step. As for Mario himself, those who had the
blessing to listen to him alive, in records or in movies will never
forget him - both his voice and his persona - and will keep passing
the testimony for the generations to come.
Loved to read Muriella's tribune, just beautiful.
> http://groups.google.com/group/mariolanza/web/lovin-mario-on-his-birt...
>
> Beautiful stuff.
Maria Luísa
Jan 31, 2010, 1:30:23 PM1/31/10
to Mario Lanza, Tenor
"Tribute" of course, sorry!
Muriel
Jan 31, 2010, 11:46:00 PM1/31/10
to Mario Lanza, Tenor
Derek, thanks for reviving that little birthday piece I wrote a while
ago. It's difficult to find new ways to express my gratitude to Mario
and his great talent. I know all who come to this forum have their own
special remembrances and favorite stories and songs of Mario. The
important thing is that we remember and keep him alive in our hearts
always. As his music has proven to be timeless, he will continue to be
contemporary and an important part of our lives. I hope that others
in the future will experience the same enjoyment and inspiration that
I've had for so many years. There can be no greater pleasure to offer
them.
ago. It's difficult to find new ways to express my gratitude to Mario
and his great talent. I know all who come to this forum have their own
special remembrances and favorite stories and songs of Mario. The
important thing is that we remember and keep him alive in our hearts
always. As his music has proven to be timeless, he will continue to be
contemporary and an important part of our lives. I hope that others
in the future will experience the same enjoyment and inspiration that
I've had for so many years. There can be no greater pleasure to offer
them.
Thanks also to Susan and Maria for the lovely comments.
Happy Birthday, Michael, although your day is almost over. Let's try
to have a nice chat one day, okay?
Ciao for now....M.
> http://groups.google.com/group/mariolanza/web/lovin-mario-on-his-birt...
>
> Beautiful stuff.
zsazsa
Feb 1, 2010, 5:09:05 AM2/1/10
to Mario Lanza, Tenor
Thank you dear Muriel, for all of your wonderful essays, write ups and
comments. I just can not express with words, what a great happiness
and enjoyment it is always to read your very true words about Mario,
how he goldened and goldening always our lifes with his fantastic
voice and enduring legacy!
Thank you Muriel, it is a pleasure hearing from you and wishing you
and yours all the very best of everything in life, with our Mario`s
own words.
Ciao for now Susan
comments. I just can not express with words, what a great happiness
and enjoyment it is always to read your very true words about Mario,
how he goldened and goldening always our lifes with his fantastic
voice and enduring legacy!
Thank you Muriel, it is a pleasure hearing from you and wishing you
and yours all the very best of everything in life, with our Mario`s
own words.
Ciao for now Susan
Message has been deleted
Mike McAdam
Feb 1, 2010, 8:45:19 AM2/1/10
to Mario Lanza, Tenor
Thanks for the birthday wishes, Derek and ......Muriel..... how lovely
to see a post from our favourite gal. I sincerely hope you are on the
mend and yes, I'll call soon and we can have a good chat. Oh, and
Freddy/Mario.....wherever your spirit is situated in that other
dimension out there, we toast you on your birthday (and knowing you,
hitting a B-flat would have still have been no problem at 89). This
now-66 mortal, ever the ‘frustrated-tenor’, still sings your songs in
the shower ;-)
M.
to see a post from our favourite gal. I sincerely hope you are on the
mend and yes, I'll call soon and we can have a good chat. Oh, and
Freddy/Mario.....wherever your spirit is situated in that other
dimension out there, we toast you on your birthday (and knowing you,
hitting a B-flat would have still have been no problem at 89). This
now-66 mortal, ever the ‘frustrated-tenor’, still sings your songs in
the shower ;-)
M.
> > Beautiful stuff.- Hide quoted text -
zsazsa
Feb 1, 2010, 8:56:31 AM2/1/10
to Mario Lanza, Tenor
Hi Mike,
your birthday greeting to dear Mario is really great. I enjoyed it
very much, Mario would like it surely.
Have a good day and ciao from Susan
your birthday greeting to dear Mario is really great. I enjoyed it
very much, Mario would like it surely.
Have a good day and ciao from Susan
leeann
Feb 1, 2010, 11:23:30 PM2/1/10
to Mario Lanza, Tenor
Well, in our family, somehow we rarely end up celebrating birthdays on
the proper day, and sometimes we celebrate them several times just to
get everybody included. So, birthday thoughts a day late, or two,
depending on your continent and time zone. Muriel's post is lovely--I
don't know how you do it, but you just nail the right feelings and
words. Thank you. And how kind of you Susan, do the cards. And happy
late birthday to you as well, Mike. Auspicious indeed.
the proper day, and sometimes we celebrate them several times just to
get everybody included. So, birthday thoughts a day late, or two,
depending on your continent and time zone. Muriel's post is lovely--I
don't know how you do it, but you just nail the right feelings and
words. Thank you. And how kind of you Susan, do the cards. And happy
late birthday to you as well, Mike. Auspicious indeed.
My humble mp3 player had a mind of its own yesterday. I PLANNED to
listen to Mario! during a long hike in yet another of our snowstorms,
but the machine had turned itself on, and what was playing when the
headphones hit my ears was the first Mario Lanza CD set I'd purchased.
I'd just "discovered" him on YouTube, and went hunting on Amazon to
hear more. I'm awfully leery about spending money on CDs, and I wanted
the most variety I could possibly get for my nickel--just in case this
new vocal fascination didn't turn out. Clearly I had no idea of the
depth and breadth of the hold of this amazing voice.
It was the Classic Collection--a two-CD set with no liner notes at
all. One is an operatic CD; one--well, English and Italian classics. I
know now that all the selections are a bit hit and miss--not always
the best of the best. But I loved it (and still do). Later, I found
Derek's Amazon reviews and got a bit more discriminating.
It was a great birthday walk.
Message has been deleted
Derek McGovern
Jan 31, 2012, 4:49:14 AM1/31/12
to mario...@googlegroups.com
Well, it's the 91st anniversary of Mario Lanza's birth today, and I've
been celebrating in Busan, South Korea, by listening to a homemade
compilation of his best English-language recordings. (Accompanied by a few cups of Korean rice wine :)) Without a Song, Some Day, Beloved, Song of India, Serenade from The Student Prince, If I Loved You....they're all on this disc.
Meanwhile, somewhere in Maryland, U.S., the album Mario! is probably being played right now, as per Muriella's delightful birthday essay from a few years back.
Today is also the first birthday of the Mario Lanza, Tenor website (our main site, that is, not the Google forum). This thread breathlessly announced our launch a year ago, and since then we've clocked up visitors from a surprising 112 countries, including repeat "customers" from Iran and much of the African continent. Lanza's appeal is indeed far flung.
A few stats that may interest you:
-The average visitor spends 29.55 minutes at our site.
-Only 33.50% of our "traffic" is direct; in other words, almost two thirds of our visitors find us either through referrals (20.5%) from other sites or from internet searches (46%).
-The Top 20 countries visiting us are: 1. U.S. 2. U.K. 3. Germany 4. Australia 5. Canada 6. South Korea 7. New Zealand 8. The Philippines 9. Russia 10. Belgium 11. Italy 12. Hungary 13. Ireland 14. The Netherlands 15. Brazil 16. France 17. Spain 18. Romania 19. Finland 20. Venezuela
And now back to that Lanza CD!
Oh, and before I forget, a very happy birthday to young Mike McAdam!!
Meanwhile, somewhere in Maryland, U.S., the album Mario! is probably being played right now, as per Muriella's delightful birthday essay from a few years back.
Today is also the first birthday of the Mario Lanza, Tenor website (our main site, that is, not the Google forum). This thread breathlessly announced our launch a year ago, and since then we've clocked up visitors from a surprising 112 countries, including repeat "customers" from Iran and much of the African continent. Lanza's appeal is indeed far flung.
A few stats that may interest you:
-The average visitor spends 29.55 minutes at our site.
-Only 33.50% of our "traffic" is direct; in other words, almost two thirds of our visitors find us either through referrals (20.5%) from other sites or from internet searches (46%).
-The Top 20 countries visiting us are: 1. U.S. 2. U.K. 3. Germany 4. Australia 5. Canada 6. South Korea 7. New Zealand 8. The Philippines 9. Russia 10. Belgium 11. Italy 12. Hungary 13. Ireland 14. The Netherlands 15. Brazil 16. France 17. Spain 18. Romania 19. Finland 20. Venezuela
And now back to that Lanza CD!
Oh, and before I forget, a very happy birthday to young Mike McAdam!!
Derek McGovern
Jan 31, 2012, 5:18:49 AM1/31/12
to mario...@googlegroups.com
P.S. Here's a sweet article that I imagine many will be able to relate to:
http://www.dailypilot.com/news/opinion/tn-dpt-0131-carnett-20120130,0,1174958.story
http://www.dailypilot.com/news/opinion/tn-dpt-0131-carnett-20120130,0,1174958.story
Barnabas Nemeth
Jan 30, 2015, 12:24:45 PM1/30/15
to
Well, I was fortunate to visit Mario's house and room of his birth in the 90's. I've got a long video made at that time in the house along with an interview with his aunt, and in the Museum with Mrs. Pappola. R.I.P.
Happy Birthday Mario!
Barnabas
Michael McAdam
Jan 31, 2012, 10:53:55 AM1/31/12
to mario...@googlegroups.com
Boy, I can still relate to that (my wife is still continually yelling "don't give up your day job!")
Great little anecdote.
Michael McAdam
Jan 31, 2012, 10:56:30 AM1/31/12
to mario...@googlegroups.com
Very encouraging Website stats. Lee Ann should be chuffed, for sure.
Thanks for that birthday wish, young Kiwi (68 today...ye Gods!)
jmsi...@gmail.com
Jan 31, 2012, 12:19:26 PM1/31/12
to mario...@googlegroups.com
It's hard to believe one of the greatest tenors the world has ever known was born 91 years ago today. Happy Birthday, Mario! Like most of you, Mario Lanza made a huge impact on my life, but I didn't consciously realize it until recently. After some pleading, my editor at the award-winning The Ripple Effect allowed me to compose a review on this tremendous talented individual and I wanted to pass it along to "fellow fans" who would appreciate it. I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it. Thanks!
http://ripplemusic.blogspot.com/2012/01/mario-lanza-mario-lanza-icons-boxset.html
http://ripplemusic.blogspot.com/2012/01/mario-lanza-mario-lanza-icons-boxset.html
Vincent Di Placido
Jan 31, 2012, 3:36:15 PM1/31/12
to Mario Lanza, Tenor
I joined Muriel, I was listening to the "Mario!" album on my way home
from work, just love that album, did I ever tell any of you that? :-)
A very Happy birthday Mike!!! I hope you have a great birthday! I
turned 41 a couple of weeks ago & it stung so much more than turning
40 last year...
So glad the site is so popular, it is a thing of beauty & a credit to
Derek & Lee Ann!!!
from work, just love that album, did I ever tell any of you that? :-)
A very Happy birthday Mike!!! I hope you have a great birthday! I
turned 41 a couple of weeks ago & it stung so much more than turning
40 last year...
So glad the site is so popular, it is a thing of beauty & a credit to
Derek & Lee Ann!!!
Message has been deleted
leeann
Feb 1, 2012, 9:30:49 AM2/1/12
to mario...@googlegroups.com
Happy belated birthday, Mike and Vince. Vince that means you're
just starting to enter your prime as a tenor then, doesn't it, so I hope that also means
more recordings!
Mike, about chuffed. I had to look that word up when you or Derek used it not too long ago. And so now that I know it's a good thing, yes, I am absolutely chuffed about the website after this first year. I love that it leads people to the best biography out there, shows off the talents and thoughts of so many people, and that it's always vital. It's a really great thing to be part of. Full of chuff, actually. :-)
Barnabas, if you ever feel like it, it would be awfully interesting to hear more about your conversation with Mario's aunt and visit to his birthplace! Best, Lee Ann
Mike, about chuffed. I had to look that word up when you or Derek used it not too long ago. And so now that I know it's a good thing, yes, I am absolutely chuffed about the website after this first year. I love that it leads people to the best biography out there, shows off the talents and thoughts of so many people, and that it's always vital. It's a really great thing to be part of. Full of chuff, actually. :-)
Barnabas, if you ever feel like it, it would be awfully interesting to hear more about your conversation with Mario's aunt and visit to his birthplace! Best, Lee Ann
leeann
Feb 2, 2012, 11:07:50 AM2/2/12
to mario...@googlegroups.com
Viewer statistics on Mario Lanza websites spiked on January 31, including those for mariolanzatenor.com!
And just for fun--here are just a few of the posts on Twitter for that day that give an idea of the huge variety of audiences he reaches across generations; film buffs, opera lovers, people who listen to popular music. Of course, the best tweet of all may be the one at the top of the page leading to Mario Lanza: an American Tragedy on Amazon! Best, Lee Ann
leeann
Feb 2, 2012, 11:10:14 AM2/2/12
to mario...@googlegroups.com
ARGH. more Google changes that would not let me insert the above image where I wanted to. Please click on that image for a readable view. Best, Lee Ann
Derek McGovern
Feb 2, 2012, 9:16:51 PM2/2/12
to mario...@googlegroups.com
Hi Lee Ann
Thanks for sharing those Twitter comments. I'm really chuffed that Armando's book was promoted, and the publicity may well have helped propel it back into the best-selling classical music biographies at Amazon. When I checked just a moment ago, it was at #23!
Yes, there was a heck of a spike in the number of visitors to our site on January 31st. All very gratifying, and quite amazing, really, for a singer who's been gone so long.
Cheers
Derek
Thanks for sharing those Twitter comments. I'm really chuffed that Armando's book was promoted, and the publicity may well have helped propel it back into the best-selling classical music biographies at Amazon. When I checked just a moment ago, it was at #23!
Yes, there was a heck of a spike in the number of visitors to our site on January 31st. All very gratifying, and quite amazing, really, for a singer who's been gone so long.
Cheers
Derek
Message has been deleted
Steff
Feb 4, 2012, 12:54:23 PM2/4/12
to mario...@googlegroups.com
Hi Derek,
Since you mentioned that you even have website-visitors from the African continent, I just recalled a snippet from a publication titled "RCA Electronic Age".
I looked for it in my archives and it was from 1961 and said: "Mario Lanza is immensely popular in Africa."
I wonder what caused Mario's popularity in Africa around the 1960s (maybe only in particular parts of Africa?).
Steff
dreeny
Feb 5, 2012, 5:18:25 AM2/5/12
to mario...@googlegroups.com
Shame on me I let 31st January slip by without a thought of a special, if sad, anniversary. However, I can safely say that not a
day goes by that Mario is not singing in my home so hopefully something was playing at the significant time - noon I believe.
Derek, referring to the CD you were listening to. All my favourites, especially the beautiful "Someday". I did not realise until recently
how many different versions were about, then just last night I found another one. I have probably seen it listed before but passed by idly
thinking, or not thinking, it was simply "Someday". This one for me is "the Best". It is a 1951 Coca Cola show offering. Prior to that
I was smitten with the one on "Shower of Stars" 1954. In this 1951 offering I hear the young Lanza, although he was 30, words even more
perfect than usual, breathless in places and the feeling intense. I also found "Remember" which I have never heard him sing before and
this, naturally, is lovely. The only other versions of the latter I have heard before are by Jane Powell and the delightful Kathryn Grayson,
hers for me is the best. When I found Mario in early 1950 I also discovered Kathryn who has also been a firm favourite of mine ever since
and I have many of her CD's including "Stardust" which I purchased via the internet from the USA last year. Stardust is very nice because
we get a glimpse of Kathryn in her later years, again someone who's CD,s are not freely available here in the UK.
I have waffled on a tad but my main purpose was the belated thought for the 31st January.
Doreen
in the UK
Derek McGovern
Feb 10, 2012, 11:45:24 PM2/10/12
to mario...@googlegroups.com
Hi Doreen: I completely agree with you about the 1951 recording of "Some Day." It's one of my top five favourite Coke (radio) performances, in fact, and much as I love the two 1954 "Shower of Stars" renditions (the televised one of which can be seen in our Multimedia section here), the 1951 recording is unsurpassed in its fantastic blend of poetry and thrills:
(The 1959 recording, on the other hand, while no means a write-off, is sluggishly delivered and very badly recorded. But the notes are all there.)
I've never understood why the 1951 version of "Some Day" has been largely hidden from view. The only official RCA album it's ever appeared on is the 1958 compilation You Do Something to Me (issued on CD in 1989), and it's sad to think that most non-aficionados are probably unaware of it :(
Cheers
Derek
Michael McAdam
Feb 27, 2012, 6:34:40 PM2/27/12
to mario...@googlegroups.com
I've never understood why the 1951 version of "Some Day" has been largely hidden from view. The only official RCA album it's ever appeared on is the 1958 compilation You Do Something to Me (issued on CD in 1989), and it's sad to think that most non-aficionados are probably unaware of it :(CheersDerek
Funnily enough, Derek that YDSTM compilation LP (and what a great cross-section of some of Lanza's best it was) was issued on the 'economy' RCA Camden label rather than as part of Lanza's Red Seal catalogue.
Ironically, all his Camden releases display an intelligent choice of tracks (wonder where that A & R man is now when we need him?)
M.
Derek McGovern
Jan 30, 2015, 12:26:24 PM1/30/15
to
Since it's already January 31st in my part of the world, I'm reprising this thread for today, the 94th anniversary of Mario Lanza's birth.
If you haven't read this beautiful two-page thread before (or would like to renew your acquaintance with it), then here's a handy link to where it all began:
Derek McGovern
Jan 31, 2017, 8:16:22 AM1/31/17
to mario...@googlegroups.com
Today is the anniversary of the birth of Mario Lanza.
Ordinarily, I'd try and write something profound on a day like this,
but I'm afraid my creative juices aren't exactly flowing at the
moment. Too many distractions! So instead, I'll simply offer this
little tribute (attached) that I wrote a few years ago on the grandi-tenori site
for another important Lanza anniversary:
Happy Birthday, Freddy Cocozza!
Maria Luísa
Jan 31, 2017, 8:18:15 AM1/31/17
to mario...@googlegroups.com
Beautiful message Muriel as everything you write. I liked also
Thelma's very much. I certainly will read your previous tribute to
Mario as well as Derek's. We do not have the custom to wish happy
birthday to people who have died, for us these stopped making
birthdays the day they stopped living. But we always do remember very
fondly and pray for those dear ones gone forever. So being Mario the
wonderful person he was, who left us unfortunately much too soon, I
simply say in case he hears: thank you Mario for all the beauty you
brought into the world. Know that for those who remember the kind
generous soul you were and continue to appreciate your extraordinary
voice so very much, you will never be forgotten.
Thelma's very much. I certainly will read your previous tribute to
Mario as well as Derek's. We do not have the custom to wish happy
birthday to people who have died, for us these stopped making
birthdays the day they stopped living. But we always do remember very
fondly and pray for those dear ones gone forever. So being Mario the
wonderful person he was, who left us unfortunately much too soon, I
simply say in case he hears: thank you Mario for all the beauty you
brought into the world. Know that for those who remember the kind
generous soul you were and continue to appreciate your extraordinary
voice so very much, you will never be forgotten.
Derek McGovern
Jan 30, 2016, 10:52:09 AM1/30/16
to Mario Lanza, Tenor
Today (January 31, 2016) would have been Mario Lanza's 95th birthday.
I salute an incredible artist.
Message has been deleted
Derek McGovern
Jan 31, 2018, 10:20:03 AM1/31/18
to Mario Lanza, Tenor
Remembering the great Mario Lanza today on what would have been his 97th birthday.
Derek McGovern
Jan 30, 2019, 8:42:14 PM1/30/19
to mario...@googlegroups.com
Today---January 31, 1921---marks the 98th anniversary of Mario Lanza's birth. I salute a truly great singer and the possessor of the most beautiful, exciting and perfectly placed tenor voice I have ever heard.
brandy
Feb 11, 2019, 10:35:37 PM2/11/19
to Mario Lanza, Tenor
On the same day Mario was born his idol Enrico Caruso passed away in Santa Lucia Italy.
Derek McGovern
Feb 11, 2019, 10:54:08 PM2/11/19
to Mario Lanza, Tenor
Brandy: That's actually a myth. While it would be moving if it were true, Mario was already six months old when Caruso died on 2 August 1921.
Irina Kuzmishina
Mar 9, 2019, 8:45:19 AM3/9/19
to Mario Lanza, Tenor
My dedication to Mario's birthday was this post on YouTube, as I think that this aria is one of the best jewels in Lanza's legacy https://youtu.be/NAvMwz8bmJc
Palmarola2012
Mar 9, 2019, 8:59:32 AM3/9/19
to Mario Lanza, Tenor
Absolutely beautiful video. Thank you Irina.
Message has been deleted
Derek McGovern
Jan 31, 2020, 12:50:30 AM1/31/20
to Mario Lanza, Tenor
One more year to go till his centenary!
On this the 99th anniversary of Mario Lanza's birth, I'd like to remind everyone of the much-missed Muriel's touching celebratory piece:
Be sure to click on the link in the article above for a thrilling reproduction of "Love Me Tonight."
Steff Walzinger
Jan 31, 2020, 6:00:35 AM1/31/20
to Mario Lanza, Tenor
Remembering Mario Lanza today, 31 January, on his 99th birthday.
„I have never forgotten that there is a very special tie between me and the people I sing to. It’s something much more than the usual bond between an artist and the public; it‘s as though there is a real, living, flowing love between us, as though you people have reached out in some mysterious way and taken me to your hearts (Mario Lanza, 1955).
„You know, I love living. When I love, I love; when I eat, I eat and when I sing, I sing“ (Mario Lanza, 1956).
Steff
Derek McGovern
Jan 31, 2020, 7:23:48 AM1/31/20
to Mario Lanza, Tenor
Those are superb quotes, Steff! Thanks so much for sharing them.
~~Derek
aqui...@gmail.com
Feb 4, 2020, 3:14:57 AM2/4/20
to Mario Lanza, Tenor
Here in Rome, on the 31st, I hosted a party for Mario’s birthday. We had a private room in a nice restaurant in the Southern part of Rome. They set up a big screen for us and played Mario’s movies throughout the evening. It was wonderful!
Next year, for his 100th birthday, I am planning to book the entire restaurant.
Next year, for his 100th birthday, I am planning to book the entire restaurant.
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