9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Clear and powerful! Mario sings with great reverance!, November 8, 1998
This review is from: Mario Lanza Live from London (Audio CD)
Maestro Lanza sang beautifully in this recital! Must have it in your Lanza disc collecton. He was still in top form even though the end was drawing to a close! Superb!
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9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
An Unforgettable Voice, April 11, 2002
This review is from: Mario Lanza Live from London (Audio CD)
I saw opera for the first time through Lanza's movie The Great Caruso. Since then I became a Lanza fan. As I myself a "dilettante" tenor when taking solfeo lessons in my youth I was told never to try singing like Mario Lanza because it would hurt my voice. The reason given was that Lanza voice was specially engineered in the recording studio. This record shows what I always believe. Lanza voice was not only exceptional but that recorded live does not allow for "special" effects. His voice and his films are unforgettable. Pity he died too young when he was getting ready to move into performing opera in the great theaters of the world. I advise the new generation to listen to this record and enjoy one of the most beautiful voices of the 20th Century.
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9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Brilliant but erratic, October 13, 2000
This review is from: Mario Lanza Live from London (Audio CD)
From the opening bars of the beautiful Lamento di Federico, it's immediately apparent that Lanza was in great voice in this 1958 concert. True, Lanza's voice at this stage was too dark for the delicate lyricism of the Lamento, but it's a thrilling rendition nonetheless, complete with Lanza's interpolated high B.
This is the later Lanza voice, a much more baritonal sound than the Mario of the MGM period, but with that effortless top still firmly in place. The encore Because You're Mine displays a breathtaking B-flat finish that sends his audience into a frenzy. Other highlights include a poignant Tell Me, Oh Blue, Blue Sky and a surprisingly nimble Gia, il sole del gange, in which he lightens his tone effectively. The concert is a must-have, if only because it demonstrates Lanza's extraordinary versatility and his unique manner of "working" an audience.
Be warned, however, that this is not Lanza at his most subtle. If you're looking for the best of the later Mario, check out his masterful Mario! Lanza At His Best CD. Lanza did not want this concert released on disc, and from all accounts he gave far better performances at other concerts in this period in both Britain and Germany. Unfortunately, this is the only record we have of his final concert tour.
Having said that, the CD is still essential listening for anyone interested in a unique vocal talent. Even at his roughest,this is compelling singing of the highest order, and allowance should be made for the fact that it is a live performance. The sound quality is excellent. Warn your neighbours before putting this on - this is singing to rattle the teacups!
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