Customer Reviews

Sings Christmas Carols

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

Mario Lanza was truly one of the greatest tenors of all time. No one before him or since has intrepreted Christmas music with the same religious fervor, the same passion, or the same touch that he brought to the most beloved hymns and carols. So why this poor excuse of a CD - recorded just months before his death- would ever be released when so many of his better recordings - made earlier in his career - are available, is a mystery. Those looking for the best Christmas offerings by Lanza need look no further than "Christmas Hymns and Carols," or the later, more available release, "Christmas with Mario Lanza," which contains all the same recordings plus a few other offerings as well (including "Deck the Halls" and "I'll Walk With God). The problem with "Lanza Sings Christmas Carols" is that, like another reviewer here notes, there is little passion in these recordings. It sounds like a collection of one-takers recorded in a single session. For example, in the recording of "God Bless Ye Merry Gentlemen," Lanza forgets the meter on the line "and unto certain she-e-perds.." and instead sings it "unto certain shep-errrds." It sounds clumsy. Later in the song, his emphasis on "how that in Bethlehem wazzzzz born" is misplaced and almost comical. I think he did add a few verses to some of the recordings (it's been a long while since I heard this CD), but for the most part, they're just re-hacked remakes that don't even come close to replicating the versions recorded before them. The worst ommision on this CD is Lanza's immortal recording of "Oh Holy Night," which, to my knowledge, has only one version available. My guess is that Mario knew he couldn't improve on perfection, so he opted to pass on an attempt to re-record what to many has become his signature song. I realize that even a bad Lanza is better-than-average by most people's standards. Even so, if you like this CD, you'll be pleased to know that there are better offerings out there to hear.

BMG's decision to release this album is unfathomable. With the exception of the disastrous Lanza on Broadway LP (mercifully unavailable - at present - on CD), this was the tenor's worst album. Recorded around the time of his first heart attack, Lanza was in very poor spirits indeed when he recorded this, and it shows. Unlike the Broadway album, his singing is not downright bad; it's simply devoid of the tenor's trademark warmth and vitality. O Christmas Tree is, perhaps, the only exception on this otherwise gloomy offering.

For an infinitely more sparkling alternative, check out the singer's beautiful Christmas with Mario Lanza CD. It's available through Amazon, and reviewed on these pages.

What many people may not know is that Lanza recorded the Lanza Sings Christmas Carols LP twice: A mono version in 1956 (RCA # LM-2029), recorded in America, and a stereo version in 1958 (RCA #LSC-2333), recorded in Italy. Unfortunately, Lanza's performance isn't nearly as good the second time around. The first album offers Lanza at his very best, putting his entire heart and soul into every note; on the second album he sounds like he's singing in his sleep. However, substandard Lanza is still miles ahead of the competition, and both albums are now available on CD for fans to compare for themselves: The second album is available under its original title, and the earlier album has been reissued (with several bonus tracks) as Christmas With Mario Lanza (RCA # 6427-2-RG, with the cover showing a smiling Lanza against a red backround).

I have the original "Lanza Sings Christmas Carols" on LP. Strangely, the CD is missing "It Came Upon A Midnight Clear" which is on the LP.

Haven't heard these beautiful songs since I had the original RPM records. It was marvelous to be able to find and purchase this CD. Many Thanks

Mario Lanza was unique in the breath and scope of his singing ability. And when he sang in English, he had no equals. Certainly no tenor ever sing these Christmass classics with the beauty and soul that Lanza pours forth into these religious recordings. Treat youself to greatness.

I have the original recoding of these songs on an old LP. I grew up listening to them at the holiday season. I have never been able to find these songs by anyone else that compared to Mario Lanza. He sings these like noone else has ever done them before or since. He was a talent like no other.

Mario Lanza's short life was full of wonderful music, this album truly radiates the majestic vocal qualities of this tenor, and if you feel like you need some spirit filled music in your home, his Sings Christmas Carols album is a true keeper. The First Noel is unbelievable, I never heard his rendition until this past Christmas and it was a revelation. Away In A Manger is a sad song to begin with , but the way he sings this, you know he loved the lord. A beautiful album is now back on c.d....I just played the album myself again today.....more then just a fine Christmas album, its a great holy spirit filled album!

This is the same album that I listened to back in the early 60's before Josh Groban, and all the current opera stars. Mario Lanza sings the traditional favorites with his own powerful voice and style. Well worth it!!

I have looked all over for this music in a CD format. I have the album, which I got from E-bay about three years ago, but no turntable. This is a childhood favorite of mine, as my father would play it every Christmas. Thank you so much.