Giovanni Zenatello,s promise in the singing world was recognised at a very early age, originally his teacher trained him as a baritone. He never felt comfortable in this range so he retrained as a tenor, His tenor debut was in Naples as Canio in Leoncavallo,s "I Pagliacci" He really came to the fore when he played "pinkerton" in the world premiere of "Madame Butterfly" at La Scala in Milan. As a Dramatic Tenor he succeeded Francesco Tamangno as the worlds greatest exponent of "Othello". and with the New York Metropolitan Opera company, on tour, replacing Enrico Caruso, in 1909.
Lets listen to him then, because of his big dramatic voice and formerly being a Baritone, the recording techniques of the day do not flatter him. I believe if its the right wording to use, his voice was so powerful it "overmodulated" and sounded funny on recordings. One scathing comment i have read says he sounds like a goat, which i think is very unjust, i would dearly have loved to listen to him Live.
I hope you can see past the "problem" and really enjoy this remarkable voice.
Showing posts with label vesti le giubba. Show all posts
Showing posts with label vesti le giubba. Show all posts
Monday, 31 May 2010
Tuesday, 25 May 2010
Mario Lanza 1921-1959
One of my absolute favourites has to be Mario Lanza, although many purists accused him of shouting i thought his powerfull and beautiful voice was simply stunning. Whatever he began to sing he made it his own with his emotional style of singing, along with always giving it never less than 100%.
Caruso died in 1921 and was a great loss to all that loved to hear and see him perform, but on january 31st of that year a certain Arnold Alfedo Coccoza came into the world. His parents were Maria Lanza and Antonio Coccoza, so no prizes here for guessing who he grew up to be. He took his mothers maiden name and Mario instead of Maria.
I have been listening to Mario Lanza since i was about 4 years, in fact i broke my dads old reel to reel in my attempt to listen in to his wonderfull voice. He had a so called meteoric rise to fame and soon became a true matinee idol with the films he made, a notable one "The great Caruso" Just take the time to listen to him singing his rendition of "Vesti Le Giubba"
Mario Lanza grew up listening to Caruso and tried to emulate him many times, ironic that "The Great Caruso" is hailed my millions as lanza,s finest role. and of course let us not forget that Mario Lanza inspired many a fine tenor in the future himself and so the wheel of music turns.
Sadly He died in 1959 aged just 38 years old, and yet what a legacy he has left to the world forever, so successive generations can experience the thrill of his voice.
I have heard several accounts of his demise, and who knows what is truth and fiction.
Lets just remember him with love and affection and thank god for his life and talent which has given pleasure to millions.
Brings tears to your eyes doesnt it.
Caruso died in 1921 and was a great loss to all that loved to hear and see him perform, but on january 31st of that year a certain Arnold Alfedo Coccoza came into the world. His parents were Maria Lanza and Antonio Coccoza, so no prizes here for guessing who he grew up to be. He took his mothers maiden name and Mario instead of Maria.
I have been listening to Mario Lanza since i was about 4 years, in fact i broke my dads old reel to reel in my attempt to listen in to his wonderfull voice. He had a so called meteoric rise to fame and soon became a true matinee idol with the films he made, a notable one "The great Caruso" Just take the time to listen to him singing his rendition of "Vesti Le Giubba"
Mario Lanza grew up listening to Caruso and tried to emulate him many times, ironic that "The Great Caruso" is hailed my millions as lanza,s finest role. and of course let us not forget that Mario Lanza inspired many a fine tenor in the future himself and so the wheel of music turns.
Sadly He died in 1959 aged just 38 years old, and yet what a legacy he has left to the world forever, so successive generations can experience the thrill of his voice.
I have heard several accounts of his demise, and who knows what is truth and fiction.
Lets just remember him with love and affection and thank god for his life and talent which has given pleasure to millions.
Brings tears to your eyes doesnt it.
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