Question by Alberich: “Mario Lanza”: this once famous hollywood singer, could he have had a career in opera? BIG TIME?
I’m watching a documentary about him on PBS right now(Nevada 11:00 a.m. PST):
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mario_Lanza#Operatic_career
A You Tube clip of his “Nessun Dorma”:
Don’t know how many of you are familiar with this singer, film star; but back in the 40-50’s he was all the rage – achieving a comparable legendary status easily likened to that of James Dean(am assuming everyone remembers him-?).
Use to be, that the movement from the operatic stage to that of Hollywood, was the standard protocol: Lauritz Melchior, Helen Traubel, Lilly Pons, etc.
But rarely if ever, was the trend in the opposite direction – come to think of it, can’t recall of even one instance: can you?
Lanza had offers, quite a few in fact, to perform in opera, but seems to have never appeared in a full length production – correct me if I’m mistaken.
Were he to have done so, do you think he really could have made it into the Big Time?
Alberich
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Why the one “thumbs down”(only)on “mamianka-“? Come on, guys and gals – how about a little “leeway”, huh?
Alberich
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Thanks “mamainka-“: although I feel for you for being “stalked”, it’s reassuring to know that it wasn’t one of the responders to this question that gave “only” you a thumbs down: appreciate you edited comment.
Alberich
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“toutvas bien”: thank you; I had completely forgotten about Grace Moore.
Alberich
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Guys/Gals: a few rather “virulent” remarks being posted – are such really necessary?
Alberich
Best answer:
Answer by Doctor John
He only performed in two operas. Madama Butterfly & the merry Wives of Windsor..Toscanini said he had the most natural tenor voice of the century. Further info on http://www.grandi-tenori.com/tenors/lanza/
I rate him up with Correlli, Bjorling Bergonzi, overshadowed only by Pavarotti & Gigli , IMHO
Mamianka I gave you the thumbs down ! you are a fool to compare the great Lanza with the untalented Bocelli, the great stars of lanza’s day thought extremely highly of him…his technique was probably the best of ANY 20thC singer..you display total ignorance with your remarks!
Unfortunately there are no recordings of his performances in staged opera…the critics said that he was sensational on stage
What do you think? Answer below!