RoR: Forum

I want to say that *this* is the spirit of SOLO, not the interminable pedantic pseudo-philosophical masturbations of portentous poseurs who try to hijack SOLO because no one else will have them. Mr Kilbourne addresses his remarks at one point to those who can't hear Mario Lanza - that is, they hear, but do not comprehend. Alas, they won't hear Mr Kilbourne either. Never mind. James - this is a superb tribute to a true hero. Thank you.

Linz

Post 1

Wednesday, July 14, 2004 - 2:23am

James: Your article is magnificent. Here you sum up the essence of Lanza: "If anyone ever personified a bounteous, ecstatic sense of life, it is Mario Lanza. It radiates from every cell of his being and every note he sings." And this!: "Think of the famous line of Sunset Boulevard's Nora Desmond when someone says to her "You used to be big" and she responds, "I'm still big. The movies have become small". Now contemplate the thought she expresses. Mario Lanza is BIG and too much of the world around us is small." Ah, *so* true!!! Small & hate-filled towards geniuses who refuse to conform. "When he makes you cry, you don't sniffle and dab your eyes with a lace handkerchief; you fall on the floor and WEEP- OCEANS of tears!" Yes! Just ask Chris Sciabarra!!!
Thanks so much, James.

Post 2

Wednesday, July 14, 2004 - 6:29am

You know, that guy's voice has a richness that other signers lack. There is a fullness and depth to it. Occasioanlly, my opinion is that he over-sings certain songs which I have obtained online through MusicMatch music service. These are likely the very ones Linz has previously suggested were not too great--figures that the most commercially-available are not his greatest performances. But frankly, he is my favorite singer.

I cannot find much of his operatic recordings which are so highly recommended on this site and occasioanlly on SOLOforum on yahooo groups.

Can anyone suggest some albums and/or web sites from which I can get Lanza opera? Are there distinctions I should make in particular recordings (e.g., have certain versions been digitally remastered, etc.). Responders can email me direct at scott351@att.net, much appreciated.

Post 3

Wednesday, July 14, 2004 - 7:21am

Wow. There is certainly a profound reverence (or perhaps it's a pathological obsession) for Mario Lanza around here. I must timidly confess I have never heard him sing. But you guys have definitely piqued my interest. Are there any particular Lanza recordings you would like to recommend to a newbie such as myself?

Post 4

Wednesday, July 14, 2004 - 3:42pm

James, you have given a superb description of what constitutes the essence of Mario Lanza. You display intelligence, and above all great sensitivity.

Post 5

Wednesday, July 14, 2004 - 6:49pm

Armando is the author of the most recent - & best - bio of Mario. It has a Foreword by Linz & a preface by none other than Placido Domingo. It comes with a CD of rare unreleased material with notes by Derek McGovern. For details, including ordering, as well as CD reviews & miscellaneous material, go to www.freeradical.co.nz & click on Mario's photo.

Linz

Post 6

Thursday, July 15, 2004 - 10:22am

My suggestion to you to get to know Mario Lanza is to get a copy of his biggest hit movie, The Great Caruso. There are things that aren't perfect about it, for sure, but you come away with a picture of the bigness of the man and artist. Also, he doesn't have to compete with considerably smaller talents of others to be heard, as is the case in most of his other movies.

Post 7

Thursday, July 15, 2004 - 1:23pm

My first post was addressed to Scott, but applies also to Gordon. I believe "The Great Caruso" is a great introduction to Lanza. To Derek, I thank you for your kind words. I read your portrait of Lindsay and was very moved by it. I feel I know you both from it. To Gordon, I hope what you find in my article is a profound reverence for life and gratitude for a great artist that makes mine richer and more meaningful. Mario Lanza is only one of many artists I love. He and Callas, however, are the two vocal giants of the the last century.
My gratitude extends to Armando Cesari. Just as Chris Sciabarra was the first true scholar to take Ayn Rand seriously in Russian Radical, so Armando is the first to take Lanza seriously in "Lanza, An American Tragedy". I am honored by his comments above.

Post 8

Wednesday, August 18, 2004 - 6:10am

I have read a lot of articles about Mario, ssme very good, but this one is the best, I really can say that my feleeing are exactly what you say about him, as my primary language is Spanish, is diffucilt for me to express my real feeling in English, so you did magnificently for me. Thank you. What I only add is that I love Mario Lanza since I was 11

Post 9

Sunday, January 23, 2005 - 12:52am

In the six months since Jim's article first appeared here, we've added a number of Lanza's non-commercial recordings to http://freeradical.co.nz/lanza. Downloadable in both MP3 and Real Audio formats, these include an amazing home rehearsal of the Improvviso from Andrea Chenier, and a thrilling live performance of the Love Duet from Madama Butterfly. Enjoy!

Post 10

Tuesday, June 14, 2005 - 4:58am

How wonderful to see this article resurface at precisely the time SOLO has been temporarily overrun by poseurs, solipsists, hypocrites, cowards, pretend-gurus & morons. One glorious, golden note from Mario, which these amoebae are incapable of hearing, is enough to blast them to whatever fake, marshmallow planet it is they aspire to. Long may they stay there!

Linz

Post 11

Tuesday, June 14, 2005 - 5:56am

Linz...

SOLO has been temporarily overrun by poseurs, solipsists, hypocrites, cowards, pretend-gurus & morons.

"Pretend-gurus"?

Who's "pretending"????

;^)

Post 12

Tuesday, June 14, 2005 - 12:24pm