Mario Lanza - The Ultimate Collection

His approach to popular song is admittedly on the operatic side, and it's fascinating to hear how well such pieces translate into a more classical orchestration. And Lanza's versions stand as equals alongside the popular versions (by such greats as Perry Como, Frankie Laine, Kate Smith, Georgia Gibbs, Dean Martin, Vic Damone and Vaughn Monroe) that have been among my favorites for many years.

The spoken introductions on the selections from his show are an added bonus, and (contrary to one of the reviews below) these songs are beautifully done. The fact that they are live and only minimally rehearsed only makes them all the more amazing.

The 2-cd set consists of high quality recordings of 47 songs and is a real bargain at the price.


THE GREAT MARIO SINGS BEAUTIFULY!   March 3, 2002
 4 out of 6 found this review helpful

THIS IS A WINNER THE MUSIC GREAT! THIS IS A REALY GREAT CD! HE SINGS SO WELL IN ALL THE MUSIC. I GAVE IT 4 STARS. ENJOY!


The good and the bad in one collection   September 2, 2001
 12 out of 13 found this review helpful

This is (unintentionally, I'm sure) a warts-and-all illustration of Mario Lanza. True, there are magnificent recordings scattered throughout (Serenade, Beloved, E Lucevan Le Stelle, Passione, etc) but the overall impression one is left with is of a sloppy and undisciplined singer who just happened to possess a great voice. The fault lies squarely with BMG and their predilection for selecting the very worst of Lanza, and placing it next to the best. Many of the inferior choices come from Lanza's Coca-Cola radio show, recorded between 1951 and 1952, and featuring prominently on Disc Two. (Disc One is a more consistent selection, and repeats the same tracks from the British one-CD set "The Ultimate Collection", reviewed elsewhere on this site.)

The "Coke" shows were generally under-rehearsed, and represent what in many respects was the most chaotic period of Lanza's short life. Thus it's not surprising that the tenor often sounds unfamiliar with his material, is sometimes off-key, and also makes numerous stylistic lapses. Never intended to be heard beyond their initial broadcast, these supposedly "one-off affairs" nevertheless did produce the occasional gem, but one needs to look elsewhere for examples of those. The three exceptions on this set are the gloriously romantic If I Loved You, One Night of Love, and the poignant Memories. Danny Boy also deserves honorable mention, although the ending should have been remade.

O Paradiso, Somewhere a Voice is Calling, Core 'Ngrato, Deep in My Heart, and With a Song in My Heart represent low points from the Coke Shows. Other poor choices include And This is My Beloved, from the disastrous Lanza on Broadway LP; a rough-as-old-boots Una Furtiva Lagrima; and an off-pitch Cielo E Mar (ironically the one studio recording on this set that *is* inferior to Lanza's Coke Show rendition).

Mario Lanza was blessed with the most spectacular natural tenor voice of the 20th century. Is it too much to expect for BMG to honor his memory more selectively? Where are Lanza's sublime recordings of Che Gelida Manina from "La Boheme", his M'appari, the Improvviso from Andrea Chenier and his unsurpassed Otello Monologue? Or the fabulous Some Day, the gorgeous 'A Vucchella and Lanza's own favorite recording, the haunting Voce E Notte? For the very best of Mario Lanza, buyers will need to look elsewhere.


New Fan   August 27, 2000
 19 out of 21 found this review helpful

I am an 18-year old student. I bought this album after I heard a few of Lanza's songs in the Peter Jackson film, "Heavenly Creatures" and I must say that it is one of the best albums I have ever bought. Lanza was a master of his vocal instrument, drawing every ounce of feeling and energy from the notes and words to create a masterpiece of every song. The resulting pieces in this album combine to make up a beautiful and varied work, with something for every mood you may be in. The classics (such as "Ah, Sweet Mystery of Life"), are obviously appealing, but the lesser-known pieces (my favourite: "Una Furtiva Lagrima") make this a wonderfully enlightening experience. This is a truly Great album.


Another CD from the best!   March 17, 2000
 9 out of 11 found this review helpful

When I heard that Mario Lanza had died so many years ago, I was a college student who already owned five or six LP's of his songs. I was truly brokenhearted We had lost such a fine singer at such an early age. This CD is one of the best because of the diversity of songs, all marvelous.A fine addition to any collection.