Lanza in (mostly) top form
D. MCGOVERN | New Zealand | 11/28/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This is a "twofer" CD, consisting of the 1955 soundtrack to the movie Serenade and the 1956 Cavalcade of Show Tunes album. Before I go any further, however, I should acknowledge that I was one of the liner note writers for this release. But I have no financial interest in the CD, and am simply reviewing it here because to date no one else has commented on it!
Serenade marked Lanza's return to films after an absence of three years, and revealed a voice that had darkened considerably, while still retaining its brilliant upper register. Stylistically, this is also a much-improved artist in many respects from the sometimes-wayward tenor of the early 1950s. Anyone who compares Lanza's superbly operatic renditions here of Amor Ti Vieta, Lamento di Federico, and O Paradiso with his earlier versions (all featured on the CD Mario Lanza Sings Opera Arias and Duets) will immediately detect the new-found control in his singing.
That's not to say that all of the Serenade material is outstanding. Lanza's renditions of Nessun Dorma, O Soave Fanciulla, Di Quella Pira, and the title song are below par, with the tenor uncharacteristically strained in the upper register and rough in his approach. But redeeming everything are the oustanding renditions of the arias mentioned in the previous paragraph, together with Lanza's sensitive singing of Di Rigori Armato from Der Rosenkavalier, a superb Torna a Surriento, and an unsurpassed Dio! Mi Potevi Scagliar from Otello. Lanza also recorded the Act III duet from Otello with Licia Albanese for this film, but time constraints have reduced it to a brief extract here. (The entire duet, however, can be heard on the aforementioned Arias & Duets CD.)
The other album featured here showcases the romantic side of Lanza. Beautifully recorded, Cavalcade includes passionate renditions of Yours is My Heart Alone, Only a Rose, Will You Remember, and other selections from operetta and musical comedy. Although Lanza may indeed be *too* zestful here for some tastes, vocally at least, he is at the height of his powers. The voice is rich and round - gloriously consistent throughout its registers - and the abundance of effortless B flats, Bs, and even a high C reveal a tenor in formidable form.
Highly recommended."
Mario Lanza's CDs Serenade/ A Cavalcade of Show Tunes
RAFAGAL | 03/12/2009
(4 out of 5 stars)
"I throughly enjoyed the movie Serenade and felt that Mario Lanza seemed to again be acting with the intensity he displayed in The Great Caruso. The arias chosen for him were varied with many excellent selections that are thrilling to hear. I especially enjoyed the Otello monologue and the duet with Licia Albanese. The second CD, Cavalcade of Show Tunes, was also a thrill to listen to and my favorite songs were Rose Marie, Only a Rose and Thine Alone. I've never tired of these two CDs, good listening."
Track Listings (27) - Disc #1