Dispelling the Myths about Mario Lanza: the Artist (with Derek McGovern and Armando Cesari) @DiPlacido71

Vincent Di Placido A totally riveting and entertaining discussion that deals with the top 6 myths used against Mario Lanza: the Artist.
As Armando Cesari observes in his introduction to Mario Lanza: An American Tragedy, few operatic singers have been subjected to as much sheer misinformation as Mario Lanza, with "Much of what has been written [either] incomplete, inaccurate, self-serving, sensational, or a combination of all four."
This video tackles some of the more enduring myths about Lanza's voice and artistry.
Each myth is beautifully and expertly dispelled by Lanza expert, Derek McGovern and Lanza biographer, Armando Cesari.

Mario Lanza: An American Tragedy by Armando Cesari. Baskerville Publishers, Inc.
Derek McGovern's Lanza website mariolanzatenor.com

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updated 4 years ago

Dispelling the Myths about Mario Lanza: the Artist (with Derek McGovern and Armando Cesari)

Vincent Di Placido 2022-03-11 | A totally riveting and entertaining discussion that deals with the top 6 myths used against Mario Lanza: the Artist.
As Armando Cesari observes in his introduction to Mario Lanza: An American Tragedy, few operatic singers have been subjected to as much sheer misinformation as Mario Lanza, with "Much of what has been written [either] incomplete, inaccurate, self-serving, sensational, or a combination of all four."
This video tackles some of the more enduring myths about Lanza's voice and artistry.
Each myth is beautifully and expertly dispelled by Lanza expert, Derek McGovern and Lanza biographer, Armando Cesari.

Mario Lanza: An American Tragedy by Armando Cesari. Baskerville Publishers, Inc.
Derek McGovern's Lanza website mariolanzatenor.com

I make no revenue from YouTube but If you would like to help me be able to create more content, please consider becoming a patron by donating whatever you can to:
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Vincent Di Placido Ag Críost an Síol (Seán Ó Riada)

Vincent Di Placido 2022-09-15 | One of my favourite pieces to sing, Seán Ó Riada's musical setting of the Irish poem, "Ag Críost an Síol", as the offertory hymn in his 1968 setting of the mass, Ceol an Aifrinn (literally, "Music of the Mass"; known in English as the "Ó Riada Mass")

Vincent Di Placido “Nessun Dorma”

Vincent Di Placido 2022-08-29 | Performing the classic, “Nessun Dorma” for the first time at a memorial service in Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception church in Ballingary with Nigel Bridge.

“Your Song” - Performance

Vincent Di Placido 2022-07-04 | ...

“Your Song” rehearsal

Vincent Di Placido 2022-07-02 | A quick run through, pre-wedding ceremony.

Mario Lanza Vaghissima Sembianza - Big Gold Brick 2022 - Andy Garcia Oscar Isaac Megan Fox

Vincent Di Placido 2022-06-20 | Great to see Mario's recordings being used on a soundtrack, in this case it's his 1959 recording of "Vaghissima Sembianza" from his "Caruso Favourites" LP.

Mario Lanza The Great Caruso Alternate Ending

Vincent Di Placido 2022-04-07 | A small re-imagining of the finale of Mario Lanza's 1951 film, "The Great Caruso".
I always have images and sounds come into my head whenever I watch this ending so I thought I'd put it together.

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Dispelling the Myths about Mario Lanza: the Man (with Derek McGovern and Armando Cesari)

Vincent Di Placido 2022-03-23 | A totally riveting and entertaining discussion that deals with the top 4 myths used against Mario Lanza: the Man.
As Armando Cesari observes in his introduction to Mario Lanza: An American Tragedy, few operatic singers have been subjected to as much sheer misinformation as Mario Lanza, with "Much of what has been written [either] incomplete, inaccurate, self-serving, sensational, or a combination of all four."
This video tackles some of the more enduring myths about Lanza: the Man including his character and personality.
Myths about Lanza's voice, training, and musical ability are challenged in the article Myths about Mario Lanza, the Artist.
youtu.be/4MIbVHWnBDc
Each myth is beautifully and expertly dispelled by Lanza expert, Derek McGovern and Lanza biographer, Armando Cesari.

Mario Lanza: An American Tragedy by Armando Cesari. Baskerville Publishers, Inc.
Derek McGovern's Lanza website mariolanzatenor.com

I make no revenue from YouTube but If you would like to help me be able to create more content, please consider becoming a patron by donating whatever you can to:
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Memories of Mario Lanza in Concert (and Other Fan Recollections with My Father)

Vincent Di Placido 2022-03-02 | A fascinating discussion with my 87 year old father about his Mario Lanza fan journey in the 1950s, which includes seeing the legendary tenor in concert at the Usher Hall in Edinburgh in March 1958.

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The Undiscovered Mario Lanza: Rare Recordings and Hidden Gems - The New Sepia Records CD

Vincent Di Placido 2022-02-14 | This fascinating CD will be available in early March from sepiarecords.com and from amazon and other online sellers in the first week of April.
Or alternatively the new Sepia CD will be available at the Mario Lanza Musuem in late March/early April.
They are now taking pre-orders (USA only). The CD is $12 + $5 Shipping & Handling. Checks should be made out to Mario Lanza Institute and sent to Mario Lanza Institute 1214 Reed Street Philadelphia, PA 19147. For credit card orders, more information or if you're ordering more than one CD, call 215-238-9691.

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A Cascade of Charisma: A Mario Lanza Montage

Vincent Di Placido 2022-02-04 | A Mario montage of magical movie moments.
(apologies for the re-edit upload, there was an issue with Warner)

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Vincent Di Placido - God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen - Live

Vincent Di Placido 2021-12-28 | Singing my favourite carol at a concert in Ennis Cathedral on the 27th of December 2021.
(Apologies for the low quality phone footage.)

Vincent Di Placido Joy to the World

Vincent Di Placido 2021-12-07 | A performance of "Joy to the World" at Ennis Cathedral during an Advent concert on the 5th of December 2021.
(Apologies for the low quality, this is a rip from a Facebook live feed from a mobile phone.)

Kings Row - Main Title By Erich Wolfgang Korngold (with film montage)

Vincent Di Placido 2021-11-04 | This is a montage of footage from the 1942 Warner classic, "Kings Row", set to the "Main Title" music, it is one of my favourite film scores by the great Erich Wolfgang Korngold.
There is so much rich thematic material in just this minute and a half Main Title, a real testament to the genius of Korngold.
You will hear the inspiration for many John Williams' scores.

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Mario Lanza in The Student Prince - The Complete Musical Selections

Vincent Di Placido 2021-10-26 | After a disagreement with director, Curtis Bernhardt,
while working on the film of Sigmund Romberg’s operetta,
“The Student Prince”, Mario Lanza walked out of MGM.
After months of legal battles that frustratingly left
Mario and MGM unable to completely resolve their issues,
Mario was replaced by actor, Edmund Purdom,
who lip-synced to Mario’s magnificent pre-recordings on film.
Losing Mario on-screen in "The Student Prince" was a true artistic tragedy.
What I have done in this video is pull together all of Mario’s
musical selections and tried to have Mario more present visually
with the use of photographs and film footage from around this time period.
In my minds eye I always see Mario in this film,
I hope this helps some fans enjoy the sequences a little more.
I find it heartbreaking how it all turned out.

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Mario Lanza Gaudeamus Igitur Remixed Student Prince Finale (MGM missed a trick!)

Vincent Di Placido 2021-10-20 | I think MGM missed a trick with the emotional "Gaudeamus Igitur” finale to “The Student Prince”.
The added emotional punch of using Mario’s vocal at that point would have been fantastic, especially as the Prince hadn't sung the sung in the film.
I couldn’t resist remixing the finale... :-)
Of course the real trick MGM missed was to have made peace with Mario
and actually have him appear in the film...

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Mario Lanza Singing Live The Seven Hills of Rome from the Royal Albert Hall

Vincent Di Placido 2021-10-14 | A simple song but as usual Mario sells it beautifully. I always preferred his performance of this at the Royal Albert Hall over his soundtrack recording.

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Mario Lanza Singing Nessun Dorma Live at the Hollywood Bowl 1948 with Lyrics and Translation

Vincent Di Placido 2021-10-13 | Mario Lanza Live at the Hollywood Bowl on July 24th 1948.
Mario Lanza gives a brilliant performance in concert of Puccini's "Nessun Dorma".
This recording is available on Sepia Records CD "Mario Lanza: Greatest Operatic Recordings"

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Magic Mario Movie Moments: Lanza in Song

Vincent Di Placido 2021-10-07 | As a small tribute to Mario Lanza on the 62nd anniversary of his passing in Rome on the 7th of October 1959, here is small compilation of some of his English language songs from the films, "That Midnight Kiss", "The Toast of New Orleans", "The Great Caruso", "Because You're Mine", "Serenade" and "The Seven Hills of Rome".

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Discussing Lanza with Armando Cesari and Derek McGovern

Vincent Di Placido 2021-09-18 | An informal discussion that touched on various Lanza talking points during a recent Zoom call with Lanza biographer, Armando Cesari and his wife, Carmel and Lanza expert, Derek McGovern.
This was a birthday Zoom call not meant at all for public consumption, it just so happened to be recorded.
After reviewing the footage I felt compelled to do a wee edit and convince Armando and Derek to please allow me to share these interesting points with a wider audience. I'm so happy they agreed as I consider them the most important Lanza experts with fascinating observations.

Mario Lanza: An American Tragedy by Armando Cesari. Baskerville Publishers, Inc.
Derek McGovern's Lanza website mariolanzatenor.com

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Now in Stereo! Mario Lanzas mono classic Begin the Beguine, remixed in glorious DES.

Vincent Di Placido 2021-06-29 | Lanza's perfect and classic mono recording of "Begin the Beguine" now shines in a new stereo remix due to the "Digitally Extracted Stereo" process and generously shared with me by Bob Zwolinski.
Listen with headphones for the best effect!
A reworking of my "Begin the Beguine" montage now highlights this new stereo mix.
Do check out Bob Zwolinski's other remixes and remastering projects on YouTube.
Thank you Bob!

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Bernard Hermanns “Prelude” from Alfred Hitchcock’s Vertigo - 2018 Record Store Day Release

Vincent Di Placido 2021-05-19 | A tribute to my favourite movie, Alfred Hitchcock's 1958 masterpiece, "Vertigo".

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Vincent Di Placido - I Te Vurria Vasà!

Vincent Di Placido 2021-05-05 | Finally making a recording of an old favourite of mine since my teenage years.

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Tito Gobbi - La Montanara (Song of the Mountains) from The Glass Mountain 1949

Vincent Di Placido 2021-04-29 | Legendary baritone, Tito Gobbi in the 1949 British film, "The Glass Mountain".
"La Montanara" was written by Toni Ortelli

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Pippo - Celebrating Giuseppe Di Stefanos Centenary

Vincent Di Placido 2021-04-27 | A personal remembrance and tribute to the great Giuseppe Di Stefano. Celebrating his centenary year. 1921-2021.

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Vince Di Placido & Dave McCarthy - Here Comes The Sun (Beatles Cover)

Vincent Di Placido 2021-04-08 | Myself and my good buddy, Dave McCarthy having a bit of a laugh.

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Favourite Mario Moments: Lanzas Vocal Fireworks

Vincent Di Placido 2021-04-05 | A look some of Mario's most passionate and thrilling moments.

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Mario Lanza - The Great Caruso Blu-ray Review and DVD Comparison

Vincent Di Placido 2021-03-14 | A review and DVD comparison of Warner Archive's new Blu-ray release of Mario Lanza's 1951 blockbuster.

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Mario Lanza Addio alla Madre Extended Scene with New Stereo Mix.

Vincent Di Placido 2021-03-10 | A restoration of the full Addio alla Madre scene from Mario Lanza's 1952 film, "Because You're Mine" using production stills and film footage and a newly created stereo mix.

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Mario Lanza - Deleted & Extended Sequences from The Great Caruso.

Vincent Di Placido 2021-02-22 | Recreations of extended & cut musical sequences from Mario Lanza's 1951 film, "The Great Caruso".

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Mario Lanza aged 19 Chella mi creda private recording with orchestra, lyrics & translation.

Vincent Di Placido 2021-02-18 | Mario's 1940 private recording with piano.
I have added orchestra as subtly as possible.
Mario's track has not been edited or changed.

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Mario Lanza - A Centenary Celebration 1921 - 2021

Vincent Di Placido 2021-01-28 | To celebrate Mario's centenary, here is a collection of recordings, movie & TV appearances & montages.
I've a few nice editing touches in here, I hope you enjoy.
This is not a "best of" but more of an editing free-flow, a kind of stream of consciousness.
I also wanted to feature moments I maybe haven't focused on as much in my other videos so far.
Viva Mario!

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Mario Lanza Centenary Celebration 1921 - 2021 - Teaser

Vincent Di Placido 2021-01-27 | I'm working on a Lanza centenary celebration.
I'll have it up soon, hopefully...

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Vincent Di Placido - Both Sides Now (with Lyrics)

Vincent Di Placido 2021-01-21 | I was asked to sing this at a funeral last week, I had a day to learn it by the usual last minute method, by brainwashing myself for 24 hours.
It's a song I never thought I'd sing but it grew on me and I decided to do a wee recording during this 2021 lock-down & the occasion of my 50th Birthday.

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A Lanza La Danza Bonanza

Vincent Di Placido 2021-01-10 | A fun edit of Mario Lanza's two sparkling on screen performances of Rossini's classic tarantella, "La Danza" of 1835.

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Myself & Sofia enjoying a song & dance ❤️

Vincent Di Placido 2021-01-01 | ...

Mario Lanza Tosca & La Bohème cut scenes from Serenade

Vincent Di Placido 2020-12-15 | Two short snippets recorded for Mario's 1956 film Serenade but cut presumably due to an overlong running time.

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Frank Sinatra Ol Man River 1946

Vincent Di Placido 2020-12-04 | ...

A Mario Lanza Christmas Celebration!

Vincent Di Placido 2020-11-27 | An overview & appreciation of Mario Lanza's Christmas albums.

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Mario Lanza A Pretty Girl Is Like A Melody Live Radio 1946, aged 24.

Vincent Di Placido 2020-11-18 | An early, live, example of one of Lanza's greatest gifts, his amazing versatility.
Mario was the original & by far the greatest crossover artist of all-time.
He excelled just as successfully singing demanding operatic material or the great American songbook (and everything else in-between). Mario was always beautifully convincing in whatever he sang.

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Mario Lanza Sings Enrico Carusos Serenata Memories of a Concert with Lyrics & Translation.

Vincent Di Placido 2020-11-12 | From the Living Stereo album "Mario Lanza sings Caruso Favourites", recorded at Cinecittà, Rome in June 1959.
Arranged & conducted by Paul Baron.

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Mario Lanza Voce e Notte - Isolated Vocal Track with Lyrics & Translation.

Vincent Di Placido 2020-10-27 | A focus on Mario's incredible vocal.

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Mario Lanza Funiculì Funiculà - Isolated Vocal Track with Lyrics & Translation.

Vincent Di Placido 2020-10-23 | I thought it would be interesting to focus on Mario's isolated vocal track from his opening song on his "Mario!" album.
The one track out of the 12 that I felt didn't fit in, I thought I would give it another chance & look at it in a different light.

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The Mario Lanza Story The Complete BBC Radio 2 Broadcasts - October 2009

Vincent Di Placido 2020-10-18 | A slideshow I created back in 2009 to the audio of the 2 parts of "The Mario Lanza Story", narrated by Kiri Te Kanawa on BBC Radio 2 in October 2009. I wasn't able to upload it as one file back then, so here it is now uncut & complete.

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Lanzas Influence & Legacy

Vincent Di Placido 2020-10-07 | A collection of memories, recollections & commentary of Mario Lanza given by singers, conductors, biographers & songwriters.
This collection made up from documantaries, concerts & talk shows is created from material I have been collecting for 40 years.

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Remembering Mario

Vincent Di Placido 2020-10-07 | A small Lanza celebration.
Born January 31st 1921, died 7th October 1959

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Raphaela & Mario Lanza: Love & Friendship - Final Cut

Vincent Di Placido 2020-10-05 | The Story of Raphaela Fasano's friendship with Mario Lanza.

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Mario! Lanzas Masterpiece: An Appreciation - Final Cut

Vincent Di Placido 2020-10-05 | An appreciation & overview of Lanza's classic album of Neapolitan favorites, released in 1959.

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Lanza & Rosati: Bel Canto - Final Cut

Vincent Di Placido 2020-10-05 | A film about Mario's vocal development from enthusiastic teenager to polished professional.
The origin story of the greatest tenor voice of all-time.

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Nino Rota playing Godfather themes for Francis Coppola

Vincent Di Placido 2020-09-25 | This is fascinating, Nino Rota playing the early thematic musical ideas for Francis Coppola for the score of "The Godfather", captured on Coppola's cassette tape recorder.
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