About
Content
Store
Forum

Rebirth of Reason
War
People
Archives
Objectivism

Post to this threadMark all messages in this thread as readMark all messages in this thread as unread


Post 0

Monday, August 23, 2004 - 10:03pmSanction this postReply
Bookmark
Link
Edit
I know many people prefer Serenade, but in my mind this is far and away his greatest movie. There are few forces of nature that can equal the young Lanza. It is tragic to think at 29 he reached his zenith.
I've learned to love his gentle comedic touch in this light musical. And I also never get tired of seeing it.
The Lanza revival is real, but it is only beginning. Beyond the amazing voice, he approaches a song in a totally unique manner. I predict that singers will be required to study his methods in tomorrow's conservatories.

Post 1

Monday, August 23, 2004 - 10:50pmSanction this postReply
Bookmark
Link
Edit
James wrote:

I predict that singers will be required to study his methods in tomorrow's conservatories.
Interesting that you should say that, Jim. Just a few years ago, I heard about a professor of music in Denmark who regularly tells his students, "If you want to learn how to sing, study Lanza."

And let's not forget the prediction of the baritone Lawrence Tibbett in 1950 - the year that The Great Caruso was made - that it would be 50 years before people would recognise Lanza as the great artist that he was. Perhaps Tibbett sensed the growing culture of envy that seeks to crush non-conformists like Lanza.

You're right, though - a Lanza revival is taking place. With the DVD release of this movie surely just around the corner, The Great Caruso will continue to attract audiences jaded by the mediocrity of all today's Grobans, Bocellis, Watsons, and Alagnas.


Post 2

Tuesday, August 24, 2004 - 2:40amSanction this postReply
Bookmark
Link
Edit
The problem is, I don't think "studying Lanza" or his "methods" is going to make any difference to someone who just doesn't get it anyway. I hesitate to invoke Plato, but this is the closest thing I've seen to, "To him who understands, no explanation is necessary; to him who doesn't understand, no explanation is possible." We are here in the realm of music, after all, where there is much we *don't* understand. Alagna, for instance, says he's influenced by Lanza. BS!! Ditto Cura. They *all* say it, but show no sign of it, preferring the antiseptic, innocuous musical version of political correctness in their performances. In fact, the only one of them who seems genuinely to "get" Lanza is his greatest cheerleader among them, Carreras, who unfortunately lost much of his actual vocal prowess early on in what looked like being a sensational career.

Same thing with listening as well as peforming. You either get Mario or you don't.

Rather like what Satchmo said about rhythm. You've either got it or you haven't!

Rather reminiscent of belly-laughers vs anal-retentives, really. :-)

Linz

Post 3

Tuesday, August 24, 2004 - 7:37amSanction this postReply
Bookmark
Link
Edit
I agree with you, Linz. It isn't that students will learn so much at these future conservatories. It will mean that the culture will be admitting that Lanza is a great singer. I don't need that to know how great he is, but once in a while it is nice to see others admit that you have been right all along.
We are starting to have this satisfaction re: Reagan, also.

Post 4

Tuesday, August 24, 2004 - 9:46amSanction this postReply
Bookmark
Link
Edit
Hey Wacko, Where did you get that reference to Plato. I always assocaited it with Christianity. Cite please, I'm desperate.

Post 5

Tuesday, August 24, 2004 - 6:49pmSanction this postReply
Bookmark
Link
Edit
Fred - I *know* you're desperate. You're *always* desperate. But I cannot - nay, would not - assuage your desperation.

It *was* Plato 'cos I said so. Got it?

Lord Linz

Then again, maybe it was Leonard Peikoff ...

Post to this thread


User ID Password or create a free account.