Mario Lanza: Bringing Opera To The Masses (Opera Documentary)

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A profile of Mario Lanza, the American tenor who introduced opera to the masses in the 40s and 50s, long before Pavarotti, Carreras and Domingo's Three Tenors.
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From Opera Legends
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[@aetion]

Today is the 7th October, that is already 64 years have passed since his death (7.10.1959) at the age of 38. I am thankful to him for having brought me to the opera world. He may rest in eternal peace. Thank you for your beautiful video.

[@healwithspirit1714]

There could be thousands of documentaries about Mario Lanza but, in fact, there could still never be enough produced.

[@FlipFlopandFly]

My favorite tenor. What a voice.

[@reno11558]

He had by far one of the most powerful voices ever.

[@dmntuba]

I am a retired professional orchestral Tuba player(, and have played with many fantastic singers) but Lanza was one of my childhood musical heroes/inspiration. We had his albums in the house, and when one of his movies came on TV my mother and I would always watch. His voice helped shape my concept of sound. Thank you, Maestro 👍

[@dedebrown1028]

Mario Lanza, no matter what, was and is the greatest operatic singer. I am such a fan of his and will always remain faithful to him.❤

[@AlainArvelo]

As a operatic tenor myself, Hollywood career or not; Mario Lanza is in the top 10 tenors of all time. If you don't think this, we can't even begin a conversation!

[@dougmackay6185]

Mario Lanza was a major influence on my life.

[@clararizzi8051]

What a man!!! He had more to offer than being on stage. The world needed to see him on the SCREEN.

[@user-eu1cm8wz9g]

I adore Mario Lanza Singing he's an angel 😇 ❤

[@srobinson35]

Such a voice!! What a wonderful documentary. I never tire of watching his movies

[@karenfuchs1674]

I remember seeing him in the "Student Prince . " I was 18 . and my first seeing an opera singer .@ the Odeon Theatre in Winnipeg . I fell in love with this film and him ! I did not know how tragic his and his family's ending was . How very sad and heartbreaking .

[@alexvaliansky7707]

He was not in The Student Prince, only his voice was.

[@robertwillett9204]

A great singer!!! A tragic loss.

[@chimera8421]

The little girl singing with him in Rome brings tears to my eyes every time I hear it. Beautiful together.

[@RobertSJHu]

Aloha to everyone including Mario Lanza, Perspective and everyone else who helped to produce and share this marvelous opera documentary !!! I was born and raised in Hawaii and have learned to enjoy opera and all genres of music. Am now 80 years old and I appreciate so much Mario Lanza's divine and blessed voice !!!!!!!!!!!!!! I thank God for Mario Lanza, his parents, and family. Robert S.J. Hu April 9, 2022.

[@FavoriteMovieDate]

Envy is one of the 7 deadly sins for a reason. Opera was jealous of his success and so they had to tear him down. He is still my favorite tenor for a reason. Pure beauty and passion in every song.

[@user-px2mu1rd5b]

You are so right. JEALOUSY. It stands out a mile. I. Feal so amazingly wonderful when I hear him sing , SEE him sing. When he gazes up to heaven he transmits a special happiness I have never felt before! Love you Mario.

[@jefolson6989]

If you want to see real charisma, any interview with Lanza. So much charm and presence. That what they mean by " star quality".

[@maritere1939]

Oh, that wonderful Ave Maria

[@manny2032]

I love hearing Mario Lanza's voice evolve into a great amazing sound. Never tiring hearing such a voice. Made every song so believable.

[@user-dn8qe2vn7z]

As a teenager in the 70’s I discovered opera and fell in love with it because of Mario Lanza. I majored in it. I studied it. I performed it. No other musical genre moves me like opera. The opera elite missed a huge opportunity by not embracing the gift of Mario Lanza’s singular talent and ability. Such a shame.

[@sozanmarshall2832]

The best of the best

[@JuriAmari]

I was inspired to learn more about him after seeing his mural in Philly. His voice is rich!❤ I’m glad more people are learning about Mario Lanza.

[@rouman7]

Lanza the peoples fav not the so called experts , by far the best voice

[@sandygardiner6433]

Loved Mario Lanza Great Singer 🙏🏻❤️🇨🇦

[@allenjones3130]

Rest in peace, Mario.

[@gilheuss7830]

A great video for a Saturday morning! His voice is wonderful, but I can't get over the fact his voice would sound so mu more with todays recording equipment. Having heard him live when I was a teen I feel I was privileged.

[@Shodansixtyone]

He inspired me to love opera - I discovered him at 15, saved up, and bought one of his albums in 1958/59. Still think he was the best of the tenors in my lifetime. It's sad how we lost him.

[@williamleewolverine]

Me too. My friend who is a tenor introduced me to him last year and I bought several records of his.

[@giorgiojvladiqt6060]

MARIO WAS THE GREATS TENOR.

[@johnblasiak2499]

Serenade was his best movie in my opinion Never got sick of it

[@VIDEOHEREBOB]

Amazing that he smoked and drank and still sang incredibly. Thank you for this documentary.

[@user-px2mu1rd5b]

When seeing and hearing Mario Lanza sing I’m transported to a heavenly out of this world realm of beauty and romance.

[@peterkinberger9741]

The fullness of his voice is unmatched to this day. Jonathan Antoine is an up and coming star that may rival Mario's. When I think tenor, I think Lanza. I have always believed Lanza was greater than Caruso though Caruso was Lanza's inspiration other than his own parents. The Song Of India, a crossover hit, was among my favorites. He had no eqaul in Italian Opera. He perfected the import of each word before he sang it thereby matching it with the story line to the public he sang too. His movies were so sensitive and memorable. His acting was truly greatly remarkable.I hope to hear him again in Heaven. Thanks Alfredo Cocozza for your hard work and dedication !

[@vincekerrigan8300]

peterkin. Antoine is OK but cannot be considered int same class as Lanza. Could he sing without a mike, for example?

[@user-px2mu1rd5b]

Before my mother died she told me that Mario Lanza singing “I’ll walk with God” was a song for Mario to sing for us sent directly from heaven by God. His gift to us!

[@ursmue1937]

The very great Lanza with the beautiful voice , genial.

[@gabryc.3004]

La sua incredibile voce entra nei ns cuori e mai ci sarà qualcuno che potrà euguagliarlo

[@oldmanfromscenetwentyfour8164]

Corelli, Carreras and Lanza, my personal favorites.

[@Tararu3500]

Have you ever listened to Fritz Wunderlich?

[@williamleewolverine]

@@Tararu3500 Franz but yes; his life was cut short by a terrible fall on the stairs that ended his life before his Met debut. Still, he left us with a great voice.

[@vincekerrigan8300]

​@@williamleewolverineFritz!!!

[@ladyasriel7874]

THE voice of the 20th century.

[@causticmedia3621]

Very touching documentary.

[@baritonebynight]

Had Lanza had a career in staged opera alone and not gone into the movies, he may have been with us much longer, yet he likely wouldn't have the impact on bringing opera to new audiences. He gained weight as he got older, which was an issue in the movies, but at the time was completely acceptable on the operatic stage. The great Maria Callas said her greatest regret in her singing career was not being able to sing with Lanza before his untimely death calling him "the greatest one of us all." Like Lanza, Callas struggled with her own demons and her life and career were cut short...but oh did she change the world in a way no other singer has.

[@williamleewolverine]

Those two along with Franz Wunderlich were robbed of their chance to shine but their time in this world inspired many and they gave us wonderful music.

[@reno11558]

Well said

[@mereteisaksen7698]

What a fantastic voice I just love it

[@jan-olovandersson1533]

1951 in Oxelösund bio cinema with grandmother Magdalena , ❤ Jan olov

[@jan-olovandersson1533]

.1944

[@giselamarch1994]

You should mention the fact that many world famous tenors oriented themselves on Lanza`s voice and technic. Many tenors grew up with his music and admired him. For example, listen to Carreras and Pavarotti, just to name two.

[@deerhoda7574]

Thank you nicely done.

[@denisecarrick5220]

This is wonderful. I'm grinning from ear to ear.

[@veronicavanwilpe4610]

❤Such a great los. I've his movies. So wonderful. He was also a great actor. Now, he sings in Heaven. RIP

[@calvinliu6304]

He a brilliant actor and singer.

[@user-cq2ex7zd6r]

Один глубко сердечный игорячо 💕любящий певец, актёр и очень Добрый Марио Ланца и мы его исполнение чувствуем теперь!!!!

[@v.g.r.l.4072]

Amazing documentary and great performances of Lanza. I am happy after having listened to his so much potent voice.

[@louisvaccaro5865]

Mario Lanza was the greatest tenor that ever lived, he received a letter from enrico caruso jr, thanking him for portraying the life story of the great caruso, he said that not only was you as good as my father, but in some cases you excelled. that letter is preserved at the mario lanza institute in philadelphia, where mario was born. no other tenor, ever sang with so much feeling, and emotion. he could make you feel so much the song he was singing.god bless you mario, we will always love you, for the short time you were on this earth, but yes we were truly blessed to hear your magnificent voice, now you sing with the angels. rest in peace. Louie Vaccaro, member of the mario lanza institute, for more than 30years, las vagas.

[@vincekerrigan8300]

​@@louisvaccaro5865Lanza had a much better natural voice than Caruso. He did easily what Caruso had to work at consistently.

[@bacassa]

When i was 3yrs old i said play the man for me mommy, so she played L Pavarotti, so i listened to him till i was 28yrs old. Then my Mom said there is another tenor just as good as LPav. i said no way who? She said Mario Lanza so i bought an cd, the first song i heard was Granada!!!! i could not believe it she was right!!! i love opera i am the only one i know that does, there GREAT LOSS!!! i love 4 tenors MDM, LP, ML, Antonio Paoli.

[@user-cq2ex7zd6r]

Великий Марио Ланца на все времена!!!

[@user-te6jk3rf2o]

Всегда остаётся великий интерес к творчеству Марио Ланца.

[@loudspeakers3469]

This is wonderful. Thank you!

[@shicoff1398]

The grandson of an Italian grocer, not son, his father was Tony Cocozza, grand dad Salvatore Lanza, his moms father (whom I met in Philly in 1961) owned the grocery store , he took his mom's maiden name Maria Lanza and made it Mario.

[@Aurora-tp3dy]

I always thought Mario's father was a disabled WW1 veteran. The family survived on his father's small pension and what his mother could earn.

[@shicoff1398]

True, though healthy and a strong man, Tony had a bad arm, his hand was twisted because he had been injured fighting the Germans in WW1 . @@Aurora-tp3dy

[@johnblasiak2499]

@@Aurora-tp3dythat’s what I read in Lanza his tragic life

[@opaulamorgan4265]

The most famous tenor in the world!

[@GaryYoung-eq1ph]

They put the greatest in movies!!!

[@eileenschenck1264]

Have heard many tenors perform Nessun Dorma - Mario Lanza conveyed so much emotion, passion in his performance. A true Cri du Couer sound.

[@patriciacolombini6567]

Thank you

[@nunuberidze1201]

Величайший из великих! Незабываемый1 Его голос греет душу!

[@bernardqblack]

Such a shame. Gone too early....magnificent talent.

[@nafedsem]

Ушли....

[@johnblasiak2499]

Lanza imitates Caruso style very impressive indeed early recordings

[@marthadoody]

I have loved Mario Lanza since I was a late teen. Why do the ones with the most talent have to die young? It's so sad. I'm thankful his movies and recordings are available though.

[@heroesakordes]

Perspective , thanks you, grazzie tantti, muchas gracias por este bonito video. Ya me suscribí.

[@user-px2mu1rd5b]

With great gratitude I thank you for bringing me/ us his singing and movies. So far I can’t get all the parts of the great Caruso movie, but I’ll keep trying. Thank you.

[@MargaretTovrea]

Well done.

[@equine2020]

I had a crush on him. What a voice, & cute. Twinkle in his eyes.

[@guedouarandree9285]

❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@boomchuckaboom]

That set upstages the host. Looks like the producers got a deal on the "Navajo Sunset" suite, and matching art.

[@clairejohnston2461]

I want to point out an error in this documentary. One of the commenters says that Lanza was from a “steel town.” Lanza was from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Like many non-Pennsylvanians and non-football fans, the commenter confuses genteel Philly with the real “steel town” on the opposite end of the state, Pittsburgh. For goodness sake, Pittsburgh’s football team is called THE STEELERS for that reason! Although we natives of the Pittsburgh region would love to claim Lanza as one of our own,alas, we cannot. Gene Kelly is ours, though. 😄

[@hilohahoma1547]

Oh wow, I didn't realize that good one, kind of a cross-state rivalry I guess.

[@williamleewolverine]

Thank you for the clarification.

[@clairejohnston2461]

@@hilohahoma1547 Absolutely! 🙂

[@GaryYoung-eq1ph]

The only classical tenor 2 make it big in hollywood!Hollywood!! He can act 2!

[@heroesakordes]

Mario Lanza nunca cantó Opera. Fué un promotor mediatico muy importante. Lo he vivido y lo he admirado desde niño y nunca dejaré de lamentar el hecho de que no pisara de verdad el escenario de un teatro de Opera. Además murió muy joven.. Alfredo Arnoldo Cocozza Lanza lo tuvo todo para ser un GRANDE de la Opera y del canto .

[@rosannarisi622]

Era e sarà sempre un GRANDE CANTANTE LIRICO❤

[@brianbarnes3393]

Prior to his Hollywood abduction Lanza sang the role of Pinkerton in Madame Butterfly, and Fenton in The Merry Wives of Windsor. I believe that he also sang the lead tenor role in Andrea Chenier. He was acclaimed in each role.

[@mohsenarambon]

Thanks

[@LawrenceFox-jx1fq]

Maestro Mario tenor seemed adept at Hollywood stage too 🎉

[@maritere1939]

But The STudent Prince, as far as I know had more record sales than the picture itself

[@maritere1939]

The Loveliest Night of the Year is really a waltz composed by Juventino Rosas a Mexican composer. It's sad that was not mentioned.

[@koichiakiyama2922]

It was so interesting and I enjoyed it very much. So sad that his life was not long at all. By the way, there are too many commercials during the film. That is too much and disturbing us watching.

[@veronicavanwilpe4610]

❤❤l would like to know how this great man died! Sorry 😢. I still miss him!

[@roryalbinamunozrodriguez929]

👏🌹

[@dbanigan3018]

Lanza brought opera to the masses in technicolor in the 1950's but he did not bring opera to the American public. Grace Moore, Laurence Tibbett, Jannette MacDonald and Nelson Eddy, and many other European and American operatic singers were well known, loved and respected for many years prior. He was a flame who burned out too soon, which is likely why he is so enlarged in memory.

[@vincekerrigan8300]

dbanigan. Wrong impression. His voice did not burn out, it was still developing at the time of his death.

[@frankmartinez2655]

Metro-Goldwyn Mayer blew it when it came to Mario Lanza as did the opera high brows..Maria yet is heard as for the rest who listens ?

[@johnblasiak2499]

Danielle is gorgeous I love her

[@jefolson6989]

Never scene this! Anyone know about other episodes of this series ( with other singers)?

[@kiaraeijo]

Yes, there are episodes with Montserrat Caballé, Maria Callas, José Carreras, Luciano Pavarotti, Reneé Fleming, Dame Kiri Te Kanawa, Dame Joan Sutherland and many others

[@deerhoda7574]

Wait! director didnt like where Mario was going with the Student Prince.....but used Mario's recordings, the coward.

[@davidsmith779]

For whatever reason I have no sound on my iPhone

[@kiaraeijo]

They got several facts wrong, His grandfather was a grocer, The Student Prince didn’t come out until 1954 and Louis B. Mayer died in 1957

[@shicoff1398]

Yes, correct Salvatore Lanza, was his moms father, ( his maternal grandfather) Mario took Maria Lanza,' which was his mother's maiden name, so professionally becoming "Mario Lanza" His own father was (Antonio) "Tony Cocozza" and Mario was born "Alfredo Arnold Cocozza" ( His nick name as a kid was Freddy Cocozza)

[@edwardkerrigan5356]

Who was Ernesto Caruso?

[@bokewilhelm1452]

caruso-gigli-lanza

[@user-eu1cm8wz9g]

Such a great 👍 shame he died at 39 9:10

[@justintuccimusic]

2:55

[@geekbaritone]

He was a recording artist and a movie star but he never did an opera in a theatre.

[@vincekerrigan8300]

geekbaritone. Actually he did. He sang in many amateur productions in Philadeiphia as a student. Also on his graduation from Tanglewood. His only professional operatic stage appearances were two Pinkertons at New Orleans in 1948.

[@marcgiardina4043]

Wow I feel bad that Katheryn Grayson didn't like him and never played in another film with him .I was fantasizing that they were the perfect pair. Oh well.he was an overwhelming presence maybe a little Jealousy was involved she didn't have his voice ...who did? Maybe Mario Del Monico?

[@hilohahoma1547]

Gene Kelly had a bit of a green tinge whenever Mario was mentioned from what I understand he was a tad envious of Lanza's voice and range.

[@ctenos45069]

She was a great family friend of the Lanza’s and said many years later on the Merv Griffin show that the only reason she didn’t make another movie with him is because MGM never asked her to do another one.

[@vincekerrigan8300]

​@@hilohahoma1547Why would he be envious - Kelly obviously didn't aspire to be a real singer. His abilities suited what he did.

[@user-px2mu1rd5b]

Kathryn Grayson had a beautiful voice and was good looking but she wasn’t always able to be a credible actress. Mario really became the character he played.

[@TonyPartington]

A well intentioned but poorly researched and strangely edited documentary. It seems remarkable that, with all that has been written and investigated about Mario Lanza; his voice, his issues with MGM, his excesses, etc., that the so called experts commenting and critiquing Lanza couldn't get the facts straight. Also, there is no one commenting who is a musician or was a musical colleague of Mario Lanza's. Yes, there are still some around. And this, "ERNESTO Caruso"??????? (at 3:45 in the documentary). Rather amusing. Grade: "A" for effort / "D" for factual accuracy. P.S.: As of this date, there is no better, more accurate biography of Mario than Armando Cesari's "Mario Lanza: An American Tragedy."

[@clairejohnston2461]

And see what glaring error I’ve noted above, Tony! 😄

[@shicoff1398]

Yes some errors, I have the first fine Lanza book "the Mario Lanza story" by his main RCA Cond. Constantine Callinicos, a fine book I bought in 1960, very rare now, also I have all others after it . BTWI I also did meet Enrico Rosati in NYC he had interesting things to say! the Serenade song from Student Prince is playing at wrong speed here, too fast -- making his voice sound thinner and pitch thrown off, I didn't listen to all of this, not a great account here of ML for sure.

[@shicoff1398]

I'm talking about the first part of Serenade clip not later at #28:32 where they show Edmund P. dubbed in, singing it in the film video, that is at correct speed. he wasn't murdered by the Mafia, a rumor, I knew the family and his kids well, I'm now in my 80's but he turned me on to opera in his fim's from 1950 on-- and no I'm not the great tenor Neil Shicoff, (he is younger then I am by a lot and I don't sing!)

[@hilohahoma1547]

The part with "Ernesto Caruso" is at 22:25 actually, but I agree with you.

[@hilohahoma1547]

@@shicoff1398 Glad to see that there are family friends showing up here it's important, I actually went to school with Mark and Damon and knew Uncle Tony really well. They don't even mention that Uncle Tony Cocozza was one of the first Italian soldiers in WW1 to capture German prisoners and almost had his right arm blown off while doing it. Grazi my friend. The stories I could tell lol.

[@margaretboldon4876]

I wish to join U tube

[@ilicaadelina5936]

MULTUMIRI DEOSEBITE.

[@MultiSirens]

These commercials are ridiculous!

[@JamesAHollandMusic]

There is not a single recording of Mario’s mother so the claim that she was a great soprano is Lanza family folklore not fact. Lanza also never moved pianos. That’s part of the PR story MGM fabricated. You’d think that the people on this show would have done their research on the facts rather than regurgitate a bunch of nonsense. Definitely takes away from the credibility of the segment.

[@ronpayne1328]

B

[@Latur47]

Какая наглость со стороны администрации Голливуда,давать просто актёру,под фонограмму ВЕЛИЧАЙШЕГО ТЕНОРА МИРА -открывать рот изображая пение!!!! Фильм Принц-студент,я убрал из своей коллекции фильмов с ВЕЛИКИМ ТЕНОРОМ МИРА-МАРИО ЛАНЗА!!!!!

[@user-px2mu1rd5b]

I too can’t bear to watch that other actor pretend to be Mario Lanza. I’m sure he’s a nice enough person but it’s a sin to pretend to be the great Mario.

[@vincekerrigan8300]

Who the devil was Ernesto Caruso?

[@oliviolanza1933]

Those "opera elites" during Mario's time were kinda racist on a musical perspective, they don't want opera for the masses? they only want opera for a particular type of people? who do they think they are? the "superior race"?

[@vincekerrigan8300]

Moving pianos? What rubbish. This oft repeated myth arises from the time when Lanza was student, and with a group of others, was in the Philadeiphia Academy of Music, and moved a piano from one studio to another one, where Lanza was intending that night to sing an impromptu audition for Koussevitsky, who was conducting a concert thst night.

[@fjmugwump]

GOD GIVETH AND GOD TAKETH AWAY! GLAD I WAS HERE DURING LANZA'S BRIEF BRILLIANT FLAME!

[@ombodorthviol2611]

Very happy 😍💋 💝💖♥️❤️