He was also musical director for a large number of musicals and other plays, including ones by Noel Coward. After the war, he concentrated on recording, and eventually gave up live performance altogether. He worked with arranger and composer Ronnie Binge, who developed the "cascading strings" sound (also known as the "Mantovani sound").[citation needed] His records were regulars in stores selling hi-fi stereo equipment, as they were produced and arranged for stereo reproduction. In 1952 Binge ceased to arrange for Mantovani, but his distinctive sound remained.
He recorded for Decca until the mid-1950s, and then London Records. He recorded over 50 albums on that label, many of which were top-40 hits. These included Song from Moulin Rouge and Cara Mia, which reached No. 1 in Britain in 1953 and 1954, respectively. The latter was also Mantovani's first U.S. Top Ten hit.
In the United States, between 1955 and 1972, he released over 40 albums with 27 reaching the Top 40 and 11 the Top Ten. His biggest success was with the album Film Encores, which made it to No. 1 in 1957. Similarly, Mantovani Plays Music From 'Exodus' and Other Great Themes made it to No. 2 in 1961 and sold over one million albums.
In 1959, Mantovani starred in his own syndicated television series, Mantovani, which was produced in England and which aired in the United States. 39 episodes were filmed.[1]
Mantovani made his last recordings in 1975.[citation needed]
[edit] Music style and influences
The cascading strings technique developed by Binge became Mantovani's hallmark in such hits arranged by Binge as "Charmaine". Binge developed this technique to replicate the echo experienced in venues such as cathedrals by arrangement alone, in an echo-free surrounding.
Author Joseph Lanza describes Mantovani's string arrangements as the most "rich and mellifluous" of the emerging light music style during the early 1950s. He stated that Mantovani was a leader in the use of new studio technologies to "create sound tapestries with innumerable strings", and that "the sustained hum of Mantovani's reverberated violins produced a sonic vaporizer foreshadowing the synthesizer harmonics of space music."[2]
In 1958 Mantovani and his family bought a holiday home in Bournemouth in Durley Chine Road, then in 1961 acquired a new property in Burton Road (now part of Poole). He moved, finally, to a new home in Martello Road in Poole.
Since his death at a care home in Tunbridge Wells, Kent, in 1980, his music has enjoyed a minor revival,[citation needed] with much of his catalogue reappearing on CD and an orchestra bearing his name performing concert tours. The saleability of the Mantovani name is underscored by new recordings being made as the Mantovani Orchestra. Unfortunately[neutrality is disputed], a large number of CDs are also available of unauthorized recordings, billed as Mantovani or Mantovani Orchestra.[citation needed] There have also been CDs released under the Mantovani name of recordings made by others while Mantovani was still alive.[citation needed] Thus, consumers of this music are advised to familiarize themselves with the conductor's discography. Material with the London Records logo on it is apt to be genuine Mantovani, while other recordings are less likely to be actual Mantovani recordings.[citation needed]
The continued popularity of Mantovani's music is evident by the number of original albums which are being released, on labels such as Dutton-Vocalion, and by the many compilations available throughout the world. In 2008, as a result of successful, ongoing CD sales, amongst other contributing factors, the Mantovani Orchestra (performing from the original scores) was recreated for a tremendously successful historical tribute concert, sponsored by Bentley Motors, held at the Lighthouse, in Poole, England, on 27 January, conducted by Sam Newgarth, MBE. Much critical acclaim has led to the planning of a second concert, to take place in January 2009, at the same venue. There are four Mantovani websites in honour of the maestro, a written biography by Colin MacKenzie entitled Mantovani - A Lifetime In Music (ISBN 1-905226-19-5). For further information, please visit http://www.hallowquest.com/mantiindex.htm; http://members3.jcom.home.ne.jp/torumonty; http://www.lighthousepoole.co.uk (re. ticket sales for 31 January 2009). A ten CD set 'The Wonderful World of Mantovani' was released in November 2008 in Japan (a link to the website in Japan may be found by visiting www.hallowquest.com/mantiindex.htm), featuring many rare tracks which have never been released on CD before, in a superbly remastered format, and, following the success of the Mantovani Orchestra's 2008 concert, 'More MANTOVANI Magic' took place at Lighthouse in Poole, England, on 31 January 2009, again conducted by maestro Sam Newgarth MBE. The concert was sponsored by Poole Audi, and also with the generous support of Richard Cox.
I Love Paris
Mantovani Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
No chocolate covered candy hearts to give away
No first of spring
No song to sing
In fact here's just another ordinary day
No April rain
No flowers bloom
No wedding Saturday within the month of June
Made up of these three words that I must say to you
I just called to say I love you
I just called to say how much I care
I just called to say I love you
And I mean it from the bottom of my heart
No summer's high
No warm July
No harvest moon to light one tender August night
No autumn breeze
No falling leaves
Not even time for birds to fly to southern skies
No Libra sun
No Halloween
No giving thanks to all the Christmas joy you bring
But what it is, though old so new
To fill your heart like no three words could ever do
I just called to say I love you
I just called to say how much I care, I do
I just called to say I love you
And I mean it from the bottom of my heart
I just called to say I love you
I just called to say how much I care, I do
I just called to say I love you
And I mean it from the bottom of my heart, of my heart, of my heart
I just called to say I love you
I just called to say how much I care, I do
I just called to say I love you
And I mean it from the bottom of my heart, of my heart, baby of my heart
The lyrics of Mantovani's song, "I Just Called to Say I Love You," seem to speak of a day that is nothing out of the ordinary. In contrast to the special days usually marked with various celebrations and festivities, there is nothing special about this day. The absence of these traditional milestones in so many months of the year could evoke a sense of loneliness and isolation. The lyrics express that despite this, there is something true and meaningful to be shared. This truth is nothing but a declaration of love- the three words that have been used since time immemorial: I love you.
With this declaration of love, the ordinary becomes extraordinary. The absence of all these events of significance is compensated for by the depth of the emotion that is expressed through these simple yet powerful words. There is something old yet new and refreshing about this statement that seeks to fill the heart with joy and hope. There is no need for grand gestures, expensive gifts, or elaborate ceremonies; just the mere act of uttering these simple words can be enough to uplift someone's spirit.
Overall, the lyrics of Mantovani's "I Just Called to Say I Love You," suggest that love is not dependent on external circumstances or material gifts, but on the power of simple, honest words. It highlights how love can transform an ordinary day into a special occasion and how it is always important to express our love for the people who matter to us.
Line by Line Meaning
No New Year's Day to celebrate
There is no specific celebration or event to mark this day.
No chocolate covered candy hearts to give away
There are no material gifts or treats that can be given as an expression of love.
No first of spring
There are no seasonal cues to indicate the beginning of a new, fresh period.
No song to sing
There are no musical anthems or compositions that express the emotions being felt.
In fact here's just another ordinary day
The day is not special or significant in any noticeable way.
No April rain
There is no precipitation to signal the arrival of a new month.
No flowers bloom
The new season is not marked by any blossoming flowers or plants.
No wedding Saturday within the month of June
There are no weddings or romantic events occurring during this typically festive month.
But what it is, is something true
Despite the lack of external celebrations or markers, the feelings being expressed are genuine.
Made up of these three words that I must say to you
The true message can be boiled down to a simple, direct expression of love.
I just called to say I love you
The purpose of the call, and the song itself, is to communicate deep feelings of love and affection.
I just called to say how much I care
Beyond just love, the artist also wants to express how much they care for the other person.
And I mean it from the bottom of my heart
These emotions are deeply felt and sincere.
No summer's high
The season of sunshine and warmth is not special or different from any other time.
No warm July
Even the middle of summer does not hold any particular significance.
No harvest moon to light one tender August night
The autumnal moon does not hold any special romance or magic.
No autumn breeze
The changing of the seasons does not bring any particular feelings or experiences.
No falling leaves
The imagery of autumn leaves falling does not evoke any strong emotions or memories.
Not even time for birds to fly to southern skies
The change of seasons is not even enough to prompt the migration of wildlife.
No Libra sun
The astrological sign of Libra, symbolizing balance and harmony, does not hold any special meaning.
No Halloween
The spooky holiday does not bring any particular excitement or joy.
No giving thanks to all the Christmas joy you bring
Even the holiday season does not hold any particular meaning or emotions.
But what it is, though old so new
Despite the lack of external cues, the emotions being felt are timeless and universal.
To fill your heart like no three words could ever do
The deep love being expressed is more powerful and meaningful than any other expression or gesture.
And I mean it from the bottom of my heart, of my heart, baby of my heart
The message of love is profoundly genuine and comes from the very center of the singer's being.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Downtown Music Publishing, Songtrust Ave, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Stevie Wonder
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Flor Candela
You did it again, Tito, it's a lovely work of art in a production y la música de Mantovani esta maravillosa. I didn't get to go to France while touring Europe, so I don't know if I would have loved Paris. But if it's anything like your video I am sure I would have <3 it. Gracias querido amigo for sharing with us. God bless...
felixbautista
Con mi mucho gusto mi querida amiga.... thank you so much as well for your lovely and enticing comments.. haven't been to Paris either... one of the most romantic cities in Europe, as I had been told.
Francisco Braga
"I Love Paris" is a popular song written by Cole Porter and published in 1953. The song was introduced by Lilo in the musical Can-Can. The 1960 film of the musical starred Shirley MacLaine, Frank Sinatra, Louis Jourdan, Maurice Chevalier and introduced Juliet Prowse in her first film role. It incorporated songs from other Porter musicals and films in addition to the original stage production.
Paris is the city that has been musically the most played and sung in the world!
felixbautista
Thank you most kindly for giving the song it's deserved credit!
Carlo Pontivero
Wow ! 1st time i heard this instru. Nice. Thank you again
felixbautista
My pleasure indeed.... thanks to you as well.