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.
Over the Rainbow
Mantovani Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
There's a land that I've heard of once in a lullaby.
Somewhere over the rainbow, skies are blue
And the dreams that you dare to dream,
Really do come true.
Someday I'll wish upon a star
And wake up where the clouds are far behind me.
High above the chimney tops,
That's where you'll find me.
Somewhere over the rainbow, blue birds fly
Birds fly over the rainbow
Why then, oh why can't I?
If happy little bluebirds fly beyond the rainbow
Why, oh why can't I?
Somewhere over the rainbow, way up high
There's a land that I've heard of once in a lullaby.
Somewhere over the rainbow, skies are blue
And the dreams that you dare to dream,
Really do come true.
Someday I'll wish upon a star
And wake up where the clouds are far behind me.
Where troubles melt like lemon drops,
High above the chimney tops,
That's where you'll find me.
Somewhere over the rainbow, blue birds fly
Birds fly over the rainbow
Why then, oh why can't I?
If happy little bluebirds fly beyond the rainbow
Why, oh why can't I?
"Over the Rainbow" is a classic song that speaks to the universal human desire for something better. The song was written by Harold Arlen and E.Y. Harburg for the film The Wizard of Oz and sung by Judy Garland. The opening lines of the song, "Somewhere over the rainbow, way up high," serve as an invitation to imagine a better world, a world that might exist beyond the limits of the everyday.
The song continues by describing this world as a place where dreams come true and troubles melt away. The imagery of "troubles melt[ing] like lemon drops" and being "high above the chimney tops" suggests a magical, almost surreal place where everything is possible. The song then imagines how one might get to this better world, through wishing upon a star and leaving one's troubles behind.
Musically, the song is simple and sweet, using an almost nursery-rhyme like melody to evoke a sense of childhood innocence and wonder. The repetition of the phrase "somewhere over the rainbow" serves as a mantra, inviting the listener to join in the song's hopeful message.
Overall, "Over the Rainbow" is a timeless classic that continues to resonate with listeners of all ages and backgrounds. Its message of hope and possibility is a reminder that, no matter how difficult things may seem, there is always a brighter tomorrow waiting somewhere on the horizon.
Line by Line Meaning
Somewhere over the rainbow, way up high
There is a distant and almost magical place that exists beyond where we can see, very far away from where we are.
There's a land that I've heard of once in a lullaby.
I have heard stories about a place that is beyond my reach and can't be seen, as if it were but a dream or a myth.
Somewhere over the rainbow, skies are blue
In that distant and almost magical land, the skies are clear and bright, with a vibrant blue color that inspires and soothes.
And the dreams that you dare to dream,
Really do come true.
If you have the courage to pursue your desires and aspirations, there is a possibility of making them a reality, even if it might seem far-fetched or unlikely.
Someday I'll wish upon a star
And wake up where the clouds are far behind me.
I have a longing to escape my current situation and reach for something better, and I hope to achieve that by focusing on a goal and striving for it, wherever it may take me.
Where troubles melt like lemon drops,
High above the chimney tops,
That's where you'll find me.
In that distant and almost magical land, my worries and concerns will no longer weigh me down, and I will be free to explore and enjoy the world around me, without any obstacles or limitations.
Somewhere over the rainbow, blue birds fly
Birds fly over the rainbow
Why then, oh why can't I?
Even though there are other creatures, such as blue birds, that can roam and explore the world beyond the rainbow, I wonder why it is so difficult for me to do the same or reach my own potential.
If happy little bluebirds fly beyond the rainbow
Why, oh why can't I?
If simple and carefree creatures like blue birds can soar and frolic in the magical land beyond the rainbow, why should I let myself be held back by doubt, fear, or other obstacles that prevent me from pursuing my dreams?
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Yip Harburg, Harold Arlen
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Annunzio Mantovani
I am very grateful for your post and support of our work of these digitally remastered performances of Mantovani and his Orchestra. I would also like to invite you to support my photography work that is currently in a competition at the Getty Museum site. We are currently the #1 viewed and liked. Please ask your friends to support us by going to this link below and by scrolling to the bottom of the photo and click 'LIKED PHOTO' turning it yellow so that we can get your vote !!
http://competitions.gettyimages.com/en/competitions/call-for-entries-2/submissions/crow#.UwwhGvRdVRZ
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Sending Best Blessings and Thanks to all !!!!
Philip Cacayorin
www.3dvinyl.com
Directing Producer and Creator of Advanced Media
The Mantovani Experience.
Annunzio Mantovani
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Exclusive Advance Release
Official Release Date : June 2, 2014
DON'T LOOK BACK - BRENT BOURGEOIS
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Guest Performances include :
Julian Lennon, Todd Rundgren, Bourgeois Tagg and several more !
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Fred Pickett
one of the most beautiful songs ever written. And Mantovani/ had one of the best Orchestras.
Flor GERTRUDIS
Que belleza 😍🙏😍 paz indescriptible ! Cada nota musical es un renacer....
Lou lou Calil
Magnifique musique... SUPER MANTOVANI..❤️🎵❤️🎵❤️🎵
Annunzio Mantovani
Thank you for being part of the Mantovani and his Orchestra network of historic music ! We look forward to providing more entertainment in the near future ! Thank you for Subscribing !
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Allen Gumm
This is beautiful. It has all the yearning and sweetness that Judy Garland's rendition had so long ago.
Annunzio Mantovani
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Esther Font Roc
Preciosa versión, muchas gracias
David Walsh
Simply beautiful music
♥•✿ڿڰۣ BunniesRBeautiful
Such a treasured and timeless song made even more beautiful by Mantovani and His Orchestra. I have always adored this video. It is so peaceful, sublime and serene and compliments this song perfectly. I had it featured many times when we were able to on YT...Thank you so much...Blessings and Love...Rachael ♥´¯`•.¸♥´¯`•.¸.♥´¯`•.¸.♥´¯`•.¸♥´¯`•.¸.♥
Annunzio Mantovani
I am very grateful for your post and support of our work of these digitally remastered performances of Mantovani and his Orchestra. I would also like to invite you to support my photography work that is currently in a competition at the Getty Museum site. We are currently the #1 viewed and liked. Please ask your friends to support us by going to this link below and by scrolling to the bottom of the photo and click 'LIKED PHOTO' turning it yellow so that we can get your vote !!
http://competitions.gettyimages.com/en/competitions/call-for-entries-2/submissions/crow#.UwwhGvRdVRZ
(Paste this link into your browser if the link doesn't work)
Sending Best Blessings and Thanks to all !!!!
Philip Cacayorin
www.3dvinyl.com
Directing Producer and Creator of Advanced Media
The Mantovani Experience.