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.
Sing
Mantovani Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Think of the birdies in spring
When your up to your neck in hot water
Be like the kettle and sing
Tell that umberella man he's just an also ran
Think of a kid on a swing
When your up to your neck in hot water
You'll find that life's always got a funny side
So come over on the sunny side
And wear a great big smile
It makes your life worth while
You'll have the world on a string
When your up to your neck in hot water
Be like the kettle and sing
When your trouble's are boiling over
Consult this recipe
Everybody will be in clover, happy as can be
When all the skies are grey and it's a rainy day
Think of the birdies in spring
When your up to your neck in hot water
Be like the kettle and sing
Tell that umberella man he's just an also ran
Think of a kid on a swing
When your up to your neck in hot water
Be like the kettle and sing
You'll find that life's always got a funny side
So come over on the sunny side
And wear a great big smile
It makes your life worth while
You'll have the world on a string
When your up to your neck in hot water
Be like the kettle and sing
The lyrics to Mantovani's song "Sing" carry a message of hope and resilience during challenging times. The song encourages listeners to maintain a positive attitude even when faced with rainy days or difficult situations. It suggests that, just like birds singing in spring or a kettle whistling despite being in hot water, people should find joy and positivity amidst their troubles.
The lyrics provide various examples of how to adopt this mindset. One suggestion is to think of a child happily swinging, representing the innocence and carefree nature of youth. Another example is to disregard the umbrella man's failures and focus on the brighter side of life. The song acknowledges that life can sometimes be tough, symbolized by being up to one's neck in hot water, but it emphasizes the importance of finding humor and joy in everyday situations.
Overall, the lyrics convey the idea that life has a whimsical and funny side. By embracing this, wearing a big smile, and singing through life's challenges, individuals can find happiness, make their lives worthwhile, and even feel like they have the world at their feet.
Line by Line Meaning
When all the skies are grey and it's a rainy day
Even in difficult times, when everything seems gloomy and sad
Think of the birdies in spring
Imagine the beauty and joy of birds chirping in the spring
When your up to your neck in hot water
When you're facing many troubles and challenges
Be like the kettle and sing
Stay positive and cheerful like a kettle whistling when boiling
Tell that umbrella man he's just an also-ran
Don't worry about the person who thinks they are better, but are actually mediocre
Think of a kid on a swing
Imagine the carefree and joyful spirit of a child swinging
You'll find that life's always got a funny side
You'll discover that life often presents amusing and unexpected moments
So come over on the sunny side
Choose to embrace the positive and optimistic aspects of life
And wear a great big smile
Put on a wide and genuine smile on your face
It makes your life worth while
It adds value and meaning to your life
You'll have the world on a string
You'll feel in control and have the ability to achieve anything
When your up to your neck in hot water
Even when faced with overwhelming problems and difficulties
Be like the kettle and sing
Maintain a positive attitude and find reasons to be joyful and optimistic
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: TOMMIE CONNOR, DESMOND O'CONNOR, WALTER RIDLEY
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind