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.
The Christmas Song
Mantovani Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Jack Frost nipping at your nose
Yule-tide carols being sung by a choir
And folks dressed up like Eskimos.
Everybody knows a turkey and some mistletoe
Help to make the season bright
Tiny tots with their eyes all aglow
They know that Santa's on his way
He's loaded lots of toys and goodies on his sleigh
And every mother's child is gonna spy
To see if reindeer really know how to fly.
And so I'm offering this simple phrase
To kids from one to ninety-two
Although it's been said many times, many ways
Merry Christmas to you!
The lyrics to Mantovani Orchestra's song "The Christmas Song" paint a vivid picture of Christmas festivities. The song starts off with the time-honored image of chestnuts roasting on an open fire, as Jack Frost nips at your nose and Yule-tide carols are being sung by a choir. The description of folks dressed up like Eskimos adds a touch of whimsy to the scene, evoking a charming and nostalgic winter landscape.
The chorus of the song highlights the importance of traditional elements of Christmas. A turkey and some mistletoe are mentioned as things that help to make the season bright, and tiny tots with their eyes aglow are finding it hard to sleep in anticipation of Santa's arrival. The lyrics also reflect the excitement and wonderment that children feel as they wait for Santa Claus to deliver a sleigh full of toys and goodies.
The song concludes with a timeless message of goodwill and festive cheer. The singer offers a simple phrase to children of all ages, wishing them a Merry Christmas. The final line, "although it's been said many times, many ways," is a nod to the enduring popularity of this classic Christmas song, which has become a beloved icon of the holiday season.
Line by Line Meaning
Chestnuts roasting on an open fire
Roasting chestnuts over a flame is a tradition that brings warmth and comfort to the winter season.
Jack Frost nipping at your nose
The cold weather of winter can be harsh, and even painful, as it nips at your nose.
Yule-tide carols being sung by a choir
The joyous and festive music of the holiday season is shared by all, as choirs sing Yule-tide carols.
And folks dressed up like Eskimos.
People bundle up in warm clothing, just like Eskimos do in the cold winter months.
Everybody knows a turkey and some mistletoe
A turkey feast and the traditional Christmas decoration of mistletoe are well-known symbols of the holiday season.
Help to make the season bright
These symbols bring joy and brightness to the season, reminding us of the good things in life.
Tiny tots with their eyes all aglow
Young children are filled with wonder and excitement during the holidays, their eyes sparkling with anticipation.
Will find it hard to sleep tonight.
Their excitement makes it difficult for them to fall asleep, as they eagerly await the arrival of Santa.
They know that Santa's on his way
Children believe in the magic of Santa Claus, and know that he is coming to bring them gifts and joy.
He's loaded lots of toys and goodies on his sleigh
Santa has prepared for his journey with gifts and treats for all the good girls and boys.
And every mother's child is gonna spy
Children are so eager to catch a glimpse of Santa and his reindeer that they will stay up late, spying on the rooftops.
To see if reindeer really know how to fly.
Children believe that Santa's magical reindeer can fly, and stay up late to see if they are right.
And so I'm offering this simple phrase
In the spirit of the season, the singer offers a simple but heartfelt message of good cheer.
To kids from one to ninety-two
The message of Merry Christmas is meant for everyone, from the youngest child to the oldest adult.
Although it's been said many times, many ways
The sentiment of Merry Christmas has been expressed many times, in many different ways, but its meaning remains the same.
Merry Christmas to you!
The artist wishes everyone a merry and joyful Christmas, filled with love and happiness.
Lyrics © Kanjian Music, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Mel Torme, Robert Wells
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Carolyn Huffstickler
I am an old lady and my parents played these recordings when I was a child. So many good memories.
Ramon Resurreccion
and so was my dad......he passed away 1969 at 41 years of age......I was 10........till this day I never forget to play this piece.....at 63
Chiquis
🙏🏻🇲🇽🤠💖
Wim van Gessel
I loved Mantovani as a child. This album I bought the album many years ago and lost it again. I love it. Brings back some precious memories.
Ramon Resurreccion
indeed ....nostalgia and sadness of fond memories of Christmases passed with my late dad......1969 when left us at 41 yrs of age ....m
Martijn Keisers
One of the best Christmas albums ever!
Laurie Lenz
Reminds me of being a kid. My grandparents and parents played this album every Christmas
Noel Holt
And minde
johnnyboyvan
My parents, God rest their souls loved James Last and Mantovani. Ahh the memories this all brings back.
Irma Vergara
Amo navidad y con esta musica me recuerda mi vida cuando fui pequeña es fenomenal hasta donde llegan los recuerdos no se imaginan.