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.
Twelve Days of Christmas
Mantovani Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
A partridge in a pear tree.
On the second day of Christmas, my sister gave to me.
Two turtle doves.
And a partridge in a pear tree.
On the third day of Christmas, my sister gave to me.
Two turtle doves.
And a partridge in a pear tree.
On the fourth day of Christmas, my sister gave to me.
Four calling birds.
Three French hens.
Two turtle doves.
And a partridge in a pear tree.
On the fifth day of Christmas, my sister gave to me.
Five golden rings.
Four calling birds.
Three French hens.
Two turtle doves.
And a partridge in a pear tree.
On the sixth day of Christmas, my sister gave to me.
Six geese a laying.
Five golden rings.
Four calling birds.
Three French hens.
Two turtle doves.
And a partridge in a pear tree.
On the seventh day of Christmas, my sister gave to me.
Seven swans a swimming.
Six geese a laying.
Five golden rings.
Four calling birds.
Three French hens.
Two turtle doves.
And a partridge in a pear tree.
On the eighth day of Christmas, my sister gave to me.
Eight maids a milking.
Seven swans a swimming.
Six geese a laying.
Five golden rings.
Four calling birds.
Three French hens.
Two turtle doves.
And a partridge in a pear tree.
On the ninth day of Christmas, my sister gave to me.
Nine drummers drumming.
Eight maids a milking.
Seven swans a swimming.
Six geese a laying.
Five golden rings.
Four calling birds.
Three French hens.
Two turtle doves.
And a partridge in a pear tree.
On the tenth day of Christmas, my sister gave to me.
Ten pipers piping.
Nine drummers drumming.
Eight maids a milking.
Seven swans a swimming.
Six geese a laying.
Five golden rings.
Four calling birds.
Three French hens.
Two turtle doves.
And a partridge in a pear tree.
On the eleventh day of Christmas, my sister gave to me.
Eleven ladies dancing.
Ten pipers piping.
Nine drummers drumming.
Eight maids a milking.
Seven swans a swimming.
Six geese a laying.
Five golden rings.
Four calling birds.
Three French hens.
Two turtle doves.
And a partridge in a pear tree.
On the twelfth day of Christmas, my sister gave to me.
Twelve lords a leaping.
Eleven ladies dancing.
Ten pipers piping.
Nine drummers drumming.
Eight maids a milking.
Seven swans a swimming.
Six geese a laying.
Five golden rings.
Four calling birds.
Three French hens.
Two turtle doves.
And a partridge in a pear tree.
The lyrics of the song 'Twelve Days of Christmas' by Mantovani have been the subject of much debate and interpretation over the years. According to some, the song represents a secret code used by Catholics in England during the 16th century to remember the tenets of their faith during the period when the Catholic Church was persecuted in England. Others suggest that the song is just a fun, festive tune meant to be enjoyed during Christmas. The lyrics describe a sister giving various gifts to the singer, beginning with a partridge in a pear tree and culminating with lords a-leaping.
Each verse in the song builds upon the previous one, with the singer receiving additional gifts every day, making for a cumulative effect. The song features a wide variety of presents, including various birds and animals, jewelry, musicians and dancers, and milkmaids. However, the gift of a partridge in a pear tree appears in every verse, adding to the sense of repetition and building excitement as the song progresses.
Overall, the lyrics of the song 'Twelve Days of Christmas' combine religious and secular elements in a way that captures the spirit of the holiday season, with a sense of both joy and wonder. The repetition of the tune also adds a sense of familiarity, making it an ideal tune to sing along with during Christmas.
Line by Line Meaning
On the first day of Christmas, my sister gave to me. A partridge in a pear tree.
My sister gave me a partridge that was sitting in a pear tree, as an unusual and special kind of gift to begin the Christmas season.
On the second day of Christmas, my sister gave to me. Two turtle doves. And a partridge in a pear tree.
My sister gave me two beautifully cooing lovebirds, in addition to the partridge she gave me yesterday.
On the third day of Christmas, my sister gave to me. Three French hens. Two turtle doves. And a partridge in a pear tree.
My sister gave me three wonderful hens that are specifically from France, along with the turtle doves and the partridge that she already gave me.
On the fourth day of Christmas, my sister gave to me. Four calling birds. Three French hens. Two turtle doves. And a partridge in a pear tree.
My sister gave me four melodious calling birds, in addition to the French hens, turtle doves, and the partridge that I already have.
On the fifth day of Christmas, my sister gave to me. Five golden rings. Four calling birds. Three French hens. Two turtle doves. And a partridge in a pear tree.
My sister gifted me with five very unique and expensive golden rings, and also gave me the calling birds, French hens, turtle doves, and the partridge that I already have.
On the sixth day of Christmas, my sister gave to me. Six geese a laying. Five golden rings. Four calling birds. Three French hens. Two turtle doves. And a partridge in a pear tree.
My sister gave me six geese that have just started laying eggs, in addition to the golden rings, calling birds, French hens, turtle doves, and partridge that she has already given me.
On the seventh day of Christmas, my sister gave to me. Seven swans a swimming. Six geese a laying. Five golden rings. Four calling birds. Three French hens. Two turtle doves. And a partridge in a pear tree.
My sister surprised me by giving swimming swans that looked very graceful, and in addition to them, she gifted me geese (still laying eggs), golden rings, calling birds, French hens, turtle doves, and the partridge that I already have.
On the eighth day of Christmas, my sister gave to me. Eight maids a milking. Seven swans a swimming. Six geese a laying. Five golden rings. Four calling birds. Three French hens. Two turtle doves. And a partridge in a pear tree.
My sister gifted me with 8 maids who were performing the daily task of milking cows, and in addition to them, she gave me swans (still swimming), geese (still laying), golden rings, calling birds, French hens, turtle doves, and the partridge that I already have.
On the ninth day of Christmas, my sister gave to me. Nine drummers drumming. Eight maids a milking. Seven swans a swimming. Six geese a laying. Five golden rings. Four calling birds. Three French hens. Two turtle doves. And a partridge in a pear tree.
My sister gave me nine skilled drummers who were beating drums frequently, and in addition to them, she gifted me with milking maids, swimming swans, laying geese, golden rings, calling birds, French hens, turtle doves, and the partridge that I already have.
On the tenth day of Christmas, my sister gave to me. Ten pipers piping. Nine drummers drumming. Eight maids a milking. Seven swans a swimming. Six geese a laying. Five golden rings. Four calling birds. Three French hens. Two turtle doves. And a partridge in a pear tree.
My sister gave me 10 musicians playing bagpipes, and in addition to them, she also gifted me drummers, milking maids, swimming swans, laying geese, golden rings, calling birds, French hens, turtle doves, and the partridge that I already have.
On the eleventh day of Christmas, my sister gave to me. Eleven ladies dancing. Ten pipers piping. Nine drummers drumming. Eight maids a milking. Seven swans a swimming. Six geese a laying. Five golden rings. Four calling birds. Three French hens. Two turtle doves. And a partridge in a pear tree.
My sister gifted me with eleven women who were elegantly dancing, and in addition to them, she also presented me with bagpipers, drummers, milking maids, swimming swans, laying geese, golden rings, calling birds, French hens, turtle doves, and the partridge that I already have.
On the twelfth day of Christmas, my sister gave to me. Twelve lords a leaping. Eleven ladies dancing. Ten pipers piping. Nine drummers drumming. Eight maids a milking. Seven swans a swimming. Six geese a laying. Five golden rings. Four calling birds. Three French hens. Two turtle doves. And a partridge in a pear tree.
My sister gifted me twelve lords who were very energetic and were leaping, and in addition to them, she gifted me with women who were dancing gracefully, bagpipers, drummers, milking maids, swimming swans, laying geese, golden rings, calling birds, French hens, turtle doves, and the partridge that I already have.
Writer(s): John Iveson
Contributed by Matthew R. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Mark Herron
Happy Birthday to the Late Mantovani his Birth Card is Five 🕔 of Clubs Merry Christmas ☃️🎄 Blessings and Hugs 💖💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕!