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.
White Christmas
Mantovani Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Just like the ones I used to know
Where the treetops glisten and children listen
To hear sleigh bells in the snow
I'm dreaming of a white Christmas
With every Christmas card I write
"May your days be merry and bright
I'm dreaming of a white Christmas
Just like the ones I used to know
Where the treetops glisten and children listen
To hear sleigh bells in the snow
I'm dreaming of a white Christmas
With every Christmas card I write
May your days be merry and bright
And may all your Christmases be white
SONGWRITERS
ESTEFAN, GLORIA M. / WARREN, DIANE EVE
The song White Christmas by Mantovani is a classic Christmas song that has been covered by many artists over the years. The lyrics reflect on the nostalgia of Christmas past, with the singer dreaming of a white Christmas just like the ones they used to know. The line "Where the treetops glisten and children listen" provides a sense of warmth and peace, with the image of snow-covered trees and the sound of sleigh bells creating a magical and inviting atmosphere.
As the lyrics continue, the singer sends out Christmas cards with the wish for "May your days be merry and bright, and may all your Christmases be white." This lyric emphasizes the importance of spreading joy and kindness during the holiday season, and the desire for a picturesque and memorable Christmas experience.
Overall, the song White Christmas by Mantovani captures the essence of Christmas nostalgia and tradition, with the lyrics painting a vivid picture of a winter wonderland and the simple pleasures of the holiday season.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm dreaming of a white Christmas
The singer desires a Christmas day where the ground is covered in snow, and everything is adorned in a white color
Just like the ones I used to know
The singer is reminiscing about past Christmases where snow was part of the celebration
Where the treetops glisten and children listen
The singer is picturing a scene where the treetops sparkle with snow, and children are expectantly waiting for Santa Claus.
To hear sleigh bells in the snow
The singer wants to hear the ringing sound made by Santa's sleigh passing over the snow.
With every Christmas card I write
Every time the singer sends a Christmas card, they hope it is accompanied by a white Christmas as well.
May your days be merry and bright
The singer wishes for the recipient of the Christmas card to have joyous and brilliant Christmas days
And may all your Christmases be white
The singer's wish is for every year's Christmas celebration to be accompanied by a white snow experience
Writer(s): BERLIN IRVING
Contributed by Landon M. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@kyleflounder9783
It's crazy how indicative this piece is of the era it's from. Anything from the string intensities to the way they vary through the song in harmony, all feels so mid-century. It's such a "Christmasy" song, I don't know how to describe it. It just feels like Christmas.
@divineoracle4809
I agree, I stumbled upon this record at the thrift store for 50 cents. This was the first record that I got to play on my new record player, it was so interesting learning how to use it and everything. I really didn't expect it to be so beautiful, the crackle and everything is just so different. It truly brings you to a different place in time. It's also surreal thinking that there could be a possibility that the original owners of this record could be gone now, this record has seen so many timeframes and might hold beautiful memories for someone! ❤️
Happy holidays, take care and have a fantastic year! 🙏
@oldbeatpete
... when you say " mid century " you talkin' to me?!!!
@ninarizzo7312
He and his orchestra were fabulous. We had a few of his records.🤗👍❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️👏👏👏👏👏
@oldbeatpete
"Mont a van ee"... a thick rich sauce like the name sez, a musical gravy for the ears......
@alanfox7312
I still think bing Crosby do the best version
@jimbotc2000
Bing sang it.