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.
Peace In The Valley
Mantovani and His Orchestra Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
In the valley of my dreams
And the organ's playing just for you and me
There's a choir in the chapel
In my reverie it seems
I can hear their voices sing, "Oh, promise me"
My heart began to falter
We knelt before the altar
For it was our wedding time
It was there we made a promise,
I was yours and you were mine,
In the chapel in the valley of my dreams
The lyrics of "Peace in the Valley" by Mantovani and His Orchestra paint a vivid picture of a serene and idyllic setting in the valley of the singer's dreams. The scene is set in a chapel, a symbol of peace and spirituality, where the organ's gentle melodies fill the air as if playing exclusively for the singer and their beloved. The imagery of a choir adds an ethereal quality to the setting, with their voices resonating a sense of unity and devotion. The repeated line "Oh, promise me" conveys a deep sense of commitment and love, suggesting a sacred vow between the singer and their partner, perhaps symbolizing a promise of eternal love and faithfulness.
As the song progresses, there is a shift in tone as the singer recalls a significant moment in their relationship. The bells chiming in the background evoke a sense of solemnity and anticipation, signaling a pivotal moment about to unfold. The act of kneeling before the altar symbolizes reverence and submission, as the couple prepares to exchange their vows and declare their commitment to each other. The unfolding scene captures the essence of a wedding ceremony, a sacred union marked by promises of love and fidelity.
The lyrics highlight the significance of the promises made in the chapel, emphasizing the mutual devotion and connection between the singer and their beloved. The pledge of love is portrayed as a sacred bond that solidifies their relationship and binds them together in a union of hearts and souls. The use of imagery such as "I was yours and you were mine" underscores the depth of their commitment and the strength of their love, emphasizing the enduring nature of their relationship. The chapel in the valley of dreams serves as a symbolic backdrop for this profound moment, encapsulating the beauty and sanctity of their union.
Overall, the lyrics of "Peace in the Valley" evoke a sense of tranquility, devotion, and everlasting love. The chapel in the valley is a metaphorical sanctuary where the singer and their beloved come together to affirm their commitment and share a moment of profound connection. Through the imagery of the chapel, choir, altar, and vows, the song conveys a message of love, faith, and unity, capturing the essence of a timeless and sacred bond between two souls.
Line by Line Meaning
here's a chapel in the valley
In the depths of my imagination, there lies a place of worship
In the valley of my dreams
Within the peaceful realm of my subconscious mind
And the organ's playing just for you and me
The music resonates solely for our ears, creating a sense of intimacy
There's a choir in the chapel
Harmonious voices fill the sanctuary
In my reverie it seems
As if it were a figment of my imagination
I can hear their voices sing, "Oh, promise me"
Their melodic plea for commitment echoes through the chapel
My heart began to falter
Emotions overwhelmed me as I struggled to maintain composure
As the bells began to chime
The sound of the bells signaled the beginning of a new chapter
We knelt before the altar
Together, we humbly approached the sacred place of union
For it was our wedding time
The moment had arrived for us to exchange vows and promises
It was there we made a promise,
In that hallowed space, we committed ourselves to each other
I was yours and you were mine,
With heartfelt sincerity, we declared our mutual love and devotion
In the chapel in the valley of my dreams
This sacred bond was forged in the tranquil sanctuary of my reveries
Lyrics © Capitol CMG Publishing, Reservoir Media Management, Inc., Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: JOHNNY LANGE, LEON T. RENE, LEW PORTER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind