He was born in Venice, Italy and his father was the concertmaster of the La Scala orchestra under Arturo Toscanini. His family moved to England in 1912, where he studied at Trinity College of Music in London. After graduation, he formed his own orchestra, which played in and around Birmingham. By the time World War II broke out, his orchestra was one of the most popular in England, both on the BBC and in live performances.
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 Ronnie Binge, who developed the cascading string sound that became his hallmark in such hits as Charmaine. His records were regulars in stores selling hi-fi stereo equipment, as they were produced and arranged for stereo reproduction.
He recorded for Decca until the mid-1950s, at which time he switched to 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 to 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.
Mantovani made his last recordings in 1975.
Since his death at his 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 salability of the Mantovani name is underscored by new recordings being made as the Mantovani Orchestra. Unfortunately, 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.
Moon River
The Mantovani Orchestra Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I'm crossing you in style some day
Oh dream maker, you heart breaker
Wherever you're going I'm going your way
Two drifters off to see the world
There's such a lot of world to see
We're after the same rainbow's end
Moon river and me.
(Moon river, wider than a mile
I'm crossing you in style some day)
Oh dream maker, you heart breaker
Wherever you're going, I'm going your way
Two drifters off to see the world
There's such a lot of world to see
We're after the same rainbow's end
Waitin' 'round the bend, my huckleberry friend
Moon river and me.
The lyrics to The Mantovani Orchestra's "Moon River" are a beautiful expression of a dreamer's desire to travel the world with someone they admire. The song begins with an image of the moonlit river, wider than a mile, and the dreamer saying that they will cross it someday in style. The moonlit river represents the journey of life that the dreamer intends to embark on, and the idea of crossing it in style represents their desire for a unique and exciting experience.
The lyrics then begin to address a dream maker and heartbreaker. The dream maker represents the dreamer's desire for a fulfilling journey, while the heartbreaker represents the potential pain that comes with following one's dreams. The dreamer declares that they will go wherever the dream maker goes, even if it means experiencing heartbreak along the way.
The third stanza brings in the concept of two drifters. These two individuals are on a mission to see the world, and as they traverse the globe, they are searching for the same rainbow's end. The rainbow represents the fulfillment of their dreams, and its end represents the moment when they will have reached their ultimate destination. The dreamer refers to his traveling companion as his "huckleberry friend," meaning that they are dear and trustworthy friends who are always there to support him on his journey.
Overall, the lyrics to "Moon River" by The Mantovani Orchestra are a beautiful expression of the desire to embark on a journey in search of fulfillment. The dreamer is willing to take the risk of heartbreak to achieve their dream, and they are willing to embark on the journey with a trusted companion who will provide them with comfort and support along the way.
Line by Line Meaning
Moon river, wider than a mile
The river of life is vast, encompassing all manner of experiences.
I'm crossing you in style some day
One day, I will journey through life gracefully and with purpose.
Oh dream maker, you heart breaker
You are the master of my desires and the source of my heartache.
Wherever you're going I'm going your way
I am willing to follow you, whatever path you choose.
Two drifters off to see the world
Two souls wandering through life, seeking out knowledge and adventure.
There's such a lot of world to see
The world is filled with endless possibilities and experiences to be had.
We're after the same rainbow's end
Our ultimate goal in life is to achieve something bright and elusive, like a rainbow's end.
Waitin' 'round the bend, my huckleberry friend
As we journey through life together, we will face challenges and hardships, but I know I can count on you, my faithful companion.
Moon river and me.
The river of life will always be my constant companion and guide.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Johnny Mercer, Henry Mancini
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@matthiasladwig9426
EIN GENIE.... Ein Klang verzaubert Millionen. Mantovani 👍
@marybell8124
Ì grew up😢 ĺoving your music.thx
@germanmedicis625
Un sonido ya clásico el de Mantovani en esta versión de Moon River. Esas cuerdas son mágicas bajo su batuta.
@itswagon
No more beautiful presentation of this composition than Mantovani's.
@markherron1407
Happy Birthday to Mantovani REST IN POWER Blessings and Hugs 💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜
@Ian-vd4mt
名曲の名演。このオーケストラ独特のカスケイディング演奏による、弦楽器の音は、素晴らしい。
@giuseppeabbate5816
H. Mancini e Mantovani.. :un eccellente duo musicale che merita primi posti in tutte le classifiche del mondo. Pino d'Akragas Maggio2021
@enzoconsoli2774
AN INCREDIBLE ROMANTIC AND NOSTALGIC MUSIC...IT TOUCHES MY HEART AND REMINDS ME OF NEW YORK
@lilianlagos1675
MANTOVANI.... GENIAL. !!! MOON RIVER PRECIOSA VERSIÓN. !!! MARAVILLOSA LINDA MÚSICA PARA DISFRUTARLA. !!!... 🌹🌷😘💜❤💋💘💕
@daleschneider7689
Mantovani's cascading strings in this song are really wonderful. Lawrence Welk's harpsichord prominently displayed in his cover is equally great. They both give
me goosebumps after all these years of listening pleasure.