Mario Lanza The Best of Everything (2-CD)

In a remarkable career that spanned little more than a decade, Mario Lanza set the gold standard for every romantic tenor who followed in his footsteps Groomed at the outset for a career on the opera stage, Lanza instead found lasting fame through a series of hugely popular films for MGM, the highlight of which, The Great Caruso, was a spectacular tribute to his idol. Released in 1951, the film was a box-office smash and influenced the careers of an entire generation of future opera stars, the famed Three Tenors among them. Lanzas recordings for RCA Victor sold in their millions and to this day he remains the classical crossover artist supreme. Memories of Mario Lanzas fabulous film and recording career are featured now on this dazzling collection of 44 songs and arias. From a glorious Che gelida manina captured at the tenors first session for RCA in New York in 1949, to an ardent One Alone recorded a few short weeks before his untimely passing in Rome a decade later, the collection is a joyous and moving testament to Lanzas deeply expressive style of singing. All of the legendary Lanza recordings are here: Because Youre Mine, Granada, Arrivederci, Roma, and Because, along with a number of songs from The Student Prince and many of the great popular arias. Also included are seven selections appearing on disc for the very first time, among them an electrifying performance of his signature tune Be My Love from the tenors radio show, a powerful rendition of The Lords Prayer, and an alternate take of the ever-popular Nessun dorma recorded for one his movies. Mario Lanzas voice was one for the ages and The Best of Everything captures it in all its stunning, unforgettable glory.