About Mario Lanza

The American lirico spinto tenor Mario Lanza (1921-1959) possessed, in the opinion of Plácido Domingo, "one of the truly great natural tenor voices of the past century—a voice of beauty, passion, and power." His brief but meteoric career included acclaimed performances in opera, sold-out concert tours, million-selling records, and the title role in MGM's box-office hit The Great Caruso (1951). He was also a highly influential artist. "If I’m an opera singer," José Carreras has said, "it’s thanks to Mario Lanza."

And yet he remains a controversial figure in musicological circles, marginalized for having achieved his fame in Hollywood films instead of on the world's great operatic stages. Moreover, the often-outrageous myths that dogged Lanza in his lifetime linger to this day.

This site sets the record straight. It is a companion to the forum Mario Lanza, Tenor, where all are invited to visit, to explore, and to join conversations about Mario Lanza, his life, his work, and his legacy.

Listen to Lanza's recordings and share your opinion. Masterpiece? Unmitigated disaster? Or somewhere in between?

LATEST POSTINGS

• On First Hearing Mario Lanza, by James Kilbourne. A touching reminiscence of a childhood discovery.


• Myths About Mario Lanza, the Artist. A small voice? No vocal technique? Facts behind the stories.


• Name Your Favorite Lanza Movie. An interactive feature. Vote for and discuss the Lanza film that you like best.


• New in the Lanza Scrapbook: The Great Caruso Effect. How a movie changed a generation. And, Conversations with the Bureau of Narcotics. Government agents interview Lanza .