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I'm delighted to report that London-based Sepia Records will soon be releasing another Mario Lanza CD compilation: its sixth (!) in three years. 

Titled Poetry and Passion, this CD differs from the previous five Sepia compilations in that it doesn't focus on one particular musical genre. Instead, it offers examples of Lanza in top form in every genre in which he excelled: opera, operetta, musical theatre, Neapolitan song, and popular song. An eclectic compilation, to be sure, but one that's full of surprises and consistently rewarding, delivering exactly what its title promises.

As with the previous five Sepia releases, the CD was compiled (for love, not money) by Armando Cesari, Vince Di Placido, Carmel Parisi, Lee Ann Cafferata and yours truly, and expertly remastered by Robin Cherry. Indeed, many of the recordings have never sounded better, despite being sourced from an assortment of vinyl, private tapes and acetates. The same care has gone into the CD booklet, which is beautifully presented with copious notes and several rare photos. 

Poetry and Passion is now available directly (and economically for those outside of the UK) from Sepia Records, and will be released by Amazon and other online sellers on February 9, 2018. 

UPDATE (5 Feb 2018): Lindsay Perigo has posted this glowing review of the CD on his web site.

MARIO LANZA: POETRY AND PASSION
1   Earthbound (Taylor-Richardson-Musel) Recorded 10 August 1956
2   Wonder Why (Brodszky-Cahn) 21 August 1951
3   The Bayou Lullaby (Brodszky-Cahn) 29 June 1950
4   Beautiful Love (King-Young-Van Alstyne-Gillespie) 24 April 1952
5   Tell Me Tonight (Spoliansky-Eyton) 15 February 1952
6   The Rosary (Nevin-Rogers) 23 August 1951
7   The Song Angels Sing (Aaronson-Webster, adapted from Brahms) 24 July 1952
8   The Thrill Is Gone (Henderson-Brown) 29 November 1951
9   My Destiny (Brodszky-Cahn) 21 July 1955    [Introduced by Lanza]
10  Younger Than Springtime (Rodgers-Hammerstein) 7 November 1957
11  Thoughts Will Come Back to Me (Romberg-Donnelly) April 1959
12  Nocturne (Friml-Hooker-Post) July 1959
13  Lygia (Rózsa-Webster) 16 December 1951
14  Come Prima (For the First Time) (Di Paola-Taccani-Ram) September 1958
15  ¡Ay, ay, ay! (Freire) 3 December 1951 
16  Maria Marí’ (Di Capua-Russo) December 1958 
17  Ave Maria (Schubert) 18 August 1955    [film outtake with piano]
18  L’Arlesiana: È la solita storia (Cilea-Marenco) 16 Jan. 1958  [live: Royal Albert Hall]
19  Otello: Niun mi tema (Verdi-Boito) September 1958
BONUS TRACKS
20  Pagliacci: Un tal gioco (Leoncavallo) May 1952  [private recording]
21  Andrea Chénier: Un dì all’azzurro spazio (Giordano-Illica) April 1952  [private recording]
22  I’m Falling in Love with Someone (Herbert-Young) 18 January 1958 [live performance: British TV]
23  Only a Rose (Friml-Hooker-Post) July 1959  ["Raw" acetate: a revelation!]
6 Comments
Emilio - 8 years ago
Dear Derek:

Well done. This is a beautiful compilation and adds much to a clearer understanding of Lanza's greatness and magic.

Thank you,

Emilio

Author of the international best seller: A Kid from Philadelphia, Mario Lanza, The Voice of the Poets
David W Phillips, - 8 years ago
Thanks Derek and team for all of the great work you have done to keep the masters voice alive, i have been listening watching Mr. mario Lanza since my father first played me Some where a voice is calling, looking forward to this release,
Jeffrey Campbell - 8 years ago
Congratulations to all involved in the production of this latest superb Sepia release, For me, the highlights include Earthbound, with that stunning ending My Destiny, sounding fuller and richer than ever, the jaw-dropping Otello extract, so moving, and the final Only a Rose, yes heart-stopping and simply tear-up singing, with the final high note indeed true and ringing, even so close to the end of his life. Everything is to love about this release, and proof yet again that he could really sing anything with poetry and passion. Bravo tutti!
Derek McGovern - 8 years ago
Many thanks for your post, Jeffrey. It's great to know that the CD is being appreciated by discerning Lanza fans!
María Teresa Camp Gozalbo - 7 years ago
Sigo viva. Cumplo 80 años en agosto. Sigo siendo fan de Mario y estuve en Filadelfia en noviembre de 2003/4. Tuve oportunidad de conocer a L. Albanese y a Damon. Tan pronto como Amazon México tenga el CD Poesía y Pasión, lo adquiriré. Gracias por este sitio dedicado a nuestro gran Mario.
Kevin S - 5 years ago
Great post
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This feature is for news related to Mario Lanza's life and recorded legacy. Postings here will include information about the latest CDs, books, articles, documentaries, and scintillating additions to this site.

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Derek McGovern is a New Zealander living in Busan, South Korea, where he works as an English literature professor at Pukyong National University.