Mario Lanza- RARE 1952 Roses of Picardy (Wood)

Mario Lanza (1921-1959) "Roses of Picardy"(Wood-Weatherley). Recorded January 25, 1952 for The Mario Lanza Show, with studio orchestra conducted by Ray Sinatra. Haydn Wood's World War I era evergreen, "Roses of Picardy", has been recorded time and time again. Lanza's sensitive rendition takes a backseat to no one. Few classically-trained singers have been able to move successfully between opera and popular song, but Lanza does so effortlessly. His phrasing is utterly natural, instinctive, and unforced, yet full of nuance. And his obvious enthusiasm and sincerity convince the listener of the rightness of almost every musical gesture. Combined with that incredible voice, these elements make Lanza's legacy of popular song an enduring, ever-inviting musical treasure.