Mario Lanza – Christmas Hymns & Carols (UK Reissue)

Mario Lanza – Christmas Hymns And Carols

Experience the warmth and grandeur of one of the great voices of the twentieth century with Christmas Hymns And Carols, a festive collection showcasing the remarkable tenor of Mario Lanza. This 1969 UK RCA Camden LP brings together fourteen traditional Christmas hymns and carols, combining the familiar melodies of the festive season with the richness, clarity and emotional power of Lanza's celebrated vocal style.

Born in Philadelphia in 1921, Mario Lanza became internationally renowned for his powerful tenor voice and his ability to bring operatic intensity to popular music. His success in Hollywood films, including The Great Caruso, helped introduce a new generation of listeners to the appeal of classical singing. His recordings remain admired for their expressive phrasing, resonant tone and ability to give familiar melodies a sense of occasion.

The performances on Christmas Hymns And Carols draw on the enduring tradition of Christmas music, from joyful congregational favourites to reflective devotional pieces. The programme includes some of the best-known carols in the English-speaking world, making this an appealing record for traditional Christmas listening, seasonal gatherings and collectors of vintage vocal recordings. The album's repertoire bridges sacred music, classical vocal performance and mid-century popular entertainment.

The opening Joy To The World sets a celebratory tone, followed by the familiar melody of O Christmas Tree. The Lord's Prayer brings a more reverent atmosphere, while The First Noel and O Come, All Ye Faithful showcase the enduring appeal of traditional Christmas hymns when performed with a full, expressive tenor voice. Away In A Manger offers a gentler moment before Hark! The Herald Angels Sing adds another much-loved carol to the first side.

The second side continues with God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen, We Three Kings Of Orient Are and O Little Town Of Bethlehem, each rooted in the rich history of Christmas music. Silent Night provides one of the programme's most intimate and reflective selections, while Guardian Angels adds a further devotional touch. The traditional I Saw Three Ships brings a lighter festive character before the collection closes with O Holy Night, a celebrated vocal showcase that suits Lanza's expansive tenor style.

Originally issued on RCA Camden in the UK in 1969, this edition carries the appeal of a vintage Christmas LP from the era when traditional carols and classical vocal recordings were popular fixtures of seasonal listening. The album's fourteen-track programme offers a straightforward, timeless selection of Christmas favourites rather than novelty songs or contemporary festive pop.

For admirers of Mario Lanza, classic tenor singing, traditional Christmas carols and vintage seasonal vinyl, Christmas Hymns And Carols makes a fitting addition to a festive record collection. It is equally suited to playing throughout the Christmas season, providing a traditional soundtrack for quiet winter evenings, family gatherings and celebrations centred on the music of Christmas.

Tracklist

Side A
A1. Joy To The World
A2. O Christmas Tree
A3. The Lord's Prayer
A4. The First Noel
A5. O Come, All Ye Faithful
A6. Away In A Manger
A7. Hark! Tthe Herald Angels Sing

Side B
B1. God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen
B2. We Three Kings Of Orient Are
B3. O Little Town Of Bethlehem
B4. Silent Night
B5. Guardian Angels
B6. I Saw Three Ships
B7. O Holy Night