The Voice, The Mind, The Person

Orlandodon · Joined: Mar 24, 2006 Posts: 5 Location: Orlando, Florida

Well, it's been 6 - 8 weeks since Sony closed down the Mario Frangoulis Messageboard. Heard some rumors that it was to be reinstated, however no move has been made in that direction. Too bad, it was one way to get out the news of this artist to more folks who can appreciate his fine talent. So, I want to call to the attention of my fellow contributors to this page that ebay has a discussion thread on Frangoulis which is in need of a jump start. I'd like to encourage discussions relating to this guy's voice, his mind (he presents himself as an individual concerned with world issues) and the person (humbled to be where he is in spite of the fact that he has the complete package.) I would discourage the fluffy contributions ("Mario Loves Me" and "Mario, Have My Baby") and stick with items of substance. Of course concert dates, encounters and other inclusions (as on this site) should be considered. Here is the link to get you to the ebay site:
http://groups.ebay.com/clubCover.jspa?forumID=100027306&anticache=1128442345226&anticache=1128442922738/

I got to see Frangoulis several months back and would like to share my review of the concert as I had posted it on the Sony Messageboard. I'm glad I found a copy of it elsewhere while browsing after Sony shut it down.......

TAMPA CONCERT REPORT BY A FAN
Frangoulis rules! This guy put on a non-stop show at the Tampa Sun Dome on January 7,
starting with an unbelievable vocal offering called ‚ÄúAmerica Insurrecta‚Äù. The title
intrigued me in the light of current political conditions, so I did a little
googling and found out that the piece was composed by Greek
composer/activist Mikis Theodorakis who was inspired by an epic poem by Chilean poet
Pablo Neruda. The following link will explain the nature of the
work and thus the reason for the passion with which Theodorakis‚Äô composition was
performed by Frangoulis this past weekend.

http://en.mikis- theodorakis.net/index.php/article/articlevie w/206/1/46/

I had no idea what the piece was referring to (it was in Greek) however
Mario Frangoulis sang with the soul of a fighter.
In 3 short movements, he brought the fire of the work to the audience
moving from delicate passages to full out fortissimos several times over.
When he finished the piece, I turned to my wife and asked ‚ÄúWhere does he go from here?‚Äù
The answer is ‚ÄúA Frangoulis Showcase‚Äù. He did pop. He did opera ‚Äì and just
about everything in between. The variety of performances led me to the
conclusion that Bocelli sings opera like an opera singer and pop
like an opera singer. Groban sings pop like a pop singer and opera like
a pop singer. Frangoulis sings opera like an opera singer and pop like a pop
singer. He has it all. It was a remarkable evening. The occasion was
further heightened by the presence of dignitaries of the Greek Orthodox Church.
So there were no screamers or swooners (Hallelujah) to distract from the focus of
the evening ‚Äì the voice. Other highlights included pieces from his 2
American releases. (I‚Äôm a Moody Blues freak and especially enjoyed his treatment
of ‚ÄúNights in White Satin‚Äù taking the 30+ year old tune from pop to operatic from
Italian to English without the inclusion of Justin Hayward ‚Äì magnificent!)
along with Phantom of the Opera selections. I am looking forward to his new
recording in concert at the Acropolis. I understand that ‚ÄúMusic of the Night‚Äù is
included in the same version he sang on Saturday. Frangoulis nails every note in
that song with precision unmatched by the performers on the soundtrack and stage recording of "Phantom". By the end of the evening, I
was in awe of the fact that his voice was still as athletic and intact as when he
began the concert. ‚ÄúSometimes I Dream‚Äù was thrilling as the night came to a close
(and I didn‚Äôt even mention the incredible symphony orchestra ‚Äì wow!!! ‚Äì
what a bonus!!!!!!) I can only hope that SOMEONE picks
up on this remarkable talent and elevates his art to the position that it so
justly deserves. Maybe an organization other than‚Ä¶‚Ä¶.do I dare say it?
‚Ä¶‚Ä¶..SONY?

Orlando Don

KiwiSue · Posted: Sat Mar 25, 2006 10:55 pm Post subject:

Thanks Orlando Don. It was a great review and I'm pleased to see it on here as well. Yes, Sony need to get their act together where Mario is concerned. Thanks for the link to ebay. Sue(NZ)

Trishdownunder · Joined: Jan 11, 2006 Posts: 162

Thanks so much Orlando Don.

I read your review on the Yahoo site and had been wanting to contact you and ask if it could be posted here. It is one of the best reviews of this truly remarkable and gifted young man.

A couple of my friends went to this concert and asked Mario if he would sign a concert program and t-shirt for me, which he was very happy to do.

Thank you for the link to eBay too.

Trish (Western Australia)