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Who We Are |
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Who We Are |
About Musicologist Don Southwell
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I thought it was appropriate to have some information on a Mantovanian. The Mantovanians are really the source of most of the material found on this extensive fan website. One of the valuable information resources we rely on is musicologist Donald Southwell.
Don was a member of Mantovani Production Associates from 1985 to 1992. During that time, he attended many rehearsals and concerts by orchestras conducted by the most distinguished Samuel Fricano, Kenneth Alwyn, David Lassiter, David Coleman, Royston Nash, and Richard Cormier.
He had many opportunities to analyze scores and study the violin parts for his own edification. Having played piano for 15 years up to that time, he could read the music, but had no understanding of the theory behind what he was reading.
In 1996, several years after he retired from his career, Don went back to college for three years as a "non-degreed music major" to better understand the theoretical aspects of Mantovani's music. Included was the extensive study of chord theory: chord types, their construction, their use, and their proper resolution. |
This contributed to a better understanding of the meaning of "delaying the resolution of notes in a chord", the technique through which Mantovani achieved his unique sound. Within the years of study Don also took a year of Musicianship to learn the techniques of ear training and musical dictation. This background does equip Don to provide the description of what is in a Mantovani interpretation in terms of "the sound", and the dynamics, rubatos, arrpegiations, soaring phrases---the Mantovani trademarks in laymen's terms. No-one does this better than Don Southwell. Interpreting what was intended by Mantovani and what is perceived by the listener is unique and in my opinion, a mark of genius.
I am very proud to know Don Southwell and we are very lucky to have him contribute his knowledge and understanding to this website. Don lives in Southern California.
Here's a hint to orchestras desiring to emulate the Mantovani Sound, don't do it without checking first with Don Southwell. |
The art featured to the right includes Mantovani at the top and the gentlemen primarily responsible for this website. Starting from the upper left and going counter-clockwise are Richard Cox our strategist, who commissioned the art; Colin MacKenzie, Mantovani's biographer; Alan Dixon, our website detective who tracks down Mantovani musicians and finds their stories; the handsome Don Southwell, our website musicologist, and Wes Stillwagon, site webmaster. The Mantovanians all feel very honoured to be included in a portrait with the Maestro. We hope that he would be pleased with our work on behalf of his legacy.
About the artist: Michael Reagan, is a late 50's, early 60's fellow who has drawn over 10,000 portraits. He is world famous having drawn Presidents Bush (both the former and the latter), their wives, Prime Minister Thatcher, Sports Greats, Movie Stars and common ordinary people like ourselves. The most amazing thing that he is currently doing any USA fallen hero who has lost his/her life in Afghanistan or Iraq and doing this at no cost to the loved ones. All that is required is submit to him a photo and it's a done deal...no charge! Michael LOVES Mantovani and plays Monty's music during romantic evenings with his lady friend. Mantovani fans are well aware of how effectively Monty's music contributes to a pleasant romantic evening. Just ask the producers of the films, "Ghost" or other very popular contemporary features.
My long-time friend and Mantovani Fan Akima Toru established a beautiful Japanese Mantovani Website that I would suggest that our Japanese Friends visit. The site is very easy on the eye and I heartily recommend a visit. Akima Toru is a very creative gentleman who is very knowledgeable about Mantovani and I am pleased to call him a friend. The website address is: http://members3.jcom.home.ne.jp/torumonty/. Please note that this is a new addresses for the Japanese Fan Website.
We have many Mantovani Fans in Japan with whom we correspond and who have offered expert suggestions and information. They include:
Doctor Hidehisa Habe and Mr.Matsuo.
The photo to the right shows Mr. Akima Toru standing with Sheldon Levy of the Mantovani Orchestra.
The photo to the left is Mr. Matsuo with his framed photograph of Mantovani accepting greetings during his concert in Japan.
The photo to the right includes Mr. Akima Toru and Mr. Matsuo.
To the left is Doctor Hidehisa Habe with pictures of Mantovani on the wall in his listening room. He is holding Mantovani's Victor Herbert Long Playing record that is one of my own personal favorites.
Please bookmark this site and come back when you can.
Korean Mantovani BLOG
We were recently were introduced to a Mantovani dedicated BLOG developed and managed by Kookchew Chung from Korea. It includes a discography as well as a listing for available CDs. Mr. Kookchew Chung is a dedicated, knowledgeable, and a lifetime fan of Mantovani. He has contributed to this fan site by correcting at least one listing error and perhaps has uncovered another that we are currently investigating. It is our pleasure to present a link to the Korean Mantovani BLOG. It is written in Korean and requires proficiency in that language.
Thank you Mr. Kookchew Chung (photo to the left) for pointing us to the Korean Mantovani BLOG.
