“Some Enchanted Evening,” the soaring ballad that anchors Rodgers and Hammerstein’s South Pacific, wasn’t sung by the actor playing Emile de Becque, Rossano Brazzi, in the film adaptation. Instead, the powerful and resonant vocals of opera singer Giorgio Tozzi provided the singing voice for the character.
The Voice Behind the Romance
Giorgio Tozzi, an Italian-American bass-baritone, was already a celebrated figure in the opera world when he was chosen to ghost-sing for Brazzi. This wasn’t an uncommon practice in Hollywood’s golden age, where actors often lacked the vocal prowess demanded by demanding musical roles. Brazzi, while charismatic and handsome, was not a trained singer, and Tozzi’s exceptional voice ensured that audiences experienced the song’s emotional depth and beauty to its fullest. The decision to use Tozzi’s voice was a deliberate one, intended to elevate the musical experience for viewers. The performance is considered one of the most iconic examples of vocal dubbing in cinematic history.
The Art of Ghost Singing
Ghost singing, or vocal dubbing, was a frequently used technique in movie musicals. It allowed producers to cast actors based on their acting ability and screen presence, even if their singing voices weren’t up to par. A professional singer would record the song, and the actor would then lip-sync to the recording during filming. This allowed for the best of both worlds: captivating performances and impeccable vocal renditions. While audiences may not have always been aware of the practice, it played a crucial role in shaping the sound and success of many beloved musicals.
FAQs: Deeper Dive into “Some Enchanted Evening” and South Pacific
Here are some frequently asked questions that shed further light on the song “Some Enchanted Evening,” its significance within South Pacific, and the artists involved:
FAQ 1: Why wasn’t Rossano Brazzi singing his own songs?
Rossano Brazzi was primarily an actor, not a singer. While he possessed acting talent and charm, his vocal abilities were not considered sufficient to meet the demands of the role of Emile de Becque, particularly for a vocally challenging song like “Some Enchanted Evening.” The producers prioritized vocal excellence, opting to utilize the voice of a professional opera singer. This ensured that the song’s emotional impact and musical quality were not compromised.
FAQ 2: Who was Giorgio Tozzi before South Pacific?
Before South Pacific, Giorgio Tozzi was a well-established and respected opera singer. Born in Chicago, he began his career in the 1940s and quickly gained recognition for his rich bass-baritone voice and commanding stage presence. He sang leading roles in renowned opera houses around the world, including the Metropolitan Opera in New York City. South Pacific, however, brought him a level of widespread fame he hadn’t experienced before.
FAQ 3: Did Rossano Brazzi mime to Tozzi’s singing effectively?
Generally, yes. Brazzi received coaching and worked diligently to synchronize his lip movements with Tozzi’s recording. While some astute viewers might detect slight discrepancies, Brazzi’s performance was considered convincing and contributed to the overall believability of his character. The success of the illusion is a testament to Brazzi’s dedication and the meticulous production techniques used in the film.
FAQ 4: Was Giorgio Tozzi credited for his singing in the film?
Giorgio Tozzi received full credit for his singing on the film’s soundtrack album, which became a massive commercial success. However, his name was not as prominently featured in the film itself. Despite this, his contribution became widely known over time, and he is now rightfully recognized as the voice behind Emile de Becque’s singing.
FAQ 5: Did Tozzi sing any other songs in the film South Pacific?
Yes, Giorgio Tozzi provided the vocals for all of Emile de Becque’s singing parts in the film, including other notable songs like “This Nearly Was Mine”. He essentially became the character’s vocal alter ego, bringing the emotional depth and musicality that Rodgers and Hammerstein intended.
FAQ 6: What makes “Some Enchanted Evening” such a popular song?
“Some Enchanted Evening” is popular due to its beautiful melody, romantic lyrics, and the powerful delivery expected of the singer. The song captures the feeling of instant connection and the possibility of lifelong love at first sight. The combination of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s songwriting genius and the soaring vocal performance makes it a timeless classic. The song’s universal themes of love and hope resonate with audiences of all ages and backgrounds.
FAQ 7: Are there other examples of ghost singing in classic musicals?
Yes, ghost singing was a common practice. Marni Nixon, for instance, famously dubbed the singing voices for Deborah Kerr in The King and I and Natalie Wood in West Side Story. Bill Lee sang for Christopher Plummer in The Sound of Music. These examples highlight how extensively this technique was used to achieve the desired vocal quality in movie musicals.
FAQ 8: What are some challenges of being a ghost singer?
A major challenge is achieving the right blend of vocal skill and emotional interpretation to match the actor’s on-screen portrayal. Ghost singers must also be adaptable and willing to work collaboratively with the actor and the film’s creative team. Furthermore, they sometimes face the challenge of not receiving the same level of recognition as the actors they are singing for.
FAQ 9: Where can I listen to Giorgio Tozzi’s original recordings?
Giorgio Tozzi’s recordings are widely available on various platforms. You can find his performances of “Some Enchanted Evening” and other South Pacific songs on the film’s soundtrack album, readily accessible on streaming services like Spotify and Apple Music. You can also find his opera recordings on platforms specializing in classical music.
FAQ 10: Did Rossano Brazzi have any musical talents at all?
While not a trained singer, Rossano Brazzi did reportedly play the guitar. However, his musical talents were not showcased in South Pacific. His casting was primarily based on his acting ability and his screen presence, qualities that made him a compelling romantic lead.
FAQ 11: How was the decision to use a ghost singer received by the public at the time?
At the time of the film’s release, the practice of ghost singing was not as widely discussed or scrutinized as it is today. While some discerning viewers may have suspected that Brazzi wasn’t singing, it didn’t detract significantly from the film’s overall popularity. The focus remained on the captivating story, the beautiful music, and the overall quality of the production.
FAQ 12: Is there a difference in Tozzi’s versions from the original Broadway version?
Yes, there are differences. While the lyrics and basic melody remain the same, the orchestral arrangements and vocal styling can vary slightly between the Broadway version (originally sung by Ezio Pinza) and Tozzi’s performance in the film. Tozzi’s rendition, with its operatic quality, gives the song a particular grandeur and emotional intensity suited to the cinematic presentation.