I began paying attention to Engelbert Humperdinck when I heard a joyful melody on television a few years ago. It just was a short piece of music used in an advertisement of Heineken beer (the song's name is "Quando Quando Quando" as I knew later; click here to enjoy this song). However, not only me but many people were really impressed.
Although the song was played for a brief second in the advertisement, I was impressed owing to its nice melody with a touched voice. Then I knew that was a famous song of Engelbert Humperdinck. He was born in Madras, India as Arnold George Dorsey and raised in England. His signature tune was the slow, powerful ballad which became a staple among adult vocals fans. The rhythm in his music is colorful and made up of woodwind (flute), string percussion - producing a variety of sounds, and keyboard (piano) instruments. Sometimes the main solo instruments of jazz such as saxophne, piano added provide supporting harmonies The musical background matches the personal quality of Humperdinck's voice. His song usually consist of several four-line stanzas. The first and second line is sung and then the melody repeated the same or similarly in the third and forth line (a b a b' or a b a' b', "Quando Quando Quando", "Release me", etc.). His music emphasizes melody and rhythm rather than harmony or polophony. His songs have simple rhythms and easy to remember. Sometimes his solo performance is followed by a chord repeating the melody or supporting him.
I enjoy all of his love songs because of two reasons. First of all he has a clear, warm, strong and wide range voice. I admire him since his low voice do not tend to be changed much even when he reaches a high tone. I think his voice is ranged bass because of its thickness and low range of pitches. Second, the melodies of his songs flow gently as a river. Whenever I feel tired, I can take a sit and enjoy his songs, wonder how he can create such beautiful melodies. Through his music, people can see me as a romantic girl, I suppose. I am touched by his romantic love songs.
Engelbert Humperdinck is a favorite artist of many people over the world. What his joyful music brings to the listeners is the comfort and happiness. He really has a beautiful voice that touches all the audiences.
"Quando Quando Quando"
"The Last Waltz"
