Releases
-
Andrea Bocelli
Umberto Giordano: Andrea Chenier
Classical -
Andrea Bocelli
My Christmas
Classical -
Andrea Bocelli
Incanto
Classical -
Andrea Bocelli
Vivere - Greatest Hits
Classical
Andrea Bocelli
"What I crave most, what I hope to achieve, is to communicate with the listener; to touch them in the same way that I was touched as a child by my favourite singers, who touched my heart, inspired me, could make me cry and make me dream."
Andrea Bocelli possesses a very special gift; a voice that communicates directly with the heart. He sings with the universal language of the heart and soul, transcending the disparate languages of the spoken word. That's certainly the way millions of listeners feel about his voice. Friend and singing partner Celine Dion put it another way; "If God had a singing voice, it would sound a lot like Andrea Bocelli".
Andrea Bocelli would most likely prefer that his talents were described in a little more modest terms. But nevertheless, Bocelli is truly unique in touching such a vast audience, despite singing in a language that the majority do not understand. This truly unique, incredibly communicative voice has made Andrea Bocelli a phenomenon on the modern musical landscape, forging a groundbreaking musical career that spans the pinnacles of both the worlds of classical and popular music. His achievements have been truly without precedent, his impact on the music industry truly seismic.
In his innovative pop career, with albums 'Romanza', 'Sogno', 'Cieli Di Toscana' and 'Andrea', Andrea has become one of the world's top music stars with his truly distinctive, original new musical style, the like of which had not been heard before. "Popular music is the soundtrack to the lives of so many; a medium through which powerful emotions can be shared with an enormous audience. It should be approached with the same integrity and quest for perfection that one would with any musical genre. For me, popular music should be based on a genuine inspiration that comes from the experiences of life, conveyed from the heart and soul."
In his classical recording career, with solo albums including 'Viaggio Italiano', 'Aria', 'Sacred Arias', 'Verdi' and 'Sentimento', as well as complete recordings of works including 'Verdi Requiem', 'La Boheme', 'Il Trovatore', 'Tosca' and 'Werther', Andrea Bocelli has become the most successful classical recording artist of all time.
With the unprecedented success of his classical career, Andrea Bocelli has caused core classical repertoire to "cross over" to the top of international pop charts and into previously uncharted territory in popular culture. However, while Bocelli might cause opera to "cross over", his approach is distinctly not "crossover". That's a very important distinction in appreciating the achievements of Andrea Bocelli and his place in the world of music. For Andrea, 'updating' Puccini with funky electronic beat is plain heresy; the suggestion that translating the lyrics of a rock or pop classic into Italian and adding a string section somehow makes it opera, simply ridiculous. Andrea works, whether in classical and popular music, with huge artistic integrity and professionalism.
The story of Andrea's life has been of nearly as much interest to his admirers and the media as his musical career. A modest character, Andrea would prefer to focus on the music, but for all those with an interest in the man, his story is documented in the semi autobiographical memoir 'The Music Of Silence'.
Andrea was born in Lajatico, rural Tuscany, not far from the ancient city of Pisa. Andrea regards himself as not just from Tuscany, but also of Tuscany. Describing himself a "product of the countryside", he considers his character and personality owe much to Tuscan family life and the culture and traditions of the region. He describes his childhood and upbringing as an idyllic existence in the Tuscan countryside, surrounded by the simplest pleasures of family, friends, nature and music.
An early fascination with the passion and storytelling of opera, garnered through old 78s and radio broadcasts, encouraged by family and friends, developed into a burning adult ambition. Andrea devoured opera recordings and the Italian musical traditions, dreaming of following in the footsteps of his idols; celebrated Italian tenors including Mario Del Monaco, Beniamino Gigli and especially Franco Corelli. While a child, Andrea's beautiful natural voice had made him something of a local celebrity. However his musical dreams were to be interrupted by the realities of adult life. More to placate his family and their concerns for his future, rather than to pursue any burning ambition, he graduated from the University of Pisa in law and practiced as a state appointed defense attorney for a short time.
Now, having proved himself on the terms of others, Andrea forged ahead with life on his own terms. The legal career was put indefinitely on hold, to devote his life to his musical dreams. Andrea studied under a number of maestros, most notably achieving a personal triumph and a source of much encouragement when accepted as a pupil for master classes by his hero, tenor Franco Corelli.
Having impressed a legend of one era, Andrea was then to impress a legend of the present. In 1992, Italian rock star Zucchero was preparing a 'demo track' of "Miserere", a duet to be recorded with the great Luciano Pavarotti. However auditions for a tenor to record a demo to illustrate the song to Pavarotti were proving fruitless. Tenors with perfect operatic technique were nevertheless simply unable to relate to the language of pop music. An unknown singer, a young local man known for his passion for opera was suggested. Effortlessly, Andrea Bocelli captured the very essence of the song. As Zucchero later said, "He just had this 'soul'". Zucchero's manager, Michele Torpedine traveled to the US to meet Pavarotti. The maestro was wowed by the young tenor on the demo track. A friendly impasse was reached, with the maestro steadfastly rejecting Michele's assertions that the voice was of an unknown, rather than a rising opera star. In fact, Pavarotti suggested, why should he record the song when Zucchero and Torpedine had discovered such a fabulous new talent?
Andrea soon found himself sitting together with his new manager Michele Torpedine and Caterina Caselli Sugar, the president of Sugar Music, one of Italy's leading music companies, discussing plans for an assault on the world of popular music. Andrea's career exploded in sensational style, with victory in the prestigious Sanremo Song Festival, Italy's most important annual music event which introduces new artists and songs. Televised to a massive audience, Andrea's victorious performance of the song 'Il Mare Calmo Della Sera' introduced him to the Italian public, turning him from unknown to a sensation, literally overnight. His domestic career began with a string of successful pop hits on the Sugar label, including debut album 'Il Mare Calmo Della Sera' and the follow up 'Bocelli'.
Andrea's voice was soon attracting attention outside Italy. His international breakthrough hit was the beguiling 'Con Te Partirò' and in it's duet arrangement with Sarah Brightman, 'Time To Say Goodbye (Con Te Partirò)'. The solo version topped the French singles chart. The duet topped Germany's single chart for fourteen weeks and with sales of nearly three million copies, 'Time To Say Goodbye' remains Germany's best selling single of all time.
In 1996 and 1997 Bocelli exploded on album charts across the world, with the international debut album, 'Romanza', a collection of passionate popular song. Conquering first Europe, then remarkably charts across the English-speaking world, the album amassed a multitude of platinum and multi platinum awards, with sales in excess of fifteen million copies.
Firmly established by the international success of 'Romanza', Andrea now had a platform and a position to share his passion for opera with a huge audience. The international release of two classical albums followed, both projects close to Andrea's heart. The first, 'Viaggio Italiano', was a tribute to the tradition of the Italian tenor, featuring popular arias and Neapolitan song. In 1998 followed 'Aria', a disc of more challenging repertoire, such tenor showpieces as Donizetti's "Pour mon ame", with it's nine high C's. Andrea described the album as the "soundtrack to his childhood". By the standards of the classical recording industry it was a stunning success, scaling the heights of international pop charts.
1999 began with a Grammy nomination, in the "Best New Artist" category, the first time a classical artist had been nominated in the category for 38 years. 'The Prayer', a duet with Celine Dion for animated movie "The Quest For Camelot", won the Golden Globe for Best Song and was nominated for an Academy Award. Andrea and Celine performed the song at both the Academy Award and Grammy Award ceremonies.
In March of 1999 Andrea released second pop album 'Sogno'. The album entered the upper reaches of pop album charts around the world, confirming Andrea's position at the pinnacle of the world of popular music. In the US following the release of 'Sogno', four of Andrea Bocelli's albums featured simultaneously on the US pop album chart; a unique feat, the like of which had previously only been achieved by artists including Garth Brooks, U2, Led Zeppelin and The Beatles. With this incredible chart success, and a North American concert tour breaking box office records, the US media coined the phrase "Bocellimania".
In the fall of 1999, 'Sacred Arias' was to become Andrea's most successful classical album to date. Sacred Arias has become the biggest selling album by a classical soloist of all time. Upon release Andrea captured not just the No 1 position on numerous international classical album charts, and placings at the upper reaches of international pop album charts, but simultaneously held the No 1, 2 and 3 positions on the US classical album chart, an unprecedented first that saw him achieve a listing in the Guinness Book Of Records. In fact Bocelli was to take up almost permanent residency of the No 1 spot on the US classical chart, week in, week out for virtually three and a half years. Most weeks he also held the No 2 spot.
The year 2000 saw Andrea involved in some incredible international events. It began with Andrea's interpretation for the Vatican of the new hymn to herald the arrival of the year 2000. Concerts were staged at The Eiffel Tower and at The Statue Of Liberty, where Andrea became the first artist ever to perform at the foot of the monument. In July, Andrea gave the official concert of the Euro 2000 soccer tournament in Rotterdam Harbour. In September Andrea participated in the Sydney Olympic celebrations, bearing the Olympic Torch in Sydney Harbour, then performing to tens of thousands as the Sydney Harbour Bridge exploded in a breathtaking firework display. An Australian tour culminated with a sold out concert at the Sydney Opera House.
In 2000 Andrea released 'Verdi', his fourth classical recital disc. This was followed by the realization of yet another ambition, with the release of his first complete opera recording, 'La Boheme'. With Zubin Mehta and the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra, the recording paired Andrea with Barbara Frittoli in an acclaimed all Italian recording of the work, which became the biggest selling opera recording of all time.
2001 began with the release of another complete work, an all star recording of the 'Verdi Requiem', with the Kirov Orchestra conducted by Valery Gergiev, featuring soprano Renee Fleming, mezzo Olga Borodina and bass Ildebrando D'Arcangelo. The year ended with another successful pop album, "Cieli di Toscana". In the fall of that year the world will never forget, was a moment Andrea will never forget. Having enjoyed participating in some of the most prestigious and glitzy events of recent years, Andrea was to perform his most poignant and solemn musical duty when New York mayor Rudolph Giuliani requested that Andrea come to New York, to sing 'Ave Maria' as part of the memorial service amongst the still smoking devastation of Ground Zero.
In 2002 came the romantic yet melancholy sound of 'Sentimento', combining the voice of Andrea Bocelli with the exquisite violin of Maestro Lorin Maazel. A musical exploration of the much forgotten early 20th century tradition of songs for solo violin and tenor voice, 'Sentimento' was another huge success on international pop and classical charts. At the prestigious British 'Classical Brits Awards' in 2003, the album claimed two awards including "Album Of The Year". Andrea appeared at the event and to close the show, a surprise duet with Welsh baritone Bryn Terfel 'raised the roof' of London's Royal Albert Hall, becoming the most memorable moment in the history of the event.
In 2003 came the release of Andrea's third full work, 'Tosca'. A packed concert schedule this year took Andrea from China to Madison Square Gardens, to yet another unique and memorable location with a concert at The Pyramids in Egypt. Towards the end of the year came a moment Andrea will treasure for ever. In a career in which Andrea has sung for both Popes of our time, Presidents, Premiers, Prime Ministers, Princes, Kings and Queens, in December of 2003 Andrea had the very personal pleasure and honor of singing 'Ave Maria' during the wedding service of his friend Luciano Pavarotti.
2004 saw the release of fourth full work 'Il Trovatore'. Highly acclaimed, the disc was selected as an 'Editor's Choice' in the highly respected international classical music journal 'Gramophone'. Andrea's year included appearances ranging from the Nobel Peace Prize Concert to the celebrated New York Thanksgivings Day Parade. Andrea was selected to front a global TV information campaign for International Olympic Committee alongside figures of inspiration Nelson Mandela and Kofi Annan. Fall of 2004 saw a return to popular music, with the release of fourth pop album 'Andrea', reuniting Andrea with long time collaborators Mauro Malavasi and Peppe Vessicchio, also teaming up with new musical friends including Celso Valli and Guy Chambers.
2005 began with the release of fifth full work 'Werther' and a hectic recording schedule in which Andrea was to make a new pop album, new classical album and new opera recording. Andrea was honored to be asked to participate in Live 8 in Paris.
Even though Andrea's career develops at a hectic pace, in an action packed and constantly challenging world, he lives his life with serenity and contemplation, taking inspiration from classics of literature and philosophy. He sums up his approach to life referring to a quote from "The Little Prince" by French novelist Antoine de Saint-Exupéry: "You see clearly only through your heart. The essential is invisible to they eye".
Andrea Bocelli possesses a very special gift; a voice that communicates directly with the heart. He sings with the universal language of the heart and soul, transcending the disparate languages of the spoken word. That's certainly the way millions of listeners feel about his voice. Friend and singing partner Celine Dion put it another way; "If God had a singing voice, it would sound a lot like Andrea Bocelli".
Andrea Bocelli would most likely prefer that his talents were described in a little more modest terms. But nevertheless, Bocelli is truly unique in touching such a vast audience, despite singing in a language that the majority do not understand. This truly unique, incredibly communicative voice has made Andrea Bocelli a phenomenon on the modern musical landscape, forging a groundbreaking musical career that spans the pinnacles of both the worlds of classical and popular music. His achievements have been truly without precedent, his impact on the music industry truly seismic.
In his innovative pop career, with albums 'Romanza', 'Sogno', 'Cieli Di Toscana' and 'Andrea', Andrea has become one of the world's top music stars with his truly distinctive, original new musical style, the like of which had not been heard before. "Popular music is the soundtrack to the lives of so many; a medium through which powerful emotions can be shared with an enormous audience. It should be approached with the same integrity and quest for perfection that one would with any musical genre. For me, popular music should be based on a genuine inspiration that comes from the experiences of life, conveyed from the heart and soul."
In his classical recording career, with solo albums including 'Viaggio Italiano', 'Aria', 'Sacred Arias', 'Verdi' and 'Sentimento', as well as complete recordings of works including 'Verdi Requiem', 'La Boheme', 'Il Trovatore', 'Tosca' and 'Werther', Andrea Bocelli has become the most successful classical recording artist of all time.
With the unprecedented success of his classical career, Andrea Bocelli has caused core classical repertoire to "cross over" to the top of international pop charts and into previously uncharted territory in popular culture. However, while Bocelli might cause opera to "cross over", his approach is distinctly not "crossover". That's a very important distinction in appreciating the achievements of Andrea Bocelli and his place in the world of music. For Andrea, 'updating' Puccini with funky electronic beat is plain heresy; the suggestion that translating the lyrics of a rock or pop classic into Italian and adding a string section somehow makes it opera, simply ridiculous. Andrea works, whether in classical and popular music, with huge artistic integrity and professionalism.
The story of Andrea's life has been of nearly as much interest to his admirers and the media as his musical career. A modest character, Andrea would prefer to focus on the music, but for all those with an interest in the man, his story is documented in the semi autobiographical memoir 'The Music Of Silence'.
Andrea was born in Lajatico, rural Tuscany, not far from the ancient city of Pisa. Andrea regards himself as not just from Tuscany, but also of Tuscany. Describing himself a "product of the countryside", he considers his character and personality owe much to Tuscan family life and the culture and traditions of the region. He describes his childhood and upbringing as an idyllic existence in the Tuscan countryside, surrounded by the simplest pleasures of family, friends, nature and music.
An early fascination with the passion and storytelling of opera, garnered through old 78s and radio broadcasts, encouraged by family and friends, developed into a burning adult ambition. Andrea devoured opera recordings and the Italian musical traditions, dreaming of following in the footsteps of his idols; celebrated Italian tenors including Mario Del Monaco, Beniamino Gigli and especially Franco Corelli. While a child, Andrea's beautiful natural voice had made him something of a local celebrity. However his musical dreams were to be interrupted by the realities of adult life. More to placate his family and their concerns for his future, rather than to pursue any burning ambition, he graduated from the University of Pisa in law and practiced as a state appointed defense attorney for a short time.
Now, having proved himself on the terms of others, Andrea forged ahead with life on his own terms. The legal career was put indefinitely on hold, to devote his life to his musical dreams. Andrea studied under a number of maestros, most notably achieving a personal triumph and a source of much encouragement when accepted as a pupil for master classes by his hero, tenor Franco Corelli.
Having impressed a legend of one era, Andrea was then to impress a legend of the present. In 1992, Italian rock star Zucchero was preparing a 'demo track' of "Miserere", a duet to be recorded with the great Luciano Pavarotti. However auditions for a tenor to record a demo to illustrate the song to Pavarotti were proving fruitless. Tenors with perfect operatic technique were nevertheless simply unable to relate to the language of pop music. An unknown singer, a young local man known for his passion for opera was suggested. Effortlessly, Andrea Bocelli captured the very essence of the song. As Zucchero later said, "He just had this 'soul'". Zucchero's manager, Michele Torpedine traveled to the US to meet Pavarotti. The maestro was wowed by the young tenor on the demo track. A friendly impasse was reached, with the maestro steadfastly rejecting Michele's assertions that the voice was of an unknown, rather than a rising opera star. In fact, Pavarotti suggested, why should he record the song when Zucchero and Torpedine had discovered such a fabulous new talent?
Andrea soon found himself sitting together with his new manager Michele Torpedine and Caterina Caselli Sugar, the president of Sugar Music, one of Italy's leading music companies, discussing plans for an assault on the world of popular music. Andrea's career exploded in sensational style, with victory in the prestigious Sanremo Song Festival, Italy's most important annual music event which introduces new artists and songs. Televised to a massive audience, Andrea's victorious performance of the song 'Il Mare Calmo Della Sera' introduced him to the Italian public, turning him from unknown to a sensation, literally overnight. His domestic career began with a string of successful pop hits on the Sugar label, including debut album 'Il Mare Calmo Della Sera' and the follow up 'Bocelli'.
Andrea's voice was soon attracting attention outside Italy. His international breakthrough hit was the beguiling 'Con Te Partirò' and in it's duet arrangement with Sarah Brightman, 'Time To Say Goodbye (Con Te Partirò)'. The solo version topped the French singles chart. The duet topped Germany's single chart for fourteen weeks and with sales of nearly three million copies, 'Time To Say Goodbye' remains Germany's best selling single of all time.
In 1996 and 1997 Bocelli exploded on album charts across the world, with the international debut album, 'Romanza', a collection of passionate popular song. Conquering first Europe, then remarkably charts across the English-speaking world, the album amassed a multitude of platinum and multi platinum awards, with sales in excess of fifteen million copies.
Firmly established by the international success of 'Romanza', Andrea now had a platform and a position to share his passion for opera with a huge audience. The international release of two classical albums followed, both projects close to Andrea's heart. The first, 'Viaggio Italiano', was a tribute to the tradition of the Italian tenor, featuring popular arias and Neapolitan song. In 1998 followed 'Aria', a disc of more challenging repertoire, such tenor showpieces as Donizetti's "Pour mon ame", with it's nine high C's. Andrea described the album as the "soundtrack to his childhood". By the standards of the classical recording industry it was a stunning success, scaling the heights of international pop charts.
1999 began with a Grammy nomination, in the "Best New Artist" category, the first time a classical artist had been nominated in the category for 38 years. 'The Prayer', a duet with Celine Dion for animated movie "The Quest For Camelot", won the Golden Globe for Best Song and was nominated for an Academy Award. Andrea and Celine performed the song at both the Academy Award and Grammy Award ceremonies.
In March of 1999 Andrea released second pop album 'Sogno'. The album entered the upper reaches of pop album charts around the world, confirming Andrea's position at the pinnacle of the world of popular music. In the US following the release of 'Sogno', four of Andrea Bocelli's albums featured simultaneously on the US pop album chart; a unique feat, the like of which had previously only been achieved by artists including Garth Brooks, U2, Led Zeppelin and The Beatles. With this incredible chart success, and a North American concert tour breaking box office records, the US media coined the phrase "Bocellimania".
In the fall of 1999, 'Sacred Arias' was to become Andrea's most successful classical album to date. Sacred Arias has become the biggest selling album by a classical soloist of all time. Upon release Andrea captured not just the No 1 position on numerous international classical album charts, and placings at the upper reaches of international pop album charts, but simultaneously held the No 1, 2 and 3 positions on the US classical album chart, an unprecedented first that saw him achieve a listing in the Guinness Book Of Records. In fact Bocelli was to take up almost permanent residency of the No 1 spot on the US classical chart, week in, week out for virtually three and a half years. Most weeks he also held the No 2 spot.
The year 2000 saw Andrea involved in some incredible international events. It began with Andrea's interpretation for the Vatican of the new hymn to herald the arrival of the year 2000. Concerts were staged at The Eiffel Tower and at The Statue Of Liberty, where Andrea became the first artist ever to perform at the foot of the monument. In July, Andrea gave the official concert of the Euro 2000 soccer tournament in Rotterdam Harbour. In September Andrea participated in the Sydney Olympic celebrations, bearing the Olympic Torch in Sydney Harbour, then performing to tens of thousands as the Sydney Harbour Bridge exploded in a breathtaking firework display. An Australian tour culminated with a sold out concert at the Sydney Opera House.
In 2000 Andrea released 'Verdi', his fourth classical recital disc. This was followed by the realization of yet another ambition, with the release of his first complete opera recording, 'La Boheme'. With Zubin Mehta and the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra, the recording paired Andrea with Barbara Frittoli in an acclaimed all Italian recording of the work, which became the biggest selling opera recording of all time.
2001 began with the release of another complete work, an all star recording of the 'Verdi Requiem', with the Kirov Orchestra conducted by Valery Gergiev, featuring soprano Renee Fleming, mezzo Olga Borodina and bass Ildebrando D'Arcangelo. The year ended with another successful pop album, "Cieli di Toscana". In the fall of that year the world will never forget, was a moment Andrea will never forget. Having enjoyed participating in some of the most prestigious and glitzy events of recent years, Andrea was to perform his most poignant and solemn musical duty when New York mayor Rudolph Giuliani requested that Andrea come to New York, to sing 'Ave Maria' as part of the memorial service amongst the still smoking devastation of Ground Zero.
In 2002 came the romantic yet melancholy sound of 'Sentimento', combining the voice of Andrea Bocelli with the exquisite violin of Maestro Lorin Maazel. A musical exploration of the much forgotten early 20th century tradition of songs for solo violin and tenor voice, 'Sentimento' was another huge success on international pop and classical charts. At the prestigious British 'Classical Brits Awards' in 2003, the album claimed two awards including "Album Of The Year". Andrea appeared at the event and to close the show, a surprise duet with Welsh baritone Bryn Terfel 'raised the roof' of London's Royal Albert Hall, becoming the most memorable moment in the history of the event.
In 2003 came the release of Andrea's third full work, 'Tosca'. A packed concert schedule this year took Andrea from China to Madison Square Gardens, to yet another unique and memorable location with a concert at The Pyramids in Egypt. Towards the end of the year came a moment Andrea will treasure for ever. In a career in which Andrea has sung for both Popes of our time, Presidents, Premiers, Prime Ministers, Princes, Kings and Queens, in December of 2003 Andrea had the very personal pleasure and honor of singing 'Ave Maria' during the wedding service of his friend Luciano Pavarotti.
2004 saw the release of fourth full work 'Il Trovatore'. Highly acclaimed, the disc was selected as an 'Editor's Choice' in the highly respected international classical music journal 'Gramophone'. Andrea's year included appearances ranging from the Nobel Peace Prize Concert to the celebrated New York Thanksgivings Day Parade. Andrea was selected to front a global TV information campaign for International Olympic Committee alongside figures of inspiration Nelson Mandela and Kofi Annan. Fall of 2004 saw a return to popular music, with the release of fourth pop album 'Andrea', reuniting Andrea with long time collaborators Mauro Malavasi and Peppe Vessicchio, also teaming up with new musical friends including Celso Valli and Guy Chambers.
2005 began with the release of fifth full work 'Werther' and a hectic recording schedule in which Andrea was to make a new pop album, new classical album and new opera recording. Andrea was honored to be asked to participate in Live 8 in Paris.
Even though Andrea's career develops at a hectic pace, in an action packed and constantly challenging world, he lives his life with serenity and contemplation, taking inspiration from classics of literature and philosophy. He sums up his approach to life referring to a quote from "The Little Prince" by French novelist Antoine de Saint-Exupéry: "You see clearly only through your heart. The essential is invisible to they eye".
Share this profile
