Average Rating: 
Rating:  - Mediterranean Romance
I'll never forget the first time I heard "Con Te Partiro": standing in the living room before dinner, watching a Bellagio Resort ad, and being completely overwhemlmed by THAT VOICE. It took me another four months to figure out that who that voice belonged to. I'll start by saying flat-out that I ADORE him, so, Bocelli-fans, read further if you wish, or stop reading now and write me off as another knuckle-headed fan. If you're on the fence, BUY THIS CD. The best cuts on album are, of course, "Con Te Partiro", and then "Il Mare Calmo della Serra" (very atmospheric, very Mediterranean) and "Machina de Guerra". It's an easy song to get lodged in your head, you'll be humming it all day, trust me.I can do without the duets. I do not love the sound of Zucchero's voice, it grates against Bocelli's, and I simply can't stand Sarah Brightman. Sorry, I just can't. I also do not get this pop or opera controversy which Bocelli has generated. Why must we be so pigeon-holed? I play the violin. I play baroque music and when I'm fed up with that I play Appalachian fiddle tunes - anything wrong with that! Why can't he, or anyone else, have success in more than one musical genre? And for those of you who insist that he can't sing, he only started seriously training his voice in his thirties; he's come a long way on just native talent, if you ask me. But to the matter at hand, putting aside the duets, this is a gorgeous collection of music, romantic, DIFFERENT.
Rating: - Haunting, fresh and beautiful
Okay, I admit it. I discovered Bocelli and his music through the television commericial for Bellagio, the new resort in Las Vegas. I heard a portion of the song, Con Te Partio, only once and could neither forget the song or the performer. I purchased the CD immediately after locating it at Amazon.Dom. The songs are either contemporary or wonderfully traditional - and address topical issues like world peace, self-awareness, and romance. The insert provides both the Italian lyrics and English translations. Bocelli, whose voice is more beautiful and clear (and less overblown) than Pavoratti, sings with such wonderful empathy that you can not help be moved. Bocelli is joined by several feature performers, including John Miles and Sarah Brightman of "Phantom of the Opera" fame. Although I personally think Brightman is a thin soprano at best, her joint venture on the second version of Con Te Partiro that the CD provides, is worth hearing. Bocelli's version of Rhapsody is truly glorious. Although the music is clearly Italian, there are touches of Brazilian and French influences in a couple of pieces that enhances the freshness of this glorious CD. Thank you, Bellagio, for bringing this musician and music to America's awareness.
Rating: - THIS IS HOW ANGELS SING
I admit, I'm not a music critic, but I am a music lover.
"Romanza" remains Bocelli's masterpiece. "Con Te Partiro" is the best known track, but if you stop there, you're missing the point. Every track on this album is amazing.
Bocelli has been blessed with a gift; a voice that touches the heart and soul of his listeners.
Dissect it if you must, but nothing can detract from the heart-felt emotion that "Romanza" delivers. It matters not whether this is deemed pop or classical music. In fact, the dissension is a testimony to the album's wide appeal and it's mystery.
I was introduced to Bocelli when he was a guest on one of Celine Dion's television specials. They sang a duet ( "The Prayer", which was later released on "Sogno"). I couldn't believe that a singer could create a glimpse of heaven. Bocelli can, with his voice and his exceptional, quite angelic delivery.
I have owned this album since it's American release. It never fails to transport me to a place of wonder and peaceful serenity.
No matter what mood I'm in when I push play, I'm guaranteed to have a smile on my face and a brighter outlook on my day by the middle of the first track.
My advise would be to purchase the album, listen with an open heart and prepare to visit a place you've never been, but once experienced, a place you'll want to visit again and again.
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