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Free Music Notes for Sentimento: Andrea Bocelli with Lorin Maazel and the London Symphony Orchestra [Limited Edition w/ Bonus Track]Free Music Review: An Absolutely Beautiful CD Hit: 5 Stars"What I crave most, what I hope to achieve is to communicate with the listeners, to touch them in the same way that I was touched as a child by my favorite singers who made me cry and made me dream." ~ Andrea Bocelli ~
"May the pleasure we all have had in embarking on this new venture be shared by those who listen." ~ Lorin Maazel, Conductor ~
I classify the CDs from my collection into three major categories:
1. Closest to my heart
2. Closer to my heart
3. Close to my heart
This CD, "Sentimento," definitely falls into the number one category for its many musical qualities. I'm particularly drawn to it because of three of my all-time classical favorites: Franz Liszt's "Liebestraum" (Sogno D'Amore), Jacques Offenbach's "Barcarolle" and Ruggero Leoncavallo's "Mattinata." I have enjoyed listening to these songs but it's more delightful when recorded in new settings with Andrea Bocelli's beautiful and commanding voice. I've been listening to it for the past two nights and I could say without a doubt that his renderings are as monumental as the Eiffel Tower. The beauty of his vocal artistry is magnified by the backing of the prestigious London Symphony Orchestra under the baton of a fine conductor, Lorin Maazel, who embellished this wonderful recording with his expertise in violin obligato. The repertoire is mostly Italian classics from Tosti, Martini and Rossini with some French, Hungarian, Spanish origin songs. Its lush and rich orchestral arrangements are perfect complement to Bocelli's powerfully moving voice.
Before he became a singer Mr. Bocelli, who graduated with a Law Degree from University of Pisa, practiced law briefly as a state-appointed Defense Attorney. He gave priority to his first and foremost passion, which is music, and turned his back from his law profession. And the rest is history.
To my ears, the highlights include three of my all-time favorites that he interpreted in effortless and to-die-for fashion. Listen closely with your undivided attention to perfectly capture the eternal charms of the tenor-violin combination.
"Sogno D'Amore" - adapted from one of the many masterpieces of Franz Liszt, "Liebestraum." With its luxurious backdrops of that mesmerizing violin obligato by Maazel, the lawyer-turned-singer made this classic a master work of art. He brings life to its self-penned enchanting lyrics and its melodious music. Conductor Lorin Maazel has written an exquisite orchestral arrangement on this beautiful classic.
"Barcarolle" - music by French composer, Jacques Offenbach from his opera "Les Contes D'Hoffmann," and Italian lyric was co-written by Barbier and Carr?. On this stunning track, Mr. Bocelli sings with heartfelt emotion that showcases his tenor timbre.
"Mattinata" - music and lyrics by Ruggero Leoncavallo. This is almost two and a half minutes of sheer beauty to savor. His effortless singing is a validation of his love, passion and dedication to this art form.
This limited edition CD is absolutely beautiful and surely a keeper. I wholeheartedly recommend it.
"Music is the universal language of mankind." ~ Henry Wadsworth Longfellow ~
Free Music Review: Fine idea, weak execution Hit: 2 StarsLorin Maazel, in the self-indulgent pat on the back that passes for linear notes, manages to make one good point: the tenor-violin duet was once a fine tradition worthy of exploring afresh. As an effort to revive this dusty tradition, this disc is not successful.
Maazel seems to enjoy the feel of the violin under his chin, and generally produces elegant sounds. The orchestration, which he tells us in his notes evolved amidst a hectic schedule of conducting and rehearsing Don Carlo and Don Giovanni, is basic and generally inoffensive. Good thing he tells the listener of his busy schedule, or one would have to be harsher with his sometimes dreary musical arrangements.
Andrea Bocelli is something of a controversial figure in some circles. I am a picky listener, and suffer from the maniacal ailments that afflict the opera buff. Still, I have always enjoyed Bocelli's popular recordings. I like pleasant tunes sung by a full, clear tenor voice. Having said this, I find his operatic recordings lamentable.
Though not opera per se, Bocelli sounds over-taxed by the repertory at hand (mostly lovely 19th century songs). Each track is unworthy of comparison with past performances by operatic greats-- Pavarotti, Carreras, Gigli, Di Stefano, and Schipa come to mind. Bocelli's voice is strained, and he offers nothing resembling the grace required by these three-minute masterpieces.
Those who are in love with Bocelli's voice will no doubt enjoy this recording. Still, I strongly urge exploring this repertory as it is presented by far more capable performers, and far better endowed voices.
Free Music Review: He's magnificent Hit: 5 StarsI thoroughly enjoyed this CD, especially some favorites that I haven't heard in years. I wholeheartedly recommend.
Free Music Review: Romantic sounds! Hit: 5 StarsAdrea's voice continues to enthrall me! Even if you don't understand Italian, you will enjoy this album. Highly recommended.
Free Music Review: Simply beautiful! Hit: 5 StarsI wont repeat what others with positive reviews already said. Just know that none of Bocelli's CD's have ever disappointed me, and if you are looking for as fine a piece of work as possible (thus far), THIS and "Romanza" are it.
More Free Music Notes: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
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