Customer Reviews

Andrea Bocelli: Sacred Arias

5 star:		(96)
4 star:		(17)
3 star:		(7)
2 star:		(7)
1 star:		(11)

 

 

"Sacred Arias" was my first Bocelli CD (it hasn't been my last!). As a pastor, seminary student, and lover of classical music (especially sacred music) I was drawn to it the moment I saw it. And, when I first listened to it, I was not disappointed. I find each of the arias to be tremendously inspiring. But, the "Sancta Maria" brought tears to my eyes when I first heard it. This CD provides me with 62:22 minutes of worship as I listen to each of these beautifully sung praises and prayers that have served as a testimony of faith over time. It is obvious that these pieces are dear to Bocelli's heart because his heart is definitely in his interpretation of them.

A note for reviewer Nicole Kimberly of January 25, 2000. She had asked for the choral music for the "Gloria a te, Christo Gesu." It probably is not available yet. If I am not mistaken, this piece was written specifically for the Roman Catholic Jubilee Celebration of the new milennium, and Bocelli publically debuted this hymn at the start of the Vatican Christmas Service Christmas day, which marked the beginning of the Jubilee Celebration. Bocelli was honored by being selected by the Pope to sing this hymn for that special celebration.

I watched the PBS special sometime around the holdays which featured this album of Bocelli's. Hearing the wonderful acoustics in that glorius church took the somewhat well-known songs to an almost ethereal level. It was wonderful to hear other versions of Ave Maria that I haven't heard performed in a long while. Overall, I guess I can't say much more than what the critic Thomas May wrote. Yes, Bocelli doesn't have much color nor much style of phrasing, but he still has that wonderful quality to transport the human spirit to a different level. He can definitely do it with this album, seeing as it contains many smooth tempoed free-flowing art songs and traditional pieces. The focus on this recording was not on arias, and thus no one should be stating that he can't sing these classical pieces because they hate the way he sings opera. I feel that this compilation of sacred songs(even though some are not) is a good one, with a sweet, lulling voice singing them. Bocelli sings well, and if one does like his voice, they will love this CD. People who don't like him shouldn't even bother listening, because all they'll find is something wrong. If they don't like him, why are they even looking at his recordings?... Anyways, I do digress, this is a wonderful CD.

This is a very fine album which I enjoy immensely. Andre Bocelli's tenor voice is a pleasure to listen to. He has scored 5 Stars with me. His various versions of "Ave Maria" are splendidly performed. It is a best-loved religious song. "Panis Angelicus" is sung so well, so meaningful, which is the way the song is to be sung. The song is from 1871, when Franck was a resident organist at St. Clotilde in Paris. The work was originally scored for tenor, organ, cello, harp, and double-bass. Mr. Bocelli has done an album worthy to be in anyone's collection, especially if you are a 'music lover.' The material that is covered on the album is directly related to 'The Mass' as it has been sung in the past generations of the Holy Roman Catholic Church, most specifically done in Gregorian Chant. The listener is taken back to a time pre-Vatican II. A most pleasing voice has taken me back to my childhood singing in the choir, as I have sung most of these songs also. And, I was pleasured by these wonderful songs then and now. Another beautiful song is "Pieta, Signore." Someone whom may enjoy this album may also enjoy listening to Placido Domingo, Luciano Pavorotti, and also, Michael Bolton. They all are tenors with beautiful voices. The song "Ave Maria" has also been sung by the three above-mentioned artistes. This album is comparable to the other artistes' rendition's of "Ave Maria" that has been sung also by the above. I would highly recommend this album to any one who appreciates the sound of an excellent tenor such as Andre Bocelli.

This CD is notable for it beautiful Panis Angelicus (the bread of Heaven), Adeste Fideles (O come, all ye faithful) and Silent Night. It is also a rare collection of several different Ave Maria versions on one CD.

The CD comes with English translations of every song side-by-side with the Latin words, so singing along in either language is no problem. I found it to be very heartwarming and just a lot of fun.

After seeing Bocelli perform on tv and how magical his voice sounded with such apparently little effort, I rushed out to purchase one of his cd's. I thought this cd would be a sure winner with his voice and sacred music combined but quite honestly none of his three renditions of Ave Marie really moved me. Don't get me wrong, he is a fabulous talent and this cd is nice background music for the holidays. However, I was looking for music to turn up loud and really be moved by and this cd just wasn't it. I will be trying another of his cd's in hopes of capturing some of the magic I know is possible from his voice.

This latest Andrea Bocelli CD is a beautiful listening experience! The Sacred Arias are typical Andrea Bocelli; sung with such ease and a totally enjoyable collection. The various recordings of Ave Maria are incredible. Silent Night and O Come All Ye Faithful are perfectly done in a way only an Italian Tenor could sing them. I find this CD totally relaxing to listen to after a very busy day with 3 children. Bravo Andrea!

Andrea Bocelli again has given the world the gift of his voice to the people. I am listening to this album; it is jubilant as well as gentle in tone. He was chosen to sing the hymn for the Jubilee and it is wonderfully exuberant, full of hope!

I have all 5 of Andrea Boccelli's cd's. This is by far the best one. He has a voice like an angel.I can't believe some of these reviews were so bad, as this cd was excellent. His video was wonderful also. I can't wait for the next one to come out.Terry from Calif.

This CD, which caught my eye in a Catholic catalogue at my church, really isn't just for Catholics, though most of the songs are sung in Latin. Andrea Bocelli sings for everyone, and this is a truly precious and uplifting CD. As a former music student with a degree in music who had to study opera as well, I can tell you he can compete with the best. Having great power in the voice doesn't necessarily make you better. In other words, you don't have to be another Pavarotti to be good. And thank goodness someone has come along and sung several of the many "Ave Maria"s, not just the famous Schubert version.

I say this CD is always an inspiration because it is something I listen to when I'm down, spiritually depleted or just plain worn out. And it always uplifts me; that's how powerful Bocelli's voice is, the selections chosen, and the masterful orchestra that accompanies him.

There is so little great music produced today, and far too few exceptional performers. Andrea Bocelli is a blessing. Buy this CD. You will not be able to listen to it just once.

This is THE MOST beautiful Christmas music ever sung before. When Andrea Bocelli sings, chills run up and down my spine. Excellent buy! I am ordering more of this CD for gift giving!