Concerto, One Night in Central Park [Import]

Andrea Bocelli (Artist), Céline Dion (Performer), Tony Bennett (Performer), Chris Botti (Performer), David Foster (Performer), Ana María Martínez (Performer), Pretty Yende (Performer), Nicola Benedetti (Performer), Bryn Terfel (Performer), Andrea Griminelli (Performer) | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Performer: Céline Dion, Tony Bennett, Chris Botti, David Foster, Ana María Martínez, et al.
• Audio CD (November 15, 2011)
• SPARS Code: DDD
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Import
• Label: Verve
• ASIN: B0059563NY
• In-Print Editions: Audio CD  |  MP3 Music
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (184 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #846 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)
  • #1 in Music > World Music > Europe > Continental Europe > Italy
  • #4 in Music > Classical > Forms & Genres > Concertos
  • #58 in Music > Pop > Vocal Pop > General

Editorial Reviews

From the Artist

Andrea Bocelli comments, "I cannot help but smile when thinking about the upcoming concert in Central Park. It was my father's dream, and my father was right, because my artistic path would have been entirely different without the strong and sincere embrace of this extraordinary city where everything is possible, even when it seems impossible." Bocelli continues, "My father will not be there, but I can count on his blessing and his kind and gentle smile to give me courage. My mother, sitting in the front row, will feel my father too, and they will be together again just like when I was a little boy performing on the fireplace steps. Perhaps they had secretly dreamed that I might have the opportunity to perform in New York City, and maybe right here in Central Park." New York City Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg said, "The Great Lawn in Central Park is one of the most remarkable and beautiful outdoor venues in the world and it is a great pleasure to welcome Andrea Bocelli back to New York to perform there. This free concert will be a memorable cultural moment for the thousands of New Yorkers and visitors that will watch the event live in the park, and many, many more through the broadcast by WNET." New York City Parks Commissioner Adrian Benepe said, "I join the Mayor and all New Yorkers in thanking Andrea Bocelli and all involved in making a beautiful autumn evening full of splendor and world-class music possible, in one of the most cherished outdoor places in New York City. From the Great Lawn in the heart of Manhattan to the Great Performances series on WNET, where millions more will be able to share this gift, it will be a very special occasion. A million thank yous. Grazie mille!"

Product Description

2011 live release from the world's most beloved tenor. Internationally acclaimed tenor Andrea Bocelli performed a free concert on Central Park's Great Lawn, Thursday, September 15th with the New York Philharmonic, conducted by its music director Alan Gilbert, as a special gift to New York City.

See all Editorial Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

61 of 63 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars A Wonderful Concert!!!!!!! November 15, 2011

By Richard D. Cappetto VINE™ VOICE

Format:Audio CD|Amazon Verified Purchase

First let me report that the DVD is (almost) the WHOLE CONCERT, there are 25 tracts included (there are bonus tracks coming on the DVD only release which is exclusive to PBS till march, then will be available hear). This DVD is much longer then the CD and this is a welcome change for a deluxe package, many times these deluxe editions are only a sampling of the songs. Not this time, this is a total bargain.

Another wonderful collection from Andrea Bocelli. This is a live recording of his Central Park Concert (NEW YORK) which was attended by 60,000 people on a rainy september day and night. This is very well done, it sounds wonderful and Bocelli delivers like usual. He starts with some Opera, and mixes in Italian favorites, A Great Spanish Aria and some pop.

He starts with a rousing rendition of La Donna è Mobile from Rigoletto; He then moves into Di Quella Pira from Il Trovatore, again a rousing rendition; Followed by the beautiful Ave Maria, "Central Park Version," Andrea sings it beautifully with much emotion;

Next up is a duet of Vicino a te s'acqueta from Andrea Chénier with Ana Maria Martinez a sad tale filled with emotion, Martinez is a fine Mezzo Soprano and her voice is a fine complement with Andrea Bocilli's Voice. This is followed by another duet, Au Fond du Temple Saint A French Aira from Les Pêcheurs de Perles with Bryn Terfel, there two masculine voices blend very well, Terfel takes the lower register and Bocelli the higher one.

Nest is O Soave Fanciulla from La Bohème a Duet with Pretty Yende a mezzo soprano, a very nice rendition, it is a beautiful aria; Libiamo ne'Lieti Calici from La Traviata with Pretty Yende, Brian Terfel, and Ana Maria Martinez, a wonderful rendition with four beautiful voices; next up is Amazing Grace, wow!!! this is the first time I have ever heard Andrea sing this song, and it is excellent and very moving, its a wonderful version with full orchestra and chorus;

Next is New York, New York a duet with Tony Bennett (who is just everywhere, what a great career he has had) once in a while Andrea sings New York, New York by himself on tour, is is a cool duet version, Andrea sings it very easy; Next is one of Andrea's Trademark songs, The Prayer a song written by David Foster, Andrea performs it with Cèline Dion who he did the original duet with, many others have sang it as well, but no duet is as good as when Bocelli and Dion sing it, and this version is excellent. David Foster is on the piano as well;

Next up the song, More, with Chris Botti on Trumpet and David Foster on Piano, I love the way Botti's Trumpet blends with Andrea's voice, this is the first time I heard Andrea do More and it is a very nice rendition, I love the ending; up next is Your Love (Once Upon a Time in the West) another new song for Bocelli and in English as well, a very emotional rendition;

Up next is another Italian pop classic Nel Blu, Dipinto di Blu (better know as Volare) with David Foster on piano. Andera did a recording of Volare for Brilla Pasta advertisements. Its nice to have an excellent live version of this Italian classic.
Up next is the Italian classic Funiculì Funiculà with Andrea Griminelli on flute, the flute is a nice touch; Up next is one of my favorite songs of all time En Aranjuez con Tu Amor from Concierto de Aranjuez with Nicola Benedetti on Violin, This is a Beautiful Spanish song and Andrea voice is so pleasing and powerful on this one, the note he holds at the end is just amazing;

Next up is Time to Say Goodbye (con Te Partirò) a great rendition and duet with Ana Maria Martinez, this is with the Prayer Andera's most known song it, his solo version was used in the national advertising run for the Bellagio Hotel in Las Vegas; And lastly to close out the CD is the Opera classic Nessun Dorma from Turandot, and this is a wonderful rendition.

Note; There is an extra track, the Italian classic O Sole Mio, that you can find on MP3.

I bought the Deluxe edition (actually many of them for Christmas presents) and I will watch the DVD soon and add to this review. OK Now I have seen the DVD and it looks and sounds wonderful. It is the whole concert, All the songs mentioned above and more. 25 songs in total.

Overall an excellent show and must have Andrea Bocelli CD. Is it any wonder why Bocelli is the best selling Tenor and crossover singer on the planet. I highly recommend this CD to anyone who loves Beautiful Music.

20 of 24 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars I love the music of Andrea Bocelli. November 15, 2011

By Robert G Yokoyama VINE™ VOICE

Format:Audio CD

I will probably never get to see Andrea Bocelli perform live in Central Park. Listening to this disc is the next best thing. I don't categorize him as just an opera singer. He can sing any kind of song perfectly. This disc is proof of that. I love his duet with Tony Bennett entitled "New York New York" This song is a celebration of a great state. "Funiculi Funicula" is a song with an upbeat playful tone. I like this song a lot. "Di Quella Pira" is a song that makes my spirit soar. This is a kind of song that gets me motivated to try something difficult. His duet entitled "The Prayer" with Celine Dion is a highlight on this disc. This song restores my faith in the power of prayer. "Ave Maria" is a song that touches my heart. I love his version of this song. "La Donna e Mobile" makes me wants me find a partner and dance around the floor. More is a Sinatra song, but Andrea makes it his own. This tune is very romantic. Chris Botti lends his talents playing the trumpet on this track. I absolutely love this song. Andrea puts his spin on the gospel song "Amazing Grace". This song really moves me. "Volare" is a song with a swooning romantic tone. The music on this disc is superb.

7 of 9 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars A Musical Banquet November 18, 2011

By Winifred

Format:Audio CD|Amazon Verified Purchase

Concerto, One Night in Central Park is an exceptionally fine CD and DVD. Andrea Bocelli's voice is as beautiful as ever, and his technique and artistry are at their height to date. The range of music is impressive, and each aria and song is performed memorably, with enormous finesse and just the right style. The orchestra, chorus, and guest artists also deliver outstanding performances.

The Central Park concert was a great and fun party for the attendees and other fans. It is certainly not the only kind of thing Bocelli is doing now. For listeners who are unfamiliar with his other recent work, I would suggest the artistically ambitious and lovely Notte Illuminata. In addition, I recommend his recording of Andrea Chenier, which was released last year. (Also reflecting his range of current projects, Bocelli will be performing in Romeo and Juliet in Genoa in February 2012.)