Customer Reviews

Romanza

5 star:		(268)
4 star:		(22)
3 star:		(13)
2 star:		(4)
1 star:		(17)

 

 

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.

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.

I've been recently getting into Andrea Bocelli, and have so much enjoyed his music. From seeing him on tv to watching him sing on the Olympics, I have been entranced by this marvelous singer.

My friend gave me ROMANZA for a birthday present. I cannot get enough of it. Yes, it is all in Italian, and that's the very best part of it. It starts out with Con Te Partiro (sp?) and Andrea simply sings the best in this song. When you buy it, sit down out in your porch or deck, play it and just close your eyes. You can imagine yourself being on an Italian villa sipping wine and Bocelli's voice enchants you. I find it wonderful how Andrea can go from pop to Opera! The CD ends gloriously by another version of Con Te Partiro with Sarah Brightman singing along. Sarah adds the most beautiful touch. I really think Andrea and her should sing together more. Buy this CD. You will be in for a treat your ears will never forget. Try playing this music at a dinner party serving up Fettacini Alfredo or something :-), charm your guests...charm yourself with Andrea Bocelli at his best!

I heard this CD at someone else's house during dinner. It was so outstanding, that I had to go buy it. I am not a huge opera fan (although I enjoy some) and I don't understand a word of Italian, but this CD is definitely worth owning. ANY music fan should somehow strive to own Bocelli's duet version of the song "Time to Say Goodbye" (with Sarah Brightman). It is simply fabulous -- one of the best songs ever recorded! The rest of the CD is quite good -- particularly the outstanding songs, "Vivo Per Lei" (another duet), "Con Te Partiro" (Time to Say Goodbye solo), "Romanza", and "Il Mare Calmo Della Serra." Bocelli's music is very calming and has a reflective romantic side -- good for a quiet evening with your significant other! I am normally a rock and pop music kind of guy, but this CD is excellent to expand your horizons. Anyone who wants to criticize his work, because it's not "pure opera" or whatever is ridiculous! Why not just enjoy an artist's work for what it is (i.e. beautiful and soulful) -- and not worry about whether it fits some mold?

This is my favorite album by Andrea Bocelli. He has a wonderful, warm voice that express' his love for music. What I enjoyed most about this album were the selection of songs. One of my favorite songs from this album is "Time To Say Goodbye" which is a beautiful ballad. It is the kind of song that will bring shivers down your spine because it is so beautiful. If you are new to Andrea Bocelli's music, I highly recommend this album as a starter.

It is my opinion that we have reached a place in our society where we feel we must label, categorize, analyze, and compare just about everything and everyone. But just for a moment I want everyone to put in Bocelli's Con Te Partiro take a few minutes, close your eyes and listen, .... just listen. Give yourself permission to block out the background, whether the mix is good or bad; that it may be too loud or too soft for your taste; forgive that you may or may not understand the words being sung; or that you can't understand how some can or can't call this opera; or how some say the singer has or doesn't have talent at all. Focus on nothing else but the sound of his voice. Listen with your ears, mind and heart. It moves me to tears. This is the sound of a gift given from God. It's Bocelli's gift. It's not Pavorotti's, Brightman's, Dion's, or Sinatra's gift, each one wonderful in their own way. But, no gift can satisfy everyone. It is my belief that they are not meant to. But each gift can be appreciated when looked upon as a unique gift, and not categorized, compared to, and analyzed to death. I feel we miss out on so much pleasure in life when we feel the need to dissect everything and everyone. Okay, open your eyes. Now continue to label, categorize, analyze and compare, if you feel the need. But, I hope that for just a few moments, you gave yourself permission to experience a true gift and that the experience touched your soul as it has mine.

Imagine, if you will, moving slowly through the Grand Canal in Venice, Italy, aboard an American cruise ship, and hearing for the very first time, over the ship's P A system, Time To Say Goodbye. I did not know Bocelli at all, and Sarah Brightman only slightly. I wept like a child. Not only were we "saying goodbye" to Venice, but the combined voices of these two magnificent artists simply touched my heart and soul. Then we were privileged to see his Tuscany concert on PBS, and I learned he was blind. This man's voice will grow into the ease of operetic(sic)arias. I am of an older generation, and I like to think I enjoy most music(rock, excepted). This man is for me! Some like him, some don"t. Some like Brightman, some don't. Thus shall it ever be. And to his critics I would say, have you tried, in the privacy of your home, putting a blindfold on and singing FROM MEMORY all or any of the songs this man has in his reportoire? Before you criticize, walk in his moccasins for a mile. I am starting my personal Bocelli CD collection. We have a saying here in Georgia - - If this man's singing doesn't light your fire, your wood is wet!

If you want music that gets deep into your soul and makes you feel wonderful about life & love, this is the CD for you! Andrea Bocelli sings with his whole heart. I'm really getting quite tired of critics who rate his voice as less than perfect. It doesn't HAVE to be perfect. That's not what music is all about. It's about making you love what you're hearing and allowing yourself to become emotionally involved with it. This CD will do that for you. If you love romantic, heartfelt, emotional singing, you'll go crazy over this CD. (The insert includes the English translation for all the songs, for those of you who need to know the exact words. It's enough for me just to feel the passion of the songs.)

I have listened repeatedly to Andrea Bocelli's recordings and I still have emotional reactions to his voice!...Particularly Con te partiro and also Caruso. His emotionally charged recordings are forever singing in my heart and soul. I've had the pleasure of witnessing con te partiro set to the brilliantly choreographed dancing fountains at Bellagio in Las Vegas. As Bocelli is teamed with Sarah Brightman.... the nightime display is breathtaking and totally removes oneself from reality. As it is also known as "time to say goodby"...the song grabs at my heart and is overwhelming..within that setting. I cannot possibly describe the lasting effect it has had on me. The only way to recapture that experience..is to listen to this CD...and also the CD ...Live at Tuscanny...with Sarah Brightman and Zuccero. The music is from a far-away fantasy.. with an angelic and operetta sound. Bocelli's voice is on one hand..velvety & romantic and yet .. on the other hand ...it can be charged with a powerful force. The combination is awesome to say the least! FOR AN EXPERIENCE YOU WILL NOT FORGET... LISTENING TO EITHER CD..WILL TAKE YOU TO AN ELEVATED PLACE...WITHIN YOUR HEART AND SOUL!

Forget about the purists who quibble that Pavarotti and Domingo are more technically accomplished singers--there's a good reason why Andrea Bocelli has an army of adoring, enthralled fans around the world. This gorgeous CD of some of the most romantic songs you will hear shows why. My favorite (of course) is the incomparable "Con Te Partiro," which has never lost its hypnotic appeal for me. I loved both Bocelli's single version of it, and the sumptuous duet with Sarah Brightman--her lustrous voice is the perfect counterpart to his rich tenor. As one reviewer noted, the other duets were less rewarding, especially the one with John Miles, which could have been omitted easily. Bocelli is a magician--who cares about his supposed lack of operatic range and techniques? His voice brings to mind all the lush beauty there is in this world. Listen, and be transported.