Romanza

Andrea Bocelli

Product Details

• Audio CD (September 23, 1997)
• Italian language edition
• Original Release Date: 1997
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Philips
• ASIN: B0000041OG
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (317 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #606 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

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Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com essential recording

From his childhood on the family farm in rural Tuscany to the worldwide stage, Andrea Bocelli has achieved phenomenal success. His singing is only partially the point, and his fame owes much more to the aura of romance and the romantic archetype that's attached to him. Romanza is by far Bocelli's largest success, winning adoration thanks to the swooning vocals and the easy, sometimes lush, always pop-safe instrumental textures and melodies. As far as his opera chops go, Bocelli has won the approval of Pavarotti but likely will not wow enthusiasts. The upside is that Bocelli will likely grow the opera pie, convincing labels to take on more operatic projects. --Andrew Bartlett

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

143 of 149 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Haunting, fresh and beautiful, October 24, 1998

By	[e-mail] (California, United States) - See all my reviews

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.

274 of 302 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Mediterranean Romance, December 24, 1999

By	Christina C. Shankar "Chris NY" (Chestnut Ridge, NY USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

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.

41 of 42 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars STUNNING Masterpiece! 100 stars!, January 5, 2001

By	The English Chap (Pennsylvania, USA) - See all my reviews

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!