Cieli di Toscana

Andrea Bocelli

Product Details

• Audio CD (October 16, 2001)
• Original Release Date: October 16, 2001
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Philips
• ASIN: B00005OWJV
• Also Available in: Audio CD  |  Audio Cassette  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (170 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #21,559 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

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  #6 in	Music > Classical > Featured Performers, A-Z > ( B ) > Bocelli, Andrea
  #8 in	Music > Opera & Vocal > Featured Performers, A-Z > A to B > Bocelli, Andrea
  #66 in	Music > World Music > Europe > Continental Europe > Italy

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

Not content with the simplistic "crossover" formula, superstar tenor Andrea Bocelli has been pursuing alternative paths since he emerged as a vocal phenomenon in the mid-1990s: operatic classics and contemporary popular song. The singer's last few albums have showcased his love for the former (including homages to his beloved Verdi: the Requiem and Verdi aria collection). But Cieli di Toscana ("Tuscan Skies") marks a triumphant return to the pop idiom last explored on Sogno, offering a highly varied series of the kind of beautifully crafted contemporary melodies that initially won Bocelli acclaim.

The familiar cast of songwriter-collaborators (including Francesco Sartori, responsible for the smash success "Time to Say Goodbye") mixes with new blood; Bocelli himself unveils his songwriting talents on "Il Diavolo e l'Angelo." It's a highly produced affair, but behind all the gloss, Bocelli sings with a newfound, relaxed, even mellow quality. There are intimately touching moments--"L'Incontro," a tribute to his first son featuring Bocelli's own poetry as read by U2's Bono--as well as soaring flights of lyricism (the duet "L'Abitudine" with Italian singer Helena). And on "Mascagni," with its quotes from that composer's operas, Bocelli makes another nod to his classical affinities. But whatever the style, Bocelli is a singer who knows how to go straight to his listeners' hearts. --Sarah Chin

Product Description

Exclusive UK version of Bocelli's third pop release includes the exclusive bonus track 'Tornera La Neve' and CD-ROM. The album also features 'L'Incontro' a duet with Gerard Depardieu. David Foster co-composes some of the tracks on this album as well. 2001.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

155 of 161 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars My 1st Review..., December 2, 2001

By	Scott L. Varga "Scott Varga" (New York, NY USA) - See all my reviews

It's quite interesting the controversey that Bocelli stirs up. Notice that none of the negative reviews contain any specific reference to "Cieli di Toscana", merely they are attacks on him. This has convinced me to write my first review here.

I own and have listened to this album. Andrea's voice and soul speak to me... his songs hit a cord. I'm not interested in his place in history, comparisons to Caruso or Pavarotti; merely that his voice and music make my life a little bit better. This is a quality album, with sentimental songs, sung with passion and heart. Andrea is a romantic singer.

I've seen him three times in concert (and will again next week in New Jersey), own all of his albums and thoroughly enjoy his work, personality and charm.

As for his reputation in Italy; if you know anything about Italians, you'll know that dispute is part of the culture. In fact, Italians do listen to him and you will hear his music throughout much of that country.

Andrea's music has comforted me, cheered me, made me reflect and made my life just a little bit better.

Isn't that what music is supposed to do?

58 of 65 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Poignant and Visual Music, December 3, 2001

By	K. N. Nelson (California, USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I have read the reviews of 4 people who presume to be knowledegeable music critics and, as it happens, reside in the USA. One wonders how people can arrogantly criticize an artist's personal soul expression of his life experiences in his native land as those which are are represented in this album by Bocelli toward his beloved Tuscany.

As a musician myself, I have spent the past 20 years working with other artists from different areas of the USA and Europe. It has been a great honor and joy to hear them express their art often as a reflection of their home state, city or country. One learns quickly that music like painting is impressionistic at a soul level. Does this make an artist's personal experiential contribution less valid? Hardly.

Somehow, it seems to elude these self styled "critics" that Andrea Bocelli has a huge following for solid and very valid reasons. He does connect with counteless listeners at a deeply emotional and visceral place that some other opera greats, who may or may not be technically "superior", all too often do not. This does not discount the beauty of other artists' music, but it does say that Bocelli consistently creates a sonic environment where the listener can feel his emotion deeply. Moreover, it is impossible to miss the sweetness of his nature that is easily apparent when watching him sing such as on the video of this CD.

It is crystal clear how his environment's beauty affects this singer. Even though he cannot see he can hear the richness of the people and the experiences of daily life. His voice shimmers like a brilliant light upon the glittering sea. One aches with his emotional renditions that at times can make one find tears streaming just from its poignancy of expression. Very few artists are capable of this evocative expression. Bocelli is a rare artist and I adore him and his music.

22 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A CD worth buying, January 19, 2003

By A Customer

I felt the need to review Andrea Bocelli's CD after I read the egotistical reviews of other individuals. Comments such as his terrible phrasing, lack of range, and others put me in a state of disgust. When Andrea Bocelli came to a local arena near me, I had the pleasure of hearing him sing, not only the concert, but was also able to meet him backstage. I have quite an opera fan, and I have yet to hear a tenor that can hit a low F an octave below middle C, then wail on the infamous tenor high C. In the last track, #14, he graces us with his phenomenal Bb numerous times, and holds the last Bb for over 12 seconds. But he is losing his range and has no phrasing? I do not believe that is true. His voice has a light quality which his not totally legit for standing next to Pavarotti, but not everyone can be Pavarotti, and I highly doubt everyone would want to listen to Pavarotti imitators. Bocelli has his own style, and no one will ever be able to capture his sound.

Every CD Andrea Bocelli has release in the US I own, and I guarantee you will enjoy his unique style.