Music review: Andrea Bocelli – 鈥楽i鈥�
With the number of troubling events happening over the last few weeks, I think everyone can agree that we can use a temporary escape to reflect on the good things in life.
Music can provide comfort, encourage healing and restore our spirit.
With 鈥淪i,鈥� Andrea Bocelli releases his first album of all-new music in 14 years. Delivering an exquisite set of arrangements possessing themes of love, family, faith and hope, Bocelli鈥檚 timing is impeccable.
鈥淎li di Liberta鈥� introduces the musical perfection to follow as the Tuscan-born tenor鈥檚 stirring voice serenades the elegant piano opening, before embracing the lush orchestration with an intimacy that touches the heart.
As if hearing the 60-year-old鈥檚 vocal vitality isn鈥檛 enough to satisfy, Bocelli shares the spotlight with a number of notable artists on the new tracks.
Ed Sheeran is featured on 鈥淎mo Soltanto Te鈥� and Josh Groban joins Bocelli on the gorgeous 鈥淲e Will Meet Once Again,鈥� which also appeared on Groban鈥檚 last album.
English pop singer Dua Lipa offers a breathtaking performance alongside Bocelli on the tender ballad 鈥淚f Only,鈥� while Russian soprano Aida Garifullina equally impresses with her soaring voice sounding heavenly on 鈥淎ve Maria Pietas.鈥�
Describing the unbreakable bond between a parent and child, 鈥淔all on Me鈥� serves as the standout track with a father-and-son duet that features Matteo Bocelli. The 21-year-old matches his father鈥檚 passion and intensity note for note during the song that also appears in the Disney movie 鈥淭he Nutcracker and the Four Realms.鈥�
Other highlights include Bocelli鈥檚 pairing with the Voices of Haiti Choir on 鈥淕loria the Gift of Life鈥� and 鈥淒ormi Dormi.鈥�
The world-renowned singer makes a Pittsburgh appearance at PPG Paints Arena on December 8, just in time for Christmas. It鈥檚 no secret that Bocelli鈥檚 2009 Christmas album is one of my holiday favorites.
Oh, what a gift it would be to attend this magical performance to usher in the holiday season.
Clint Rhodes is the 缅北禁地 music reviewer. He can be reached at clinton43@me.com.