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.


Haunting, fresh and beautiful   October 24, 1998
 136 out of 142 found this review helpful

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.


Artistic romantic passion which easily brings me to tears   May 12, 1999
 43 out of 49 found this review helpful

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!


STUNNING Masterpiece! 100 stars!   January 6, 2001
 42 out of 43 found this review helpful

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!


Operatic -- but not too much so   December 14, 2001
 29 out of 30 found this review helpful

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?