This album is also available on VHS.
When Andrea Bocelli lowers his chin and begins to sing, something happens. The very distinctive voice with the slightly reedy middle register is given to tender, almost boyish crooning, then opens up to a golden stage tone and zooms effortlessly into the stratosphere, which is impressive enough, but what really seems to define Bocelli is a certain following of instinct, or a will to do, despite serious training, what he wants to do with his voice, not just what an "opera star" would do in any given musical situation.
Bocelli uses his flexibility to great effect in SACRED ARIAS, whispering his prayers and letting his praises soar, often within the context of a single piece. The recital, as if following a priest's advice at confession, starts with four Ave Marias, the familiar Bach/Gounod and Schubert, along with the one from Mascagni's 'Cavalliera Rusticana' and a pop entry by Steven Mercurio that sounds a bit like Jerome Kern's "All the Things You Are." Other classical favorites include Franck's stirring "Panis Angelicus," Mozart's ravishing motet "Ave Verum Corpus" and, amazingly, "Der Engel" from Wagner's 'Wesendonck Lieder' which may refer to a more earthly kind of angel than the other pieces on this disc.
REVIEWS:
Opera News (2/00) - "...the program [with few exceptions]...follows a reasonable course through the familiar sacred paths....reservations aside, Bocelli is a gifted, appealing and artistic singer...his lengthy program ...will not disappoint his large following..."
