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Music review: Andrea Bocelli – ëƵCinemaëƵ

2 min read
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Andrea Bocelli could sing the alphabet over and over and make it sound like an inspired operatic work of art.

ItëƵs no secret to my friends that his 2009 Christmas album is one of my treasured holiday favorites. For his 15th studio release, the Tuscan-born tenor performs memorable selections from classic films such as ëƵThe Godfather,ëƵ ëƵScent of a Woman,ëƵ ëƵOnce Upon a Time in America,ëƵ ëƵDr. ZhivagoëƵ and ëƵBreakfast at TiffanyëƵs.ëƵ

The international superstarëƵs first new studio recording in two years features three duets as well as a set of songs performed in five languages. A gorgeous rendering of ëƵMariaëƵ from ëƵWest Side StoryëƵ opens the album with an elegant blending of lush orchestration and BocelliëƵs engaging and majestic voice.

Bocelli, known for his crossover career that combines classical and pop styles, surprises once again on a touching duet with Ariana Grande on ëƵE piu ti penso.ëƵ I have to confess, I never saw that one coming. In fact, I had to double check just to make sure that it was indeed GrandeëƵs sugary pop voice delivering such an impressive performance alongside the beloved singer.

Equally stunning (and surprising) is Nicole ScherzingerëƵs partnering with Bocelli on ëƵNo Llores por Mi ArgentinaëƵ from ëƵEvita.ëƵ Just like Grande, Scherzinger shows wonderful vocal range as she delivers a passionate offering packed with emotion. Other highlights include ëƵBe My LoveëƵ from ëƵThe Toast of New Orleans,ëƵ ëƵSorridi amore vaiëƵ from ëƵLife Is BeautifulëƵ and a very special pairing with his wife, Veronica Berti, on Irving BerlinëƵs ëƵCheek to CheekëƵ from ëƵTop Hat.ëƵ

The set comes to a stirring close with a spirited interpretation of ëƵNelle tue mani (Now We Are Free)ëƵ from ëƵGladiator.ëƵ Having sold more than 80 million albums worldwide, Bocelli demonstrates once again why heëƵs considered the most successful classical solo artist ever.

With ëƵCinema,ëƵ a night at the movies never sounded so good.

Clint Rhodes is the ëƵ-Standard music reviewer. He can be reached at crhodes@heraldstandard.com.

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