"I have already listened to "Il Trovatore" several times and it's just superb! I remember reading in an old interview that Andrea Bocelli felt this was his best performance so far and I would have to agree. I can really hear him flexing those vocal muscles that he has worked so hard to develop, and still, the beauty of his unique voice continues to shine through. "Ah sì, ben mio" and "Di Quella Pira" were wonderful on the "Verdi" recording, but now even better. It seems that he sings with more confidence and feeling here. These qualities are evident throughout the opera. I love the vigor and enthusiasm as well as the torment and angst that he brings to this role--he is a wonderful and convincing Manrico. I have a new appreciation for the music of Verdi, thanks to conductor Steven Mercurio, who gives it energy and life. I could tell right from the opening instrumental segment that this was going to be something special. The rumble of the percussion, richness of the brass and the beautiful harmonies drew me in immediately. The choral segments are a delight, too. I didn't realize how much of this opera I have heard before. So many of the melodies are familiar--it is just a joy to listen to.Sometimes, with Bocelli's operas I find myself impatiently waiting for his next solo but on this recording I truly enjoy all of the performers, especially the soprano, Veronica Villaroel. I love the duets and ensemble singing on this CD. Tracks 15, 16,& 17 on CD #1 stand out to me as being particularly enjoyable, but there are many more highlights. I think I have developed a greater appreciation for opera and the operatic voice, thanks to Andrea Bocelli who is responsible for opening that door for me. This is simply beautiful music and it is one recording that I know I will enjoy for years to come!"
Pied Piper of Tuscany!!
Camille McNamee | Leesburg, VA United States | 06/18/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I am disappointed and mystified by the dismissive comments of "A music fan from Nashville." (I call them "comments" rather than a "review" because it seems clear to me that this person has not bothered to listen to the CD before foisting these negative remarks on us). I am disappointed because this is a beautiful work by a competent cast and conductor more than worthy of consideration, and it will reward anyone who gives it a hearing. I would hate to think that it would be passed up on the word of one who chooses to be narrow-minded and unfair. I am mystified because I find it difficult to understand the groundless level of resistance to the operatic career of Bocelli, who fortunately ignores the close-minded critics and continues to work ceaselessly and relentlessly to hone his technique, with definite positive results as evident in this recording.This newest opera CD is Bocelli's best yet. It is electric in its energy, touching in its emotional interpretation, and distinguished by his voice of naturally elegant beauty. It is a rare complete presentation of Il Trovatore. It deserves consideration. I don't believe it will disappoint. The genius of Verdi is in good hands here. If you are standing on the brink, thinking there might be something in this opera thing, take the plunge. There is compellingly beautiful and enchanting music here. If you have three Trovatore's in your collection already, think about adding this one to hear the masterfully articulate chorus, the interpretation of beautiful voices of our time, and Steven Mercurio's wonderful way with the orchestration.Five years ago, Andrea Bocelli opened the world of opera for me. I walked through the door and have never looked back. The collection of opera CDs in our musical library is growing, we have a season subscription to our local opera, we travel to New York once a year for an opera weekend, have made the journey to Bologna and Verona to see Bocelli in staged opera, have had the magical experience of summer opera festivals at Torre del Lago and Verona, Italy . . . all because of Andrea Bocelli. The world of opera is at a crossroad. Those who are the opera cognoscenti should cup their hands around this newly kindled and growing flame to nurture and protect it. Instead many choose to douse it with the cold water of dismissive, hurtful, and elitist comments. Well, we "newbies" are not discouraged. I am having the time of my life reveling in opera and following the journey of this pied piper from Tuscany!"
Verdi: IL Trovatore
Barbara J. Baker | Kenosha, WI United States | 06/17/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Andrea Bocelli again shines in this latest version of one of Verdi's finest and most popular operas. As always his diction and interpretation of his role of Manrico is superior. His growth as an opera singer is most evident. For those of you who liked Corelli's IL Trovatore, you will appreciate this latest work by his fervent admirer and former student."
Il Trovatore - Bocelli & Co.
R. Guerin | Brooklyn, NY | 06/16/2004
(3 out of 5 stars)
"Now before people start throwing stones, many things need to be said about Decca's recent release of Verdi's "il Trovatore".First and foremost, the ubiquitous Andrea Bocelli doing what most would consider "crossing over" into the opera world one more time after recent issues of his, with Zubin Mehta in the past 2 years, including LaBoheme and Tosca.
There has been much noise made about these recordings. Most of the noise being made by Bocelli detractors inflamed with disgust at how, what they cosider to be an inferior singer, would be allowed to perpetrate such an assault against good taste by desecrating a third of the saintly trilogia populare.
On the other hand, no one gets upset about similar recordings on labels such as Naxos that are produced annually.
Quality aside, I am thrilled that any such commitment has been made at all in the "recording industry" in regards to opera.
As for the performances: With Bocelli as the only recognizable household name on this recording, he sings quite well in this his third complete opera. One would have to say he is improving in his ability to carry dramatic energy through a performance. The naysayers (those who simply don't like his voice) will have their criticisms, but as for the rest of the roster, all roles are sung adequately, with special mention going to Carlo Guelfi who sings the count with wonderful legato lines. Mercurio does what Mercurio does. His conducting on other recordings of this genre (Michael Bolton's opera album comes to mind) and on this one seem adequate, but as you would expect- below Mehta's standard.I am happy when any opera recording gets made and if you like Bocelli's voice, then ignore the detractors because you will surely enjoy this one as you have enjoyed his other works."
A man with a beautiful voice and great talent
B. Lee | New York | 06/17/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I believed that there should be better reviews for this new cd. The younger generations, like myself, believe that his voice is beautiful. Because of Andrea Bocelli, I made a complete turnaround from rap to classical music. People around my age, I am 19, believe that his voice is more appealing than the three tenors. His voice seems to be more clearer and sounds more comforting than anyone else I have heard. This cd was a great classic that I will always cherish. Great work Andrea Bocelli."
Track Listings (24) - Disc #1