By Matthew Bitz
For those of you who have been looking for a unique sound that is somewhat on the classical side, say opera, say Italian opera, look no further.
For those of you who have been looking for something different to listen to, look no further.
I have two words for you: Andrea Bocelli.
If when you hear the word "opera," you think of huge, frightening women dressed as Vikings singing to men dressed as smaller, less frightening Vikings who actually appear afraid of their counterpart, don't worry.
Andrea Bocelli is an opera singer. In fact, he has one of the best tenor voices in the world, but his sound is certainly not overpowering or too loud. Instead, the pieces he sings are moving, beautiful songs that are more like ballads than Viking music.
Bocelli was born in 1958 in Tuscany, on a small family farm owned by his mother and father, who, upon recognizing his musical ability, encouraged him to take piano lessons and to sing.
As he grew older, Bocelli's love of music gradually took up all of his time. He quit college and began to study music by day and to sing in piano bars at night in Pisa. Then he got his big break when a representative of an Italian label heard him, and the rest, as they say, is history.
His debut album, "Andrea Bocelli," soared to the top of charts all over Europe, breaking records for the longest weeks at number one and setting new ones. The single, "It's Time to Say Goodbye," a duet with Sarah Brightman, spent 14 weeks at the top of Germany's single chart.
Bocelli has several albums out, but I would encourage you to listen to his album, "Romanza," first. It is more contemporary and will allow you to appreciate the power and quality of this incredible talent. It features some great music, including "It's Time to Say Goodbye."
But please, don't take my word for it. You owe it to yourself to go out and buy this one, and listen to it as often as you can.
It's that good.
