Interesting Trivia about Italian Tenor Andrea Bocelli

Italian singing sensation Andrea Bocelli has experienced unprecedented success as both a pop and classical music artist. He is one of the most well known Italians in the world. Although blind since the age of 12, his disability pales in comparison to his gigantic musical talents as a singer and entertainer.

Here are some interesting facts about this international superstar:

• He was born in 1958 and grew up on a farm in Tuscany, Italy.

• He had poor eyesight due to congenital glaucoma, and totally lost his sight at age 12 after being hit in the head with a soccer ball.

• Bocelli earned a law doctorate at the University of Pisa, Italy.

• He learned to play piano, guitar, drums, harp, flute, saxophone, trumpet and trombone.

• Bocelli was “discovered” in 1992 by Italian rock singer Zucchero Fornaciari.

• He made a name for himself in Europe singing opera in the mid-90s.

• Bocelli sings in Italian, English, Spanish, French and German.

• He became a household name in the U.S. in 1998 after he appeared as a guest on Celine Dion’s Christmas television special.

• Bocelli was named to People magazine’s 50 Most Beautiful People list in 1998.

• He has performed around the world and sung before royalty, prime ministers, the pope, on the Oprah Winfrey show and audiences of up to 80,000 people.

• He has written an autobiography of his life called The Music of Silence.

• He has won numerous honors and awards during his career.

• He has a star on Hollywood’s Walk of Fame.

• Bocelli was married in 1992 to Enrica Cenzatti and they had two sons, but they separated and he now is engaged to another woman, Veronica Berti, who also is his manager.

• At the end of 2010 Bocelli had completed 20 albums, including two greatest hits albums and eight complete operas.

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Understanding the Music of Italy

Italy is the home of fine art and music, especially opera music was first created only in this country. Opera music was first created in the 17th century since then it was well appreciated and accepted all over the world. Italy consistently produced world-renowned opera singers, composers, and conductors until this present day. Also, Italy has best venues for hosting this music. Some of the excellent opera houses are found in Naples, Milan, Verona, and Venice.

Other than this Italy also have several other forms of music such as classical music, traditional folk music, sacred music, ballet, instrumental music, and experimental music. The classical music is practiced in Italy from the beginning of 20th century. The classical music includes the melodic and romantic style and these are often combined with the harmonic juggernauts of Germany.

The sacred music has great effect of Catholicism. This music was first practiced in the churches. Experimental music is loosely based on Italian classical music with the advanced technology of electronics. Italian folk music varies in every region and this folk music depicts each region’s ethnic composition, history, and language. The folk style music includes polyphonic, monophonic, choral, vocal music, and instrumental music.

Rock music has become very popular for the past few decades. There are many popular rock bands in Italy. Other than rock styles, Italy also follows many other imported styles of music such as hip-hop, jazz, and progressive rock. Italy hosts many famous music festivals such as Festival of Spoleto, the Wagner Festival in Ravello, and the Festival Puccini.

Some of this festival also allows the younger composers to perform, who are selected through competitions. There are also many institutions that teach music in Italy. These institutions provide advanced training for the professionals. Private teaching is also provided in many parts of Italy.

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Budget Cut in Italian Performing Arts

It is the beginning of Italy’s 2010-2011 performing art season. This is usually a time of great anticipation and enthusiasm for those who enjoy and appreciate Italy’s broad range of theater talent.

This year’s premier was different from past years though. No one expected to see it open with violence. Outside the La Scala in Milan, Italy, protestors resorted to home-made bombs to attack police. Police also used methods such as tear-gas to maintain order outside of the theater.

Why all of this demonstrating? Patrons and participants of the Italian performing arts are enraged by the government’s announcement to cut their financial support by 37%. Italy is known world-wide for its abundant talent and its long-time tradition of supporting and celebrating music, dance, theater, and art.

This plan, according to many is in direct violation of the ninth article of Italy’s constitution. The conductor of La Scala’s opening night voiced his opinion as well as that of many others when he read the article aloud to the audience prior to the show. The article speaks of Italy’s promised duty to preserve the rich performing art heritage of Italy and encourage the arts.

This was a bold speech in behalf of the public and an urge for the government to reconsider the consequences of such a budget cut. The conductor could not have asked for a better opportunity to present such a political message since Italian President, Giorgio Napolitano, was seated in the audience that night. Although no one is sure how the rest of the season will play out, it is reported that the President joined in the applause following the conductor’s inspiring words in behalf of the Italian performing arts. Whether this was out of agreement or merely a polite gesture, only President Napolitano knows. Just as an audience waits for the curtain to rise on a show, Italy is holding its breath to see if the curtain will fall on its performing arts industry.

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Teatro alla Scala

La scala by night, Milano, Italy.
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Milan, Italy is famous for two things: fashion and opera. Since Italy is responsible for introducing opera to the world, one could consider Milan a center of opera. Further, the teatro alla Scala, Milan’s most famous opera house, is definitely considered the home of superior Italian Opera today.

This historical opera house is a must-see site on any tour or vacation to Italy. If you are willing to spend the money, the opera is more than worth seeing. Don’t worry if the production is all in Italian. There are translations screens to assist you in keeping up with the plot and storyline. If Opera is not particularly your thing, the La Scala also has music concerts and ballets. If you wish to skip the shows all together, there is a tour of the La Scala which is conducted during the day if there are no rehearsals in session. This is well worth the time and effort.

As one of Italy’s historical highlights, it’s impressive just to learn about. The Opera house was founded by the Empress Maria Theresa, when the Royal Ducal was burned by fire in 1776. The new Opera House was opened in 1778 and was named after a church called Santa Maria alla Scala. The historical structure has housed some of the best opera performances conducted by a series of very famous conductors.

The La Scala was under construction beginning in 2002. Besides the theater itself, there is now a museum displaying various artifacts of the history of the theater (i.e. costumes, historical advertising posters, scenery, etc.). There is also a gift shop which although is not known for its stealer deals has one of the very best collections of music CDs and sheet music. It is very enjoyable to browse, and if you are willing to spend a little more, you can walk away fully satisfied by your souvenirs from the opera. Better yet, these souvenirs will be music to your ears, literally.

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Italian Music Festivals

Esperanza Spalding performs at the Umbria Jazz...
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If you want to see first-rate movies and movie-star life, head for California and Hollywood. If you want to see art and paintings, Paris, France is your town. Then if you want to experience a wide range of musical talent, consider one of many of Italy’s annual musical festivals.

If you guessed that all the music will be Italian opera or classical music, guess again. There are festivals hosted all over Italy which celebrate a wide range of genres, including: jazz, disco, progressive rock, new wave, folk and hip hop. These festivals are held at different times of the year, so whenever you plan your vacation, you are sure to find one in session.

Below is a short list of just some of the festivals Italy has each year. For a complete listing, be sure to consult a guide book or tourist bureau.

1. The Umbria Jazz Festival is held in Perugia. It usually takes place in July and is the largest jazz festival in Italy.
2. The San Remo Music Festival is a one-of-kind festival that features pop music and is usually held at the end of February through the beginning of March.
3. Kals Art Festival of Music, Cinema, Theater, and Art. This festival is held in Palermo, Sicily during the summer.
4. High Score Contemporary Music Festival. This is held in July in Pavia, and is a series of musical concerts.
5. The Arena di Verona Musical Festival. Throughout the summer months, opera is performed outside in Verona’s Roman amphitheater.

Some festivals are merely like concerts in the park or large-scale performances, others are actual workshops and more class-oriented to train those wishing to pursue music. Whether it’s your desire to train or just enjoy some local music, there is sure to be a musical festival that will interest you and give you a real flavor for Italian music.

Filed Under: Italian Art, Italian Culture, Italian Fine arts, Italian Life, Italian Society, Music Tagged With: , , , , ,
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