I can do without the duets. I do not love the sound of Zucchero's voice, it grates against Bocelli's, and I simply can't stand Sarah Brightman. Sorry, I just can't.

I also do not get this pop or opera controversy which Bocelli has generated. Why must we be so pigeon-holed? I play the violin. I play baroque music and when I'm fed up with that I play Appalachian fiddle tunes - anything wrong with that! Why can't he, or anyone else, have success in more than one musical genre? And for those of you who insist that he can't sing, he only started seriously training his voice in his thirties; he's come a long way on just native talent, if you ask me.

But to the matter at hand, putting aside the duets, this is a gorgeous collection of music, romantic, DIFFERENT.


STUNNING Masterpiece! 100 stars!   January 5, 2001
The English Chap (Pennsylvania, USA)
42 out of 43 found this review helpful

I've been recently getting into Andrea Bocelli, and have so much enjoyed his music. From seeing him on tv to watching him sing on the Olympics, I have been entranced by this marvelous singer.

My friend gave me ROMANZA for a birthday present. I cannot get enough of it. Yes, it is all in Italian, and that's the very best part of it. It starts out with Con Te Partiro (sp?) and Andrea simply sings the best in this song. When you buy it, sit down out in your porch or deck, play it and just close your eyes. You can imagine yourself being on an Italian villa sipping wine and Bocelli's voice enchants you. I find it wonderful how Andrea can go from pop to Opera! The CD ends gloriously by another version of Con Te Partiro with Sarah Brightman singing along. Sarah adds the most beautiful touch. I really think Andrea and her should sing together more. Buy this CD. You will be in for a treat your ears will never forget. Try playing this music at a dinner party serving up Fettacini Alfredo or something :-), charm your guests...charm yourself with Andrea Bocelli at his best!


Operatic -- but not too much so   December 13, 2001
Kevin (Eugene, OR United States)
31 out of 32 found this review helpful

I heard this CD at someone else's house during dinner. It was so outstanding, that I had to go buy it. I am not a huge opera fan (although I enjoy some) and I don't understand a word of Italian, but this CD is definitely worth owning. ANY music fan should somehow strive to own Bocelli's duet version of the song "Time to Say Goodbye" (with Sarah Brightman). It is simply fabulous -- one of the best songs ever recorded! The rest of the CD is quite good -- particularly the outstanding songs, "Vivo Per Lei" (another duet), "Con Te Partiro" (Time to Say Goodbye solo), "Romanza", and "Il Mare Calmo Della Serra." Bocelli's music is very calming and has a reflective romantic side -- good for a quiet evening with your significant other! I am normally a rock and pop music kind of guy, but this CD is excellent to expand your horizons. Anyone who wants to criticize his work, because it's not "pure opera" or whatever is ridiculous! Why not just enjoy an artist's work for what it is (i.e. beautiful and soulful) -- and not worry about whether it fits some mold?


Another Great CD to Add to Your Collection   February 13, 2004
M. Lee (Santa Monica, CA)
22 out of 22 found this review helpful

This is my favorite album by Andrea Bocelli. He has a wonderful, warm voice that express' his love for music. What I enjoyed most about this album were the selection of songs. One of my favorite songs from this album is "Time To Say Goodbye" which is a beautiful ballad. It is the kind of song that will bring shivers down your spine because it is so beautiful. If you are new to Andrea Bocelli's music, I highly recommend this album as a starter.