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"If God had a voice, it would be Andrea Bocelli." - Celine Dion
By : Alice Sarfati
Andrea Bocelli was born on September 22, 1958 in a rural farming community outside of Tuscany. Although born visually impaired, he was blessed with a natural inclination for music that led to him becoming a world-renowned tenor. Pursuing his dream, Bocelli spent most of his adolescence studying voice, piano, flute and saxophone. At the age of 12, he experienced a life-altering setback when a football accident left him permanently blind. By that age, however, he had already learned "to never accept life's difficulties in a passive way, but rather to draw strength from them." He embraced this negative turn of fortune with an even more aggressive passion for music.
After graduating from high school, Bocelli went on to study law and to receive a Ph.D. in Law from the University of Pisa. He had been working for a year as a defense attorney when he received an offer to study voice under the tutelage of his childhood idol, legendary Italian tenor Franco Corelli. Thanks to that moment of fate, or "faith" as he later explains, Italy witnessed the loss of a lawyer and the rise of one of the most widely recognized, highly regarded and beloved entertainers throughout the world.
With over 50 million albums sold worldwide, Andrea Bocelli is not only the world's bestselling tenor, but is also a pop star in his own right, having topped the charts in Europe and the United States. His soaring voice has touched the hearts of millions and allowed him to convey emotion in a way that only music can accomplish.
"Singing is the universal language of the heart," he explains. "If you can communicate the feelings that are within your heart, others will understand through theirs."
Now, Bocelli opens his heart to us, offering a glimpse of the depth of his passion for music, life and love.
What made you decide to take a leap of faith and go from being a lawyer to follow your childhood dream of being a great tenor?
It wasn't me really who decided. It's true that, since I was a child, everyone has asked me to sing. So maybe this was something decided by faith.
The encouragement of your family helped nurture your affinity for music. Now, as a father, what are some of the most important values and lessons you foster in your own sons?
To be honest, my family was not really into music, but they could understand how important music was to me and they supported that. From my side, as a father, I hope I am able to teach my sons to become free men and fight for their values and dreams.
All of us deal with setbacks in our lives. What has been your philosophy in overcoming your own personal setbacks?
I am a religious man, and my faith helped me a lot in difficult times and choices. I try to always be optimistic by interpreting the real meaning of a quotation from the French novelist Antoine de Saint-Exupéry: "You see clearly only through your heart. The essential is invisible to your eyes."
Who do you credit as a source of great inspiration for your own philosophy on life?
My father and my family, but mainly a very special person whose name was Amos, who taught me a lot.
What types of music do you enjoy, and who are some of the artists you currently listen to?
My passion is definitely opera. Besides the great opera works themselves, I also appreciate the voices that sing them, like Corelli, Gigli and many more who have marked my childhood.
As a musician, you are keenly attuned to the power that music has to stir the soul. Can you name one song that infallibly moves you and how it makes you feel when you hear or sing it?
In pop music, one of my favorite songs is "My Way." In operatic music, the choice is very difficult for me since I have a great passion for the genre in general, especially Italian opera (among Italian operas, Puccini is probably the one I feel closest to). When I listen or sing an aria that I like, I can feel and experience the power of that great music.
Can you describe the sensation of transcending meaning and inspiration through music?
Music is a very powerful means of communication, which has no barriers; it stirs the soul and gives enjoyment.
Your most recent album, Andrea, marks your return to the pop genre. As a performing artist, what are the most substantial differences for you between pop music and the traditions of opera?
There is a big difference between the two genres: it's like two different languages. Pop music is an important creative experience. It allows me to express myself in different ways, enjoy new experiences, work with new musical talent and new voices, and discover new music, new cultures and new sensibilities. On the other hand, opera requires rigorous study, practice and care of lifestyle in general. In opera, my responsibility is to the tradition. In pop, my responsibility is to the audience.
How did the addition of a new recording studio in your home in Tuscany liberate you as a performer?
For years I have been learning everything possible about the workings of the recording process. To have a studio here was a dream come true. It gave me huge freedom. Now, I can listen to new material at any time, experiment, formulate ideas and, most importantly, record. Each and every day I work with my voice for several hours, and it's a natural progression to be able to capture it in the moments when I feel most inspired.
You are scheduled for a very rigorous world tour through the spring. What do you do to unwind during such a grueling schedule?
In the little time I spend at home, I surround myself with my children, friends and family. At the same time, I do my best to have my sons traveling with me whenever my schedule and their school commitments allow.
With all the accolades you've received over the years, what do you pinpoint as the decisive moment in which you personally felt you had achieved success?
I never considered professional success as a goal. My goal is serenity and personal achievements.
As you stand among Italy's greatest tenors, such as Del Monaco, Gigli and Corelli and look back at your childhood dream fulfilled, what are your thoughts?
I think I was very lucky, and maybe I helped luck a little bit by not giving up.
Are there any unattained goals you are still aiming to accomplish?
The goals I have reached in my life up to now go much beyond any of my expectations. My goal now is to be able to slow down a little bit and dedicate more time to my sons and family.
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