BOCELLI PERFORMANCE ‘SOUNDS LIKE STRANGULATION’
Critics have mauled Italian tenor ANDREA BOCELLI’s performances in New York city last week, calling them “careless” and “unconvincing”.
Blind Bocelli, who has sold out his concert dates in New York, is slated as a singer who is still living off his fame without having any real vocal talent.
New York Times critic BERNARD HOLLAND says, “Bocelli is not a very good singer. The tone is rasping, thin and in general, poorly supported. Even the most modest upward movement thins it even more, signalling what appears to be the onset of strangulation.
“To his credit, Mr Bocelli sings mostly in tune. But his phrasing tends towards carelessness and rhythmic jumble, and the little barks and husky vocal expletives that are the mother’s milk of Italian tenordom sound faded and unconvincing. The diction is not clear.” A review from the Associated Press (AP) also slates Bocelli, proclaiming, “Passion? Yes. Power? No.”
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I can’t believe this review. I was at his Galway concert in July and he was magnificent - passionate, convincing and generally brilliant. He was always in tune, and his diction was excellent. I’ve followed his career since the 90s and think he’s going from strength to strength.
Comment by marie clarke — September 10, 2006 @ 9:35 am
I attended the second concert at Avery Fisher Hall. There is no liar so brazen as a critic who knows that no reply to his article will be printed–the power of the press. It is obvious from his remarks that Holland hates ALL Italian tenors and the traditional Italian style of singing. I will simply add that my own opinion of Bocelli’s beautiful diction, phrasing and perfect high notes has been confirmed in interviews by such celebrated conductors as Zubin Mehta, Lorin Maazel, and Seiji Ozawa, all of whom know a great deal about opera than Holland will ever learn. The late great tenor Franco Corelli also publicly confirmed his belief in Bocelli’s operatic abilities.
Holland and his ilk work all the time to keep Bocelli off the opera and concert stage because the USA opera managements are terrified of the financial cost of presenting a disabled singer and don’t dare to say that this is the real reason behind their vendetta against him.
Comment by Iris Greidinger — September 12, 2006 @ 12:00 am
The original “review” was bad enough, but this greatly condensed version was clearly geared towards sensationalism and a snappy headline. Shame on you.
Comment by Laura Griffin — September 12, 2006 @ 12:51 am
What? You must have gone to a different performance than I did? It was awesome!!!!
Comment by Mary Reese — September 12, 2006 @ 1:59 am
I use Bocell’s CDs to practice my Italian. His diction is perfect. I wonder how much of the concert Mr. Holland attended.
Comment by Colette — September 12, 2006 @ 4:05 am
I’m sorry that critics - especially New York critics - and this one in particular, wield some power over the public’s anticipation of a performance they’ve not yet attended. This was the case for me. I was at Saturday evening’s final performance, and read the review a day or two before that night. Of course, as a fan from the heart, I didn’t buy into his invective, but it’s possible others did and missed a wonderful evening with Andrea Bocelli. Most of the terrible things this critic said about Maestro Bocelli were simply wrong. Others were patently and intentionally mean-spirited comments thinly disguised as a critique of Bocelli’s technique and voice quality. Silly man!
Comment by Sarah — September 12, 2006 @ 2:15 pm
There must be an awful lot of music stupids out there who do not have your talent to critique Bocelli but never the less buy his cds and enjoy his concerts, the unclean masses in the thousands all over the world!
Comment by Camille Costanz — September 14, 2006 @ 12:37 am
If Andrea Bocelli is not a powerhouse tenor, so what! What a pity if every voice was the same. Some are trumpets, some are cellos. If there are flaws, I don’t hear them, or maybe I overlook them as being insignificant. Perhaps his vocal “flaws” are part of its beauty, like the imperfections in a stained glass window which give it character.
In fact, the fans ARE the most reliable critics! I can tell you that had Andrea Bocelli sung badly at concert number one, I would not have been back for concert number two, three, four, etc. No amount of charisma can make up for a lack of talent. Talent is something that Bocelli possesses in abundance.
I’m glad I’m not a professional music critic–it must be a miserable job. As a spectator fortunately I don’t have to evaluate volume, breath control, tone or diction. My checklist goes something like this: Was I touched? Moved? Challenged? Was the sound pleasing to my ears? Did this artist connect with me and those around me? Did he seem genuine? Did I get my money’s worth? Would I buy his recordings? Would I recommend this singer to my family and friends? Would I see this artist again?
In the case of Andrea Bocelli the answer is always a resounding “YES!”
Comment by Gloria Morkin — September 14, 2006 @ 1:20 am
I’ve been recently reading of dissertations that are being written about long-ago critics who panned artists of various genre; singers, writers, painters, poets etc. Those critics are now being held up to the light of history—the extent of their “wrongness” and sometime mean-spiritedness revealed. While certain current critics etch their own place in history, Mr. Bocelli continues to sing, continues to draw listeners to his concerts and carves his place in history which will be the final judge. I am convinced he too will be regarded as a visionary that was once panned by the critics. He is in good company. I was at AFH on Sept. 9th and heard a wonderful concert—a beautiful voice. It’s unfortunate that the critic (what was his name???) was unable to hear the same.
Comment by Ginny — September 14, 2006 @ 5:29 am
I just don’t get reviews like this, and never will. Critism is one thing, but so often, Andrea Bocelli’s reviewers aren’t critical as much as they are downright cruel! What is it about him that rubs them the wrong way? Is it really the “small” voice, and pickiness about “technique”. One reviewere will praise his diction, and the next will rip it apart. Are all of them listening with different ears than the public? Yes, we admit he doesn’t have the booming, overpowering voice of some of his predecessors, but unless your deaf, surely one can hear the beauty in it. These reviewers not only insult Sr. Bocelli, but also his audience. They talk as if only an idiot could enjoy this awful voice, but take my word for it, his fans are in the multitudes, and we’re not idiots. We’re anything but. And though we may not have always been opera fans, Andrea Bocelli has turned most, if not all of us, into just that. We now fill the coffers of our local opera houses with money we haven’t earmarked for Bocelli appearances, because of course, these come first. I think it’s sad that you cannot critique without these mean, vindictive comments!!!
Comment by Carole MacKay — September 14, 2006 @ 7:19 am
Critics?? These are mean, nasty people. Millions of fans around the world know better. Andrea Bocelli has a beautiful voice. He tells the story of the song with deep emotion and perfect diction. His voice thrills you with a beautiful high note that floats on and on and his voice touches your heart with the feeling he puts in each word. Because of Andrea Bocelli, millions around the world are attending operas, buying CD’s, DVD’s and videos of operas. Many of us study Italian so we can understand the true meaning of the words written. There have been many great tenors over the years, however, I do not know of any tenor other than Andrea Bocelli who has created this love of opera in so many people.
Comment by Bobbi — September 14, 2006 @ 10:30 am
I dont know why I read what critics say about Andrea Bocelli performances—-I suppose hope springs eternal that one day I will read something that supports what I hear and feel when he sings. It is incredulous that these highly trained ears of the critics can only judge by rigid lists of items that squeeze the life out of the concert experience.
We (my husband, daughter and I) attended 3 of the 4 performances in order to soak up as much Bocelli, live and unamplified, as we could. Did the appreciation ebb one iota after the reviews hit the streets? No. Just the opposite. Each performance seemed to gain in acknowlegement of this talented singer. Deafening applause, whoops of joy, crescendos of approval as he would return for yet another encore….(4) and standing ovations surrounded each and every night!
There was a chance here for critics to embrace the tenor but they chose to undermine him. They waste my time when they say things like he has a beautiful voice…’but’….or pull out the sympathy card regarding his disability. You dont have 13 years of worldwide success because people feel sorry for you! Not a very good singer? What a shameful, lame assessment of the Best Singer. What makes him the best? His ability to communicate emotions with his voice. He doesnt need props of any kind. And in a normal theater he does not need amplification either. For thousands coming to these performances, it was the first time they had heard him unmiked. Now they know what that voice sounds like on its own. I am glad I can hear with my soul as well as my ears and Bocelli sounds BEST to me.
Comment by Carolyn Parsons — September 14, 2006 @ 2:39 pm
Why do the critics persist in saying that the fans are looking for Andrea Bocelli to be the next Pavarotti ? I went to all 4 AF concerts and he sung the songs with the delicacy and passion required. He is not about volume - quality, not quantity. We, the fans, go to Bocelli concerts because we want to hear him sing, not to compare him to anybody else. If any criticism is due, it should be directed at the orchestra and the acoustics. The orchestra was overpoweringly loud at times and the sound varied enormously in different seats, but I imagine the critics dare not criticise the fabled NY Philharmonic ! Much easier to have a go at Bocelli, saves having to think of something new, they can just rehash old words and don’t even have to attend the concert !
Comment by Caroline Gane — September 14, 2006 @ 3:18 pm
I dont understand the continuing need to identify Andrea Bocelli by his blindness and also attribute his popularity to it in sympathy. When I first heard him sing, I did not know who he was, nor that he was blind (I didnt learn about his blindness till later) so there certainly was no sympathy factor involved here, nor ever was. Instantly I was mesmerized by the most beautiful voice I’d heard in a long time, and HAD to learn who it was. I noticed he did not use any hand gestures in emoting as he sang, but then thought “he doesnt need to, his voice says it all” and that was last I ever thought about that. I bought one of his CDs and played it so much, I learned the words by heart in Italian (and I dont know a thing about other languages but English) his diction was so perfect I just listened to him carefully to learn how to pronounce the words correctly. Now in the 10 or so years I’ve been listening I’ve learned many of his songs in Italian by heart, because of his perfect diction. Another thing I was impressed by was his breath control!! Unlike so many artists I hear nowadays, many on the top charts with their breathing sounds in between and in awkward spots as if they’re running out of breath, I have never heard that from Andrea, in fact I’ve heard him sing a very long phrase in a song and then hold a long note at the end without a breath! One last thing, I am very picky on whose music I buy, it has to touch me, touch my heart, well Andrea’s voice gave me chills AND warmed my heart all at the same time, it was so beautiful and he made tears flow from my eyes from the beauty of it, not just the first time I heard him, but today 10 yrs later still. I’m a realist, and if there is any imperfection or flaws in his or any ones performances I would say so, and have, but my only complaint so far, is occasionally on one of his CDs, there is another instrumentalist or performer on there with him that I dont like. It’s always been an extraneous factor, NEVER has his voice let me down, nor failed to touch me to tears. I understand critics have their job to do, but must they be so cruel, heartless even, in their critique? I hardly think that is necessary. One more thing about Andrea’s blindness, he does more in his life than I dare say any one of you critics have ever done in yours, including many sports. Have any of you taken a look at a Braille music score compared to the normal one? He has learned not only his own part, but the parts of everyone else at times. I think if such well known conductors as Lorin Mazel can have nothing but complimentary things to say about him, some of you critics are missing your ears or your heart.
Comment by Linda Threewit — September 14, 2006 @ 6:53 pm
My question to you is how does a person live off his fame WITHOUT having any talent?? Can you honestly say a man can make a living, bringing in the crowds he does for the last 13 years without having any talent? Why do venues beg for this man to come to their houses? If one critic could stop long enough to truly listen to this man sing, instead of writing articles before he even performs, I think they would all be in for a surprise. Diction and breath control have always been his strong points said by many with qualifications greater than any critic. One day sit down and listen to a great Tenor!
Comment by Karen Bruner — September 14, 2006 @ 7:13 pm
I simply will never understand why critics refer to Mr.Bocelli as blind, is that some sort of a critisum, and how does that fall within your range as a critic…I understand,as best I can, the role you have chosen as your vocation but surely it can be professional,rather than cruel,nasty and uncalled for, there is absolutely no reason for this being aimed at the bravest and kindest man I have ever known…Its impossible to hear music correctly with a “mind set”,infact,thats true of life, for by your cruel comments, I determine that you need to open your heart to hear correctly the beautiful voice that has changed millions,as I, and given them a reason for happiness and courage to overcome the most difficult ofchallenges…
As someone has already said..Shame on you..
,
Comment by Em Clark — September 15, 2006 @ 12:56 am
Andrea Bocelli’s sold-out concerts speak for themselves. His emotions transcend through each and every word with great intensity! What a joy to hear him sing!
Comment by Kippie — September 15, 2006 @ 6:23 am
I know absolutely that what I heard Saturday night (9/9/06) at Avery Fisher Hall was magnificent singing by one of the greatest musicians ever. If the critics didn’t hear that, they weren’t really listening. If some critics are unable to appreciate Andrea Bocelli’s voice fully, it is certainly because they are unable to think beyond the narrow confines of the checklists they use to judge performances. They are unable to recognize, understand, or welcome qualities that signal a unique and profound talent who touches not only the mind and senses but also the soul.
Comment by Winifred Hayek — September 15, 2006 @ 2:54 pm
Bernard Holland? who ? what an absolute idiot - Andrea Bocelli has THE voice - He is wonderful with a wonderful voice
Comment by Dawn Bradley — September 15, 2006 @ 10:03 pm
I went from Iceland to NYC to see Bocelli sing at Avery Fisher Hall with my husband. And in very short.. We enjoyed every moment of this concert very much. Andrea´s voice is just so wonderful; it gives so much. I did hear him very well. But it was a surprise that the orcestra had microphones, but not the tenor. The lady who sat next to me was confused about that ” I have never seen something like that before.. and I have been very often here at Lincoln center ”
Thank you,
Elsa Jonasdottir, Iceland.
Comment by Elsa Jonasdottir — September 18, 2006 @ 12:30 pm
Once again, the critics have done Andre Bocelli and opera, in general, a disservice by continuing their tired, old, elitist poppycock babble. I attended two performances of Bocelli’s recitals and I could hear him fine and he sang beautifully with his usual breath control, perfect pitch and diction. Anyone who sings at the Avery Fisher Hall has to deal with acoustic problems, as dones the orchestra.
Bocelli has never professed to be a technically perfect tenor nor has he chose to jump into the opera industry’s vipera pit. He knows his strengthes and weaknesses and he continues to sing better today than yesterday, and he does.
Please stop with continuing the lie that his fans are drawn to him because he is blind. It isn’t necessary to mention what critics perceive as being a handicap in every single review or article.
I would like to see him treated and given the same professional
opportunities as any other tenor. If that means, he has to put up with unfounded and mean-spirited criticism, fine, he is a grown man who doesn’t need anyone’s help in defending himself.
Bottom line is that Andrea Bocelli is a bona fide Italian tenor and has the goods required to perform operas.
Comment by Joyce Divers — September 29, 2006 @ 6:17 pm
Listen Bernard Holland,, all I have to tell you is that you better start writing reviews about something that you have a clue what you are writing about because music is not one of them. Do not waste your own time writing reviews when you have no idea what you are talking about. So, get real you called critic. One last thing just to educate you a bit. Luciano Pavarotti used to sing a song called Misserere, and when he heard Bocelli singing that song he said,,,you better let that guy sing it for me from now on because I can not do any better myself. Have a nice week at work and I hope you write some real critics.
Comment by Real Music — December 10, 2007 @ 6:04 am
Andrea Bocellli is a vocal genius . Not only can he sing opera , but he brought a kind of gracefulness and a modernity to opera singing that was never before , and in pop he used the technique that opera training gave him with an unique personal very tasteful approach , already in vain imitated by many others ; in addition , he brought people back to opera and he continually fills the theatres with new opera fans .
As far as vocal technique , I have never heard any singer in the world hold a long note as effortlessly as he does and as long as he’s able to . His pitch is flawless whatever note he gets . His sound is beautiful .
He has low notes that most tenors can dream of and he can reach a high D . I don’t know whether he has less power of other tenors without a mike as some critics say , but even if it were true , I would not care : he sounds great and certainly his power is enough as he has sung without a mike in front of crowds in more than one occasion . Nobody before him has been able to sing so beautifully and effortlessly both the genres he has approached without sounding either too pop or too operatic . He instead is the perfect crossover who can however also switch to either one genre at will and do each single one with great taste while still fitting in right for both . His fame is nothing but totally well deserved in a world and a time where all the opposite is often happening . Forza Andrea !
Comment by Ferdinando Argenti — December 23, 2007 @ 8:24 am