27 luglio 2006

"Andrea Bocelli Vi invita nel Teatro del Silenzio"

so steht’s im Programmheft und wir sind ihm gefolgt.

Es war ein großartiger Abend voll von Zauber und Magie!

Die Kulisse, solange es noch hell war: in Gold getauchte Getreidefelder, die Hügel der Toscana soweit das Auge reicht, die sechs Reiter in Tracht der „Butteri d’Alta Marea", die die Felder rund um das Theater teils mit kunstvollen Schritten à la Lippizzaner abritten http://www.butteri-altamaremma.com/index.htm, die wunderbare blaue Statue, genannt

„Il grande sonno" von Mitoraj, umgeben von Wasser und im Halbkreis angeordneten großen Quadersteinen – schon das war ein Erlebnis für sich, lange vor Beginn des Konzertes.

Der Abend wurde mit Andreas Worten „A mio padre" eröffnet - die Widmung an seinen Vater - die, während die Bühne noch dunkel war, erklang und zu Tränen rührte.

Dann erst gingen die Lichter an und nach dem Intermezzo zu Cavalleria rusticana kam Andrea unter tosendem Applaus auf die Bühne, modern in schwarz gekleidet von Armani und das Konzert unter dem herrlichen Sternenhimmel nahm seinen Verlauf mit den schönsten Arien, Duetten und Terzetten aus der Welt der Oper (siehe Programm).

O mein Gott, wie wunderbar klang Andreas Stimme – er war in Höchstform! Traumhaft sein „E lucevan le stelle" und „Di quella pira" oder das Duett aus den Perlenfischern und „O soave fanciulla" aus der Bohème, das Terzett aus dem Troubadour, und, und, und.

Andreas musikalische Begleiter Paola Sanguinetti und Gianfranco Montresor, das Orchestra Filarmonica Italiana unter Mo. Marcello Rota und der ganz in weiß gekleidete Chor waren ebenfalls großartig.

Zu den Orchesterparts gab es sehr schöne moderne Tanzeinlagen und im Hintergrund sah man weiß gekleidete Engel und Figuren, die sich auf dem Halbkreis der Felsquadern, die in abwechselnden Farben erstrahlten, sehr stilvoll bewegten.

Nach der Pause wurde das Konzert mit „Va pensiero" aus Nabucco eröffnet und dann erschien Andrea - ganz in weiß gekleidet – und ein ah und oh ging durch die Reihen! Nun brachte er einige sehr bekannte Lieder wie „Vieni sul mar", „Granada", „Mamma", „Voglio vivere così", „Funiculi, funiculà" zur Freude des nicht nur Opern liebenden Publikums. Andrea schien den Abend inmitten seiner Freunde von nah und fern selbst genossen zu haben.

Zu meiner ganz besonderen Freude erklang dann das wunderschöne, ergreifende Duett aus dem letzten Akt von Andrea Chenier, hervorragend gesungen von Andrea mit Paola Sanguinetti. Und dann noch „Nessun dorma" !!! Herz was willst du mehr...

Diese Stimme, diese hohen Töne, einfach grandios! Andrea gab wahrlich sein Bestes und hat sich nicht geschont.

Dieser Abend hätte nie enden sollen, denn wir fühlten uns verzaubert, fast unwirklich, wie in einem Märchenland. Zur Krönung gab es zu „Because we believe" noch ein wunderbares Feuerwerk und von beiden Seiten der Bühne einen Regen von weißen und silbernen Papierstückchen. Pure Magie...

Das Ende war dann nicht mehr aufzuhalten als Andrea mit Paola „Con te partirò" anstimmte. Großer Jubel, große Begeisterung, große Emotionen auf beiden Seiten...!

Dieses wundervolle Konzert war das schönste Geschenk, das Andrea seinen Landsleuten (und uns) machen konnte. GRAZIE, Andrea. Und Dank auch an alle Beteiligten, die ein solch großartiges Event in Lajatico auf die Beine gestellt haben. Ich möchte mit den Worten des Programmheftes schließen:

2007 * 2008 * 2009 * 2010

„Quando l’Evento Diventa Attesa"

 

Astrid Eywo

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Près avoir descendu sur quelques centaines de mètres un chemin caillouteux , le visiteur qui se rend au Teatro del Silenzio n’est certes pas préparé au spectacle époustouflant qui l’attend ! A perte de vue , des collines blondes , aux formes douces , frangées de cyprès ….et au centre , comme posé là par une main divine , le théâtre , « moderno ma a l’antico » ( !! ) : des blocs de pierre naturelle entourant un plan d’eau au centre duquel se dresse l’emblème de ce lieu voulu et choisi par Andrea , un masque bleu . Voilà , le décor est planté …
Le soleil décline doucement ( avec , en fond sonore , la voix de notre ténor préféré ) , et la chaleur accablante de la journée cède la place à une douce tiédeur . Le monde arrive peu à peu , et , à 9h30, les cinq mille places sont occupées . Le concert peut commencer .
Andrea , accompagné de Veronica , arrive sous les applaudissements , longe toute une rangée de spectateurs , avant de laisser place à une brève présentation du teatro . Puis , dans le silence , sa voix s’élève , pleine de tendresse et d’émotion , pour réciter « a mio padre » ( émotion largement partagée ! ) . Ensuite l’orchestre , puis de nouveau Andrea , tantôt seul , tantôt en duo , et même en trio pour Le Trouvère . Se succèdent des airs classiques , Mascagni Verdi , Puccini ….
L’enchantement est là : Andrea , vêtu de sombre ( Armani ) , les cheveux assez longs , bouclant dans le cou , la barbe légère , est superbe …Il semble détendu , serein , et pour tout dire , heureux d’être là . Sa voix est parfaite – mais ne l’est-elle pas toujours ? – et les dernières notes sont tenues très longtemps , avec brio . Et le public ne s’y trompe pas , applaudissant à tout rompre .
Après une courte pause , c’est de nouveau l’orchestre , accompagné de danseurs se mouvant avec grâce sur des airs de Rossini …… Mais je n’attends que lui , je n’ai d’yeux que pour lui lorsqu’il revient , habillé de blanc cette fois . et de poursuivre avec des airs plus « légers » : Mamma , Funiculi , Voglio vivere cosi .. jusqu’au final , le superbe Nessun dorma , que les spectateurs ovationnent debout !!
Andrea prend alors la parole pour remercier , là encore avec beaucoup d’émotion , tous ceux qui ont rendu « possible l’impossible » , tous ceux qui ont parcouru beaucoup de kilomètres pour être là ( Merci !!!)
C’est fini …ou presque . Après avoir reçu des fleurs , Andrea revient , sur fond de feu d’artifice avec Because we believe , Brindisi et bien sûr , Con te partiro …qui met un terme à cette soirée absolument féerique . Du grand , du très grand Bocelli … !
Que peut-on ajouter ? Rien , je suppose … Il reste le regret que ce soit déjà fini , mais aussi , au fond du cœur et de l’âme , des souvenirs merveilleux qui , n’en doutons pas , viendront réchauffer les jours plus gris qui nous attendent .
Merci Andrea , merci pour ce que tu es , pour ce que tu nous donnes …Ne change surtout pas… Nous t’aimons …
Anna

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A friend drove me all the way to Lajatico and Teatro di Silenzio from Florence - where I was staying for a few days. He used to be an opera singer himself but had to end his efforts when he developed a growth of the larynx. After surgery his voice never returned to the same capacity and that was the end to his short-lived career in preparation for the opera. He was not really a fan of Andrea but was happy to bring me there. Many traditional singers are a bit sceptic to 'the new guy on the block', but for his kind gesture I bought him a first block seat and we ended up in the third row. And he actually ended up being the one who enjoyed the program with complete and unwavering captivation!

Andrea came out, lead by Veronica, and was dressed in a black tracksuit pant with a black shirt and t-hirt (he later switched to white in the middle of the program). Italian TV was there to tape the concert and interview the 'fancy' people who had showed up for the "Woodstock for opera lovers" - as the media called it in Italy.
The first segment of the program started with a recorded poem in Italian by Andrea, followed by his entrance on stage and a song that was honoring the region. Toscana is widely agricultural and Lajatico in particular - a hill away from the mideaval city of Volterra - is very, very simple and small. Its located on a hill which gives you a view of the tuscan landscape. The weather had been quite intense in Italy during this week and since the area mainly grow olives and rye, the landscape at this time of the year was yellow and dry, and burst to life in full greenery in spring when it is the most beautiful. I had a true longing to just take off into the freedom on the back of a horse seeing the broad landscape spread in front of me like a persian carpet!

Andrea's singing was really delicate, excellent and perhaps I am mistaken, but his voice seem to keep improving, keep expanding (however that is possible being beautiful as it is). Soon in the start of the program I see my friend, the opera singer, cry next to me; tears keep flowing from his eyes and does not seem to end. He was so moved by Andrea's singing all he could say was 'belissima, belissima..."! He was particular taken by Andrea's singing during one opera segment where he reaches the note 're' - the most difficult note to sing for a tenor. He was mute with astonishement. I must admit that I almost enjoyed his reactions more than the concert itself! He frequents opera circles and I know this concert - which he described as 'pure magic' - will be a much talked about subject. We later spoke a bit about different opera singers and their voices; caruso was known to have such a strong voice that waterglasses would shatter when he sang. Andreas voice is softer and classic singers often comment that it is not strong enough to meet the capacity of the famed singers. This may not be bad criticism but true by itself, yet on the other hand, Andrea's voice has a beauty and delicacy to it which many opera singers lack. I came to know that Corelli was one of the best tenors around and for some reason, he had enjoyed an illustriuous start of his career - which he suddenly stopped. Pavarotti is of course famed for the stregth of his voice, of which we joked "when Pavarotti visits Rome, we can hear him in Florence!". It is believed that Opera singers should spare and nuture their voice by some disciplin; avoidance of alcohol and periods of celibacy is said to entertain a more beautiful and crisp voice. If this is true, Andrea must be a virgin!

We never got our concert program, so I can't really list the names of the other singers or remember the names of all songs during the concert. The two accompanied singers were both excellent with strong and crisp voices and the whole program ended with magnificent fireworks. In the end Andrea gave a brief speech in Italian on the dream of the teatro di silenzio, and how the dream had been realized and come true. He also thanked all those who had traveled from far and wide to attend the program - and I would roughly estimate that half of the audience contained people from other countries. Especially surprising were all the americans, who truly had to travel far to reach Lajatico! The husband of a woman from England, sitting next to me, had surprised her with a ticket and trip to see Andrea since he was her favorite. I thought that was really sweet.

In the stillness of the Tuscan sky I was pained for a brief moment when I watched the shallow hysteria that often follows fame. Everyone seeks attention, wants to 'be important', want to rub shoulders with the 'right' people. I was wondering if Andrea would one day lose some of his simplicity and become a part of this scene... I really hope not. By his posture and appearance I noticed he already seem to be getting accustomed to it all. I would rather prefer that he stays a bit shy, a bit insecure about himself rather than self-assured and cooky. After all, if any of us would hear too much adoleration day after day it would easily bloat the ego. I have been in this environment in the past and can assure that simplicity is far more attractive. It just seemed so far from what he stands for... I almost wished he would cut down on too many public appearances, avoid TV appearances and just return to what is real in life, to not spoil this true country boy who is so sweet and sings so pure as not to ruin something that has become so rare in today's world...

Over two hours of concert went by as if it was only 30 minutes. Before we even knew, it was midnight and we only got back to Florence at 3 am. I was surprised to find that there was a Gala Dinner in a nearby town after the show which I had not known of before. Andrea and his entourage took off to the dinner straight after the concert and I can imagine it continued throughout the night.
by Annica

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 I was so lucky to be able to attend this event, and felt that other fans who could not be there might enjoy hearing another devoted fan’s impressions of this special time.

 

Dare I hope that Andrea will also read the words I write with sincerity and appreciation to him and his people?  That would make me so happy.

 

I feel that perhaps he might need to be told, not by a VIP, or one of his inner circle, but by an ordinary, but devoted fan….about the warm welcome we felt in his “little village” among his people and the experience of this special night shared with them.

I can’t speak to the technicalities of the music, etc….what I write comes only from my heart…a heart that knows what it loves to “hear” the voice of Andrea Bocelli.

 

After some reflection, I will try to tell you what it was like to be among the 5,000 or so very lucky people who experienced this emotionally charged event….all the while giving us the feeling that we were attending a “Saturday night concert in the park”….as the sun disappeared and a cool breeze blew across the open fields around us.

 

But first……..

It is my feeling that some recognition should be given to the good people of Lajatico. We spent 5 days in this lovely little village, exploring all the places we’ve heard about….and when we left, we left as friends not strangers. A promise to return, amid many warm hugs and kisses.

I would love to tell Andrea of the warm and welcoming reception we received from everyone there….I think it would make him very proud of his people.

 

 To our two Italian angels in the ticket/info.office….. we will never forget them and the personal attention they gave us.  It seemed we always needed some help, and they always found a way to accommodate us…they made us feel like VIPs!!

 

 To all the “guys” in the bar…whose  happy greeting every morning always started our day with a smile and enthusiasm for the day’s events…they sent us on our way with a great cup of coffee and a warm, delicious pastry. 

 

To  the new friends we made….who shared their stories and knowledge of Andrea and his home and guided us through all the neighboring towns….one more picturesque and charming than the other…..Volterra, Sienna, Montecatini…Forte dei Marmi…to name only a few.

 

Of course, to Edi and Alberto Bocelli, who greeted us with warm hugs and those famous Bocelli smiles….they were so nice to us.

 

And to all the other smiling faces  that bid us a “Buongiorno or Buonasera” the grocer and the banker……the “ladies club” that met in the bar every morning to share the latest news and those wonderful pastries.  In the evening as the men of the village gathered to play cards, the children played chase and rode their bikes.  La piazza came to life with the sound of the laughter and love of these charming people……Ohhhh…shades of my childhood as I called to mind pictures of similar happenings outside my father’s grocery store on warm summer nights.  Is this a custom Italians brought with them when they came to America?  This way they have of just “letting it all hang out” as we Americans like to say?  I don’t know….but, I KNOW I LIKE IT!!…..Noooo…I LOVE IT!

 

 We made the decision to stay in an apartment in Lajatico instead of an “air conditioned” hotel in Volterra because we wanted to experience Lajatico and its people…and it turned out to be the right decision.  We made memories to take home with us and relive again and again. For example, going to mass in the church where the Bocelli family attend mass and where Andrea sang as a boy and where he was married.

 

Right about here, you are wondering if I’ll EVER get to the all important concert…..I do apologize for being so wordy.   I hope you will be patient with me.

 

Naturally, the concert is the highlight of  our Lajatico adventure.

As evidenced by the great pictures on Bo.de…..spectacular is not a grand enough word to describe what it was really like TO BE THERE. 

We sat in what was to be the first row, until they added a row of seats in front of us.

That was okay, because we were almost dead center right in front of Andrea and from where we sat, we could see backstage and the aisle where Andrea entered and exited.

We saw him wait for the right moment to begin, and we saw Veronica hurry to meet him when he walked back.  She is “Johnny on the spot” for sure.  She is so attentive to Andrea, anticipating his every move, so as to be there when she’s needed. She’s a gem!

 

The great fiberglass head, so impressive,  placed in a pond behind the stage, changing colors before our eyes…..brilliant marine blue, aqua and then purple….as they say…”Candy” for the eyes.  On the pillars surrounding the back…..moving alabaster “statues” in silk, blowing in the wind…another “WOW”….Coral members, MANY of them, all dressed in flowing white robes wearing painted faces.  Every single detail artistically presented with the rolling hills of  the famous Tuscan landscape all around us, big, bold and beautiful beyond the telling.

 

 All of a sudden, we hear the instantly recognizable sound of  Andrea’s voice with “big emotion” speaking the words he wrote to his father, this tribute to the all important “one who is not here”  ….”Caro babbo”:….sweet, touching words of love and gratitude that set the stage for his entrance and the promise of an evening of emotional highs that would stay with us for a very long time……forever!!

 

Finally the moment has come….he stands before us dressed in casual black attire,  looking more handsome than anyone has a right to.  He begins to sing….first, the Brindisi from Cavalleria rusticana and his face takes on the look of a choirboy, calm, innocent with a kind of reverence for the music…effortless some have said, but we know better, as he pours his heart and soul into his songs.  Then we know why we are here…why some of us have traveled ½ way around the world to this little dot on the map to support and share the fulfillment of his dream.

 

 Ohhh Andrea darlin’……you have stolen our hearts with your beautiful voice and “winning ways”…God loves you for who you are and what you do…..and so do we ALL.

 

I’ve been to a few  Bocelli concerts in my time.  And I have NEVER heard his voice sound more perfectly beautiful, powerful and emotional.  Every song with a WOW ending….high notes that seemed to go on FOREVER.  On one song, and I get so wrapped up in the hypnotic sound of his voice that I really don’t remember which one,

 he heaved a great sigh at the end and issued a big “WHEW”…..I think he even “wowed” himself!!  The audience could have eaten him up…..with a spoon!

 

 From the very first song, he had us in the palm of his hand.  There were a few new songs but basicly the same ones we love ….Funiculi funicula, Granada, E lucevan le stelle…I absolutely love this song, and he poured every ounce of his emotions into this one and the tears flowed like wine here. Then Nessun Dorma and Mamma.  Was there even  ONE that didn’t “ring my chimes?”….Wellll…Nooooo!  He pulled out all the stops. And as if that wasn’t enough…after the break he came out dressed in ALL WHITE!.

 

Well, if the term “a vision” can be used to describe a man…..call him a vision! A gasp arose from the audience, and he just stood there a moment.  I couldn’t stop myself….out popped my “Hello, Gorgeous!”  After all, someone HAD to say it, no?? I think he knew he was lookin’ goooood and he could feel the love coming at him.

 

Duets with Paola Sanguinetti were perfectly executed…the ones that move most of us to tears…the ones we never get tired of hearing.  This was my first time seeing Paola, and I think she is one of Andrea’s favorites.  She has a truly beautiful voice and is a very lovely lady, also.  I would enjoy seeing her perform with Andrea again sometime.

I don’t know anything about the baritone, Montresor.  He was a worthy addition to the program, a very beautiful, big voice,  although in truth I prefer the tenor voice and specifically Andrea’s…beeeeg surprise, no? And I probably should be embarrassed to say so, but when Andrea is on the stage….I only see and hear him.

 

Someone who spoke with Andrea a couple of hours before the concert told me that he was VERY nervous about this concert. We know he is ALWAYS “stage afraid”, but this evening was very special to him for many personal reasons. He must sing his best before his own people , and make his village proud of him.….and maybe he felt the awesome responsibility for the success of the event weighing heavily upon his shoulders.

But as usual, Andrea never disappoints…he gave l000% and success was once again his..

 

The program ended with the usual Con te Partiro, and a recording of Because we believe and at times Andrea sang along with the recording, as he stood there waving and smiling.

While the sound of Andrea’s voice filled the night, a spectacular display of fireworks lit up the night sky, and tons of silver confetti fell all around us, giving the effect of a thousand dancing lights…their brilliance rivaled only by Andrea’s radiant smile.  He was obviously sooo happy with the audience’s reception of this spectacular event ….and I was sooo happy FOR him! Everyone stood up clapping,  cheering and yelling ….my face was wet with tears of joy….AND sadness that this special night was coming to an end..

Andrea has always spoken so lovingly of his “little village” and with this project has said that he wanted to return to his roots.  There is a saying….”you can’t go home again”….but maybe for Andrea this is not true, because on this night of nights, the world famous superstar that stood before us was once again the sweet country boy of old.  On this special night, in this special place……..Andrea Bocelli came home.

 

 I wish I could have understood his thank you speech spoken in Italian.  I almost yelled at him again this time “Please, Andrea…speak a few words in English”.  I’m sure the other English speaking fans who didn’t speak Italian would have loved knowing what he said, too. But, even tho I couldn’t understand all the words, I understood his message…from his heart ….as always.

 

The next day, we paid a farewell visit to the site, and we could see this area slowly returning to its original peaceful landscape, and would soon look as if  this magical evening had never happened.  Was it all a dream??………  as the workers pulled up the wooden floors, dismantled all the electronic equipment and knocked down the stage, where only hours before there was such hustle and bustle and excitement. Truly an amazing transformation.

The good news is that Andrea has contracted for four more of these concerts under the stars…and if this is so…even in the sweltering Italian heat of July…God willing, I will probably be there again.  Say….. could become a habit that is hard to break???

 

 

Rose Daigle

New Orleans, La.