Hey Folks! I’m leaving this up another day. Please re-read the comment section. Myron has given us great music lessons throughout. Thank you, Myron.
~Marie
Il Volo – January 2015
A three-way look: the last year, the Senate concert and what’s coming ahead.
A brief look at last year
Compared to previous seasons. 2014 was a different kind of year for Il Volo. The
format set in 2011, 2012, and 2013 was dropped in favor of minimal touring and more scattered concerts. It also meant a major change in the usual recording schedule (much later than previous years). A new album release date (from fall to early spring -maybe). Promotional work on network TV in the USA/Canada (none in 2014). Perhaps the best thing for their benefit was that they finally gave their home country of Italy a bigger spotlight. We fans in the USA/Canada wished they would have done more concerts than they did in the USA and spread them out a bit more but the chance to do several full-length concerts in Italy was very important for them.
One of the items that I, as a voice coach and music director, paid attention to was the vocal-health condition of the guys’ voices. Christmas of 2013 following a very long, hard and condensed tour found the voices raspy and very tired. To be honest, they probably should not have sung the Christmas program at Assisi on December 14, 2013. If you listen carefully each guy was still harboring a little bit of a tired/raspy
voice – especially Piero. Aside from that they performed beautifully and the concert
was very well produced and professionally done. In contrast, later last spring they
went to Russia to sing with Toto Cutugno. That concert was poorly presented by the
local producers and it was very sloppy in staging BUT, by this time, our boys’ voices
were back in shape again and they sang beautifully. They were back to normal (thank God) .
It is interesting that, for a second time, Il Volo comes to sing on behalf of an older,
well-established singer who has ruined his voice long-term. Two years ago they came to Miami to sing El Triste on behalf of Josè Josè (66 yrs.) who can barely talk now and this last April they went to Russia to sing the beautiful song “ L’amore e’ . . amare l’amore” (I would like to see this song on one of their albums) with Toto Cutugno (71 yrs.). Both men have a history of bad vocal usage habits and/or alcohol, drugs and smoking.
By the time they did their spring programs and the USA June tour they were solidly
back to full power and elegance. I have already written two reviews of superb
concerts one was live: L.A. June 7 at the Greek Theater and the second from a video
of the wonderful Taormina pair of concerts. This time in an actual Greek theater.
They were superb. Some of Il Volo’s best work ever. By the end of the fall I had
adjusted my list of the three best Il Volo concerts up to this date: The incredible Oslo
Nobel Peace Prize concert in December of 2012 (this orchestra was the best Il Volo
orchestra even up to now and the boys were in perfect vocal condition); The Radio
City Music Hall concert of fall of 2013 where the boys were obviously very “jazzed”
to sing in an iconic venue that they had dreamed about since they were little kids; the Taormina pair of concerts from June 20 and 21 of 2014. Right now those are my three best.
How are they doing now – end of year 2014/beginning of 2015
Let’s look at the Concerto di Natale Senato della Repubblica from December 21
Italian Anthem – Mattinata – Surrender
Silent Night (It.) – No Puede Ser – Ave Maria
White Christmas (It.) – Memory – O Holy Night
Caruso – Anema e Core – O Sole Mio –
Santa Claus is Coming to Town
Presentation
The Senate chamber is a very elegant place for our guys’ concert – no doubt, but I
wonder if that made the audience so timid in their response. Any other audience
would have been on their feet and cheering the quality of this concert. Some small
staging items include: The guys were facing few people directly in front of them. The
audience was off to either side because of the main door hallway directly in front of
them. It made for little audience relating. I wish the teleprompter were located at a
higher location so the guys were not locked into looking down. Thank goodness they
broke loose from that as the program went on.
Performance
The orchestra was really quite good even as they had to deal with cramped location.
The program had a nice variety of music although I would have changed the order of
about three songs for better program flow. Silent Night even in Italian is not a good number to use as an opener (I don’t count the Italian anthem) because it does not push the singer to use the larger vowel shapes.
The singing – THE most important part of this article
After the opening anthem and Silent Night, White Christmas really got our guys to
use better vowels and breath support. It was interesting to see that Piero and
Gianluca gave up the earphones in favor of the monitors at their feet for a more “live” singing reaction. Ignazio had the earphones but did not rely on them all the time and even pulled them out sometimes. With live orchestra, I think the monitor speaker system is a better way to go because it does not leave the singer feeling isolated so much.
Caruso, once again, inspired the boys to their best singing (and some other songs) of the night. Great technique – breath control, large vowels, great head tone, wonderful projection, and great musical phrasing. That technique was topped off by such passion and heart that I had tears – – again on this song. Piero grows more and more mature each time he sings No Puede Ser this was wonderful. (once again, what a timid audience !). Ignazio poured his soul into Memories even more than usual. Gianluca’s Anema e Core was beautifully sung and he is ever more the crooner but with an even better voice. With each of the guys I wish they could have had more connection with the audience. I would have brought the accordion player in for this – not the soprano sax.
The other songs went well but O Holy Night was (after Caruso) the vocal summit of the night ! For all three; What projection! What glorious vowels! What passion!
Everything was just right on. Better than the PBS Christmas show
What may be coming ahead ?
We have been told very little – at least that can be made public- about this year
except there is a new album ahead followed by a long tour. That all sounds good. I
would like to have seen the new album earlier (you know, the “out of sight, out of
mind” business), I hope they do another PBS special or some major television. I hope they do the rounds of American TV shows – Tonight, Today, Ellen, The Talk (where they started), Good Morning America, Kelly and Michael Live, and other nationwide network shows ( I know they did “Un Nuevos Dias” on Telemundo last spring but that is a little different market). Naturally, I hope that they do more touring in the USA Canada this year. There are still some major cities in the USA they have yet to visit or have only been to once.
The major changes that happened to their company. Moving from Live Nation to
CAA for tour promotions and going to Sony Latin for recordings have had some
benefits. I hope this new year brings about improvements in marketing and
promotion.
For four years I have had a special place in my heart for these gentlemen. They have talent that is superior to most any singer on the market today. They work very hard, present a great concert, are absolutely charming in person and especially one-on-one, and they deserve the best that their management can get to support them. They also deserve the full support of you and me – the fans – to make sure they get the kind of success they deserve through their album sales, concert ticket sales, TV shows and insisting that management do their best.
Sharon Osbourne on the tv show The Talk once discussed the difference in music
quality from Bieber, One Direction, Miley, etc. etc. and Il Volo. The former presents
trite, silly and forgettable songs or what she called “ disposable music” (what a great
term ! ). Il Volo presents well-written, beautifully melodic and very meaningful songs that last for decade after decade. It is my hope and prayer that this progress continues upward in 2015 . The boys have gotten a number of awards recently but when they were younger they said they dreamed of winning the American Grammy Award . Maybe this year !
~~Myron
Myron, it seems as time goes by and you write about Our Guys, I can understand more and more. The orchestra, the vowel shapes, etc. Now that I have that basic understanding, I get really excited about what you write! I see those things now and your expert opinion only reinforces my opinion that, indeed, they are the GREATEST performers alive (and the nicest guys)! Thank You so much!
Myron, I almost hesitate to comment on anything musical, but your critique of il Volo is so inlightning, that I must! I love music, but know almost nothing about the finer points! I think what attracted me to il Volo is their choice of music. I am 83 yrs young and had nto heard “good” music in a long time! I just want to thank you for your comments…keep it up! I am hooked on these young singers, and want the best for them!
Dorothy, Please never hesitate to say what you feel on anything musical. that is what this site is for. Everyone’s ideas are welcome.
Thank you Myron for your wonderful and knowledgeable article. I did not know these finer points on the boys singing until I read it. You are amazing! I look forward to more insight from you in the future.
Maria, that’s why we captured him and he is now an integral part of The Crew. Just like we are capturing you after you get back from Italy in May! I like you alot and I’m working hard on not being jealous.
Thank you, Myron! I love to read what you write about ️Il Volo! Your music expertise is very enlightening and gives me a perspective like none other! I care deeply about these boys and hope the new decisions made by management bring them more success. I don’t know what, but something seems to be lacking in their promotion in this country. I love telling people about them, but thought that by now most everyone would know who they are! Maybe Sanremo will change that. I am so excited for the new CD! ❤️❤️❤️
I agree that San Remo is a big lift for them. I hope it gets played up here in the USA. But I also want to see them on some of the nation-wide network shows more often. If that new CD is coming out in February why have we not seen ads and publicity since January 1st ? ? When they did the “We are Love” album there was publicity for four months prior to release. Well, one good thing is that this FLIGHT CREW site can help push the CD in our own way.
Thank you Myron.. As a die-hard Il Volo fan, and especially Piero, I have nothing but total admiration and awe. But I have no voice expertise. So – to read your observations and comments are very interesting. Yes I hope for more concerts as well. I’m in Detroit, and so far they have always us in their tours.
Barbara, I mentioned above the video from Taormina june 20 when Piero sings “No Puede Ser” – camera in close up position. You can see him breath. You can see his remarkable energy up close during a song that is a real bear to sing.
Thank you Myron for your wonderful interpretations. It is so great to have someone like yourself to enlighten us with your knowledge. To a lot of us I’m sure that we don’t really notice a difference in the way our guys sing from the beginning of the year to the end. But now that you have taken the time to break things down we can now have a better understanding and pay closer attention not only with our ears but with our eyes as well. Just goes to show that there is more to listening to the music than just hearing the music. Does that make sense? I hope you will chime in more often with your expertise so that we all can hear what you hear, see what you see, feel what you feel. Although we all feel very passionate and warm when we are listening to our Angels from Heaven. But with your help we can all see and hear with clarity.
Myron. We are so fortunate to have you with us. Your expertice maks the concerts more meaningful. I will look forward to more of your comments when the guys are on tour again. Joanie G
Myron, thank you so much for sharing your expertise on singers and music and our Angels. We really appreciate all the information.
As always Myron, your music knowledge has encouraged me to listen more carefully to the points you direct us to! I woke up late, for me, & found your delightful thoughts when I opened my IPad. Thank you so much. I love each one of these talented young men & want the best for them in their career management!! We have all felt (out of site, out of mind!) I hope our guys come to the States & Canada with TV coverage & CD signings!! Would love another PBS SPecial! I am getting older & want to actually see& hear our sweethearts many more times! I informed my family that I will go to a concert even if I am half dead! We Are Love!!!
Thank you, Myron! Your insights are invaluable. Mille Grazie!
Thanks for your helpful insights and expertise….would like to know how you interpret the Sanremo album coming out next month…..is this the one that we have been waiting for for so long….or a separate one?
This is a problem. Getting the correct information. My answer is I don’t know what it is going to be called – for sure.
Myron-Thank you for binging your musical expertise to us. I look forward to more of your comments when our Guys start their World Tour. I certainly hope that a multitude of concerts are planned for our country !!! We love them and miss them so much !!
Thank you Myron, I’m going to look back at the videos you mentioned. You’ve made me aware of vowels and raspiness. I’ve never noticed those things before, it’s so nice of you to share this knowledge with us.
gerri, I thought the numbers of concerts in 2013 was ok but my problem was that they were sometimes too close together. That way the guys’ voices did not get a good chance to rest. Just like any other muscle they need time once in a while to recoup. The Latin American tour portion in 2013 was much too cramped with concerts. There was a time when Ignazio was almost unable to speak. Thank goodness they cancelled the Panama City concert and moved it to a month later. That finally gave them 5 days with no singing. But later they were singing in an outdoor venue when it was raining ! ! ! That is the sort of thing I worry about. The management thinks about money and getting the most bang for the buck. I worry about the health of our guys and their voices. Anyway, that is what led to the Assisi concert in Dec. of 2013 – all that non-stop singing left them a little rough. It does not show up all the time but once in a while.
Thanks SO much for your response Myron. Yes, the 2013 tour was brutal for them. I’m a little disappointed in Sony Latin, to me it seems Il Volo is on their back burner – but what do I know???
Thank you, Myron, for your wonderful article. I know why I love Piero, Ignazio, and Gianluca and their glorious voices, and it is gratifying to now that an expert agrees with me the they are, ideed, superior singers.
These are my very favorite communications from The Flight. It is wonderful to have the privilege of his professional assessments of all of their appearances and concerts and so reassuring that I (a complete amateur) have so often come to the same conclusions. I too have followed their careers with great interest and huge enjoyment for the past four years. I just regret that I will not be around when they reach the heights that are so certainly in their futures.
I also delight in their personalities â thankful to their families and supporters around them â that they are so untouched by the fame that has come their way. As a Canadian I am embarrassed by Justin Bieber, who has not had that kind of support and at times have been afraid that they could be lured into his kind of behavior. Thankfully they have not and I am certain they never will be.
Again, many thanks Myron. You are a blessing.
Lesley Newall.
Myron I appreciate you taking time to share your knowledge of music and your feelings about Il Volo. I HAVE ANOTHER QUESTION? When Ignazio was younger he sang in a lover range. Now he seems to sing higher and higher and I do not
\want him to mess up since I, and many other ladies, have appointed ourselves as his guardians.
If you look at the Detroit 2012 PBS concert video you will see and hear Ignazio popping off those wonderful high notes with great security and power. Look at the song ” Il Mondo ” on that they sing at the beginning of that concert – both at the short solo phrase and also at the end with all three singing you will hear him on a high B flat so powerful and clean.
I might suggest that you dig back in the archives on this site – there is an article I wrote some time ago that discusses each guy’s voice and their range and what they are called in Italy and what they are called here. Generally, Ignazio is considered a Lyric Tenor here in the USA. In the Senate program he still at it ! Bravo !
Thanks for your answer. When God created me he gave me and extra dose of WORRY. I do this all the time with my grandsons and just added Ignazio to my list. Thanks again for your patience with us.
Thank you Myron. Wonderful article. Always look forward to your posts here.
This may be too long but it’s hard to keep in what I feel inside.
Thank you so much Myron, for your expertise of our beloved
Il Volo singers. I knew their music was good in sound and
presentation and especially for such young singers, but had
never seen it in words that I could grasp and understand. Their
choice of music and interpretation is outstanding so much that
one feels the music deep inside one’s person. The expression
on their countenance is priceless. This is true whether the song
is very passionate or they are being funny, expecially IGNAZIO.
His smile, those dimples and those bouncing legs and feet all
express what he feels inside. I love GIANLUCA’S crooning
voice in “Anemo e Core” and “Love Me Tender” and others, he
is so special to me. PIERO’S ability to hold on to those notes for
such a long time is outstanding. Words fail me to get all of
their talents on paper. And I agree with you Marie, they are
the GREATEST artists alive today and the most handsome. They
are truly blessed of God with all of the above and I LOVE THEM!
. . . .And I haven’t been to a concert yet but I yearn to. I can only
imagine what it would be like to see and hear them in person and
a M/G. I’ll be the one with my mouth open and tears streaming
down my cheeks. Thanks again, Myron.
Gale, suggestion for Piero: take a look at the video from Taormina from June 20 (not June 21) where the camera is right center third row. What when Piero sings “No Puede Ser” – his incredible solo – look closely at his chest and shoulders. You will see this young guy (he is not very large in person to begin with ) use every ounce of his breath and energy to sing this fantastic solo. Watch the end after he finishes and the applause starts – look at his chest – he is almost gasping for breath. That shows that this guy poured his soul into that music. (chills down my back)
Oh, you just sent chills down my back! Bravo Piero! I don’t know as much about music as you Myron, but even I know what’s special.
Myron, I went back and listened to
the Taormina performance. The
first time I heard this song earlier
this year, I thought Piero’s reaction
was part of the performance and
didn’t realize he was a bit distressed.
Thanks for pointing this out. Thank
you that you see things that we don’t
see. You are a blessing to the
Flight Crew to enlighten us and
help us understand the how and
why of Il Volo’s performances that
we don’t see. With friends like
you, we will get much more out
of their performances. Thank
you so much. Grazie.
Gale, I intend to imply that he was stressed out. That is my fault. What I meant was that he poured all of his energy into that passionate song. Which is what you hope for in a great singer. That takes a lot of breath.
You are spot on Myron. I was there 3rd row center on July 20 (not June) and I saw up close of which you speak. He brought tears to my eyes, as he was singing with such passion.
I still got it wrong – I wanted to write: I did not intend to say that he was stressed. Boy, when you get my age sometimes it takes a while. Sorry for the mistakes.
I nominate Myron as Il Volo’s publicist American Style. I learned so much from your recent post (review). Thanks for Il Volo 101. I printed it for future reference – “Music for Dummies.”
Thanks for the informative article, Myron! I have been following these kids since I first saw the American Idol video, and I have to say, I love that they are still singing with attention to beautiful vocal technique and musicality.
I agree with you on just about everything you said in this article. However, I did not notice raspiness in anyone’s voice but Piero’s – ever. Since in some of the earlier videos, from when they were on Sabados Gigantes (I think), we saw Piero using an asthma inhaler, I have wondered if possibly he has trouble with that raspiness when he is dealing with an asthma-inducing situation in the air around him (second-hand smoke, etc.), possibly in addition to being bone-tired from all the touring and time-zone changes, that would cause him trouble. I have noticed that he has become profoundly amazing singing No Puede Ser — it is nothing short of mesmerizing, powerful and vocally masterful! -and one of the most beautiful pieces of music I’m likely to ever hear in my lifetime. I eagerly await the announcement that Piero will be singing his premier role in an opera sometime soon. Seeing him working on some music in pictures of the three of them aboard the airplanes, gives me hope that it will be soon!!! 🙂
The other two seem to be continuing to come into their prime, and I hope the long tour ahead has enough rest times scheduled in so that they will all be able conserve and protect their voices.
I am also continually delighted with Ignazio’s maturity in spite of his delight in child-like antics. That young man is so incredibly talented in so many areas!
And of course, I love that Gianluca is such a warm, tender and bright young man. He has such a loving personality and is so mighty onstage that it is amazing that he is not a giant in stature when one gets to be near him in person. That is something else that is great about these kids – they have such powerful voices and such professional and engaging carriage onstage that they are “larger-than-life” onstage, and when you get to see them in a meet-and-greet, it is a surprise that the only one amongst the three who is as tall as he looks onstage is Ignazio! It has been a thrill to see them garner so many awards and such acclaim in Italy and all over the world.
Myron what a wonderful explanation of our guys & I agree 2013 was horrible for them especially being sick.
I want more for them in Canada because so far from what Penina said about a FM program who plays their music I don’t hear any other stations playing their music in Toronto & that really bothers me. I have even called the stations I listen to complain but all I get is patted on the head.
Another beef I have is that Marsala did not recognize Ignazio as the other boys were recognized in their cities. I wrote to politicians in Italy to get them to nudge Marsala & still have not heard if they are going to do anything for Ignazio. He is hurting. I’m like a mother hen racing around & don’t know what else to do. I’ve had one thank you from one politician so one letter got read, Too bad we have to wait until about April before we hear about touring. I’ll be cancelling an operation if it is going to interfere with the concerts. Am I addicted to Il Volo YES
Thank you so much, Myron, for your expertise on these great singers. I, also, have followed them since 2011. Last year I was at the Greek Theater in Los Angeles. My first time. It’s been really interesting and enjoyable to watch the changes from the beginning to the present. Changes as they’ve grown, their personalities, and, of course, the maturity in their voices, which I’m sure will continue. I love watching these changes year after year. I would really like them to sing an Italian song called Al Di La. Beautiful melody and words. I’m sure you know it. Thanks again, Myron. I look forward to learning more from you.,
Thank you Myron for sharing your expert knowledge of the skills and progress of Gianluca, Ignazio & Piero. I truly hope that they will also read your article, I am sure it will give them a great boost.
I agree that the audience at the Senate Chamber were timid, but seeing the surprise and amazement on their faces with every song that our Guys were singing, gave me great satisfaction!
On a program on the RaiItalia channel last night, there were four experts talking about the Sanremo festival. Following the trend (it was all in Italian), the question was asked who the favourite is to win, and who is the most of the betting on. Each had much to say that I do not understand, but the only contestants name that was mentioned was Il Volo and mention of America. It must have been about the 40% of voting of the fans.
Grazie mille Myron.
What a great article! What is their vocal regimen like? Have they ever cancelled due to vocal health? Do they have a vocal coach? As a music teacher I always wonder this. When I say “always”, I mean, every day. We know they work out at the gym. I just wonder about how they take care of their voices.
Jill. 🙂
Thank you Myron for wording that so beautifully. It takes my breath away when you talk about them the way you do and I couldn’t have said it better. I do try to watch them closely when the camera zooma in on them singing and it’s unbelievable the lung capacity they use to sing these songs. They are so amazing young men and maybe I’ll get to see them this year.
Best Regards,
Barb Bubb
Jill, They have daily vocal workouts individually and then later together. Prior to a concert they will probably touch on one or two tough spots from the night before but that is it. Then (at least they used to two years ago when I talked to them) they go someplace alone (each one by themselves) to just meditate prior to concert time. Yes, they do have a vocal coach whose job it is to check on their continuing progress and watch after the health. Yes, they have cancelled three concerts over the past four years due vocal problems. This is not unusual in the professional world amongst quality singers. It becomes a matter of : do they force themselves to sing when they should not and danger of permanent damage to their voices (like Jose Jose) or do they re-schedule.
Thank you, Myron. These guys are so incredible! I’m glad to know their voices are being well taken care of. 🙂
Myron, I did go back and listen to Piero sing No Puede Ser at
Taormina July 20 and like you say at the end he was almost
gasping for breath. But the smile on his face tells how much
he enjoyed singing it. He really puts himself into his solos
and the harmony singing as well. I hope they get an American
grammy and soon. I listen to their singing every day, they
are so special and their music makes me soar. Thank you
so much Myron for your help and I second Marie Sunseri’s
nomination, you deserve it. Grasie.
I have seen Gianluca and Ignazio do that at different times as well. I think that Taormina was a very, very special venue for them. You could see it on their faces.
Myron, thanks for the wonderful article. But a couple of things are puzzling me and I would like clarification. Teleprompter?? The boys use teleprompters? I have been at two concerts, once in the second row and I have not seen any teleprompters unless they are very well hidden! The other thing you mentioned in your discussion of the Senate concert was “monitors” near their feet–unless I misunderstood that altogether. What sort of monitors? What do they do? As far as that goes, what do the earphones do?
Do they always use the monitors?
Thanks for answering these technical questions!
When you look at the Senate concert video go to a point where the camera is behind the boys looking over to the President and you will see on the floor in the big door-way a large computer monitor which is acting as a teleprompter of sorts. If you watch for a little while from that position you will see the text going by on that screen. That is not a negative thing. It is practical since some of these songs are being sung in a different language then they normally do. When the camera is in the doorway looking right at them you will see the computer monitor on the floor just to their left. They usually do not use a monitor that much when it is a song they have sung many times as they would on tour where it is the same songs over and over but this concert was different for them. Example: they have sung Silent Night many times either in English or German but not that much in Italian so a little reminder always help. (yes, I know it is their own language). They had one in Taormina but only used it once in a while. In Russia there was a big one right at the feet of Toto.
Thanks Myron–I have seen black boxes in the middle of the stage floor at the edge–Piero has put his foot on them more than once–but I always thought they had to do with the sound system. Live and learn!
Myron, thanks for this wonderful article! I’m no music expert, but I do have good hearing, and I’m not one of the fans who think the guys ALWAYS sound perfect (though they come pretty close!) I can hear the strain in their voices sometimes from listening to the many, many videos (on You Tube.) I hope from now on their tour schedules will be more forgiving and give them more time between shows to rest their voices. How terrible it would be if any of them did damage to themselves! I know that they are smart enough to know that would be killing the goose (geese?) that laid the golden egg, and we can only hope that those working with them to organize their tour schedules realize it, too.
Ruth, you and me both. It is a tricky balance because any day off on tour the management still has to pay the bills and the staff and crews salaries but at the same time (on a day off) there is no concert income. Now, that factor should be built into the costs of the next concert. It should. But you are right if management does not protect the guys voices there will be no show to produce (i.e. the “golden goose” ).
Thank Myron for enlightening us on how our boys sing. I love all three of course however, in my opinion, Gianluca’s voice have become more powerful and his word pronunciations are so clear. He truly is one of the best baritone today. The love songs he sings are out of this world. Thank you so much for your valuable information. I only hope and pray that Sony will be good to them. Yes there are times when their concerts are so grueling that it takes a toll on their beautiful voices. Piero, Gianluca and Ignazio are a gift from the heavens. Their management need to protect them so they will go on singing for a very long time. Three very talented young men not to mention so very handsome and so sweet. I had the previledge of meeting them on 8/27/13.
I agree with you on Gianluca. He could easily sing opera if he wanted. Of course, Piero is going to sing opera soon.
I remember Myron telling us that Piero is a Spinto Tenor. A Spinto tenor must use muscles to get that wonderful voice to project, like an athlete! I also remember Marie’s conversation with Piero about how difficult it is to make those beautiful, powerful notes as in No Puede Ser. Oh gosh I love them.
Myron, thanks so much for your great insight into Il Volo’s wonderful voices. One thing I’ve been curious about has to do with their breathing technique (for all the guys). Growing up in Italy, were they taught a different method of breathing for singing? Their shoulders move up so much. I don’t see them taking those deep breaths with their diaphragm that we are taught here. I know they have to be filling their lungs because of their great tone and breath control. Just curious.
The private voice teachers they each use, have all taught what is considered the proper breathing technique all over the world. However, Italy during the renaissance was where all this started and then spread to other areas and regions. The focus is the muscles that support the diaphragm (an interior muscle set) such as the abdominal (stomach) muscles. Less use of shoulder. If you could put Piero on the floor on his back you would see his stomach going up and down a lot more than his shoulders. But on TV and wearing a tux it is hard to see the stomach muscles moving that much. But they do. When there is going to be a long, long phrase and/or a very high note then everything goes to work including the butt muscles. Another way to tell is if the sound they make is free and well supported in its flow – or – is it a tight-throated sound. Once in a while you can see and hear that happen when one of them runs out of breath – not very often.
Myron, could you please define what exactly “crooner” means? Some people call Gianluca as crooner and Piero and Ignazio as “tenors”. I google it and seems was a negative term used in the 50`s, According to wikipedia “Some performers, such as Russ Colombo, did not accept the term:[1] in an interview Frank Sinatra said that he did not consider himself or Bing Crosby “crooners”. Why now some are using this term?
Josie, I should not have used it as a technical term. I really intended it as a kind of romantic “slang” term. I never felt that term was negative. Back in the 50’s and even early 60’s we all considered Frank., Bing, Dean Martin, Perry Como, and others to be “crooners” meaning someone who came from a jazz background and is singing a nice romantic (sometimes slower) ballad. They are usually a baritone and can kind of “slide” their way around those romantic phrases making them even more romantic. It has had various meanings down through the times and by the way, Harry Connick Jr. and Michael Buble can fit that catagory as well. Streisand can be a female version.
From a technical point Gianluca is a baritone – a romantic baritone with a very large range. Ignazio is a lyric tenor and Piero is a spinto or sometimes helden tenor.
Thank you Myron for your answer.
I had only heard this term in Brazil spoken by the older singers in interviews that they sang as crooners in night clubs and discos, because they could not sing on the radio or TV and neither record a disc. Although all of them said it was a great learning, but it was only while they were waiting for the opportunity to pass from anonymity to the success. So for me is strange see this term now a days.
Myron, I so appreciate your kindness in sharing your musical expertise on our favorite subject: Il Volo. This column was no exception. I, too, worry about their vocal health from time to time. I really worry about all the cigarette smoke they are exposed to (without naming names). Almost seems as if every Italian smokes cigarettes! Wondering if you have concerns about that as well? Also, just wondering why they would name the new CD San Remo? Seems like that is awfully specific to Italy, no??
I am not sure if Ignazio ever smoked but as far as I know Gianluca and Piero never did. They both have said in interviews that they stay away from smoke plus hard liquor. My guess is that Ignazio does too.
Sorry Myron, I guess I was not clear about the smoking. I meant the secondhand smoke from their families and friends. I can’t imagine the Boys themselves ever smoking–they seem to be very diligent about taking care of their bodies and especially their voices. Again, thank you!
Myron, sorry, I guess I was not clear about the smoking. I was referring to the exposure to secondhand smoke from their families and friends, not from the Boys themselves. I know that they are meticulous about taking care of both their bodies and their voices. Again, thank you Myron.
Thanks so much for your expert commentary. I, too, wonder what the earphones are for? I assume it has something to do with the microphone volume, since Ignazio often adjusts the battery pack.
They use either earphones or floor monitors or – sometimes – both as a way of hearing the orchestra AND their own voices. It may seem strange but a lot of time singers cannot clearly hear their own sound that goes out through the sound system to the audience because of proximity to the orchestra. So the earphones or sound monitors come into use. In the Senate concert there were monitors on the floor to either side of the boys and Gianluca and Piero did not use earphones most of the time and Ignazio had them in but did not use all the time.
Myron, as I have come to expect, your review here was exceptional.
I will mention a few thoughts: first, I will say that I was very happy that things changed up last year and they got a good rest at home. I was beginning to worry that their studio was trying to squeeze every cent out of them and that disturbed me a lot. I too did not like the Sax player with Gianluca, the Accordian player was far superior and more compatible with that beautiful song.
My hope is that with their new contract with Sony, they will be able to expressing their feelings much more and that Sony will not squeeze every penny out of them. they need the concerts spread out more with some time to recover, what with travelling etc. you also mentioned something interesting: that everyday they are not performing the crew still has to be paid. well my question to the studio’s is: do the stars who sign with you become your slaves – money machines – and that’s all?? what about the human part???
I will continue to complain if I feel they are being overworked. time for these Studio’s to be put in their place, if they had no clients they would make no money!
These boys are not Justin Beiber, they are “Singers” and it is time they be given the respect they deserve and not treated as if they are young inexperienced boys.
I know they want an American Grammy, but with the looks of things in Hollywood as regards Awards, it seems that a few with a biased agenda decide who gets it, so Awards are not always given to the ones who deserve it. I guess that goes for a lot of things in America!
Myron, could I ask you to send me this review, I want to keep it.
Deanne, I will send this review to you but I warn you my program sometimes sends it out in a strange format. The words are all there but the layout is not very proper.
Another comment about touring. The business about crew getting paid has to do only with tours. When they go out and do a single concert called a “one-off” then they only have to pay crew for the day of that concert. But when they go on a tour like this year’s June USA tour of 17 cities the crew, musicians, drivers, etc. get paid for every day from the departure to the return to their final city. So if they sing a concert on Mon. Wed. Fri. Sun. the crew has to get paid for all of the days mon, tue, wed, thr, fri, sat. sun. and hotel and meals, etc. Touring is expensive.
Well, I still think that if Il Divo can get a nomination and Andrea Bocelli can then our guys can at least get a nomination for best group, best album, and some others.
I just check todays news of the different Facebook pages and in one it mentioned that the album that is coming out February 24 “San Remo Grande Amore” is by Columbia-Sony Music and it will have 5 or 6 songs made famous in previous San Remo competitions. . It was a translation so I do not guarantee this information.
Thanks Gina, that clears things up.
That is interesting to hear. I wonder why in the world we have not seen tons of publicity on line, in the press, on television, etc. That is just one month away. I noted this earlier: The “We are Love” album was promoted 4 months in advance.
Myron, great job, as usual. Always very enlightening. The admiration you have for our guys, seems to be no different from that which is continuously verbalized from everyone here. I often wonder, myself, just how it is that they are able to win the hearts of the more mature followers in the USA, but seem to have a harder time drawing the younger fans, here. It breaks my heart to see and hear what transpires within the so called, “music” industry in America as It applies to the youth. Not to say that we never behaved simularly,(Elvis, Fats Domino, Bill Haley,etc.), but we also enjoyed others whose songs were more ballads , with words you could not only understand, but relate to. What is it going to take in America to further promote IL VOLO? One thing, in my opinion, is that they need to go to more areas. Not just the 4-5 larger cities that they’ve been repeating. I’ve seen many comments from the mid-west section, begging to see them. There’s very little chance for them to travel the distances that would be required to go to New York, Florida, and the like. I hope that it doesn’t boil down to a money issue, as I don’t think that is the primary aim from the guys. More States , more exposure , equals more people hearing, seeing and being completely awed by such talented and beautiful young men. OK, I’ll stop, and return to my original question Myron. What are you’re thoughts?
Well I agree. I have been emailing them quite a bit to expand to more cites or even go back to cities that they have not been to since 2011 or 2012. They a concert in Dallas in 2011 but have not been back (I don’t count that airline thing last summer) Minneapolis (they did it once) Denver, Salt Lake City, Las Vegas (aside from Streisand – none) St. Louis again. etc. etc.
As our brlliant Gianluca said – I don’t care what they say about me as long as they spell my name correctly!
Yes, Myron, I know touring is expensive, but surely everything is built in to the ticket sales?? the studio’s make a lot of money otherwise they would not be doing it in the first place, so giving a little rest in between surely will only take their profits down from 15,000.000.00, to 14,999.000.00. poor things!!!
also, I am thinking from reading All About Il Volo, that maybe this Album with the Sab Remo songs is one tape(they are not calling it an album because it is short of the number of songs for an album) and that they will be putting out a real album later, and it also mentioned that they could put out a Cd also of the solo’s as they have solo’s recorded, and are only missing one from each, so this is all very interesting . I think we are going to get some surprises.
I sure hope we get a full album soon. It has been two years since the We are Love album (the Christmas album is a little different for marketing) . They need a few singles to promote as well as a full album. Come on Columbia – Sony !
I have enjoyed reading all the comments tonight on Myron’s Musical Notes…If I was to make a few comments they would be repeats of all of the above… Myron as always did a wonderful job of educating us on the technical components of Il Volo…
What I would like to share with the Flight Crew is that in June 2014, I was at the Greek Theater to enjoy my first Il Volo concert… At that time I had the privilege to meet Myron in person and he was not only informative to the group that was assembled around him, but a delightful person to each of ladies that were standing in a circle around him bombarding him with Il Volo questions… Since that time I have enjoyed the friendship that has developed from that first meeting in June… He has shared so much of his expertise with me on the technical side of music, the music business and Il Volo as he has done here in this summary here on the Flight Crew Blog…I know that you all feel like I do…
“Myron you are an exceptional person to not only share your expertise of music with all of us, but also your love of Il Volo”
I thank you for making the Flight Crew your home and to share with us whenever you can your thoughts our three young men that we love so much “Il Volo” …
Well said Jeannette. I so agree.
I love using this site. But the one thing I always wish is that I could meet more and more of you face to face – maybe over a nice glass of Italian wine. You are all so very nice.
It has been my pleasure to work with Jeannette on our Las Vegas project. And Marie is the one that I coordinate with when there is an article coming out.
hmm – I can just taste that nice wine already (with Il Volo playing in the background, naturally)
The wine in Vegas of course Myron!
If you could see me know you would see a red face ! ! ! How nice you are.
Myron, do you think because Gianluca does not have the powerful voices as Piero and Ignazio, he doesn’t get the recognition as the other two. When Piero and Ignazio have shown their powerful voices, they get such applause. Gianluca is not just a crooner. His ability to sing in any language, in such a romantic way, brings so much meaning to his performances. I by no means, think that Piero and Ignazio’s performances aren’t beautiful. Myron, what is your take on this!
Oh I can’t wait for Myron to answer you Jeanne. I have the feeling that Myron has a soft spot in his heart when it comes to the voice of Gianluca.
As do I Marie !! I love his smooth,romantic beautiful singing voice !! His pronunciation of the English language is perfect. You would never know he’s Italian when he is singing. Gianluca has has high,powerful notes but they are just delivered differently then Ignazio’s or Piero’s. Also, I just love his speaking voice !! I just love everything about him !!
I love these challenges but I am afraid I must slightly disagree with you. From the power standpoint Gianluca actually has the largest voice – sound wise. He is a powerful baritone which is very evident when you can hear them in a setting with no mics – just pure sound. What Ignazio and Piero have is the high range. They are able, because they are tenors, to soar up to high notes. They are very good at it. I mean very good at high notes. But they don’t quite have the low, rich, mellow lower pitch like Gianluca can for those low notes in his romantic songs .Teenagers especially love to cheer for high notes. Recognition: Those who are musicians in the crowd do recognize Gianluca as the most professional of the three when it comes to the crafting of the song and its delivery – he is a perfectionist – but that is just splitting hairs. Each guy has his strong points and is different from the others ( I wrote a whole article on this site about each individual guy and what makes them each so wonderful and different from each other) and thank God because that is what makes the trio so special.
The term “Crooner” is usually applied to men who sing romantic songs in a lower range. The term came to be applied especially to Bing Crosby back in the ’30s and then later to Frank Sinatra (he always said that was not the case but it was and that is not a bad thing) and also to Perry Como. It is really a very loose “slang” term. It is not a technical term by any sense. But most importantly it is NOT a bad thing. When Gianluca sings his solos with that rich, dark quality he makes the women swoon – as they say: “that’s all she wrote”.
So he has all those technical points – good vowels, good projection, great intonation, great head tone, rich sound and is a baritone in range – plus he sings some of his solos in a style that is very romantic.
Funny you said that Joanie. I am taken aback every time Gianluca speaks. It seems I forget how powerful, low and dreamy his voice is until he says something. We always talk about his singing voice, but his is the speaking voice that opens my eyes! (Forgive me my Dimpled Darling.)
When Gianluca spoke to me,at the M&G, in his sexy,baritone, Italian accent I was so mesmerized that I could barely respond. However, I did recover and managed to finally get some words out of my mouth to which I was rewarded with that beautiful smile of his, a big hug and his famous cheek kiss !!
Joanie, how lucky you are. I have seen our fabulous Guys 5 times and still want my hug. I have often called Gianluca my little genius. Besides his gorgeous voice and personality, he’s always learning, listening and aware of everything around him and not afraid to speak his mind in THREE languages! Of course, I love Piero and Ignacio the same way. It’s really amazing how special they ALL are.
You are so right Ann– Guanluca is very alert and tuned into his fans and surroundings at all times. And yes they are all VERY SPECIAL !!!!
Very informative article, and thank you for explaining the technical things. Understanding the hidden machinery make me appreciate them even more.
I have to say that I really do appreciate the questions and the challenges. That makes this site so special. Thank you to all who wrote comments. I love to hear from you.
If you were able to watch the entire Porta a Porta show which was dedicated to Il Volo, capturing some of their history, and rapid rise to international fame; the interview portions, of course, were loaded with a wealth of information, but also some personal and heartfelt comments from each that were purposely directed to, or about , one of the other, or both of the other brothers. These comments usually occured after each sang their solo. After Gianluca’s (Love Me Tender) heard for the first time by the way, Ignazio said that early on in their start, Gianluca said to them that he felt bad about not being able to reach the high notes as they do. Ignazio continued, saying basically, that Gianluca has such an ability to deliver, project, such emotion into whatever he sings, and that he does it so easily because that’s who he is. (not actual words, but close) That being something that not everyone can do. It’s natural to him. Each of their voices are different from the other, but together they are Il Volo. It was at that point that Gianluca could not contain his graditude for what Ignazio expressed, and rose to give each of his brothers a most memorable group hug. Gianluca, has a very wide range in his baritone voice, but as we know, it’s that smooth and enticeing sound he has that is so irresistable. Il Volo definitely has it all! Each one leaves his mark, and don’t we love it?
YES!
Now, Now ladies we must not fuss over who does what and where for whom. I think there is a resolution to this dilemma, it’s called sharing. LOL
Their family is very important to them and they have been there for them the whole time. I liked to see them on the east coast (Atlantic Ocean) as well. It’s nice and warm here in the summer with lots of beaches. ^..^
well, said. I sure wish they would come to the USA and do a lengthy interview like this one.
Very well said Kitty. It was a very touching moment which brought tears to my eyes. All three are very caring but, just from my observations over the years, Gianluca is the most sensitive and needs the most encouragement.
I agree with Deanne. I think Ignazio is very sensitive too, but he covers it up by clowning around. I don’t know much (what an understatement!) Italian, but I caught his mother saying “buffo” or “buffone” in that program where Ignazio was playing the piano and his parents were sitting on the couch.
Myron, thank you so so much for your explanation on Gianluca’s voice. it is so funny that Jeanne brought this up, because I have been getting this feeling in recent times that Gian is not as confident as He was earlier on, He seemed a little timid next to the other two, and I wished He would get back that confidence that we saw earlier, I loved it. it maybe nothing, just everybody growing up. certainly ignazio and Piero have increased in their confidence. Joanie, you mentioned that Gianluca is the most sensitive. I think He so wants to please,as Myron says He is a perfectionist(and people like this suffer extra) but, in seeing Ignazio revealing himself in interviews, I think He is the most sensitive. he brushes it off with all his joking, but under it all, He feels insecure and wants that re-assurance, I feel He is the most sensitive, but disguises it well. if they only knew what effect they have on us!!!! I guess that’s what keeps them humble
Ignazio – I think you are on the money here. He was the 3rd place winner in the original competition and, I am afraid, feels 3rd in quality sometimes. It is just simply not true, of course, but it is hard to shake that feeling inside. By now one would hope that he knows that he has some things that he can do that Piero and Gianluca cannot.
Gianluca – I usually don’t have much to criticize about in his singing but because he is so serious and such a perfectionist in his performances he often looks so serious as well. I would love to tell him to smile more often. When he let a smile go in “Anema e Core” from the July 21 concert it was devastating ! So beautiful. what a “killer” smile. He can afford to do that. He’s got the job. He should be secure by now.
Oh my dear Myron, once again you stated what I have tucked away in my heart for these two young men… Ignazio covers his insecurities with being the clown on stage as I have said before here… I remember watching the videos of the early part of their career and he would be pulling and adjusting his shirt then his jacket, fiddling with the sound pack on his waist and then adjusting the ear plug., he would do this in sequence over and over again… You can tell that he is more confident than before but he still has the feeling of having to work extra hard, giving the audience all of himself and just a bit more, just to be sure we love him… And of course we do.
Gianluca as you so brilliantly put it, is a perfectionist…He is so deeply immersed in giving us the very best he has to offer that he forgets to smile, but oh at the end of the performance when he hears the applause and he realizes that we appreciate his spectacular delivery of his solo he will begin to relax and suddenly he will give us that million dollar dazzling smile … And when he smiles, the Il Volo world smiles with him…
I’ve been saying for a long time now that Gianluca should smile more often. He does have a killer smile! I hope he reads these entries and sees we all love his voice, his delivery AND his SMILE!!