A few days ago was Ignazio’s birthday and my friend Valeria Bosch wrote a beautiful post.
Once again Valeria interpreted our thoughts and managed to analyze some of the attitudes of our dear Ignatius, who certainly did not escape those who love him.
I translate for you, with great pleasure: Daniela
What makes us feel so much fondness, so much affection, so much continuous interest for a public figure, be it actor, singer, writer or other? Of course, first of all is the emotion that he knows how to communicate to us with his art, the feeling of enchantment and uniqueness that he creates around him, and, of course, also what means a lot is his physical appearance, his way of posing himself, what in short is commonly called “body language”.
But what do we really know about these characters? If we want to know them in depth, we must not rely on the tamed, plasticized official biographies or even the news we read in newspapers and mass media, always affected by interested intentions, positive or negative, but we must rely only on our eyes, on our ability to observe, especially small details, signs that can act as a litmus test to define with confidence the personality of our darling.
So I did for Ignazio, intending to pay him a tribute for his 24th birthday: I closed my eyes and I tried to review, among many images that crowded in my mind, some moments, some gesture that could work as a mirror or introspector for understanding his feelings, his intimate reactions. And I share them here with you, chronologically rearranged, although obviously this is not the sequence with which they resurface to my memory.
1. The embarrassment of the boy – 2009
We are at “TI LASCIO UNA CANZONE”, the guys (future “IL VOLO”), from soloists who were, have recently been composed in a trio that debuted with “ ’O sole mio”. Antonella Clerici, who admires the three teenagers , says to them with great affection: “In short, they already call you ‘the three tenors’ – which of you is Pavarotti?” The three little boys, frightened and awkward in their little clothes, remain silent. Only Ignazio, the most plump, manages to murmur with a voice that barely comes out, almost choked: “We do not know ……” A boy a more grown up would have responded with a joke or a brilliant answer. He takes seriously that strange question, still unaware of the incredible future that fate was preparing them.
2. The childish joy of Sanremo – 2015
It is the evening of 11 February 2015 and the trio Il Volo has performed for the first time on the stage of the festival with “Grande Amore”. As soon as the performance is finished, the audience snaps up and gives to the very young singers a resounding and interminable “standing ovation”. An applause never seen in Sanremo at the first performance, a round of applause that leaves them breathless: Piero is annihilated, cannot even grumble thanks, Gian (who turns 20 that day) breaks out in tears and takes refuge on the shoulders of Carlo Conti, Ignazio tries in every way to cope with the situation, thanks the audience, but, just like a happy child, he cannot help but let slip a smile, which he covers childishly with his hand. It is a gesture of infinite tenderness, which I will never forget.
3. The tears of “Alleria” – 2016
During the concert at the Forum Mediolanum of Assago, 29 January 2016, Ignazio performs as a soloist the wonderful song by Pino Daniele, “Alleria” – a cry that rises from a sad soul, who suffers a lot for love and continues to suffer, despite the passing of time. Ignazio is in symbiosis with Pino, it is as if he had tattooed it on the heart, in the head, on the skin: he interprets the song with such force, such an identification that, at the end of the execution, he cannot hold back the tears. The intensity of the interpretation has overwhelmed him, his emotion is true and profound. Tears are the testimony.
4. The wonder for the beauty of Florence – 2016
A date that will remain a milestone in the history of IL VOLO: 1 July 2016, the joke of the words of Antonella Clerici has become incredibly real. With great humility and without wanting to compare themselves to the Three Tenors in the slightest, but as an act of homage and remembrance, the three boys who became incredibly beautiful and elegant, perform an unforgettable concert in the presence, and partly direct, just from one of the three celebrated tenors of the last century, Placido Domingo. The concert is a sum of excellences: the beauty of music, the skill of the boys, but above all the beauty of Florence. It takes place in Piazza Santa Croce, dominated by one of the most beautiful churches of our Renaissance, an inestimable example of art, culture and Italian genius. The church stands out against the backdrop of the square in the dim light of the evening, a square full of people, the lights are turning on, the show is breathtaking: Ignazio, on the stage with the master Domingo and his companions, cannot restrain himself from saying, “Look how beautiful Piazza Santa Croce is!” and joins hands, raising his eyes to the sky in a gesture moved and full of amazement. Master Domingo uses the right adjective to answer him: “Divine!”
5. The disarming sincerity in the Red Ronnie study -2018
On 3 May, in a long 4-hour interview, the boys met with Red Ronnie. An evening of positive sign, jokes, joy, interaction with fans of all the continents. The old musician was amazed in the face of fame and the international success of the three boys, and of course, also confidences, revelations, work projects. Ignazio as usual is the fool, jokes, not standing still for a minute, makes Red desperate because it causes a small failure to a precious jukebox that stands in the studio. But to specific questions of Red, responds to questions with an unexpected and disarming sincerity.
The person Ignazio most loves in the world? His sister, who acted as stand-in mother and a reference point in the sad period when his mother was forced to long absences to cure a serious illness.
Relationships of love? To be taken with great seriousness, to be men also means to prove to be able to resist temptations, a principle that he never failed during an engagement lasting more than two years, even if now that bond is over “Because we grow, we change, and there are new demands that life inevitably puts in front of you.”
An Ignazio, in short, who is very mature and very sincere.
The portrait of Ignazio that emerges from the small episodes recalled here is that of a boy with disarming sincerity, not yet counterfeited or “corrupt” from the environment in which he is forced to live for work. Contrary to what is his outward attitude, especially on the stage where he is lively and restless, often comedian and joker, is a serious and concrete boy. He once said, “The first thing for me is to stay down to earth.” But Ignazio is also very emotional, strong and fragile at the same time. His particular sensitivity leads him to live emotions in a profound way, with an intensity that puts everything in his song, and it is precisely for this reason that he manages to establish a special pathos with the audience. For him, music is everything. When he closes his eyes and sings he seems to leave for distant lands, of which only he possesses the key of access; music is his second skin, and it is perhaps also for this that he has made contact with Gian and Piero, who are certainly not less, a perfect artistic and professional alliance!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY IGNAZIO!………..Valeria Bosch
Credit to owners of all photos and video.
A lovely look into the soul of Ignacio. Never change!
You’re right, Barbara, I also hope that Ignazio will never change!
A million Thank you, Valeria, for fulfilling my existence, the origin of my inner being, you’ve described Ignazio as an enchanting man with ultra-fine characteristics and values. I am appreciative of the aftermath from the first encounter. Ignazio will be well. His heart is all in the right places. He’s an incredibly blessed young man. I Love Ignazio so much, and I want only the best for him. May God never take his hands off of him.
Thank you for this article about Ignazio. Ignazio brings out the “motherly” feeling in me. When I watch him I always have a warm feeling and a smile. Many years back someone said “he is a boy in a man’s body”.
The music of Ignazio and of all “Il Volo” always makes smile me too, Gina!
May your Botthday bring special joys to you and your family
Hi, Maureen, thank you!
What a wonderful tribute to Ignazio. I have been wondering why Il Volo is so addictive and Valeria put into words a good explanation.
Valeria, thank you for sharing your gift of writing. A special thank you because you have shown us the soul of Ignazio. I live all 3, but Igna has a special place in my heart.
also in mine!!!!!! ahahah, thank you Rose Marie!
Thank you so much, Lynn: a really exciting music!!!!!!!
I agree with everything that’s written Ignazio is more than a talented singer, he’s an amazing young man . may the future hold everything good for you
I join your wishes, thank you Rose!
What a beautiful tribute to a wonderful, talented young man. Ignatio has light. A powerful light which acts as a drawing beam for all. The truth is, a true heart can never be hidden. The image of three little boys with such awe, of their acceptance still brings me tears.
they are really cute and exciting, you’re right Leslie!
Thank you Valeria for such beautiful and insightful piece of writing. Ignazio has the heart, soul and mind of an artist no matter how he expresses it. He has also lived some hard times, he knows that what he has is precious and fleeting. He is also very aware of how much people can be hurt so he is careful, always to be kind and respectful. I will forever be grateful that I “discovered” Il Volo and have had the opportunity to watch them all grow and develop into who they are now. They have added so much to my life. Thank you again for this piece.
Dear Jeanette, America discovered Il Volo before Italy! even my day becomes more pleasant with the Il Volo music! Thanks to you, Jeanette, really!
What a truly beautiful tribute to a remarkable young man-you made me cry a bit! And you Daniela, make it possible for us to read such meaningful posts-thank you most of all!
Mark, I’m really glad you liked it and I had no doubt, the merit is Valeria. I was beginning to worry, not seeing your comments!
Many thanks to you, Mark!
A wonderful insight to a very special and talented young man.Thank you so much.
To you also, Marion!
What a man with a beautiful heart…..hope success does not spoil his beauty?
No, it’s impossible……….I hope!!!!!
Thank you Valeria for writing this truly beautiful and heartfelt tribute to Ignazio. Love, love, love it! You managed to put down on paper my exact feelings about this special person. I also feel that there is this special bond between those of us who are lucky enough to feel his soul, and who understand how really precious Ignazio is. Thanks to Daniela for translating. Please continue writing, don’t stop!
Thanks to you Anna that you liked.
For my part, when I read pearls so I immediately think of translating for you.
Thank you, Anna, it’s easy to write what you sincerely feel in your heart!!! and thanks to Daniela, a special and generous friend!!
Beautiful tribute and so very true.
Thank you, Betty!!!
Beautifully written article of a beautiful person, Ignazio. Thank you.
Thank you, Joan!
Valeria, in your wonderful tribute to Ignazio you captured the many faces and facets of this special young man. You’re have painted a beautiful portrait of the his inner soul, heart and spirit. Together with his magnificent voice It’s no wonder that he’s loved the world over. Thank you for your beautiful writing!
Really beautiful your words, Vincent! I thank you so much!!!!!!!!
You captured the essence of this sweet, talented and funny young man. It has been a pleasure following his career. I appreciate all the news and translations . Thank you.
You said right, Janet: “sweet, talented and funny”!!!! I agree. Thank you very much!
Grazie mille Janet!!
Thank you Valeria and Daniela for your heartfelt and loving description of Ignazio – he is everything that you have written – caring and kind heart, sensitive with deep emotions that we are sometimes fortunate enough to have him share with us. Your words about Ignazio were so beautiful and true – you have shared with us so many reasons why Ignazio is so special to IlVolovers – he has transformed us all in a very special way just by being the amazing young man he is. I too love all three – Ignazio has always been my favorite – drawn to him from the beginning and feel so privileged to see him grow into a very very handsome young man who allows us to journey along with him through his magical and blessed life and career.
You’re right, Margaret: we’re lucky to share his emotions with Ignazio. Thank you for your beautiful words.
Margaret, I’m happy that you enjoyed the translation, it could not be otherwise.
What a loving description of such an exceptional young man. I have loved his sincerity, gentleness, and sense of silly (one of my favorite traits) from the first time I saw the boys on PBS. This was an exceptionally well written article. Thank you for the translation…a perfect summation of a terrific young man!
Thank you, Sandi, I also love the sense of silly of Ignazio! sometimes he makes me laugh so much! sometimes a good laugh is good!
Grazie Sandi, I’m very happy with your appreciation
I am so glad & happy to see all the beautiful & sincere comments about Ignazio which I sincerely hope he reads these posts. I fell in love with him as well when I first saw him at the first concert in Toronto & he saw me walking with a limp (from childhood) & I was sitting in the first row & he came off the stage & asked me if I got home alright. I don’t remember what I said which was probably stupid. I first saw them on a program being interviewed I heard them sing & they mentioned they were coming to Toronto so I tore out to find out were in Toronto & once I found out I got myself a ticket. I don’t listen to any other group but Il Volo. Ignazio is constantly in my thoughts & prayers are included for the 3 boys so they stay safe. I hope the woman he decides to marry realizes not only how special he is but how lucky she is to be marrying him. So now I am praying he meets that special woman. Love you always Ignazio.
Ignazio is a very kind and generous boy, it is easy to love him. Thank you for your words and your prayers, Loretta!
Wow,this is a wonderful article, thank you so much.
It describes this gorgeous man so well, just how special he is and why we love him so much.
Thank you very much, Sue!
Ignazio is sweet, kind, humble, gentle, sincere,
caring, funny, talented, special, generous,
remarkable, kind, respectful, full of heart, amazing,
and loving, and many more qualities and I love
his voice and comedy also. I really love all his
qualities. He is a remarkable human being. I
love to listen to his singing and Il Volo. I look
forward to their tour next year.