And here I am at the second event, the CD signing.
It happened on the same day as the launch of the new album..
I hadn’t pre-ordered any CD precisely because I was hoping that there would be an instore event, but then I had lost hope because Piero, Ignazio and Gianluca had shown us the photos while they signed the discs which could therefore be purchased already autographed and so I thought that they wouldn’t have done any instore and then they were very busy with interviews and television appearances. But in the end only two instores were announced and one of these was in the province of Verona, which is really not far from my house, so I said to my husband, let’s go there!!
I inquired at the “Porte dell’Adige” shopping center where the event was held if it was possible to purchase the CDs directly on site and they replied that I could purchase them directly there, but if I already had I could still participate in the signing and this is really a nice thing, because when the event takes place in Milan, if you don’t buy the CD from them (Feltrinelli bookshop), you don’t have the right to entry.
The meeting was scheduled for 5:30 pm so in the early afternoon my husband and I left, there wasn’t a long way to go.
I also took with me my Il Volo 10th anniversary CD, which doesn’t have their signatures so I would have taken the opportunity to get it signed.
As soon as we arrived we saw that the event was taking place in the small internal square inside the shops, where a small stage had been set up and barriers marked a mandatory route for people who had to line up with the CD.
There were already a lot of people waiting and we immediately saw the desk set up for the purchase of discs and we bought ours, I was holding the new AD ASTRA CD in my hand and my husband was holding the 10 YEARS CD.
There was an entertainer who joked with the people making the emotion rise, which was already palpable and the music in the air at full volume were all songs from the new AD ASTRA, beautiful!!
People continued to arrive and shortly after 5:30 pm, here they were, I made a short video, but I propose the video that was made by the organizers of the event, which is obviously better seen.
What a thrill as Piero, Gianluca and Ignazio entered, acclaimed by the people!! ❤️❤️❤️
Click Here to view the video
I took a still image of the video to show you where my husband and I were!!
The guys had to sit at the table and we in the audience had to parade behind them and while the three of them signed the CD, the official photographer took the photo. The time to stay with them was short, but better than nothing.
Before sitting down to start signing, Piero, Ignazio and Gianluca approached all the disabled people who were in the front row in front of the barriers and exchanged a few words with them, took photos and signed their CDs.
Then the signing began for all the people and obviously, as we approached we could take some photos, here are mine.
As I approached the stage, I noticed Torpedine talking assiduously to a man, I came forward, shook his hand and complimented him by saying that the songs were beautiful. He thanked me, I didn’t think to take a photo with him…..damn!!
And now our moment has come. What an emotion!
We positioned ourselves behind the boys, my husband between Piero and Ignazio and me between Ignazio and Gianluca.
We immediately greeted them and I told them: “Congratulations guys, last night we were at the Radio Italia event and you were fantastic, the songs are beautiful. I am part of Flight Crew and I bring you greetings from the whole group that follows you and awaits you next year.” Ignazio and Gianluca thanked me with amazement as they signed, and before passing behind Ignazio I managed to tell him: “Congratulations to you also for Michelle,” and he thanked me.
The photographer had taken the shot and was motioning for us to continue the journey.
My husband told me that he managed to tell Piero and Ignazio that they should have won in Sanremo and Piero thanked him and Ignazio made an expression as if to say that it wasn’t their fault.
That’s all, very little and with all that noise of voices, it’s impossible to say and understand anything else.
And here is our photo together, it’s not beautiful, but that’s enough.
All finished, as we walked away, one more look at the people who continued to sign.
Radio Italia is certainly a very different event, but of course, if you have the chance to go to this one, why give up! 😉
And the next day Piero, Ignazio and Gianluca had the same event in the province of Naples, in short, a completely different place, only two events, one in the north and one in the south of Italy.
Here is the reportage of the event at the “VULCANO BUONO” shopping center.
The public response was excellent.
The event was also covered by local TV which made an excellent report of it where he talks about Il Volo, the new CD and their tour, at the end the director of the shopping center talks about the events and projects that will be held in VULCANO BUONO.
All the Italian news talked about the release of the new CD. There are endless interviews and appearances on TV, some of which I still have to translate for you, but events follow one another so quickly that it is impossible to keep up.
Meanwhile, on the day of the CD’s release, Il Volo published this beautiful photo together with all the authors and producers toasting, a truly beautiful company with many dreams that we hope will come true.
Luca Faraone, one of the authors and exactly the boy with the glasses and the open mouth, in the photo next to Gianluca and Ignazio wrote these words.
You can find me on PER ASPERA, CHIARO DI LUNA and FRAGMENTS OF THE UNIVERSE.
Working on these songs was really cool, because it gave me the opportunity to measure myself with aspects that I rarely deal with in the mainstream.
Great cinematic compositions, complex productions, choral arrangements, orchestrations, I had fun like a child. And the first reason above all why I am grateful for this experience is independent of music, and is the opportunity I had to build new relationships with wonderful people.
Thanks to Il Volo for wanting me so strongly on this album, thanks infinitely to Ernesto, without whom this could not have existed, a person with an immense heart.
Thanks to Stefano Marletta, Michael Tenisci, Patti Carmelo and all those who contributed with their art.
Lastly and not because of the size of the mullet (it’s the boy with the striped shirt next to him in the photo, he has a lot of hair that he keeps collecting) the discovery of the Edwyn Roberts discoveries.
Praise God of songs for bringing us together.
Well…..let me know what you think, come on.
In the photo above Gianluca and Fuca Faraone.
In the photo, Ignazio has fun with the authors Edwyn Roberts and Stefano Marletta. 😂😂
Remember that for this project many very successful young authors were called here in Italy, but they are used to other musical genres, so it was a great challenge for them too and the result is excellent!
The promotion of the CD can also be seen externally, here at the Milan train station, look at that beautiful poster.
And here, Roma train station.
And how beautiful is this video published by Gianluca while he sings FRAMMENTI DI UNIVERSO in his car.
Among the many interviews, the one published by FQ Magazine, written by Andrea Conti, which I translate for you, is very beautiful.
Click Here for the FQ Magazine article
Il Volo to FqMagazine: “Get used to fake news, we will be together for a long time and we hope forever. Prejudices? You can’t please everyone.”
Piero Barone, Ignazio Boschetto and Gianluca Ginoble present the new album “Ad Astra”, after having participated in the last Sanremo Festival 2024 with “Capolavoro” and crowning 15 years of career
Fifteen years of career and not hearing them. Despite the outcry caused by an exchange of opinions during a radio interview at the Sanremo Festival, no dissolution is in sight for Il Volo. The proof is the fact that Piero Barone, Ignazio Boschetto and Gianluca Ginoble are involved in a thousand projects in Italy and abroad. The trio has released the new album “Ad Astra” to start again on new bases and create a new repertoire to propose on the international tour which will start in April from China, and then continue to Japan and touch the main European capitals in autumn. Il Volo will be the protagonist of “Tutti per uno”, four special concert events at the Verona Arena, all sold out for the first three dates 9, 11, 12 and 13 May. Then 20 summer events between June and September. In short, there is no intention to interrupt professional relationships, on the contrary.
“OPERA” celebrates the resilience and strength of remaining united even in daily difficulties. Who did you dedicate it to?
Ignazio: A suitable song especially in the moment we are experiencing in the world because it encourages people to have strength. The same also comes from listening to music. I would recommend listening to it in moments of weakness.
Piero: I would like to dedicate it to people who are chasing a dream and I invite them to never give up. Being encouraged is very important because sooner or later time gives the answers.
Gianluca: Finally, musically you approach our genre with an eye to the future thanks also to the collaboration with Federica Abbate, Katoo, Cheope and Raige. (authors)
“The world upside down (IL MONDO ALL’INCONTRARIO)” is an invitation to dream big. Is there a dream you would still like to realize?
Ignazio: There are still many unfulfilled dreams. We are first and foremost three guys and then very ambitious artists. We always think about what the next project could be. We must always aim high and try to always want more, remaining focused in the present. Being ambitious is one of the most beautiful things that can exist.
Piero: It’s a song that tells of an ideal world, we sing about happiness. Today in such a hectic life we neglect many things, especially in this historical moment we are experiencing. This song highlights hope.
Gianluca: From the beginning of writing the album we wanted to focus on content that didn’t talk about love in a rhetorical way. So we worked hard to try to give meaning and a varied message from Capolavoro to the discovery of new sounds. Maybe this is our dream, slowly building our repertoire because we have many messages to send.
Ignazio, “SUCCEDE” seems written for you. When did you realize that Michelle had shocked your life like an earthquake?
Ignazio: But no! It is written for everyone in the end. The person you love becomes a bit like home. This is one of my favorite songs obviously because it encapsulates my love life today, but it is a song that everyone can make and feel is their own. Here we collaborated with Michelangelo as producer, something remotely imaginable only until recently. He did an amazing job and we are really happy.
How do you explain the uproar that followed the radio interview done in Sanremo in which Piero and Gianluca teased each other?
Piero: It was created because Ignazio wasn’t there to mediate (laughs)
Ignazio: If you look closely at the full interview (and not the minute that went viral on the Web) you understand very well that these are the usual attitudes we have. After many years and because of the trust that has been created, we respond as we want and often in a fun way.
Gianluca: I think that irony will save the world and that it exists in an ideal world. We are used to fake news. Il Volo will be together for a long time and we hope forever. Full speed ahead!
Four events at the Verona Arena. What can you tell us?
Piero: We will go on tour in China and Japan, but we are already thinking about the future project. We have almost finished the Verona project, which will be broadcast on Canale 5 on Saturday evenings and the concept is the same as last year’s ‘Tutti per Uno’. There are many confirmations from many artists. We like to surprise. There will be no shortage of surprises and there will be unthinkable collaborations.
To date, has Il Volo undermined the prejudice a bit?
Gianluca: Paradoxical that this prejudice has never existed abroad, where we are perceived differently. You have to manage your career differently in every part of the world. A very difficult thing. In South America we sing in Spanish and there is the perception of Italian with a younger audience. In the United States we are seen a bit like Bublè and Bocelli, in Japan there are only Japanese. Sanremo is an Italian fact, but one that also has resonance abroad. We were born here in a talent show for children, abroad they don’t know it and they have never seen us like this. It takes time to eradicate prejudices for those who have only seen us one way. There’s a reason we’ve reached fifteen years of our career. You can’t please everyone but I believe that starting a dialogue with even the most skeptical can open up new perspectives.
Meanwhile, CAPOLAVORO has been certified Gold Record here in Italy!! Nice satisfactions. 👏👏👏
And after a week, the AD ASTRA CD is first in Italy for vinyl sales and fifth in total sales, great guys, full steam ahead!! 👏👏👏
Listen and activate the subtitles to read and see this beautiful and funny interview done by Annalia Venezia, journalist of the weekly GRAZIA. Gianluca is missing from the interview. Annalia did not know Il Volo, nor had she ever interviewed them and at the end, she too remained fascinated by our boys! 🥰
And now laugh with these two short videos… these guys make me die laughing. 🤣🤣🤣
(Gianluca, Ignazio and Piero read some questions, as always they laugh and joke and immediately Ignazio makes a joke to Piero.) 🤣🤣🤣
PIERO= I have to read the first one.
GIANLUCA= Can we read too?
PIERO= (he reads) I have never lied to one of you.
No, I lied! 😁
GIANLUCA= Okay, everyone, white (innocent) lies are told, come on. 😁
PIERO= For the balance of a group, it is sometimes necessary to lie.
GIANLUCA= So it also works in relationships?
PIERO= This is your business!! 😳
GIANLUCA= No, no, I’m telling you, I’m asking you the same question, ours is a relationship.
PIERO= So, I said “a group”, the relationship with the partner is one and one.
GIANLUCA= It’s a dual relationship, ours is a triad.
oh well, you have to lie, come on. 🤪
(now he reads the question) I have never made up an excuse not to take a selfie with a fan.
No, no, in fact we are perhaps too open to that, aren’t we? 😍
IGNAZIO= Yes absolutely, always. 😍
GIANLUCA= It’s true. 😍
(To Piero) See how I’m faster than you?
PIERO= I have never danced alone in my room.
No, of course I danced alone in my room, of course.
IGNAZIO= Always and also in déshabillé, (in underwear, or undressed)
GIANLUCA= With the “glié” (Ignazio pronounces déshabillé incorrectly making the letter G heard and Gianluca makes fun of him)
PIERO= With the “glié” (Piero also makes fun of Ignazio’s pronunciation)
IGNAZIO= I never thought about leaving my trio.
True, absolutely true, I never thought so. 🥰
GIANLUCA= But none ever.🥰
IGNAZIO= With sincerity.🥰
PIERO= This question is incredible….
I have never dreamed of a feat with Ghè.
GIANLUCA= (Piero pronounces Ghè and Gianluca corrects him) Gué, who is Ghé? Gué not Ghé. 🤣🤣
PIERO= I call him Gué Pequeno.😂 (He is a singer)
GIANLUCA= Gué 🤣
PIERO= And I call him Ghé Pequeno.😂
GIANLUCA= Gué, bye Ghé. 🤣
PIERO= Hi Ghé.
No, I have to tell you that I thought about it, sometimes you know when you think of particular, strange duets….
GIANLUCA= Ghé….
(Gian insists with the wrong pronunciation and Ignazio dies laughing) 😂😂😂
PIERO= And with Ghé I thought so (I think it would be a truly absurd duet and perhaps Ignazio laughs at that too)…😂😂😂
GIANLUCA= Gué let’s do something together, the time has come, come on! (here in Italy Gué is doing duets with several singers)
IGNAZIO= I apologize to you, deeply.
PIERO= You go (to Gianluca)
GIANLUCA= Amuninni! (Sicilian dialect word meaning: let’s go)
I have never ghosted a girl.
(everyone laughs because this question actually happened to Gianluca who is considered the conqueror of the group) 😂😂😂
No it is not true!
PIERO= What, isn’t it? So we have to…
GIANLUCA= No, I said it’s not true that I’ve never done it.🤪
PIERO= Ahhhh ok! 😁
GIANLUCA= But not with malice, always with education!
PIERO= But you can’t ghost with politeness…..
GIANLUCA= No, I have never ghosted.
I never thought that anyone had fallen asleep at one of our concerts.
The most beautiful scene was Ignazio who saw someone sleeping and with the microphone he said, in an arena of 10 thousand people: PEM. And see, this one (jump) there was an incredible scene I don’t remember where, this one who had fallen asleep poor guy, after a while he had heard the two of them (Ignazio and Piero) singing he said, I have to fall asleep. It’s at a certain point it was he (Ignazio) who let out a scream and this (fright) 😂
IGNAZIO= I have never done something crazy for love.
PIERO= Just him! 🤣
GIANLUCA= He is madness for love par excellence. 😂
IGNAZIO= I have never done something crazy for love.
PIERO= Just him!
GIANLUCA= He is madness for love par excellence.
IGNAZIO= I am the…
PIERO= He is the feeling.
IGNAZIO= I have never snitched a bro.
PIERO= What does it mean? 😳
IGNAZIO= And what does snitched mean, sorry?? 😳
VOICE= That you snitched.
GIANLUCA= Derived from snitch.
PIERO= I have never snitched, what does this mean?
IGNAZIO= That you have never cheated or betrayed a friend.
PIERO= Ah, no never.
GIANLUCA= In any case, we’re really in our thirties, eh, there’s nothing we can do…
PIERO= But if you are thirty…
GIANLUCA= It’s a vocabulary that doesn’t belong to you, to me yes, to you no. 😁
IGNAZIO= So you want to know something?….
PIERO= Yes, because we have three generations of difference….🤣
IGNAZIO= As long as I had company (that means hanging out with a company), friends from Call of Duty, from “gioco”, from gaming, I knew how: to show off, to snitch, all these things, now the era is over….
PIERO= But I say, if we are in Italy, let’s talk, use the terms in Italian, not these snitch, snatch…😁
IGNAZIO= Say hotel, (in Italian albergo), don’t say hotel! 😁
This video needs no translation, the three of them sing LA DONNA È MOBILE in three different ways: lyrical, pop, rock, they have fun and they joke. At the end Ignazio doesn’t stop making high notes and Gianluca asks:
“Where does it turn off?” 😂😂😂
And now this beautiful review of HALLELUJAH made by vocal coach Giacomo Rossi who analyzed their performance from a technical point of view, activates the subtitles.
I love these reviews and they’re on you tube, go and comment too, I asked Giacomo to review the new songs.
And finally this last gem.
A short video of CAPOLAVORO played by Valentino Alessandrini with the violin. 🥰
I hope you enjoyed the story of my two direct experiences with Il Volo, certainly the concert at Radio Italia was the best!!! But even seeing them sign your CD is priceless. I remind everyone that both events were absolutely free.
And what about the results of the new CD, very good and I hope the race continues!
By the way, in the next article I will show you all the lyrics of the new songs and we will talk about these new songs together, I can tell you that I liked them very much at the first listen.
Until next time!!
Daniela 🤗
Credit to owners of all photos and videos.
Thank you very much, Daniela. Wonderful stories, photos and videos. I tried to understand the words in the video where they read and answered questions. I know what ghosting is but I wondered why Ignazio laughed so much and I didn’t understand the face of Gianluca. With your explaining I have understood. Thank you. I’m looking forward to your next letter when we talk about the new songs. Some of them I like very much but not all. Perhaps I will change my mind after.
Have a nice week. Greetings to all.
Ursula, I’m happy to have managed to make you fully understand the meaning of the boys’ words and the reason for their laughter.
In the next article we will talk about the lyrics of the songs, I promise.
As usual just love your description of these events. Lovely photo of you and your husband with Il Volo. Reminds me of a few years ago when I was a Cliff Richard fan.( still am ). Miss those years when we queued up for a week before tickets went on sale. Xx
Rosina, I am also a fan of Cliff Richard and of Helmut Lotti. Many years ago, I suppose 17, Helmut and Cliff gave a concert in Brussel (?). It was a very hot day, at nine o clock in the evening still nearly 40 degree and Helmut and Cliff sang together Christmas Songs. The TV took a video. I am glad that I went to such events. Il Volo will be in Germany in October, but it is too far away for me from here. You have to spend good times when you‘re younger. So I have to watch these wonderful men on TV. 🙂👋
Ursula, Il Volo have just announced that they will also do a concert in Frankfurt on October 19th. Is he closer to you?
Thanks for the compliments on the photo, Rosina, I have to tell you that I always go with my husband. He grumbles a bit at first but then I know he likes it!!
I have never been a fan of anyone else the way I am of Il Volo!
It’s always such fun and a real pleasure to read all your stories with the boys! Of course when you are lucky enough to be there in person…..your enthusiasm is catching!! This allows us to almost feel like we were also present! Loved all the photos…nice one of you and you husband, who also seems to be enjoying himself! It’s a real joy to see the guys joking around, even poking fun at each others…that IS what brothers do!!
Gold record in Italy is incredible…the fans are really letting the press know the TRUTH! I loved the violin rendition of Capolavoro, I think the music of these songs is beautiful and I’ll look forward to your translations next time…I’m very sure the words will be equally as beautiful as the music….I like their own interpretation of the words for a few of them.
I am so jealous of all of you being able to attend one of the concerts at the Arena, I was hoping to go myself this year but best laid plans…..! Guess I’ll just wait for their return to the states next year!
Sending you and Pat hugs and much love, Carol 💖💖💖🎶🎵🎼🎤🩷🕊️🙏🏻🤗😘
Carol, thank you for telling me that my enthusiasm is contagious.
Yes, my husband always accompanies me to these events, but in the end he likes them too and recognizes the value of Il Volo.
The gold record is a good achievement, but Il Volo does not excel in streaming, which is more the preserve of the very young.
You know, just yesterday I was thinking that the concert at the Arena is only a month away, time flies!!
I reciprocate the hug with affection!
Thank you Carol – for your “like” – I must say you cover everything in your comments & I appreciate reading them too much love.
Thank you Jude! I love these three guys and all of you…..many new friends!!
🤗🩷🙏🏻
Thank you for the hugs and love, Carol! Sending them back to you! 💗😘
Daniela & Pat – how exceptional the translations – the video downloads – the pics – the fun & laughter being transpired at the signing of “Ad Astra”- just beautiful!! – a lot of hard work & inspiration has gone into this Editorial – loved the pics of you & your husband & how lucky are you to to be upfront & personal with Piero – Ignazio & Gianluca – sitting at the table with them too no doubt!! – oh my!! – if only I was lucky enough to have that opportunity!! – but then you deserve this little treat for all the hard work you put into these special write-ups – Pat should have been there too – I would like to focus on Piero – Ignazio & Gianluca for a minute – bless their beautiful hearts for the signing of the CD’s for the disabled
first – great humanity being displayed here & this is what makes our boys so special – they are a class above all others – I truly loved the video of Valentino Alessandrini playing “Capolavoro” on his violin – what a heavenly sound!! – I had visions of David Garrett doing the same – the true essence of a great song is many inspiring interpretations – the World will not be able to get enough of our boys – they will be loved wherever they go – thank you for keeping us all in the loop Daniela & Pat – much appreciated & much love.
Thanks for all the nice compliments, Jude. I have to tell you that it was nice to see Ignazio, Piero and Gianluca immediately direct themselves towards disabled people, a big heart hovers in these guys! I agree with you, they are definitely a class above the rest.
Thank you Daniela – you light up our lives!!
You’re most welcome, Jude! 😊 Oh how I wish I could have been there!! 🙄
Thank you Daniela for that and translations ,you and your husband are very lucky to be able to talk with the guys and then give us the news ,i have their new cd it takes some getting use to as so different from their other songs but the more you listen it gets better ,i would have liked to have heard Piero sing a little more on his own ,regards
Yes, Pamela, even though this is a really quick event, but having the chance to tell them something is important. I think they feel all the affection that surrounds them. In the next article we will talk at length about the new songs, but I have to tell you that I immediately had a very positive impact. I believe we will see several of Piero’s solos in the Arena and consequently you will see them too.
Ciao e grazie! This was incredible! So wonderful to share your trip to the signing and SO MUCH MORE!! Everything was fun, sweet, funny & amazing. Thank You!! And the album is wonderful. Great music as always and unique ways they share their voices. Wow! Piero’s soft moments are crazy sexy. Great album. Thank you Daniela!!
Karen, I’m glad you had fun and I really like the album too. I must tell you that I really appreciate Piero’s lyrical voice, but when he uses his less classical voice it reaches me even deeper.,
Oh yes, when I go to the Met Opera I imagine Piero’s voice in the place of almost every current tenor. His voice really gets me. And yes, the softer moments have the same richness but in a different, and enchanting, way. It will be great fun for you all to see this come alive in concerts. Thank you for all the great Flight Crew news and translations. Have a glorious Il Volo summer!
I couldn’t agree more…….the lower, softer voice on each of them is very sexy and appealing!😉
I agree, Daniela. When Piero sings in his less classical voice and really soft it is amazing! It is a rare thing, but I have heard it several times! 😍
Thanks a million again Daniela and Pat for taking us through the fantastic moments presently taking place in Ignazio, Piero and Gianluca’s lives including great interviews, CD-release events and wonderful clips. How can they possible cope with all this happening within such a short period of time!
What a beautiful picture of you and Beppe with the guys at the CD-launch – a fantastic memory to have! I am so glad that you had the opportunity to attend this event as well. As previously said, if anyone deserves to enjoy a bit of the dust from our “stars”, then it is you Daniela! Meanwhile I have received my CD from Amazon Italy – and comparing the autographs you have succeeded in getting “more for the money”, as I can hardly figure out what the 3 little black “children’s drawings” on my CD-picture are ha ha – but by now realizing that Ignazio signed with just a big B and Gianluca with a double GG. Only Piero wrote something that could be recognized as either Piero or Barone. Yet again think of how many hundreds if not thousands of covers they have had to sign – so no wonder if it just has turned into some charming “dots”! .
I enjoyed reading the interview with the questions on paper bits… seems that once again they have had fun doing it. Lots of smiling, laughing, punching and private hints ;-). Glad to see them this way.
Personally, I loved the voice analyses of “Halleluja”. This guy seems to be totally in awe – not the least with Ignazio and his range and control of voice – but also clearly revealing that he knows very little of our guys, hence so much more interesting as he is listening without being biased. Thanks for having found this lovely clip for us.
Well, I have now been in receipt of “Ad Astra” for a couple of days. I must admit though that in all honesty I do not really know for sure what I think and feel… so far it has not been striking a chord with me. I like “Capolavora” very much – it fulfills all the requirements of a light hit-song with a melodious sing-along chorus so perfect for Sanremo and not the least The European Songcontest, where indeed it could have been a valid contender. And I am in awe with “Who want to live forever” that is a fantastic interpretation of this legendary Queen song. Beautiful soft start slowly building up to the strong chorus and Ignazio’s out of this world powerful but easy as a piece of cake high notes. But as to the rest of the songs… they do all sound very much alike to me albeit being written by different persons. Very modern pop style and “Italian sounding” (sorry, no offend ). The same kind of rhythm without much dynamics in the interpretations. The sound-picture is so much different from their previous albums – and frankly some places I cannot even guess who of them is singing which parts as it doesn’t sound like any of them at all… Not understanding a word of the lyrics does, of course, not better the situation, so I am looking forward to reading the translations in the near future. But I am afraid, that this album is not going to be among my favorites. It is not the kind of music I would normally enjoy whether being Italian, German or Danish singers performing – I miss the grandness of their previous songs and the variation and elegance of the Morricone album that I find the best of all the Il Volo albums. But I’ll give it some more listening in the next days.
Never the less I am very pleased to learn of the very fine reception the “Capolavoro” single and the new album has been met with by the Italian people – it seems that the strategy of participating in Sanremo after all gave the intended awareness in their home country and awarded them Billboard first places and a gold record. So happy on their behalf. It appears more and more clearly to me though that this album is geared primarily for the Italian market – in similarity with the South American EP for that continent last summer. Hence, I do wonder how it will be received in other parts in the world and not the least the US? Will it be able to reach top places on the Billboards there? And will the songs be appreciated at concerts by the American audiences? All I can say is, that here in Denmark it will, unfortunately, not do any difference for the guys. I have been in contact with the Danish SONY department and they have no intentions nor funds to market it here apart from having it forwarded to a few selected radio stations. They refer to IL VOLO as representing a special “genre” that has very little ground in our country – clearly revealing that they have no idea that this new album is rather pop than classic and Bel Canto. I even wonder if they have bothered to listened to the CD or just put it aside right away…
Sorry, I hope that I’ll be more optimistic about it all next week when I have learned of the lyrics and given the CD some further listening. Once again thanks for the huge job Daniela and Pat and lots of love. Kirsten
So Kirsten, thanks for appreciating everything. I admit that I laughed a lot while I translated the questions that Piero, Ignazio and Gianluca fished out of the bowl, and I laughed when I saw their facial expressions!!! Ignazio is truly an incorrigible joker, the three of them are exactly as we see them, they have absolutely no attitude and even the female journalist who didn’t know them was fascinated by them.
Giacomo Rossi’s reviews are the best, I really like how he explains technical things and I understand from his face that he really appreciates all three of them and especially Ignazio. Giacomo didn’t know Il Volo at all, or rather he only knew them by reputation but he had never listened to them or reviewed them and was amazed. I really like it when he says that they worked and studied a lot to become so good. This is precisely the point that you Kirsten don’t want to appreciate, Il Volo presented itself in another way, different from what we were used to, precisely to try to attract people who, on principle, didn’t listen to them because they had labeled them as “old ” or rather “young-old”. Be careful, they don’t distort themselves, but they try to please people of their age a little more, certainly not the very young. And you’re wrong when you say that the new songs seem like all the other Italian songs you hear now, nothing more different. Maybe they are the Italian songs that you listen to, but not the ones that are popular now in Italy. Currently, the trend here is songs sung very badly, with the help of autotune, songs with two or three phrases repeated on computer-generated tunes. Annalisa herself, who you loved in the duets, had to debase her talent by singing really ridiculous songs to make it among young people. But as they have repeated several times Il Volo will always be Il volo, in the concerts, in the broadcasts, we will always also see their classical side, their usual repertoire, but there will also be space for new things, for their different ways of singing. You know Kirsten, Giacomo Rossi, in Sanremo he had reviewed all the songs and of Capolavoro he had said that it was well sung but otherwise nothing special, now if Il Volo hadn’t attracted his attention with “Who wants to live forever”, probably Giacomo Rossi would not have been interested in them. At Radio Italia, out of the 200 people, about ten said they had never been to one of their concerts, they are probably new fans attracted by their new way of presenting themselves. Here in Italy, everyone has always thought that Il Volo lives on the successes of others, because they always offer covers of famous songs, now they have put their soul into this album and it certainly cannot please everyone, but in the next article we will talk about it more deeply. However, I like that there are these exchanges of opinion and then time will tell whether something worked or not.
But do you think about it??? In a month we will be in Verona and we will meet….I can’t wait!! 🙂
Oh yes Daniela – I do realize that in exactly 1 month we’ll be at Arena di Verona . I am sooooo much looking forward to it – and likewise to meet up with you and Beppe again. The countdown has begun <3
And – I love you – you are like “mother-bear” when it comes to IL VOLO – always protecting and standing up for them <3. I do hear you loud and clearly and agree with you a long way down the road. I do most certainly know that the guys do not go into any project half hearted but always give it 110 per cent and, of course, the new original songs are not the usual speedy-gonna-zales autotune spit out by many present singers of our time – that being in Italy or Denmark. I do thoroughly appreciate all the “down-to-the very smallest detail of each single note” work our guys have spent in developing and producing these. They give us their absolute best without cutting corners. That does, however, not mean that the outcome automatically will touch the hearts of everybody and this is where I do presently find myself in a limbo.
I fully understand that they have a need and as well as a wish for getting the appreciation of somewhat younger people and it seems that they have succeeded in same with this album – at least when we talk about the Italian market. Great – and I am very happy on their behalf. Being a very reflecting person though – and always a bit problem alert– I do likewise see the possible negative flip of the coin, namely, that by succeeding in this respect, they might at the same time lose some of their otherwise loyal long-time core fans who have been embracing and loving them primarily because they gave us solid “old school” music filling in a gap for same. But as we have previously experienced, the guys are like chameleons and great at adapting to the given situation – so let’s hope that they are fully aware and will react accordingly. We’ll discuss this further when you post your next article. Meanwhile – lots of love – Kirsten
You’re most welcome, Kirsten! 😊 I am still trying to do an intense listen to each of the songs in between working on Daniela’s next post and replying to comments…..along with life in general! 😄 I still have not received my CD so I am listening to the songs on YouTube. Amazon.it says it has been shipped but still not out for delivery. I agree with you on the signatures. I felt so bad seeing the guys signing all those albums and CD’s. Talk about hand cramps! Wow! I will reserve comments on the songs until I can get a good listen in.
thank you thank you Pat and Daniela for the great posting about this event. So special that you were able to be there. I loved seeing the nice pictures of you and Beppe. The guys are just so seasoned with interviews and so natural and down to earth when talking about themselves and each other and their music. Totally funny and lovable. I laughed so hard at certain comments they made. Thanks for including all the pictures and videos. It felt like we were there with you. I have downloaded the new album to my music page and have listened a few times. A really beautiful album. I really am looking forward to your translation of the new songs. I am sure they will be singing most of them on tour and it will be nice to understand what they are singing about. one month until I am on the plane to Italy with my friend. We will be attending the concerts on May 12 and 13.
My friend has never been to an Il Volo concert and I know she will fall in love with them. I think we arrive in Verona on May 11. Will you still be there on that day?
As always thanks for all you do for the Flight Crew fans.
Janet, I have to tell you that I don’t follow other singers other than Il Volo, but I certainly like their interviews a lot, they are very natural and really give very nice answers, I honestly can’t say if other artists are like that.
They will definitely be singing a lot of the new songs at the concerts, they are so proud of their album and I have to tell you that I immediately thought of a wonderful ending to their concert with AD ASTRA (outro), fantastic!
On May 11th I will be in Verona, I hope we can meet for a hug!
You’re welcome, Janet! 😊How wonderful that you will be able to see the guys in Italy! That is my dream one day! 🙏🏻
I wish the song Halleluah by Gianluca and Ignazio was given to vocal coach Giacomo Rossi and analyzed their performance. The song sung by all three of them, drowns out Gianluca’s voice because of Ignazio and Piero’s strong voices. Don’t get me wrong, all three of them have beautiful voices.
Jeanne, I have to tell you that I was in the Arena the first time that Ignazio and Gianluca sang Hallelujah with so much emotion and I must tell you that it is still my favorite version, just as my favorite version of My Way is the one sung by Gianluca and Piero !! I find it right that three of them sing them at concerts or events. However, there is another vocal coach who did the review of Hallelujah performed by Ignazio and Gianluca, I’ll send you the video, activate the subtitles, but be careful, the translator is not very faithful to what the vocal coach says.
This version also makes me so happy…..very spiritual, both of them so expressive with their emotions!💓💓
Am anxiously awaiting for my CD to arrive. Listening to the short Videos, Capolavoro/Valentino Alessandrini, is most beautiful as well as Hallelujah, so I want very much to hear the rest of the songs. I need to hear them for myself before I can comment. All blog critiques have made me so curious. Come on Amazon!
Mark, I hope you received your CD before the next release, so we can compare our thoughts, positive or negative, on Il Volo’s new work.
But first read and listen to everything I propose, before opening a debate.
My CD finally arrived and I have just finished listening for the first time. I can honestly say that I can’t find one thing about it that I don’t like. A beautiful diversion for them and I am a traditionalist by nature. I don’t see or hear where the orchestra is overpowering the guys. I especially like the last number-Ad Astra (outro). Actually, I am relieved with the whole selection, while it’s not Bel Canto, it’s not a mess of screaming and yelling. It’s IL Volo singing beautifully once again and what else could we expect!
Hi Daniela, oh no, Frankfurt is also too far away. I live at the North Sea. Hamburg or Bremen would be perfect. Perhaps they have the possibility to give a concert there. I will pray for it. Thank you for your answer.
So I’m keeping my fingers crossed for you Ursula!
Another great article, laughed a lot at this one, the guys can be so funny sometimes. I can’t imagine them doing so many interviews lately, they have to be worn out. I remember Piero saying he is always relaxed on a flight and can sleep when flying and Ignazio says he sleeps. Well they will soon get a chance to rest on the flights to China and Japan. Loved the photo of you and your husband. Every night my bedtime ritual is to watch Reactions to Ilvolo, I scroll around you tube to see if there are any new ones. I love JC’s reactions, he really does love IlVolo or as he say Bolo. Looking forward to the next blog.