Category Archives: Randomness

CD, Holiday, Il Volo, Randomness

It’s Valentine’s Day!

36 Comments

Thought something a bit more light-hearted was due for today (yes, pun intended!)  🙂

I was in Oliver in high school and a beautiful song came out of that musical, written by Lionel Bart.  “Where is love?  Does it fall from skies, above?”  Our love may not fall from skies above, but it does fly!  It flies all over the world to greet their fans.  Their fans, too, fly all over the world, just to hear them!  We spare no expense, our love is unconditional.  Our love is reciprocated as soon as they walk on stage and smile at us.  All worries disappear for at least an hour or two.  Soon, their new CD will be flying into my mailbox – hey, it will be from skies above, all the way from Italy!  🙂

Here are some pics of our guys with their new loves!

  Such adorable little puppies 1-AIGNAfor Igna and Gian, Arturo & Luna! 1-AGIAN

Piero certainly looks like he has been bitten by the lovebug with his own valentine, Valentina!1-APIE

Sending Flight Crew Love to all – far and wide!  We hope you are able to share your love this day with special friends, family, and loved ones.

And of course, always spreading Ilvololove!    ♥  🙂 ♥

 

I’d also like to welcome some newcomers/commenters on our site!!  So many new names that I’ve never seen before!  So glad you stopped by to say a few words.  Please come back often – even if it is just to “say hi!”  🙂 Our site would not be what it is without you!  Thanks to you, we’ve had nearly 250 comments in the last several days with the Sanremo posts by Daniela and the other day, our site got OVER 2,000 views!!  With Daniela’s post about the scandals…

 

Jana

Thank you and credit to all owners of pictures!

 

 

Article or Video Translations, Ignazio, IL Volo Off Stage, Randomness

~ One Night To Forget ~ by Daniela

32 Comments

Hi everyone,

This spring I had translated some passages from the book of Torpedine, RICOMINCIO DAI TRE, and, seeing your great interest, I immediately translated the chapter about the night in which Ignazio did not return to the hotel.

For fear of having some copyright problem, I wrote several messages on the Facebook page of Michele Torpedine, LA TORPEDINIERA, asking permission for publication. I have repeatedly asked for an answer but I have never had any, until September 7th. 

I received this response from the Torpedine staff:

“Good morning, Daniela, the wait – as you might have guessed – derives from business reasons. However now we refer to Michele. Thank you. -Staff”

Since then I still waited in vain, and because in my last message I had reported that I would have posted anyway, I would say that, if there was a problem posting the story, they would have communicated it to me.

I leave the post as I had set it a few months ago.

One Night 01

We started to get to know the manager of IL VOLO a little better and we really liked what we read.

The book RICOMINCIO DAI TRE, we recall that it was written by Michele Torpedine and published by Pendragon and distributed by LaFeltrinelli.

The piece that I’m going to translate this time, speaks of the night in which Ignatius did not return to the hotel, the anxieties, the concerns of a manager, but also a great friend. Naturally I await your comments and impressions.

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A leap forward. Some time after. At night. A drama in which waiting is the solution.

I am in a big city in the United States where my last new artistic creature – IL VOLO – is going to perform in one of the prestigious concerts of their first American tour. Just a few hours before we joked in a restaurant with the euphoria of the successes already collected, with that contagious good humor that the three boys of IL VOLO have never abandoned, in spite of a sense of responsibility necessary but almost excessive, considering that in their peers it is rare commodity.

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But that very responsibility in which I trusted so much, that night has cheated me.

I should not have condescended on a tour of the city with friends known the day before.

To think that, in spite of my suspicious nature, they had seemed right to me.

Instead Ignazio has not returned to the hotel. His cell phone is off.

The night goes forward and no news. Nothing at all.

Piero and Gianluca, tired of the evening, left him a few hours ago alone with other friends around public places, a few drinks, some girls.

The three of IL VOLO are very young and in themselves, it could be normal.

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In my case, of course, there was the managerial responsibility for the engagement with an audience of about 10,000 people.

But perhaps it was only a question of staying apprehensive for a while and at most making him a stern rebuke when he returned, as his father would have done.

But it is already three o’clock at night. The city is large and unknown.

Ignazio is seventeen years old. Everything makes us think of the worst.

Start the process of pragmatics with my staff: we look in the hospitals, let’s go to the police.

No news. good news, say the British, but I’m not calm, for nothing.
A part of my mind chases monsters, then makes them disappear, then again materializes them and chases them.

The other part, perhaps to keep steady, retraces the first encounter with Ignazio and his parents, his bold manner of facing the scene, from Gascon, without fear.

Yes, I think, now that I do not know where he is and I am responsible not only for his career, but also for his life: Ignazio is always sure of himself, he always knows how to face everything and everyone.

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Different was the meeting with Piero, the oldest of the three, who remembers me a little when I started, when I wanted a career as a musician.

Finally, Gianluca, and the first impression with him, certainly wrong: that aspect of a fragile, emotional boy, contained instead a strong character and very clear and precise ideas.

Meanwhile, no news yet. Needless to worry in advance, but now anger came.

And what to do then? Warn parents or not? Make them worry, at a distance with nothing certain? It was not yet the case.

But the concert? Cancel it? What economic damage would I have gone to?

A part of my mind was milling this, asking and answering, building anguish and erasing it.

But the other part, no.

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image M. Torpedine with Il volo -translation of a chapter of his book

While the only solution was the wait, I thought that those three guys determined and prepared, they had saved me from depression and the desire to leave everything.

Three teenagers, yes, but already great, in all respects.

Already great since the first time I saw them.

So my mind returned to that new beginning while I waited for Ignazio. Which fortunately reappeared, after that interminable night.

And in the evening he sang as always, indeed, better than ever: wonderfully.

Michele Torpedine

One Night 02

Piero, Ignazio and Gianluca embrace Michele Torpedine, his brother Nino and his sister Liliana.

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Great Michele, we can imagine the worry that evening and the relief when Ignazio is back, dented, but safe and sound.

That evening at the concert Ignazio wanted to thank all the crew and especially his friends-brothers Piero and Gianluca, making them a surprise with a video  during the concert.

For those who have not seen it, here it is, was made by people therefore not of excellent quality, people laugh thinking that Ignazio is joking, but we know well, now, what had happened. Very sweet.

Credit to all owners of video and photos.

Randomness

NOTTE STELLATA by Maura Pucci

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You all certainly know NOTTE STELLATA, the beautiful song on music by Saint-Saens, and that is part of the CD, BUON NATALE.

My dear friend, Maura Pucci, wrote her impressions on her first listening, I translate them for you, they are very beautiful.

I want to share with you the emotion I felt when I first heard NOTTE STELLATA (Starry Night). I immediately rushed to pour my feelings, my impressions, onto a piece of paper. I saved that sheet. I realize now, rereading it, that it is not a great example of good Italian style. It was my “outburst” and was not intended for the reading of others. I cover it as such, imperfect but genuine!

I look for IL VOLO on you tube and I come across a video screen with the same title: Notte Stellata. I do not know this song and I never heard of it. I try with the first video and, from the first notes, I immediately recognize the famous motif of Saint-Saëns. Evidently, I think, someone composed a text for this wonderful melody. I do not see the guys that are singing but only moving images.

Although disappointed, I still listen, already fascinated by the first notes of the orchestra. I listened to the song for the first time, then a second one wearing the headphones to catch every detail of the music and the voices of the boys. The musical arrangement, where strings and piano are the masters, is of an incredible sweetness.

It is a song of great lyricism, evoking dream landscapes (night, lake, stars, moon) whose text the “experts” of Sanremo would not hesitate to define trivial. It is narrated, the story of a love in progress: at the beginning love is hidden and therefore it is ignored. Then, love is declared …. This phase is without words, but it is understood from the context, because, in the end, there is the awareness of mutual love. The words of the text are not thrown at random. The author wanted to highlight the “before” and the “after”, with a studied exchange of contrasting terms: you do not know / now you know it; you in my thoughts / I in your thoughts.

Notte Stellata 01

The boys offer a masterly interpretation. Gianluca opens: “ Guarda che lago, che luna c’è, le stelle in cielo brillano per …………” and then, in a breath “…. noi!”.

Well, here I stopped breathing, I felt a dip in my heart and I exclaimed aloud, even being alone: “Mamma mia!”.

I wondered: that fabulous “noi”, is it really Gianluca? How could he pull out of his register, deep, virile, that line of voice soft and thin as a sigh?

Piero enters. Starting from low notes, unusual for him, but faced with skill, his voice unfolds upward, word by word, or rather syllable after syllable: “la mia serenata canterò per  …” until it culminates in a clear, acute “te!”, powerful but sweet at the same time, so as not to disturb the idyllic tone of the songs.The voice of Piero arrives in fact gradually and with the utmost naturalness.

Ignazio continues that, pronouncing his words of love (and, knowing him I imagine it with his eyes closed ..) he manages to transfer his emotion to those who are listening. His voice is so rich in nuances that it allows him to transform his high and high-pitched tone into a very sweet confidential whisper: “quanto ti amo ora lo sai …”

Then their voices come together. First low, then in a “crescendo” shivering, alternating with Gianluca (which in the last stanza, fades to the utmost tone, still “sighing” the words of the happy ending “io ti amo sai, …. tu mi ami ..) and all together “già”, so quiet as to seem a single voice. And the orchestra follows them ending “very slowly”, musically speaking, the arrangement and the orchestra that accompanies, without ever overwhelming them, their voices In particular I have in mind the violin that follows “ti cercherò tra la gente” of Piero, and the ringing notes of the piano that accompany Ignazio’s second stanza.

I realize that almost all their other songs can be of greater impact on the general public. They are the ones that end up with the guys who sing together to their full potential, with the orchestra at full capacity, those with an overwhelming finale. NOTTE STELLATA is of another kind, an intimate, atmospheric song! I do not get tired of listening to it.

I have nothing to add, Maura has well described her feelings with even technical details.

I would very much like to read Myron’s opinion on this long comment, and of course also all your thoughts.

Daniela

Credit to owners of photo and videos.

Holiday, POETRY, Randomness

We Are Thankful!

11 Comments

Today is Thursday,  November 22.  A day we celebrate in the United States as Thanksgiving.  This holiday is supposed to be set aside to be thankful for the things we have and to celebrate the first meal of peace with the Indians and Pilgrims.  Ok, so maybe the original meaning has been lost, and replaced with a 4-day weekend for many working folks, sales of the year and Black Friday, etc.  However, let’s remember how thankful we are for our guys and the “thanks for giving” that they bring us each day!

(it’s not perfect, but I beg artistic license! 🙂 )

Grazie Mille, Il Volo….

We are thankful for Il Volo

If only they’d go solo

To hear their glorious sound

Accolades would abound

We are thankful for our guys

Still so young, yet aptly wise

Sharing their wit and wisdom

To all who will listen

We are thankful for Gianluca

And his mama, Leonora

He reigns from Abruzzo

On top of Montepagano

 

We are thankful for Piero

Our Sicilian prince of Naro

He sings arias with ease

Oh, sing to me, pretty please?

 

We are thankful for Ignazio

Our adorably dimpled Romeo

His razzle-dazzle we treasure

He gives us so much pleasure

We are thankful for this site

We can read it day or night

We love our loyal followers

Our faithful Ilvololovers!

Jana…

So, let us remember what brought us all together, all of the friends we’ve made, and met on this site, and the new ones yet to come – all because of these 3 happy little faces.  Happy Thanksgiving a tutti! 

Pictures below and featured photo, are courtesy of Mary Strickler, who just happened to be going through some old photos on her computer and sent them to me.  They are of the concert from many years ago now, at the Wolf Trap in northern Virginia.  Thank you, Mary!  Just love the feet!

1-TRIO

 

1-PIERO

Wishing everyone on this site and all friends and family a wonderful, safe, and happy Thanksgiving day.  I hope you find all of the deals you are looking for!  🙂  Take care – hope to see everyone soon at their next concert!  Whenever and wherever that may be!

A special shout-out to Marie, who is now in South Carolina!  🙂

Italia ~~ Italian Life, Randomness

Win a Trip to the Amalfi Coast!

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Thanks again to our friends from L’Italo- Americano!

(This really is a wonderful little Italian online newspaper – please support if you are able…)

amalfi

L’Italo-Americano “The Magic of the Amalfi Coast” raffle will take a lucky winner to one of Italy’s most memorable destinations: the Amalfi Coast. From Sorrento to Salerno, this scenic and breathtaking coast with its rocky precipices, small hidden caves, and postcard-perfect beaches.

Since you’re here… we have a small favor to ask. More and more people are reading L’Italo-Americano’s stories, they read us on paper, web, they subscribe to our newsletter and engage on our social media platforms… but advertising revenues across the media are falling fast. And unlike many news organizations, instead of putting up a paywall we have eliminated it – we want to keep our coverage of all things Italian as open as we can for anyone to read and most importantly share our love with you about the Bel Paese.

So you can see why we need to ask for your help.

amalfi2

Our raffles help us keep all this going and at the same time it gives you a chance to experience first hand our beautiful country. We partner with the best resorts, in the most sought-after parts of Italy in order to bring you the most unforgettable experience. For this raffle we chose VILLA MAGIA as partner, one of the best luxury boutique hotels in the Amalfi Coast.

We know we can count on you, and appreciate your participation in these special events.

For as little as $12, you can support L’Italo-Americano – it only takes a minute, and the rewards you might get if you win our first prize trip to Positano for 2 including airfare… is PRICELESS.

…and now L’Italo-Americano will give you more chances to WIN by increasing the number of entries for every ticket purchased!!!  You get 10 tickets for just $12!

Available Until: February 15, 2019 at 11:59 am PST

Drawing Date: February 15, 2019 at 12:00 pm PST

(although I think they got their time/date wrong?)

Click here: https://italoamericano.rallyup.com/amalficoast

amalfi5

 

Buona Fortuna a Tutti!!

 

Jana

Randomness, Site News

An Extra Hour with Il Volo!

16 Comments

We in the USA gained the extra hour this weekend, although Europe fell back last weekend.

This is what I did with my extra hour, ok, maybe a little longer than an hour…. but what did you do?

Ok, I challenged all of you a few years ago to do this.  Now, I challenge you again!  Gather all of your Il Volo memorabilia and/or all things Italy and make a space on a shelf or in a room and devote it to the Guys!  🙂 

I’d been wanting to do this for quite some time now, and I finally did it!  🙂

It’s not perfect and I still have some ideas, but that is most of it!

We want to see your pictures!  Please feel free to send to jvandela524@gmail.com.

Take care all – they are coming – I’m sure of it!

Jana

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Editorials, General news, Randomness

Il Volo – As Close as your Nearest Bar!

14 Comments

Hello Ilvolovers!

There was a bar and grill that closed many months ago in Dearborn, but it finally opened up again in September.  It was just a few miles away, so we had to check it out.  It was nicely redone and a bit more modern with electronic dart boards, video games, about 5 or 6 big screen TVs and this electronic juke box.  We happened to sit right in front of it, so I was forced to stare at it.

I was in awe of all of its blue flashing lights and various songs and artists were glowing back at me.  It said it had over a million songs.  Yeah, ok, but surely not the guys!?

My curiosity finally got the better of me and I daringly went up to the selection pane.  It was 2 credits a song and it was already preloaded by some kind patron. So… I cautiously and excitedly punched in… I L V O L O and with some trepidation, I hit the enter key!

Much to my surprise and delight, TWO of their albums popped up!  Ok, let’s just say this is my favorite Saturday afternoon bar!  🙂  They had the Grande Amore album, as well as the “Takes Flight” album.  I didn’t want to scare off the patrons, so I played it safe – lol – and chose Delilah!  There were a lot of people in there, so it was only somewhat audible, but a few said “hey, good song!”  As I sat there with a smug grin on my face, thinking, if they only knew who they were listening to!  🙂  Needless to say I was pretty happy.

Ok, next time I was there, I tried it again.  Not sure how, but THIS time, FIVE albums came up, including Noche Sin Dia, as the single and others’ albums they were featured on!  OMG, almost ALL of their albums?  We could have an entire concert of them and drive out the whole bar!  Ha, ha!

Just to be nice, I played Delilah again and a few others in English.

What electronic jukebox you say?  The APP is called AMI Music.  You can download it from your favorite App store and once you do, it asks for your location, or you can set it that way, I can’t remember now.  Anyway, when you set your location, just click on it and it tells you all of the nearby bars/restaurants that have this digital jukebox.  The songs are mostly 2 credits and a credit is a quarter or fifty cents – I can’t remember, but not bad, huh?   🙂

So, those that are daring enough – download this app and tell us where you can hear the guys!  🙂  In taking a quick look, they even have it at some nearby bowling alleys around here and other restaurants.  You might be surprised!  If we can’t see them in concert, annoy your local neighbors, or maybe even go out of town!  It also appears to be at several “mens” clubs, like Vet’s Posts, Stitt Posts, American Legion, Moose Lodges, etc.   (see picture below…)

1-juke

I imagine this is international, so any of you in other countries, let us know if it works for you?  🙂

Jana

p.s.  It’s also Boss’s Day – not sure if international or not, but all you bosses out there, current and retired – have an awesome day – we couldn’t do it without you (ok, maybe we could if you ever saw the movie “9 to 5?”  🙂 )  But have a great day, anyway!!