There are various situations that can affect us in life, which we can find singular, rare or even unique. In 2009 happened, due to the combination of various factors, precisely one of these concentrations that not even elaborated by an expert alchemist would have been so perfect to create a union like the one that exists among the Il Volo boys.
One day, to go to a talent show in Rome, they left, completely unaware of what awaited them, two from Sicily and one from Abruzzo, more or less the same age, all three of provincial extraction, all three of modest families but respectable and respectful of the most important traditional values, and finally all three bearers of voices, although different, but of excellent quality for timbre, intonation and passion.
Precisely this exceptionality, this being different from all the others, immediately led them to a lightning career, something that never happened, an immediate contract with an American record company, triumphal tours around the world, applause and standing ovations. But this immediately involved a shared life for the three boys, who not only have three different voices, but also different personalities. As good as bread but sparkling Gianluca, funny and vibrant Ignazio, serious and perfectionist Piero.
A coexistence that could have been dangerous and even lead to a breakup, but having in common instead fundamental qualities such as the sense of duty, the kindness of soul and the ability to love, made possible for the three boys to find strength to stay together and gradually to esteem and amalgamate more and more, until they were united no longer by the need to travel and collaborate, but by a pure and disinterested friendship, completely free of rivalry and envy, by an ever deeper affection, to the point of no longer being friends, but brothers and to considering each other’s families as their own family.
In this they were also helped by the fact that the same type of collaboration, sincerity and affection had been established among their parents.
In short, a large family that found itself reunited in the greatest pain a few months ago when prematurely lost one of its members, Vito, Ignazio’s father. An Ignazio who, very courageous, in observance of the diktat “the show must go on”, wanted to participate in the Sanremo Festival, even in the days of deep mourning, in order not to harm his companions, even he metaphorized the pain presenting himself with his head almost completely shaved.
On that occasion, the brotherly love of Gian and Piero was evident to everyone’s eyes, their eyes did not leave their partner for a moment, ready to encourage him, to caress him, to make him feel their attention even with a simple touch of the hand.
The photo published here can be said to represent the allegory of this brotherly love, of this continuous attention: Piero, during the concert dedicated to Morricone, has just named Vito, to whom he dedicated, up there in Heaven, the historic concert they are concluding, Ignazio is deeply moved, tries to swallow tears, to mask his emotion with that sweet wonderful smile that is his habitual: his companions surround him, embrace him, make him feel their closeness, but what is surprising is that they too are breaking up in tears, Gian is about to burst, Piero in the photo is from behind, but if you have the patience to go and see the video, you can see how he too has his face in a crying attitude.
This is why at the beginning I was talking about a lucky situation, about a meeting desired by destiny : these guys had many blessings in their lives, their families first of all, then their voice and their beauty. But among them there is also this very positive character, the ability to be brothers, to rejoice and feel pain for the same things, in short, to love each other deeply.
Let me say writing about the concert the last two weeks has really been exciting! But “Where do I go from here?” So many amazing things happened! I keep going over it in my mind. I guess it’s time to move on but first I want you to listen to what the press had to say about the concert!
The Reviews!
Andrea Spinelli from Quotidiano.net.
The idea of opening the concert with “The Ecstasy of Gold” directed by Andrea Morricone, while evoking Clint’s ice eyes …. turned out to be the most powerful opening of the gates of the Arena and brought it back to the center of the music.
Faces a little tense! Tense nerves, “our legs tremble, it is the highest and most important moment of our career” but in the voice of Piero Barone, Ignazio Boschetto and Gianluca Ginoble resounded all the determination of the event. A bit like in the “thrill” of “The Good, the Bad and the Ugly,” but without steaming Colts. Many emotions, which the American PBS network will bring back at some time to the audience overseas, to pave the way for the World Tour kicking off on March 18th from Radio City Music Hall. By then, the album, “Il Volo – a Tribute to Ennio Morricone,” scheduled for autumn, will also be in stores.
Another review from Quotidiano.net
In the Concert event “Il Volo- Tributo a Ennio Morricone” at the Arena the three young tenors made the heart of Italy vibrate with their first live on Rai 1…. Immediately the first standing ovation with “Nessun Dorma” from Turandot, but many others followed in a crescendo of emotions.
In the lineup there were many famous songs by maestro Morricone, or arranged by him, but also many classic songs of Italian and international popular music, from “Volare” to “My Way” to “Se Telefondo” to arrive at the successes that made Il Volo known all over the world.
The three also performed alone, each with their own vocal skills and peculiarities, from Gianluca’s pop with “Your Song,” to Piero’s lyrical skills with “No Puede Ser,” to the vocal power of Ignazio with “Listen.” Il Volo wanted to dedicate the concert to all those who did not make it in this year of pandemic, in particular Vito the father of Ignazio who recently passed away. For the audience, a surprise a single unreleased by the trio “I colori dell’amore,” written by Maestro Andrea Morricone.
“These have been difficult months. For a long time, we wanted to do a live broadcast but, we did not feel ready,” said the three. “Tonight, we realized a dream! I say never give up to kids and always chase your dreams.”
So that is the final word on the concert! It’s hard to move on but we must! But you never know, I may come back to it later.
The Comments!
I must say I received thousands of comments from the fan clubs around the world! The consensus was unanimous, “the most amazing event. The guys’ best concert ever!” I agree 100%!
Today, I want to respond to some comments, two, in particular, that come to me time and again.
Many of you have made comments or written to me and said I should write a book about the guys. I will but, not right now, I’m already writing a book and I can only work on one book at a time. But the idea of this brings me back to the guys’ book Un’avventura Straordinaria, La nostra storia, (An Extraordinary Adventure, our story).A great book! I know you’re going to say it’s in Italian and you don’t understand it. Many people have asked me why I don’t translate the book. Simple, it’s not my book to translate. If it were, I would certainly translate it because it is a book everyone should read. It’s not just about their extraordinary voices it’s also about their extraordinary lives. Their beginnings! Their great values! Their amazing families who made great sacrifices for them. This is not just their story it is the story of their families who had to change their lifestyles in order that their children could go around the world and bring joy to millions of people! Extraordinary yes but, not just their adventure, it’s also their family’s adventure!
And what an adventure it was! From their performance at Ti Lascio una Canzone, where they shared the stage with some of the greatest names in the Italian music industry to that moment when they sang together for the first time “O Sole Mio” and changed their lives forever!
From the Italian shores to the American stage these young men have revolutionized the music industry! They reached into the past and brought forward music that was long gone. Italian Classics! True Neapolitan classics! Amazing Arias! They presented to the American people an old but new way of listening to great music! They captured the hearts of all generation. Teenagers, parents, grandparents!
They came to America and found themselves performing with some of the greatest entertainers in the world! Entertainers who were in awe of these three teenage boys. Just amazing!
As many of you know, I wrote excerpts from the book. I took the original book which consisted mostly of dialogues and short stories between the guys and changed it to a narrative so you could truly appreciate their stories. (If you go to my Facebook page, you can read many of these stories.)
In the story, I acted as the narrator leading you from one story to another, always allowing the guys to tell the story in their own words. After a while, the guys took over (as characters usually do in a story) and carried me along on their journey. A very exciting journey!
What did I find out about the guys in this book?
I found out that Piero is an excellent storyteller. When he tells you a story, he includes every little detail so when the story is over you know everything there is to know about that story.
I found out that Ignazio is an excellent writer. (As is evident in his song writing!) He is the only one who wrote his story. Ignazio is very articulate. His words just flew off the pages. Because of this, his story was the easiest to edit.
As for Gianluca I was surprised to find out he was such a romantic. Everything that is important to him is a passion. He invests himself in what he loves and believes in: Family, Music, Country and Soccer!
I have read the book about 10 times. Going back and forth from Italian to English to be sure that the facts I had were correct. I have edited other books but this one was truly an exciting adventure for me because the characters meant something to me.
Let me give you some final thoughts I had about this book. This story truly was as the title suggested “an extraordinary adventure” about three young boys, child prodigies, who travelled the same path but started in different places: Naro, Bologna and Montepagano. I often think how it is possible that three amazing boys, with three extraordinary voices, that complement one another, wound up in the same place, at the same time, in history. My only answer is divine intervention. God had a plan and what a plan it was! He gave us three voices that would stay with us for a long time and certainly for me till the end of my days.
Another comment that caused a lot of back and forth, between the fans, within the column this week was something that I have dealt with in my stories but, it seems some of you have not read, are new to the group and don’t known about or just need some explanation for.
The question was “Why does Gianluca start every song?” He doesn’t, but in essence he does start most songs. One woman thought Gianluca sings first because he won Ti Lascio una Canzone. They all won Ti Lascio una Canzone! In order to say one won over another, they would have to have the same voices. Well, we know there are three different voices ~ a baritone, a tenor and a spinto tenor. Yes, they did come in first, second and third but, they all won because the end result was the biggest prize of all ~ becoming Il Volo.
Now for why Gianluca sings first, I need to go back to my story from April 6, 2020 “To Talk About Our Guys – IL Volo” which was the first article Flight Crew published by me. I have written about this on numerous occasions but, it needs to be said again especially for those new to the group. (You can read this full story “To Talk About Our Guys – IL Volo” on www.ilvoloflightcrw.com)
Like most of you, I spend a good deal of my day listening to these three amazing guys sing and, at one point, I said maybe I should do a review of what’s been going on in their lives for the last 10 years.
Let me start by saying these three young men are extraordinary! They are remarkable, exceptional, persons. And, they have revolutionized the music industry. Let’s take a look at each one.
The Voices
Gianluca is known as the Velvet Voice! I don’t who coined the phrase but, that is right on. Let’s use our senses to understand what that means. Take a piece of velvet and hold it in your hand. Now take your other hand and gently pass your hand across the velvet. What do you feel? You feel a smooth even surface that is crisp with no breaks in it. The sensation is so good that you automatically go back and do it again. And every time it’s the same. It’s pleasing!
Now take Gianluca’s voice, let the notes pass into your ears, what do you hear? A crisp, smooth, even voice with no breaks in it. The note barely passes into your ear and, you are going back for the next note. It’s always pleasing!
Gianluca is a lyrical baritone. He is exceptional because he can sing from the lowest to the highest note in the baritone range. Most baritones are limited in range. Gianluca’s voice is huge. He has a very rich chest resonance which creates a feeling of depth and drama in his voice.
A baritone voice is very romantic, very pleasing to listen to and is always inviting. Most songs are written for baritones. Gianluca starts, almost, every song. Why? In order for a song to be received well you must draw your audience into it. Gianluca’s voice draws you in in a romantic way and you hang on to every note. He can mesmerize you with a song but, when he sings, ”She’s Always a Woman”, he takes your breath away. The highs, the lows, the emotion, the expression. His voice expands like nothing I ever heard before. He has total command of the song. You walk away with your senses lifted to another level.
Let’s talk about Ignazio, who I call the bridge. He is a lyrical tenor. He, like Gianluca, is exceptional because he can sing from the lowest to the highest note in the tenor range. And God knows he can, easily, hit that high C. Waiting for it and knowing it’s going to happen is so exciting!
A lyrical tenor has a warm graceful voice which is bright and strong but not heavy and it can be heard over an orchestra. Ignazio’s voice is smooth, clean and clear, with an acute extension. His voice has the ability to increase the baritone voice of Gianluca while softening the spinto tenor voice of Piero.
In the aria “Una Furtiva Lagrima” from L’elisir D’amore, Ignazio grabs you and draws you into the song. He makes you feel the innocence of Nemorino’s love for Adina. In his dedication to Pino Daniele, you hear an interpretation that is emotional and a delivery that is so amazing that you get the sense that Daniele wrote his songs for Ignazio.
And finally, Piero.Piero is a spinto (meaning pushed) tenor. A spinto tenor has the brightness and height of a lyric tenor, but with a heavier vocal weight enabling the voice to be “pushed” to dramatic climaxes with less strain than his lighter-voice counterparts. His voice is warm, graceful, bright, and can be heard over an orchestra. Piero has a powerful voice that easily reaches the higher notes. Every note that comes out of his mouth reaches us with such intensity and remains with us for a long time. It’s the voice that reaches out to you and demands your attention. Think of him singing the beautiful aria, “E lucevan le stelle” from Puccini’s, Tosca. From the first note Piero pierces your soul! His passion comes through in his music. Arias are very dramatic and Piero brings all the drama of the aria into his performance. Always a showstopper!
Now let’s put the voices together.
Gianluca starts most songs because he is a baritone and most songs are written for baritones. As I mentioned he draws you into the song. Gianluca will sing (in most cases) to Ignazio and Ignazio to Piero. This is how the three voices become one. Select one of their songs. Now close your eyes and listen to them sing. What can you say about this song? You can say, that is Gianluca or Ignazio or Piero singing. In the progression of the song, you hear the voices blend to form a symphony for your ears. Their voices are very distinct.
I use the word symphony for their voices because they are like a symphony orchestra. They blend. So, think about an orchestra. You have violins, flutes, cellos, piano, any number of instruments. But what makes it an orchestra in particular a symphony orchestra? It’s how it all comes together. If you just had violins or flutes or any one instrument regardless of how many there are, they wouldn’t work alone. They need to come together for the orchestra to perform the symphony.
They are a symphony because their voices blend together just as the instruments in an orchestra blend together to form a symphony!
Most groups sing and you hear just a song but with Il Volo you are surrounded by voices. And the individuality of their voices entices you and it stays with you.
Think of what Piero says when he introduces one of the solos, “After we were together a while, we realized we had three different voices.” He wasn’t saying that they suddenly found out they had different voices, he was saying we are three voices and one soul but we need to show you those voices individually.
Add to this what Ignazio had to say about recording a song, “….a take is the recording of the single phrase that each of us sings when we record a song. We continue to redo it until we get the best version.”
So, in fact, those takes are specifically for each voice ~ Baritone, Tenor, Spinto Tenor.
And so, we come full circle with the voices, how they are put together and how they are recorded.
We leave you with thoughts of the Reviews, the Comments, theAMAZING Voices!
In closing, I would like to wish Piero a very Happy Birthday!
Join me next week as I go back Through the Fields of My Mind and open the door to a new adventure!
Here we are at the final part of the concert. There will be some things that you may not have seen, because they do not exist in the RAI video.
After the electrifying experience of VOLARE, while I am still flying on the clouds …. the actress Laura Chiatti returns to the stage who says that as a muse, she has to make a request to them, she wants to hear the beautiful UNAMORE COSÌ GRANDE. How could we blame her, it is a beautiful song that Ignazio, Piero and Gianluca sing excellently, so we are very happy to listen to it.
I admit that the choreography behind our boys, although beautiful, is a little deviant, also because it has nothing to do with the song, but the voices of our boys are truly formidable.
The boys continue, apologizing to the Arena audience for their backs, because they speak directly to the people at home and confirm that they have always admired the American genre and then introduce the beautiful MY WAY.
I must say that I have always considered the top performance of this song, the one made by Gianluca and Piero, but I admit that tonight, in trio, they gave their all, everyone interpreted and all together were simply stellar!!!
Such an intimate moment, the three of them sitting on stools and for us audience the possibility of being able to admire them in all their beauty, as well as hearing these magnificent voices.
Ignazio continues with renewing his thanks to the Morricone family and in particular to the maestro Andrea Morricone who directed them in some pieces.
Piero announces that Maestro Andrea has written a piece for Il Volo, an unpublished one: I COLORI DELL’AMORE(The Colors of Love).
It was a wonderful surprise, an unprecedented one. Beautiful music and beautiful words, it is a song very suitable for Il VOLO, which performs it with a lot of feeling. I hope to hear it often in concert. Here are the beautiful words:
Strade buie e vuote un solco dentro me Passa il tempo con la mente senza un se Le mie foglie cadono sopra di te Sono bruciature dentro l’anima Notti insonni senza fiato a scrivere Un suono in lontananza serve a vivere Vetri appesi alla speranza di chi c’è Sguardi trasparenti e pieni di perché
Ritornerai accanto a me Ti spoglierai dentro di me E rivivrai il tempo di una realtà con me
Sono i colori dell’amore di passione e libertà in mano un fiore e poi due attimi di noi immagini di un film istanti senza età Semino parole irraggiungibili Occhi già bagnati senza brividi Due gocce di sudore cancellabili Un urlo si dirada siamo liberi
Abbraccerai la luce che si accenderà dentro di me Sono i colori dell’amore di passione e verità in mano un fiore e poi ci siamo solo noi viviamo dentro a un film E il tempo svanirà
E il tempo svanirà…
Dark and empty streets a furrow inside me Spend time with the mind without an “if” My leaves fall on you They are burns inside the soul Sleepless nights out of breath to write A distant sound serves to live Glasses hung on the hope of whoever is there Transparent gazes full of whys You will return next to me You will undress inside me And you will live again the time of a reality with me
They are the colors of love of passion and freedom in hand a flower and then two moments of us pictures of a movie ageless moments I sow unattainable words Eyes already wet without shivering Two erasable drops of sweat A scream disappears we are free You will hug the light that it will light up inside me They are the colors of love of passion and truth in hand a flower and then there is only us we live in a movie And time will fade And time will fade …
Great applause and the boys once again thank Maestro Morricone, the orchestra Filarmonia Veneta and also Maestro Rota who has alternated with Maestro Morricone.
There is a nice standing ovation for everyone. They were all flawless.
Ignazio says that we are at the last passage. Oh NO !! It was all so beautiful and so fast that I didn’t even notice the passage of time.
The notes of LIBIAM NE LIETI CALICI begin, we end up in joy with a very festive lyrical air, taken from LA TRAVIATA.
People immediately start clapping their hands to the rhythm. There is a beautiful atmosphere of joy.
In the background scenography the interior of a theater is projected, beautiful, it seems to be in the balconies of an important theater, even the choir takes a position.
Ignazio’s ringing voice begins joyfully, Gianluca and Piero immediately follow and then the choir. How wonderful, an apotheosis for what we hear and for what we see, we all clap our hands in time, with Ignatius directing us from the stage.
All standing for a beautiful and well-deserved standing ovation.
The notes of THE GOOD, THE BAD AND THE UGLY begin and Ignazio shouts “Grazie mille Verona !!!”,the boys thank the people, they are visibly happy.
In the RAI video, the closing credits start.
Ignazio says it was a wonderful evening, “After a year and a half you gave us oxygen, thank you very much for being with us.”
Thanks to all participants, Torpedine, Barbara Vitali and Eliana Biondi (staff) and the families of the guys.
Ignazio warns us to stay connected, because there will be a goodnight greeting (after the midnight newscast). Luckily, so there is still something !!
Last verse is sung of THE GOOD, THE BAD AND THE UGLY, and the concert is all over.
Gianluca says: “See you soon for a surprise.”
Ignazio brings his right hand to his heart, Piero greets everyone with his arms raised.
Standing ovation!
The boys go backstage, amid the applause of the people, but only the time to have a drink and perhaps wipe their foreheads, and here they are again on stage, accompanied by Marco Giallini.
As the short midnight news is being broadcast on RAI1, they are back on stage to keep us company, so that we don’t get bored waiting for them ….. what sweets !!!😘😘😘
The boys thank Giallini for his support. You must know that in Italy, it is known that Giallini is a lover of hard rock, therefore, a completely different genre from that of our boys. Giallini takes the opportunity to greet and give his esteem to the drummer Bruno Farinelli who is always on tour with our boys, remember, I did an article about him.
Then to pass the time, Ignazio says he can tell a joke and the others agree, as long as it makes people laugh.
Ignazio says: “Do you know what lipless cows do ???”
“UUUUUUUU”
….. Gianluca: “But it didn’t make anyone laugh !!!!”
These guys are really too strong and nice !!!😁😁😁😁😁😁
The RAI operators communicate that it is resuming live and so the boys resume thanking Giallini, who was an important presence for them, because Ignazio says it is their first live broadcast and he has given them great confidence. Giallini thanks and tells them to sing the last song to say goodnight to everyone. Giallini greets and goes out. If you watch the RAI video, you will see that at this point Piero makes a sign with a hand, behind Ignazio and Gianluca, to someone behind the scenes, as if to say “wait”.
Piero takes the floor to announce an absolutely moving and certainly not agreed moment. These are his exact words.
“We want to say something important for the three of us. This concert was dedicated to Vito, who we miss so much and is watching us from up there.”
Gianluca hugs Ignazio who closes his eyes. People applaud, Ignazio thanks with joined hands. Piero bit his lip, moved and Gianluca too has tears in his eyes. The three friends hug each other.
The applause and the standing ovation continue.
The fraternal affection that binds Gianluca, Ignazio and Piero is evident and in these moments it is very strong. It is a very, very moving and unique moment.❤❤❤
CONRADIANAbegins, a beautiful song set to music by Morricone and the words are by Andrea Bocelli.
I admit that I had never heard this song before, but I must tell you that it is wonderful and the words, beautiful.
Notice Ignazio, in the beginning, his face is absorbed.
The music of the violins is poignant and the choir raises the voices, wonderfully the voices of Gianluca, Ignazio and Piero, united in the last verse.
Long applause, still standing ovation, the three boys embraced, thanked and greeted and started backstage.
The RAI live broadcast ends, but it’s not all over, not yet !!
People continue to applaud and start saying BIS BIS (which means you want to hear a song again) and shortly after, the boys come back, the RAI connection is over, so they feel free from the impositions of the live broadcast.
They start singing the whole song of THE GOOD, THE BAD AND THE UGLY. Ignazio has already got rid of his jacket, immediately also Gianluca and then in the end also Piero.
Without any inhibitions, all three run to embrace the maestro Rota, a truly genuine gesture. (Which artist would do it this way?)
They are visibly satisfied and as the last notes are over, Ignazio stretches out his arms to look for his friends-brothers in a final contact.
A tender hug between Gianluca and Ignazio while Piero greets everyone.
It’s over.
The boys say goodbye to everyone and quickly run backstage, now it’s all over.
The people who during this last song, had gathered near the stage all standing, greet and thank by applauding.
Slowly we reach the exit, greeting all the friends we see to the right and left.
It was a wonderful evening. The concert was perfect and Piero, Gianluca and Ignazio sublime.
The boys did not spare their strength, always remaining present, all three, from start to finish.
It was the reopening concert, the one that had to give the message that everything is back to normal, the first concert at the Arena after a year and a half of silence.
But it was also the concert of memory, of all those who are no longer there, primarily Vito.
And finally it was also the evident renewal of the affection that binds Piero, Ignazio and Gianluca, a deep affection of true friendship, of brother friends.
Now our thoughts are when will the next concert be?Fingers crossed!!! It will be soon!!!
Here I am, with the second part of the concert step by step, this is exactly what I saw and heard on that beautiful evening of June 5th.
I had already written all this part, reaching the end of the concert, but due to a wrong movement, everything was deleted, and so I had to rewrite everything and, in order not to waste too much time, I preferred to redo up to the song VOLARE, and then there will be a third part.
I hope this does not bore you, also because in the third part I will tell you some things that you cannot see from the video, but that have happened.
So we were left at the first advertising break after the song METTI UNA SERA A CENA …….
(Francesca Brazzale ‘s photo)
The concert begins again.
Piero, Ignazio and Gianluca have changed the men’s suit. Now they wear a blue D & G suit with a double-breasted jacket and under the jacket, a midnight blue silk polo shirt. A less formal elegance than the first, but what can I say, a real treat for our eyes, always elegant and beautiful, our golden boys !!!❤❤❤
Start a beautiful song, which was the starting stone of IL VOLO. The boys sing O SOLE MIO.
During the song Piero and Ignazio run from one side of the stage to the other, to allow people on the steps to see them more closely. Really very kind and generous.
At this point there is a small exchange of words between the three boys who happily remember their physical appearance when they were little, Ignazio and Piero who were chubby and instead, with amazement they say that Gianluca is always the same, handsome as always and always with the same pose. 😁
Piero presents the next song and it is a “milestone” in the career of our boys.
Hearing the first tolls of the piano, we all think about Sanremo 2015 and the joy of victory.
We listen to the always beautiful GRANDE AMORE.
In these days, Francesco Boccia (author of Grande Amore), posted this comment and this video,
“Thanks to Il Volo for this wonderful concert, you are always my #grandeamore .❤️”
He has to be very proud, his song is known all over the world, and of course the audience gives another standing ovation.
From the left side of the stage, Marco Giallini is framed, reading the sad chronicle of the story of Sacco and Vanzetti.
I look at Giallini and I don’t realize that, to perform this song with beautiful lyrics by Joan Baez, the boys go down the corridors among the audience.
My husband tells me, “Did you see Piero who passed by you?” Damn, I was looking at Giallini and I didn’t see him !!
I turn and see Piero in the corridor next to me, he is turned from behind, just as Ignazio and Gianluca, in the other corridors, are ready for the RAI operator to frame them, as soon as Giallini has finished reading.
It is at this point that I see the scene of Piero helping the two elderly people to return to their places and which I have already described to you.
Immediately after, I start filming with my mobile phone, it is not well made but it gives you the feeling of how close Piero was to me.
Behind him you will notice “the hunchback”, where all the words scroll, even of the songs, but I know that the boys preferred not to read but to “go off the cuff” (improvise).
In the video you will also hear my voice “Bravo Piero”, but what a thrill, he was so close !!
The voices of the choir also lend solemnity to the moment: HERE’S TO YOU.
Small advertising moment.
The boys return to the stage accompanied by Giallini who talks about the beautiful film “Once upon a time in America,” by Sergio Leone. For this film Morricone made the soundtrack, and then Tony Renis composed the text for Il Volo which recorded it in 2010.
Beautiful song E PIÙ TI PENSO.
(Francesca Brazzale’s photo)
It’s time for solos.
Mamma mia, I’m excited, I don’t know what to expect, but I want to be amazed!
Very jokingly, the boys introduce the moment. Gianluca begins, explaining that this time he wants to pay homage to a great artist: Elton John, with the beautiful song written 51 years ago (yes Jo Ann it’s really true, I checked) YOUR SONG, which he lovingly dedicates to his mother who is in first row. Sweet Gian ❤
The arrangement of the song was done by maestro Melozzi, who wrote:
“Last night at the great concert of the reopening at the Arena di Verona there was also a piece of me. I am very happy with this arrangement of mine which has collected no less than 4 open stage applauses and a standing ovation. Bravo Gianluca! Long live Abruzzo.” (You will have understood that the master Melozzi is also from Abruzzo.)
The beautiful and velvety voice of Gianluca envelops us and we are on a very sweet cloud. What a beautiful interpretation, full of sentiment, a beautiful standing ovation for him!❤
The boys joke about who has to do the second solo and the next to perform is Piero.
He presents his “workhorse” NO PUEDE SER, this time accompanied by the flutist Andrea Griminelli.
Maestro Giampiero Grani (who always accompanies the guys on tour) wrote this comment:
“This is a photo I really care about, even if I’m not in the frame. The reason is that I wrote the part for the intervention of Andrea Griminelli, an international level musician (Pavarotti, Sting etc etc). He appreciated it, and a great collaboration was born! The satisfaction of writing notes and a talented musician improves what you thought!”
Bravo Piero, an interpretation that is always perfect and what acute, what power. Your voice becomes more and more powerful and we all have the feeling, during your high notes, that you make no effort to get it, you make it all sound so easy, but it isn’t. Bravo!
For him, a standing ovation. ❤
And we are at the last solo, Ignazio, immediately warns us that he will not be alone but accompanied by a talented little saxophonist: Julian Iorio.
Let’s dive into listening to the beautiful LISTEN.
What a great duo. Spectacular!
Julian you are a boy of only 8 and a half but how talented. Ignazio, fantastic, we all know about your soul soul, but you have pleasantly surprised us! Your interpretation wowed all us and your voice, oh what a voice!! Chills!
A standing ovation for both of them!
Ignazio is visibly satisfied and, at the end, he does Julian a funny little interview.
The moment of solos is over, but what a wonder of a moment of the highest level.
Multiple emotions have unleashed these three artists: amazement, admiration, wonder and so much love, because there is so much skill, so much talent, but also, and it shows, so much affection between them.
Congratulations to all!!!
Marco Giallini returns and explains that those who have seen the film Mission surely know the sad story of the Jesuits and the Guarany Indians.
Giallini explains that Morricone went to London to see the film that had already been edited. He told the director that his film was so beautiful, there was no need for his music, but the director insisted that he compose the backing track.
Morricone was inspired by the scenes of the film, where Father Gabriel, in the forest, to warn the Indians of his presence, played a rudimentary flute, moving his fingers at random over the holes. Morricone tried to interpret with the notes, the movements of those fingers and thus the beautiful music of GABRIEL’S OBOE was born.
Then the lyrics were composed and the song took the name of NELLA FANTASIA.
The scenarios completely change color, we are immersed in a lush forest, beautiful scenery, beautiful choreography, sweet music and the voices of our boys who imitate the way of singing of the Jesuits, all very beautiful and very mystical.
Here are the lyrics: NELLA FANTASIA
Nella fantasia io vedo un mondo giusto Lì tutti vivano in pace e in onestà Io sogno d’anime che sono sempre libere Come le nuvole che volano Pien d’umanità in fondo all’anima
Nella fantasia io vedo un mondo chiaro Lì anche la notte è meno oscura Io sogno d’anime che sono sempre libere Come le nuvole che volano Pien d’umanità
Nella fantasia esiste un vento caldo Che soffia sulle città, come amico Io sogno d’anime che sono sempre libere Come le nuvole che volano Pien d’umanità in fondo all’anima
In fantasy I see a just world Everyone there live in peace and honesty I dream of souls that are always free Like the clouds that fly Full of humanity at the bottom of the soul
In fantasy I see a clear world Even the night is less dark there I dream of souls that are always free Like the clouds that fly Full of humanity
In fantasy there is a warm wind Blowing over the cities, as a friend I dream of souls that are always free Like the clouds that fly Full of humanity at the bottom of the soul
The setting in the forest gives reason to Ignazio and Piero to talk and to thank Legambiente, a non-profit association that defends the green, and that has saved from degradation, one of the most beautiful beaches of Lampedusa (an island close to Sicily).
As Ignazio and Piero have mentioned Sicily, Gianluca takes the opportunity to greet all his friends from Abruzzo. Piero and Ignazio laugh because they expected this quality / defect of Gian !! 😁😁😁
Small commercial break.
The first notes of VOLARE begin, the beautiful song by Modugno.
I’m careful, because I know very well that the boys, during this song, go down in the audience, and the first one to go down is always Piero.
So my eyes follow him fixedly and in fact he goes down the corridor furthest from mine, but then at the first intersection, he doesn’t go straight on, he also forgets a couple of words of the song, but then he turns towards my position.
Damn, he’s coming towards me !!!
Ignazio urges people to sing with them, and people react immediately by singing.
Blue lights flood the Arena, it’s like being in a blue sky and we’re flying !!
(Francesca Brazzale’s photo)
Piero stops right next to me, to go high, people touch him and I say: “Bravo Piero”….
……Vooooolareeee,……. even Ignazio has reached him is very close to me…….oh oh.…… and with the microphone Ignazio turns towards me and all together ………….. cantare, oh oh oh oh.
Gian has arrived too and then all three quickly return to the stage, but what a thrill!!!
I filmed everything with my cell phone, it’s not great, but it gives you an idea of how close they were to me.
I’m still in awe of what happened right in front of me. Fantastic!
In this beautiful screen shot taken by RAI, you see exactly the moment when Piero and Ignazio are close to me. I am sitting behind Ignazio, completely covered by him.
But finally, thanks to this short and beautiful video by Francesca Brazzale, I can see myself, while I watch the whole scene, thanks Francesca.
Yes, I’m the one with the electric blue cardigan, in a slightly tilted position because I was filming with my cell phone. It was really exciting.🤗
Also, at the beginning of this video, you will have noticed that Ignazio goes to give a kiss on the forehead of his sister and not his mother, as I already told you. Of course we all know the strong bond of affection between Ignazio and Nina.❤
(Francesca Brazzale’s photo)
That’s all for now.
At this point of the concert, I was already fully satisfied, everything had been magnificent, but by now I know, with Il Volo, there is always so much more to discover, because they don’t spare themselves, until the last moment of the concert they donate more than they can, without ever stopping.
Get used to it, I’m going to use the word phenomenala lot in this article.
Let me say, I can write at least five pages just on the opening of the concert. If I wrote what I felt, saw, experienced in this concert, I would have to write a book!
Let’s set the scene!
The first note and we immediately know it’s “The Ecstasy of Gold.” The whistle of the wind!
The setting is gold! Then white! Then gold! Look at the gold flecks that come in and out! The orchestra vibrates! Each note intensifies our senses. We’re drawn to the back of the stage. To a tunnel where we know our guys will appear! The focus is always rear center stage! The lights change to intense red and now we are looking at the stage from the back of the arena. We are coming forward. The shadow of Il Volo turns into a force that is coming towards us! Thetheme of the concert is set!
Listen to the intensity of their voices! What force! Watch their motions. Look at Gianluca! Watch his body react to the music! The fist that comes at you saying this is the punch, just the beginning. Listen to how Ignazio rides the note that guides us into the story! Now we’re sailing on the wind! Piero intensifies the moment with his powerful voice that says the journey has begun!Follow us!
The scenery is in motion again.In the background, the movie comes into view and blends with the voices! Everything on the stage comes to life! We’re now inside the film. Even the guys are taken by the movement around them. They look around and they are feeling the moment! Andrea Morricone steps up the music and we step back and look, in amazement at what is before us!
What exactly is before us? A work of art! A Titian painting. In Venice there is a very magnificent painting by Titian called the Assumption. It is a painting in motion! Believe me, when I tell you what you are looking at on that stage is a Titian painting. Titian was known for his movement in painting! Titian was 24 years old when he painted the Assumption. Our guys are in their mid-twenties and they have painted the scene before you. If you don’t know the renaissance artist Titian, google him! You’ll understand what is going on here!
Now let me explain what is before you. Movement. Lots of movement.
Take a look at the stage! You the audience are the spectators! You’re being drawn to the stage. You watch the guys’ approach and, you are in awe of their presence. You feel the intensity of the music, you and the guys are pulled into the movie. The music is all around you! Their voices are a force in your head. You look up in amazement! You are a part of the scenery! You are a part of the orchestra! You are a part of the movie! You are a part of ~ Il Volo! You have arrived and you are ready to follow the guys no matter where this journey leads you! It’s only the beginning! Fasten your seat belts. Phenomenal!
In each set the scenery and the music all come together to form a symphony of color!
Now let’s listen to some very romantic songs! Even songs not geared towards romance are romantic when they are sung by our guys. Notes flowing through the air. Very ethereal, very light, very eerie, very romantic! Just so beautiful! Phenomenal!
“Your Love” is a very beautiful love song. This is a song we are emotionally attached to. It will always be a part of our lives. If you saw the guys’ performance at Sanremo 2021, you know what I mean! In Sanremo the guys, especially Ignazio, were in shock. They were experiencing something they never experienced before. The loss of one of their own! Yet, they delivered this song with such dignity and emotion that it will always be a special moment in our lives. We will long remember it. In this tribute they reminded us of Sanremo but in a bittersweet way. It is an emotional feeling that is a mixture of happiness for where we are and sadness for where we came from. This will become a signature song. The guys will come back to it and we will expect them to.
The song we will always love!
“Se Telefonando!” Both Laura Chiatti and Ignazio said: ”From three notes one of the most beautiful songs of our century was born.” And I couldn’t agree with them more. What a magnificent song! Just Phenomenal!
The three notes are from the sound of a police car siren and when they are played, they are immediately recognized. This seems to be a signature with Ennio Morricone. Think of “The Ecstasy of Gold” and “Cinema Paradiso!” These are songs that are recognized with one or two notes of the song. The guys put such love and emotion into “Se Telefonando.” I think they fell in love with it! I know I did. This will be the song that I take away from this concert that will always lead me back to the concert and the history that was made that night. The song is about love being born fast and being lost before it has a chance to begin.
And how do the fans feel about this song? Everyone, everywhere on Instagram and Facebook posted this song and commented about the beauty of it.
Now let’s talk about “Cinema Paradiso.”
Again, from the first note, we recognize this song! It takes us back to a time, just after World War II, when cinema was beginning to make its impact in Italy! How the guys present this song, accompanied by the strings of a romantic guitar is why this song pierces our hearts and impacts us in this amazing way.
They present love in a different light. This song tells of a first love for Totò. His love for a local Sicilian girl. But it also speaks of his love for film. Totò takes over Alfredo’s job as projectionist. Alfredo knows how much Totò loves film and he convinces him to leave his small town and follow his dream to become a filmmaker.
This song sings of two loves. A romantic first love and a love of film. It is a very romantic love song! Listen to some of the words, they could just as easily apply to love of a woman as to love of film.
“If you were in my soul one day you would know what I feel in me that I’m enamored over those instants together with you and what I feel is solely love!”
Beautiful song, delivered, in aPhenomenalway!
And then there was “I Colori dell’amore” a beautiful unreleased piece. A special gift from the Morricone family.
Piero said: “To the whole orchestra and to the organization, really fantastic! Thank you very much, thank you very much teacher! The teacher wrote the song for us. We present it to you this evening and we hope you like it ~ “I Colori dell’amore.”
These are just a few words from the song.
You will come back next to me You will undress inside me And you will relive the time of a reality with me They are the colors of love of passion and freedom in hand a flower and then two moments of us pictures from a movie ageless moments
The guys bring light and beauty to this song. Very romantic voices singing a very romantic song! Very sensitive! Very Phenomenal!
Let’s move on!
As you know the guys make decisions about where and how a song is presented. Their decision to do “Here’s to You,” in the audience had a lot of significance. We are used to having the guys in and out of the audience, interacting with the fans but, this was not possible at this concert. But the guys made sure the audience would feel their presence, so they chose a very sincere, very personal song to share their time with the fans.
To explain this, let me start by presenting the meaning of the song. From Marco Gallini’s explanation and from my story last week you know Sacco and Vanzietti were executed for a crime that many believed they did not commit. But what you don’t know is why they were accused of this crime. To understand this, we have to go back to America at the turn of the 20th century. Each group of immigrants that came to America experienced prejudice by the former immigrants. Therefore, the Irish were prejudiced against the Italians and the Germans against Irish before them and so on back to the beginning of immigration.
After a few hours deliberation, the jury convicted Sacco and Vanzetti of first-degree murder. Anti-Italianism, anti-immigrant, and anti-Anarchist bias were suspected as having heavily influenced the verdict.
Back to the guys and where all this fits into their story.
By performing this song in the audience, the guys were first and foremost toasting Nicola and Bart but more so, they were three links which represented the people who stood in defense of Nicola and Bart. They told them they would not be forgotten and the crowd, the audience, stood with them.
Now the irony of it all!
This song was composed by an Italian composer for an American movie and, it was written in the English language.
The song was sung, in English, by three phenomenalItalian men who came to America and immediately became a success. The American people embraced them and called them their own. We feel they are a part of us and a part of our culture. You have to see the irony in this!
Now let’s turn to the showstoppers! The solos!
First up, Gianluca!
Gianluca remarks: “It’s hard to be alone after twelve years together on stage. I guess like all of us in times of difficulty, in moments of happiness, I take refuge in music. This is something I’ve done since I was little. I had headphones, I walked, I also went to the park to listen to music. Even at school I was distracted. In short it was my biggest distraction. Let’s say the music I feel this evening is a celebration of a great genius of music Maestro Ennio Morricone. But I want to talk about other geniuses who changed my life. Artist like Elvis Presley, Frank Sinatra but also the great Elton John. Tonight, I will sing for you one of the most beautiful songs written in fifty-one years and I want to dedicate it to my mother.”
Elton Johns’ lyrics to “Your Song” express the romantic thoughts of an innocent person. Gianluca brings the song to another dimension. He is very romantic and everything he sings turns into a love song. His warm beautiful voice expresses the thoughts behind Elton Johns’ words. Here are just a few words to the song.
And you can tell everybody this is your song It may be quite simple, but now that it’s done I hope you don’t mind, I hope you don’t mind That I put down in words How wonderful life is while you’re in the world
These beautiful words certainly express his feelings for his mother, Eleonora, who has been at his side throughout his career.
His beautiful rendition of this song would make Elton John praise his performance. Gianluca got a well-deserved standing ovation! Just phenomenal!
Next up Piero!
Piero said: “I always had a great desire to be accompanied by a great musician, a great flautist. I’ve always watched his videos while playing alongside Maestro Pavarotti, Sting and many other artists. This evening, he did me the great honor of accepting my invitation. The Master Andrea Grimmenelli.”
What can I say about Piero singing “No Puede Ser?” It’s my favorite aria that he sings. He takes my breath away. No one, and I have heard many tenors sing “No Puede Ser,” no one sings it like Piero.
These are just a few words of the aria, in English. They really express the meaning of the song. Piero makes you feel his love for this woman.
It cannot be so! This woman is good. She cannot be a wicked woman! In her look, like a strange light, I’ve seen that this woman is unhappy. She cannot be a cheap siren who poisoned every moment of my life. It cannot be so! Because I’ve seen her pray, because I’ve seen her love, because I’ve seen her cry!
Always a showstopper, always a highlight, a splendid moment in the concert. Please never stop singing it. APhenomenalperformance!
And last but, not least Ignazio!
Ignazio said: “I want to say that tonight is extremely exciting and, we all know in this year that we have experienced shortcomings. Especially shortcomings!
Many had great losses but many who had great satisfaction economically modify this concert. To all the people who have not made it through the whole year, our thoughts go up there to them.
I feel a little alone, but I will not be alone. I have a big but small surprise that is great because it is a crazy talent. It is really a great talent. Gentlemen and ladies, ladies and gentlemen my comparative accompaniment in this my performance – Julian.”
Ignazio sings Beyonce’s beautiful song “Listen.” It’s a song that expresses how many people are feeling. These are just a few words to the song.
Listen. I am alone at a crossroads I’m not at home in my own home And I’ve tried and tried To say what’s on my mind You should have known, oh Now I’m done believin’ you You don’t know what I’m feelin’ I’m more than what You’ve made of me I followed the voice you gave to me But now I’ve gotta find my own!
Yes, it’s time to find our own voices. Ignazio knocks it out of the box with this song. His voice goes to unreal heights. Not only does he express how we are all feeling but he gives us a beautiful version of the song that fills our souls with emotion. And, little Julian adds to the moment with his Phenomenal saxophone accompaniment. As I said before, guys, Julian is all of you at 8 years old. Now you know how people felt when they experienced your voices at such a young age!
Ignazio we always Listen to you and, we wish we could feel what you feel in your heart! You and Julian made a Phenomenal team!
What an ending!
And so, we come to the end of the concert and Piero’s closing words!
“I need to say an important thing. This concert was dedicated to Vito who we really miss and is watching us from up there.”
The dedication of “Conradiana” to Vito, Ignazio’s dad is very touching, very emotional and it certainly touched the heart of Ignazio and his brothers Piero and Gianluca, and I know it also touched our hearts. Their eyes said more than words. And the beautiful exchange when Ignazio looked into the audience at his mother, Caterina and his sister, Nina. His eyes said it all!
These are some of the words to this beautiful song.
Beyond the horizon a sea of oblivion You wander among the waves you get lost in the scroll Heart of darkness life is gone away Rock the ocean with a sad joy. Spaces beyond the sea search for a way Clear open sails among clouds of mist Heart of darkness life is gone away Rock the ocean with a sad joy.
A very touching ending to a spectacular concert! Just Phenomenal!
I usually end here but, this week I can’t. As I said in the beginning, I could write a book about this concert! The feeling I got when I watched this concert, was indescribable! Thank you, guys for these magic moments!
Join me next week as I go back Through the Fields of My Mind and open the door to a new adventure!
