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Romanza
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| Romanza | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | ||||
| Compilation album by | ||||
| Released | September 23, 1997 | |||
| Recorded | 1996 | |||
| Genre | ||||
| Length | 70:13 | |||
| Label | ||||
| Producer |
| |||
| Andrea Bocelli chronology | ||||
| ||||
| Romanza (20th Anniversary Edition) | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Compilation album by | ||||
| Released | 18 November 2016 | |||
| Recorded |
| |||
| Genre | ||||
| Label | ||||
| Producer |
| |||
| Andrea Bocelli chronology | ||||
| ||||
Romanza is the first compilation album by Italian tenor singer Andrea Bocelli, released internationally in 1997.[1]
Although a compilation, Romanza is considered Bocelli's breakthrough album and is his most commercially successful, topping charts throughout Europe and Latin America. With over 20 million copies sold,[2] it is both the best-selling Italian-language album and the best-selling predominantly non-English language album of all time, as well as one of the best-selling albums worldwide.
Background
[edit]The album is a compilation of Bocelli's two previous pop albums, Il mare calmo della sera, released in 1994, and Bocelli, released in 1995.
Promotion
[edit]North America
[edit]As Romanza was Bocelli's first album released in the United States and Canada, both the album and Bocelli himself were heavily promoted. This included Bocelli being featured in Hotel Bellagio's commercials in North America, as well as his voice being heard in its fountain show.[3]
PBS also played a big part in Bocelli's early success in the States, with the airing of A Night in Tuscany, Bocelli's first Great Performances special, a concert filmed in 1997 in his native Tuscany.
Europe
[edit]In August, Bocelli first appeared at the Puccini Festival in Torre del Lago, Italy, and then at the World Youth Festival, in Paris, France, where he sang in the presence of Pope John Paul II to an audience of 800,000 people.[4]
In 1997, Bocelli won three major awards in Germany. On March 3, Bocelli appeared in Hamburg, with Sarah Brightman to receive the ECHO music award for "Best Single of the Year", for "Time to Say Goodbye",[4] on September 14, he received an ECHO Klassik, in Munich, for "Best seller of the year", for his previous album, Viaggio Italiano,[5] and finally, on October 25, Bocelli received a Bambi award, an annual television and media prize awarded by the German media company Hubert Burda Media, in Cologne.[4] All three ceremonies were broadcast live in Germany.
The album was also supported in Germany, by a series of concerts, including 22 open-air concerts in the country, as well as an indoor concert in Oberhausen.[4] His German Tour started in Locarno, Switzerland on June 6, and ended in Berlin on August 30, with other venues including Hannover, Hamburg, Münster, Rügen, Koblenz, Aachen, Wiesbaden, Kiel, Stuttgart, Leverkusen, Baden-Baden, Dresden, Coburg, Leipzig, München, Kassel, Halle, Essen, Aschaffenburg, and Nuremberg.[6]
In the United Kingdom, Bocelli held a concert with Sarah Brightman, at the Royal Albert Hall, in London, in the fall.[7]
Back in Italy, on September 27, Bocelli sang again before the Pope at the International Eucharistic Congress, in Bologna. On October 19, he sang at the TeleFood benefit concert held in Vatican City, and organised by the Food and Agriculture Organization to raise awareness about world hunger.[4]
On December 15 and 20, 1997, Bocelli held a concert in Palais Omnisports de Paris-Bercy, in Paris, and a concert in Seefeld, Austria.[8]
Bocelli also performed the French version of "Vivo per lei" with French singer, Hélène Ségara, on television programmes in France and Belgium, the Spanish version of song with Spanish singer, Marta Sánchez, on television programmes in Spain, and the German version of the song with German singer, Judy Weiss, on television programmes in Germany and Switzerland. A music video for each of those three versions was released in those countries. In addition, a music video of the Portuguese version of the song, sang with Brazilian singer Sandy, was also released in Brazil and Portugal, contributing to Romanza's success in the two countries.
Romanza (20th Anniversary Edition)
[edit]In 2016, a new special edition of the album was released worldwide to celebrate 20 years since the album's original release. The original album has been remastered and including also three bonus tracks.
Track listing
[edit]| No. | Title | Writer(s) | Producer(s) | Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | "Con te partirò" | Mauro Malavasi | 4:09 | |
| 2. | "Vivere" (featuring Gerardina Trovato) |
|
| 4:41 |
| 3. | "Per Amore" | Mariella Nava | Malavasi | 4:42 |
| 4. | "Il Mare Calmo Della Sera" |
|
| 4:40 |
| 5. | "Caruso" | Lucio Dalla |
| 5:16 |
| 6. | "Macchine da Guerra" | Angus Smith | Malavasi | 4:08 |
| 7. | "Le Tue Parole" |
| Malavasi | 3:57 |
| 8. | "Vivo per lei" (featuring Giorgia) |
| Malavasi | 4:23 |
| 9. | "Romanza" | Malavasi | Malavasi | 3:41 |
| 10. | "La Luna Che Non C'è" |
|
| 4:30 |
| 11. | "Rapsodia" | Malise[9] |
| 5:28 |
| 12. | "Voglio Restare Così" | Andrea Bocelli | Malavasi | 3:51 |
| 13. | "E Chiove" |
| Malavasi | 4:21 |
| 14. | "Miserere" (featuring John Miles) (live) (bonus track) | Zucchero | 4:20 | |
| 15. | "Time to Say Goodbye" (featuring Sarah Brightman) |
| Frank Peterson | 4:04 |
| No. | Title | Writer(s) | Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | "Por ti Volaré" |
| 4:09 |
| 2. | "Vivere" (with Gerardina Trovato) | Trovato | 4:41 |
| 3. | "Por Amor" | Nava | 4:42 |
| 4. | "El Silencio de la Espera" |
| 4:40 |
| 5. | "Caruso" | Dalla | 5:16 |
| 6. | "Le Tue Parole" |
| 3:57 |
| 7. | "Vivo por Ella" (with Marta Sánchez) |
| 4:23 |
| 8. | "Romanza" | Malavasi | 3:41 |
| 9. | "Voglio Restare Così" | Bocelli | 3:51 |
| 10. | "E Chiove" |
| 4:21 |
| 11. | "Miserere" (with John Miles – bonus track) | Zucchero | 4:20 |
| 12. | "Time to Say Goodbye" (with Sarah Brightman) |
| 4:07 |
| No. | Title | Writer(s) | Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | "Con te partirò" | 4:09 | |
| 2. | "Vivere" (with Gerardina Trovato) | Gerardina Trovato | 4:41 |
| 3. | "Per Amore" | Mariella Nava | 4:42 |
| 4. | "Il Mare Calmo Della Sera" | 4:40 | |
| 5. | "Caruso" | Lucio Dalla | 5:16 |
| 6. | "Macchine da Guerra" | Angus Smith | 4:08 |
| 7. | "Le Tue Parole" |
| 3:57 |
| 8. | "Vivo per lei" (with Giorgia) |
| 4:23 |
| 9. | "Romanza" | Mauro Malavasi | 3:41 |
| 10. | "La Luna Che Non C'è" |
| 4:30 |
| 11. | "Rapsodia" | Malise[9] | 5:28 |
| 12. | "Voglio Restare Così" | Andrea Bocelli | 3:51 |
| 13. | "E Chiove" |
| 4:21 |
| 14. | "Miserere" (with John Miles – bonus track) | Zucchero | 4:20 |
| 15. | "Time to Say Goodbye" (with Sarah Brightman) |
| 4:04 |
| 16. | "Con te partirò (orchestra 2016 version)" (bonus track – Romanza 20th Anniversary) |
| 4:14 |
| 17. | "Con te partirò (piano and voice 2016 version)" (bonus track – Romanza 20th Anniversary) |
| 4:03 |
| 18. | "Il Mare Calmo Della Sera (2016 version)" (bonus track – Romanza 20th Anniversary) |
| 4:14 |
| 19. | "Con te partirò (orchestra instrumental 2016 version)" (extra bonus – digital only – Romanza 20th Anniversary) |
| 4:17 |
| 20. | "Con te partirò (orchestra and choir 2016 version)" (extra bonus – digital only – Romanza 20th Anniversary) |
| 4:17 |
Commercial performance
[edit]First in Europe, then on charts around the world, the album amassed a multitude of platinum and multi-platinum awards,[10] outselling even Bocelli's 1995 album, Bocelli, with worldwide sales in excess of 20 million copies.[11]
With more than 350,000 units sold in Switzerland, it is the second best-selling album in history there, and with over two million copies sold in France, it is among the top 10 best-selling albums ever in the country.
It also received triple platinum status in the United States with 4.2 million copies sold,[12] being Bocelli's first album released in the States, and Diamond status in Canada. Actual sales stand at 1,133,000 copies across Canada according to Nielsen,[13] making Romanza the best-selling album by a foreign artist of the Nielsen SoundScan era, and the fourth best-selling overall, in Canada.[14][15]
To date, the album remains Bocelli's most commercially successful, and is considered his breakthrough album, launching his career worldwide.
Charts
[edit]
Weekly charts[edit]
|
Year-end charts[edit]
|
Sales and certifications
[edit]| Region | Certification | Certified units/sales |
|---|---|---|
| Argentina (CAPIF)[66] Italian edition |
3× Platinum | 500,000[67] |
| Argentina (CAPIF)[66] Spanish edition |
3× Platinum | |
| Australia (ARIA)[68] | 7× Platinum | 490,000^ |
| Austria (IFPI Austria)[69] | Platinum | 50,000* |
| Belgium (BRMA)[70] | 2× Platinum | 100,000* |
| Brazil (Pro-Música Brasil)[71] | Gold | 900,000[67] |
| Canada (Music Canada)[72] | Diamond | 1,133,000[13] |
| Chile[73] | 4× Platinum | 120,000[67] |
| Czech Republic[74] | 6× Platinum | 182,000[74] |
| Finland (Musiikkituottajat)[75] | Gold | 28,592[75] |
| France (SNEP)[77] | Diamond | 2,000,000[76] |
| Germany (BVMI)[79] | Platinum | 1,000,000[78] |
| Greece (IFPI Greece)[80] | Gold | 30,000^ |
| Hungary (MAHASZ)[81] | Platinum | |
| Italy | — | 800,000[82] |
| Italy (FIMI)[83] since 2009 |
Gold | 30,000* |
| Mexico | — | 650,000[67] |
| Netherlands (NVPI)[84] | 2× Platinum | 200,000^ |
| New Zealand (RMNZ)[85] | 3× Platinum | 45,000^ |
| Norway (IFPI Norway)[86] | 3× Platinum | 150,000* |
| Poland (ZPAV)[87] | Platinum | 100,000* |
| Portugal (AFP)[88] | 5× Platinum | 200,000^ |
| Spain (PROMUSICAE)[89] | 3× Platinum | 500,000[90] |
| Sweden (GLF)[91] | Platinum | 80,000^ |
| Switzerland (IFPI Switzerland)[92] | 7× Platinum | 350,000^ |
| United Kingdom (BPI)[93] | Platinum | 300,000^ |
| United States (RIAA)[94] | 3× Platinum | 4,200,000[12] |
| Summaries | ||
| Europe (IFPI)[95] | 6× Platinum | 6,000,000* |
| Worldwide | — | 20,000,000[96] |
|
* Sales figures based on certification alone. | ||
PBS Special
[edit]A Night in Tuscany, Bocelli's first PBS Great Performances special, filmed in 1997, was designed to promote the album.
The concert held in his native Tuscany, at the Piazza dei Cavalieri, in Pisa, saw Bocelli perform two opera duets with soprano Nuccia Focile, sing "Miserere" with Italian rock star Zucchero, who discovered him in 1992, and finally "Time to Say Goodbye" with English soprano Sarah Brightman.[97] The DVD of the full program was internationally released on November 10, 1998.
See also
[edit]- List of best-selling albums
- List of best-selling albums in Argentina
- List of best-selling albums in Brazil
- List of best-selling albums in Canada
- List of best-selling albums in Italy
- List of best-selling albums in France
- List of diamond-certified albums in Canada
- List of European number-one hits of 1997
References
[edit]- ^ Billboard - May 8, 1999 - Page 48 "The album "Romanza" is a compilation of "Bocelli" and "II Mare Calmo Delia Sera," not as stated in the same article."
- ^ "Andrea Bocelli, gli album più importanti". Sky.tg24. November 7, 2018. Retrieved August 19, 2024.
- ^ "Bellagio Fountains – Las Vegas". Bellagio.com. Archived from the original on 2007-10-15. Retrieved 2011-08-17.
- ^ a b c d e Andrea Bocelli Chronicle: 1995 - 1997, Official Fan site.
- ^ "ECHO Klassik 1997 winners" (in German). ECHO. Archived from the original on 2009-01-07. Retrieved 2008-01-20.
- ^ Andrea Bocelli's 1997 German tour, Official Fan site.
- ^ Sarah Brightman's 1997 concert at Royal Albert Hall, Official Fan site.
- ^ Andrea Bocelli's 1997 concerts in Torre del Lago, Paris-Bercy, and Seefeld, Official Fan site.
- ^ a b c d Malise is a pseudonym of Zucchero
- ^ "artist info". Universal Music Group Inc. Archived from the original on October 9, 2008. Retrieved 2008-12-23.
- ^ "Andrea Bocelli, gli album più importanti". Sky.tg24. November 7, 2018. Retrieved August 19, 2024.
- ^ a b Boyle's 'Dream' Continues At No. 1 On Billboard 200 Billboard Magazine.com Dec 9, 2009 article.
- ^ a b "2014 NIELSEN MUSIC CANADA REPORT" (PDF). Nielsen. December 28, 2014. pp. 1–5. Archived from the original (PDF) on February 10, 2015. Retrieved June 23, 2021.
- ^ "Top 10 Selling Albums Of The SoundScan Era (1995-2008)". Chart Attack. 2009. Archived from the original on 17 February 2009.
- ^ "TOP TEN SELLING ALBUMS OF SOUNDSCAN ERA (since 1995)". Jam!. 2007. Archived from the original on 14 July 2012.
- ^ "Australiancharts.com – Andrea Bocelli – Romanza". Hung Medien. Retrieved 22 January 2021.
- ^ "Austriancharts.at – Andrea Bocelli – Romanza" (in German). Hung Medien. Retrieved 22 January 2021.
- ^ "Ultratop.be – Andrea Bocelli – Romanza" (in Dutch). Hung Medien. Retrieved 22 January 2021.
- ^ "Ultratop.be – Andrea Bocelli – Romanza" (in French). Hung Medien. Retrieved 22 January 2021.
- ^ "Top RPM Albums: Image 3333". RPM. Library and Archives Canada. Retrieved 22 January 2021.
- ^ "Czech Republic" (PDF). Music & Media. 27 September 1997. p. 15. Retrieved 28 May 2022 – via World Radio History.
- ^ "Listen - Danmarks Officielle Hitliste - Udarbejdet af AIM Nielsen for IFPI Danmark - Uge 29". Ekstra Bladet (in Danish). Copenhagen. 1997-07-20.
- ^ "Dutchcharts.nl – Andrea Bocelli – Romanza" (in Dutch). Hung Medien. Retrieved 22 January 2021.
- ^ a b "Hits of the world". Billboard. 5 July 1997. p. 40. ISSN 0006-2510. Retrieved 29 March 2022.
- ^ "Andrea Bocelli: Romanza" (in Finnish). Musiikkituottajat – IFPI Finland. Retrieved 22 January 2021.
- ^ "Lescharts.com – Andrea Bocelli – Romanza". Hung Medien. Retrieved 22 January 2021.
- ^ "Offiziellecharts.de – Andrea Bocelli – Romanza" (in German). GfK Entertainment charts. Retrieved 22 January 2021.
- ^ "Album Top 40 slágerlista – 1998. 4. hét" (in Hungarian). MAHASZ. Retrieved 3 January 2026.
- ^ "Charts.nz – Andrea Bocelli – Romanza". Hung Medien. Retrieved 22 January 2021.
- ^ "Norwegiancharts.com – Andrea Bocelli – Romanza". Hung Medien. Retrieved 22 January 2021.
- ^ Music & Media, vol. 14, issue 44; Nov 1, 1997
- ^ "Swedishcharts.com – Andrea Bocelli – Romanza". Hung Medien. Retrieved 22 January 2021.
- ^ "Swisscharts.com – Andrea Bocelli – Romanza". Hung Medien. Retrieved 22 January 2021.
- ^ "Andrea Bocelli Songs and Albums | Full Official Chart History". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 22 January 2021.
- ^ "Andrea Bocelli Chart History (Billboard 200)". Billboard. Retrieved 22 January 2021.
- ^ "Andrea Bocelli Chart History (Top Catalog Albums)". Billboard. Retrieved 22 January 2021.
- ^ "Andrea Bocelli Chart History (World Albums)". Billboard. Retrieved 22 January 2021.
- ^ "Jaaroverzichten 1997". Ultratop (in Dutch). Retrieved 19 December 2020.
- ^ "Rapports Annuels 1997". Ultratop (in French). Retrieved 19 December 2020.
- ^ "TOP20.dk © 1997". Hitlisten. Archived from the original on 16 December 2014. Retrieved 29 December 2020.
- ^ "Jaaroverzichten – Album 1997". DutchCharts.nl (in Dutch). Retrieved 17 December 2020.
- ^ "Eurochart Top 100 Albums 1997" (PDF). Billboard. Retrieved 1 November 2019.
- ^ "Tops De L'annee: Top Albums 1997". SNEP (in French). Retrieved 17 December 2020.
- ^ "Top 100 Album-Jahrescharts" (in German). GfK Entertainment. Retrieved September 8, 2016.
- ^ "Year list Album (incl. Collections), 1997". Sverigetopplistan (in Swedish). Retrieved 19 December 2020.
- ^ "Schweizer Jahreshitparade 1997 Alben". Hitparade.ch (in German). Retrieved 22 January 2021.
- ^ "ARIA Top 100 Albums for 1998". ARIA. Retrieved 17 December 2020.
- ^ "Jaaroverzichten 1998". Ultratop (in Dutch). Retrieved 19 December 2020.
- ^ "Rapports Annuels 1998". Ultratop (in French). Retrieved 19 December 2020.
- ^ "RPM's Top 100 CDs of '98". RPM. December 14, 1998. Archived from the original on February 2, 2014. Retrieved December 6, 2010.
- ^ "TOP20.dk © 1998". Hitlisten. Archived from the original on 16 December 2014. Retrieved 29 December 2020.
- ^ "Jaaroverzichten – Album 1998". DutchCharts.nl (in Dutch). Retrieved 19 December 2020.
- ^ "Eurochart Hot 100 Albums 1998" (PDF). Music & Media. 19 December 1998. p. 8. OCLC 29800226. Retrieved 1 November 2019.
- ^ "Tops De L'annee: Top Albums 1998". SNEP (in French). Retrieved 19 December 2020.
- ^ "Top 100 Album-Jahrescharts" (in German). GfK Entertainment. Retrieved September 8, 2016.
- ^ "Year list Album (incl. Collections), 1998". Sverigetopplistan (in Swedish). Retrieved 19 December 2020.
- ^ "Billboard 200 Albums – Year-End 1998". Billboard. 2 January 2013. Retrieved 19 December 2020.
- ^ "ARIA Top 100 Albums for 1999". ARIA. Retrieved 6 January 2021.
- ^ "RPM 1999: Top 100 CDs". RPM. Archived from the original on 21 October 2012. Retrieved 6 January 2021.
- ^ "Jaaroverzichten – Album 1999". DutchCharts.nl (in Dutch). Retrieved 9 November 2015.
- ^ "Top Selling Albums of 1999". The Official New Zealand Music Chart. Retrieved 19 November 2019.
- ^ "1999 Year-End Chart – Billboard 200". Billboard. Archived from the original on October 11, 2014. Retrieved June 30, 2014.
- ^ "ARIA Top 100 Albums for 2000". ARIA. Retrieved 5 January 2021.
- ^ "Canada's Top 200 Albums of 2000". Jam!. Archived from the original on September 6, 2004. Retrieved March 29, 2022.
- ^ "The Official UK Albums Chart 2001" (PDF). UKChartsPlus. Retrieved 25 November 2021.
- ^ a b "Discos de oro y platino" (in Spanish). Cámara Argentina de Productores de Fonogramas y Videogramas. Archived from the original on 6 July 2011. Retrieved October 15, 2012.
- ^ a b c d "Andrea Bocelli in Latin America". Billboard Magazine 2001 article. 4 October 2001. Retrieved 2008-12-23.
- ^ "ARIA Charts – Accreditations – 2015 Albums" (PDF). Australian Recording Industry Association.
- ^ "Austrian album certifications – Andrea Bocelli – Romanza" (in German). IFPI Austria.
- ^ "Ultratop − Goud en Platina – albums 1998". Ultratop. Hung Medien.
- ^ "Brazilian album certifications – Andrea Bocelli – Romanza" (in Portuguese). Pro-Música Brasil.
- ^ "Canadian album certifications – Andrea Bocelli – Romanza". Music Canada.
- ^ "Concierto en 1997". Revista de Occidente (in Spanish). 1998. p. 31. Retrieved 25 June 2021 – via Google Books.
" Romanza ", el primer disco lanzado por Andrea Bocelli, bajo el alero del sello Polygram, ha obtenido Cuádruple Disco de Platino en Chile, por la venta de más de 100 mil copias .
- ^ a b "Czech Success" (PDF). Music & Media. 24 April 1999. p. 21. Retrieved 14 October 2019.
- ^ a b "Andrea Bocelli" (in Finnish). Musiikkituottajat – IFPI Finland.
- ^ "'Romanza', ovvero quando Andrea Bocelli diventò ambasciatore della musica italiana nel mondo". Rockol. 22 November 2016. Retrieved 27 October 2024.
- ^ "French album certifications – Andrea Bocelli – Romanza" (in French). SNEP.
- ^ Spahr, Wolfgang (17 January 1998). "Bocelli, Polygram, BMG on Top in German Year-End Charts". Billboard. p. 47. ISSN 0006-2510. Retrieved 21 June 2022.
- ^ "Gold-/Platin-Datenbank (Andrea Bocelli; 'Romanza')" (in German). Bundesverband Musikindustrie.
- ^ "Andrea - Gold in Greece" (PDF). Music & Media. 21 June 2003. p. 3. Retrieved 15 December 2019 – via American Radio History.
- ^ "Adatbázis – Arany- és platinalemezek – 2000" (in Hungarian). MAHASZ.
- ^ "BREVI". La Repubblica (in Italian). December 30, 1997.
- ^ "Italian album certifications – Andrea Bocelli – Romanza" (in Italian). Federazione Industria Musicale Italiana. Retrieved May 9, 2021.
- ^ "Dutch album certifications – Andrea Bocelli – Romanza" (in Dutch). Nederlandse Vereniging van Producenten en Importeurs van beeld- en geluidsdragers. Enter Romanza in the "Artiest of titel" box.
- ^ "New Zealand album certifications – Andrea Bocelli – Romanza". Recorded Music NZ. Retrieved 2024-11-20.
- ^ "Norwegian album certifications – Andrea Bocelli – Romanza" (in Norwegian). IFPI Norway.
- ^ "Wyróżnienia – Platynowe płyty CD - Archiwum - Przyznane w 1999 roku" (in Polish). Polish Society of the Phonographic Industry. Archived from the original on 2024-12-03. Retrieved 20 April 2021.
- ^ José Soares Neves. "Portugal no panorama da indústria fonográfica - Álbuns mais vendidos em Portugal". Janus Online. Retrieved 24 May 2021.
- ^ Salaverri, Fernando (September 2005). Sólo éxitos: año a año, 1959–2002 (1st ed.). Spain: Fundación Autor-SGAE. p. 948. ISBN 8480486392.
- ^ "Bocelli y sus amigos". El País (in Spanish). 18 March 1999. Retrieved 10 January 2023.
- ^ "Guld- och Platinacertifikat − År 1987−1998" (PDF) (in Swedish). IFPI Sweden. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2011-05-17.
- ^ "The Official Swiss Charts and Music Community: Awards ('Romanza')". IFPI Switzerland. Hung Medien.
- ^ "British album certifications – Andrea Bocelli – Romanza". British Phonographic Industry.
- ^ "American album certifications – Andrea Bocelli – Romanza". Recording Industry Association of America.
- ^ "IFPI Platinum Europe Awards – 2001". International Federation of the Phonographic Industry.
- ^ "Andrea Bocelli, gli album più importanti". Sky.tg24. November 7, 2018. Retrieved August 19, 2024.
- ^ Katie Tamms (2007). "Andrea Bocelli: A Night In Tuscany (1997) article". Movies & TV Dept. The New York Times. Archived from the original on 2007-12-21.
External links
[edit]- Romanza on the Billboard charts (United States and Canada)
- Romanza on Ultratop.be
Romanza
View on Grokipediafrom Grokipedia
Romanza is the debut compilation album by Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli, released internationally on 6 November 1997 by Sugar Music.[1] It features a selection of arias, pop songs, and duets from his earlier Italian releases, including the hit single "Con te partirò", marking his breakthrough on the global stage.[2]
The album quickly achieved massive commercial success, topping charts in multiple countries and earning certifications such as 4× Platinum in the Netherlands, Platinum in Germany, 3× Platinum in the United States, and Platinum in the United Kingdom.[3][4][5][6] With over 17 million copies sold worldwide, Romanza remains the best-selling classical crossover album of all time and the best-selling Italian-language album of all time.[7] Its tracklist includes standout performances like "Vivo per lei" (with Giorgia) and "Caruso", blending operatic elements with contemporary ballads to showcase Bocelli's versatile tenor voice.[2]
In 2016, a 20th anniversary edition was released on 18 November, remastered with four bonus tracks, further cementing its legacy.[8] The album's enduring popularity led to the announcement of the Romanza 30th Anniversary World Tour in 2026, celebrating its impact on Bocelli's career and the classical music genre.[9]
International editions exhibit minor variations, such as the inclusion of English titles or adaptations in other languages; for instance, some Latin American releases substitute Spanish versions like "Por ti volaré" for the opening track.[36]
Sales were particularly strong in Europe, where the album moved approximately 12 million units, compared to about 5 million in North America.[35]
As of 2025, Romanza has not received major new certifications, though its enduring popularity contributes to sustained equivalent units through streaming platforms.[46]
Background and Development
Concept and Source Material
Romanza served as Andrea Bocelli's inaugural international compilation album, assembling select pop tracks from his initial two studio releases to introduce his music to a global audience beyond Italy. The album draws primarily from his debut effort, Il mare calmo della sera (1994), which featured 13 songs including the title track and "Caruso," and his follow-up, Bocelli (1995), encompassing hits like "Per amore" and "Le tue parole." Released in 1997 under Sugar Music's licensing to Universal International Music, Romanza was curated to highlight Bocelli's burgeoning pop-crossover style, blending operatic tenor vocals with contemporary arrangements to appeal to international markets.[10][11] Central to Romanza's concept was the inclusion of standout singles that marked Bocelli's early breakthrough, notably "Con te partirò," originally from the Bocelli album. Composed by Francesco Sartori with lyrics by Lucio Quarantotto, the song debuted at the Sanremo Music Festival in 1995, where Bocelli's performance secured fourth place and propelled his visibility. Its trajectory accelerated internationally through a 1996 duet version, retitled "Time to Say Goodbye," performed with soprano Sarah Brightman at German boxer Henry Maske's farewell match, transforming it into a crossover phenomenon that underscored Romanza's role in Bocelli's transition to worldwide acclaim.[12] Bocelli, a classically trained tenor who studied voice under Franco Corelli and pursued a law degree before committing to music, embodied the pop-crossover shift epitomized by Romanza. Born in 1958 in Lajatico, Italy, and blinded by glaucoma in childhood, he signed his first recording contract with Sugar Music in 1994 following a recommendation from tenor Zucchero Fornaciari, who discovered him through demo recordings of arias like "Miserere" and "Nessun dorma." Sugar Music played a pivotal role in selecting tracks for Romanza, emphasizing pieces with broad emotional resonance and orchestral elements to bridge classical roots and pop accessibility. For instance, the title track "Romanza," originating from the Bocelli album, was penned by composer Mauro Malavasi, featuring poignant lyrics and a sweeping melody that exemplified this hybrid approach.[13][14]Compilation Process
The compilation of Romanza centered on curating 15 tracks drawn primarily from Andrea Bocelli's debut album Il mare calmo della sera (1994) and his second album Bocelli (1995), prioritizing songs with romantic themes to enhance appeal for international markets. Five tracks—"Vivere," "Il mare calmo della sera," "Caruso," "La luna che non c'è," and "Rapsodia"—were selected from Il mare calmo della sera, while eight tracks, including "Con te partirò," "Per amore," "E chiove," and the title track "Romanza," originated from Bocelli, with two bonus tracks: a live "Miserere" and "Time to Say Goodbye."[10] This selection process emphasized Bocelli's pop-aria hybrid style, deliberately excluding more overtly operatic pieces from his early catalog to focus on accessible, emotionally resonant ballads that blended classical vocal techniques with contemporary pop arrangements.[15] Producers Mauro Malavasi and Joe Amoruso oversaw the remixing and arrangement of the selected tracks for the compilation's international release, ensuring cohesive sound quality and updated production elements suitable for global distribution.[10] Malavasi handled mixing alongside engineer Ignazio Orlando for several tracks, while Amoruso contributed to keyboard, piano, and bass programming, refining the audio to highlight Bocelli's tenor in a polished, radio-friendly format.[16] These efforts built on the original recordings without introducing entirely new performances, maintaining the integrity of the source material while adapting it for broader commercial viability.[17] Certain editions of Romanza incorporated the English-language adaptation of "Con te partirò" as "Time to Say Goodbye," recorded as a duet with Sarah Brightman in 1996 and positioned as a bonus or alternate track to capitalize on emerging crossover interest.[7] This inclusion, appearing as track 15 in expanded versions, marked a strategic addition to the compilation, bridging Italian roots with English-speaking audiences without altering the core romantic curation.[18]Release and Promotion
Initial Release
Romanza was released internationally on November 6, 1997, following Andrea Bocelli's success in Italy with his earlier albums.[15] The compilation was issued by Sugar and Polydor labels under Universal Music Group.[19] It was initially available in CD and cassette formats, with later reissues including vinyl editions in 2009 and beyond.[19] The album's cover art presents Bocelli in a serene, romantic pose amid an Italian countryside landscape, emphasizing his cultural roots.[8] Initial marketing positioned Romanza as Bocelli's breakthrough release, aimed at broadening his appeal to crossover audiences in Europe and North America through its blend of operatic pop and easy listening tracks.[15][7]North American Campaign
The North American promotional campaign for Romanza began with significant broadcast exposure through a PBS special titled Romanza in Concert: A Night in Tuscany, filmed in Pisa, Italy, and aired in late 1997 as a fundraising event. This concert presentation showcased Bocelli performing tracks from the album amid the Tuscan landscape, introducing his tenor voice to American audiences and dramatically boosting visibility for the compilation's U.S. release on November 4, 1997, via Philips Classics. The special's airing on public television stations across the country provided a key platform for classical crossover appeal, contributing to the album's rapid ascent in sales.[20][21] A pivotal element of the campaign emphasized radio promotion of the duet version of "Time to Say Goodbye (Con te partirò)" with Sarah Brightman, released as the lead single in the U.S. market. The track received heavy airplay on adult contemporary radio stations, topping the Billboard Adult Contemporary chart for several weeks in late 1997 and peaking at number 68 on the Hot 100, which helped position Romanza as a crossover hit blending opera and pop. This strategic focus on the English-language duet version catered to English-speaking listeners, differentiating it from the original Italian solo recording and driving album streams through radio tie-ins. Distributed in the U.S. by Philips Classics under the Verve imprint, the campaign leveraged partnerships with major labels to ensure widespread retail availability in North America, including Canada, adapting marketing materials for local tastes such as emphasizing romantic ballads. These efforts solidified Bocelli's breakthrough in the region without relying on extensive touring at the outset.[22]European Campaign
The European promotional campaign for Romanza emphasized Andrea Bocelli's integration into classical and cultural events across the continent, building on the album's release in late 1997 to showcase his tenor voice in historic venues and festivals.[1] The strategy highlighted performances that aligned with Bocelli's Italian operatic heritage, including a debut appearance at the Puccini Festival in Torre del Lago, Italy, in August 1997, where he performed arias and duets from Puccini's Madama Butterfly and Tosca.[23] This event drew large audiences and positioned Romanza within Italy's rich musical tradition.[24] Tour efforts extended to major European cities, with Bocelli delivering concerts in prestigious settings such as the Royal Albert Hall in London, where he joined Sarah Brightman for a live rendition of "Time to Say Goodbye" from the album during her September 1997 concert.[25] A significant highlight was his appearance at the closing ceremony of the XII World Youth Day in Paris, France, in August 1997, performing before an audience of 800,000 in the presence of Pope John Paul II, which amplified the album's reach through its blend of sacred and popular elements.[1] These tour stops, part of broader "The Tours" series, included 22 open-air concerts in Germany that summer, fostering grassroots enthusiasm for Romanza's tracks like "Con te partirò."[1] In Germany and France, promotion intensified through awards and media integrations, capitalizing on the album's crossover appeal. Bocelli received the Echo Award for Single of the Year in 1997 for the duet version of "Con te partirò" (as "Time to Say Goodbye"), following its broadcast during German boxer Henry Maske's high-profile retirement event.[1] In France, the Paris World Youth Day concert received widespread television coverage, contributing to Romanza's rapid chart success and cultural resonance in the region.[1] These efforts underscored Bocelli's roots in Italian tenor tradition while adapting to diverse European audiences via multilingual outreach in promotional materials.[1]Critical Reception
Contemporary Reviews
Upon its release in 1997, Romanza received a positive review from AllMusic, which praised Andrea Bocelli's "beautiful tenor voice" for its "warm, rich tone" and "lyrical quality," noting his "emotional depth" and "heartfelt delivery" that enhanced the album's romantic allure in the Italian pop-opera style.[26] Classical music critics offered mixed feedback, with some expressing concerns that Bocelli's pop-crossover approach diluted traditional operatic purity. For instance, a New York Times article highlighted views from critics who acknowledged his appeal for light songs but questioned his depth as a full operatic performer, while others saw his popularity as more of a social phenomenon driven by nostalgia for melody rather than pure musical innovation.[27] Fans responded enthusiastically to standout tracks like "Vivo per lei," a duet with Giorgia that captured the rousing melodrama of vintage Italian pop and was frequently highlighted in European music publications for its passionate delivery.[28] In the U.S., Billboard noted the track's strong audience draw through its chart performance alongside the album's singles. The album's impact was further affirmed by Echo Awards in Germany, including the 1997 Echo Klassik for Best Single of the Year (International) for "Time to Say Goodbye."[1]Retrospective Assessments
In the 2010s, music histories positioned Romanza as a pivotal milestone in the classical crossover genre, exemplifying how operatic elements could achieve mainstream pop success and inspiring subsequent acts within the movement, including vocal ensembles like Il Divo that further popularized blended styles.[29] This recognition stems from the album's role in broadening the appeal of classical music to non-traditional audiences, as detailed in analyses of crossover evolution during the decade.[30] Critiques of Bocelli's vocal technique in Romanza have focused on his innovative fusion of operatic chest voice with pop intimacy, allowing for emotive delivery without full operatic projection, a approach likened to historical bel canto practices in music journalism.[31] Such analyses emphasize how this blending prioritized accessibility and emotional resonance over strict classical rigor, contributing to the album's enduring crossover appeal.[32] User-generated reviews on platforms like Rate Your Music average 3.2 out of 5 from over 200 ratings, frequently highlighting the album's emotional depth—particularly in tracks like "Con te partirò"—as its primary strength, often valuing heartfelt expression over groundbreaking technical innovation.[33] Reflections in the 2020s have underscored Romanza's significance in globalizing Italian music, with its position as the best-selling album by an Italian solo artist worldwide—exceeding 20 million copies as of recent estimates—serving as a benchmark for cultural export through crossover formats.[34] Recent profiles, including coverage of the 20th anniversary edition and the 2026 30th Anniversary World Tour, continue to praise the album's romantic Italian ballads for integrating national musical traditions into international pop consciousness and fostering a lasting legacy for Italian-language recordings on global charts.[35]Musical Content
Track Listing
The standard edition of Romanza, released internationally in 1997, features 15 tracks drawn primarily from Andrea Bocelli's earlier albums Il mare calmo della sera (1994) and Bocelli (1995), with a total runtime of 65 minutes.[10] Several tracks include guest vocalists, and the album concludes with a bonus duet version recorded in English.| No. | Title | Duration | Writer(s) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Con te partirò | 4:09 | F. Sartori, L. Quarantotto | - |
| 2 | Vivere | 4:01 | A. Anastasio, C. Valli, G. Trovato | Featuring Gerardina Trovato |
| 3 | Per amore | 4:41 | M. Nava | - |
| 4 | Il mare calmo della sera | 4:40 | G. Felisatti, G. Nuti, Malise | - |
| 5 | Caruso | 5:16 | L. Dalla | - |
| 6 | Macchine da guerra | 4:08 | A. Smith | - |
| 7 | Le tue parole | 3:57 | J. Amoruso, S. Cirillo | - |
| 8 | Vivo per lei | 4:23 | G. Panceri, M. Mengali, V. Zelli | Featuring Giorgia |
| 9 | Romanza | 3:41 | M. Malavasi | - |
| 10 | La luna che non c'è | 4:30 | A. Maggio, D. Farina | - |
| 11 | Rapsodia | 5:28 | Malise | - |
| 12 | Voglio restare così | 3:51 | A. Bocelli, M. Malavasi | - |
| 13 | E chiove | 4:21 | J. Amoruso, S. Cirillo | - |
| 14 | Miserere (live) | 4:05 | Bono, Z. Sugar Fornaciari | Featuring John Miles; live recording from Night of the Proms 1995 |
| 15 | Time to say goodbye (Con te partirò) | 4:04 | F. Sartori, L. Quarantotto | Featuring Sarah Brightman; English-language duet version |
Production and Personnel
Romanza was compiled primarily from recordings originally produced for Andrea Bocelli's debut albums Il mare calmo della sera (1994) and Bocelli (1995), though it includes the newly recorded duet "Time to Say Goodbye (Con te partirò)" from 1996 and a live version of "Miserere" from 1995. The primary producers were Mauro Malavasi and Joe Amoruso, who handled arrangements and musical realization for tracks including "Con te partirò," "Per amore," and "Vivo per lei." Michele Torpedine acted as executive producer, overseeing the selection and assembly of the tracks from these earlier sessions.[19] Andrea Bocelli delivered all lead vocals on the album, showcasing his tenor range across the Italian pop and classical crossover selections. Supporting musicians included bassist Marco Mangelli and guitarist Ruggero Robin, both contributing to the core ensemble on multiple tracks such as "Macchine da guerra" and "Romanza." Choir arrangements, directed by figures like Robert Groslot, added orchestral depth to songs like "Miserere."[10] The original recordings took place primarily in studios in Bologna and Milan, Italy, between 1994 and 1995, with key sessions at Clock Studio and Studio Fonoprint in Bologna for mixing and string overdubs. Ignazio Orlando managed programming and sound engineering duties for several tracks, ensuring cohesive audio quality in the compilation.[37]Commercial Performance
Chart Achievements
Romanza achieved significant commercial success on international album charts following its 1997 release, particularly in Europe where it topped several national rankings. The album debuted at number one in Austria, holding the position for two weeks and spending a total of 43 weeks on the Ö3 Austria Top 40 chart.[38] In Switzerland, it also reached number one for four weeks and charted for 68 weeks on the Swiss Albums Chart.[39] Similarly, Romanza peaked at number one in the Netherlands on the Dutch Album Top 100, maintaining a remarkable longevity of 176 weeks on the chart.[40] In France, it dominated the SNEP Albums Chart with 24 weeks at number one, underscoring its dominance in the market.[41] Although it peaked at number five in Sweden on the Sverigetopplistan, spending 85 weeks there, the album's performance aligned with its strong European reception.[42] On year-end charts, Romanza ranked number six in Austria, number one in Switzerland, and number one in France for 1997.[35] Its momentum continued into 1998, securing the number one position on year-end charts in France and topping multiple European country rankings across 1997 and 1998, including number 16 on the pan-European Top 100 Albums year-end chart.[41][43] In the United Kingdom, the album peaked at number six on the Official Albums Chart, spending a total of 34 weeks on the chart.[44] In North America, Romanza entered the Billboard 200 at number 114 in December 1997 before climbing to a peak of number 35 the following year.[45] It also demonstrated robust performance in the classical crossover genre, topping Billboard's Classical Albums chart and contributing to Bocelli's record of multiple number-one placements in that category.[45]Sales Figures and Certifications
Romanza has sold over 20 million copies worldwide, making it the best-selling Italian-language album of all time.[35][46] The album received numerous certifications across multiple countries, reflecting its commercial dominance. In the United States, it was certified 3× Platinum by the RIAA for shipments of 3 million units, with actual sales exceeding 4.2 million copies.[35] In Canada, it earned Diamond certification from Music Canada for 1 million units, with reported sales of 1.133 million.[47] Australia awarded it 7× Platinum status by ARIA, equivalent to 490,000 units.[35] In France, it achieved Diamond certification from SNEP for 500,000 units, though total sales there surpassed 2 million copies.[35][41] Additional certifications include 2× Platinum in the Netherlands (200,000 units), Platinum in Germany (500,000 units), and 3× Platinum in the United Kingdom (900,000 units).[35]| Country | Certification | Units Certified | Reported Sales |
|---|---|---|---|
| United States | 3× Platinum (RIAA) | 3,000,000 | 4,200,000 |
| Canada | Diamond (Music Canada) | 1,000,000 | 1,133,000 |
| Australia | 7× Platinum (ARIA) | 490,000 | 490,000 |
| France | Diamond (SNEP) | 500,000 | 2,000,000+ |
| Netherlands | 2× Platinum (NVPI) | 200,000 | 200,000 |
| Germany | Platinum (BVMI) | 500,000 | 500,000 |
| United Kingdom | 3× Platinum (BPI) | 900,000 | 900,000 |