Buon compleanno, Vivaldi!
Today is the anniversary of the birth of Antonio Vivaldi – March 4, 1678. He was born in Venice. Vivaldi is especially famous for his concertos. One of the most well-known is “The Four Seasons.” Another of his best-known works is “Gloria.”
In this video, cellist Yo-Yo Ma is performing selected segments from both these works.
The rising star of Kiran Ahluwalia
From Putumayo World Music, a video spotlight on musician Kiran Ahluwalia. She was born in India, grew up in Canada and now lives in New York City. With the streets of India as background, Ahluwalia talks about her music.
Italy’s Bocelli wins a star
Today Italian opera singer Andrea Bocelli is to be given his own star on Hollywood’s Walk of Fame, ANSA.IT reports (Mar 2, 2010). Bocelli attributes the award to his popularity with the USA public, according to the article.
Excerpt:
After debuting at the Sanremo Song Festival in 1994, where he won the Newcomers section, Bocelli has gone on to sell 70 million albums worldwide – 24 pop, eight opera – and has performed at some of the world’s top music venues with the likes of Sarah Brightman, Celine Dion, Christina Aguilera and Laura Pausini.
As was the case with Pavarotti, Bocelli has been criticized by some for his popular cross-overs into pop music. When asked about this, according to the article, the singer dismissed the criticism, describing himself as a musician and “not genre specific.”
Number one song in Italy this week: “Baciami ancora”
For the week of February 6 -13, Jovanotti’s exquisite “Baciami Ancora” (Kiss me again) is number one on Italy’s Hit Parade Top 100 (Il blog di Chartitalia). The song is from the newly-released film of the same name.
Lyrics here (in Italian).
In a Greece kind of mood
“Nobody knows you when you’re down and out” (1997) – Eric Clapton
Una bella pausa: Elisa
Che bellissima! The latest hit single, Ti vorrei sollevare” from the Italian singer-songwriter Elisa. It’s from her new album “Heart” (Nov 2009).
A rough translation of the lyrics here.
Holyland: Eugenio Finardi
Eugenio Finardi (2005) Anima Blues
Sunday serenade: Hope Waits
Jazz singer Hope Waits — “I’ll Be Satisfied”
Una bella pausa…. Pino Daniele
One of my favorite Italian rock musicians, the legendary Pino Daniele.
Playing for Change: Keb’ Mo’
The latest video from Playing for Change features “Better Man” with Keb’Mo’.
