Pop Quiz: Andrea Bocelli

Pop Quiz: Andrea Bocelli

Aidin Vaziri | Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli, 48, just might be the most hated man in the opera world. Then again, having sold more than 40 million albums worldwide, he's also made the most headway in drawing pop fans into the symphony hall. His latest album, "Amore," which features his slick interpretations of heart-tugging European standards and includes big-time guests such as Christina Aguilera, Kenny G and Stevie Wonder, is certain to elevate his status even further. When we caught up with him, Bocelli was in the middle of a TV blitz that climaxes with a live performance of "Because We Believe" at the closing ceremonies of the 2006 Winter Olympics.


Andrea Bocelli
Q: It looks like you have some good friends helping out on this album.
A: Also, the repertoire is the same repertoire I performed when I was working in the piano bar before I became famous, so many songs are for me sweet memories.
Q: So if I walked into a piano bar in Italy 20 years ago while you were still in law school, I could have heard this whole album?
A: More or less. Especially the Italian repertoire.
Q: I missed out.
A: But probably now the interpretations are better. Also the orchestration because at the time I played the piano and it was not so beautiful.
Q: And maybe you were a little drunk?