The Music of Silence: A Memoir

Features

• Cover Type: Hard Cover with 256 pages
• Published by: Harper Entertainment October 2001
• ISBN 10 Number: 0066212863
• ASIN: B00006B6N9
• Book Dimensions: 17 x 12 x 11 inches

Book Description
In this honest and engaging memoir, translated from the Italian, Bocelli talks as never before about his blindness, his early life, the importance of his family, stage fright, and the pressures of international stardom.Andrea Bocelli cannot remember a time when he was not passionate about music. Born among the vineyards and olive groves of Tuscany, Bocelli was only a few months old when his gorgeous blue eyes began to fail due to glaucoma. "He suffered much, and it was difficult to calm him," his mother, Edi, explains. It was the music filtering into his room that would soothe the unsettled child. She says, "It seemed to be the reason for Andrea's tranquillity. I was happy because I had discovered something that gave him some relief from his pain."Bocelli's parents nurtured and encouraged his love of music. His passion for opera was also apparent, and he participated in local talent contests and won several prizes. At the age of twelve, however, Bocelli was completely blinded during a soccer game. Undeterred, he continued to sing, learning to read special Braille sheets and musical scores.It was only after he earned his Law degree that he was inspired to attempt to join the ranks of the great tenors. Bocelli's persistence and devotion paid off during an audition in 1992 when he stunned Pavarotti with the seemingly effortless way he captured the essence of the song "Miserere." It was this performance that fueled Bocelli's rise from piano-bar performer to the phenomenal international success we all adore today.No fan of classical music can afford to be without the engaging and humble memoir of this fascinating, triumphant star. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Language Notes
Text: English (translation)
Original Language: Italian --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Reader Reviews
This review is from: The Music of Silence: A Memoir (Hardcover) Note: I purchased this Harper Collins book, but my review is based on the reading of the Virgin Publication (same text & translator). This book will not teach you anything about opera or even music for that matter. We get something much better; a frank and introspective story of a life (so far), one full of all those things which make each one of us ordinary and extraordinary at the same time. The story of a man who never let go of his dreams, even when time and many other obstacles lay in his path. It shows how important a wise and loving family and caring friends can be in the big scheme of things. In this case, the life of a man whose voice has captivated millions of fans, myself included. It is a rare glimpse into a man's conscience, not just in it's bright and shiny refined state of maturity, but in the beginnings when we all strive to determine who we are and make our own way. Andrea shares openly incidents in his life where retrospect reveals mistakes and misguided notions. He comes out the other end of self-discovery with a philosophy and attitude towards life to be admired. He shows that one cannot merely "wish" for something to be so. Effort and action need to accompany any goals in life, and is courageous in his quest. The seed of an idea to become a singer grew through the years, instead of fading. It is a book of hope, which should inspire even the most jaded of souls, who have given up their dreams merely because the passage of time has dimmed their flame. On page 115, he writes: "every man distinguishes himself by his unique qualities, but all men resemble each other in their defects, which are universal." Reading this book, you will come to know the boy and the man from Tuscany whose life is infinitely unique, just as we all are. Just as we all resemble each other. If you admire this man for his voice, or just want to read an amazing, inspiring story, written by a man not afraid to reveal his mistakes or insecurities, alongside his most proud moments, I recommend this book. Then you can go learn more about opera! Comment | Permalink | (Report this)