Andrea Bocelli Accompanies Himself On The Flute In Impressive Performance Of ‘Dolce è Sentire’

Jan 21, 2021 by apost team

Many people know Andrea Bocelli as one of the world’s most notable and accomplished vocalists. But did you know the famous Italian tenor is also skilled with the flute?

Many would not even imagine providing your own flute accompaniment while singing to be possible, and yet Bocelli pulls both instruments, his voice and the flute, off flawlessly.

This breath-taking performance of ‘Dolce è Sentire (Fratello Sole, Sorella Luna)' features not only Bocelli’s beloved vocal talents but also shows him accompanying himself on the flute. Watching as he provides his own accompaniment, in addition to the full orchestra present, makes the song even more memorable than the studio version. Hearing him sing this song in such a way is capable of sending chills down anyone's spine or possibly even bringing tears to the eyes.

Andrea Bocelli performed a rendition of the song ‘Dolce è Sentire (Fratello Sole, Sorella Luna)’ from his recent album 'Believe' not only with a full live orchestra but also with his own flute accompaniment, which is not something many vocalists could claim to do. Bocelli shared this Christmas performance in a YouTube video with a heartfelt description dedicating the song to his late friend and encouraging his audience to end the year feeling inspired and positive.

The song begins first with the flute's beautiful lilting, which is then readily followed by Bocelli's distinct and full voice. ‘Dolce è Sentire (Fratello Sole, Sorella Luna)' has a slow and gradual build that allows it to grow more powerful throughout its five minutes. Bocelli continues to sprinkle in his magical flute whenever he is not singing, performing a unique and one-of-a-kind pacing that eventually leads to a final, monumental crescendo.

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Bocelli's performance was just one part of the virtual concert put together and broadcast live from the Basilica di San Francesco in Assisi in Italy on Christmas day of 2020. You can watch the moving and impressive feat in the YouTube video down below.

The entire Christmas event included not only Bocelli and his flute but also an entire orchestra of individuals--most of whom wore masks for safety if they were able to do so while still playing their instruments. This concert was a lovely way for this group of musicians to bring some much-needed love and light to their audiences while also allowing their viewers to remain safe at home during the dark time of the global COVID-19 pandemic.

Given many individuals were unable to spend this special day with their loved ones, friends, or family, this concert was certainly a nice way to make sure a little Christmas cheer was still able to go around to those who need it most.

The events of 2020 only seem to make the lyrics Bocelli sings that much more significant. Few people have the ability to shine an inspirational light through the art of music, but it should not come as a shock that Bocelli can do it so effortlessly.

Bocelli himself stated as he shared the live piece on his YouTube channel that he "hope(s) that this music may be a balm for all your hearts, as well as offering the revolutionary force of the Christian message."

The lyrics of the song that Bocelli seems to reflect upon in the description box resonates deeply with the current darkness many faces today: "How sweet it is to know I’m no longer alone" and "a gift from Him, from His immense love" do seem to bestow an authentic feeling of hope on whoever is listening.

‘Dolce è Sentire (Fratello Sole, Sorella Luna)’ — which means 'Sweet it is to Feel (Brother Sun, Sister Moon)’ when translated to English — is a more recent song from Bocelli's latest 2020 album Believe. Both critics and audiences have extremely well received the operatic album. It hit No. 1 on the US Billboard Classical Albums chart and was also successful in other countries.

The song itself is a simple and elegant one that holds a lot of personal meaning to Bocelli. He calls it a "sung prayer of Franciscan inspiration" set to a melody created by his beloved late friend, Riz Ortolani.

Riz Ortolani was a famous Italian composer who provided the score for a countless number of Hollywood projects from 1961 up until the last years of his life in 2010. Ortolani was a good friend to Bocelli and sadly passed in 2014 at the age of 87.

Bocelli goes on to express that ‘Dolce è Sentire (Fratello Sole, Sorella Luna)’ is "a piece that is intense and moving in its melodic simplicity, that speaks to the wonder of creation." He says that the song "reference(es) the 'Canticle of the Sun' created eight centuries ago by the Holy poet of Assisi."

It makes it only fitting that the song then is sung nowhere other than Assisi itself for this incredible performance!

For those who do not know, the 'Canticle of the Sun' is an old song that was composed by Saint Francis of Assisi in the early 13th century. The 'Canticle of the Sun' is believed to have been one of the first works ever written in Italian, making it a prominent and powerful piece of history and culture for many people, including Bocelli.

The rich history and background of this song and performance certainly explain Bocelli's remarkable delivery. This song and its special rendition are sure to mean a lot to anybody listening and help us begin the new year on a positive note. Such classical and meaningful music rarely makes such an impression on audiences in the modern world, but between Bocelli's voices, the lyrics, and his incredible flute-playing, this performance certainly breaks that barrier.

How do you feel about Bocelli's performance ‘Dolce è Sentire (Fratello Sole, Sorella Luna)’ and his ability to play the flute and sing within the same song? Is there anyone else in your life who might benefit from hearing this uplifting and powerful melody?

What did you think of Bocelli's performance in the video? Show this touching video to friends, and let us know your opinions in the comments below.