Thanks to Cranky Chick, I checked out this site. It's a group called "Amici Forever", which is being billed as the "world's first opera band".
Most people are a bit surprised when I say I'm a huge opera fan. Well, they're not surprised at the "huge" part. But - and I'll concede this - I don't give off an "opera fan" vibe. There you go - things ( and people) are not always as they appear. I love opera and I love what these kids are doing.
"Amici Forever" might offend purists, in the sense that it's closer to "popera". But they're an incredible group of virtuosi. Each voice is distinctive and strong and their harmonies are ... well, breathtaking. Swear to God, they brought tears to my eyes. In a good way.
If you don't like opera, that's fine, don't bother checking it out, then coming back and saying "Eh, that sucked, have you heard the latest from Nickelback?" But if you're an opera fan, and not a snob about it - or if you have broad tastes that you think might stretch to opera if it were a bit more accessible ... give this group a solid listen. Maybe start with "Prayer In The Night" or their operatic version of "Unchained Melody".
Lovely.
Ah, a man after my own heart. :) Thanks to my mom, I have an appreciation for all music, including opera. This group just blew me away. I'm glad you liked them. I'm trying to single handedly secure their success in the states so I can see them in concert at some point! Ha!
Posted by: Cranky Chick | January 26, 2004 at 09:15 PM
Amazing..
Posted by: Craig | January 27, 2004 at 03:36 PM
Yeah, the voices are quite nice, but the cheesy video to "Unchained Melody" ... for the love of Pete, God, Liza, and all else that is good and/or holy ... it has to go go go go GO.
Posted by: Jodi | January 28, 2004 at 12:58 AM
Good grief Jodi! Of course it's cheesy. Opera is supposed to be cheesy. It's the fondue pot of the arts! Have you never been to one?
Nils, I shall be eternally grateful to you for posting this sight. How did 2 people from the same SJCI yr. develop a love for opera in that environment? What a treat and thank you Cranky Chick. I'm in your debt as well.
Posted by: Elizabeth | January 29, 2004 at 12:03 AM
I doubt that opera is supposed to be cheesy, Elizabeth. But that aside, the video is just cheesy in its own right. Nothing worse than something that takes itself so seriously when it has no reason to.
Posted by: Jodi | January 29, 2004 at 06:22 PM