Con Te Patritò is the first and really only italian song that stuck with me before starting this class. I listened to Andrea Bocelli a few times during high school and was blown away by his voice. I typically do not like operas, but this ‘operatic pop’ genre of the song sounds amazing and has been playing on loop on my phone the past few days.
The first thing I think of when listening to this song is that it sounds like the song playing for graduations. After the introductory instrumental though, Bocelli sings in a scale of lyrics, meaning he seems to hit several vocal ranges. The first words are striking because they are quick and rhythmic. This staccato singing continues throughout the song and alternates with more elongated singing (notes that are held out). Throughout the song, a constant symphony rises and falls. The collection of instrumental sounds is very beautiful and compliments the lyrics well.
My favorite part of the song is probably the chorus because of its sound and meaning. The song is very raw and talks of leaving behind all the adventures you could have, and expected to have, with your love. The chorus is:
Con Te Partiro
With you i leave
Paesi che non ho mai
Countries which i have never
Veduto e vissuto con te
Seen and lived with you
Adesso, si, li vivro
Now, Yes, I will live them
Con Te Partirò is originally a french opera song written by Francesco Sartori and Lucio Quarantotto. The song was first performed by Bocelli at the 1995 Sanremo music festival and was released on his album that same year. A second version of the song came out the next year and was partially sung in english. “Time to say Goodby” was a duet of Bocelli and English singer Sarah Brightman. This duet had huge success and became the biggest selling single in all of German history. As a result, Bocelli and Brightman did a version where he sang in italian and she in German, that sold 12 million copies worldwide. Lastly, Bocelli recorded the song in spanish. “Por Ti Volare” is said to be one of his signature songs.
I think it is fascinating that this song was recorded in so many languages. It represents how popular it was and with a very diverse fandom. The song also keeps a lot of its rhythm and sound in the other languages. Interestingly, the country the song was least popular in is Italy: it topped the charts in Germany, Belgium, etc.. but was not originally a success in the country it was recorded.
Bettina's Music 