World Music Exploration - Andrea Bocelli

This week, we are listening to Italian tenor, Andrea Bocelli, sometimes referred to as "the fourth tenor."  He has made a name for himself in opera as well as pop ballads, having recorded duets with Celine Dion, Sarah Brightman, Eros Ramazzotti and Al Jarreau, This is "Dare to Live" (Vivere), one of my favourite tracks from from The Best of Andrea Bocelli:

It was nominated for a Latin Grammy in 2008.

(c) 2012 by Musespeak(TM), Calgary, AB, Canada. All rights reserved.

World Music Exploration - Canadian Pop and Rock

Last week was Canada Music Week. I let my students choose which Canadian artist or band they'd like to share with me. Here are a few of their choices:

Celine Dion: we have been admiring her vocal range and stage presence.

Justin Bieber: Well, my students in his fan demographic would say "he's awesome". He's a cute kid. I like the drum grooves.

Frank Mills: This was one of the first "fun" (AKA, "supplemental") pieces my mom "asked" me to learn. Isn't Music Box Dancer catchy?

Two of my students introduced me to Cœur de Pirate last year. She sang at the 2011 Calgary Folk Fest. Here's C'était Salement Romantique:

World Music Exploration 2010/11 Week 12 - David Foster & Celine Dion

This is a golden partnership: David Foster (AKA, "The Hit Man") and our Canadian songbird, Celine Dion. I'm just glad there are several clips to choose from that feature them together. David Foster is a songwriter and producer who hails from Victoria, British Columbia. He completed his ARCT Diploma from the Royal Conservatory of Music at the age of 14. Over his 40 year career, he has won 15 Grammy Awards, 7 Juno Awards and an Emmy Award.Foster is also a 3-time Oscar nominee. He has worked with some of the greatest pop stars, including Andrea Bocelli, Michael Buble, Josh Groban, Celine Dion, Katherine McPhee, Blake Shelton, Brian McKnight, Kenny G, Peter Cetera and Charice. He first heard Celine Dion perform in Quebec, in a tent and they have collaborated together on numerous songs (which Celine outlines in the clip).

Celine Dion was born in Charlemagne, Quebec. She is the youngest of 14 children. Her parents (both musicians), ran a small club. On weekends, the entire family performed there. At 12, Celine, with with her mother and one of her brothers, composed a French song which caught the attention of manager (and now husband) René Angélil. Celine has won Grammy Awards, Junos, Felix Awards and World Music Awards.

Here is Celine Dion performing in Las Vegas with David Foster:

Check out Celine's music by clicking on the image below:

(c) 2010 by Musespeak(tm), Calgary, AB, Canada. All rights reserved