Romanza

Editors’ Notes These songs launched a peerless singing career in the world of crossover classical. And while the modern-day anthem of inspiration “Con Te Partiro” has been covered by plenty of other ambitious singers, Bocelli’s early rendition here is still the one to beat. Though most of the tracks rely on restrained, synth-led arrangements (the better to put the focus on Bocelli’s instrument), they also touch on occasional lite-rock cadences (“Vivere”). And when Bocelli pays respect to an Italian forebear with “Caruso,” he does so alongside marvelous acoustic piano backing.