Vittorio

Amazon.com

Unlike Russell Watson, to whom he is being compared (along with Andrea Bocelli), Vittorio Grigolo is a real opera singer. He sang as a boy treble with Pavarotti many years ago and has sung in West Side Story, Verdi's Otello (the smallish role of Cassio), and Fenton in Verdi's Falstaff on stage in major opera houses. He is clearly a tenore di grazia--a true, light tenor, with a graceful, easy top, no sense of pushing or forcing--and would probably be ideal for the operas of Donizetti. But the crossover bug has bitten Vittorio. He signed a more-than-a-million-dollar contract with his record label, which, he says, will still allow him to sing opera three times a year. On this CD, Vittorio exhibits a beautiful, light sound, capable of high pianissimi and spinning out a long, lyrical line. Aside from "Maria" from West Side Story, which he sings with great charm and appeal, the music recorded here is of a pop nature, the arrangements of the easy-listening, lounge-lizard variety. A pretty voice, a guy with style. If you listen to Watson and Groban, you'll need this CD. --Robert Levine