The sight of blind musicians playing with their hearts and souls is always an amazing and moving experience. The audience was brought to tears by the incredible talent of 66-year-old Andrea Bocelli, one of the most remarkable, live classical voices in the world, as he sat at the piano on the Jennifer Hudson show and performed a raw and real rendition of “Il Mare Calmo Della Sare.” In just two weeks, the wholesome video has received over 319k views!
The viral moment starts when soul singer and show presenter Jennifer says, “If I had any regret [it’d be] that I did not go into classical music,” at the end of an interview. She then invites Andrea to perform for the live studio audience at the grand piano by her side.
Before his first blissful notes on the piano ring out, Andrea, who was born with impaired vision but lost it all after a football accident when he was twelve, introduces the song and its significance to him. This silences the audience and instantly enchants Jennifer.
Andrea plays the piano and sings in opera, a combination of skill never previously seen at The Music Man. Together, the two instruments create a dramatic tapestry of compassion and force. This degree of musical control might appear amazing to a man who is sighted, but to Andrea, it is evidence of his extraordinary capacity to turn bad luck into wealth.
Jennifer looks out at the audience, completely amazed by what they’re seeing as Andrea keeps them enthralled. His rich, distinctive tones reverberate exquisitely through the Italian lyrics as he self-accompanies and masterfully navigates the intricate chord progressions.
In just a few weeks since it was posted to YouTube, this video has received over 307,000 views and more than 100 comments praising Andrea’s incredible display of classical technique. “To play the piano with great skill is rare, to sing with such expression is rare, and to do both at the same time is incredible,” wrote one fan, Peter Livengood, in a perfect summary. It’s quite incredible to accomplish all of this without sight. You are an inspiration and a gem, Andrea Bocelli. God bless you!
As another viewer poignantly noted, “You don’t have to understand what he’s saying to feel that voice, wow,” Andrea uses the global language of music to communicate a narrative that anybody can relate to.
The opera soprano Andrea’s participation on the Jennifer Hudson Show also highlights her special commitment to educate the next generation about the beauty of classical music. Andrea has an unmistakable respect for the contemporary musicians he has performed with and for, such as Jennifer Hudson, Tori Kelly, Celine Dion, Ed Sheeran, and Ellie Goulding (among many others!). This respect is evident from the enthralled expression on J-Hud’s face as he belts “Il Mare Calmo Della Sera.”