It's quite interesting the controversey that Bocelli stirs up. Notice that none of the negative reviews contain any specific reference to "Cieli di Toscana", merely they are attacks on him. This has convinced me to write my first review here.

I own and have listened to this album. Andrea's voice and soul speak to me... his songs hit a cord. I'm not interested in his place in history, comparisons to Caruso or Pavarotti; merely that his voice and music make my life a little bit better. This is a quality album, with sentimental songs, sung with passion and heart. Andrea is a romantic singer.

I've seen him three times in concert (and will again next week in New Jersey), own all of his albums and thoroughly enjoy his work, personality and charm.

As for his reputation in Italy; if you know anything about Italians, you'll know that dispute is part of the culture. In fact, Italians do listen to him and you will hear his music throughout much of that country.

Andrea's music has comforted me, cheered me, made me reflect and made my life just a little bit better.

Isn't that what music is supposed to do?

I have read the reviews of 4 people who presume to be knowledegeable music critics and, as it happens, reside in the USA. One wonders how people can arrogantly criticize an artist's personal soul expression of his life experiences in his native land as those which are are represented in this album by Bocelli toward his beloved Tuscany.

As a musician myself, I have spent the past 20 years working with other artists from different areas of the USA and Europe. It has been a great honor and joy to hear them express their art often as a reflection of their home state, city or country. One learns quickly that music like painting is impressionistic at a soul level. Does this make an artist's personal experiential contribution less valid? Hardly.

Somehow, it seems to elude these self styled "critics" that Andrea Bocelli has a huge following for solid and very valid reasons. He does connect with counteless listeners at a deeply emotional and visceral place that some other opera greats, who may or may not be technically "superior", all too often do not. This does not discount the beauty of other artists' music, but it does say that Bocelli consistently creates a sonic environment where the listener can feel his emotion deeply. Moreover, it is impossible to miss the sweetness of his nature that is easily apparent when watching him sing such as on the video of this CD.

It is crystal clear how his environment's beauty affects this singer. Even though he cannot see he can hear the richness of the people and the experiences of daily life. His voice shimmers like a brilliant light upon the glittering sea. One aches with his emotional renditions that at times can make one find tears streaming just from its poignancy of expression. Very few artists are capable of this evocative expression. Bocelli is a rare artist and I adore him and his music.

The voice-- the melodies-- the emotions! Andrea Bocelli has done it again with this CD. You will love this recording. Prepare the pasta, open the chianti, light the candles and drift away to Tuscany with Bocelli as your guide. I can't tell you my favorite track yet, but it's getting maximum play in my CD player. Makes my kitchen seem like a little piece of Italy even on a weeknight.

This is my fourth CD purchase from Andrea. I also own Romanza, Sogno, and Sacried Arias. I have to say that Cieli di Toscana is my favorite from all of them. Although I do not understand one word of Italian, the music and Andrea's voice gives me goosebumps all over! I especially enjoy song #5 "Mascagni" as well as #7 "Il Mistero Dell'Amore". Both tracks are absolutely gorgeous! All of the songs are excellent, you won't find yourself skipping around at all. Get this CD - you will not be sorry!

It's not opera, and maybe there are others with better voices, but this album is beautiful from beginning to end. I play it all the time and it is soothing to the soul. I'm glad he didn't share any of the songs with other artists. There are no gimmicks, no wierd passages, nothing to interrupt the flow of the music or disturb the listener.

I've since purchased two other albums by Mr. Bocelli, and I think this is the best I've heard so far. I will be watching for future releases.