La Passione

Alfie Boe / Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Valeriano Chiaravalle
EMI Classics

Released: 12/11/2007
Cat. No: 504 4112
Barcode: 5099950441129

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Track Listing

  1. Caruso
  2. Torna a Surriento
  3. Funiculì Funiculà
  4. A Vucchella
  5. O Sole Mio
  6. Passione
  7. Granada
  8. Parlami D'Amore Mariù
  9. Marechiare
  10. Santa Lucia
  11. Chitarra Romana
  12. Maria Mari'
  13. Munasterio' E Santa Chiara
  14. Mattinata
  15. Feneste Che Lucive
   La Passione

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About the Album

A seductive slice of popular Neopolitan music from the singer who, until a year ago was the best kept secret in the classical world. The album conjures up the raw beauty and passion of the Mediterranean. Think sun drenched olive groves, the wild beauty of the Italian coast, 50's vintage and you get close to the evocative force behind La Passione.

Naples is the birthplace of hundreds of songs - many are masterpieces expressing the history of the people and the beauty of this unique place. They are songs of the street musician, the cantautore and the social protester. They are powerful, instinctive songs about loves lost and won, about grief, and about the agony of leaving home. The songs could be described as 'per la gente' - written by the people for the people.

La Passione features some of the most famous examples, 'O Sole Mio', 'Funiculi Funicula', 'Santa Lucia' and 'Torna a Surriento' but also visits some lesser known but equally valued songs, the wistful 'Feneste Ca Lucive', the intense and beautiful 'Passione' and the playful 'A Vuchella'. 'Caruso' was written in recent years by Lucio Dalle and, though not strictly speaking a Neapolitan song, it tells the story of one of Naples' most famous sons and the haunting lyrics and soaring melody are reminiscent of a Neapolitan classic 'Dicitancell vuje'. Naples is a melting pot of many nationalities and cultures over the centuries and the influences of Spain, France and North Africa can be clearly heard in the music. So as well as the charm of songs such as 'Maria Mari', 'Lolita' and 'Chittara Romana' it seemed appropriate to include other Mediterranean classics such as 'Granada' and 'La Paloma'. When Alfie began his studies in opera at the Royal College of Music, he was encouraged to explore this beautiful classical folk music. As he immersed himself in the history of these arias, he immediately became hooked on the tradition it was steeped in. Even in those early days, his agenda was set - to bring classical music to the masses, ensuring that this art form continues to be discovered, enjoyed and celebrated by music lovers, now and for generations to come.

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