It’s always a phenomenal and emotional sight witnessing blind musicians play with their heart and soul. When 66-year-old Andrea Bocelli, one of the world’s most sensational, living classical voices, sat at the piano on the Jennifer Hudson show for a raw and natural rendition of “Il Mare Calmo Della Sare,” the audience was moved to tears by his astounding ability. The wholesome clip has amassed over 319k views in only two weeks!
The viral moment begins at the end of an interview, show host and soul singer Jennifer admitting, “If I had any regret [it’d be] that I did not go into classical music,” before inviting Andrea to wow the live studio audience at the grand piano to her side.
Andrea, who was born with impaired vision only to lose his sight completely after a football accident at 12 years of age, introduces the song and its importance to him before his first airy notes on the piano ring out in absolute bliss, rendering the crowd silent and holding Jennifer instantly enchanted.
In a feat of talent never seen before here at The Music Man, Andrea sings in opera while playing piano, each instrument as perfect as the other as they weave a dynamic tapestry of power and tenderness. For a man with sight, this level of musical control would seem astounding, but for Andrea, it’s a testament to his incredible ability to transfer misfortune into gold.
As Andrea keeps the crowd captivated, Jennifer looks over to them, totally taken aback by what they’re witnessing, Andrea’s thick and iconic tones resounding beautifully through the Italian lyrics as he self-accompanies and works through the complex chord progressions majestically.
This clip has only been on YouTube for a matter of weeks, yet has racked up over 307k views in that short space of time, and over a hundred comments of praise for Andrea’s astounding demonstration of classical skill. One fan, Peter Livengood, summed it up perfectly, writing, “To play piano with great skill is uncommon, to sing with such expression is rare, and to do both at the same time is incredible. To do it all without eyesight is simply amazing. Andrea Bocelli, you are a treasure and inspiration. God Bless!”
Another viewer emotively pointed out, “You don’t have to understand what he’s saying to feel that voice, wow,” as Andrea tells a story that can be understood by all through the universal language of music.
Andrea’s appearance on the Jennifer Hudson Show also spotlights the opera singer’s unique mission to speak to younger generations and introduce them to the wonders of classical music. A crystal-clear respect is shared between Andrea and the modern artists he’s performed for and alongside, including Jennifer Hudson, Tori Kelly, Celine Dion, Ed Sheeran, and Ellie Goulding (amongst many more!), and, judging by the mesmerized look on J-Hud’s face as he belts “Il Mare Calmo Della Sera,” it’s obvious the respect runs both ways.