A Guide to Popera

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What is popera or pop opera?

Popera or Pop Opera, is a fusion of the musical terms and styles of "pop", or popular music, and opera. A classic example of a Popera singer is Sarah Brightman who started the exposure of Popera to the public. Other Popera singers like Josh Groban, Katherine Jenkins, Hayley Westenra, Il Divo, Andrea Bocelli etc all started to get attention as well. In this Popera guide, I'll introduce some of the best selling and highly rated popera albums. You can also listen to samples of each songs in the album and view their performances through video clips.

Contents at a Glance

IL VOLO : Self Titled Album, IL VOLO

Il Volo is made up of 3 Italian teenagers aged 16 to 17. In May 2009, they appeared on a popular Italian talent show and dazzled television viewers with their flawless rendition of "O Sole Mio". The boys, who won the competition easily, decided their group needed a name. "Il Volo," meaning "flight," was chosen. When you look at the CD cover, you see 3 young kids but when you hear their voices you won't believe it. They sing like men of 45 years with huge tenor voices.

Introducing... IL VOLO

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IL VOLO performing 'O Sole Mio live on American Idol.

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IL VOLO MP3 Sample

Recommended tracks include "O Sole Mio" (up-tempo track with wonderful vocals & melody), "El Reloj" (great guitar string pick-ups & vocals), "Per Te" (sounds like musical score but with incredible vocals", "La Luna Hizo Esto" (great guitar/violin combination, very melodical music & vocals. & "E' La Mia" (a beautiful violin layered track with great vocals).

Just Press Play To Hear The MP3 Sample

IL VOLO : Self Titled Album, IL VOLO CD

Now Available on Amazon.com

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The Best of Andrea Bocelli: Vivere

Andrea Bocelli is an Italian tenor and Popera artist. He was born with poor eyesight and became completely blind at the age of twelve. His international breakthrough hit was "Con Te Partiro" and in it's duet arrangement with Sarah Brightman, "Time to Say Goodbye (Con Te Partiro)". Celine Dion once introduced Andrea Bocelli by saying, "I heard someone say - If God had a singing voice, he would sound a lot like Andrea Bocelli."

A Night in Tuscany

Andrea Bocelli performing Con te Partiro

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1999 Grammy Awards

Andrea Bocelli and Celine Dion performing The Prayer.

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The Best of Andrea Bocelli: Vivere MP3 Sample

Recommended tracks include Dare to Live, Vivere (duet with Laura Pausini singing the newly translated English lyrics. Different from the original, but good), A Te (A self-written composition that employs smooth jazz instrumentalist Kenny G for the second time in Bocelli's recording career). Besame Mucho(Taken from the 'Amore' album, this is one of his few attempts at a 'sensual' number. It's actually very soothing more than sensual, and a well-timed interpretation to boot).

Just Press Play To Hear The MP3 Sample

The Best of Andrea Bocelli: Vivere CD, DVD & Blu-Ray

Now Available on Amazon.com

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Josh Groban : Closer

Josh Groban is an American singer-songwriter, popera, actor, and record producer. He became famous after he appeared on the Ally McBeal show where he performed "You're Still You" for the show's 2001 season finale. His portrayal of character Malcolm Wyatt was so popular that Groban was asked to return the next season to reprise his role and perform "To Where You Are." Josh Groban has sold over 24 million albums worldwide to date.

Josh Groban performing You're Still You (live)

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Josh Groban performing To Where You Are (live)

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Josh Groban : Closer MP3 Sample

Check out Mi Mancherai (with the beautiful violin accompaniment of Joshua Bell) , Remember When It Rained (slow and tender ballad) and of course everybody's favorite, You raise me up.

Just Press Play To Hear The MP3 Sample

Josh Groban : Closer CD & DVD

Now Available on Amazon.com

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IL DIVO : The Promise

Il Divo were created by music manager, Ex American Idol judge and reality TV star Simon Cowell, who sought to take advantage of an under-tapped public market for popera. Cowell gathered together a multi-national selection of 4 attractive young male singers and named them Il Divo meaning Divine Male Performer. Their targeted audience mainly female fans were swooned over their good looks and operatic voices. Il Divo's self titled debut album reached the top of the charts in 13 countries, selling sufficiently to ensure double platinum status in the US alone.

Il Divo performing Amazing Grace

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Il Divo - Regresa A Mi (Unbreak My Heart) Music Video

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IL DIVO : The Promise MP3 Sample

Recommended tracks include She (Spanish rendition. Different from the original, but good), Amazing Grace (really showcase the power, range and precision of Il Divo's voices).

Just Press Play To Hear The MP3 Sample

IL DIVO : The Promise CD & DVD

Now Available on Amazon.com

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Katherine Jenkins : Ultimate Collection

Katherine Jenkins is a Welsh soprano and popera singer who also performs musical theatre and hymns. She was a former model until she decided to follow a musical career. Jenkins is vastly popular in Britain where Six out of seven of her studio albums reached number one in the classical charts between 2004 and 2008, selling a total of more than 4 million copies.

Katherine Jenkins performing Hallelujah (Live)

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Katherine Jenkins performing Music Of The Night (Live)

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Katherine Jenkins : Ultimate Collection MP3 Sample

Recommended tracks include Hallelujah (a pure and haunting vocal style alongside a rather beautiful orchestral accompaniment ), I will always love you and Don't cry for me Argentina (touching & beautifully finished).

Just Press Play To Hear The MP3 Sample

Katherine Jenkins : Ultimate Collection CD

Now Available on Amazon.com

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Hayley Westenra : Celtic Treasure

Hayley Westenra is a New Zealand soprano, popera artist, songwriter and UNICEF Ambassador. Her debut album, Pure was released in 2002 to instant success, going so far as to set a UK record for the fastest-selling debut album on the classical charts. In Westenra's third album, Celtic Treasure, is a very personal collection of classical Irish and celtic folk songs enchanting fans all over the world with her captivating voice.

Hayley Westenra, the newest member of Celtic Woman performs "Scarborough Fair" (Live)

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Hayley Westenra performing Amazing Grace (Live)

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Hayley Westenra : Celtic Treasure MP3 Sample

Recommended tracks include Scarborough Fair (a strong Celtic flavour, beautifully arranged and orchestrated), Let Me Lie (a beautiful, slow piece with peaceful sounds of the harp and flute) and Last Rose of Summer (a gorgeous duet with Meav from the group Celtic Woman).

Just Press Play To Hear The MP3 Sample

Hayley Westenra : Celtic Treasure CD

Now Available on Amazon.com

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What's Your Take on Popera?

Popera or Pure Opera? Do you expect a popera backlash from the opera purist? Give me your take on the comments below.

  • TINA-MAREE STEWART May 4, 2012 @ 10:28 pm | delete
    i PREFER HER CLASSICAL STUFF.
  • Mercedes Sep 19, 2011 @ 3:46 pm | delete
    Popera is more relatable to a younger generation.

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