Paradiso (Hayley Westenra album)
Encyclopedia
Paradiso is an international album by Christchurch
, New Zealand
soprano
Hayley Westenra
, in collaboration with Italian
maestro Ennio Morricone
. It was released worldwide beginning 18 April 2011 in New Zealand
.
Paradiso features new compositions written by Morricone for Westenra, as well as Hayley performing some of his best-known film compositions in vocalese
. Westenra also contributed new English lyrics for some of Morricone's most well-known pieces, "Gabriel's Oboe
", "La Califfa", and "Malena".
Westenra said she not only was inspired by "Gabriel's Oboe" (the theme from the 1986 film classic The Mission), but also contributed lyrics to Whispers In A Dream
(music:"Gabriel’s Oboe") in the spirit of world peace.
Morricone produced all of Westenra's vocal performances and created new arrangements for each track, conducting instrumental sessions with his own 120-piece orchestra, Sinfonietta di Roma. On 18 July 2011, Morricone commented, "When I first heard Hayley’s voice I was impressed and fascinated. I was very pleased when I was asked to compose and arrange the pieces that Hayley sings on her CD and am delighted with the results. I want to mention that this is not just a small anthology but also includes new songs performed and recorded for the first time... I wish our CD great fortune and many listeners and to this beautiful performer, a great career." Oscar-winning lyricist Don Black, Sir Tim Rice
, and Marilyn and Alan Bergman also contributed lyrics to the multi-language album (including some English and Italian songs, a French and a Portuguese song).
Paradiso became the 85th local #1 album since the inception of the Official New Zealand Music Charts in 1975. It has been certified gold in New Zealand. It rose from the #3 position on 14 July 2011 to #1 on 26 August on the Amazon Classical pre-release chart, and topped the HMV Classical pre-release chart from 14 July until its release on 29 August.
Paradiso hit #1 on the official UK Classical Charts, as well as the Classic FM
chart, after its release in the UK. It also reached #2 on the Amazon.com US classical chart
after release in the United States
.
Japan Release:
Disc 2 [SHM-CD Special Edition]
, and performed Whispers In A Dream
and "Songbird" live for BBC Radio 2
. On 1 September, Premier Christian Radio
interviewed Westenra about recording Paradiso with Morricone and his orchestra in Rome. On 15 September, Westenra appeared as a guest star on the popular Italian reality TV show for children "Io Canto" (Canale 5) and sang "Whispers In A Dream" and "Cinema Paradiso: Profumo di Limone" with the show's 2010 winner, Benedetta Caretta. The BBC
programme Songs of Praise
broadcast "Whispers In A Dream" as performed by Westenra in Salisbury Cathedral
. Also, Hayley was interviewed by several American media outlets, including Fox News, to promote the album's release in the United States.
On 17 October, Westenra appeared on CNN
for an interview entitled "Prodigy Puts Words to Morricone's Classics".
During the tour, River of Dreams
and Paradiso is reentering New Zealand Albums Chart at #6 and #7 on 21 Nov, and Paradiso is reentering #1 on TaiWan classical music chart.
Christchurch
Christchurch is the largest city in the South Island of New Zealand, and the country's second-largest urban area after Auckland. It lies one third of the way down the South Island's east coast, just north of Banks Peninsula which itself, since 2006, lies within the formal limits of...
, New Zealand
New Zealand
New Zealand is an island country in the south-western Pacific Ocean comprising two main landmasses and numerous smaller islands. The country is situated some east of Australia across the Tasman Sea, and roughly south of the Pacific island nations of New Caledonia, Fiji, and Tonga...
soprano
Soprano
A soprano is a voice type with a vocal range from approximately middle C to "high A" in choral music, or to "soprano C" or higher in operatic music. In four-part chorale style harmony, the soprano takes the highest part, which usually encompasses the melody...
Hayley Westenra
Hayley Westenra
Hayley Dee Westenra is a New Zealand soprano, classical crossover artist, songwriter and UNICEF Ambassador. Her first internationally released album, Pure, reached No. 1 on the UK classical charts in 2003 and has sold more than two million copies worldwide...
, in collaboration with Italian
Italian language
Italian is a Romance language spoken mainly in Europe: Italy, Switzerland, San Marino, Vatican City, by minorities in Malta, Monaco, Croatia, Slovenia, France, Libya, Eritrea, and Somalia, and by immigrant communities in the Americas and Australia...
maestro Ennio Morricone
Ennio Morricone
Ennio Morricone, Grand Officer OMRI, , is an Italian composer and conductor, who wrote music to more than 500 motion pictures and television series, in a career lasting over 50 years. His scores have been included in over 20 award-winning films as well as several symphonic and choral pieces...
. It was released worldwide beginning 18 April 2011 in New Zealand
New Zealand
New Zealand is an island country in the south-western Pacific Ocean comprising two main landmasses and numerous smaller islands. The country is situated some east of Australia across the Tasman Sea, and roughly south of the Pacific island nations of New Caledonia, Fiji, and Tonga...
.
Paradiso features new compositions written by Morricone for Westenra, as well as Hayley performing some of his best-known film compositions in vocalese
Vocalese
Vocalese is a style or genre of jazz singing wherein lyrics are written for melodies that were originally part of an all-instrumental composition or improvisation. Whereas scat singing uses improvised nonsense syllables, such as "bap ba dee dot bwee dee" in solos, vocalese uses lyrics, either...
. Westenra also contributed new English lyrics for some of Morricone's most well-known pieces, "Gabriel's Oboe
Gabriel's Oboe
"Gabriel's Oboe" is the main theme for the 1986 film The Mission directed by Roland Joffé. The theme was written by Italian composer Ennio Morricone, and has since been arranged and performed several times by artists such as Yo-Yo Ma, Holly Gornik, and Brynjar Hoff, among others. The theme has been...
", "La Califfa", and "Malena".
Westenra said she not only was inspired by "Gabriel's Oboe" (the theme from the 1986 film classic The Mission), but also contributed lyrics to Whispers In A Dream
Whispers In A Dream
"Whispers In A Dream" is an English Christian hymn with words written by Christchurch Anglican soprano and songwriter Hayley Westenra, published in 2011. With the message that Angel brings good news of great joy from Love for all the people....
(music:"Gabriel’s Oboe") in the spirit of world peace.
Morricone produced all of Westenra's vocal performances and created new arrangements for each track, conducting instrumental sessions with his own 120-piece orchestra, Sinfonietta di Roma. On 18 July 2011, Morricone commented, "When I first heard Hayley’s voice I was impressed and fascinated. I was very pleased when I was asked to compose and arrange the pieces that Hayley sings on her CD and am delighted with the results. I want to mention that this is not just a small anthology but also includes new songs performed and recorded for the first time... I wish our CD great fortune and many listeners and to this beautiful performer, a great career." Oscar-winning lyricist Don Black, Sir Tim Rice
Tim Rice
Sir Timothy Miles Bindon "Tim" Rice is an British lyricist and author.An Academy Award, Golden Globe Award, Tony Award and Grammy Award-winning lyricist, Rice is best known for his collaborations with Andrew Lloyd Webber, with whom he wrote Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Jesus...
, and Marilyn and Alan Bergman also contributed lyrics to the multi-language album (including some English and Italian songs, a French and a Portuguese song).
Paradiso became the 85th local #1 album since the inception of the Official New Zealand Music Charts in 1975. It has been certified gold in New Zealand. It rose from the #3 position on 14 July 2011 to #1 on 26 August on the Amazon Classical pre-release chart, and topped the HMV Classical pre-release chart from 14 July until its release on 29 August.
Paradiso hit #1 on the official UK Classical Charts, as well as the Classic FM
Classic FM (UK)
Classic FM, one of the United Kingdom's three Independent National Radio stations, broadcasts classical music in a popular and accessible style.-Overview:...
chart, after its release in the UK. It also reached #2 on the Amazon.com US classical chart
Amazon.com
Amazon.com, Inc. is a multinational electronic commerce company headquartered in Seattle, Washington, United States. It is the world's largest online retailer. Amazon has separate websites for the following countries: United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Japan, and...
after release in the United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
.
Track listing
- Gabriel's OboeGabriel's Oboe"Gabriel's Oboe" is the main theme for the 1986 film The Mission directed by Roland Joffé. The theme was written by Italian composer Ennio Morricone, and has since been arranged and performed several times by artists such as Yo-Yo Ma, Holly Gornik, and Brynjar Hoff, among others. The theme has been...
(Whispers In A DreamWhispers In A Dream"Whispers In A Dream" is an English Christian hymn with words written by Christchurch Anglican soprano and songwriter Hayley Westenra, published in 2011. With the message that Angel brings good news of great joy from Love for all the people....
) lyrics by Hayley WestenraHayley WestenraHayley Dee Westenra is a New Zealand soprano, classical crossover artist, songwriter and UNICEF Ambassador. Her first internationally released album, Pure, reached No. 1 on the UK classical charts in 2003 and has sold more than two million copies worldwide... - Cinema Paradiso: Profumo Di Limone lyrics by Ennio MorriconeEnnio MorriconeEnnio Morricone, Grand Officer OMRI, , is an Italian composer and conductor, who wrote music to more than 500 motion pictures and television series, in a career lasting over 50 years. His scores have been included in over 20 award-winning films as well as several symphonic and choral pieces...
- La Califfa lyrics by Ennio Morricone & Hayley Westenra
- Once Upon A Time In The West lyrics by Ennio Morricone
- Metti Una Sera A Cena lyrics by Ennio Morricone
- Cinema Paradiso: Would He Even Know Me Now? lyrics by Don Black
- Per Natale (L'Esprit de Noël) lyrics by Josephine Drai
- I Knew I Loved You (Deborah's Theme) lyrics by Ennio Morricone, Alan Bergman & Marilyn Bergman
- Lezione Di Musica lyrics by Ennio Morricone
- Da Quel Sorriso Che Non Ride Piu lyrics by Ennio Morricone
- The Edge Of Love lyrics by Tim RiceTim RiceSir Timothy Miles Bindon "Tim" Rice is an British lyricist and author.An Academy Award, Golden Globe Award, Tony Award and Grammy Award-winning lyricist, Rice is best known for his collaborations with Andrew Lloyd Webber, with whom he wrote Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Jesus...
- Amália Por Amor lyrics by Joao Mendonca
- Here's To You lyrics by Joan Baez
- Malena lyrics by Hayley Westenra
Japan Release:
- Gabriel's OboeGabriel's Oboe"Gabriel's Oboe" is the main theme for the 1986 film The Mission directed by Roland Joffé. The theme was written by Italian composer Ennio Morricone, and has since been arranged and performed several times by artists such as Yo-Yo Ma, Holly Gornik, and Brynjar Hoff, among others. The theme has been...
(Whispers In A DreamWhispers In A Dream"Whispers In A Dream" is an English Christian hymn with words written by Christchurch Anglican soprano and songwriter Hayley Westenra, published in 2011. With the message that Angel brings good news of great joy from Love for all the people....
) lyrics by Hayley WestenraHayley WestenraHayley Dee Westenra is a New Zealand soprano, classical crossover artist, songwriter and UNICEF Ambassador. Her first internationally released album, Pure, reached No. 1 on the UK classical charts in 2003 and has sold more than two million copies worldwide... - Cinema Paradiso: Profumo Di Limone lyrics by Ennio MorriconeEnnio MorriconeEnnio Morricone, Grand Officer OMRI, , is an Italian composer and conductor, who wrote music to more than 500 motion pictures and television series, in a career lasting over 50 years. His scores have been included in over 20 award-winning films as well as several symphonic and choral pieces...
- La Califfa lyrics by Ennio Morricone & Hayley Westenra
- Once Upon A Time In The West lyrics by Ennio Morricone
- Metti Una Sera A Cena lyrics by Ennio Morricone
- Cinema Paradiso: Would He Even Know Me Now? lyrics by Don Black
- Per Natale (L'Esprit de Noël) lyrics by Josephine Drai
- I Knew I Loved You (Deborah's Theme) lyrics by Ennio Morricone, Alan Bergman & Marilyn Bergman
- Lezione Di Musica lyrics by Ennio Morricone
- Da Quel Sorriso Che Non Ride Piu lyrics by Ennio Morricone
- The Edge Of Love lyrics by Tim RiceTim RiceSir Timothy Miles Bindon "Tim" Rice is an British lyricist and author.An Academy Award, Golden Globe Award, Tony Award and Grammy Award-winning lyricist, Rice is best known for his collaborations with Andrew Lloyd Webber, with whom he wrote Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Jesus...
- Amália Por Amor lyrics by Joao Mendonca
- Here's To You lyrics by Joan Baez
- Malena lyrics by Hayley Westenra
- Cinema Paradiso: Profumo Di Limone (Bonus Track) [Japanese Lyrics]
- Amazing GraceAmazing Grace"Amazing Grace" is a Christian hymn with words written by the English poet and clergyman John Newton , published in 1779. With a message that forgiveness and redemption are possible regardless of the sins people commit and that the soul can be delivered from despair through the mercy of God,...
(Special Bonus Track)
Disc 2 [SHM-CD Special Edition]
- Gabriel's Oboe (Whispers In A Dream) Music Video
Promotion
On 17 July 2011, Westenra talked about working with world-renowned composers on Paradiso when interviewed by Terry WoganTerry Wogan
Sir Michael Terence Wogan, KBE, DL , or also known as Terry Wogan, is a veteran Irish radio and television broadcaster who holds dual Irish and British citizenship. Wogan has worked for the BBC in the United Kingdom for most of his career...
, and performed Whispers In A Dream
Whispers In A Dream
"Whispers In A Dream" is an English Christian hymn with words written by Christchurch Anglican soprano and songwriter Hayley Westenra, published in 2011. With the message that Angel brings good news of great joy from Love for all the people....
and "Songbird" live for BBC Radio 2
BBC Radio 2
BBC Radio 2 is one of the BBC's national radio stations and the most popular station in the United Kingdom. Much of its daytime playlist-based programming is best described as Adult Contemporary or AOR, although the station is also noted for its specialist broadcasting of other musical genres...
. On 1 September, Premier Christian Radio
Premier Christian Radio
Premier Christian Radio is a British Christian radio station wholly owned by the charity Premier Christian Media Trust.Premier Christian Radio broadcasts Christian programming including news, debate, teachings and Christian music to London and the surrounding areas.It operates on three frequencies...
interviewed Westenra about recording Paradiso with Morricone and his orchestra in Rome. On 15 September, Westenra appeared as a guest star on the popular Italian reality TV show for children "Io Canto" (Canale 5) and sang "Whispers In A Dream" and "Cinema Paradiso: Profumo di Limone" with the show's 2010 winner, Benedetta Caretta. The BBC
BBC
The British Broadcasting Corporation is a British public service broadcaster. Its headquarters is at Broadcasting House in the City of Westminster, London. It is the largest broadcaster in the world, with about 23,000 staff...
programme Songs of Praise
Songs of Praise
Songs of Praise is a BBC Television programme based around traditional Christian hymns. It is a widely watched and long-running religious television programme, one of the few peak-time free-to-air religious programmes in Europe Songs of Praise is a BBC Television programme based around traditional...
broadcast "Whispers In A Dream" as performed by Westenra in Salisbury Cathedral
Salisbury Cathedral
Salisbury Cathedral, formally known as the Cathedral Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary, is an Anglican cathedral in Salisbury, England, considered one of the leading examples of Early English architecture....
. Also, Hayley was interviewed by several American media outlets, including Fox News, to promote the album's release in the United States.
On 17 October, Westenra appeared on CNN
CNN
Cable News Network is a U.S. cable news channel founded in 1980 by Ted Turner. Upon its launch, CNN was the first channel to provide 24-hour television news coverage, and the first all-news television channel in the United States...
for an interview entitled "Prodigy Puts Words to Morricone's Classics".
Paradiso Homecoming Tour
To promote and spread Paradiso, Westenra plans to embark on the Paradiso Homecoming Tour, a tour of the UK, New Zealand, and east Asia.During the tour, River of Dreams
River of Dreams (Hayley Westenra album)
River of Dreams: The Very Best of Hayley Westenra is a compendium album released in UK and New Zealand by Christchurch soprano Hayley Westenra....
and Paradiso is reentering New Zealand Albums Chart at #6 and #7 on 21 Nov, and Paradiso is reentering #1 on TaiWan classical music chart.
Charts
| Chart (2011) | Peak Position |
|---|---|
| Australian Top 100 Physical Album chart | 81 |
| Australian Classical Album Chart | 2 |
| Irish Album Chart | 66 |
| Irish Classical Album Chart | 1 |
| New Zealand Music Chart | 1 |
| New Zealand Classical Music Chart | 1 |
| UK Album Chart | 13 |
| UK Classical Album Chart | 1 |
| TaiWan Classical Album Chart | 1 |
| US Billboard Classical Albums Chart | 7 |
Certifications
International Release
| Region | Date | Label | Format | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Zealand | 18 April 2011 | Decca Decca Records Decca Records began as a British record label established in 1929 by Edward Lewis. Its U.S. label was established in late 1934; however, owing to World War II, the link with the British company was broken for several decades.... |
CD | |
| Japan | 8 June 2011 | Universal Music Japan | CD/DVD | |
| Australia | 10 June 2011 | Universal Universal Music Group Universal Music Group is an American music group, the largest of the "big four" record companies by its commanding market share and its multitude of global operations... |
CD | |
| Portugal | 28 August 2011 | Decca | ||
| United Kingdom | 29 August 2011 | |||
| Canada | Universal | |||
| Russia | Decca | |||
| Spain | ||||
| Germany | 30 August 2011 | CD/MP3-Downloads | ||
| France | ||||
| TaiWan | 31 August 2011 | CD | ||
| Italy | 20 September 2011 | |||
| United States | 29 August (for DD) /4 October 2011 (for CD) | CD/Digital Download | ||
| China | October 2011 | Decca | CD | |