by Renate

In June, July and August 1997 A.B. toured over Germany. Except one concert they were all open air, mostly situated in a park of one of the many beautiful old castles you still find in Germany. They were supposed to be the marvelous scenery for some unforgettable concerts.Unfortunately the weather wasn't too good during all the time, and often the spectators instead of enjoying a warm summer night had to struggle with rain and cold, sitting there dressed up in wardrobes for a solemn event all wetfrom rain. That way it happened at least in Koblenz, Aachen, Baden-Baden and Dresden. But nevertheless people enjoyed themselves, warmed up by the incredible might of Andrea's voice.



I had the pleasure to visit four of his concerts.

The first concert I saw happened close to my home-town Cologne on July, 13 in Leverkusen. There is an old Castle called Schloss Morsbroich. They never had produced concerts in such a size up to then, only some small summer events with about 200 people in the castle yard. Now they had invited Andrea Bocelli, who was well-known in Germany after his farewell song for Henry Maske, the most beloved German boxer. As I went to buy my tickets there, the lady told me that they were going crazy, getting phone calls all day long from people, who wanted to buy tickets. She didn't know Andrea Bocelli yet and asked me, if he was something so special, and I said "O, yes, you will see..."

The day of the concert was hot and sunny first. They had cut the huge lawn behind the castle and provided about 10,000 folding chairs. I myself had bought one of the cheapest tickets. O what a mistake! Soon, I realized that I wouldn't see Andrea bigger than a fingernail, if I would see him at all. When there were bigger people sitting in front of me, I couldn't see the stage at all, because the lawn was all flat.

I forgot my annoyance when I heard Andrea sing the first notes. I looked up to heaven and felt like being there. As Andrea is a tall man, I could see his head at least, when I could have a glimpse between all the heads in front of me.

He sang almost the same repertoire as he does now in America and was accompanied by at least three sopranos during the whole tour. In Leverkusen there was the soprano Liliana Marzano and Marcello Rota as conductor.

After the intermission I refused to sit again at my bad seat in the backrow and stood at the side, from where I could see the entire stage finally.It was illuminated by changing colors, which changed from pink to violet and yellow and green. But that lightshow was nothing against what nature was performing during the last part of the second half. There were thunderstorms all around Cologne now, mighty and very light flashes lit up the heaven beyond the stage in very short intervals. No thunder to hear at all. I was fascinated! What spectacle would have better suited  Andrea's incomparable voice than the furious dance of silent flashes?

Unfortunately not all of the spectators were as fascinated as I was, but started to panic and leave the concert before it ended. As many people got up in the first rows once again it was impossible for me to see the stage. I still wonder if Andrea realized the early leaving of the people. He couldn't know that there were heavy thunderstorms rolling in, as they were all silent...I am sure they didn't want to disturb the beautiful singing...

I almost was the last one who left after "Time to say Goodbye," and had become obsessed.  I had to see him soon again...