A Song In My Heart

Wynne Evans

Released on 18/03/2011 by WM UK
Main artists: Wynne Evans
Genre: Vocale muziek (wereldlijk en religieus)

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Language available : english

The name might not be recognizable but to U.K. audiences, but Wynne Evans' operatic voice has become one of the most ubiquitous sounds on TV since 2008, thanks to his role as tubby tenor Gio Compario in a series of audience-dividing insurance TV commercials which have recently become the subject of an increasingly growing Facebook hate campaign. Rather than distancing himself from the love-it-or-hate-it campaign which earned him a six-album deal with Warner Music, his debut release, A Song in My Heart, appears to actively embrace it. The padded tuxedo suit, long, curly mustache, and amusing hairstyle might have disappeared, but the 16-track collection of arias, musical numbers, and hymns not only features a cover of "Nessun Dorma," made famous by Compario's obvious influence, Pavarotti, but also includes a rendition of "Over There," George M. Cohan's First World War patriotic standard, which the ad's irritatingly infectious jingle is based on. While his refusal to take himself too seriously should be applauded, these songs' inclusions do slightly detract from his undeniable vocal talents, which have seen him perform with both the English and Welsh National Opera over a prolific ten-year career. A collaborative effort with Bill Holland, the musical director responsible for bringing the Three Tenors together, A Song in My Heart is an album of two halves, with the first largely focusing on faithful interpretations of classic standards previously performed by his musical idol, Mario Lanza and including The Student Prince number "I'll Walk with God," The Great Caruso classic "The Loveliest Night of the Year," and Mexican favorite "Granada." The second half concentrates on the more traditional, Neapolitan classical pieces such as "La Donne e Mobile" from Verdi's Rigaletto, "E Lucevan Le Stelle" from Puccini's Tosca, and Ernesto de Curtis' "Torna a Surriento," all of which are given a cinematic, orchestral sheen by James Bond composer Nicholas Dodd. But it's a shame that for someone previously so proud of their national heritage, there's very little material here which you couldn't find on a Russell Watson or Alfie Boe album. Indeed, only the Welsh-language version of "The Lord's Prayer" and an appearance from the Cardiff mixed choir, Cor Caerdydd, offers any indication that he's the same man who famously responded to the intimidating New Zealand All Blacks' Haku at a Wales national rugby game all those years ago. While A Song in My Heart proves that there's a powerful and authentic operatic voice behind the comedic character, he'll need more interesting and unique material next time round if he wants to shake off his much-derided past.

© Jon O'Brien /TiVo

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A Song In My Heart

Wynne Evans

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