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Hayley Westenra: Paradiso - an album guide
Classic BRITs nominee Hayley Westenra includes new compositions written specially for her soprano voice, and her own reworkings of pieces by Ennio Morricone.
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1. Whispers in a Dream
You might recognise this classic tune in its guise of Morricone's 'Gabriel's Oboe' from the 1986 film, 'The Mission', but the lyrics are new. Hayley wrote them herself after being inspired by the music, and infused them with her own message for world peace.
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2. Cinema Paradiso: Profumo Di Limone
The first of two beautiful pieces from 'Cinema Paradiso', the lyrics tell of a sweet lemon scent which provokes memories of home. Ennio Morricone penned the lyrics especially for the album.
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3. La Califfa
Originally a gorgeous oboe piece, Hayley put her lyrical talents to good use once more, providing English lyrics and adding her own soprano magic to the piece. It was originally used in the 1970 film of the same name.
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4. Once Upon A Time In The West
Composer Ennio Morricone produced the music on the album, reworking every track with a full 120-piece orchestra. He said he was 'impressed and fascinated' when he first heard Hayley's voice.
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5. Metti Una Sera A Cena
A tragic love-song, made all the more beautiful by the lilting Italian lyrics and Hayley's sweet soprano tones. The song tells the tale of two lovers who have gradually become strangers over time.
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6. Cinema Paradiso: Would He Even Know Me Now?
The second piece from 1988 film 'Cinema Paradiso' is a wonderful partnership between Morricone's smooth flowing musical lines and Hayley's gorgeous soprano tones. Don Black, the Oscar-winning lyricist, wrote the words.
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7. Per Natale (L'Esprit de Noël)
Josephine Drai's warming French lyrics and Hayley's soothing strains will put you in a festive mood, whatever the time of year. "On this magical night, snow and stars, have magical glints. There is no more harm."
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8. I Knew I Loved You (Deborah's Theme)
Ennio Morricone proves himself as a lyricist as well as a composer in this song, writing lyrics alongside Alan Bergman & Marilyn Bergman. It's a moving love song, originally recorded by Celine Dion to 'Deborah's Theme' from 'Once Upon a Time in America'.
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9. Lezione Di Musica
Lezione Di Musica, translated as 'music lesson' has no lyrics other than the notes of the scale - do, re, mi, fa, so, la, ti, do! Who knew such a simple idea could sound so pretty?
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10. Da Quel Sorriso Che Non Ride Piu
Ennio Morricone (pictured) composed the melody and lyrics to this melancholy song. It's featured on Mireille Mathieu's 1974 album 'Mireille Mathieu chante Ennio Morricone', but Hayley's reworking suits her voice wonderfully.
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11. The Edge Of Love
Another guest lyricist graces this album - this time, in the form of Tim Rice. It's a heady combination of lush strings and Hayley's haunting vocals.
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12. Amália Por Amor
You can almost feel the heat of the Portuguese sun and see the rolling landscape in the sultry melody of Amália Por Amor. The entrancing opening sets the tone for the nostalgic love song.
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13. Here's To You
"Here's to you, Nicola and Bart, rest forever here in our hearts." An unexpected taste of anarchy on the album - but not from Hayley or composer Ennio Morricone! The song is from the film 'Sacco e Vanzetti' about two Italian anarchists, Ferdinando Nicola Sacco, and Bartolomeo Vanzetti, who were convicted of murder and executed in 1927.
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14. Malena
Moonlight, starlight, love, and poetry from none other than Hayley herself, who wrote the lyrics for the last track on the album. It's another film music classic, written by Ennio Morricone in the 2000 film of the same name.
