In the Gospel of Luke, chapter two, it is narrated that Joseph went to Bethlehem with Mary to register as decreed by Caesar Augustus. It was during that time when Mary gave birth to Jesus. But there was no room for them at the inn so they made do with the manger.
It is also in the same chapter that the angel of the Lord appeared to shepherds who were tending to their flock in the field in the evening.
The angel tells them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”
Then the shepherds saw the heavenly host glorifying and praising God in the heavens.
This inspired a few songs, including the well known Christmas carol, “Angles we have heard on high“.
And here to serenade you with his awesome voice is none other than the great Andrea Bocelli. That alone makes it all worth it. The Italian singer, songwriter, tenor, and producer may have been blinded at the age of twelve, but that voice has carried him all over the world.
Introducing Andrea is none other than musician, composer, producer, and recording artist David Foster. It is the Andrea Bocelli David Foster PBS Christmas Special. And would you look at that stage!
The seats are packed and everyone looks lovely. This is one show you really dress up for!
David introduces his friend as “one of the world’s greatest musical treasures.” He is absolutely right! Andrea Bocelli smiles and with a choir by his side, launches into an Italian rendition.
“Sopra i cieli e ancor più sù
dolci canti gli angeli
e dai monti fin qua giù
portan gioia ai deboli
Gloria in excelsis Deo”
That just makes it sound more heavenly.
The “o” in the “Gloria” part is sustained through sixteen notes that rise and fall in a melismatic sequence. It is the perfect part for Bocelli to showcase that God-given voice of his. He is stunning everyone out there!
The man in white powers through the song, the choir now joining him as they blend in the background. Stunned silence fills the audience as Andrea seems to have taken over the heavenly host, singing for all the angels instead.
He could have taken over the fields of Bethlehem and drawn a crowd.
The song builds, the energy increasing as the performance seemingly draws on divine power.
“Come to Bethlehem and see
Him whose birth the angels sing;
Come, adore on bended knee,
Christ the Lord, the newborn King.
Gloria in excelsis Deo!“
Bocelli brings the song to a dramatic crescendo, the choir and musicians accompanying him the whole way. This Christmas classic just got a whole lot better. That’s Andrea Bocelli at his finest.
Watch and listen to this awesome rendition below!
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