Before Bokelli bought this building to do his home, it had been a pension that was in bad state. Luckily, his brother is an architect, but anyway … «The construction company did the job as quickly as possible considering that we are in Italy, but still, we found an eternity,» said the tenor.
Although he bought the house in 2001, he did not move until 2004. How much was involved in the construction process and decoration? «Nothing, but economically, enough!» He smiled. “Veronica did everything. I think we must be aware of our limitations. ”
On the upper floor they lie the rooms whose balconies offer an exceptional view of the sea. On the lower floor, the monumental doors of all rooms open towards the garden to continue the outside. In it, two soccer goals are attested, confirming the occasional presence of the two adolescent children of the first marriage of Bokelli. When that relationship ended in 2001, Andrea bought this house from a friend. «We used to live a few meters away, and when I had to face the painful separation of my then wife, I decided to live very close to continue being with my children.»
In this residence decorated in a classic way, much of its latest Passione album was recorded. A collection of favorite popular songs, from VI in Rose to The Girl From Ipanema, which reflects his illusion for being what he calls «a love singer, not of political issues.»
The disadvantage of being an artist who sells millions and millions of albums are the international trips that derive from that, although he accepts that having a private jet help. Today, while his daughter touches his daughter, his suitcase lies open stairs, hoping to be packed for the next trip. «I'm really a homemade guy,» he confessed. «Traveling is the most annoying aspect of my professional life.»
As is evident, music plays a central role in the house: from a showcase full of ancient instruments to the three tail pianos, batteries, microphones and shelves covered with prizes and gold discs. The corridor that leads to his music room is full of photos of his with Plácido Domingo, Luciano Pavarotti, Tom Cruise, George Clooney, Jimmy Carter and Pope Benedict. But in case it occurs to him to become arrogant, when he sits to play, Veronica Berti warns him that when Virginia goes up to take her nap she will have to keep the doors well closed if she wants to continue practicing.
«My daughter did not change my life than my children,» he said with the indifference of a man who has never taken care of children. «To dedicate more time to my daughter, I would have to give up my career.» His fans would never allow it.
See Gallery: Andrea Bocelli