“Time to Say Goodbye” has been one of the most played pieces at funeral services for years. Should it also be heard at Bocelli’s own farewell?
The Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli (“Time to Say Goodbye”) doesn’t like to think about a suitable song for his own farewell. “I would rather think about life than death,” the 64-year-old told the German press agency dpa in an interview. “Time to Say Goodbye” is now one of the most played pieces at funerals in Germany and many other countries.
Bocelli told the dpa that he had no objection to that. “These are sad moments. If a song can convey a positive feeling in such moments, that’s fine. I have nothing against that at all.” In addition, a song like “Time to Say Goodbye” is often associated with beautiful memories. However, he would rather leave the selection of music for his own funeral service to others. “Once I’m dead, those who survive me can do whatever they want. I’ll just be a worn-out shell.”
The tenor achieved his international breakthrough in 1996 with “Time to Say Goodbye” (in the Italian original: “Con te partirò”). Bocelli, who has been blind since the age of twelve, sang the song with the Englishwoman Sarah Brightman to say goodbye to the German boxing world champion Henry Maske. All in all, he has sold more than 85 million records to date. He turns 65 on Friday.
Source: Stern
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