Paradiso (Hayley Westenra album)

Paradiso
Studio album by Hayley Westenra and Ennio Morricone
Released	18 April 2011
Recorded	2010
Genre	Classical, Traditional music
Length	58:23
Label	Decca, Universal
Producer	Ennio Morricone
Hayley Westenra chronology
Winter Magic (2009) Paradiso (2011) Hushabye (2013)
Ennio Morricone chronology
Come Un Delfino (2011) Paradiso (2011)

Paradiso is an international album by Christchurch, New Zealand soprano Hayley Westenra, in collaboration with Italian maestro Ennio Morricone. It was released worldwide beginning 18 April 2011 in New Zealand.

Paradiso features new compositions written by Morricone for Westenra, as well as Hayley performing some of his best-known film compositions in vocalese. Westenra also contributed new English lyrics for some of Morricone's most well-known pieces, "Gabriel's Oboe", "La Califfa", and "Malena".^[1][2][3] Westenra said she not only was inspired by "Gabriel's Oboe" (the theme from the 1986 film classic The Mission), but also contributed lyrics to Whispers In A Dream (music:"Gabriel’s Oboe") in the spirit of world peace.^[4]

Morricone produced all of Westenra's vocal performances and created new arrangements for each track, conducting instrumental sessions with his own 120-piece orchestra, Sinfonietta di Roma.^[5][6][7][8] On 18 July 2011, Morricone commented, "When I first heard Hayley’s voice I was impressed and fascinated. I was very pleased when I was asked to compose and arrange the pieces that Hayley sings on her CD and am delighted with the results. I want to mention that this is not just a small anthology but also includes new songs performed and recorded for the first time... I wish our CD great fortune and many listeners and to this beautiful performer, a great career."^{[9][10][11][12]} Oscar-winning lyricist Don Black, Sir Tim Rice, and Marilyn and Alan Bergman also contributed lyrics to the multi-language album (including some English and Italian songs, a French and a Portuguese song).^[2][13][14]

Paradiso became the 85th local #1 album since the inception of the Official New Zealand Music Charts in 1975.^[15] It has been certified gold in New Zealand,^[16] and had broken the record for the New Zealand artist with the most #1 albums to their name announced by the Recording Industry Association of New Zealand (Rianz) in May.^[17] It rose from the #3 position on 14 July 2011 to #1 on 26 August on the Amazon Classical pre-release chart, and topped the HMV Classical pre-release chart from 14 July until its release on 29 August.^[18][19]

Paradiso hit #1 on the official UK Classical Charts, as well as the Classic FM chart, after its release in the UK.^[20][21] It also reached #2 on the Amazon.com US classical chart after release in the United States.^[22]

Track listing

1. Gabriel's Oboe (Whispers In A Dream) lyrics by Hayley Westenra
2. Cinema Paradiso: Profumo Di Limone lyrics by Ennio Morricone
3. La Califfa lyrics by Ennio Morricone & Hayley Westenra
4. Once Upon A Time In The West lyrics by Ennio Morricone
5. Metti Una Sera A Cena lyrics by Ennio Morricone
6. Cinema Paradiso: Would He Even Know Me Now? lyrics by Don Black
7. Per Natale (L'Esprit de Noël) lyrics by Josephine Drai
8. I Knew I Loved You (Deborah's Theme) lyrics by Ennio Morricone, Alan Bergman & Marilyn Bergman
9. Lezione Di Musica lyrics by Ennio Morricone
10. Da Quel Sorriso Che Non Ride Piu lyrics by Ennio Morricone
11. The Edge Of Love lyrics by Tim Rice
12. Amália Por Amor lyrics by Joao Mendonca
13. Here's To You lyrics by Joan Baez
14. Malena lyrics by Hayley Westenra

Japan Release:

1. Gabriel's Oboe (Whispers In A Dream) lyrics by Hayley Westenra
2. Cinema Paradiso: Profumo Di Limone lyrics by Ennio Morricone
3. La Califfa lyrics by Ennio Morricone & Hayley Westenra
4. Once Upon A Time In The West lyrics by Ennio Morricone
5. Metti Una Sera A Cena lyrics by Ennio Morricone
6. Cinema Paradiso: Would He Even Know Me Now? lyrics by Don Black
7. Per Natale (L'Esprit de Noël) lyrics by Josephine Drai
8. I Knew I Loved You (Deborah's Theme) lyrics by Ennio Morricone, Alan Bergman & Marilyn Bergman
9. Lezione Di Musica lyrics by Ennio Morricone
10. Da Quel Sorriso Che Non Ride Piu lyrics by Ennio Morricone
11. The Edge Of Love lyrics by Tim Rice
12. Amália Por Amor lyrics by Joao Mendonca
13. Here's To You lyrics by Joan Baez
14. Malena lyrics by Hayley Westenra
15. Cinema Paradiso: Profumo Di Limone (Bonus Track) [Japanese Lyrics]
16. Amazing Grace (Special Bonus Track)

Disc 2 [SHM-CD Special Edition]

1. Gabriel's Oboe (Whispers In A Dream) Music Video

Promotion

On 17 July 2011, Westenra talked about working with world-renowned composers on Paradiso when interviewed by Terry Wogan, and performed Whispers In A Dream and "Songbird" live for BBC Radio 2.^[23][24] On 1 September, Premier Christian Radio interviewed Westenra about recording Paradiso with Morricone and his orchestra in Rome.^[25] On 15 September, Westenra appeared as a guest star on the popular Italian reality TV show for children "Io Canto" (Canale 5) and sang "Whispers In A Dream" and "Cinema Paradiso: Profumo di Limone" with the show's 2010 winner, Benedetta Caretta.^[26][27] The BBC programme Songs of Praise broadcast "Whispers In A Dream" as performed by Westenra in Salisbury Cathedral.^[28][29] Also, Hayley was interviewed by several American media outlets, including Fox News, to promote the album's release in the United States.^{[30][31][32][33][34][35][36]} On 17 October, Westenra appeared on CNN for an interview entitled "Prodigy Puts Words to Morricone's Classics".^[37]

Paradiso Homecoming Tour

To promote and spread Paradiso, Westenra plans to embark on the Paradiso Homecoming Tour, a tour of the UK, New Zealand, and east Asia.^[38][39][40]

During the tour, River of Dreams and Paradiso is reentering New Zealand Albums Chart at #6 and #7 on 21 Nov,^[41] and Paradiso is reentering #1 on TaiWan classical music chart.^[42]

Charts and Certifications

Charts Chart (2011) Peak position Australian Top 100 Physical Album Chart[43] 81 Australian Classical Album Chart[43] 2 Irish Albums Chart[44] 66 Irish Classical Album Chart 1 New Zealand Albums Chart[45] 1 New Zealand Classical Music Chart 1 UK Albums Chart[46] 13 UK Classical Album Chart 1 Taiwan Classical Album Chart 1 US Billboard Classical Albums Chart 7

Certifications Region Certification Certified units/Sales New Zealand (RMNZ)[47] Gold 7,500^^ ^^shipments figures based on certification alone

International Release

Region	Date	Label	Format	Source
New Zealand	18 April 2011	Decca	CD	[48]
Japan	8 June 2011	Universal Music Japan	CD/DVD	[49][50][51]
Australia	10 June 2011	Universal	CD	[52]
Portugal	28 August 2011	Decca		[53]
United Kingdom	29 August 2011			[1][54]
Canada		Universal		[55]
Russia		Decca		[56]
Spain				[57]
Germany	30 August 2011		CD/MP3-Downloads	[58][59]
France				[60]
TaiWan	31 August 2011		CD	[61]
Italy	20 September 2011			[62]
United States	29 August (for DD) /4 October 2011 (for CD)		CD/Digital Download	[10][63]
China	October 2011	Decca	CD	[64][65]

References

1. "Hayley Westenra albums Paradiso on amazon.co.uk". April 2011. Retrieved 6 Aug 2011.
2. "In the studio with Morricone". classicfm.co.uk. 24 Aug 2011. Retrieved 27 Aug 2011.
3. Gill, Andy (26 Aug 2011). "Paradiso review". London: independent.co.uk. Retrieved 27 Aug 2011.
4. http://fashion.ce.cn/music/201109/28/t20110928_22726118.shtml
5. "Hayley Westenra albums Paradiso on marbecks.co.nz". April 2011. Retrieved 6 Aug 2011.
6. "Success came early". BBC Breakfast. 26 Aug 2011. Retrieved 27 Aug 2011.
7. "Marty Recommends Paradiso". rte.ie. Aug 2011. Retrieved 30 Aug 2011.
8. "Hayley Westenra & Ennio Morricone, Paradiso (Decca)". 26 Aug 2011. Retrieved 31 Aug 2011.
9. "Message from Ennio Morricone". 18 Jul 2011. Retrieved 6 Aug 2011.
10. "Hayley Westenra album on iTunes". 29 August 2011. Retrieved 12 Aug 2011.
11. "Westenra: così strego Morricone". famigliacristiana.it. 2011-09-21. Retrieved 2012-01-22.
12. "Paradiso on QVC from HWI archives". 30 Aug 2011. Retrieved 31 Aug 2011.
13. "HAYLEY WESTENRA'S PRESENTS 'PARADISO'". 20 May 2011. Retrieved 6 Aug 2011.
14. "Paradiso review". allmusic.com. Aug 2011. Retrieved 27 Aug 2011.
15. "Hayley Westenra Cracks Record #1s". scoop.co.nz. 2011-05-16. Retrieved 2012-02-12.
16. "Latest Gold / Platinum Albums". RadioScope New Zealand. Retrieved 2011-05-17.
17. "Looking back at a musical mixed bag". The Recording Industry Association of New Zealand. 2012-01-02. Retrieved 2012-01-22.
18. "Hot New Releases in Classical on amazon.co.uk". 14 Jul 2011. Retrieved 27 Aug 2011.
19. "Classical Music-coming soon on hmv.com". 14 Jul 2011. Retrieved 27 Aug 2011.
20. "Classical Artist Albums Archive". theofficialcharts.com. 2011-09-10. Retrieved 2012-02-12.
21. "Classic FM Chart with 'Paradiso'". classicfm.co.uk. September 2011. Retrieved 2012-01-22.
22. "Amazon.com US classical chart". amazon.com. October 2011. Retrieved 2012-01-22.
23. "BBC radio 2 program". 17 Jul 2011. Retrieved 6 Aug 2011.
24. "HWI archives of BBC radio 2 program". 17 Jul 2011. Retrieved 6 Aug 2011.
25. http://www.premierradio.org.uk/listen/ondemand.aspx?mediaid={19CC47AD-4CA3-4E5D-860C-7420359ED5C3}
26. http://www.tv.mediaset.it/canale5/io_canto/
27. http://www.hayley-westenra-international.com/content/hayley-io-canto-italian-tv-15-sep-2011
28. http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b013028v#synopsis
29. http://www.hayley-westenra-international.com/content/hayley-songs-praise
30. "International Singing Sensation Hayley Westenra - Fox News Video - Fox News". Fox News. 4 December 2011.
31. http://www.interviewmagazine.com/blogs/music/2011-10-03/hayley-westenra-ennio-morricone-paradiso/
32. http://www.okmagazine.com/2011/10/soprano-hayley-westenra-recalls-meeting-prince-william-says-he-kate-make-the-sweetest-couple/
33. http://hereandnow.wbur.org/2011/10/10/hayley-westenra-morricone
34. http://api.wbur.org/syndication/default.aspx?program=HereandNow
35. http://www.pollstar.com/blogs/news/archive/2011/10/14/785032.aspx
36. http://www.ology.com/music/interview-classical-singer-hayley-westenra-opens-about-new-album
37. "CNN.com Video". CNN.
38. http://www.hayleywestenra.com/live/
39. http://www.eventfinder.co.nz/news/2011/09/hayley-westenra?utm_medium=rss
40. http://www.mna.com.tw/events_CN.asp?eventID=110
41. http://nztop40.co.nz/chart/nzalbums
42. http://www.g-music.com.tw/GMusicBillboard5.aspx
43. "The ARIA Report: Week Commencing 27 June 2011" (PDF) (1113). Pandora Archive. June 30, 2011: 8, 21. Retrieved December 7, 2014.
44. "irishcharts.com - Discography Hayley Westenra". Hung Medien. Retrieved December 7, 2014.
45. "charts.org.nz - Hayley Westenra and Ennio Morricone - Paradiso". Hung Medien. Retrieved December 7, 2014.
46. "HAYLEY WESTENRA". Official Charts Company. Retrieved December 7, 2014.
47. "New Zealand album certifications – Hayley Westenra – Paradiso". Recorded Music NZ.
48. "Hayley Westenra albums Paradiso on amplifier.co.nz". Jul 2011. Retrieved 6 Aug 2011.
49. "Hayley Westenra albums Paradiso on hmv.co.jp". Jul 2011. Retrieved 6 Aug 2011.
50. "Paradiso CD". amazon.com. 21 Jun 2011. Retrieved 20 Aug 2011.
51. "Paradiso CD and DVD". amazon.co.jp. Jun 2011. Retrieved 20 Aug 2011.
52. "Hayley Westenra albums Paradiso on sanity.com.au". Jul 2011. Retrieved 6 Aug 2011.
53. "Paradiso CD". cdgo.com. Jul 2011. Retrieved 20 Aug 2011.
54. "Hayley Westenra albums Paradiso on hmv.com". Jul 2011. Retrieved 6 Aug 2011.
55. "Hayley Westenra albums Paradiso on amazon.ca". Jul 2011. Retrieved 6 Aug 2011.
56. "Paradiso CD". universalmusic.ru. Aug 2011. Retrieved 20 Aug 2011.
57. "Paradiso CD". hmv.es. Aug 2011. Retrieved 20 Aug 2011.
58. "Hayley Westenra albums Paradiso on amazon.de". Jul 2011. Retrieved 6 Aug 2011.
59. "Paradiso download in MP3". amazon.de. Aug 2011. Retrieved 20 Aug 2011.
60. "Paradiso CD and download in MP3". amazon.fr. Aug 2011. Retrieved 20 Aug 2011.
61. "Westenra albums on books.com.tw". Aug 2011. Retrieved 26 Aug 2011.
62. "Paradiso CD". amazon.it. Aug 2011. Retrieved 20 Aug 2011.
63. "Hayley Westenra albums Paradiso on amazon.com". Jul 2011. Retrieved 12 Aug 2011.
64. http://product.dangdang.com/product.aspx?product_id=22513824
65. http://www.amazon.cn/dp/B005MM9KTS