Inspired by both the spiritual journey of his adult life, as well as the powerful memories of playing religious music on the organ for rural churchgoers in his youth, Bocelli composed this inspired arrangement of ‘Ave Maria’ in March of 2020. Although the original song was composed in German, the phrase ‘Ave Maria’ is actually the Latin name for the prayer ‘Hail Mary.’ Translated into English, the lyrics are as followed: Originally composed in April of 1825 by famous Austrian composer, Frank Schubert, ‘Ave Maria’ has stood the test of time for religious art, being one of the most famous Christian songs for centuries since its release. Then, he beautifully sings ‘Ave Maria,’ and it takes your breath away. Andrea reverently prays and runs his fingers across the beautiful cathedral as he soaks in its beauty. The video opens with a sweeping shot of Italy as Virginia Bocelli leads her father, who has been blind since he was a child, across the courtyard and into a cathedral. This time, Andrea’s video features his 8-year-old daughter, Virginia. A performance with his son, Matteo, went viral when they sang ‘Fall on Me’ together. Andrea Bocelli has performed before with his children. International Federation of the Phonographic Industry. ^ "IFPI Platinum Europe Awards – 1999".Recording Industry Association of America. ^ "American video certifications – Andrea Bocelli – Sacred Arias".^ "American album certifications – Andrea Bocelli – Sacred Arias".^ "British album certifications – Andrea Bocelli – Sacred Arias".^ "The Official Swiss Charts and Music Community: Awards (Andrea Bocelli 'Sacred Arias')".^ "Guld- och Platinacertifikat − År 2000" (PDF) (in Swedish).Polish Society of the Phonographic Industry. ^ "Wyróżnienia – Platynowe płyty CD - Archiwum - Przyznane w 1999 roku" (in Polish).^ "Norwegian album certifications – Andrea Bocelli – Sacred Arias" (in Norwegian).^ "New Zealand album certifications – Andrea Bocelli – Sacred Arias".Enter Sacred Arias in the "Artiest of titel" box. Nederlandse Vereniging van Producenten en Importeurs van beeld- en geluidsdragers. ^ "Dutch album certifications – Andrea Bocelli – Sacred Arias" (in Dutch).Syndicat National de l'Édition Phonographique. ^ "French album certifications – Andrea Bocelli – Airs Sacrés" (in French).^ "Canadian album certifications – Andrea Bocelli – Sacred Arias".^ "Ultratop − Goud en Platina – albums 2000".^ "Austrian album certifications – Andrea Bocelli – Arie Sacre" (in German).Australian Recording Industry Association. ^ "ARIA Charts – Accreditations – 1999 Albums" (PDF).^ "Listen - Danmarks Officielle Hitliste - Udarbejdet af AIM Nielsen for IFPI Danmark - Uge 50".^ Andrea Bocelli Biography Archived at the Wayback Machine.^ a b c Crossover superstar Andrea Bocelli finds beauty in wide range of music The Columbus Dispatch, Nov 27, 2011.In 2000, the album led Bocelli to receive an ECHO Klassik for "Bestseller of the year", as well as a 2000 Classical BRIT Award for "Album of the year", and a Goldene Europa for classical music, in 2000. ^ Shipments figures based on certification alone. * Sales figures based on certification alone.