This is not an opera program, nor is it a classical vocal recital or typical mix of traditional songs and arias, although this new recording from tenor Vittorio Grigolo has elements of all three. Rather, it is a celebration of the true Italian singer, Italian music, and whatever innate spirit and style embodied in both makes them inseparable and unique. And if you’ve any doubt that Grigolo is the real thing, “The Ital- ian tenor” as claimed on his debut recording, skip for the moment the superbly sung disc-opening opera arias (Rigoletto, Tosca, Martha, La?traviata, Così, and listen to “Non ti scordar di me” and “O paese d’ ’o sole.” Here is the passion, the joy, the truth of a master singer connecting with his listeners — and what a voice!

Grigolo has been said by some to be the heir of Pavarotti — fine. But Grigolo’s voice has purityand innate beauty along with the passion; a ringing, golden top; a centered, solidly secure placement across his range; and none of the spread, forced, hard-edged upper- register tone of his predecessor. Grigolo is young and talented, with natural gifts and a devotion to his art that bodes well for his future. He seems to understand that this is a long-term proposi- tion; that there is a difference between selling your talent and building a career; that to be a great singer, to sustain a career, to make music that is memorable and meaningful across years of performances and all manner of audiences takes time and care and patience, that a deep respect for the craft of singing is at least as important as an appreciation for one’s natural ability. Grigolo is not immune from a little over-the-top indulgence (Enrico Cannio’s “O surdata ‘nnammurato”), but you won’t mind because at the same time you will be savoring the memory of his meltingly affecting “Un’ aura amorosa” (Cosi) and powerful “Recondita armonia” (Tosca) and “È la solita storia” (L’arlesiana). The sound, recorded in Parma’s Auditorium Niccoló Paganini and London’s Wathen Hall, is ideal; the orchestral playing and direction is spot on.

—?David?Vernier, Listen: Life With Classical Music