Il Divo, Yo-Yo Ma lead 2005 classical charts

12/17/2005 3:50 PM, Reuters


The classical chart story of the year is undoubtedly Il Divo, a vocal quartet assembled by Simon Cowell of "American Idol" fame.

While in past years the classical crossover charts were largely ruled by solo vocalists like Josh Groban and Andrea Bocelli, Il Divo's "popera" proved this year that audiences can be wooed by singing groups.

Il Divo debuted in the United States in April with its self-titled Sony Music album, which was produced by Per Magnusson and David Krueger, who have worked with such pop phenomena as Britney Spears, Backstreet Boys and Kelly Clarkson. With the help of a major publicity and marketing push (including a performance on "The Oprah Winfrey Show"), the group shot straight to the top of the chart.

With that domination, the quartet knocked Groban from the No. 1 position on the year-end Top Classical Crossover Albums chart for the first time since 2003. Groban dropped this year to No. 2 on the recap. Next on the list were Bocelli's "Andrea" and composer/conductor John Williams' score to "Star War Episode III: Revenge of the Sith." Vocalist Sarah Brightman rounded out the top five with "Live From Las Vegas."

On the Top Classical Artists chart, a 50-year-old cellist who has been a star since he was a teenager took top honors. "Yo-Yo Ma Plays Ennio Morricone" was a testament to the cellist's insatiable musical curiosity and the love that fans have for his playing; three of Ma's other albums were also mainstays on the Top Classical Albums Chart during 2005.

Another artist with consistent consumer appeal is Dutch violinist Andre Rieu, who earned the No. 2 spot on the Top Classical Artists recap. Piano quintet the 5 Browns made a splash at No. 2 on the Top Classical Albums chart and No. 3 on the Top Classical Artists chart.

Reuters/Billboard