The acclaimed Italian tenor, who graces both the opera and classical crossover worlds, has recently released “The Best of Andrea Bocelli: Vivere.” The singing superstar plays the HP Pavilion in San Jose on Dec. 2.

Why have you just now made your greatest hits album? Until now, I preferred to present new songs. But I realized it was time. It’s been 15 years into my career, and this is my first true collection.

You often perform duets. Is there a particular person with whom you like to sing? The world is full of many beautiful voices; I will perform with many of them. I love women’s voices.

Is there a difference between singing popular and classical music? I change the language with which I use my voice. In opera, I know I have an orchestra behind me; I have to communicate to people very far from me.

Do you really enjoy food, the way many Italians do? It’s important for me who is at the table with me; the moment when everyone speaks to each other and everyone listens. If there’s good food, it’s much better.

Do you have a favorite singer? My idol has been Franco Corelli. But every singer can teach you something.

Do you find differences in audiences around the world? Every audience has its character; I like America — they love me. I suffer from stage fright, but in America not so much.

Does being blind affect you as a singer? Blind? Who’s blind?

When you’re not singing, what do you like to do? I like reading … French, Russian classics — Gogol, Tolstoy, Dostoyevsky, Flaubert. I also like Hemingway, Virginia Woolf.

What are you looking forward to? To resting myself.