While I see proof everyday in the world around us, it especially became obvious in the voice of Luciano Pavarotti. As all of us reflect on the impending 9/11 anniversary and how it represents the depraved, here is Pavarotti, an example of how God shows himself in humanity. Here he is in 1998 singing what is no less than his signature, “Nessun Dorma” from “Turandot.” For you young people, consider this is a live performance by a man who had no need for studio tricks or enhancement, and even represents him when some believe his voice was in decline.
For this sad and reflective weekend, Pavarotti reminds us how beautiful the human condition truly is.
The classic recording of Turandot comes from Sutherland and Pavarotti in 1972. Click on the image below for the Amazon page for the recording. 1972 was the year of his debut at the Met in New York. I was 10 years old, and remember hearing him in an interview. From that point on, I was slightly less interested in the Rolling Stones and the Beatles and much more curious about the glorious sound of opera. Yes, shades of the geek emerging even then. Truly, it was Pavarotti’s artistry that helped me to appreciate the beauty and transcendence of music. And, if I may say, he’s one of the many reasons why I’m proud to be Italian.
Arrivederci, Luciano. Sarete mancati. E grazie. 🙁
The world is less bright for his passing. God speed Luciano, God speed.
Lovely tribute to an unparalleled talent. The world will always be richer for the gift he shared.
My late father was one of Pavarotti’s biggest fans. (Doesn’t everyone say that?) Growing up, his records would fill our house. I hope Dad and Maestro are singing a few bars together right now.
Luciano brought me into the world of opera. I poo poo’d it, in fact, I hated it. Then I heard The Three Tenors concert live on PBS; and I fell in love with Luciano Pavarotti. Nessun Dorma alone can make anyone realize the gift he had of transcending the lyric through emotion.
He was a giant, his voice booming, lyrical, blessed. To watch him perform with Bono and even Barry White was brilliant. He brought the opera to those that would of never thought it was for them- the masses. Oh how I will miss him.
Good night Maestro. Thank you Tammy for posting this..so very much.
I am brought to tears every time when I listen to his version of “Panis Angelicus”. Very reverent.
Thank you for this beautiful tribute to Luciano. I was fortunate to have seen him perform several times, and I realized even then, that it was a gift to see him. I came home and called my mother. “His voice is like the 8th wonder of the world,” I reported. “I mean this sincerely.” I appreciate also Tammy, that you pointed out this contrast in what is possible in our world: the sacred and the profane. God bless us all on this sad anniversary.
This aria always gives me chills – Pav’s voice/tune is so beautifully sad. Not knowing Italian or this opera, I imagine the aria has something to do with love and dying, or a longing so strong, that despite horrible odds, the protagonist defiantly wills himself on.
The recording, thank you Tammy, it gave me chills and brought tears to my eyes…his voice was truly a gift from God…
and the photo, shows you just how gorgeous Italian men are!
Rest in Peace Maestro…
This youngin’ is very familiar with Pavarotti.
I attended an outdoor exhibit while back in the midwest this weekend. The exhibit had an accompaniment of different types of music that fit in quite well with the bonfires and the most moving song that was piped through the hidden (yet very effective) speakers, was Pavarotti’s “Nessun Dorma”. While the song played, most of the crowed stopped wandering, looked at the exhibit, and listened to Pavarotti’s masterful voice. Upon the conclusion of the piece, the entire crowd offered an ovation that gave me goose-bumps. It was very close to the feeling one has experienced from seeing him perform live.
It will be quite some time before anyone will even come close to Pavarotti.