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September 06, 2007
Addio, Luciano Pavarotti
We pause for a moment from the usual political offerings to say goodbye to Luciano Pavarotti, probably the biggest opera star in history. Pavarotti died early today in his hometown of Modena, Italy after a battle with pancreatic cancer. He was 71.
For many only casually familiar with opera, Pavarotti was its face. With a friendly, outsized personality (and physique to match), Pavarotti made the art form accessible to millions, particularly with his numerous collaborations with pop stars like Bono and Sting.
For those more devoted to opera, Pavarotti's later years as a performer are those we would most like to forget. While his voice remained remarkably preserved, the deterioration of his physical health (much of it due to his obesity) and his artistic standards were painful to watch and hear. But in his prime, oh, how good he was.
Consider, for example, this excerpt from Verdi's Requiem, conducted in 1967 by the legendary Herbert Von Karajan. The 32 year-old Pavarotti, with an actual waistline and no beard, displays not only the simply magnificent natural voice, but also beautiful lyricism in his singing.
Or how about this recording of Rodolfo in Puccini's La Boheme (one of his signature roles) from 1979. Spectacular range and control.
Finally, there is this offering from 1980 of "Nessun Dorma" from Turandot. This aria is perhaps most often associated with Pavarotti in his later years, though the role of Calaf was a bit heavy for his lyric tenor voice, and not a mainstay part during his career. Still, it's nice to hear him sing this in his prime, and bear in mind that these are live recordings, not canned in the studio, which makes them all the more impressive.
On a personal note, 20 years ago, as a high school kid who was beginning a serious pursuit of classical singing that continues today, Pavarotti was an inspiration. The bright, warm and natural voice, the easy top notes, and the elegant lyricism of Pavarotti in his prime were and are standards for great singing. Rather than the bloated, sloppy caricature that he became in his later years, it is this Pavarotti we will remember.
Addio, Luciano Pavarotti e mille grazie.
Posted by houtopia at September 6, 2007 08:00 AM