Luciano Pavarotti

File:Pavarotti Una Furtiva Lagrima.ogg

Luciano Pavarotti 72

Pavarotti - Sutherland 1976

Lucio Dalla, Pavarotti e Zucchero al Pavarotti e friends 1992

Elton John with Luciano Pavarotti in Modena 1996

Luciano Pavarotti 15.06.02 cropped

Luciano Pavarotti (12 October 1935 – 6 September 2007) was an Italian opera singer, who was one of the most popular tenors of all time and one of the most celebrated opera singers in the history of classical music. He was known for his televised concerts, media appearances, and as one of the "Three Tenors" along with Plácido Domingo and José Carreras. Pavarotti's voice and performance style were recognized for their unique combination of power, elegance, and emotional expressiveness.

Early Life

Luciano Pavarotti was born in Modena, Italy, to a baker and a cigar factory worker who was also an amateur tenor. Despite the modest means of his family, Pavarotti's interest in music was cultivated early on, particularly influenced by his father's passion for opera. He began singing with his father in a small local church choir. Although he initially trained to become a teacher and worked as an insurance salesman, Pavarotti never abandoned his passion for singing and eventually pursued a career in opera.

Career

Pavarotti's professional debut occurred in 1961 as Rodolfo in La bohème at the Teatro Municipale in Reggio Emilia. His breakthrough came in 1963 when he stood in for the ailing tenor Giuseppe Di Stefano in a performance of La bohème at London's Royal Opera House. His performance was met with critical acclaim, leading to engagements in other major opera houses around the world, including the Metropolitan Opera in New York, where he debuted in 1968.

Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, Pavarotti became known for his performances in roles from the Italian repertoire, particularly the works of Giuseppe Verdi and Giacomo Puccini. His recordings of operas and individual arias achieved wide popularity, and he became known for his television appearances and concerts. Perhaps most notably, Pavarotti was a key figure in popularizing opera through his participation in the "Three Tenors" concerts, beginning with the 1990 World Cup in Italy, which brought opera to a global audience.

Personal Life and Legacy

Pavarotti was known for his philanthropic efforts, including benefit concerts and support for the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. He was married twice and had four daughters.

Pavarotti's legacy is marked by his exceptional vocal technique, his ability to bring opera to the masses, and his numerous awards and recognitions, including multiple Grammy Awards and the Kennedy Center Honors. He passed away in 2007 after a battle with pancreatic cancer, but his recordings continue to inspire new generations of opera singers and enthusiasts.

Discography

Pavarotti's discography includes a wide range of operatic recordings and solo albums, featuring some of the most beloved arias and works in the classical repertoire. His albums have achieved significant commercial success, further cementing his status as one of the greatest tenors of all time.

See Also

• Opera
• Tenor
• Plácido Domingo
• José Carreras
• The Three Tenors