"Some can sing opera, Luciano Pavarotti was an opera” (Bono)
On September 6, 2007, the world said farewell to one of the most beloved singers of all times – Luciano Pavarotti. He died from pancreatic cancer at his home in Modena, Italy at the age of 71. His death was announced in an e-mail statement by his manager, Terri Robson, who wrote: "The Maestro fought a long, tough battle against the pancreatic cancer which eventually took his life. In fitting with the approach that characterized his life and work, he remained positive until finally succumbing to the last stages of his illness."
Luciano Pavarotti was born in Modena, Italy on October 12, 1935. His mother was a cigar factory worker and his father was a baker and an amateur tenor. Pavarotti's earliest musical influences were his father's recordings, most of them featuring the popular tenors of the day. At around the age of nine he began singing with his father in a small local church choir. During his teenage years he had a dream of becoming a professional football goalkeeper, but his mother convinced him to train as a teacher. He subsequently taught in an elementary school for two years but finally allowed his interest in music to win out. Pavarotti spent seven years in vocal training and began his career as a tenor in 1961 in Italy. After that he sang in Vienna, London, The Netherlands, Ankara, Budapest and Barcelona, but one of the most important experiences in his life was the tour with Joan Sutherland in Australia, who he will credit later for the breathing technique that will sustain him over his career. In 1965, after her recommendation, Pavarotti made his American debut in Miami.
Luciano Pavarotti in 1978
Shortly after, he made his La Scala debut opposite his childhood friend Mirella Freni with Herbert von Karajan conducting. His first appearance as Tonio in Donizetti's La fille du régiment took place at the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden on June 2, 1966. It was his performance of this role that would earn him the title of "King of the High Cs". The next years were a time of great success on most of the major European and American Opera houses.
Popular stardom came at the 1990 World Cup in Italy with the performances of Nessun Dorma, from Turandot and as one of The Three Tenors in their famed first concert held on the eve of the final match of the tournament (repeated at later Cups). Pavarotti sang together with fellow star tenors Plácido Domingo and José Carreras and brought to a much wider audience hits previously confined to the world of opera. Appearances in advertisements and performing with pop icons Elton John, Sting and Bono in concerts around the world furthered his influence. Pavarotti extended his presence far beyond the limits of Italian opera. He became a titan of pop culture. Millions saw him on television and found in his expansive personality, childlike charm and generous figure a link to an art form with which many had only a glancing familiarity.
The Three Tenors : Plácido Domingo, José Carreras, Luciano Pavarotti
However, Pavarotti's rise to stardom was not without occasional difficulties. He earned a reputation as "The King of Cancellations" by frequently backing out of performances, and his unreliable nature led to poor relationships with some opera houses. He has also been accused of being unable to read music and learn parts. His personal life was not without trauma. He divorced his wife Adua Veroni after 34 years together and married his former 26 year old personal assistant Nicoletta Mantovani in 2003.
In 1998, Pavarotti was presented with the Grammy Legend Award. He also holds two Guinness World Records: one for receiving the most curtain calls (165) and another for the best-selling classical album (In Concert by The Three Tenors).
The later years brought a decline in ability to perform on stage due to weight gain and lack of mobility. Pavarotti's final appearance in an opera was at the Met in March 2004. The 2006 Winter Olympics in Turin, Italy saw him performing for the last time. Pavarotti sang Nessun dorma, with the crowd as its Chorus, and got a thunderous standing ovation.
Fifteen thousand lucky New Zealanders saw Pavarotti live in North Harbour Stadium in Auckland on November 12, 2005. The concert was a part of his 40 city Farewell World Tour, which he could not complete.
Pavarotti himself summarized his life as follows:" I think a life in music is a life well spent, and this is what I have devoted myself to."
On September 6, 2007, the world said farewell to one of the most beloved singers of all times – Luciano Pavarotti. He died from pancreatic cancer at his home in Modena, Italy at the age of 71. His death was announced in an e-mail statement by his manager, Terri Robson, who wrote: "The Maestro fought a long, tough battle against the pancreatic cancer which eventually took his life. In fitting with the approach that characterized his life and work, he remained positive until finally succumbing to the last stages of his illness."
Luciano Pavarotti was born in Modena, Italy on October 12, 1935. His mother was a cigar factory worker and his father was a baker and an amateur tenor. Pavarotti's earliest musical influences were his father's recordings, most of them featuring the popular tenors of the day. At around the age of nine he began singing with his father in a small local church choir. During his teenage years he had a dream of becoming a professional football goalkeeper, but his mother convinced him to train as a teacher. He subsequently taught in an elementary school for two years but finally allowed his interest in music to win out. Pavarotti spent seven years in vocal training and began his career as a tenor in 1961 in Italy. After that he sang in Vienna, London, The Netherlands, Ankara, Budapest and Barcelona, but one of the most important experiences in his life was the tour with Joan Sutherland in Australia, who he will credit later for the breathing technique that will sustain him over his career. In 1965, after her recommendation, Pavarotti made his American debut in Miami.
Luciano Pavarotti in 1978Shortly after, he made his La Scala debut opposite his childhood friend Mirella Freni with Herbert von Karajan conducting. His first appearance as Tonio in Donizetti's La fille du régiment took place at the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden on June 2, 1966. It was his performance of this role that would earn him the title of "King of the High Cs". The next years were a time of great success on most of the major European and American Opera houses.
Popular stardom came at the 1990 World Cup in Italy with the performances of Nessun Dorma, from Turandot and as one of The Three Tenors in their famed first concert held on the eve of the final match of the tournament (repeated at later Cups). Pavarotti sang together with fellow star tenors Plácido Domingo and José Carreras and brought to a much wider audience hits previously confined to the world of opera. Appearances in advertisements and performing with pop icons Elton John, Sting and Bono in concerts around the world furthered his influence. Pavarotti extended his presence far beyond the limits of Italian opera. He became a titan of pop culture. Millions saw him on television and found in his expansive personality, childlike charm and generous figure a link to an art form with which many had only a glancing familiarity.
The Three Tenors : Plácido Domingo, José Carreras, Luciano PavarottiHowever, Pavarotti's rise to stardom was not without occasional difficulties. He earned a reputation as "The King of Cancellations" by frequently backing out of performances, and his unreliable nature led to poor relationships with some opera houses. He has also been accused of being unable to read music and learn parts. His personal life was not without trauma. He divorced his wife Adua Veroni after 34 years together and married his former 26 year old personal assistant Nicoletta Mantovani in 2003.
In 1998, Pavarotti was presented with the Grammy Legend Award. He also holds two Guinness World Records: one for receiving the most curtain calls (165) and another for the best-selling classical album (In Concert by The Three Tenors).
The later years brought a decline in ability to perform on stage due to weight gain and lack of mobility. Pavarotti's final appearance in an opera was at the Met in March 2004. The 2006 Winter Olympics in Turin, Italy saw him performing for the last time. Pavarotti sang Nessun dorma, with the crowd as its Chorus, and got a thunderous standing ovation.
Fifteen thousand lucky New Zealanders saw Pavarotti live in North Harbour Stadium in Auckland on November 12, 2005. The concert was a part of his 40 city Farewell World Tour, which he could not complete.
Pavarotti himself summarized his life as follows:" I think a life in music is a life well spent, and this is what I have devoted myself to."
1 comment:
Respect!
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