Pavarotti: an appreciation

Luciano Pavarotti emerged on the international opera scene in the late 1960s as a lyric tenor, specializing in the lighter roles in the Italian repertory.  He was established as an international star mainly by two recordings, both from the type of opera called "verismo" (early 20th century Italian realism), and both co-starring soprano Mirella Freni: Puccini's LA BOHEME, and the less well-known L'AMICO FRITZ, about Jewish farmers in Alsace. 

By dint of not pushing himself too early into more dramatic roles, Pavarotti's career lasted well over thirty years -- almost up to the threshold of his final illness.  His range of roles gradually expanded.  He never ventured into Wagner or adventurous new music, as Placido Domingo does, but he ruled in the Italian repertory and some of the French.  One of his most beloved recordings -- as Prince Calaf in Puccini's TURANDOT, co-starring Joan Sutherland -- was a role he never sang on-stage.  Yet the recording became world-famous when his rendition of the aria "Nessun Dorma" became the anthem of World Cup Soccer.

Always a bit broad in the belly, "Pav" managed to pass off his shape as part of his friendly Italian image -- a "paesan" who likes his pasta and wants you to pull up a seat next to him, or sit down in the front row and enjoy the opera.

Never disinclined to popularize, Pavarotti joined with fellow tenors Placido Domingo and Jose Carreras in the hype-as-art-form "Three Tenors" extravaganza.  Audiences loved the way the three of them combined showing off and making fun of showing off.  In fact, it was not easy to maintain superstar status in an era with such competitors; that Pavarotti was able to do so testifies to his unique gifts.  Whether in a light role like Mascagni's Fritz, or a heavy one like Puccini's Calaf, Pavarotti sang with seemingly effortless passion and true Italian pathos.  As some fans liked to say, he made you like you couldn't possibly love him as much as he loved you.

I'd like to close by recalling a documentary about Naples that Pavarotti hosted.  At one point he showed viewers a sidestreet shrine to Our Lady.  With an ease and naturalness that was very Italian, "Pav" said a quick prayer, crossed himself, and then moved on to the next sight to see.