This is hard to admit, being the die hard jazz aficionado that I am, but I must confess, I have been a huge fan of Luciano Pavarotti since the late 70’s when I first heard him sing. Until then, I was not an opera fan at all. However, my dad used to play some opera records in the house when I was growing up, so maybe the seed was planted in my younger days. He really liked Leontyne Price.

Many critics have said that for one reason or another, Pavarotti’s voice went slowly downhill soon after he rose to international stardom. It has been said that his best singing was from the late 1960’s through the early 1970’s. I’m not sure I agree but I decided to try and find some examples of his earlier performances. Well, I found this wonderful video of Pavarotti singing the “Ingemisco” from Verdi’s Requiem. Wow! This is some powerful singing! Along with his magnificent power, his pianissimo voice was absolutely beautiful. The control he has over his entire range is truly amazing! Here he is at the Teatro Alla Scala in Milan, Italy, 1967. Herbert Von Karajan is the conductor.

R.I.P.
Luciano Pavarotti
1935-2007

The world is a lesser place without him.
He was well loved.