RIP Luciano

[greatbear]

Watch on YouTube

1935-2007
Arrivederci il mio amico
sarete mancati da molti.


While opera was not the highest on my list of favorite genres at first, Luciano Pavarotti elevated it into the top ten for me. Like Beverly Sills, Mr. Pavarotti cheerfully sought to bring opera to the masses. And he succeeded. While derided by some stuffy opera 'purists', the world of opera enjoyed a renewed interest as people began hearing his soaring voice for the first time. Known as "The King of the High C's", his vocal abilities could make even one who dislikes opera sit up, take notice and be impressed. He will be missed.

My Mom, of course, loved Pavarotti. She saw him perform live at places like The Met and also overseas. Her fondness for opera made the music a constant presence around the house, and I always managed to take time out and enjoy his performances with her. Needless to say, when I recently learned he was not well, the emotions began anew, and today, well, let's just say it took a couple tissues to make it through this post.

Grazie, Luciano. You helped bring culture into my life, and joy to Mom's heart.

Comments

[greatbearmd.livejournal.com]

I like to think that too.

Thank you.

[die7fox.livejournal.com]

That performance leaves me breathless.

[greatbearmd.livejournal.com]

You and me both. I dont see how anyone cannot be affected by that voice and all of it's emotion, even if opera "aint yer thing".

[notdefined.livejournal.com]

I was turned on to the magic that was Pavarotti much later in life. I fell into the habit of late, using his recordings to master pitch and pronunciation for my voice lessons for as it turned out, his recordings were always in the same key as my printed music. The effortless way he would scale absolutely amazed me, and even though he was an opera 'super star' he remained dedicated to the true meaning of the music. While he was a favorite here in SF, I never got to see him in person. I will regret that.

Rest well, your voice will remain with us for ever.

[greatbearmd.livejournal.com]

Last year, I took my Mom up to NYC once again for her annual trip to the Met. I had never seen an opera with her before, since most of the time she went to NYC on her own (I'd buy her tix for her birthday). In '04, when she was going through her first battle, I took her to NYC so she would not miss out on all of the concerts I had gotten for her, since she was currently going through chemo/radiation. For the next three years, I took her up to NYC and hung out with friends while she enjoyed her shows. Last year we decided that on our next trip up, I would join her for a show or two. It was only fair, since I wanted to see what she enjoyed so much.

Sadly, that would turn out not to be.

One of these days, though, I will go to a performance at the Met, perhaps by myself. Undoubtedly people will see me in tears, thinking that I am being affected by the performance. That would only be half true.

[notdefined.livejournal.com]

Let me know when and if I am on the east coast, I'll go with you. The Met is awe inspiring and your tears would not be out of place. Opera is music from the soul for the soul.

[ricksf.livejournal.com]

I think I'm somewhat like you. Opera does not rank at the top of my listening preferences. Yet there were exceptions. Pavarotti was one of these. The man was amazingly magnetic. Once he started singing, you couldn't turn away. His music would reach into your soul and touch a spot you may not have known you had.

Pavarotti seemed larger than life. His music is his legacy. We have been truly blessed.

[greatbearmd.livejournal.com]

Performance, emotion and talent transcend genres. I know quite a few people who couldnt care less about opera, but admire Pavarotti (and others) and can enjoy a performance. I dont even understand the language, but it connects anyway. It's the mark of a true artist when their performance goes beyond your senses and touches your heart.

It's not unlike that scene in The Shawshank Redemption where Tim Robbin's character barricades himself in the room with the PA system and plays Mozart's aria from "The Marriage of Figaro" throughout the penitentiary. Morgan Freeman's narration bespoke of every man in the prison, for that short moment in time, being set free. It's easy to believe that to be true.

[thegreenbear.livejournal.com]

Pavarotti was the first opera singer I ever heard that I liked and was the one that made me take opera as both a serious musical/singing style and as a serious and respectable performance art.

(raises glass)

Here's to you, Luciano.

May you resonate forever.

[greatbearmd.livejournal.com]

Opera was always a very serious style. But it takes people like him to give it a heart and soul and connect it with people. He did so much for the genre in recent years and elevated it to the magic he made it into.

[anziulewicz.livejournal.com]

I heard the sad news at 5:00am this morning, when the BBC Newshour came on my clock radio. They spent most of the hour memorializing him and had a lovely interview with Kiri Te Kanawa. Yeah, there were some opera snobs who looked down their noses at him, but the clarity and urgency of his voice were undeniable.

[greatbearmd.livejournal.com]

I believe even those opera snobs secretly admired his range and ability. They just feel that opera should be meant for a select few. He felt differently, and wanted everyone to experience the art form. The world is better because of that effort.

[rockybear02.livejournal.com]

Big Hug Phil

[greatbearmd.livejournal.com]

Thank you. :)

[peterpandanyc.livejournal.com]

This news saddened me greatly tonight. I saw him many times in concert and opera in NYC, London, New Jersey, and Tokyo. His voice has left an indelible mark in my mind and my heart. RIP Luciano.

[budmassey.livejournal.com]

A once in a lifetime talent.