Opera star Luciano Pavarotti dies at 71

[Nutmegger]

Source: MSNBC

Luciano Pavarotti's manager tells The Associated Press that the Italian tenor has died. Pavarotti’s health has deteriorated and the tenor was in very serious condition, suffering kidney problems and losing consciousness, a local Italian TV station reported Wednesday.

Television station E’ TV Antenna-1 in Modena reported that the 71-year-old tenor, who has pancreatic cancer, had lost consciousness and was suffering from kidney problems at the Modena home where he has been recovering following a hospital stay.

The ANSA news agency, citing medical sources, said Pavarotti was believed to have lost consciousness for brief moments in recent days. The AGI news agency said Pavarotti was in “very serious condition.” It didn’t name its sources.

Modena hospital spokesman Alberto Greco confirmed Pavarotti was at home, but said he had no further information.

Read more: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/20607839/

[Fenris]

1. He lived longer than most people with pancreatic cancer.

RIP

[TwilightGardener]

6. Yes--bad way to go, and usually fairly quick. RIP, big guy.

[malmapus]

2. Amazing voice, amazing talent

RIP

[pinto]

3. Ah. Farewell.

[flamingyouth]

4. He fought valiantly.

RIP.

[Mind_your_head]

5. Thank you Luciano for the gift you shared with us all

RIP.....Rest Well.

[Mnemosyne]

7. Rest in peace.

:cry:

Listening to 'Nessun Dorma' for the twentieth time this evening. What a blessing he was given here n Earth, and what a gift to our ears! :cry:

'All'alba vincerò!

vincerò, vincerò!'

And he did.

Bravo, bravo! :applause:

[fortyfeetunder]

8. RIP

he lives on in the many recordings....but will miss him and the joy he brought to the operatic stage.

[Drum]

9. Oh no...

I knew he wasn't out and about these days, but hadn't realized he was that ill.

I had the pleasure of being (in a minor way) onstage with him: I was performing with the Metropolitan Opera, and in around 2000/1 or so Pavarotti was singing "Nessun Dorma" as part of a gala. The section was done was with our real Turandot set/costumes/personnel, and thus I was one of the dancers skulking around and crouching by statues while he came on and performed this aria. It was utter magic!

Thank goodness his beautiful voice is preserved in so many recordings.

Rest in peace, Maestro....

[calimary]

25. Cool story! Thanks for posting it.

Yes, at least we do have his recordings, thank Heavens.

[MADem]

28. I have a relative in the opera biz

(Not 'talent' though--a paper pusher).

I've known for awhile that it was "only a matter of time."

Lucky YOU, though--how wonderful to have that memory, and to have been able to "listen while you work!"

I hope someone took pics or did a video to preserve the moment--how cool would that be, to be able to point at a skulking dancer and say "See, that's me!! Right by the Voice of the Ages!"

[Amerigo Vespucci]

10. He knew first-hand what it meant to be one of a kind.

Seriously, what could possibly be better in life than to discover your true gift and go the distance with it?

Rest well, Luciano. Rest well.

:toast:

[calimary]

26. Truly.

Welcome to DU, too! Heaven got a new angel today.

[emilyg]

11. What a voice. RIP

[Manifestor_of_Light]

12. The final words of "Nessun Dorma" (No One May Sleep)

The Pavarotti National Anthem, and I say that with no hint of derision.

Vincero! Vincero!!!

I will triumph! I will win!!!

He did. :cry:

Probably the best tenor in the world in the 1970s. Right up there with Franco Corelli, Ferrucio Tagliavini, Placido Domingo as one of the greats of the 20th century.


Even though I prefer basses and baritones, and a good Don Giovanni can sweep me off my feet.

[evilkumquat]

13. I Never Met Pavarotti, But I Knew One of His Contemporaries

...at least, another big, famous (but not one of the Three) opera singer.

At one time, the late Franco Bonisolli owned some rentals in my hick, small-town in Indiana and I was one of his property managers.

His tenants used to get quite a surreal show seeing the barrel-chested, bushy-haired Bonisolli tooling around on his riding mower (which he used to collect like Leno does motorcycles) in the middle of a grassy field belting out arias.

Not something the average Hoosier gets to see that often...

So, no, this has nothing to do with Pavarotti, but it is the only mildly entertaining* opera singer story I know.

Evil Kumquat

*Just barely

[Manifestor_of_Light]

18. Very cool!!

When I get my public domain opera aria CD recorded I'll send you a copy!!!

I'm a mezzo/lyric soprano. But too old to pursue a public career with a real opera company. They don't want anyone over 30, and you must have a B. Mus. from a good school.

Too bad, I'm following my dream anyway. I LOVE Mozart. Puccini is great too; unfortunately he didn't write anything for mezzos.

[ljm2002]

51. So you do know about Paul Potts, right?

He's the Welsh mobile phone salesman who won the Britain's Got Talent competition this year. Here's a link to the youtube video of his first performance in the show (singing "Nessun Dorma"):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1k08yxu57NA

I had decided against posting this link in response to all the Pavarotti threads, since it is Pavarotti that we all want to hear today. But you are following your dream, and you deserve some inspiration!

[DemKR]

14. Is it just me or have tons of people died today? n/t

[aquart]

15. RIP.

[datadiva]

16. His music will live on forever

RIP

[GoddessOfGuinness]

17. Oh my...

This brings tears to my eyes.

http://youtube.com/watch?v=KxyrphGgLH4

I know he was a controversial figure in his later years; but what a magnificent voice he had in his prime. :cry:

Rest in peace, Luciano. Thank you for your gift...

[mcscajun]

55. Thank you for sharing...

...What a magnificent talent he was.

[Up2Late]

19. Wow, that was quick. I only heard the first report that he was very sick today on ATC.

He left quite a legacy of beautiful music.

Go in peace.

[Contrary1]

20. Oh, no...

Luciano was the first that made me appreciate opera. :cry:
It's so hard, as I get older...to witness the passing of those who are truly great.

[Dukkha]

21. the angels are a bit jealous now

they have some serious competition with them in the heavenly choir

[burrowowl]

22. RIP

Really decent tenor!

[Swagman]

23. vale oh great one !

[calimary]

24. Aw damn. DAMN.

We've lost another maestro. Man. That voice.

Dear Lord God, conditions here are bad enough already. Thank You for sharing him with us for awhile.

BTW - Welcome to DU, Swagman! I appreciate the company.

[MADem]

27. I was lucky enough to have seen him not once, but TWICE. And one time was free--at a

massive concert that they did for RAI many years ago. I had the best seats in the house! He was at the top of his game, then--an astounding talent.

RIP.

[DarkTirade]

29. I'll repost some of the same links I put in another Pavarotti thread...

For those who want to hear his voice again.

Nessun Dorma
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ONUCPKdGcrk
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VATmgtmR5o4

Ave Maria (Schubert)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2uYrmYXsujI

Caruso
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TvLtEHONp3Y

Three Tenors singing 'O Sole Mio'
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qW3zHEtL0T4

Granada
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QUobNguwhTI

Zucchero and Pavarotti - Miserere
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nFcz7VvBcUA

[mcscajun]

56. That first Nessun Dorma link was *It*

The one that above all recents, gives one chills.

[timtom]

30. I can't believe this.

Night before last, I was watching John Candy on my SCTV DVD collection doing Luciano Pavarotti. I wondered what had become of Luciano. 2 days ago!

Otherwise, hadn't thought of him in a couple of years.

[girl gone mad]

31. One of the few modern artists..

whose talent lived up to the hype. He'll be missed.

[etherealtruth]

34. That was a great way to put it ....

"One of the few modern artists whose talent lived up to the hype"

So true!

[colorado_ufo]

32. RIP, Don Luciano!

[The Sushi Bandit]

33. RIP

your music was so beautiful, made me cry!!!!

[riverdale]

35. A shame he wasted his gift on opera instead of rock n roll

And to those of you who say an operatic singer doesn't have a place in rock, I give you King Diamond.

[theHandpuppet]

39. I nominate your post for "Most Stupid Comment of the Day"

Make room on your mantle for the trophy.

[riverdale]

46. ok

I nominate your avatar for "Dumbest Avatar Ever"

[greyghost]

36. RIP, Maestro

[RestoreGore]

37. Here he is singing my favorite, Nessun Dorma

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EwlE_qNSWLw

How sad that his great voice is now gone, but it will always be remembered.

Sweet dreams, Maestro.

[ozymandius]

38. A great light has gone out.

http://youtube.com/watch?v=ONUCPKdGcrk

[xchrom]

40. fortunately for us -- his beauty will be a thing that lasts forever!

peace be with you luciano -- you sing now with the angels.

and we are poorer for your absence.

[Ian David]

41. A few times, Pavoritti would sing at Sammy's Restaurant in New York City

He'd sing a couple numbers, put in a plug for his album, and then sit down with his entourage to eat.

[Le Taz Hot]

42. A sad, sad day.

A great talent.

RIP, sir and thank you for sharing your magnificent instrument with us all.

[Olney Blue]

43. RIP, Mr. Pavarotti. You gave me many moments of joy!

[Vidar]

44. RIP Maestro.

[Joe Bacon]

45. :-(

:cry:

[Summer93]

47. Thank you Maestro

Thank you for sharing your great gift with us during our lifetime.

[KiraBS]

48. A lovely man...

He and Bono started War Child during the war in Bosnia which is still going strong. http://www.warchild.org/ http://www.warchild.org.uk/history.asp

He also brought Opera to the people and upset the elitists that wanted Opera to be for the upper classes.

[slampoet]

49. Awful loss that the great tenor has died. Now i have to brace myself

Now i have to brace myself for all the overplaying of "Oh Fortuna"

Don't get me wrong. I like most opera and Pavarotti....


It is just that i live in Providence which is more Italian than anywhere. I fully expect that all the cafes, elevator music, and other places will be playing a LOT of his recordings now that he has died. This wouldn't be a problem either if it weren't for the fact that none of these places will play more than his "top ten" recordings.

It would be cool if the places used this as an opportunity to play some of his early recordings or rare stuff or even just whole operas instead of individual tracks, but somehow I think that they won't see the point of playing anything that wasn't featured on a PBS fundraiser or "The Sopranos"

[rocktivity]

50. Pavarotti...who (sang with) soprano Joan Sutherland as (well as) the Spice Girls,

scoffed at accusations that he was sacrificing his art in favor of commercialism.

“The word ‘commercial’ is exactly what we want,” he said...“We’ve reached 1.5 billion people with opera. If you want to use the word ‘commercial,’ or something more derogatory, we don’t care...”

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YvAPRIwX5KU">Here's a song he sang with Jon Bon Jovi at a benefit. Now if you'll excuse me, I must go to the DU Sports forum to accuse Tiger Woods of sacrificing HIS talent in favor of commericialism!

:eyes:
rocknation

[Dinger]

52. RIP Luciano. Show Caruso How It's Done : )

God, I'd love to see them meet. Interesting. Peace to you Luciano, and thanks for sharing your gift.
:)

[troubleinwinter]

53. He was asked once

about people criticizing him for being egotistical and regarded and something of an eccentric character.

He said that "It is the VOICE! One MUST have the EGO for the VOICE!" He went on to explain the lifestyle of an opera singer and that he felt that he was the care-taker of "the VOICE", that it was his responsibility to the VOICE, and it required a big fat juicy ego to do it. He was right... his father was a potential star, but did not have the stage-nerve or drive.

MY father (from a family of opera singers) said to me, "We are so fortunate to have lived in the age when a singer like Pavarotti was heard by millions on radio, recordings, etc. A hundred years ago, a singer like that may never have been heard outside of his small town."

Without doubt, one of the very few greatest singers of the 20th century.

Thank you, Luciano, for bringing us "the VOICE" along with belcanto. It has and will continue to express the joy and best of the human spirit.

[Adenoid_Hynkel]

54. I loved his song with U2 and Brian Eno

from the underrated Passengers album

[mcscajun]

57. RIP, Maestro.

I was fortunate enough to see Luciano Pavarotti on at least 4-5 occasions at the Metropolitan Opera in NYC when he was at his peak. I was a fan before I saw him La Boheme in the late 70s, but after that performance I was drained from clapping and shouting, and totally hooked.

A story Pavarotti has told often has to do with diva Joan Sutherland and her influence on Pavarotti early in his career. I picked up this version from the Australian press.

In 1963 he substituted for Giuseppe di Stefano's Rodolfo at Covent Garden, winning international acclaim. He impressed Richard Bonynge, the conductor and husband of Joan Sutherland, who engaged him to appear opposite Sutherland in Miami, in a production of Lucia di Lammermoor, then signed him up for a 14-week tour of Australia in 1965, when the couple sang together in Lucia, La Traviata and La Sonnambula.

The tour was crucial to Pavarotti's development. Sutherland taught him how to use his diaphragm to sustain his voice. He would put his hands around her waist and feel the working of her diaphragm muscles as she sang. "Let's say that I was a very good singer already, with not a lot of experience, but beginning from 1965 when I went to Australia with them I really became a singer," he recalled. "In Australia, Rick and Joan made me see how a real professional operates."

http://www.smh.com.au/text/articles/2007/09/06/1188783412231.html

Sutherland has now outlived Pavarotti, and she shared her thoughts on his talent and his passing with the Australian press.

-snip-

Pavarotti will always be fondly remembered for his performances with soprano Dame Joan Sutherland in Australia.

-snip-

Dame Joan hailed Pavarotti as one of the great voices in the history of opera.

She performed operas including La Traviata and Turandot with Pavarotti, telling BBC radio there was "no question" he ranked among opera's greats.

"I'm very sorry to hear he's gone, God bless," she said.

"It was incredible to stand next to it and sing along with it," the 80-year-old Australian star nicknamed "La Stupenda" said.

"The quality of the sound was quite different - you knew immediately it was Luciano singing."

http://abc.net.au/news/stories/2007/09/06/2026293.htm?section=justin

Fortunate to be alive at the same time as this magnificent voice, this soaring talent, we were doubly fortunate it all happened in the age of mass media so we all could share in the experience. There was hardly a performance that didn't bring chills; even now, just watching the YouTube clips posted here and listening I'm getting those same chills. What a voice, what a soul. Tramontate, stelle...a great light has just joined you.