opera
09/06/2007
Luciano Pavarotti, R.I.P.
On September 6th, legendary operatic tenor Luciano Pavarotti passed away in his home in Modena, Italy, after a lengthy illness. Though he was, perhaps, most famous for his performances with Jose Carreras and Placido Domingo (as the Three Tenors), Pavarotti leaves a legacy that stretches far beyond.
He was the first opera singer to perform on Saturday Night Live, was honored at the Kennedy Center in 2001, and holds a Guinness World Record for the highest number of curtain calls -- 165. His 1993 concert in New York's Central Park drew more than 500,000 people.
Pavarotti was also tirelessly committed to helping refugees and other victims of war, raising money for the causes via his annual "Pavarotti and Friends" concerts, as well as specific concerts for victims in Bosnia, Kosovo, Guatemala and Iraq. He also worked with the UN as a Messenger of Peace, raising awareness of HIV/AIDS, child rights, and many other issues.
But in the end, Pavarotti will be remembered as a great man who moved millions with the power of his astounding voice. Choosing a clip for this piece was an exquisite chore; how do you find one performance that defines a man who was not only one of the greatest opera singers of our time, but who peformed with everyone -- from James Brown to Lou Reed to Liza Minelli?
Well, you can't. But hopefully, this performance of Schubert's Ave Maria will be a start, at least.
Rest in peace, Luciano.
