Luciano Pavarotti was a highly respected tenor in recent history. But what is his origin, and how did he rise to become one of the world’s most renowned opera singers?

Luciano Pavarotti, an Italian tenor, was one of the most outstanding and well-known opera singers of the 20th century.

His career was marked by performances at the world’s top opera houses, collaborations with celebrities on stadium stages, and membership in The Three Tenors – a kind of opera ‘superband’ whose music continues to be enjoyed through numerous recordings and broadcasts.

Pavarotti was born on October 12, 1935, in Modena, Italy. His father, Fernando Pavarotti, was a baker and a hobbyist tenor, while his mother, Adele Venturi, worked at a cigar factory. As a child, Pavarotti was interested in farming and football, in addition to music.

How did Pavarotti become one of the top opera tenors of his time?

Not many opera singers become well-known to the general public. But Pavarotti did, and in fact, the name ‘Pavarotti’ has become a common reference for opera among both music enthusiasts and those less familiar with the genre.

His journey as a tenor began when he sang with Corale Rossini, a men’s choir from his hometown, Modena, which his father was also a part of. In 1955, the choir won the top prize at the International Eisteddfod in Llangollen, Wales.

Pavarotti pointed to the experience of performing in the choir and winning that competition as the most significant event of his life, and the one that motivated him to pursue a career as a professional singer.

One of his first significant operatic roles was Rodolfo in Puccini’s La bohème, in a production at the regional Italian opera house Teatro Municipale in Reggio Emilia, Northern Italy. The role was a good fit for Pavarotti, and it was in the role of Rodolfo that he made his debut at the Royal Opera House, filling in for the well-known tenor Giuseppe Di Stefano.

On April 28, 1965, Pavarotti made his first appearance at La Scala in the revival of Franco Zeffirelli’s production of La bohème. His childhood friend Mirella Freni sang Mimì and the renowned Herbert von Karajan conducted. It seems that Karajan specifically requested Pavarotti, which helped establish his career.

Pavarotti’s career continued to rise, and in June 1965, he debuted as Tonio in Donizetti’s La fille du régiment at the Royal Opera House. This role earned him the nickname ‘King of the High Cs’.

Seven years after his first performance as Tonio, Pavarotti was at the New York Met, thrilling the audience with his nine effortless high Cs in the opera’s signature aria. This performance made history as the audience’s reaction led to a record 17 curtain calls!

Why was Pavarotti so famous?

Pavarotti’s rapid success in opera coincided with the rise of television as a daily part of our lives. He frequently performed in broadcasts that reached homes worldwide. His 1977 performance as Rodolfo in La bohème for the first Live from the Met telecast drew one of the largest audiences ever for a televised opera.

In 1982, Pavarotti starred in a movie, the romantic comedy Yes, Giorgio. Unfortunately, the film didn’t do well, but it helped spread the name ‘Pavarotti’ even further.

In addition to acting, Pavarotti was known for his love of painting. In 1986, he exhibited a collection of his own works in New York, alongside pieces by other artists from Modena.

Pavarotti also loved football, and in 1990, he began a close association with the World Cup. His rendition of the famous aria ‘Nessun dorma’ was used as the theme for World Cup coverage, and he often performed at matches with The Three Tenors.

His remarkable operatic performances made Pavarotti famous in the worlds of classical music and sports, and his collaborations with rock and pop stars broadened his fame even more.

His “Pavarotti & Friends” concerts allowed him to work with some of the most popular pop and rock musicians of his time. He performed with them to packed stadiums, including performances with his unexpected close friend, Lady Diana.

His first collaboration was with the Irish rock band U2 in 1995, where they performed ‘Sarajevo Girl’. In another ‘Pavarotti & Friends’ concert in 1998, Pavarotti teamed up with the British girl band sensation, The Spice Girls.

In 1998, Pavarotti received the Grammy Legend Award. At that point, only 11 other artists had received the same award, including Billy Joel, Liza Minelli, and Frank Sinatra.

On August 24, 2022, Pavarotti was posthumously given a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Why did Pavarotti always have a handkerchief?

Pavarotti used to carry a handkerchief during recitals and concerts as it gave him something to do with his hands.

By the early 1970s, Pavarotti’s fame and reputation as one of the world’s top tenors led to regular requests for him to perform concerts and recitals. He felt uncomfortable because he didn’t know what to do with his hands when he wasn’t playing a character on the opera stage.

Walking on stage with his signature large white handkerchief gave him something to hold onto, helping him feel at ease and concentrate on delivering an excellent performance.

Luciano Pavarotti had a bright, clear high notes, impeccable phrasing, clean timbre, and unmatched expressivity. Pavarotti made numerous recordings of complete operas and individual arias, gaining worldwide fame for his tone, and gaining the nickname “King of the High Cs”. He was also noted for his charity work on behalf of refugees and the Red Cross, amongst others. But Pavarotti was more than just a talented singer. He was also a charismatic performer who had a gift for connecting with his audience. He was known for his magnetic stage presence, his striking good looks, and his ability to convey deep emotion through his performances.

Reference source: https://www.classicfm.com/artists/luciano-pavarotti/italian-tenor-family-wife-voice-facts/