Anyone discovering this album who had never heard or heard of Luciano Pavarotti would immediately recognize greatness, a one-of-a-kind, one-per-generation (maybe) talent and personality that commands attention, respect, and yes, even love. These 35 selections are an astonishing achievement: Taken, for the most part from the tenor's prime--the 1970s and '80s (although there are four earlier and three from 2003)--what we hear is golden tone, impeccable diction, an innate sense of style and line and where the music should be going, absolutely natural phrasing, an evenness of production from C to (shining) C, and an ability to communicate warmth, passion, and the sheer love of music-making. The first CD is devoted to opera, with a dazzling "La donna e mobile," a smooth-as-silk "Una furtive lagrima," the famous aria from "La fille du regiment" with nine high Cs, "Nessun dorma" and many more. The second CD is mostly songs ("Torna a Surriento," "La danza," "O sole mio," etc.) sung with élan and flawless style, plus a couple of ghastly pop tunes (from 2003); to make up for them, we get a bonus--the three arias from Pavarotti's first EP from Decca, recorded in 1964--"E lucevan le stelle" and two arias from Rigoletto. Bravo, Pavarotti--we miss you already. --Robert Levine
Customer Reviews:
Avg. Customer Rating: 5.0 / 5.0
what a blessing:
He is indeed missed!!! What a blessing to have this CD to hear and remember one of the world's greatest tenors. Highly recommend!
A gift for my dad:
The CD wasn't originally for me but my dad loves it. He plays it all the time and claims its a very complete collection of the artist.
The best CD of Pavarotti, without question!:
This CD of the great Maestro, features all the best arias and songs, including my favorite, Donizetti's Ah Mes Ami, which gave Pav the title of "King of the High C's". Without question, Pav is and will always remain the greatest voice in opera. This is the CD that I always start my car with! Love it and give it the highest recommendation. Any opera lover, and all Pav lovers should own this one! Val
Pavarotti, The Final Tour:
All words extolling his talent have been used. If you appreciated his talent and thus have bought this album, no words are necessary, just sit back and listen.
Tracks:
La donna è mobile
Una furtiva lagrima
"Libiamo ne'lieti calici (Brindisi)
Donna non vidi mai
Che gelida manina
O soave fanciulla
Mi batte il cor...O Paradiso!
M'appari
Quando le sere al placido chiaror d'un ciel stellato
