He soon gained fame due to the power and strength of his voice. The young tenor earned valuable experience and significant recognition while touring on the invitation of soprano Joan Sutherland, making his 1965 U.S. debut in Miami, Florida on her recommendation. His position was solidified in the years between 1966 and 1972, during which Pavarotti first appeared at Milan's seminal La Scala, at other major European houses, and, in 1968, at NYC's Metropolitan Opera. He received great acclaim, particularly working well with Joan Sutherland.
By the mid-70s, the tenor became known worldwide, famed for the brilliance and beauty of his tone, especially into the upper register. His "high C" became one of his trademarks. The late 70s and 80s saw Pavarotti making significant appearances in the world's opera houses and establishing himself as one of the great singers of the era.
Popular stardom came at the 1990 World Cup in Italy with the performances of "Nessun Dorma" (from Turandot) and as one of The Three Tenors in their famed first concert held on the eve of the final match of the tournament (repeated at later Cups). Pavarotti sang together with fellow star tenors Plácido Domingo and José Carreras and brought to the much wider audience hits previously confined to the opera world. Appearances in advertisements and with pop icons in concerts around the world furthered his influence. Pavarotti always maintained his identity as an opera star, unlike many crossover artists.
The later years brought a decline in ability to perform on stage due to a weight gain and lack of mobility. Pavarotti's final appearance in an opera was at the Met in March 2004. The 2006 Winter Olympics in Turin, Italy saw him performing for the last time. Pavarotti sang Nessun Dorma, with the crowd as its Chorus, and got a thunderous standing ovation. On September 6, 2007, he died at home in Modena from pancreatic cancer.
"Donna non vidi mai"
Luciano Pavarotti Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
simile a questa!
A dirle: io t'amo,
a nuova vita l'alma mia si desta.
-"Manon Lescaut mi chiamo!"
Como queste parole profumate
mi vagam nello spirito...
e ascose fibre...
O sussuro gentil, deh! non cessare!
Deh! non cessare!!!
The above lyrics are from the aria "Donna non vidi mai" from the famous opera "Manon Lescaut" written by the Italian composer Giacomo Puccini. The song is sung by the lead character of the opera, Des Grieux, and is a declaration of his love for the beautiful woman he has just laid eyes on. The opening line, "Donna non vidi mai...simile a questa!" translates to "Never have I seen a woman like this!" and expresses the immediate and intense attraction Des Grieux feels towards Manon, the woman who has captured his heart.
Des Grieux declares his love for Manon and proclaims that his soul is awakened with new life upon seeing her. He longs to be with her and addresses her by name, "Manon Lescaut mi chiamo!" The following lines depict Des Grieux being enraptured with the scent of Manon's words and the gentle sound of her voice. He beseeches the "gentle whisper" to not stop and to continue caressing him with its softness.
Overall, the lyrics of the song express the immediate and all-consuming passion that Des Grieux feels towards Manon. The aria is a beautiful and emotional depiction of love at first sight and a testament to the power of attraction.
Line by Line Meaning
Donna non vidi mai...
I have never seen a woman like her before
simile a questa!
who resembles her!
A dirle: io t'amo,
Telling her: I love you,
a nuova vita l'alma mia si desta.
awakens my soul to a new life.
-"Manon Lescaut mi chiamo!"
"My name is Manon Lescaut!"
Como queste parole profumate
Like these scented words
mi vagam nello spirito...
they wander through my spirit...
e ascose fibre...
and hidden fibers...
vanno a carezzare!...
they go to caress her!...
O sussuro gentil, deh! non cessare!
Oh gentle whisper, please! Don't stop!
Deh! non cessare!!!
Please! Don't stop!!!
Contributed by Colton C. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Fernando Pinheiro
DONNA NON VIDI MAI
A ária da ópera Manon Lescaut, de Puccini,
“Donna non vidi mai” (Nunca vi uma mulher
Como esta!), compositor da terra de Paganini,
Faz-nos todos, com a imensa alegria, acolher
A sugestão de ficar enamorado da pretendida,
Sentindo as palavras perfumadas na mente:
“Minha alma desperta para uma nova vida”.
Veja: os eflúvios de amor a ninguém mente.
A carreira da pianista e flautista Andrea Luísa
Teixeira tem encantamento que vem da flauta
E do piano a nos sugerir apreciar a pesquisa
Pelas boas músicas do exterior e da identidade
Musical do Brasil, o Cerrado está em pauta
E outros encantos sutis para qualquer idade. (*)
(*) FERNANDO PINHEIRO, presidente da Academia de Letras dos Funcionários do Banco do Brasil. - DONNA NON VIDI MAI (poesia), de Fernando Pinheiro. - in O mundo de Morfeu, de Fernando Pinheiro.
Clelia Rebuffi
Magnifico!!!!!!
Sublime!!!!❤
ala baydoun
What a legend ❤️.. Rest in power 🙌🏻💪🏻❤️
Sirlei Martini
jamais teremos outro igual em nossa geração.......estupendo, maravilhoso !!
eoselan7
It is easy to forget just how beautiful Pav's voice was when in his prime as is the case here...Magnificent!
FarFed
Switching back and forth between this and other renditions, I now know why Pavarotti's was special. Very sweet to hear his version.
May he RIP, he's sorely missed.
A B
I hope you’re well my dear. I just found this work and I agree. He’s fascinating and I’m glad the world got to enjoy his beauty. I miss him and I’m grateful for him too. His work had spirit and so much love.
Michael Haddleton
The King amongst tenors.
USMarshmallow
Incredible tenor, outmatched by none. This must have been amazing to see in person. And such a beautiful dedication to a truly remarkable woman.
Arturo Bustos
Conmovedor, magistral... de haber vida extraterrestre, estoy seguro que caerían rendidos ante semejante muestra de talento y belleza
Joan Oldham
Voice from God 🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹