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.
Ai Giochi Addio
Luciano Pavarotti Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
non sono più cose per te,
ai giochi addio;
chissà perché nemmeno tu ancora
spiegartelo non puoi.
Tu attendi un ospite favoloso e incognito,
non sai che nome ha.
forse è invece amaro,
forse il suo nome è splendore,
ma forse invece è oscuro.
Tu vuoi scopire i suoi misteri
e al suo confronto tutto ti annoia.
I suoi regali fantastici attendi
come le notti dell'epifania.
Rimani sveglia pensando chissà
che mai ti porterà.
Chissà perché nemmeno tu ancora
spiegartelo non sai.
Tu attendi un ospite favoloso e incognito,
non sai che nome ha.
Tu vuoi scopire i suoi misteri...
Spiegartelo non sai.
The lyrics of "Ai Giochi Addio" by Luciano Pavarotti paint a picture of a person who is bidding farewell to their childish games and toys, as they have outgrown them. They wonder why they cannot explain why they are no longer interested in these things. Instead, they are waiting for an unknown and mysterious guest, hoping for treasures and wonders. They seem to be bored with everything else, waiting for this visitor to bring newness into their life. The lyrics convey a sense of anticipation and excitement as they wait for their guest, whose name and identity remain unknown.
The song's lyrics can be interpreted in many different ways. On the one hand, they can be seen as a metaphor for growing up and maturing, leaving behind childish things and embracing adulthood. On the other hand, they can represent the search for something greater in life, a quest for meaning and purpose beyond what is immediately visible.
Overall, "Ai Giochi Addio" is a beautiful and evocative song that captures the nostalgia of childhood and the excitement of the unknown. With Pavarotti's incredible voice, it is a truly moving performance.
Line by Line Meaning
Ai giochi addio per sempre di',
Farewell to games forever, you're no longer interested in childish things.
Non sono più cose per te,
You've outgrown them, they no longer hold appeal to you.
Chissà perché nemmeno tu ancora spiegartelo non puoi.
You don't know why you've lost interest, it's a mystery even to yourself.
Tu attendi un ospite favoloso e incognito, non sai che nome ha.
You're waiting for a fabulous and unknown guest, whose name is still a mystery.
Forse il suo nome è dolcezza, forse è invece amaro, forse il suo nome è splendore, ma forse invece è oscuro.
Perhaps his name is sweetness, perhaps it's bitterness, perhaps it's splendid, but perhaps it's dark.
Tu vuoi scopire i suoi misteri e al suo confronto tutto ti annoia.
You want to decipher his mysteries and everything else pales in comparison and becomes boring.
I suoi regali fantastici attendi come le notti dell'epifania.
You're eagerly waiting for his fantastic gifts, like the nights of the Epiphany.
Rimani sveglia pensando chissà che mai ti porterà.
You stay awake wondering what he will bring you.
Spiegartelo non sai.
You still can't explain it.
Contributed by Arianna N. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
abimael macgaevor
the entire album is a beauty...the "aged" voice of the maestro....bellisima!!
Rosalind Mercer
Always brings tears to my eyes because this version is so beautiful.
Francisco Ferrer Galiana
Simplemente maravilloso..¡¡¡
LeCommedieDellArte
@Jorgeyuk Simplesmente fantástico , voce, Jorge !!! Obrigada, por ser a pessoa maravilhosa que voce é, tão calmo , afetuoso, sossegado e gentil! E de ter tempo para todos os seus amigos, com a mesma atenção e carinho!
Rosalind Mercer
Also, being a great lover of cats of all types - I love the photos! Who says cats and dogs cannot be friends? Thanks for the effort to put this all together, you light up my life.
Alejo {Historia y Filosofía}
Grande Luciano!
LeCommedieDellArte
@rohansrider So kind of you, Rohan !! You too, you light my life with your sweet words! Thank you ....
Lory Lory
Meraviglioso;))
Rosalind Mercer
The best version of the love theme from Zefferelli's Romeo and Juliet!
Oksana Lewyckyj
Beautiful !