Luciano Pavarotti (12 October 1935 - 6 September 2007), an Italian tenor, w… Read Full Bio ↴Luciano Pavarotti (12 October 1935 - 6 September 2007), an Italian tenor, was one of the most famous singers of the past century, not only in the world of opera and classical music, but across all genres. He was born in Modena to the family of a baker. After abandoning the dream to become a professional football goalkeeper, Pavarotti spent seven years in vocal training and began his career as a tenor in 1961 in Italy. He sang in houses in the Netherlands, Vienna, London, Ankara, Budapest, and Barcelona.

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.

Ave Maria Dolce Maria
Luciano Pavarotti Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Gratia plena
Maria, gratia plena
Maria, gratia plena
Ave ave Dominus
Dominus tecum

Benedicta tu in Mulieribus
Et benedictus

Et benedictus fructus ventris
Ventris tui Jesus
Ave Maria

Ave Maria
Gratia plena
Maria, gratia plena
Maria, gratia plena
Ave ave Dominus
Dominus tecum

Benedicta tu in Mulieribus
Et benedictus
Et benedictus fructus ventris

Ventris tui Jesus
Ave Maria

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Luciano Pavarotti's song "Ave Maria" are taken from the Catholic prayer, "Hail Mary," and are sung in Latin. The first verse begins with "Gratia plena," which means "full of grace." The following lines ask for Mary's intercession with God, beginning with "Ave ave Dominus," which means "Hail, hail Lord." The second verse follows a similar format but praises Mary for the blessed fruit of her womb, Jesus.

The phrase "Benedicta tu in Mulieribus" means "blessed are you among women," and "Et benedictus fructus ventris" means "and blessed is the fruit of your womb." This is a reference to Mary's role as the mother of Jesus, who is seen as the savior of the world. The final lines of the song repeat the opening verse, reinforcing the idea of Mary's grace and her ability to intercede with God on behalf of humanity.

Overall, the song "Ave Maria" is a tribute to the Virgin Mary and her important role in Christian theology. The lyrics are meant to be a prayerful invocation of Mary's intercession with God, asking for her continued blessing and support.

Line by Line Meaning

Gratia plena
Full of Grace

Maria, gratia plena
Mary, Full of Grace

Ave ave Dominus
Hail! Hail Lord

Dominus tecum
The Lord is with you

Benedicta tu in Mulieribus
Blessed are you amongst women

Et benedictus
And blessed

Et benedictus fructus ventris
And blessed is the fruit of thy womb

Ventris tui Jesus
Jesus of thy womb

Ave Maria
Hail Mary

Gratia plena
Full of Grace

Maria, gratia plena
Mary, Full of Grace

Ave ave Dominus
Hail! Hail Lord

Dominus tecum
The Lord is with you

Benedicta tu in Mulieribus
Blessed are you amongst women

Et benedictus
And blessed

Et benedictus fructus ventris
And blessed is the fruit of thy womb

Ventris tui Jesus
Jesus of thy womb

Ave Maria
Hail Mary

Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: ALAN ARNOLD, FRANZ SCHUBERT

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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Most interesting comment from YouTube:

@nicocoetzee8129

7y↑11

Ave Maria, dolce Maria,
Nelle tue mani prendi il cuore mio

Ave Maria, dolce Maria
Nel grembo hai portato Dio

Ave Maria, dolce Maria
Nel grembo hai portato Dio

Madre purissima, prega per me,
Donna belissima, prega per me,
Il figlio tuo, prega per me

All comments from YouTube:

@joeyjazzjosh

3y↑7

What a voice. If he stood with 100 different tenors, you can tell which voice is Pavarotti's. I miss this man tremendously, he was just special in many ways!!