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.

Mille Cherubini In Coro / Tausend Englein Im Chor
Luciano Pavarotti Lyrics

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Mille cherubini in coro ti sorridono dal ciel
Una dolce canzone t'accarezza il crin.
Una man ti guida lieve tra le nuvole d'oro,
Sognando e vegliando per te mio tresor,
Proteggendo il tuo cammin.

Dormi, dormi, sogna, piccolo amor mio.
Dormi, sogna, posa il capo sul mio cuor.

Chiudi gli occhi, ascolta gli angioletti,
Dormi, dormi, sogna piccolo amor.

Overall Meaning

The song "Mille cherubini in coro" is a beautiful and melodic piece performed by Luciano Pavarotti. The lyrics describe a peaceful and dreamy image of the heavens above, where a thousand cherubs smile down on the listener. The lyrics suggest that a sweet song comforts them, and they are guided by a gentle hand through the golden clouds, as they sleep and dream. The singer is being watched over and safeguarded on their journey by the benevolent beings, which ensures that their path is secure as they sleep. The lyrics encourage the listener to rest and dream, to lay their head upon the singer's heart, and to listen to the angelic voices surrounding them.

The song is meant to evoke a sense of tranquillity and peace while being sung. It is an ode to the beauty of the heavens and the benevolent beings that watch over the singers. The song has a simple yet powerful message of goodness and love, portrayed through gentle music and soothing words. Pavarotti's voice adds to the song's inherent beauty and serves to ground the listener in the present moment. The song's dreamy aesthetic makes it suitable as a lullaby, with its slow pace, simple chords and musical form, which makes it perfect for relaxation and sleep.

Mille Cherubini In Coro / Tausend Englein Im ChorLuciano Pavarotti Lyrics

Mille Cherubini In Coro / Tausend Englein Im Chor
Luciano Pavarotti Lyrics