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.

Otello
Luciano Pavarotti Lyrics

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Già nella notte densa
S'estingue ogni clamor
Già il mio cor fremebondo
S'ammansa in quest'amplesso e si rinsensa
Tuoni la guerra e s'inabissi il mondo
Se dopo l'ira immensa
Vien quest'immenso amor

Mio superbo guerrier
Quanti tormenti
Quanti mesti sospiri e quanta speme
Ci condusse ai soavi abbracciamenti
Oh, com'è dolce il mormorare insieme
Te ne rammenti
Quando narravi l'esule tua vita
E i fieri eventi e i lunghi tuoi dolor
Ed io t'udia coll'anima rapita
In quei spaventi e coll'estasi in cor

Pingea dell'armi il fremito, la pugna
E il vol gagliardo alla breccia mortal
L'assalto, orribil edera, coll'ugna
Al baluardo e il sibilante stral

Poi mi guidavi ai fulgidi deserti
All'arse arene, al tuo materno suol
Narravi allor gli spasimi sofferti
E le catene e dello schiavo il duol

Ingentilia di lagrime la storia
Il tuo bel viso e il labbro di sospir
Scendean sulle mie tenebre la gloria
Il paradiso e gli astri a benedir

Ed io vedea fra le tue tempie oscure
Splender del genio l'eterea beltà

E tu m'amavi per le mie sventure
Ed io t'amavo per la tua pietà

Ed io t'amavo per le tue sventure
E tu m'amavi per la mia pietà

E tu m'amavi
E tu m'amavi
Ed io t'amavo per la tua, (mia) pietà

Venga la morte
E mi colga nell'estasi
Di quest'amplesso
Il momento supremo
Tale è il gaudio dell'anima che temo
Temo che più non mi sarà concesso
Quest'attimo divino
Nell'ignoto avvenir del mio destino

Disperda il ciel gli affanni
E amor non muti col mutar degli anni

A questa tua preghiera
"Amen" risponda la celeste schiera

"Amen" risponda

Ah, la gioia m'innonda
Si fieramente, che ansante mi giacio

Un bacio

Otello

Un bacio

Ancora un bacio
Già la pleiade ardente al mar discende

Tarda è la notte

Vien, Venere splende
Otello

Overall Meaning

The song "Già nella notte densa" is from Giuseppe Verdi's opera Otello, and it is sung by the character Otello. These lyrics capture the intense emotions and conflicts facing the singer in the midst of a violent and chaotic world. Otello describes how all the noise and clamor of the night have ceased, and his heart, once restless, has calmed down in the embrace of his beloved Desdemona. He acknowledges the immense anger and destruction that war brings, but contrasts it with the immense love that follows such fury.

The second paragraph reveals the deep connection between Otello and his lover. He addresses his partner as a proud warrior, acknowledging the hardships, sighs, and hopes that brought them together. Otello reminisces about the sweetness of speaking together, recalling Desdemona's tales of her exiled life and the fierce events and prolonged pain she endured. Otello listens to her, captivated and transported by her words, feeling both terror and ecstasy in his heart.

The third paragraph portrays their shared experiences of battles, both physical and emotional. Otello describes the trembling sound of the arms, the fierce fight, the brave rush towards mortal danger, the assault on the stronghold, and the whistling arrows. However, he also portrays Desdemona guiding him to beautiful deserts, hot arenas, and her homeland, where she narrated the sufferings she endured, the chains she bore, and the pain of being a slave. Desdemona's tears and sorrows become part of Otello's own story, and the glory, paradise, and blessings from the stars come down upon his darkness.

In the final section, Otello acknowledges Desdemona's love for him through all his misfortunes and empathizes with her in return. He recognizes that their bond is built upon shared sufferings and a mutual sense of compassion. As the song concludes, Otello expresses a desire for death to come upon him while he is in the ecstasy of their love, fearing that such a divine moment may not be granted to him in the unknown future of his destiny. He hopes that the heavens will dispel their worries and that love will remain unchanged despite the passing years. Otello's prayer for eternal love is answered by the heavenly chorus with an "Amen", as he exclaims with overwhelming joy and requests another kiss.

OtelloLuciano Pavarotti Lyrics

Otello
Luciano Pavarotti Lyrics