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.
Pagliacci
Luciano Pavarotti Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Non so più quel che dico
E quel che faccio
Eppur, è d'uopo, sforzati, bah
Sei tu forse un uom? Ah ah ah
Tu se' Pagliaccio
Vesti la giubba e la faccia infarina
E se Arlecchin t'invo la Columbina
Ridi, Pagliaccio e ognun applaudirà
Tramuta in lazzi lo spasmo ed il pianto
In una smorfia il singhiozzo e il dolor, ah
Ridi Pagliaccio
Sul tuo amore infranto
Ridi del duol che t'avvelena il cor
In Luciano Pavarotti's song "Pagliacci," the singer takes on the persona of a clown who is losing his grasp on reality. The first verse describes the delirium that has taken hold of him; he is reciting lines but doesn't know what he's saying or doing, and he must struggle to pull himself together. The second verse is addressed to the clown himself: "You are Pagliaccio," the singer declares - the clown's name in Italian - and he goes on to describe how the character puts on his makeup and costume and performs for an audience that wants to be entertained. Even if Pagliaccio is heartbroken and miserable inside, he must put on a happy face and make everyone laugh. The third verse poignantly describes how Pagliaccio must turn his sorrow into comedy; he transforms his tears and pain into a grimace and a smile, all the while still deeply affected by the loss of his love.
The lyrics of "Pagliacci" are a powerful exploration of the dichotomy between the public and private selves, and the burden that performing can place on a person. The clown, on the surface, is supposed to be all about jokes and laughter, but underneath, he is grappling with intense emotions that threaten to overwhelm him. Pavarotti's performance of the song is incredible, as he captures both the absurdity and the tragedy of the clown's situation.
Line by Line Meaning
Recitar, mentre preso dal delirio
Reciting, while caught in a delirium
Non so più quel che dico
I don't know anymore what I say
E quel che faccio
And what I do
Eppur, è d'uopo, sforzati, bah
Yet, it's necessary, make an effort, bah
Sei tu forse un uom? Ah ah ah
Are you perhaps a man? Ah ah ah
Tu se' Pagliaccio
You are Pagliaccio
Vesti la giubba e la faccia infarina
Dress up in the costume and powder your face
La gente paga e rider vuole qua
People pay and want to laugh here
E se Arlecchin t'invo la Columbina
And if Harlequin invites Columbina to you
Ridi, Pagliaccio e ognun applaudirà
Laugh, Pagliaccio, and everyone will applaud
Tramuta in lazzi lo spasmo ed il pianto
Transform your spasms and tears into jests
In una smorfia il singhiozzo e il dolor, ah
In a grimace, the sob and the pain, ah
Ridi Pagliaccio
Laugh, Pagliaccio
Sul tuo amore infranto
About your shattered love
Ridi del duol che t'avvelena il cor
Laugh at the pain that poisons your heart
Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: RUGGERO LEONCAVALLO, ROLAND SHAW
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind