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.
Panis Angelicus
Luciano Pavarotti Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Panis angelicus
Fit panis hominum
Dat panis coelicus
Figuris terminum
O res mirabilis!
Manducat Dominum
Pauper, pauper
Pauper, pauper
Servus et humilis
Panis angelicus
Fit panis hominum
Dat panis coelicus
Figuris terminum
O res mirabilis
Manducat Dominum
Pauper, pauper
Servus et humilis
Pauper, pauper
Servus, servus et humilis
The lyrics to Luciano Pavarotti's "Panis Angelicus" speak of the wonder and mystery of the Eucharist, the sacramental bread that Catholics believe to be the body of Christ. The Latin lyrics describe the bread as both "heavenly" and "human," and refer to the bread as the "bread of angels." The lyrics suggest that even the lowliest of servants and the poorest of people can partake in this miraculous food, and in doing so, consume the body of their savior.
The use of Latin in the song adds to the sense of sacred mystery and awe that the lyrics inspire. The melody is haunting and beautiful, with Pavarotti's soaring tenor voice bringing the words to life in a way that touches the heart and lifts the spirit. The repetition of the phrase "pauper, pauper, servus et humilis" (poor, poor, servant and humble) conveys the Christian message of humility and the idea that through the Eucharist, all are made equal in the presence of Christ.
Line by Line Meaning
Panis angelicus
The angelic bread
Fit panis hominum
It becomes the bread of man
Dat panis coelicus
The heavenly bread gives
Figuris terminum
An end to all symbols
O res mirabilis!
O wondrous thing!
Manducat Dominum
The Lord is eaten
Pauper, pauper
The poor, the poor
Servus et humilis
The servant and the lowly
Pauper, pauper
The poor, the poor
Servus, servus et humilis
The servant, the servant and the lowly
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: STEVE ABBOTT, SIMON LOLE, IAN TILLEY, TRADITIONAL, UNKNOWN WRITER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@MinopeRU
Better than expected. It's difficult to sing with such a strong operetic voice, but Sting as always found a perfect arrangement and made a nice duo. Bravissimo!
@user-oc8fp1fr4x
Фантастика малотцы
@ferpaz4723
I nursed muy dying Mom with your voices, and I know she went in peace thanks to your ART. Forever grateful! Love you both. Blessings and Angels!!!!
@nyy1960
That's beautiful.
@frankearley1404
VERY VERY moving and did you notice at the very end how Sting just shook his head in disbelief at what they had just done. What this turbulent world needs now is the peace and love just oozing from this work.
@JosephDiveley
WOW!!! Pavarotti is always Pavarotti but Sting really added such a unique and haunting sound effect that I think this is the most unique performance of this piece you will ever hear. I just loved how their voice blended and complimented each other so well. Simply Amazing!!!
@ingerdegant3758
I loved it 🥰❤️🩹
@franknbeans195
Even in 2021 this song is absolutely one of my favorites.
@pnorton75
Yeah because sting had a lot of effects added to his voice. Not saying he is a bad singer, quite the contrary. He is very gifted. Only Pavarotti's vocals we much more clean, were as Sting's had a lot echo, and hall effects added.
@luluramos2627
Totalmente de acuerdo 😀