Arguably the greatest tenor of the 20th Century, Luciano Pavarotti is having a resurgence in appreciation, in no small thanks to a recent film directed by Ron Howard, as well as a three disc “Greatest Hits” which shows the breath, width and range of this iconic figure.
The music from the Pavarotti film includes highlights from the famed 1990 Three Tenors Concert with Placido Domingo and Jose Carreras, with a gorgeous read of “O Sole Mio” as well as a version of his signature “Nessun Dorma.” A handful of bonus tracks include a duet with Bono as well as one with Andrea Bocelli, while his own take of “Vesti La Giubba” is viscerally gripping. The classic “tear in the eye” sound is present throughout, particularly on “Una Furtiva Lagrima.” If you have no other material by this artist, this is an excellent place to begin.
The three disc Greatest Hits collection is divided into his “Opera Arias,” “Italian Songs and Sacred Arias” and “Great Duets.” The Italian arias a comfort food for opera fans, as along with the definitive “Nessun Dorma” and “Una Futiva Lagrima” we get a celebrative “La Donna E Mobile” and passionate “Celeste Aida.” Pavarotti owns “O Sole Mio” and “Funiculi, Funicula” as he sings like a gondolier, and is believeiable reverent on “O Holy Night” and “ Ave Maria.” The duets are fun and ecumenical, sounding as much fun with Brian May and Roger Taylor from Queen on “ Too Much Love Will Kill You” as a meeting with Brian Eno and Bono during “Miss Sarajevo.” You’ve got to appreciate the open-mindedness of an opera star who sounds at home with Lou Reed (“Perfect Day” as well as Barry White (“You’re the First, The Last, My Everything”) and doesn’t even drop a stitch. He’s comfortable with himself and always himself, in every milieu.