Luciano Pavarotti: Documenting his legacy
Two very different releases are offering a look back on the life of one of the most distinguished tenors ever, Luciano Pavarotti. First, there is the expected “Best Of” from Luciano Pavarotti’s long-time record company Decca, simply entitled “Pavarotti Forever”. Offered alternatively as a single DVD or a double CD set, “Pavarotti Forever” captures his finest moments, from his very first outings to pretty contemporary ones. “Nessun Dorma!” unsurprisingly leads the way, but the sheer volume of the material ensures that “Pavarotti Forever” is not only just food for those without a single disc by the Italian on their shelves. Of course, Decca have not been courageous enough to include collaborational efforts such as “Miss Sarajevo” with U2 (or not succesful enough in securing the rights). But that should not make the affair any less exciting, as sad as its occasion may be. On the “Pavarotti Forever!” DVD, extracts from "Tosca", "L'Arlesiana" and "Werther" offer a glimpse of the visual impact Pavarotti had during his stage years. What makes this a dignified release is the fact that “Pavarotti Forever” does not just glue together a couple of arias, but presents complete acts from beginning to end in a bid to create real and vivid impressions.
Secondly, there is the double CD of Verdi’s opera “Luisa Miller” (Arts Music), conducted by Peter Maag and with Luciano Pavarotti in the role of Rodolfo. Taped in 1974, the live recording captures Pavarotti in his prime and amidst a cast of equals. It is also a most interesting collector’s item: Interestingly enough, “Luisa Miller” is conspicuously absent from “Pavarotti Forever”, even though it is an absolute joy listening to Rodolfo’s moments of glory, such as “Quando le sere al placido”. What’s more, “Lusia Miller”’s release is a total coincidence and actually comes rather as part of Art’s “Collection Maag” than as a calculated move to cash in on this treasure from their archives. Which only proves that despite his inability to perform to the full of his abilities over the last years, Luciano Pavarotti has never really been absent from the world of music.
This is, regrettably, also true for the tabloids. With Pavarotti funeral items for sale, his daughters contesting his American will and a bizarre debate raging about whether or not it was right granting him a Catholic funeral, the music has recently been badly overshadowed. This is why releases like “Pavarotti Forever” or “Luisa Miller” should be greeted as a return to what this man was all about.
Homepage: Luciano Pavarotti
Homepage: Pavarotti Forever
Homepage: Decca Classics
Homepage: Arts Records
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