Italians on Italians
Beyond Toscano

Italy’s most famous performer

Italy’s most famous performer
It could be a controversial statement, with so many iconic Italian actors and singers to choose from, but for many, Italy’s most famous performer was operatic tenor Luciano Pavarotti. For lovers of classical music, he was able to capture the raw energetic power of great opera, and make it appeal to the masses. 
 
Being the only boy in a large working class household, Pavarotti was the center of attention from an early age, and by 5, was singing to entertain the neighborhood. Like many Italian boys, he had a love of football and had fate played a different hand, he may even have turned professional. 
 
Despite having a dedicated tutor who helped Pavarotti evolve his voice to cope with the demand of opera, his talent saw little reward, forcing him to take a job as an insurance salesman. On the verge of quitting singing for good, he gave performing one last shot at a show at Salsomaggiore in Parma. Fortunately, it was a roaring success and Pavarotti subsequently won the Achille Peri young singers competition, sending him on the path to fame. 
 
While legendary as a solo artist, it was for his time as one of the Three Tenors, alongside Placido Domingo and Jose Carreras, that he enjoyed most success. The trio recorded the best-selling classical album of all time and toured the globe, opening the ears of many to Italian opera for the very first time. Sadly, Pavarotti passed away in 2007, but his legacy will live on forever in the hearts and minds of music lovers the world-over.