I sit in my darkened office with the light from my computer illuminating the room and I listen to the three tenors: Jose Carreras, Placido Domingo and Luciano Pavarotti with Maestro Zubin Mehta.
At this moment when I type this, I’m listening to Placido Domingo perform “O paradis” and just love the finish for that song. Earlier, I listened to Antonio Carreras perform “Il lamento di federico” which was just wonderful! Next up is “Recondita armonia” by Luciano Pavarotti which I remember loving for the music alone.
This is from an old London tape that I bought right after their historic performance and it was released into stores.
Back in July 7, 1990, what was impossible became possible and the dreams of opera fans all over the world rejoiced as the three greatest tenors of the day joined forces with an orchestra of 200 musicians against a backdrop of the majestic scenery of ancient Rome.
In the famous Baths of Caracalla in Rome, with the stars filling the night and a full moon, Jose Carreras, Placido Domingo and Liciano Pavarotti with Maestro Zubin Mehta presented an eving of arias, songs and medleys. History was made.
For the 6,000 fortunate people who had the opportunity to watch history unfold, many wished to share that moment and fortunately the recording of the special performance was released, as was the DVD.
When I listen to Pavarotti’s “Rondine al nido”, I just get teary inside because it’s sung so beautiful. And then listening to Jose Carreras “Core ‘ngrato'” and to hear that whimsical opening as it magically transitions to Carreras voice. Wow!
I listen to this and just remember how much I treasure my classical and opera music collection. A lot of them, I still have in cassette tapes when I first originally purchased them.
But sticking on the topic of classical music, many wonder how I became interested in it. And believe it or not, it was through the film “Pretty Woman”. One of my favorite films of all time and I love the part when Edward Lewis (Richard Gere) and Vivian (Julia Roberts) were watching Verdi’s “La Traviata” and Edward says to Vivian:
People’s reactions to opera the first time they see it is very dramatic.
They either love it or they hate it.
If they love it, they will always love it.
If they don’t, they may learn to appreciate it,
but it will never become part of their soul.
And then you saw Vivian’s face as she watched “La Traviata”. This scene captured my heart that I purchased “La Traviata” immediately and from that point, opera has become a part of my soul.
And going back to the three tenors, listening to this album just touches my soul. Just watching and hearing them again is just fantastic now as it was back then.
It’s a moment time that will be remembered and listening to the songs again, I will definitely will miss Pavarotti’s presence and although I wish I could have watched this performance live, it was great to see the performance and to own it as well.