Luciano Pavarotti - E lucevan le stelle - 1976

Uploaded on request

This is taken from Pavarotti's first ever performance of Mario Cavaradossi, in Chicago at the Lyric Opera. A historic performance in many ways: MacNeil's return to the role of Scarpia after many years, Neblett's debut as Tosca, Pavarotti's debut as Cavaradossi, Tito Gobbi's direction of the production and Jesus Lopez-Cobos making some revisions to the score to come closer to what Puccini wanted.

In this rendition of the famous Act III aria, we get very liquid legato and excellent vocal performance with great high notes. His Cavaradossi here is definitely nostalgic and expressive, but he chooses not to go overboard with dynamic effects (although he does a subtle decrescendo and crescendo). It's a very effective interpretation in my opinion, I have heard better, but there are some aspects here that are incredible.

Lyric Opera of Chicago Orchestra conducted by Jesus Lopez-Cobos.

This was broadcast but the sound quality could pass it off as a studio recording.

(I included the music prior to the aria because I adore it)