The role of the revolutionary firebrand painter Cavaradossi was perhaps the one most closely associated with Pavarotti out of all of Puccini’s operas. The rest of the ensemble is made up of ‘perfect storm’ casting of A-list superstars also in their prime. Prince Calaf is a slightly heavier role than was usual with Pavarotti, but in the early 1970s he was at the top of his game, and found a tougher, steelier sound to bring the role to life. And if you want to hear it performed with real dramatic passion and blazing emotion, you need listen no further than Pavarotti’s recording of the complete Puccini opera from which it comes: Turandot. It’s sung by a prince who believes the cold-hearted woman he loves will soon be his wife. But look away now if you don’t want a damper: it’s a complete travesty. They’re obviously having a ball, and the sheer exuberance and freedom of their singing is miraculous and life-affirming. Pavarotti, Domingo and Carreras singing ‘Nessun Dorma’ together during the 1990 World Cup was one of the iconic cultural highlights of the twentieth century, and it helped the first ‘Three Tenors’ recording become the best-selling classical album of all time. Pavarotti And Puccini: The Essential Operas Turandot Listen to Pavarotti: Music From The Motion Picture on Apple Music and Spotify and scroll down to read our guide to the essential Pavarotti and Puccini operas.

Pavarotti is principally associated with only a handful of composers, with whose work he felt a particular emotional and musical bond: and prime among them is Puccini, whose direct musical gestures and flair for drama perfectly suited the temperament of the big-hearted baker’s son from Modena. There are hundreds of reasons why Pavarotti was ranked among the greatest tenorsof the twentieth century (and a few more why he was an easy target for satire too.) But the most important of these reasons lie in his recordings of complete operas, which are as exciting now as they were when first released. The lust for life, the emotional directness… and that famous football tournament with its iconic rendition of ‘Nessun Dorma’. The soaring ease of those thrilling top Cs. The unadulterated joy that shines out through every note.

Puccini opera settings