Five Incredible Pavarotti Songs

Words do Pavarotti no justice. He is an emblem as an artist, his music has coursed the world in a series of musical shock-waves. I am not an expert, but the beauty of Pavarotti is you don't have to be.

Here are 5 of my choices -- in no particular order -- although the first and last are my favorites *smile*.

One of his most notorius Puccini performances. In this particular instance, I am constantly blown away by the strength and marvellous feeling that glows during his singing. At the very end of the performance, after his final "Do-di-petto" we are given a rare window to his soul. The transformation his face undergoes is nothing sort of immense, displaying an openness and fragility I have rarely seen in any person.

It is also a thunderous display, and probably as close to perfection in this particular aria as possible.

We mentioned strength. Here we are shown passion. The song itself is nothing short of spectacular. A sample of the lyrics (which lose something in translation, so you get the idea!)

Here, where the sea shines and the wind howls, on the old terrace beside the gulf of Sorriento, a man embraces a girl he wept after, then clears his throat and continues the song:

I love you very much, very, very much, you know; it is a chain by now that melts the blood inside the veins, you know...

Although Pavarotti is often criticzed for his erratic Neapolitan accent. I find he pulls it off with elegance.

Another one of my favorite Puccini arias. Pavarotti displays incredible control, strength and talent. He sings a notoriously difficult song with no apparent effort. Taking the time to do a little acting on the side. The song itself is romantic and passionate and will leave you breathless.

I could listen to this for days on end!

Another flawless performance. If you are not moved by the timeless beauty of the song, coupled with the intensity of a well-executed Pavarotti performance -- well -- perhaps you should leave the hub now.

My personal favorite! Pavarotti sings with unparalleled strength, and with reckless abandon. He displays a certain bond with the song, embarking on a journey that both amuses and stuns.

Domingo and Carreras are both fabulous artists, but Pavarotti claims ownership to this song here in a mesmerizing way.