They are:
Miss Sarajevo: In the middle of a U2 song, Pavarotti turns up to send the song soaring. Pavarotti boosts a minor wistful mood into the stratosphere.
No, Pagliacci non son: Leoncavallo's opera Pagliacci sees Pavarotti's titular character in a climax of anguish over betrayal. The passage from 2:21 to 2:31 always gives me shivers as he renounces his love in agony.
The recording is London 414 590-2, with Patane and the National Philharmonic Orchestra.From time to time I've searched for more of these peaks from Pavarotti, but haven't hit it lucky. The recording I have of Nessun Dorma ends on a weak note. I also asked at a music shop for a recommended recording, and ended up with his CD "King of the High Cs", which doesn't have any strong moments for me. Other recommendations most welcome.
Good music is pure passion; it's not the province only of operatic moments, but there are certainly masses of examples in this milieu. Pavarotti had a particular style, as had his colleague tenors Domingo and Carerras in different ways. Domingo had a marvellous clarity and strength; Carreras didn't - but he had character, and so could do a Zarzuela tune like No Puedo Ser with a flair unmatched.
Although past his peak by a decade or two, Pavarotti showed flair throughout his career, and left a legacy to be cherished.
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