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OperaNotes Review
PNC Arts Center, NJ
August 28, 2004
By Charlene Frank
Arrivederci
Ancora Luciano
Luciano Pavarotti
with
Leone Magiera (pianist & conductor)
Carmela Remigio, soprano
I didn't think that I'd get another chance to see Luciano Pavarotti perform, especially not this year. But there I was, in New Jersey at the Arts Center (the most disorganized venue I have ever attended) on one of the hottest and most humid days of the summer of 2004. If he had a difficult time performing at the Met in the winter, how would he do it in an outdoor arena in the stifling heat? But, he did make it. The air conditioning was pumping full force on the stage, and he often didn't do more than one song without a break, but it was a good night for him and a magnificent night for us.
The night started slowly and I thought that maybe the heat was just to much for him, but then came Che gelida manina and O soave fanciulla and there was the Luciano we were waiting for. He gave us a beautiful taste of La Boheme and brought everyone to their feet. And he didn't stop there.
The second act started off with Recondita armonia To hear him sing this one more time was unbelievable, simply a thrill. But when the haunting quiet sound that brings us instantly to the Tiber River and the Castelo Sant'Angelo began and he sang the heart breaking E lucevan le stelle, hitting every note, a bit slowly, but beautifully.
And the end was more than I ever expected - O sole mio and the duet Libiamo, the drinking song from Traviata, together with the lovely Italian soprano Camela Remigio. It was fun, it was exciting and it made everyone happy, very, very happy.
As I've written in previous reviews, this is not the angelic voice of the young Pavarotti, but it was still him, and it is still and honor to be able to see him perform. So, once again, GRAZIE MILLE LUCIANO!