Dear Atizaries, Pavarotti actually sang 60 Toscas at the Met. His early review in 1978 stated that Pavarotti has not found the ''balm'' in heavier repertory, as his basic quality remains as a lyric. However in 1986 at age 51. The reviewer stated that the tenor sounded as magnificent as ever with a performance of ''E Lucevan Le Stelle'' as fine as this reviewer has ever heard. Let us remember that the more qualified tenors for Cavaradossi like Tucker, Del Monaco, and Corelli were all gone by 1986 and as early as 1978. There's nothing wrong with any tenor venturing outside of his repertoire and challenging himself in a heavier role as long as he gives a good account of himself. Gigli, Di Stefano, Bjorling at times, and even Pavarotti were successful in doing so, even though they may not be as convincing as our preferred tenors in those roles. He also sang 6 performances of Turandot at age 62 when most tenors are retired. His review stated that the staging is all up and down the stairs and Pavarotti cannot climb them. Soprano Eaglen descends them only with great care and some difficulty. But, they both sang well. Pavarotti less well in the mezza voce` partly, perhaps because he had a mild cold. I've never seen a review stating that L.P.s voice was not big enough or could not be heard at the big house MET. Yes, perhaps not heroic enough or too lyric. For example the same statement is not accurate for Bjorling. Martin Bernheimer Los Angeles Times review: Pavarotti at twilight venturing the role of Calaf for the first time at the Met & Jane Eaglen, who also showed some signs of vocal strain. The would be hero on duty was none the less than Luciano Pavarotti. ''A tenorissimo-in-distress'' venturing the role of Calaf at the first time here as he approaches his 62nd birthday. Pavarotti had his moments, when he could legitimately float a softly graceful line, especially at mid range, he did so with melting suavity. He got through his automatically cheered theme song , ''Nessun Dorma'' with muted honor. His diction was exemplary. But Calaf represented a dangerously dramatic challenge for this essentially lyric voice even in his prime. And prime time waits for no man , not even Luciano Pavarotti. Enjoy

Corelli n.1