Luciano Pavarotti "Nessun Dorma" Reaction & Vocal ANALYSIS by Professional Opera Singer

[@PeterBarber]

What an absolute BLAST I had doing a full vocal analysis (and shedding some tears, of course) for the greatest operatic tenor of all time -- I could talk about this man's singing all day long! Are there any other operatic performances I need to break down?

[@Sanders-vd3tp]

I already proposed analysing duets in my comment, but since many people mention Corelli here, maybe you could compare the two tenors?

[@simplyquirky1905]

How about a non-traditional cover of Nessun Dorma by the incredible Dan Vasc? He shows off his classical training but puts his own rocker touch to it with big emotion and crisp consonants. But the final payoff is gorgeous and he does it twice. 😊

[@marynachauvet2631]

Merci 🤗

[@LarsMyghAndersen]

Hello Peter, I cannot believe it but it was just recently I became aware of perhabs THE artist who was Pav's idol, Jussi Björling (according to what I have read) Given the upcoming holiday season, I would love to get your in depth 'dissection' (🙂) of Jussi's Swedish version of O holy night: kzbin.info/www/bejne/an_cenSZqZ2qbc0si=RqxGjZMpoVDNasuP

[@banargan]

Please do an analysis of Apollo Granforte singing "Largo al factotum" from 1932. It's just an amazing LOW voice. Here's the video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jampgISMqKplhdE

[@maggienielsen3945]

So its like this!! I absolutley LOVE Luciano Pavarotti, coz my Dad took me seeing him live when I was a little kid. He blew me away, and from the very moment Luciano Pavarotti opened his mouth, his voice hit my heart with such power, yet so very loving that I cried like a baby! Today well I only have to see those two words “Nessun Dorma” and I start tearing up!🫣♥️ Peter Barber, thank you SO SOOO much for choosing my favorite song - was fun watching your reaction to Luciano Pavarotti🤭♥️

[@jackwhitbread4583]

I absolutely love that no single vocal coach has anything bad to ever say about Pavarottis voice and technique. It make me so happy, the voice of Pavarotti is my happy place and the closest I've ever come to believing in souls. His voice just speaks to me on a profound level, any time I feel a little down I put Pavarotti on and it just instantly calms and soothes me. He will forever be my favourite vocalist of all time, while this song is a favourite of mine it's going to be his version of Lucio Dalla's Caruso that I insist is played at my funeral. There's no other song that comes close for me or that has so much raw emotion.

[@primategaberocco]

Thing i love most about him,, he took his kitchen and cooks with him everywhere he travelled. Genius. 🤣

[@pizzafreddaacolazione]

so Italian of him 😂

[@primategaberocco]

@pizzafreddaacolazione Genius. 👏

[@rubymann8759]

I would love to hear more opera reaction, I grew up listening to opera with my Mom. I love the rock and metal, but opera has a special place in my heart.

[@pheebs1444]

Yes. You go right ahead and indulge in all the Pavarotti recordings you want - more than half the time I don’t under the words, but the emotion is there and makes me cry every flippin’ time.

[@rmdewberry2482]

Thanks for this! I saw Pavarotti in '99. Unforgettable.

[@kajsa78kajsa]

YES! I´ve been waiting for you to analyze this outstanding performance, my no 1 favorite of all time. His incredible tone brings tears to my eyes EVERY time, and I´ve probably watched this performance hundreds of times. I was really wanting to understand how he made those incredible sounds, and you did an extensive analysis of that. Thank you!

[@albertorbinati5511]

The best technical analysis of this masterpiece I've yet seen! Thank you. New subscriber! Keep up the great work!

[@Sanders-vd3tp]

Watching you fanboying over Pavarotti while simultaneously sharing so many insights is such a pleasure ^_^ Analysis of operatic duets would be awesome!

[@melindahancock8518]

Thank you ever so much for doing this for us today. I do love and miss Pavarotti so much. Thank you for explaining a lot of the technique that he's using. It makes me think of the time whenever I was taking voice lessons and my teacher was trying to get me to sing through my head also. Absolutely a wonderful time thank you ever so much again!

[@amybruederle2086]

Wow! I love this analysis.

[@morgianlefaye]

Your analyses are always so educational and insightful to watch. I particularly enjoyed watching you as an opera singer enjoy the craft of Pavarotti. Watching your expressions, I could see you taking away information for your lifelong learning as you were educating us as well. The absolute joy and emotion that exuded through the screen was wonderful to watch to.

[@phillipgibbs9673]

Thank you for doing this analysis of the great Pavarotti. He seems so effortlessly when he sings all notes. Thanks again. Love this.

[@jackwhitbread4583]

To the point his manager even stayed thay he needed to pretend on stage thay he's working hard, they thought he made it look too effortless. Despite the fact it looks effortless he's working very hard in this and all performances

[@ColtonRMagby]

Opera royalty getting the Peter Barber treatment. How could I say "No" to that?

[@glowface79]

Awww, this was so much fun! More of it, please, yes! I just love slowly understanding the bits and pieces, and all the technique and even science behind wonderful singing!

[@silc2600]

The best opera reactions ever belong to you young man.

[@ladorabaisch6881]

The best part of this video is watching the expressions of love and deep true appreciation on your face as you watch him perform. ❤

[@sandralorenz1796]

He opened his mouth and angels sang. RIP Luciano.

[@BetsySchiller-sj2sm]

What a great analysis of a great singer 😊 He always brings me to tears because he hits you right in the soul. Amazing talent 👏 ❤❤

[@VirginiaBarber-nv9hj]

Wow. Thank you for such a thorough analysis of such an incredible voice.

[@MrBluegrouse]

Loved this. I’m not in the same universe as you in terms of musical understanding but I also get goosebumps and my eyes get watery every. single. time. I hear this. It’s incredible. Really enjoyed hearing you break it down. Good stuff.

[@danam.5127]

I know very little of opera (most of it is from you and The Charismatic Voice), but this rendition brings me to tears every time as well! I love hearing the technical aspect of what makes performances like this so powerful.

[@dianneantos480]

This r & a was spectacular - please do more opera! 😀

[@YosiCastillo-f9e]

GRAZIE MILLE ❤ PAVAROTTI TOP❤

[@lkayh]

I knew this would be an amazing analysis. I’ll have to go back and watch the first part as I was feeding critters and missed a lot. Yes, I do want to see more analysis of operatic pieces. So many great videos out there to look at. I also NEED your reaction/analyses/behind-the-scenes of TBG’s new songs!

[@mindywiese7610]

Thank you Peter! Love hearing you nerd out ❤

[@jessicahedman3048]

I enjoyed your analysis of this classic piece- and how it still can effect you in so many different ways... Very emotional as a listener...

[@cherylshiflett4384]

Pavarotti always makes Me cry. More please!

[@sueacord1678]

I remember when I first heard this in the 80's I was amazed how effortless it sounded. As I was studying voice I had a hard time navigating my break so to hear the seamless sound he was able to make. This is still one of my favorite opera performances of all time.

[@FavoriteMovieDate]

Pavarotti is truly an amazing artist- his tone is so perfect, smooth and warm. It would be hard NOT to say he was in contention for the greatest opera tenor ever. Is he my favorite? Sometimes. Other times I have other favorites, which is quite reasonable I think for there have been many great tenors over the decades. The one I keep going back to is the one from my childhood, the one that first made me fall in love with opera arias. I would love to have someone talk about/react to a very different, more passionate tenor - the great Mario Lanza.

[@jackwhitbread4583]

Lanza was a hack, he was also highly regarded as the biggest asshole and hardest person to work with in the entire history of hollywood

[@Jeremazing13]

One of my favorite opera singers is Placido Domingo when he did the song Perhaps Love as a duet with John Denver

[@typhoid_holliw4315]

I love watching Peter get all emotional over this performance! 😊 For me I know this is so random but in high school actually in marching band we did a performance that included Nessun dorma! so even though I don't know The whole of opera something about this song Just always has a special place in my heart!

[@Peter-oh3hc]

I knew a guy studying voice in college. He talked about staying in character until the end of the song. Not when you are done singing. I think of that every time I hear this

[@elizabethbuerke7854]

Nessun Dorma has always been one of my favorite pieces of music. It gives me an ache in my heart because it's so beautiful.

[@ayaanbretmitchell9830]

3 minute aria turns into 33 minute analysis. Wow hard work enjoying it

[@PeterBarber]

Astute observation -- musical and vocal analysis is the the entire point of my channel. Pro Tip: Don't click on a 33-minute video if you want to watch a 3-minute performance.

[@His_Butterfly_Rose]

I love when you react to, and analyze opera! You had me smiling between 4:25 and 4:45 with your "operatic expressions." 😄 Love, love, LOVE Pavarotti!!! I grew up listening to him, amongst others. Edit: Okay, your expressions throughout the entire video are priceless. It shows how much you get into it and how much passion you have. More opera reactions/analysis!!

[@r3adrpro811]

Thank you, Peter. More opera analyses, please! I got to hear Pavarotti both in concert and at the Met in La Boheme and Daughter of the Regiment. Unforgettable!!!!! Nessun Dorma is one of my sister's favorite arias and, during the year she lived with me back in the 80's, this was on almost constant repeat (with breaks for Sweeney Todd as a palette cleanser!)

[@BeeStung-72]

Very informative AND entertaining. Loved it!

[@Teresa.S.]

I remeber seeing an interview with Pavarotti that really impressed me. He compared the tenor voice to a wild animal: you can learn to work with it but you can never tame it and never be 100% sure of it. Made me appreciate his work even more. Please do more Pavarotti R&A videos, you're sharing so much interesting informations!

[@kaspianocz6330]

Yeah, this is classic, but one of the best operas ❤. I absoletuly love his expressions. You feel the power and then the release. He knew!

[@anngraziano2260]

Wonderful analysis.

[@chuckelf3373]

Brava ragazza!

[@CarinRuff]

Thanks for this, Peter. It makes me wonder two things you might address in a followup video some time. One: what is your favorite tenor aria, if we set aside blockbuster status? Something that you love to see your tenor friends (??) sing, or that kind occasionally makes you jealous. And do you have a favorite tenor of the generation before Pavarotti? I love hearing a bass-baritone's perspective on this.

[@tindepapp]

I love him still, forever I will. Respect him sky high ❤ there are others, but he has a special place in my heart and in my soul. I love others too 😊 ( you can guess )

[@Jennifer_J_C]

Thanks Peter 😊

[@mateusbelmontedossantos1019]

Guys, I loved this analysis! Lots of content, learning and very well explained by Mr. Peter. I would love to see Peter reacting to Andrea Mastroni's operatic basso profundo. Singing fra l'ombre e gl'orrori.

[@Discobiscuit372]

Would be interesting to see your reaction to Franco Corelli’s Nessum Dorma.

[@williamhartman1239]

Please check out Anthony Leon. He was the 2022 winner of Placido Domingo’s Operalia. He never ceases to amaze. Take any of his videos for critique. You will not be disappointed.

[@PeterBarber]

Anthony is a good friend of mine -- we did Santa Fe together in 2022, and were winners of the LA District for the Met competition the following year. He went on to win the whole thing, as I'm sure you know

[@Rogue0257]

Dan Vasc does this very well

[@jessicahedman3048]

please react to Jussi Björling ....

[@royj.mattice]

I loved this! Thank you so much Peter! I would LOVE for you to do "Der Halle Rache" or "The Queen of the Night" from "The Magic Flute."

[@spring_in_paris]

"Mein Herz brennt" piano version Rammstein

[@matthewgoodA1206]

Must really be something, to analyze one of your own heroes. On the shoulders of giants. I wish I knew more about opera. A very old vocal art form, that has been around an incredibly long time- there’s obviously a reason for that. Things of a classic nature endure. Hence the longevity of this domain of singing. I am always impressed that opera singers perform without microphones. Maximum projection and power, all the way, every way. P.S. Only a personal note, I’ve discovered that I can hit my lowest clean notes by adding more volume and power to my voice. Can get quite down there, but I have to do that. 100% untrained. However, no matter what, my notes will never measure up to his.

[@sussie5019]

🥰 Thank you, i think you should listen to Jussi Björling oh helga natt -oh holy night 😍🌹 Hugs from Sweden

[@flaze3]

For me basically you need an elongated vocal tract as per the oo vowel but with the forward tongue of ee which gives the sound "cut". Easier said than done tho, lol

[@antivanti]

Next you should react to Pav's own favorite tenor and idol. Jussi Björling 😊

[@natlisan]

I would love to see you analyze Montserrat Caballe "Al dolce guidami". She's in my opinion the best of the best, but doesn't get the recognition she deserves! To watch her sing is an absolute MASTER CLASS!!!

[@drekfletch]

If we're starting on iconic opera songs / videos, you gotta do Damrau's Der Holle Rache.

[@cort_tempered]

Pavarotti is obviously the GOAT, but you need to check out the Manowar/Eric Adams cover at some point. As a Metal guy, it totally blew my mind. Huge respect

[@KaaSerpent]

You know we're going to ask for Queen of the Night aria from Magic Flute, right? :)

[@feralgrandad4429]

more opera please

[@K8TDidToo]

Would love to see a comparison of Pavarotti and Carreras. Used to have arguments with my Dad all the time.

[@o.p.9413]

Now I’m begging for another bass opera analysis… Jerome Hines and Paul Plishka inquisitor duet maybe?

[@danshepard6851]

Franco Corelli dude - blow Pav and pretty much everyone out of the water for this aria. He was born for this role. Also check out Giuseppe Giacomini singing Che’lla mi Credia or Recondita Armonia. They don’t make them like that anymore.

[@PeterBarber]

I've heard tons of Corelli and Giacomini recordings -- they're FANTASTIC. But I still wouldn't say either blow Pavarotti out of the water -- at that level of singing, it seems like more of a preference, as they all had different voices

[@2stephenschwartz]

I can recognize the power of Corelli but you are right, there are some singers that their flavor just cuts different to the core.

[@pedrohasallthepower]

This aria and role requires a liricospinto tenor, which Pavarotti is not. There just isn't enough heft. Also Giacomini's vibrato was on the verge of a wobble.

[@PeterBarber]

@@pedrohasallthepower It's not about heft in a big space -- it's about cut. His voice may not have been perfect for it, but he did a fantastic job, especially in this aria

[@pedrohasallthepower]

​​​@@PeterBarber​there's no debating that Pavarotti was a great singer, but his voice type, lirico, still doesn't fit this aria. His niche was something like Lucia di Lammermoor, or L'elisir d'amore, bel canto. You even mentioned that in this aria he threw away the low note at the beginning, a spinto or dramatico would have absolute clarity and depth on a note like that. Corelli did.

[@terrisalser7721]

Please listen to David Phelps sing this. He is a fantastic tenor and I think you would enjoy hearing him

[@Hanenburo]

We need to see apple bottom jeans by Luciano Pavarotti next

[@КрыжовникКаннибала]

❤❤❤

[@PatR2243]

Pavarotti never sounded anything but awesome.

[@Gamergrann1e]

Nope, but he can touch Pavarotti. It is who introduced me to this beautiful operatic piece. However, someone else who did this, and recorded it on his side, is Dan Vasc . I would love to hear your review .

[@javyoung]

Loved this - bravo!

[@AS-yh2rl]

Para cuando voces de tenor dramatico ?? . Mario del Monaco o kurt baum . o los rarisimos baritenores como ramon vinay , Giacomini o Renato zanelli . El Improviso de andrea chenier de estos es magnifico . Con sus particulares diferencias vocales y tecnicas . Recomiendo a todos escucharles . El Aria un di all'azzurro spazio .

[@sunnysidesofblue]

This was great! I'm looking forward to more Pavarotti, and opera in general. I'd love to see you do an analysis of Il Dolce Suono from Lucia di Lammermoor (I mean, I'l love to see the entire mad scene, but that would be a looong video. XD) My personal favourite version vocally is this one by Mariella Devia: kzbin.info/www/bejne/bX-wh4iOnd-sb7c, but there are so many great ones out there. It's also an aria quite a few non-opera fans will realise they actually recognise, since the first part was used for the Diva's song in The Fifth Element. =)

[@reginadecuzzi7827]

How about reviewing Juan Poms or Samuel Ramey

[@derekpetersen7571]

Now react to Dan vasc singing Nessun Dorma it will leave a smile on your face as well trust me Dan sings a mean opera he has extensive classical training he even taught music

[@shooster5884]

Have you heard Amira Willighagen? Amira Willighagen Final Holland's Got Talent 2013 - Nessun Dorma.. I would love your professional reaction to this..

[@szymek2058]

Please react to Franco corelli sing Nessun Dorma

[@giorgiotortellini8845]

Thanks for your Analysis of nessun dorma. Unfortunately most reactors will only react to this performance because its the Ultimate one. But there are other incredible performances of him ,for example this one kzbin.info/www/bejne/gaa2iH-YYtGro80. Happy if you take it in consideration

[@yariboni3034]

Please, react to Sposa son disprezzata sang by Cecilia Bartoli

[@ForterLV]

Oh wow! I'm really looking forward to see this one with Pav! By the way, @PeterBarber, it would be pretty interesting to see your reaction on Dmitri Hvorostovsky, this one speicifically kzbin.info/www/bejne/fYaUm4ifjbR9ptE 🙏

[@MultiKamil97]

Hot take: I'm not a huge fan of Pavarotti. For me he's quite overrated and is mostly popular outside of opera because he was the most mainstream. In my opinion he didn't have a good voice for Nessun Dorma because this role is suited for heavier voice. Franco Corelli blows Pavarotti out of the water in that aria.

[@PeterBarber]

Interesting -- I disagree. I think of Boccelli as mainstream because he only performs in concerts -- Pavarotti sang major roles at every major opera house. He was first and foremost a real opera singer, but gained tons of popularity outside of that because of his glorious voice and charismatic personality. Also a lot of my mentors heard Pavarotti live, and said his voice cut like a blade straight to the back of every house -- there's a difference between having a big voice and a voice that cuts well. A cutting voice is far more important in a big space

[@MultiKamil97]

@PeterBarber I guess I just like heavier voices more as I also have a heavy voice. Lyric voices are just not my cup of tea.

[@ZENOBlAmusic]

@@PeterBarber Pavarotti’s Nessun Dorma is a mainstream creation he sang it at the World Cup and the aria even made the chart, what is more mainstream than making the charts? Pavarotti sang the role of Calaf only 6 times in his life. Someone Corelli technically sings this aria much better, with more legato, he even often added pianissimo to the aria, he sang the aria with so much more dynamics. Pavarotti was a great lyric tenor, this is not an aria for a lyric tenor. Luckily there are many people on YT who are starting to discover less mainstream opera singers, and people are starting to understand which parts belongs to which singers.

[@PeterBarber]

@@ZENOBlAmusic It's a little ridiculous to dislike something because it gets popular though. The classic OG fan calling a band a sellout just because they grew a large audience. Opera is not mainstream, and hasn't been for a long time -- the most popular opera recordings are nowhere close to actual mainstream music. But I do hear your point, and I agree that his voice wasn't perfect for this role. I just think he does an outstanding job with this particular aria. As you know, opera singers sing repertoire outside their standard rep for concerts, galas, etc. all the time

[@AnneliFAUL]

He was the greatest. Can you please react to Lara Fabian? She is arguably the best female singer of all time.

[@robertdesantis5272]

Sorry. Jussi Bjorling outranks Pavarotti. He was good, Jussi was great!

[@danshepard6851]

Here you go si: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rnWrhHmui8eAjcUsi=BV0CYoKlEJHI9I7v -- the highest standard for operatic tenors.

[@ZENOBlAmusic]

Pavarotti was a great lyric tenor, but his Nessun Dorma is not the best because it is not suited to his voice. Pavarotti sang the role of Calaf 6 times in his live, someone like Corelli who was perfectly suited to this role sang this role 123 times. You can even hear Giacomo Lauri Volpi singing Nessun Dorma and the role was originally created for him. It would be interesting to show different opera singers on reaction channels not just the best known singer, especially from someone who does have the knowledge and understanding.

[@lieven2292]

....and this wasn't even his best performance of Nessun Dorma... go figure