Luciano Pavarotti - “Nessun Dorma”

Happy 71st birthday, Luciano Pavorotti! This song is from Puccini’s last opera, Turandot. While Pavarotti has always had a magnificent voice, here he seems to be quite emotionally invested in one of his signature songs.

This aria is one of my favorites. Here is the translation. If you hear a good tenor singing it live, it will send chills down your spine. I find it a striking piece because even though The Prince, the character singing, faces daunting odds, he is astoundingly optimistic, singing “I will win!” His faith is so strong he has put his life in the hands of a cold, cruel woman - but he believes he can reawaken her humanity. The music is stirring. And the Prince’s passion is inspiring. Vincerò!