The
video above comes from the Three Tenors’ performance at Dodger Stadium in Los
Angeles, one day before the 1994 World Cup final. This performance marked the
second time famed tenors Jose Carreras, Luciano Pavarotti, and Placido Domingo
collaborated in concert, and began a sensation in the music world that would
change the course of music marketing.
The
Three Tenors first agreed to perform together in 1990, to celebrate the World
Cup in Rome. All three avid soccer fans, they came together in a performance
that was viewed on television by fans across the globe. The Three Tenors
provide the perfect example of what we call crossover music. This term
typically refers to classical artists (in this case, three operatic tenors) who
attempt pop genres and venues. It can also refer to rock or pop artists
collaborating with an orchestra.
While
the Three Tenors were known to “battle” back and forth on stage singing their
favorite arias, they also were known to sing more popular tunes and Broadway
hits. They also toured the world, most often performing in stadiums rather than
concert halls. Their shows were unlike traditional classical concerts. The
spectacle played a large role for audiences with multi-media, an impressive
stage, and special lighting adding to the experience.
Selling
more than 20 million recordings and topping the charts during the 1990s,
Carreras, Pavarotti, and Domingo left a lasting mark on musicians who followed
them. Their success led to what we can call the “Popera” movement represented
by singers such as Sarah Brightman and Andrea Bocelli. We will look more at
their role in crossover music next time.
