When Zen Music Meets the Soul of Opera: A Tribute to a Great Artistic Spirit
On the morning of October 24, 2025, Master Wuyue accepted the sincere invitation of Signora Nicoletta Mantovani, Pavarotti's wife, and visited the late artist's former residence in Modena, Italy – "Casa Pavarotti."
Signora Nicoletta personally accompanied Master Wuyue on the tour, sharing heartfelt stories of Maestro Pavarotti's illustrious artistic career, moments away from the stage, and the numerous international honors he received. Master Wuyue and his delegation were deeply moved and impressed.
During the visit, Signora Nicoletta also showed Master Wuyue the collection of Pavarotti's performance costumes. She explained that each costume was co-designed by Pavarotti himself, with every detail from the embroidery to the fabric selection reflecting his profound respect for stage art. After each performance, Pavarotti would lose approximately three kilograms due to the weight of the costumes and the intensity of his singing. Master Wuyue remarked, "Behind great artistic achievement lies immense dedication and sweat."
Signora Nicoletta also shared many anecdotes from Pavarotti's daily life:
To protect his voice from colds, he spent much of his time at home. Desiring to enjoy sunlight indoors, he specially designed and built a glass-structured top floor, allowing sunshine to fill the house.
During his leisure time, Pavarotti's favorite pastime was playing cards, an activity he often immersed himself in for relaxation.
A particularly touching story revealed Pavarotti's human side – before each performance, he applied his own makeup. Signora Nicoletta added with a smile, "He would get nervous too. While looking into the mirror, he would softly talk to himself for encouragement."
Master Wuyue laughed heartily upon hearing this, expressing surprise, "So even an artist of Pavarotti's stature experienced nervousness!" He also conveyed deep admiration for Pavarotti's focus and professionalism in his art.
At the end of the visit, Master Wuyue entered the room where Pavarotti passed away, quietly joining his palms in prayer. He said, "His spirit remains, continuing to bless the world through his music."
Deeply moved by these words, Signora Nicoletta expressed her wish to frame the inscription Master Wuyue dedicated to Pavarotti, hoping to display it in future exhibitions as a testament to this spiritual connection transcending culture and religion.
Before departure, Signora Nicoletta presented gifts to Master Wuyue and autographed Pavarotti's records as a token of respect and blessings. She also specially arranged for a young singer to perform several pieces in tribute to Master Wuyue.
Though the visit was brief, Signora Nicoletta's hospitality was warm and thorough throughout. She expressed her sincere hope to visit Master Wuyue and the Wuyue Symphony Orchestra in Madagascar in the future, continuing this meaningful dialogue between music and souls.
Music knows no boundaries; hearts understand each other. Great art never fades with time and space but is eternally passed on in another form. Just as Pavarotti's voice and Master Wuyue's Zen music together compose a melody of peace and love.
About Casa Pavarotti
"Casa Museo Luciano Pavarotti," located in Modena, Italy, was designed and built by Pavarotti himself and completed in 2005. This was his final residence and has now been transformed into a museum, permanently preserving his artistic legacy and personal memories.
The museum houses his stage costumes, trophies, personal letters, musical scores, and everyday items, offering an authentic glimpse into the life and artistic soul of one of the World's Three Tenors.
It is not only a sanctuary commemorating a great artist but also a pilgrimage site for music lovers worldwide.
