A “Lulajże Jezuniu” with Plácido Domingo, Luciano Pavarotti and José Carreras combined their incomparable voices to create a soul-stirring performance at the Vienna Christmas Concert in 1999.
This profound Polish Christmas carol, sung with tenderness and reverence, was brought to life by the sublime talents of the three tenors, whose voices blended beautifully with the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra and the angelic melodies of the Gumpoldskirch Boys’ Choir. The result was a moving, ethereal performance that touched the hearts of all who witnessed it, evoking a sense of peace and divine grace.
The Three Tenors’ Enchanting Performance of “Lulajże Jezuniu” at the 1999 Vienna Christmas Concert
The year 1999 marked an unforgettable moment in the world of classical music when The Three Tenors — Plácido Domingo, Luciano Pavarotti, and José Carreras — graced the stage for their highly anticipated Christmas Concert in Vienna.
This festive event, conducted by Steven Mercurio and accompanied by the Vienna Symphony Orchestra and the Gumpoldskirch Boys Choir, delivered one of the most stirring performances of “Lulajże Jezuniu”, a traditional Polish Christmas carol.
“Lulajże Jezuniu”, known for its gentle lullaby-like melody and profound emotional depth, was brought to life with a unique blend of opera grandeur and heartfelt sincerity. The three legendary tenors, each with their distinctive vocal timbre, infused the piece with a richness that was both delicate and powerful.
Domingo’s warm and expressive voice, Pavarotti’s unmistakable brilliance, and Carreras’s poignant clarity came together in perfect harmony, creating a magical atmosphere that captivated the audience.
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The piece, which translates to “Sleep, Little Jesus,” is a beloved carol in Poland, evoking a sense of peace and serenity associated with the nativity. In the hands of these opera giants, however, it became more than just a song—it was a moving tribute to the spirit of Christmas, offering both tenderness and reverence. The orchestral arrangement, under Mercurio’s precise direction, was lush and expansive, yet remained subtle enough to allow the vocals to shine. The inclusion of the Gumpoldskirch Boys Choir added a layer of purity and innocence, blending seamlessly with the tenors’ voices to create an ethereal quality that transported listeners to another realm.
What set this performance apart was the seamless collaboration between the three tenors and their exceptional ensemble. Each tenor brought their unique artistry, but together they created a perfect balance, showcasing not only their vocal virtuosity but also their ability to evoke profound emotion through music. The audience, enveloped in the warmth of their voices and the splendor of the orchestral accompaniment, could not help but be moved by the beauty and reverence of the performance.
