In 1964, the world witnessed the incredible vocal prowess of a young Luciano Pavarotti, whose performance of “La donna è mobile” from Verdi’s Rigoletto continues to be a milestone in the history of opera. This iconic aria, sung by the Duke of Mantua in the third act of the opera, is both a showcase of Pavarotti’s extraordinary voice and an unforgettable moment in operatic performance.

Pavarotti, known for his impeccable technique and breathtaking tone, brings the character of the Duke to life with his interpretation of this playful yet profound aria. His voice, bright and powerful, cuts through the melody with ease, delivering the Duke’s flirtatious lines with a charming mischievousness that captures the essence of the character.

The aria “La donna è mobile”—which translates to “Woman is fickle”—is one of Verdi’s most recognizable and light-hearted pieces, and Pavarotti’s youthful energy and vocal mastery elevate it to an unforgettable level. With each note, his voice flows effortlessly, demonstrating a level of control and expression that would make this performance a defining moment of his legendary career.

Here are the lyrics of the aria “La donna è mobile” from Rigoletto:

La donna è mobile,
Qual piuma al vento,
Muta d’accento,
E di pensiero.
Sempre un amabile,
Leggiadro viso,
In pianto o in riso,
E’ menzognero.

La donna è mobile,
Qual piuma al vento,
Muta d’accento,
E di pensiero.

The aria speaks of the Duke’s flippant views on women, portraying them as unpredictable and changeable. It’s filled with both humor and irony, making it an iconic piece in the opera repertoire.

Pavarotti’s 1964 rendition of Rigoletto’s “La donna è mobile” remains one of the most praised operatic performances, a testament to his unparalleled vocal ability and his influence on opera in the 20th century.