Pavarotti could top singles chart
Luciano Pavarotti could make a surprise appearance in the top 10 of the UK singles chart today after people rushed to download one of his best known tunes in the hours after his death.
Nessun Dorma, the classic aria from Puccini’s opera Turandot, which also served as the theme tune for the 1990 World Cup, has surged in internet popularity since the 71-year-old tenor lost his battle with pancreatic cancer on Thursday.
More than 1,000 people had downloaded the song by Friday morning, with numbers expected to have escalated dramatically over the weekend.
While the song is unlikely to figure in the battle for the number one spot - currently held by Sean Kingston’s Beautiful Girls – record company HMV said enough momentum could build behind Nessun Dorma to push it to the top of the charts next week.
Nessun Dorma was played at Pavarotti’s funeral in his home town of Modena, northern Italy, yesterday as the body of the tenor was carried out of the cathedral at the end of an emotional funeral Mass.
If it does reach number one it would be the first piece of classical or operatic music to top the singles charts.
HMV spokesman Gennaro Castaldo said: “It really would be wonderful if Nessun Dorma could become the first classical piece of music to ever make it to the top of the official singles charts.
“Not only would it be a fitting tribute to Pavarotti’s genius, but it would acknowledge the great affection in which he was held by the public across the UK and Ireland.”
