"E lucevan le stelle" (And the stars were shining) is a romantic aria from Puccini's opera "Tosca". It's about a painter in love with the singer Tosca. While he waits for his execution on the roof of Castel Sant'Angelo Roma, he is allowed to write a last farewell letter to his beloved Tosca. Tosca premiered exactly 118 years ago on January 14, 1900 at the Teatro Costanzi in Rome. ✉️ Click here to subscribe to Andre's newsletter: http://smarturl.it/rieu-subscribe | André Rieu

Pavarotti did not merely sing, he performed. This powerful performance of 'E Lucevan Le Stelle' is proof of that. Can you name which famous outdoor concert this is from? | Luciano Pavarotti

In this clip from the final dress rehearsal of Puccini’s Tosca, tenor Michael Fabiano sings Cavaradossi’s Act III aria, “E lucevan le stelle.” Here, the ardent painter Cavaradossi knows that his execution is imminent and thinks back to his time with his beloved, Floria Tosca. While attempting to write his final farewell, he is overwhelmed by his thoughts. Maestro Carlo Rizzi conducts David McVicar’s breathtaking production. Opens Tonight, October 4: bit.ly/3HG2Chb Videography by Neville Braithwa