For nearly half a century, Italian tenor Luciano Pavarotti (1935-2007) enthralled audiences around the world with his extraordinary performances and his exceptional vocal tone, making him opera’s first global superstar. Beyond his musical virtuosity on stage, he was also celebrated for his unique extravagances now captured in the design of the Montblanc Patron of Art Luciano Pavarotti Limited Edition, a writing tribute to the great opera icon. While his legendary performance of the aria “Nessun dorma” from Puccini’s opera “Turandot” made opera accessible to broader audiences, Pavarotti proved he was a dedicated humanitarian, bringing together the world’s best musicians across all genres for his “Pavarotti & Friends” concerts to raise millions of dollars for vocational and educational projects. Away from the limelight of world stages, Pavarotti also displayed the qualities of a true patron of the arts, dedicating much of his time to nurturing young up-and-coming singers with free private singing lessons. Every detail of the Montblanc Patron of Art Luciano Pavarotti Limited Edition created by Montblanc master craftsmen using the finest materials and applying the utmost precision, celebrates this great performer’s colourful personality and relentless commitment to arts and culture.
Limited Edition 4810 – Homage To A Tenor With Extraordinary Style
The black lacquered barrel and white lacquer cap of the Limited Edition 4810 represent the black tuxedo Pavarotti wore with a white bow tie and white shirt for most of his concerts on stage. The delicate red lacquer floral pattern that adorns the cone and the turquoise resin cabochon at the base of the writing instrument are reminiscent of the Hawaiian shirts Pavarotti loved to wear off the stage as the “Pop Star Tenor”. The writing instrument’s gold-plated clip is in the shape of another trademark item from his distinctive wardrobe – one of his favourite extravagant scarfs is elegantly wrapped around the cap. The five gold-plated rings that decorate the cap of the Limited Edition 4810 are an homage to the five famous operas which brought Pavarotti international fame and made him one of the finest tenors of the 20th century: “Turandot”, “La Bohème”, “Rigoletto”, “Un ballo in maschera” and “L’elisir d’amore”. And because Pavarotti never went on stage without his lucky charm, the 750 solid gold nib of the writing instrument is decorated with the bent nail that brought him luck throughout his illustrious career. Crowning the writing instrument, the Montblanc emblem – a seal of the finest craftsmanship – is crafted from precious black and white resin.
Limited Edition 888 – The Magic Of Great Performances
The design of the Montblanc Patron of Art Luciano Pavarotti Limited Edition 888 is inspired by Puccini’s opera “Turandot” and the aria “Nessun dorma” that catapulted Pavarotti to global stardom and remained his signature performance piece until the end of his career. Because the opera is set in China, the influence of the Far East is reflected in the elaborate black and white lacquer dragon with its sparkling red garnet eyes adorning the cap. The cone in 750 solid gold is embellished with intricate engravings of an oriental opera motif, and its base is adorned with a brilliant facetted garnet. Once again, the bent nail Pavarotti carried with him everywhere features as a subtle engraving on the 750 solid gold nib with Pavarotti’s eye-catching trademark scarf draped around the cap bearing the Montblanc emblem in precious mother-of-pearl.
Limited Edition 98 – Turandot and the Far East
Limited to just 98 pieces worldwide, the limitation number of the Luciano Pavarotti Limited Edition 98 commemorates the year Pavarotti was presented with a “Grammy Legend Award” for his contributions and influence in the music industry. The overall design of the writing instrument is based on the tenor’s unforgettable performances of Puccini’s “Turandot” and its tragic score inspired by the rich cultural heritage of China. The mythical Chinese dragon entwines the writing instrument’s cap and barrel, made of masterfully skeletonised 750 solid gold. Recalling the flower that inspired Princess Turandot’s musical motif throughout the opera score, a jasmine flower delicately engraved in white jade adorns the 750 solid gold cone. The velvet curtain of the opera stage of the Teatro Comunale in Modena named after him is symbolised by the red lacquer of cap and barrel, enhanced with a delicate guilloché. In a final tribute to a man who truly stood out with his powerful voice and passion for humanitarian work, a finely engraved portrait of the opera star adorns the 750 solid gold nib of this Limited Edition.
The Montblanc de la Culture Arts Patronage Award
The Montblanc Patron of Art Limited Edition, is designed to coincide with the Montblanc de la Culture Arts Patronage Award, the prestigious cultural prize awarded since 1992 in 12 countries to honour today’s patrons who support artists with selfless commitment and financial equity. Each year an independent jury of eminent personalities selects and awards these global supporters of culture of our times. Past winners having included HRH The Prince of Wales, Queen Sofia of Spain and Yoko Ono, who were not only awarded with a reward to support their projects, but also presented with the latest “Patron of Art” Limited Edition, dedicated to one of the great historical patrons of world history such as the inimitable Luciano Pavarotti.
The Montblanc Patron of Art Luciano Pavarotti Limited Edition 4810, 888 and the Luciano Pavarotti Limited Edition 98 will be available in Montblanc boutiques worldwide from April 2015.
About Montblanc For over 100 years, Montblanc has embraced the traditions of lasting value and exquisite craftsmanship. The maison’s uncompromising principles of design, style, quality and workmanship have allowed it to create heirloom collections that are passed from generation to generation. The iconic Montblanc emblem is a symbol of excellence – the pinnacle of luxury writing instruments, timepieces, leather, accessories, fragrances and sunglasses – and the maison has made an enduring commitment to encourage excellence through cultural advancement. Montblanc has its roots in writing culture and therefore sees a particular obligation to its own cultural commitment. Through various international activities, the maison makes a creative contribution to modern cultural life: Montblanc itself writes a small piece of cultural history.
Limited Edition 98
Limited Edition 4810
