Luciano Pavarotti is at his most ardent as the romantic poet Andrea Chenier who is overwhelmed by his impossible love for the beautiful Maddalena (Maria Guleghina). She is a pampered aristocrat and he is but a poor member of the French Revolution. But even though their entire world is being torn apart in by unprecedented violence, their love will not be denied—even if it costs both of them their lives. Juan Pons is Gérard, Maddalena’s former servant who loves her enough to give her up. James Levine leads the impressive forces with impassioned, idiomatic conducting. Performance date: October 15, 1996.