Euro 2020 officially begins tomorrow (6/11) after being delayed last year. This week’s Throwback Thursday is appropriately futbol themed. Placido Domingo, the Spanish opera singer, is the subject of this week’s Throwback Thursday post. His 1982 World Cup theme song El Mundial is where we turn our attention this week.
Placido Domingo – Cultural Icon
Placido Domingo was born in Madrid on January 21st, 1941. Domingo is one of the most prolific and storied opera singers in modern history. A musical prodigy from the age of 5, Domingo was able to hum complex songs. He made his professional opera debut at the age of 16. Domingo established his opera career over the course of decades, but in the process became a major figure in Spanish culture. Performing both popular music as well as opera songs, Domingo became an icon in the opera world. On the eve of the 1990 World Cup, along with Jose Carreras and Luciano Pavarotti, formed The Three Tenors, a opera supergroup.
Over the course of his operatic career, Domingo has played over 150 roles. He has released dozens upon dozens of albums including Christmas albums, pop albums, and operatic albums. He has also served as a director of operas and other performing arts. Domingo is most well known for interpreting the role of Othello in Verdi’s opera.
El Mundial
This week’s song is a bit different for us. This week’s song El Mundial was the theme song for the 1982 World Cup held in Madrid. (The ’82 World Cup was won by Italy if you were curious). While this song did not make our list of the Top 10 Soccer Songs of All Time, I still really enjoy it. The song is full of all of the Spanish bravado and flair that you would expect. The most surprising part of this song is that there isn’t a bullfight in the middle of it. This is just a fun song. It doesn’t really apply to many events outside of the 82 World Cup but it doesn’t have to.
Also, if you didn’t know, Domingo is a huge supporter of both of my teams – Real Madrid and the Spanish National Team. Even more of a reason to love him.
From 1982, El Mundial
Bonus Time
Placido Domingo singing Hala Madrid in 2012