Friday, September 7, 2007

Loss of a legend

This posting has nothing to do with Canada, but instead, has everything to do with the loss of a legend. Lucianno Pavarotti passed away after battling pancreatic cancer at the too early age of 71. While opera buffs may debate Pavarotti's legacy against those of his predecessors (Caruso, Bjoerling) and peers (Carreras, Domingo), there is one thing for certain --- he was larger than life and had an even larger voice. Pavarotti was the Enrique Caruso of this generation. He will be forever known as one of the three "Great Tenors" and his rendition of "Nessun Dorma" from Puccini's opera "Turandot" for the 1990 World Cup of soccer in Italy will live on.


The world of music has lost a legend. Please enjoy this clip of Pavarotti's last public performance at the 2006 Torino Winter Olympics closing ceremonies. Even sick and frought with cancer, his voice was rich, vibrant, and full of life.

4 comments:

LoriA said...

Andrew: Many thanks for posting this tribute -- it is a great loss. I loved the clip -- thanks for sharing! --LA

Nora Jane said...

Andrew -- Did you know he started with the FGO!!

Andrew said...

Nora: No, I did not know that. For those who must have seen him during that time, it surely must have been a treat. Speaking of the FGO, it looks like a great season (seeing the Pearl Fishers and La Boheme). Thanks for your comment.

Feeling old Librarian said...

I remember watching this performance on TV. Not realizing he was sick, I thought he looked like a fat vampire but oh, what at voice!