Luciano Pavarotti
Luciano Pavarotti, one of only a few true opera legends of our time and, arguably, the most globally well-known artist of the past century, has passed away today. He died of kidney failure at his home after a year-long battle with pancreatic cancer. The BBC is covering the story.
I have been a fan of opera since the mid-to-late 1990s, after being exposed to a selection of operatic works during my time with my high school's Academic Decathlon team. I still have the CD that was provided as part of that program, and it remains one of my favorite compilations of opera music. In fact, a number of my friends have requested copies of it over the years because it provides such a varied range of musical styles and evokes the entire gamut of emotions.
The world will remember Pavarotti alongside other great contemporary artists like Pablo Picasso, Georges Braque, Frank Sinatra, and Andy Warhol. I'm sure the Italians will have an amazing memorial service for him, and it is truly unfortunate I will not be able to attend.
Comments
Along with you, I grieve at the loss of Luciano, an artist who joins the ranks of the pantheon of vocal greats. Like you, I have been a fan of opera for a number of years and every time I hear Luciano's voice, I marvel at the fact that a human voice could be so beautiful. His talent will be sorely missed by operatic fans, connoisseurs and lay people alike. I am not one to quote the Bible, but when it comes to Luciano's voice, I am reminded of 1 COR 13.10: "...when that which is perfect has come, then that which is in part will be done away." He was unmatched in life, and the only comfort I can take in the fact that he is taken from the world is that now he belongs to the ages.
"Ita in libris poetarum scribitur."
"And so in the books of the poets it is written."
Posted by: arc | September 6, 2007 11:24 AM
Today is a truly sad day. What a great man.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VATmgtmR5o4
Posted by: cry cry | September 6, 2007 02:41 PM