RIP Luciano

[greatbear]

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1935-2007
Arrivederci il mio amico
sarete mancati da molti.


While opera was not the highest on my list of favorite genres at first, Luciano Pavarotti elevated it into the top ten for me. Like Beverly Sills, Mr. Pavarotti cheerfully sought to bring opera to the masses. And he succeeded. While derided by some stuffy opera 'purists', the world of opera enjoyed a renewed interest as people began hearing his soaring voice for the first time. Known as "The King of the High C's", his vocal abilities could make even one who dislikes opera sit up, take notice and be impressed. He will be missed.

My Mom, of course, loved Pavarotti. She saw him perform live at places like The Met and also overseas. Her fondness for opera made the music a constant presence around the house, and I always managed to take time out and enjoy his performances with her. Needless to say, when I recently learned he was not well, the emotions began anew, and today, well, let's just say it took a couple tissues to make it through this post.

Grazie, Luciano. You helped bring culture into my life, and joy to Mom's heart.

Comments

[greatbearmd.livejournal.com]

Last year, I took my Mom up to NYC once again for her annual trip to the Met. I had never seen an opera with her before, since most of the time she went to NYC on her own (I'd buy her tix for her birthday). In '04, when she was going through her first battle, I took her to NYC so she would not miss out on all of the concerts I had gotten for her, since she was currently going through chemo/radiation. For the next three years, I took her up to NYC and hung out with friends while she enjoyed her shows. Last year we decided that on our next trip up, I would join her for a show or two. It was only fair, since I wanted to see what she enjoyed so much.

Sadly, that would turn out not to be.

One of these days, though, I will go to a performance at the Met, perhaps by myself. Undoubtedly people will see me in tears, thinking that I am being affected by the performance. That would only be half true.

[notdefined.livejournal.com]

Let me know when and if I am on the east coast, I'll go with you. The Met is awe inspiring and your tears would not be out of place. Opera is music from the soul for the soul.