This was Luciano Pavarotti's swan song, sung some 19 months ago at the opening ceremony of the Turin Winter Olympics, 10 Febuary 2006, and one of the most powerful public performances I have ever seen.

While I disliked the commercial that surrounded him, it was impossible not to be awestruck by the timbre of his voice as the notes poured forth like liquid gold, washing around you, bringing you to quite the highest possible level of heaven on earth. He was one of those rare musicians who brought his genre of song to everyone, just because he IS that good. Now he's gone, leaving behind exceedingly large shoes to fill, and it will take a lot for the world to see a Pavarotti again.

Besides, you have got to respect a man who fathered a child at the age of 67.

scribbled
11:04 PM