Early in my blogging days, I wrote much more about my love of opera and had some great discussions back and forth with other like minded friends. Lately, I haven't said much about it but I'm still listening and watching my collection of tapes and dvd's.
When I heard about Pavarotti's death the other day, I put on a couple of his cd's and listened while I worked at unpacking and creating order here. For me, it was therapeutic rather than sad. I wanted to commemerate him here somehow but I couldn't find the words. Others had said it all and said it much better or so I thought. I remained silent.
Today, I found the above cartoon in Slate. It expresses how I felt.
The experts can debate endlessly about the greatest tenors, whether he had passed his prime, whether he deserted "pure" opera for the more popular romantic music. I'm happy to let them - I'll keep on listening to my cd's and watching my operas.
For me, in addition to that glorious voice, one of his greatest contributions (along with Domingo and Carreras), was attracting people to opera who otherwise wouldn't have been. Even the girls watched all of my 3 Tenors in Concert tapes. They were fun. He was a great showman and I, for one, will miss him.
17 comments:
While Opera is one of the few genres of music that I don't much care for, I did enjoy watching Pavarotti perform with The 3 Tenors. And his voice is quite distinctive...I'd recognize it anywhere. The world has lost a great talent.
Not an opera fan, but enjoyed listening to him, and loved his showmanship. The cartoon is perfect.
But why are all my imaginary friends talking about obits today? LOL
Excellent, Ann. I am emailing you another tribute to Pavarotti.
Oh Ann. Well you know I'm a fan. Didn't he come to San Diego some years back? I think I recall because I was very upset not being able to get tickets as they were announcing that was going to be his last concert here.
What a loss and what's ever worse I hadn't heard he has passed on.
ever = even & has = had, on the last sentence :-) Why can't I proof read before hitting submit?
A very fitting tribute Ann, he will be missed by music lovers of all categories.
We also love the 3 Tenors CD. I never tire of it...
hugs!
You hit the nail on the head Ann. He was of the people.
Yes we got Al-Anon over here in the UK, I have never been to one of there meetings though.
My car is called Christine as a result of watching that Stephen King film of the same name, but like I said in my blog she dont repair herself hence the need for kwik fit and autoglass.
Opera, yes I loved Pavarottis voice, he did a song with John Bonjovi which I really liked but opera in general I cant say I am a big fan.
He will be missed by me. What a great voice he had. Very sad.
pavarotti! what a voice! goose bump stuff, no matter what he was singing. i'm with you, love. good music and fine instruments surpass genre. and his voice was truly a fine instrument.
You wrote:
"Others had said it all and said it much better or so I thought. I remained silent."
I learned early in my blogging venture that though 10 people have written about the same subject they will see and present things differently from you...You are a unique person...I love to hear how "you" felt about a thing...Nothing wrong from getting all the viewpoints.
Climbing down off my soap box now...that is a nice little cartoon and he will be missed by many I'm sure...I'm so glad you enjoyed him while you were doing your household tasks!
:)
The so-called experts just like to hear the sound of their own voices, methinks. Who cares who's the greatest tenor. They're all great in their own way.
The most important thing is the pleasure they give people and Pavarotti gave loads of pleasure to millions of people. Well said, Ann.
Another opera-lover here. Tenor not my favourite kind of voice - which said I did find Pavarotti something else and was really sad at his death - never heard him in the flesh alas, though I did pick up Domingo a time or two. That's a beautiful cartoon which says it all.
Dear Ann,Yes it was a glorious voice and will be sadly missed.
Love Margaret
My grandfather loved opera and would listen to it all the time. Opera fan or not, everyone can agree that Pavarotti was a special talent not often seen on this earth.
I love Opera but mostly the well known arias. I pretty much like any style of music, or if not a 'style' in particular, usually a song or two from that style.
I had no feelings about Pavarotti. I mean I was not upset when he went 'pop' because I think if you like music or your style of music, you will follow your soul in that. Plus, isn't that what you could call fusion? There is fusion in food (and usually applauded for it) and fusion in dancing. Fusion in music is the ultimate in creativity and expands on that which is solely a singular expression. Good for him to follow his creativity. He was singular regardless and has his legacy to show for.
That cartoon is beautiful in its simplicity. And that says it all too,
hugs
Ingrid
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