Luciano Pavarotti Died Today

[rgcraig]

MILAN, Italy - Hundreds of people gathered Thursday night in Modena's main piazza to pay final respects to Luciano Pavarotti, whose vibrant high C's and ebullient showmanship made him the most beloved and celebrated tenor since Caruso.

The crowd applauded in a sign of respect as pallbearers carried the casket into Modena's cathedral, where a funeral is scheduled for Saturday. The tenor died early Thursday at the age of 71 after a yearlong battle with pancreatic cancer.

While Pavarotti moved the world with what one admirer called "the last, great voice" of Italian opera, his legacy went beyond the opera house. The tenor collaborated with classical singers and pop icons alike to bring opera to the masses, rescuing the art from highbrow obscurity in the process.

[Ferd]

it would have bothered me more if he had covered REO Speedwagon.

[rgcraig]

What? He was good!

I was just surprised to see this - didn't realize he had cancer.

[RandyWayne]

He had an unbelievable voice. I am NOT an opera person by any stretch of the imagination, but I DO recognize talent when I see (or hear) it and Luciano's voice was TRULY an instrument -unlike most people's, who fit more into the "noise" category.

[Ferd]

I knew he had cancer. and he was as good as billed. I just get tired head hearing that kind of stuff. I cant understand it in Anglish much less what ever else he might have been singing in.


My idea of culture is John Deere 4020 and a field that needs bush hogging.

[ReformedDave]

Possibly the finest tenor I've ever heard. He was a man bigger than life and he brought opera many new fans. He epitomized the stereotypical Italian male to the hilt......and I'll leave it at that.

[RevBuddy]

An amazing talent...with the voice to go with it. Always the outstanding member of the Three Tenors. He had a unique personality that took his audience from just a singing performance to an exceptional personal interaction with a magnificent voice for the ages...

...not many to follow in his footsteps...

[Coffee99]

A unique, moving voice. Once, I shuddered at this genre of music. Then I stopped and really listened to him sing, and changed my opinion. His voice was legendary and will not soon be replaced.

[rgcraig]

I agree with everyone's assessment of one of the greatest tenors ever!

[NLYP]

Fantastic Performer!