Goodbye to an era

I have just read that Luciano Pavoratti has died.I have never been a opera fan by any means. I fought it tooth and nail. When I was a little girl, Mom would make me listen to the Texaco Metropolitan Opera broadcast on Saturdays. I hated it.

Mom loved this weird form of music. She never ceased telling me about the time she saw her first opera. The tenor was short and fat and the soprano was taller and fatter but boy could they sing!!! She kept trying to introduce me to opera. I remember her taking me to an opera done with

marrionettes......The Magic Flute.YUK!!! Then on my first trip to Europe, she took me to my first live opera: Ariadne Auf Naxos. It was a pants opera which means that a women is playing a man. The composer was looking for the blend of a soprano and alto together. I see these two women behaving like lesbians and I said WHOA!!!

It wasn't until I saw Beverly Sills in La Traviatta that I finally changed my mind about opera. She was so lovely and her voice was beautiful. Also, the words were being translated above so I knew what was actually going on. It made all the difference. I have seen several operas now and I am alot more receptive.

I remember watching and thoroughly enjoying the Three Tenors on tv. I loved Pavoratti. He also did a recording of a song called Panis Angelicus with the singer called Sting which is absolutely amazing. I also enjoyed his one movie Yes Gorgio. What a wonderful gift this man was to all of us. I am so glad I actually had a chance to hear him in concert. It was a priviledge and one that I will treasure in my memories forever. I know our Heavenly Father is enjoying a wonderful concert in Heaven and I am sure that Mom will be there listening too. Many thanks, Maestro. Rest in Peace.