Classical Music World Loses Giant

Luciano Pavarotti, famed Italian opera star and one of the greatest classical tenors, succumbed to pancreatic cancer Wednesday at his home in Modena, Italy. He was 71.

The music world is saddened by his passing for one of the truly greats has left us. Since the mid 1960's Pavarotti's operatic tenor voice has thrilled and awed millions the world over. A huge talent and a big man in statue, he reached down into that massive frame, and some of the most majestic sounds came forth like none other could produce.

Pavarotti was the son of a Modena baker, himself an amateur opera singer. He like other kids in his town grew up dreaming of being a soccer player. Pavarotti never fulfilled that wish, but decades later he would appear at the 1990 World Cup in Italy not as a player but singing his signature tune Nessun Dorma.

Teamed with Placido Domingo and Jose Carreras, great tenors in their own right, they were billed as The Three Tenors. Not only known for their classical talents, they crossed over into the popular music genre as well.

In fact some opera purists criticized Luciano for his Pavarotti and Friends performances -- duets with the likes of Bono to Stevie Wonder to Celine Dion. But as a born showman this endeared him to the masses and contributed to his tremendous popularity.

Who could not appreciate Luciano Pavarotti's redition of Memory from the Broadway musical Cats? So stirring was his version that one wonders why anyone else would bother. A truly beautiful piece of music sang as no one else could.

Today Pavarotti has joined a chorus of angels making all of Heaven ring with glorious music.

Tonight when I go home I will celebrate the great master's life and death, sitting in my chair with a glass of wine (Chianti, if I had it) and listening again to the wonderful voice of a great, great tenor.

Luciano, we will miss you, but we are thankful for your musical legacy. The world is a better place for your having passed this way.

Godspeed.