Luciano Pavarotti

One of opera's greatest performers passed away following a long struggle with cancer. There are many ways to remember him today, but this rendition by a younger Pavarotti of one of my favorite arias is surely a fitting one.

And the stars were shining
and the earth smelled sweet
the garden gate scraped,
and a step brushed the sand
She came in, fragrant
and fell into my arms

Oh! sweetest of kisses, oh! languorous caresses,
while I trembled as I loosed her lovely features
concealed by her mantle!
My dream of love has vanished for ever,
The moment has passed, and I die in despair!
And I never have loved life so much!

(E lucevan le stelle, From Puccini's Tosca)