Vanish, oh night! Set, stars! Set, stars! At dawn I will win! I will win! I will win!The translation of the words at the end of the aria Nessun Dorma (None Must Sleep), made famous, of course, by Luciano Pavarotti as an English football anthem during the 1990 World Cup in Italy.
As someone who loves opera I have always liked anything that makes it more accessible. Simon Barnes writing in The Times today, however, suggests that this unusual marriage actually resulted in political and cultural change:
"It was a validation. Pavarotti’s lung-busting anthem of conquest sent out the message: it’s all right to like football. It really is acceptable to allow football to stir your spirit, lift your heart and set free your mind. Football is life-enhancing, football is another form of opera."
My post has of course been prompted by the sad death of Pavarotti yesterday. A giant of a man with a gargantuan voice. He will be a sad loss to the world of music. And no doubt fondly remembered by many for his contribution to football.
And love of pies of course.
No comments:
Post a Comment