Good morning, Netizens...

I have often written eulogies of various people I have only marginally known, and today is no exception. I first heard Joan Sutherland sing in New York's Metropolitan Opera on a fluke. A friend had seats to attend Sutherland singing as Donna Anna in Verdi's Don Giovanni and, when he could not attend he offered me the tickets. Although no stranger to opera, it was the first time I had heard opera performed live at the Met, and it formed an impression that time has never obliterated nor dimmed.

I have been privileged to hear both Joan Sutherland and Luciano Pavarotti perform before live audiences in my lifetime.

Yesterday Dame Joan Sutherland passed away at her home at age 83. Although I am hardly a qualified operatic critic, I will never forget the incredible range with which she sang effortlessly throughout the world. Nor can I forget Luciano Pavarotti, who performed with Sutherland several times during his lifetime.

I submit that while Italian operatic tenors such as Pavarotti may come and go with each age, Joan Sutherland's voice still stands as a one-of-a-kind gift, which was bestowed upon people throughout the world. She will be missed. Rest in peace...

Dave

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