To Die! Tremendous Thing!

   Leonard Warren (21st April 1911 - 4th March 1960) was an American opera singer. For many years, he was a leading artist in the Metropolitan Opera (New York City) and was well-known for his unbelievable baritone. Before his career took off, he was a singer in the chorus at Radio City Music Hall.

After a long tour around South America, Canada, Italy and the Soviet Union, his greatest successes were in the operas of Verdi, as Tonio in Leoncavallo's Pagliacci and as Scarpia in Puccini's Tosca. After that, Leonard Warren didn't take long to gain the reputation of one of the best baritones in the world. On 4th March 1960, in the evening, when the curtain opened, and the spotlights turned on, Warren stepped on stage to sing his last ever performance.

Portraying one of the crucial figures, Don Carlo, in La Forza del Destino (The Force Of Destiny) by Verdi would prove fatal for him. Although the opera began without any trouble, as always, things took an unexpected turn in Act III. Leonard Warren took a deep breath before singing the aria, which begins with the words "Morir, tremenda cosa!" in translation: "To die, a tremendous thing!" As his mighty voice filled up the Metropolitan Opera, the echo was the only thing left.

A moment later, Warren fell silent, and in a split second, he collapsed. These famous words quickly became the last words that this incredible singer ever let out of his mouth. He died on stage that day, and this event actually started a rumour. Some artists believe that this particular opera is cursed, which in passing prevented Pavarotti from taking part in any performances - La Forza del Destino.

Author: Anonymous

Editor: KM