We would be foolishly remiss if in offering these daily musical numbers, we didn't acknowledge today the passing of one of the music world's irreplaceable treasures -- Luciano Pavarotti.

Among the good works that Pavarotti performed on behalf of the world of great music was to bring opera to the masses.  He bridged that yawning chasm between highbrow and popular.

As a youth, Pavarotti, like any Italian youngster, wanted to be a professional soccer player.  Obviously, his world-class talents were in another arena.  But one of his trademark songs, Nessun Dorma, an aria from the Puccini opera Turandot, is also widely associated with soccer because it was the theme song of the 1990 World Cup held in Italy. 

So, in honor of the great tenor and his favorite sport, we offer Luciano Pavarotti in this tribute that unites this splendid aria, Brazilian soccer star Ronaldo and that wonderful, inspirational voice.

  Photo credit: Associated Press