Very sad news that the great Giuseppi Di Stefano has died aged 86.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/7276282.stm

He was a wonderful singer with one of the sweetest tenor voices, instantly recognisable. Yes, he burnt himself out too early by singing roles that were far too heavy for his voice. But he was a singer of great individuality and presence whose mastery of legato and mezza voce places him in the great line of bel canto tenors. I love his early recordings from the late 40s/early 50s, particularly his recordings of French opera. His 'Dream' from Manon and, especially, his 'Salut, demere chaste et pure' from Faust with the high C taken mezza voce are quite magical. Oddly enough, I was recently watching a clip of him on YouTube singing during his 70th birthday celebrations - the voice is diminished but the presence and style are unmistakable. RIP Pippo.