What, the bloke from the World Cup ?
Everybody in Britain who knew nothing of opera (99.9% approx.) knew one aria in 1990.The BBC , in an inspired moment, chose a recording of Pavarotti singing
Nessun Dorma as their theme tune for their coverage of the 1990 World Cup [soccer] in Italy. This unlikely choice of music proved the great hit of the tournament for us and has proved the stock song of every aspiring tenor on talent shows ever since.The fact that there
are tenors on TV talent shows at all is a testament to Pavarotti's success with that aria in those odd circumstances. Because the tournament was televised to millions, millions became aware that operatic singing was not just for a knowledgeable, select, rich or arty few, but could be enjoyed by the masses.
"None shall sleep" seemed accidentally appropriate. English fans certainly suffered sleepless nights after watching their team play. Maybe the BBC music department that selected it had a sense of humour
More likely the choice was made because of the triumphant last words , sung by Pavarotti at full power:
'All'alba vincero!
Vincero! Vincero!'
(At dawn I shall win!
I shall win! I shall win!)
