(7 Sep 1997) Italian/Eng/Nat
Luciano Pavarotti has spoken about his feelings for Princess Diana for the first time since her death last week.
The world-famous tenor said that the re-written words of Elton John's "Candle in the Wind" best summed up his emotions.
He was speaking in Moscow tonight after giving a free concert to celebrate the city's 850th anniversary.
Pavarotti true to type turned up late for his press conference following his packed concert in Red Square this evening.
Yesterday the Italian opera-singer attended the funeral of Princess Diana supported by his girlfriend.
It had been said that he might be too upset to take up his seat in Westminster Abbey.
He said that his emotions were summed up by Elton John.
SOUNDBITE: (Italian)
"It's a very personal matter and it's very difficult to talk about it. I want to say that my friend Elton John wrote a song Rose of England and I think that the words of the song say everything."
SUPER CAPTION: Luciano Pavarotti
He then denied reports that he'd considered cancelling his Moscow performance because he was so upset.
SOUNDBITE: (English)
"I'm a professional person, I must be used to many circumstances and even if that is one of the worst moments for me, the pleasure to make music is always very great."
SUPER CAPTION: Luciano Pavarotti
Although Pavarotti has also been chased by the Paparazzi, he did not heavily criticise the media's hounding of celebrities.
SOUNDBITE: (English)
"The journalists are always with us on the stage, out of the life. Some time they are pushing. The only complaint I have in my life with all journalists or photographer is with a photographer who photograph with all my belly out. And I do not like that because it's invasion of privacy. But beside that I think my report is always very well. If they make a photo, the first time they make a photo I thought they were not there. I was in Barbados, but after all I always go on the beach in Barbados and many people is seeing me, everybody can take a picture. So when you are a public person you can expect that."
SUPER CAPTION: Luciano Pavarotti
Tomorrow Pavarotti is due to fly back to Italy.
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