I got to Placido Domingo too late in his illustrious career to make him happy. His great roles—Siegmond in Die Walküre, Otello, Die Meistersinger, Don Josse in Carmen, and Don Giovanni were being replaced by newer productions such as the First Emperor and Cyrano—a credit to his continued exploration of opera. He did not like that I photographed him as Cyrano for my book, In Grand Style, for with Cyrano also comes “the nose.” “They will only remember me now for Cyrano,” he lamented.

In answer, “Honestly, Placido, you will always be remembered for being the giant that you are. My photographs only can add to the breath of your great repertoire, and they show you can act.”