The Opera Singer A young man showed promise as an opera singer, and was given every advantage - the best tutors, the finest schools, every door was opened to him. He worked his way up through community groups and other venues until finally he was given the role of Canio in Leoncavallo's grand opera E Pagliacci, to be performed at La Scala in Milan. Anyone familiar with opera knows that this is the pinnacle of success. La Scala is unquestionably the finest opera house in the world, with the most knowledgeable and discerning audience. So on the big night, our young singer was understandably nervous, but as the opera progressed, he forgot everything except the music. At last the moment came when he took the stage to sing the great aria Vesti la Giubba. The audience sat in rapt attention. As soon as he finished, the audience rose to their feet as one and shouted "encore, encore, you must sing it again!" The young man was ecstatic at this response. Again he sang the aria, and again the audience shouted "encore, encore, again!" This happened eight times. Finally the young man stepped to the front of the stage, and said "your response means the world to me. But I beg you, please let us get on with the show." At that, an old man in the back stood up and yelled, "God damn it you lousy son of a bitch! You sing it again until you get it right!"