I know I can’t trust my memory, because too many times it’s been proven wrong.

That’s a disclaimer.

But sometimes I’m so sure…

I was thinking about the first Live from the Met broadcast, when the choice of opera was La bohème. That would have been my choice too. It’s the perfect “starter opera” for the uninitiated. It was given that status memorably in the movie Moonstruck.

The broadcast paired Pavarotti with Renata Scotto.

Pavarotti was riding a wave that would take him into the future.

Scotto was coming from a history of lighter florid roles.

What I (seem to) remember is a statement, probably in the newspaper, where she commented on her reaction after seeing the broadcast.

As I (seem to) remember, she was aghast at the sight of two hefty superstars, on the big stage, moving around each other like two ocean liners trying to dock.

She immediately went on a diet, and re-focused her repertoire toward larger-voiced lyric roles, securing her place on the operatic world stage.

But I could be wrong about the details.

I do remember her fondly for her presence in opera.

And I remember the broadcast.

At least I think I do.