"Opera without great singers is like football played by cripples"

Jorge Rodrigues is described as an opera enthusiast, considering this art form as something that exists "to fill our souls". He argues that opera without great singers loses its essence, comparing it in an expressive way to "football played by cripples". The article also addresses the popularity of classical music, mentioning that in some countries this musical genre manages to reach a level of popularity comparable to that of football. The text thus presents a reflection on the importance of great performers for the survival and quality of the lyrical art.