listening to opera on the beeb

catch in the throat is a complete surprise
the singers grab me straight by the heart
i know that to them it's just another part
yet that is not what seems right or wise
seen through the characters' own eyes
i'm held in place just by the power of art
the music held me here from the start
and i've forgotten if time moves or flies
the story's so well known it doesn't count
just the freight of voices making song
in languages i've never thought to speak
sounds rise up the music seems to mount
not to the skies but to a place where strong
souls can be brought from darkness to the peak