A perfect subject for a contemporary classicist who likes wings. We all know what happened to him, and images of him resonate with our innate knowledge of his fate. Like the voice of Otis Reading who died at the age of 27, we are haunted by this knowledge in when we hear his songs.
” Icarus preparing for Flight ” is inspired by Freddie Mercury coming out onto the stage for a concert in one of his more flamboyant costumes. It is supposed to give the feeling of tension before a great act.
Flight of Icarus, and other versions, are soaring free on wings that are about to fall to pieces.