The 1950s and 60s represented a golden age of the soprano, one that brought to the opera house such distinguished and highly individual artists as Renata Tebaldi, Elizabeth Schwarzkopf and Victoria de los Angeles. Yet few opera-goers would attempt to deny that the place of honour was held by Maria Callas. She was not only a great dramatic singer, but the most magnetic stage performer of her time. Indeed, ten years after her untimely death, and twenty two years after her last appearance in an operatic role (that of Tosca at Covent Garden in 1965), she continues to dominate much of our thinking about the art of the opera singer... [see the complete text here]
The legacy of Callas's records is all that an increasing number of opera lovers will have to test the legend that has built up round her name, so it may be as well for those of us who still recall her so vividly in the opera house to try to relate that experience to what is to be heard on disc... [see the complete text here]
CD liner notes by Michel Roubinet
Translation: Hugh Graham
When Maria Callas recorded her first recital of French arias in 1961, her career had considerably slowed down, for professional and personal reasons. In 1958 quarrels had set her against La Scala, Milan, and the Metropolitan in New York; the following year, after ten years of life together, she decided to separate from her husband (who was also her manager), Giovanni Battista Meneghini (1895-1981)... [see the complete text here]
?
Gallery
Also check out Maria Callas releases by
Divina Records and
OMBRA Records