A quarter of a century has now passed since the Greek-born soprano Maria Callas died in Paris, but during that time interest in her has not diminished in any manner whatsoever. Recordings of her live appearances have continued to pour forth from the most unlikely places which, despite varying ranges of sound quality, seem to be lapped up by her adoring public. Furthermore, it is over thirty years since her final concert appearances and almost forty since she left the operatic stage. Her public and private life at the time made the news headlines throughout the world. So, what is it about this artist that continues to fascinate her public? While opinions of her vocal qualities continue to arouse wide debate, what cannot be disputed is the magnetism of her personality in all that she sang. She had that rare quality within a simple phrase to captivate, enthral and excite an audience. As a dramatic stage artist her ability to encapsulate the inner soul of the rôle she was portraying was unique. Sadly all too few visual examples of her live stage performances survive but those that do give fascinating glimpses of her special charisma.

“She shone for all to brief a while in the world of opera, like a vivid flame attracting the attention of the whole world, and she had a strange magic which was all her own.” – Tito Gobbi

Contents:

CD 1: Puccini - Madama Butterfly & Tosca
1-7. from Madama Butterfly, recorded 1955
8-21. from Tosca, recorded 1953

CD 2: Verdi - La Traviata & Rigoletto
1-9. from La Traviata, recorded 1953
10-16. from Rigoletto, recorded 1955

CD 3: Italy and Wagner
1-5. from Verdi - Aida, recorded 1955
6. from Bellini - Norma, recorded 1953
7-8. from Donizetti - Lucia di Lammermoor, recorded 1953
9-11. from Mascagni - Cavalleria rusticana, recorded 1953
12-13. from Leoncavallo - Pagliacci, recorded 1954
14. from Wagner - Tristan und Isolde, recorded 1949