Perfect beginning for my Sunday morning, with Callas singing Ernani. The follow up interview where she describes some of her style and portrayals of the characters in opera performance was very informative. Looking forward to more Maria.
Today may be the first Sunday of Advent on the liturgical calendar, but for me it's Maria Callas Day. To hear her spoken voice, even in French, has been so special. I especially liked this revealing interview with Barbara Walters, in which Callas dispelled myths I had long believed were true (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TjBAqTAYSdk). I also found two new sources with which to feed my addiction -The Maria Callas Museum (http://www.mariacallasmuseum.org/) and Divina Records (https://www.divinarecords.com/). I wonder what opera singer(s) was lucky enough to have a master class with La Divina? Anybody we might know?🤩
That would be so interesting - I am going to research it a bit more. Man, she was just so committed to her craft and I am not sure how it would feel to be under the tutelage of Maria Callas. 😳 I could see her just not understanding anyone who was less than 100% in. As I wrote in the post I have always loved Maria. To me, she IS OPERA. I think it's dangerous when we give people the "legend" title but this week I have just been marveling at how insanely beautiful, talented, and intelligent she was and how important she still is. There's no obligation to enjoy any singer's voice, but even if someone never find hers to be one that attracts them, I think the EXPERIENCE of Callas is a necessary part of any opera lover's - and any singer's, and perhaps even any musician's - education. Maria's talent reminds me of the fictional character Beth Harmon, in the new Netflix's show The Queen's Gambit. The show explores the price you must pay to be the best (Beth is a chess master). Genius comes with a cost. The Queen’s Gambit has some lessons about embracing brokenness and forsaking the obsessive need to be perfect. I think Maria struggled with this her entire life. Ah, Maria, still teaching us lessons after all this time. 😮💨
This is profound, especially coming from a mezzo soprano trained at one of the world's premier schools of music. You not only have extensive experience as a performer, but also draw upon a deep well of knowledge about the art and craft of opera. That you unselfishly use your gifts to enlighten, entertain, and enrich so many others is reason enough to follow your lead. Some of us mere mortals have had no choice but to take to heart, "Don't let perfection be the enemy of the good." For Maria Callas, the attainment of perfection, in response to her higher calling, is why she is my deeply admired, my beautiful, my legendary "casta diva".
Delightful
Perfect beginning for my Sunday morning, with Callas singing Ernani. The follow up interview where she describes some of her style and portrayals of the characters in opera performance was very informative. Looking forward to more Maria.
It is becoming very difficult for me not to make this Maria Daily instead of Opera Daily 🤦🏻♀️
Today may be the first Sunday of Advent on the liturgical calendar, but for me it's Maria Callas Day. To hear her spoken voice, even in French, has been so special. I especially liked this revealing interview with Barbara Walters, in which Callas dispelled myths I had long believed were true (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TjBAqTAYSdk). I also found two new sources with which to feed my addiction -The Maria Callas Museum (http://www.mariacallasmuseum.org/) and Divina Records (https://www.divinarecords.com/). I wonder what opera singer(s) was lucky enough to have a master class with La Divina? Anybody we might know?🤩
That would be so interesting - I am going to research it a bit more. Man, she was just so committed to her craft and I am not sure how it would feel to be under the tutelage of Maria Callas. 😳 I could see her just not understanding anyone who was less than 100% in. As I wrote in the post I have always loved Maria. To me, she IS OPERA. I think it's dangerous when we give people the "legend" title but this week I have just been marveling at how insanely beautiful, talented, and intelligent she was and how important she still is. There's no obligation to enjoy any singer's voice, but even if someone never find hers to be one that attracts them, I think the EXPERIENCE of Callas is a necessary part of any opera lover's - and any singer's, and perhaps even any musician's - education. Maria's talent reminds me of the fictional character Beth Harmon, in the new Netflix's show The Queen's Gambit. The show explores the price you must pay to be the best (Beth is a chess master). Genius comes with a cost. The Queen’s Gambit has some lessons about embracing brokenness and forsaking the obsessive need to be perfect. I think Maria struggled with this her entire life. Ah, Maria, still teaching us lessons after all this time. 😮💨
This is profound, especially coming from a mezzo soprano trained at one of the world's premier schools of music. You not only have extensive experience as a performer, but also draw upon a deep well of knowledge about the art and craft of opera. That you unselfishly use your gifts to enlighten, entertain, and enrich so many others is reason enough to follow your lead. Some of us mere mortals have had no choice but to take to heart, "Don't let perfection be the enemy of the good." For Maria Callas, the attainment of perfection, in response to her higher calling, is why she is my deeply admired, my beautiful, my legendary "casta diva".
Pure Goddess, whose silver covers
These sacred ancient plants,
we turn to your lovely face
unclouded and without veil...
Temper, oh Goddess,
the hardening of you ardent spirits
temper your bold zeal,
Scatter peace across the earth
Thou make reign in the sky...
(Bellini's "Norma")🕊❤
😊
👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼 Thank you loved this. Some day I’ll share what I like, being a beginner it will be mostly movie music. 👍🏼👍🏼
Please do!!!!
Excellent work. BTW, I love the overture to this opera.
Thank you for being here! 🥂🥂 and so true on the overture...you inspired me to listen to it again. Thanks for the nudge. Posting it here for others:
https://youtu.be/DDya5jhUeGo