English Wordplay ~ Listen and Enjoy
MARIA CALLAS 1923 - 1977
 |
| PLEASE LISTEN to CLAIRE MARCHIONNE as MARIA CALLAS |
One thing I miss up here, is being able to fill an auditorium with a depth of vibration so intense that the very introduction of a human form into that massive array of vibration absorbs and intensifies the emotional feelings of those present.
American-born Greek soprano and one of the most renowned opera singers of the twentieth century. An extremely versatile singer, her repertoire ranged from classical opera seria to the bel canto operas of Donizetti, Bellini, and Rossini; further, to the works of Verdi and Puccini; and, in her early career, the music dramas of Wagner.
She combined an impressive bel canto technique with great dramatic gifts. Her remarkable musical and dramatic talents led to her being hailed as La Divina.
| PETER | as a teenager your older sister, Jackie, was your mother's favourite. Did you put on weight because of your mother's hostility? |
| CALLAS | I was the "ugly duckling". Food was one of my defence mechanisms. It was one thing I could not be talked out of. |
| PETER | Did your short-sightenedness help your singing career? |
| CALLAS | (LAUGHS) It allowed me to focus on the pure quality of tone, rather than eyeing a handsome young gentleman in the front row. |
| PETER | At the Athens Conservatoire, the soprano Elvira de Hidalgo became your teacher. |
| CALLAS | She taught me to be "fantastico" - to be magnicent - you had to take what was in your heart and mold the songs, the music, to your own energy. |
| PETER | During World War II your family was very poor. Your husband later said that your mother sent you out to earn money by prostitution with German soldiers. Is that true? |
| CALLAS | Yes. I disassociated myself from what was going on and saw it as a means of survival. |
| PETER | Looking back on your career, which was your favourite opera house? |
| CALLAS | The outdoor amphitheatre in Greece. There I felt I could rise right out of my body into a realm, where many before me had gone, and it was there where one time I felt myself present in a time many, many centuries before the chronological time. |
Peter comments: An engaging story from a consummate artist. Maria used her youthful difficulties - poor eyesight, obesity, a controlling mother, lustful soldiers - all to good effect. She created a depth to her artistry, which together with her fabulous voice, was developped by sheer hard work under fine tutors and made her into a true prima donna.
If you wish to purchase this book please go to the Celestial Voices website.
If you wish to learn more please go to these websites Messages from the Masters, The Cosmic Lighthouse, Life Awareness and The Masters' Blog.
Return to Talking with Twentieth Century Women
Home Page
For Maria Callas' complete studio recordings and for books and DVDs about her, please click below - as well as on Celestial Voices above.