Search - Maria Callas :: L'incomparable

Incomparable indeed!!!!!!

Emma de Soleil | On a holiday In Ibiza, then back to the UK for stu | 03/06/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This woman was the Vocal Wonder of the Century. Look on the KILLER-Repertoire she performed here! As if you were to put a coloratura-soprano like Sutherland+a mezzo like Resnik + a dramatic soprano like Flagstad together. A range of three brilliant octaves!!!! Some thoughts on my favourites:1. Casta Diva Callas' voice has the beauty of a moonbeam in this celestial aria. Listen how she phrases, how her legato seems to go on and on and how she colours each word! Sublime, THE recording of Casta Diva. 2. Regnava Nel Silenzio Callas and Donizetti, need I say more? Who has heard her miraculous Lucia from Mexico (1952), studio (1953), La Scala (1954), Berlin (1955) and the lovely Myto-Performance from 1956 will remember how delicate, vulnerable and yet dramatic she can sound. At the beginning she sings with a magical floating voice and as she goes on and on her voice soars to heaven in exquisite coloratura and stunning phrasing. The Lucia of the century.

4. Ritorna Vincitor Callas as Aida, a great performance! Remember those miraculous performances from Mexico where she interpolated a ROCK-SOLID E-flat in the Triumphal March? The haunting quality of her dramatic voice fits Aida like a glove. Perfect!

5. Gioconda Suicido To hear magnificent chest-notes, floating pianissimi and a love that is bigger than life itself, listen to this gem!

6. Vissi D'arte Callas' Life-Aria. She lived for art, she lived for love. And this proves why.10. Les Tringles Des Sistres Tintaient Callas as a Mezzo. The most fervent and fiery Chanson de Boheme ever!!!!!!!!

12. Mon Coeur S'ouvre A Ta Voix Another mezzo-role. Callas middle has the quality of silk here.

13. De Cet Affreux Combat... Pleurez Mes Yeux The most shattering piece Callas ever recorded. A MUST! Buy it and be enchanted!"