A rehearsal that beats most recitals!
Emma de Soleil | On a holiday In Ibiza, then back to the UK for stu | 01/30/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This is proof that Callas not only was a dramatic singer but als could sound fragile, soft and tender. One of her last great Belcanto-recordings! A MUST FOR EVER OPERALOVER!"
I THINK THIS IS ONE OF THE BEST CALLAS' PROFILE
Mario Gonzalez Dorado | 09/07/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Really, when I heard this CD, I did know why she sounds like she sounds- She is a great dramatic actress, so impressive yet so humble, such a worth loving person. This rehearsal is great. You'l know better Callas in this recording than in so many many absurd biographies written about her."
Maria Callas, unguarded and in top form; a master class in B
Byron Kolln | the corner where Broadway meets Hollywood | 10/20/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This very special recording captures Maria Callas on the eve of her famous 1957 concert, given to celebrate the inaugural season of the Dallas Civic Opera. The concert itself was sadly never captured, but the general opinion was that Callas was in peak form, performing some of her most famous pieces. Judging from the rehearsal, I can completely agree.
In the realm of Bel Canto, there is still nobody who can touch Callas. On this recording she runs the gamut from Violetta in "La Traviata", to "Anna Bolena", and of course reprises her star-making "I Puritani". These pieces require a great deal of stamina and discipline, and are some of the most dramatic of all operatic arias. To hear her perform these works is like attending a master class.
Callas is at her most vivid and unguarded in this recording. Even though there were probably only a select few allowed to sit in on the rehearsal, Callas never gives anything short of 100%. A recording well worth tracking down.
[EMI Classics 7243 5 67921 2 8]"