Maria Callas: The Callas Conversations

Rating:
Summary: MUST HAVE THIS DVD
Review: I am the number ONE Callas fan and this DVD is a must to have. Watching her performed "ah non credea mirarti" was an abosute experience. No words can describe in detail how she interprete the aria with her voice, gesture, movements, even facial and eyes movement when she was not singing - everything is absolutely fantabolous! She is the best of all best. Viva Maria!

Rating:
Summary: MUST HAVE THIS DVD
Review: I am the number ONE Callas fan and this DVD is a must to have. Watching her performed "ah non credea mirarti" was an abosute experience. No words can describe in detail how she interprete the aria with her voice, gesture, movements, even facial and eyes movement when she was not singing - everything is absolutely fantabolous! She is the best of all best. Viva Maria!

Rating:
Summary: An Honest Revelation
Review: It is one thing to have heard the Harewood conversations with Callas, and another to see them. By the same token,Callas's concert recordings in Paris under Pretre in '65 were stirring, but the sight of her interpretations of the Massenet and Bellini will leave some viewers dumbfounded, because she is clearly singing about her own life and her face betrays this fact. Hert performances are overwhelming.

I am not a Callas fanatic, and have even sold late recordings she completed for EMI, such as the late LUCIA, believing the voice had passed its prime for reasons which exceeded pure use. What I do believe is that Callas was one of the most learned musicians, expert teachers and operatic interpreters of the twentieth century. I also think that for twenty good years, the voice was more beautiful than critics were willing to admit.

As for her theatrical abilities, I'm afraid we won't see the likes of her again. With the sole exception of the 12-minute French interview here, which is quite vapid (although Callas's coy demeanor is really charming) this is a presentation that will sweep you away from daily cares and worries. If you're familiar with Callas, your respect for her professional qualities will deepen. If you're less familiar, you will be sold. If you believe the crtical accolades have been overstated, only suggest you enjoy the sheer intelligence of this marvelous woman, who died far too early, but left much. A great DVD and a real service to all those who love vocal music.