I started the new year with listening to some of Maria Callas' opera performances.
Her voice was perhaps, not the greatest, but her stage appearance was majestic, dramatic, and her smile - fascinating! Maria Callas, the famous american born, of greek descent, opera soprano , had a vast classical repertoire which included operas of Verdi, Puccini, Donizetti, Bellini etc.. brilliantly performed by her.
I often watch the youtube video with Callas in the Habanera aria from the opera Carmen by Bizet. It' s a treat; it gives me so much pleasure to see her and listen to her interpretation! ('habanera' is a cuban popular dance).
Her untimely death (at 53) was a big loss to the opera world. They said she died of a 'broken heart'. Her lover, Onassis, the shipping magnate, dumped her for Jackie Kennedy.
According to letters found after her death, it would appear that she was abused by both, the ex- italian husband Giovani Meneghini , and by her greek lover Aristotle Onassis. It was believed that unlike on stage, in her private life she was a somewhat submissive person, and submissiveness usually attracts abusers.
The word has it that she was abused even by her parents! Who would have thought that about the greatest soprano of the 20th century!?
Her voice is a treasure for the world.
ReplyDeleteIndeed, it is Marie.
DeleteI remember reading about her back then
ReplyDeleteShe died in 1977. During her last years she lived in Paris somewhat isolated from social contacts. However, I suppose there was always something to read about her in the newspapers.
DeleteOpera singing is a beautiful gift.
ReplyDeleteThat's right, Nancy.Opera singing is the highest form of art: it tells a story in a complex form using music, theater, dance, costumes
Deleteshe had an incredible voice... so magic,
ReplyDelete...and an exceptional belle canto technique!
DeleteSuch a great post. I am so glad you are remembering her. Some would say, "Oh, it was another world back then." Yet some things don't change. And some people can hide it for so well.
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year! I hope it's a wonderful new year for you!
Thank you. Yes some things in life are classics, never change, like her music.
DeleteA Happy, wonderful New Year to you too, Ellie!
I am not a huge opera fan but I always admired Callas' remarkable voice. It's sad that her personal story wasn't as glorious as her storied career. Happy New Year, Duta. May it be filled with wonderful music.
ReplyDeleteShe was world widely admired for her opera music performances. The personal side of her story was indeed, less glorious.
DeleteWishing you the very Best in 2023, Jeanie!
She had a very famous voice. How sad that her personal life held such misery. Happy New Year, Duta.
ReplyDeleteThere was a time in her life when she had to loose weight , and the diet had some unfavorable impact on her voice. Still, to this day she's considered the greatest.
DeleteHappy New Year to you too, Lorrie!
Incredibly sad for such a talented woman. Happy wishes for you this year...
ReplyDeleteBehind all the glamor, there was sadness. Talent doesn't grant us happiness.
DeleteBest wishes in the new year, for you too!
So sad to read about this wonderful singer. Thanks for sharing. Janice
ReplyDeleteWhen we listen to her voice and see her smile, or body language, we forget about sadness, Janice.
DeleteThanks for introducing a great singer
ReplyDeleteThank you for reading and leaving a comment.
DeleteWhat talent.
ReplyDeletewww.rsrue.blogspot.com
Yes, what talent, indeed, Regine.
DeleteMaria Callas was brilliant. I know about her involvement with Onassis. I remember reading that her life had been difficult and there were rumours that she had quite a temper. I don’t remember reading what kind of problems she had when she was growing up.
ReplyDeleteI feel like listening to her on YouTube this very moment. : )
Brilliant, yes. Onassis intrigues me. Both Maria Callas and Jackie Kennedy had enough money, so what was it about Onassis that made them fall into his charms?
DeleteShe was magnificent. I still have, amongst my collection of CDs, one cherished one of hers.
ReplyDeleteYou CD of her performances is a treasure worth keeping and enjoying.
DeleteI remember the scandals of "THE CALLAS" also called the "Tigress" She had a beautiful voice unfortunately when she had lost 36 kg from her 90 kg weight, she lost a bit of her voice quality. Anyway she had been very lunatic and even when Onassis was with Jacqueline Kennedy they still met as "secret lovers" ! I don't think that she was an abused woman, more the opposite. She dated Onassis because he was so rich, and she knew that the top of her glory was reached !
ReplyDeleteYou're right about her diet, Gattina. It affected her vocal cords, and her voice declined in quality, according to musical critics of that time.
DeleteShe does have a very pretty voice.
ReplyDeleteShe had it all: voice, technique, smile, figure.
DeleteBoa tarde minha querida amiga. Dicas maravilhosas. Voz única e incrível. Bom final de semana.
ReplyDelete''unique and amazing'' - that's Maria Callas.
DeleteA good weekend to you too, Luiz!
A beautiful voice. I think famous people are people as well and also have problems like that in their life
ReplyDeleteHi Marja. That's correct - even famous people go through problems and crises.
DeleteHappy New Year to you!
She had a beautiful voice.
ReplyDeleteI don't know very much about her personal life.
I hope you are enjoying your January days.
All the best Jan
She had a complex life both pofessionally and personally.
DeleteYes, I do enjoy my January days. The weather is OK, and that makes things smooth and pleasant.
HI Duta, Happy New Year! I just listened to the song, very beautiful and dramatic. The background you give on her life makes me think of your previous post, how people endure things and come out strong.
ReplyDeleteAbundant blessings to you in the New Year! Chazak! Be strong! and may we strengthen one another through our encouragements and sharing! ❤️
I love you Shayndel, you and your comments. Wishing you the very Best in the New Year!
DeleteThank you. I receive the blessings!
ReplyDeletePS I love you too, Duta, you and your comments and your 💛 of love
That is so terribly sad to read!
ReplyDeleteThere's often sadness behind glamor. The other two people in the triangle, Jackie Kennedy and Aristotle Onassis had also some tragedies in their lives.
Delete