Christ, the way that Maria gives a dozen new meanings to what it means to be a phenomenal singer, performer, musician… the pianissimo is so free, the rubato so controlled, the quick flute-like dispatches done almost mechanically… the upper register is so weightless but so well-supported, the chest voice is so dense and cavernous; the staccato, trills, legato done perfectly… the coloration of the voice is done so tactfully; always with consideration to how it must grade into the next feeling. Every cubic millimeter of air in her lungs is predestined, it’s just otherworldly. I blame (and thank) you for this obsession
Trieste November 1953. First time singing with Corelli, she was just a few days short of her 30th birthday. If I am not mistaken she sang Norma on two consecutive nights. The high D6 at the end of the duet is astonishing!
What a HUGE Voice!! And from the low to high Notes she almost get the recordings mics off!!! So so powerful! Not to talk about the technique! Callas the only Norma!!!
She was the only one that sung as if speaking! All embellishments are within the vocal line and along with the music line. Not separate entities but a whole. The embellishments are there just to empathize the words, they are not by any means artificial things or demonstrative ones. I think this is what all other singers don’t get that they need virtuosity but not to show off but to do justice to the composer and his music!
So true, somewhat emulating Flaubert‘s dictum, yet with tones and phrasing instead of words and sentences, she used not one too much and none too less and each and any in its perfect place
@@purisermonisamator Not sure you’ve asked me. But yes I’ve heard several recordings by Chaliapin. And yes Chaliapin and also Caruso had a similar natural presence and - so to say - parsimonious opulence and precision as Callas had
@@purisermonisamator LOL If you would be Colombo, I would pretend not to understand your question. But since luckily for me you aren’t Colombo I will explain. ‚Parsimonious Opulence‘ was intentionally meant to be a seeming contradiction in terms or at least a somewhat paradoxical expression, it could also be paraphrased as ‚frugal extravagance‘ and it actually means a combination of being very controlled and at the same time very daring or courageous. It’s not a real contradiction, but in the first moment it appears to be one. And it is a characteristic of very great singers. They don’t produce one note too much and none too less
@@purisermonisamator let me propose a little modification or rephrasing of Aristotle‘s statement. I would say: ‚the superior performance, habit, action etc. tends to be a balanced one. And this is the case for all mentioned singer here, they are balanced with respect to their performances yet without becoming boring or ordinary. All the mentioned ones also had been very intelligent each of them in a very particular way. There are quite a lot of vocally more beautiful sopranos than Callas, but none of them come close to her highly intelligent understanding of how to express the composer’s views and intentions
@@purisermonisamator despite your denial it seems a bit of Colombo is in your … mind. But you’re a good detective I actually live in Germany. What made you suspect that this is the case? And BTW something makes me suspect you may be Russian?
Anger, sadness, disappointment, and even affection despite the anger - all seem to be wrapped up in Callas’ sound. The effect is devastating - thank you. This should be played at every singing class at every conservatory. That said, I don’t believe this can be taught. Of course, she is singing with two Titans. Reminds me of majestic waves crashing against rocks.
These were Callas’ best vocal years, no soprano could touch her, she had the power, refinement, and had a slue vocal characters at her disposal. Brava Callas!!!
Будем же благодарны и творцу и создателю этой потрясающей красоты, благодаря которому могли творить и блистать все вокальные знаменитости и гении последующих поколений, - Винченцо Беллини!
Considering the state of this world a desert island seems to be the appropriate retreat for God. And your recommended choice of music would fit HIS Allmighty and Allknowing … nature
yes Ebe was a real dramatico d'agilita mezzo although she always skipped Adalgisa's C6s perhaps because she was too old at time... the truly FULL Adalgisa both in dramatic and in top notes terms (blasting C6s) was Simionato... that is why Callas had noticed that audience should appreciate the enormous C6s of Simionato
@@LohengrinO Simionato was in the end the preferred Callas female companion in most roles. But to me Ebe was her best Adalgisa just as Dominguez was her best Amneris. Sadly she sung practically no other roles with any of them, but thankfully she had Simionato who was a masterpiece of a singer in her own right
I've always wondered at what point does a voice's natural, almost terminal sumptuosness, elemental strength and sheer inexhaustibility become unfair for all other singers... I think this is it.
When listening to this kind of recordings, I’ve always wondered if the public there, were really aware they were witnessing a historic moment. Lucky people!
The only things I have read is that Franco Corelli and Maria Callas were perfectionists so they would have wanted to meet the expectations of the other. As Norma is the main role Maria Callas was justified to ensure her voice was strong and heard when singing with the others.
Искусство бессмертно. Такая красота, раз прозвучав, уже изменяет мир и, пусть на миллиметр, отдаляет его от звериного царства и приближает его к царству небесному.
The perfection of Callas' vocal line here is astonishing. Her attacks, her coloratura di forza, the shading of her tone, her vocal colours, her diction create a formidable character. I don't agree with those who think this is not a subtle assumption. It is a more heroic and majestic assumption than her later ones, but not less subtle.
@@purisermonisamator I learned russian in school and practice it with russian friends living in Norway. I try to visit St. Petersburg every fall, but with covid_19 and the war against Ukraina, it is impossible for me this year too. Too bad, I love St. Petersburg, it is the most beautiful city in Europe.
Existen muy pocas Normas en la actualidad que lleguen a niveles épicos de canto e interpretación. Es por eso que esta mujer es inmortal y Divina. Gracias Lohengrin O. Saludos cordiales desde Santiago de Chile. Dr.Fernando Rivas-Burattini. 🤝👏👏👏💐✝️🙏✝️🇨🇱🇨🇱.
@@LohengrinO and somewhere in the comments to another video I read about a chorus lady in Medea (also at La Scala, I think) who instead of walking off the stage when she was supposed to, stood there, rooted to the spot. I can absolutely understand. I would probably have reacted in the same way...
The effortlessness in this whole trio - especially notably during the final high D - was a result of “Extreme Diligence”. One should diligently train himself to sing with AN OPEN THROAT.
Voleva essere unica e ci e riuscita prendete 10 bellissime voci e dire chi è che canta? se tra queste c e la anche lei in la riconoscete immediatamente!
Um ser humano assustador e perene! Um Ode ao Supremo !!
An Ode to the Supreme... indeed
The most powerful soprano + the most powerful tenor + the most powerful mezzo soprano
Elena isnt very audible here, is she? :D
@@LohengrinOhehe
Christ, the way that Maria gives a dozen new meanings to what it means to be a phenomenal singer, performer, musician… the pianissimo is so free, the rubato so controlled, the quick flute-like dispatches done almost mechanically… the upper register is so weightless but so well-supported, the chest voice is so dense and cavernous; the staccato, trills, legato done perfectly… the coloration of the voice is done so tactfully; always with consideration to how it must grade into the next feeling. Every cubic millimeter of air in her lungs is predestined, it’s just otherworldly. I blame (and thank) you for this obsession
Еlena Nicolai e un genio del canto!
No one, absolutely no one, before and after La Divina. Great thunder voice ❤❤❤
Два огромных вокальных гения - Мария Каллас и Франко Корелли!
Trieste November 1953. First time singing with Corelli, she was just a few days short of her 30th birthday. If I am not mistaken she sang Norma on two consecutive nights. The high D6 at the end of the duet is astonishing!
she drowns Corelli and completely obliterates Nicolai (inaudible there)
What a HUGE Voice!! And from the low to high Notes she almost get the recordings mics off!!! So so powerful! Not to talk about the technique! Callas the only Norma!!!
She was the only one that sung as if speaking! All embellishments are within the vocal line and along with the music line. Not separate entities but a whole. The embellishments are there just to empathize the words, they are not by any means artificial things or demonstrative ones. I think this is what all other singers don’t get that they need virtuosity but not to show off but to do justice to the composer and his music!
So true, somewhat emulating Flaubert‘s dictum, yet with tones and phrasing instead of words and sentences, she used not one too much and none too less and each and any in its perfect place
@@purisermonisamator Not sure you’ve asked me. But yes I’ve heard several recordings by Chaliapin. And yes Chaliapin and also Caruso had a similar natural presence and - so to say - parsimonious opulence and precision as Callas had
@@purisermonisamator LOL If you would be Colombo, I would pretend not to understand your question. But since luckily for me you aren’t Colombo I will explain. ‚Parsimonious Opulence‘ was intentionally meant to be a seeming contradiction in terms or at least a somewhat paradoxical expression, it could also be paraphrased as ‚frugal extravagance‘ and it actually means a combination of being very controlled and at the same time very daring or courageous. It’s not a real contradiction, but in the first moment it appears to be one. And it is a characteristic of very great singers. They don’t produce one note too much and none too less
@@purisermonisamator let me propose a little modification or rephrasing of Aristotle‘s statement. I would say: ‚the superior performance, habit, action etc. tends to be a balanced one.
And this is the case for all mentioned singer here, they are balanced with respect to their performances yet without becoming boring or ordinary. All the mentioned ones also had been very intelligent each of them in a very particular way. There are quite a lot of vocally more beautiful sopranos than Callas, but none of them come close to her highly intelligent understanding of how to express the composer’s views and intentions
@@purisermonisamator despite your denial it seems a bit of Colombo is in your … mind. But you’re a good detective I actually live in Germany. What made you suspect that this is the case?
And BTW something makes me suspect you may be Russian?
Anger, sadness, disappointment, and even affection despite the anger - all seem to be wrapped up in Callas’ sound. The effect is devastating - thank you. This should be played at every singing class at every conservatory. That said, I don’t believe this can be taught.
Of course, she is singing with two Titans. Reminds me of majestic waves crashing against rocks.
These were Callas’ best vocal years, no soprano could touch her, she had the power, refinement, and had a slue vocal characters at her disposal. Brava Callas!!!
Ma un trio di questa immensa levatura quando maI lo sentiremo più....😢
Будем же благодарны и творцу и создателю этой потрясающей красоты, благодаря которому могли творить и блистать все вокальные знаменитости и гении последующих поколений, - Винченцо Беллини!
Her high notes have given me goosebumps for thirty years.
Like Pippo said, “she was the queen of opera.” Period.
I never get over how easily Callas incorporates the C6s into the coloratura phrases. She sings them as if they were very middle voice.
The Norma production that God himself would choose for his desert island recordings list. The ultimate dream cast for this most incredible opera!
Considering the state of this world a desert island seems to be the appropriate retreat for God. And your recommended choice of music would fit HIS Allmighty and Allknowing … nature
Although to me Callas’ best Adalgisa will remain Ebe Stignani. Maybe it could havd been Oralia Dominguez but they never sung Norma together
yes Ebe was a real dramatico d'agilita mezzo although she always skipped Adalgisa's C6s perhaps because she was too old at time... the truly FULL Adalgisa both in dramatic and in top notes terms (blasting C6s) was Simionato... that is why Callas had noticed that audience should appreciate the enormous C6s of Simionato
@@LohengrinO Simionato was in the end the preferred Callas female companion in most roles. But to me Ebe was her best Adalgisa just as Dominguez was her best Amneris. Sadly she sung practically no other roles with any of them, but thankfully she had Simionato who was a masterpiece of a singer in her own right
I've always wondered at what point does a voice's natural, almost terminal sumptuosness, elemental strength and sheer inexhaustibility become unfair for all other singers... I think this is it.
All time favorite role. So Callas! No one can sing it. Never will. 😢
When listening to this kind of recordings, I’ve always wondered if the public there, were really aware they were witnessing a historic moment. Lucky people!
I agree with you. I don't know if you have heard the duet between Violetta and Germont with Kallas and Bastianini. Madamigella Valery
@@λιληλιλη-ε5θ I’ve just listened to it. Quite impressive. Thank you very much.
The only things I have read is that Franco Corelli and Maria Callas were perfectionists so they would have wanted to meet the expectations of the other. As Norma is the main role Maria Callas was justified to ensure her voice was strong and heard when singing with the others.
Amazing, wondering how would it feel to be there … she is not just “the best Norma” she IS Norma! Thanks for sharing!
Искусство бессмертно. Такая красота, раз прозвучав, уже изменяет мир и, пусть на миллиметр, отдаляет его от звериного царства и приближает его к царству небесному.
The Greatest Soprano and Actor of all time.
Brynjar Hoff
You can't get better than this
The perfection of Callas' vocal line here is astonishing. Her attacks, her coloratura di forza, the shading of her tone, her vocal colours, her diction create a formidable character.
I don't agree with those who think this is not a subtle assumption. It is a more heroic and majestic assumption than her later ones, but not less subtle.
Phenomenal. Words can not do it justice.
One can't help but be in awe . Thank you Lohengrin.
Sounding like gods!! Magnificent. Thank you!
My English fails me to express how much I adore this.
@@purisermonisamator Posjalsta!!
@@purisermonisamator Spasiba nitchivå
@@purisermonisamator Norweskaja 💕
@@purisermonisamator I learned russian in school and practice it with russian friends living in Norway. I try to visit St. Petersburg every fall, but with covid_19 and the war against Ukraina, it is impossible for me this year too. Too bad, I love St. Petersburg, it is the most beautiful city in Europe.
@@purisermonisamator You can learn. ;)
Existen muy pocas Normas en la actualidad que lleguen a niveles épicos de canto e interpretación. Es por eso que esta mujer es inmortal y Divina.
Gracias Lohengrin O.
Saludos cordiales desde Santiago de Chile.
Dr.Fernando Rivas-Burattini.
🤝👏👏👏💐✝️🙏✝️🇨🇱🇨🇱.
Truly she was an operatic monster. Bava!
Enactment of her (human) soul sung all out loud - I'm the one. 'Callas has no rivals ' as she used to think.. and say
she did consider dame Joan's Lucia fabulous though
Every time I hear Callas unleash her fury I think it's a minor miracle her partners were not just stunned into silence...
I was reading the other day that one chorus lady started crying in Maria's 55 Visconti Traviata...
@@LohengrinO and somewhere in the comments to another video I read about a chorus lady in Medea (also at La Scala, I think) who instead of walking off the stage when she was supposed to, stood there, rooted to the spot. I can absolutely understand. I would probably have reacted in the same way...
@@LohengrinO who wouldn't - that performance is heartbreaking in every act
This is *Not* Ópera ...
... this is *Operfection*
Title doesn't serve justice to my favourite mezzo, Elena.
Ι also cannot particularly hear her in the entire Ensemble... alas... Giulietta, Ebe...
En sus años de juventud es y siempre sera la mejor en mi opinion ... Bravissima 👏🏻💯❤
Early Callas greatest Voice o all times
❤❤❤😊😊😊❤❤❤
Phenomenal!
The effortlessness in this whole trio - especially notably during the final high D - was a result of “Extreme Diligence”.
One should diligently train himself to sing with AN OPEN THROAT.
Maria Callas.... = Señora hermosa 😍
Μαγική παράσταση, με μια Κάλλας πάνω από τ ανθρώπινα!!
Incredible!
Awesome!
Voleva essere unica e ci e riuscita prendete 10 bellissime voci e dire chi è che canta? se tra queste c e la anche lei in la riconoscete immediatamente!
Мария Каллас и Франко Корелли великие вокалисты!!!!👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏💐💐💐💐💐💐💐💐💐💐
Elena Nicolai zero, nothing, invisible?
Здесь тенор Франко Корелли.
Clash of the Titans!!!!
Énorme !
#811- #816 Callas solid here up top.
When and where was this astounding singing?
@James Alison
Trieste, 1953.
@@joselatorre1696 ¡Muchas gracias!
Trieste November 1953; l believe she sang the role on two consecutive nights on that occasion, can you imagine!
@@philipc67 In Trieste she sang FOUR times Norma on november 19, 22, 23 and 29. This enregistrement comes from the first performance.
@@joselatorre1696 wasn't that her first Norma?
Wonderful! Year?
Quando Callas canta todo mundo calla !!
😢😢
why are there no videos?
There are fragments
Is that Tulio in the picture? It doesn't look like him.
Antonino Votto
@@albatross1996 Oh, thank you. I don't think I had ever seen his picture before. Thanks again.
What year?
Yet Corelli poses quite a challenge
6:57 8:05