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Thu, 01 Nov 2007

Callas

The obvious thing to talk about this month would be releases of various Pavaroti doings but it all seems a little distasteful as there's nothing new or even an excuse of something so it's a weeny bit tasteless.

We will do a little more diva though. Last month I mentioned the live-fast-die-young Spanish woman but to put a full stop behind it we need to mention Maria Callas. This month, for some reason, there are a few releases to do with her.

Callas was certainly a larger than life diva who nevertheless managed a reasonable life span. She captivated audiences and inspired a famous rivalry between the Greeks, Niarchos and Onassis. Onassis later moved on to Jackie Kennedy (what was she thinking?!).

There are a few books about her if you want to follow up on the personal side of things. I've picked her out however because EMI's 8 disc set Maria Callas: 8 Grand Operas, is quite a meaty collection rather than just being the usual scattered arias. There are roughly one hour (1 CD) selections from Bellini, Bizet, Donizetti, Puccini, and Verdi.

And now I see what the deal is - the 30th anniversary of her death. (Baron K)

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