Maria Callas / Jürgen Kesting ; translated by John Hunt.
| Author/creator | Kesting, Jürgen |
| Format | Book |
| Publication Info | Boston : Northeastern University Press, 1993. |
| Description | xvi, 416 pages : illustrations ; 24 cm |
| Subjects |
| Uniform title | Maria Callas. English |
| Abstract | Maria and Megaera or Callas as symbolic figure -- The one and only -- The paradox of expression or the beautiful and ugly voice -- Maria Callas and the opera world of the 1950s -- Apprenticeship. A stolen childhood ; More than a teacher: Elvira de Hidalgo ; Entr'acte in New York -- The years of travel. Meneghini ; Début in Verona ; Ambizioso spirto ; High-flying in Mexico -- Queen of La Scala. The best singer on the Italian stage ; Theatre for the imagination ; Music, drama and movement ; Début in the United States ; Callas and Visconti or art over art -- The descent to fame. Scandal in Chicago ; Callas at the met or the splendid disaster -- Prima Donna without a hoe. 'Giudici! ad Anna' or the role of scandal ; Condemned to success ; The break with the met ; The voice gives out -- Callas and the consequences. Artificial singing ; The riches of this world and their splendor -- Epilogue. Fear of the trapeze ; New attacks ; Deceptive hopes -- Prima Donna, artist, woman. Vissi d'arte or torture the heroine ; Oro posso morir ; The janus head -- Singing for imagination. Maria Callas and her records ; Ah, quale voce ; Bel canto and Verdi ; Wagner transformed ; Moment of fulfillment : Callas in concert ; The first important performances ; Bel canto and verismo ; Lady Macbeth at La Scala ; The birth of the legend or the second existence ; Tosca, or the technical work of art ; The tears of understanding ; Media, or the voice of the Abyss ; Rosina, Fiorilla or a vocal witticism ; Lady Macbeth, or the infernal voice ; Romantic heroines, or voices of madness ; Late recitals, or the luck of sadness ; Triumphs ; Wrested triumphs ; Addio del passato |
| Abstract | An incisive and engaging study of operatic star Maria Callas that examines her important contributions to 20th century opera. Rather than delving into Callas's often described temperament, slimming cure, cancellations, Onassis affair (all are here relegated to their rightful place as mere incidentals), the biographer focuses instead on the qualities that made Callas an interpreter of the front rank. He analyzes with searching insight the wealth of recorded documentation from official and unofficial sources and quotes from authorities and eyewitnesses such as John Ardoin, Andrew Porter, and Henry Wisneski. Special attention is paid to the men who helped mold her state and studio performances--Visconti, Zeffirelli, Legge and the like. |
| Bibliography note | Discography: pages 376-384. |
| Bibliography note | Includes bibliographical references and index. |
| LCCN | 93001757 |
| ISBN | 1555531792 : |