Product Description

Studio: Emi Music Distribution Release Date: 03/17/2006

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #40238 in DVD
• Brand: EMI
• Released on: 2004-05-04
• Rating: NR (Not Rated)
• Aspect ratio: 1.33:1
• Formats: Classical, Color, DVD, NTSC
• Original language: English, French, German, Spanish
• Number of discs: 1
• Running time: 119 minutes

Amazon.com
The Callas Conversations offers some rare and fascinating glimpses of Maria Callas, whose life and art are well-documented by books and records but less so in video formats. What is documented here is mostly Callas as an interview subject, not Callas as an operatic actress who transfixed audiences with her visual presence. The two 1968 BBC interviews are her most important appearances on television. Her conversations with George Lascelles, 7th Earl of Harewood, a dominant figure in English opera, and a friendly, knowledgeable interviewer, put her completely at ease. They discuss her early career (as Isolde and Brunnhilde, believe it or not), her conversion to bel canto, conductor Tullio Serafin who was her mentor, her vocal style, and her (often surprising) views on her best-known roles. Samples of her singing are scattered through the interviews in audio recordings artfully linked with still photos.

Also included (in French with subtitles) are her 1965 interview with critic and organist Bernard Gavoty and three arias ("Adieu, notre petite table," "Ah, non credea mirarti," and "O mio babbino caro") in concert performances conducted by Georges Pretre. This segment is more formal and less revealing than the Harewood conversations but worth seeing. The arias are well-sung concert performances, out of costume and with minimal acting except for facial expressions. --Joe McLellan

Customer Reviews

An Honest Revelation
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.

grand and irreplaceable
I've watched these Lord Harewood interviews of Callas many times, each time startled by some point, some gesture I'd missed before. Callas is a vessel of fire when she speaks about Art, incendiary and completely vital. One quickly starts to feel keenly the modesty she possessed, owning her workman's ethic for the noble component it is. By that alone, every viewing of the Conversations is an invigorating experience. Harewood's interested courtliness, washed innocent by instinctive intelligence and by a real love for opera, is an important element. His steadiness throughout proves Maria's clear trust in him. Callas' depth of understanding of her art manifests over and again. In extras, her 60's French TV interview with Bernard Gavoty turns almost whimsical with the enthusiasm of them both. Maria's gifted intelligence entices as her youthful Hepburnesque face enchants, in almost daring television lights. Her command of French clicks in impeccably, and matches her English manner of speaking with a measured, forthright cadence, but with a wry coquettishness that would disarm Hannibal. And a shamelessly intense young Callas sings 'Mio babbino caro' with a freedom and elan to make you stand up and cheer. This is a documentary adventure with serious underpinnings, and as significant a witness to the inherent truth of Art as we're ever likely to find. Pure satisfaction to the max.

MUST HAVE THIS DVD
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!