Maria callas

Cecil Beaton. Maria Callas. 1956. Gelatin silver print. 10 11/16 × 9 3/16" (27.1 × 23.3 cm). Gift of Thomas Walther. 188.1994. © 2024 Estate of Cecil Beaton. Photography

Writes Marion Lignana Rosenberg on Maria Callas’ early-1960s recording of Giuseppe Verdi’s “Ave Maria”: Verdi’s Otello had little importance in Maria Callas’s career. She recorded the “Willow Song” and “Ave Maria” for EMI in Paris in 1963 ... Her rendition of Verdi’s “Ave Maria” is simple and inward, as befits this beautiful aria. The orchestra is led by Nicola Rescigno. Ave Maria, overflowing with grace, Blessed be the fruit of thy womb. Blessed are you above all women for delivering to us…

Maria Callas - Traviata (London, 1958)

La Divina. She wore Lanvin and Dior, custom-made Alexandre de Paris wigs, and was lavished with Cartier jewels. Her offstage wardrobe was by Biki of Milan, the granddaughter of Puccini. It was an altogether chic and distant persona.

Maria Callas and toy poodle!

These revealing photos of Maria Callas show the soprano in relaxed and playful mood while on holiday in Ischia in 1956, and in Palm Beach in 1974. They are included in the new book The Definitive Maria Callas: The Life of a Diva in Unseen Pictures, published by ROADS Publishing (buy from Amazon). All of the images come from the Marzotto Archive Collection.

Maria Callas - Violetta (Dallas, 1958)

“@MisterPreda Marilyn wore it better! This should be in a museum and not on her.”

Maria Callas - Tosca (London, 1964)