DW: Maria Callas: biography of the legendary opera singer – Music Documentary

Nov 28, 2021

Maria Callas, nicknamed ‘La Divina’, was arguably the most famous soprano of the 20th century. The music documentary Maria Callas: Life and Art (1987) looks at the great singer as a person, pays tribute to her vocal artistry and her talent for distinctive portrayal of dramatic roles.

The biographical film, produced and directed by Alan Lewens and Alastair Mitchell, was released in 1987 – ten years after Callas’ death. In extensive interviews, friends and companions describe how they saw her, and the diva herself even has her say in archive footage. And in between there are rare original excerpts from her breathtaking singing performances. In this way, the film creates a portrait of the legendary singer, who was torn between private and artistic ambitions.

Maria Callas (1923 – 1977) was frenetically acclaimed and even revered as a goddess by many, while others criticized her harshly for her less-than-perfect singing. This documentary pays tribute to the life and art of the soprano beyond clichés and judgements. A must-see for all fans of Callas, and for all opera fans.

At a glance: (00:00) Giacomo Puccini: Tosca (1964) (05:33) Maria Callas interviewed (07:11) Maria Callas interviewed (13:24) Maria Callas interviewed (14:19) Maria Callas interviewed (17:39) Giuseppe Verdi: The Sicilian Vespers (23:38) Vincenzo Bellini: Norma (1955) (25:37) Luigi Cherubini: Medea (1953) (31:27) Giuseppe Verdi: La Traviata (33:21) Gioachino Rossini: Il barbiere di Siviglia (39:32) Maria Callas interviewed (41:17) Maria Callas interviewed (48:10) Bizet: Carmen (1962) (49:43) Maria Callas interviewed (50:40) Giacomo Puccini: Tosca (1964) (53:02) Giacomo Puccini: Tosca (1964) (56:11) Maria Callas interviewed (59:30) Maria Callas as a teacher at the Juilliard School, New York (1:02:39) Maria Callas interviewed (1:04:12) Maria Callas with Giuseppe Di Stefano in Japan (1:07:00) Maria Callas with Giuseppe Di Stefano in Japan