Maria Callas - Opera Arias & Scenes

Advantages: Arguably the best cast for this opera on disc
Disadvantages: Some fans do not take to Callas' voice and the sound is old and mono

...This is probably the single finest recording of Giacomo Puccini's opera "TOSCA". The combination of quality singers, a great conductor and an excellent orchestra make this a very worthwhile version to own. Maria Callas, that most controversial of sopranos, is famed for her portrayal as Floria Tosca with this arguably being the finer of her two 'official' recordings of the work. In 1953 when this was recorded Callas was arguably at her finest with a big strong voice full of colour and without some of those infamous wiry high notes. She seems aware of all the different facets of her character and this makes for an exciting and interesting listen - compare the full voice screams and drama during her confrontation with Tito Gobbi's unsurpassed Baron Scarpia and the muted, tender "Vissi d'arte" one of the most beautiful arias in all opera... Read review

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Advantages: The most beautiful voice ever
Disadvantages: She's not very well known

...average opera singer she has been described as a pop soprano and has been compared to Celine Dion and Maddona . But I think this does her an injustice for her voice is quite incomparable and unique. Her mission is to open the world of opera, which she adores alongside modern music, to a wider and younger audience. True opera buffs may not like the way she transforms the arias nor the use of synthesisers and the reworkings of such classics. But I personally would like to see more of this type of innovative arrangement – it is very refreshing. In addition to the operatic arias there are also three songs composed by Francesco Sartori especially for Filippa: You are the one (sotto le stelle), dissonanze (mondo trash) and Maria (by the sea) which is a tribute to Maria Callas. When I first got the album I didn’t like the songs sung... Read review

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Advantages: about equal!
Disadvantages: high price of the Sutherland set

...Keen opera fans may sometimes be puzzled by the choice available on the shelves of the larger record shops, especially when trying to compare two stellar casts. Bellini's last (and arguably greatest) opera, I Puritani, is a case in point, with recordings by Callas and Sutherland heading the list. Personally I bought both, to avoid having to choose, but each has it's merits. Callas, as always, brings greater warmth and fire to the usually pallid role of Elvira, but Sutherland's effortless roulades and trills are a joy to hear, and a young Pavarotti has a flawless technique in the infamous tenor role which defeated Caruso, complete with a hair-raising top F in his final aria. The Sutherland set also avoids the cuts made in the earlier recording, but is handicapped by Decca's greedy pricing - still at full-price after 30 years? Come on... Read review

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