As well as disco and post rock I love opera. I'm bit of a fan of Maria Callas as well (weight loss controversy aside).
I enjoy record collecting, hunting through the buckets and bins in record stores is a nice distraction from life.
I have a list (created with Gemini) of Maria Callas records that I am hunting for, I thought I'd share it in case anyone here wanted to start ether collecting records or listening to some of her recordings via streaming.
Here is the list!
1. "Tosca" (Puccini) – 1953 Recording, EMI/Columbia
• Conducted by Victor de Sabata, with Giuseppe di Stefano and Tito Gobbi.
• This is the definitive Tosca — her voice is electric here.
2. "La Traviata" (Verdi) – 1958, EMI
• With Cesare Valletti and Ettore Bastianini.
• A breathtaking interpretation, emotionally raw and tender.
3. "Norma" (Bellini) – 1954 or 1960 Recordings, EMI
• Either pressing is worth having. The 1954 version is fiery; the 1960 more refined and tragic.
4. "Lucia di Lammermoor" (Donizetti) – 1953, EMI
• Features her in one of her most dramatic roles — she gives Lucia psychological depth.
5. "Carmen" (Bizet) – 1964, EMI
• A rare, sultry take on Carmen; fascinating to hear Callas embody that kind of energy.
6. "The Callas Concerts – Hamburg 1959" (Live)
• Beautiful live collection, full of warmth and command.
7. "Callas: A Portrait" – EMI Compilation (1960s)
• Great starter record with selections from her most iconic arias.
