I had a totally different idea in mind. I was going to present La Habanera from Bizet's Carmen from several different perspectives, and offer a poll.
Then I found La Callas:
I am sorry. NOTHING else at YT was as good. NOBODY could sing so well.
I bow at Callas's feet. She was brilliant. The hype around her was deserved.
I wish I could have seen her in a live performance.
Maria Callas, Commendatore OMRI[1] (Greek: Μαρία Κάλλας; December 2, 1923 – September 16, 1977) was an American-born Greek soprano and one of the most renowned and influential opera singers of the 20th century. Critics praised her bel canto technique, wide-ranging voice and dramatic gifts. Her repertoire ranged from classical opera seria to the bel canto operas of Donizetti, Bellini and Rossini; further, to the works of Verdi and Puccini; and, in her early career, to the music dramas of Wagner. Her musical and dramatic talents led to her being hailed as La Divina.
Born in New York City and raised by an overbearing mother, she received her musical education in Greece and established her career in Italy. Forced to deal with the exigencies of wartime poverty and with myopia that left her nearly blind onstage, she endured struggles and scandal over the course of her career.
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