Maria Callas, born on December 2, 1923, and passed away on September 16, 1977, was an American-born Greek soprano who transformed the landscape of opera with her extraordinary vocal range and dramatic intensity. Often referred to as "La Divina," her talent and dedication established her as one of the most renowned opera singers of the 20th century. Noted particularly for her revival of Bel Canto repertoire, Callas's voice was marked by its versatility, able to handle the demands of roles such as Violetta in Verdi's "La traviata," the title role in Puccini's "Tosca," and Norma in Bellini's "Norma," which became signature parts of her repertoire.
Callas's stage presence was as commanding as her voice, imbued with an emotional rawness that connected deeply with audiences. Throughout the 1950s and 1960s, her performances were events that brought her international acclaim, but she was also known for a tempestuous personal life and a vulnerability that endeared her to the public. Her work extended beyond the traditional opera stages, reaching wider audiences through recordings of her performances, which remain touchstones of operatic excellence. Even after her death, Maria Callas continues to be the benchmark against which all other sopranos are judged, her recordings a testament to a talent that remains as moving and powerful today as it was in her lifetime.
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