The Immortal Callas

Dec 26, 2024

I spent yesterday reminiscing over a long letter about Maria Callas that I wrote to my astrological mentor, Ivy Jacobson, back in the 1970s. Loosely quoted, a commentator divided the operatic world into “before Callas and after Callas” which is perhaps not quite fair; but it is true that she brought acting into opera in the best of the ancient Greek tradition of theater.

Her immortality can be gauged by the number of films made about her, including the new one starring Angelina Jolie as Callas.

The above link, surely not for everyone, contains a reverent analysis of her unique style, using one of my favorite arias as an example. I don’t actually think any comments are necessary on my part, but with all the emphasis now on frequency and sound, some subscribers may want to probe what makes some music live forever and why.

All this said, I have posted quite a lot on the story line of operas. It is probably fair to say that before Verdi, many composers just wrote music and many singers seemed to read the music but not the libretto. This might not have been entirely true, but as one excellent pianist said to me, “I can’t tell whether they are going to war or courting.” Bel canto is particularly guilty of this tendency, but when the lyrics are merged with the music, magic can occur.

Norma is a Druid priestess living under Roman occupation . . . and is secretly involved with the Roman proconsul with whom she has two children. She lives in a tightly bound traditional community wherein she has betrayed her vows and yet appears without taint despite her inner conflicts, perfect role for La Callas!

Chaste goddess, who dost bathe in silver light
These ancient, hallowed trees,
Turn thy fair face upon us,
Unveiled and unclouded...
Temper thou the burning hearts,
The excessive zeal of thy people.
Enfold the earth in that sweet peace
Which, through Thee, reigns in heaven....
The holy rites are ended.
From the sacred wood
Let every unbeliever go.
When God, in his dark anger,
Shall demand the Romans' blood,
Then from the Druid temple
My voice will thunder forth.
Yes, he shall fall.
I can punish him -
(But my heart can never do it.)

(Ah! bring back to me
The beauty of our first love.
Then, against the world itself
I shall be your defense.
Ah! Bring back to me
The peace and warmth of love,
And in that love I shall find again
Life, fatherland and heaven itself!)
(Ah, be once more as you were
When first I gave my heart to you!)

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