This recording of Puccini's Madama Butterfly was made in cooperation with E.A. Teatro alla Scala, Milan, in August 1955.
Performer Biography
Maria Callas, who sings Madama Butterfly, had a long involvement with the role, including a student duet, a 1954 recording of two main arias, and three stage performances in Chicago in November 1955.
Recording & Production
The producer, Walter Legge, supported Maria Callas's artistic intentions with Herbert von Karajan's meticulously drilled and intentionally restrained conducting, and Nicolai Gedda's suave portrayal of Pinkerton.
Interpretation
Maria Callas aimed to portray the Japanese child bride authentically, even risking a lighter, child-like vocal timbre in Act I, which initially concerned critics.
Interpretation
Maria Callas's interpretation of 'Un bel dì' carefully distinguishes between passages sung by the progressively disillusioned adult and those by the still hopeful child.
Critical Reception
Early critics were disturbed by Maria Callas's vocal choices in this recording, particularly her use of a lighter, child-like timbre, with one critic stating, 'it is, miraculously, the 15-year-old girl and not the great Callas who stands before us'.
