Maria Callas
Maria Callas
Maria Callas, Commendatore OMRI, was a Greek-American soprano, and one of the most renowned and influential opera singers of the 20th century. Many critics praised her bel canto technique, wide-ranging voice and dramatic interpretations. Her repertoire ranged from classical opera seria to the bel canto operas of Donizetti, Bellini and Rossini and 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...
NationalityGreek
ProfessionOpera Singer
Date of Birth2 December 1923
CityNew York City, NY
First I lost weight, then I lost my voice, and now I've lost Onassis.
The public is a monster and that is why I am not eager to return to the stage.
On stage, I am in the dark.
Only my dogs will not betray me.
When the curtain rises, the only thing that speaks is courage.
Don't come to me with your troubles. I have to work for my money and you are young enough to work too. If you can't make enough money to live on you can jump out of the window or drown yourself.
Paris dictates fashion to the whole world.
I cannot switch my voice. My voice is not like an elevator going up and down.
[During fee negotiations for singing in Vienna:] I'm not interested in money, but it must be more than anyone else gets.
When music fails to agree to the ear, to soothe the ear and the heart and the senses, then it has missed the point.
I admire Tebaldi's tone; it's beautiful - also some beautiful phrasing. Sometimes, I actually wish I had her voice.
There must be a law against forcing children to perform at an early age. Children should have a wonderful childhood. They should not be given too much responsibility.
Good teachers make the best of a pupil's means; great teachers foresee a pupil's ends.
First I lost my voice, then I lost my figure and then I lost Onassis.