Callas... Toujours - Live in Paris 1958 (DVD5)

It is a pity that so few recordings of Maria Callas in concert exist to leave the testimony of this genius of the singing and actor's play that she was. Only 5 recitals have been filmed (Paris 1958, Hamburg 1959 and 1962, Covent Garden 1962 and 1964), recorded on 3 DVD. Here is the first one of them (and maybe the best), Paris 1958.
I will upload the two others later on.

That Evening, Callas was to sing in Paris for the first time! We knew she had the vocal genius of a great Diva as well as the rages and outbursts expected of one. Regular opera-goers knew of her but she was unknown to most people. And that very evening, she was about to be revealed to them….. What an unforgettable evening! Three hours earlier, Callas had just been a Diva; at midnight she became a star for millions of viewers. It was a triumph for Callas and also for television because that emotion of years ago can still be felt today. Callas is present among us. For ever.

The unique musical skills of Maria Callas live on with this cinematic document from near the apex of her career. This incontrovertibly important work of musical history provides footage shot during the Paris debut of La Diva Divina, Maria Callas, 19 December, 1958, upon a rainy Friday evening where, inside of the Palais Garnier (later the Théâtre National de l'Opéra de Paris), the resident chorus and orchestra is well-handled and drilled by conductor Georges Sebastian, properly so in consideration for the significance of an event that elicited a critical verdict of brilliance accorded to the finest dramatic soprano of the second half of the twentieth century, about whom an aesthetic industry has grown apace, particularly since her premature death, having a contradictory body of thought available for every considered opinion. The evening is titled 'La Grande Nuit de l'Opéra', and it is charged with excitement. The film is made for television in France.
Sebastian leads his instrumental charges in a spirited reading of the overture to Verdi's La Forza del Destino, during which the camera-work is exceptional as we watch soloists and also scan the score. Then the appearance after which all in attendance have been curious: the entrance of Maria Callas, beautifully gowned (crimson, quoth the narrator), coifed (upswept), and ornamented with diamonds (earrings, necklace), all of which ostensibly contributed to the besotting of Aristotle Onassis, among the audience and soon to crave an introduction. An immensely enthusiastic welcome to the diva from the attendees is as expected while fulfillment of the promise due to all from her talents immediately makes the acclamation most appropriate. The initial four arias come from Act I of Bellini's Norma, beginning with Sedizione Voci (with basso Jacques Mars), an ably acted and sung number by both, with chorus. This is succeeded by a well-known speciality of Callas, Casta Diva, again with chorus, as she displays her superior dramatic expertise, extended applause appropriate a result of her sublime execution. The final pair of this Norma set provides material that demonstrates her solid command of emotion, certified here by three curtain calls. From episodes in Act IV of Verdi's Il Trovatore, we are treated to three pieces, including the popular Miserere, again with chorus as well as tenor Albert Lance. Rossini's exciting Overture to Il Barbiere di Siviglia is perfectly played by the orchestra, after which Callas proves to be more than equal to coloratura requirements of Una Voce Poco Fa from Act I of that opera. The final segment of the film is given to a complete performance (in costume) of Puccini's Tosca, Act II. Here, Callas is seen with, among others, baritone Tito Gobbi as Baron Scarpia. Gobbi is a dramatic match for Callas, their acting being top-notch throughout. The diva's rendition, as Tosca, of Vissi d'arte, a mainstay throughout her career, temporarily halts the production because of enthusiastic audience reaction. This film in its entirety is a visceral delight upon a high artistic level, and can be justly recommended for inclusion within the film library of all devotees of Callas and of musical drama.

Gala Concert (Gala de la Légion d'Honneur) recorded live in Paris, Palais Garnier, Dec 19, 1958 and broadcoasted live on French TV.

Choeur et Orchestre du Théâtre National de l'Opéra de Paris
Georges Sebastian, Conductor
Maria Callas
Tito Gobbi
Albert Lance
Louis Rialland
Jean-Paul Hurteau
Jacques Mars

Directed for TV by Roger Benamou