The first week of December is rightfully dedicated to Maria Callas, as she was born on December 2nd. And how could it be otherwise, when Athens now has so many references to her (the Maria Callas Museum, the Municipal Theater named after her, various documentaries filmed, etc.)? But what does a city like Athens gain from such an establishment? A lot! The cultural upgrade, prompted by the birthday of the 20th century’s most significant singer, is an event that can be linked to so many things each year. It can be an opportunity for us to listen, read, watch, and generally move within her constellation. And, of course, to discuss and explore.
It so happened that last Tuesday, I was on a sidewalk in Kypseli, waiting for a play I was about to attend to begin. A friend was there too, and we were chatting about various things. The conversation eventually turned to Callas, and he told me that he, however, preferred Tebaldi. I asked him why, and he said that her voice was better in the high notes, without Callas’s tonal inaccuracies. I’ve heard these arguments many times, and to be honest, I understand them, and I even agree with some when viewed in isolation. But Callas was something else entirely. She was the person who changed the way we perceive opera and brought a new experience to the world. Only when we realize what opera was before her and what it became when she was at her peak, do we understand how influential she was. She might have had some inaccuracies; after all, in the era of her recordings, everything “passed through” without technicians intervening, and even more so when we talk about countless pirated recordings. Musicians make mistakes, but today we have ways to “make them disappear.” Back then, we didn’t. But perhaps the most important thing about her is to watch her in videos of recorded performances. That’s where you see her greatness and what she brought to opera.
Personally, when I first got involved with the Maria Callas Museum – which has now spread its wings and made its presence felt in Athens, and can do so much more – my relationship with Callas was that of an admirer of her voice and presence. I had read quite a bit during my studies, I had delved into her Greek past due to research interest, but I hadn’t developed a “fan” relationship. However, while studying and designing the Museum, I came face to face with a unique grandeur and a great personality. I would have loved to have met her. She passed away the year I was born. But now she lives again in our city, and we must not miss the opportunity to show her the respect and love she should have enjoyed when she was alive. That’s why every year we should come up with something new to do. We owe it to her.
Of course, don’t forget that we will meet on December 9th at 8:00 PM at Blue Haus, Themistokleous 80, on Exarcheia Square to get to know each other and discuss Callas, Tebaldi, and any other diva you wish!
See you there.
Information about our meeting here: https://fb.me/e/5q7DjwE0H
