Callas Unica

Book Description
There is no dearth of superlatives to describe Maria Callas, undoubtedly one of the greatest legends of the twentieth century. Widely regarded as one of the foremost soprano voices of our time, Maria Callas was praised for more than just her operatic gift. She was an accomplished actress who drew heavily on the work of Sarah Bernhardt and a world-renowned beauty romantically involved with one of the wealthiest men of her generation. Yet her life was filled with tragedy and ended in her untimely death at the age of 53. Callas Unica is a dramatic photographic portrait of the world-renowned diva. Author Jean-Jacques Hanine-Rousel traces the singer’s life and career from the early 1940’s until her death in 1977. The book contains a collection of nearly 400 photographs the author compiled. Some are drawn from the archives of the leading opera companies where Callas performed; many are from the private collections of family and friends. The organization of the photos is predominately chronological. They include images of Callas in her greatest roles as well as in everyday settings. Together, they provide a magnificent study of one of history’s greatest operatic performers, both onstage and off. A 14-page biography and commentaries by performers close to Callas provide additional insights into the singer’s life. The text has been translated so it can be read in English, Italian, or its original French. The result is a tribute that makes the diva’s unusual beauty and dramatic presence accessible to admirers around the world.


From the Back Cover
Diva of the century, unique, incomparable. There is no dearth of superlatives to describe Maria Callas, undoubtedly one the greatest myths of the modern era. Her talent, her encounters and her sudden demise in September 1977, all of this will have contributed to her legend. For the 25th anniversary of her tragic demise, Jean-Jacques Hanine-Roussel has gathered over three hundred photographs, mostly originals. They belong to archives of the great scenes on which she sang, but also to private and family collections. One will certainly find images of her greatest roles, but also uncommon ones: Maria Callas in everyday situations, the Callas of family and friends.


About the Author
Only Jean-Jacques Hanine-Roussel could have gathered such a rich collection of original pictures.A Doctor in Law in France and Italy and a Solicitor at the Paris Court of Appeal, Jean-Jacques Hanine-Roussel is a reknowned historian of the lyrical arts. He has published biographies of Giuliettea Simionato and Gianni Poggi, besides numerous contributions in the specialized press. Himself a tenor, he has been singing regularly since 1986 alongside prestigious singers. For two decades, he has been frequenting the backstages of the world’s most prestigious opera houses.


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The author of remarkable biographies . . . has once again worked with customary rigour, seriousness, and professionalism. .Through this book, he justifies once again his nickname [as the living encyclopaedia of the lyrical arts]." --Guiseppe di Stefano, Tenor... A true tour de force.


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