Customer Reviews

The Callas Conversations, Vol. 2 [DVD Video]

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The eternal diva is represented once again from documentary sources culled from Europe, this time the program-length Parisian Sunday "chat" show L'Invitee Du Dimanche hosted by Pierre Desgraupes. It is fascinating to see this program in its undilluted form. Snippets of the conversations Callas had with Luchino Visconti, interview with teacher DeHidalgo and the Paris Opera Gala have been seen before. It is illuminating to see and hear the diva discuss her art in a sophisticated, highly philosophical manner during a transitional period in her career. She was on the verge of filming Pasolini's Medea, contemplating a stage comeback, and trying to find herself (especially after her long affair with Onassis had ended). The tv host has the good manners not to bring up the diva's temepestuous personal life, and the chain-smoking Visconti and maestro Siciliani (and others in the interview team) are most complimentary to the diva. Although she appears embarassed by the praise, you know that she believes it.

The B/W video and mono sound quality is vintage, but of high quality. (I have seen the DeHidalgo interview in color elsewhere, it's in B/W here). A short interview with Bernard Gavoty is also included, as well as a filmed snippet of her last Paris Opera Norma.