Join Amazon Prime and ship Two-Day for free and Overnight for $3.99. Already a member? Sign in.

 

or
Sign in to turn on 1-Click ordering.
 
 
More Buying Choices
22 used & new from $12.97
Have one to sell? Sell yours here
 
   
Available to Download Now
 
Buy the MP3 album for $13.97
  
 
 
 
Verdi: La Traviata (complete opera live 1955) with Maria Callas, Giuseppe di Stefano, Carlo Maria Giulini, Orchestra & Chorus of La Scala, Milan
 
See larger image and other views 
See all product images
Share your own customer images

Verdi: La Traviata (complete opera live 1955) with Maria Callas, Giuseppe di Stefano, Carlo Maria Giulini, Orchestra & Chorus of La Scala, Milan

Giuseppe Verdi (Artist), Orchestra e coro del Teatro alla Scala (Artist), Carlo Maria Giulini (Artist), Maria Callas (Artist), Giuseppe di Stefano (Artist), Ettore Bastianini (Artist), Silvio Maionica (Artist), Luisa Mandelli (Artist), Arturo La Porta (Artist)
4.5 out of 5 stars See all reviews (75 customer reviews) | More about this product
List Price: $21.98
Price: $13.97 & eligible for FREE Super Saver Shipping on orders over $25. Details
You Save: $8.01 (36%)
  Special Offers Available
In Stock.
Ships from and sold by Amazon.com. Gift-wrap available.

Only 1 left in stock--order soon (more on the way).

Want it delivered Thursday, July 16? Choose One-Day Shipping at checkout. Details
14 new from $13.97 7 used from $12.97 1 collectible from $21.98
Buy the MP3 album for $13.97 at the Amazon MP3 Downloads store.

Special Offers and Product Promotions

  • Get $1 worth of MP3 downloads from Amazon MP3 after you order your item. Here's how (restrictions apply)
  • Interact With Your Music: Discover, listen to, and buy new music, all from the pages of SPIN's digital edition, free to Amazon customers.

Frequently Bought Together

Verdi: La Traviata (complete opera live 1955) with Maria Callas, Giuseppe di Stefano, Carlo Maria Giulini, Orchestra & Chorus of La Scala, Milan + Puccini: Madama Butterfly (complete opera) with Maria Callas, Lucia Danieli, Nicolai Gedda, Herbert von Karajan, Chorus & Orchestra of La Scala, Milan + Puccini: Tosca (complete opera) with Maria Callas, Giuseppe di Stefano, Tito Gobbi, Victor de Sabata, Chorus & Orchestra of La Scala, Milan
Price For All Three: $79.93

Show availability and shipping details

Customers Who Bought This Item Also Bought

Puccini: Tosca (complete opera) with Maria Callas, Giuseppe di Stefano, Tito Gobbi, Victor de Sabata, Chorus & Orchestra of La Scala, Milan

Puccini: Tosca (complete opera) with Maria Callas, Giuseppe di Stefano, Tito Gobbi, Victor de Sabata, Chorus & Orchestra of La Scala, Milan

~ Giacomo Puccini
4.6 out of 5 stars (133)  $32.98
Bizet: Carmen (complete opera) with Maria Callas, Nicolai Gedda, Georges Pretre, Paris Opera Orchestra

Bizet: Carmen (complete opera) with Maria Callas, Nicolai Gedda, Georges Pretre, Paris Opera Orchestra

~ Georges Bizet
4.6 out of 5 stars (58)  $22.97
Puccini: La Boheme (complete opera) with Maria Callas, Giuseppe di Stefano, Anna Moffo, Antonino Votto, Chorus & Orchestra of La Scala, Milan

Puccini: La Boheme (complete opera) with Maria Callas, Giuseppe di Stefano, Anna Moffo, Antonino Votto, Chorus & Orchestra of La Scala, Milan

~ Giacomo Puccini
4.7 out of 5 stars (25)  $32.98
Puccini: Tosca (1953) with Callas, di Stefano, Gobbi, cond. by de Sabata

Puccini: Tosca (1953) with Callas, di Stefano, Gobbi, cond. by de Sabata

~ Giacomo Puccini
5.0 out of 5 stars (10)  $13.98
Verdi: Rigoletto (Complete Opera); Maria Callas; Tito Gobbi; Giuseppe di Stefano

Verdi: Rigoletto (Complete Opera); Maria Callas; Tito Gobbi; Giuseppe di Stefano

~ Maria Callas
4.5 out of 5 stars (44)  $32.98
› Explore similar items

Product Details

  • Audio CD (March 17, 1998)
  • SPARS Code: ADD
  • Number of Discs: 2
  • Label: EMI Classics
  • ASIN: B00000630Y
  • In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
  • Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars See all reviews (75 customer reviews)
  • Amazon.com Sales Rank: #3,976 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

    Popular in these categories: (What's this?)

    #1 in  Music > Opera & Vocal > Divas > Callas, Maria
    #9 in  Music > Classical > Featured Composers, A-Z > ( V ) > Verdi, Giuseppe
    #10 in  Music > Opera & Vocal > Operettas

    •  Would you like to update product info or give feedback on images?

Listen to Samples

To hear a song sample, click on "Listen" by that sample. Visit our audio help page for more information.
Disc: 1
1. Preludio
2. Act One: Dell'invito trascorsa è già l'ora
3. Act One: Libiamo, ne' lieti calici
4. Act One: Che è ciò?
5. Act One: Un di felice, eterea
6. Act One: Ebben? Che diavol fate?
7. Act One: Si ridesta in ciel l'aurora
8. Act One: È strano! È strano!
9. Act One: Ah, fors'è lui che l'anima
10. Act One: Follie! follie! Delirio vano è questo!
See all 24 tracks on this disc
Disc: 2
1. Act Two - Scene Two: Avram lieta di maschere la notte
2. Act Two - Scene Two: Noi siamo zingarelle
3. Act Two - Scene Two: Di Madride noi siam mattadori
4. Act Two - Scene Two: Alfredo! Voi!
5. Act Two - Scene Two: Invitato a qui seguirmi
6. Act Two - Scene Two: Ogni suo aver tal femmina
7. Act Two - Scene Two: Di sprezzo degno sé stesso rende
8. Act Two - Scene Two: Alfredo, Alfredo, di questo core
9. Act Three: Preludio
10. Act Three: Annina/...Comandate?
See all 19 tracks on this disc
On this CD:
  1. La Traviata, opera
    Composed by Giuseppe Verdi
    with Arturo La Porta, Antonio Zerbini, Giuseppe Zampieri, Ettore Bastianini, Franco Ricciardi, Luisa Mandelli, Silvio Maionica, Silvana Zanolli, Giuseppe di Stefano, Maria Callas

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com essential recording
This live recording of the 1955 Visconti production at La Scala is the best of the available Maria Callas Traviatas. Aside from a minor pitch problem or two, she's in great voice, coloring phrases to reveal character and investing the coloratura with variety and passion. Her "Addio del passato" is heart-breaking. She fully captures Violetta's pride and vulnerability in the scene with Germont, though her partner, Ettore Bastianini, sings insensitively, if beautifully. Giuseppe Di Stefano is all one could ask for as Alfredo. Carlo Giulini conducts a performance that delivers all the lyricism and drama of the score. The recorded sound is primitive, but in EMI's latest transfer you can listen through it to a wondrous performance. --Dan Davis

Tags Customers Associate with This Product

 (What's this?)
Click on a tag to find related items, discussions, and people.
Check the boxes next to the tags you consider relevant or enter your own tags in the field below.
(9)
(7)
(5)
(3)
(2)
(1)
(1)
See all 10 tags...

Your tags: Add your first tag
 
See most popular tags
Help others find this product — tag it for Amazon search
No one has tagged this product for Amazon search yet. Why not be the first to suggest a search for which it should appear?
 

Customer Reviews

75 Reviews
5 star:
 (56)
4 star:
 (11)
3 star:
 (2)
2 star:
 (3)
1 star:
 (3)
 
 
 
 
 
Average Customer Review
4.5 out of 5 stars (75 customer reviews)
 
 
 
 
Share your thoughts with other customers:
Most Helpful Customer Reviews

 
33 of 34 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars This is what opera is all about!, February 13, 2003
By John P. (Kennett Square, PA USA) - See all my reviews
If ever the was an opera recording that deserved the highest praise despite its technical deficiencies, this is it. Many reviewers below complain about this recording's sonics -- it is a live, mono recording from 1955. But focusing on sonic problems in the face of Callas's magnificent performance is like deprecating the *Mona Lisa* because there are a few cracks in the paint. Callas gives here the ultimate opera performance: she not only has complete command of the music, but she works within it to create a living, breathing character who develops during the course of, and as a result of, the drama. What she does is better than acting while singing; it is acting *by means of* singing. (And, I should add, the other principals are excellent.)

If you have not yet listened to a lot of opera, or if you just want a recording that will sound pretty in the background, then you will probably not appreciate this set. As your tastes become more educated, however, return to this. You will be blown away.

Comment Comment | Permalink | Was this review helpful to you? Yes No (Report this)



 
27 of 28 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars THE BEST TRAVIATA, November 5, 2000
By anonymous (san francisco, ca United States) - See all my reviews
This was one of Callas's signature rolls. I have many recordings of Callas performing Traviata ('51,'52,'53,'55,'56,'58 Lisbon, '58 Covent Garden), but this is the best. The sound quality is a problem -- but not THAT big a problem. It's not in the realm of historical document; it's a recording that can easily be enjoyed just for pleasure. (The '51 Mexico is a BAD recording.) The '55 has it over on the others for several reasons: 1) Callas was in her best voice -- the first few years after her weight loss; so she has the distinct Callas sound, and at its strongest. 2) Her attack on the role is fierce and hair-raising in its passion and depth of feeling. Listen to her saying goodbye to Alfredo. Then compare that moment to anyone else's recording. No one, with the exception of Alagna's wife (her name escapes me) comes CLOSE. The Lisbon recording has better sound but slightly weaker passion, and this La Scala recording also has the advantage of de Stefano as Alfredo. Do not miss this.
Comment Comment (1) | Permalink | Was this review helpful to you? Yes No (Report this)



 
20 of 20 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful but..., November 10, 2002
By Mr. Jeffrey Belcher "Sam" (Melbourne, Victoria Australia) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   
No one seems to deny that Callas is a definitive Violetta but there seems to be some arguement about the sound quality of her recordings of Traviata which are, unfortunately, all live.

On this 1955 set, for me, the terrible recording quality of the third act does undermine my full enjoyment. I would advise a person new to Callas, Traviata or Opera in general to only purchase this version as a second or third supporting set to a set they already know & love.

Altho also a live recording, the Callas 1958 Lisbon set is much improved (but not perfect) on the above 1955 set in terms of recording quality. I also like Te Kanawa's version from the early 1990's if you want to go stereo & digital. There are numerous others of great quality, by great singers depending on the style of singing & acting you like.

Once you have another set to fall back on when you are not in the mood for the extremely poor sound mentioned above, then buy this 1955 Callas set & sit back and enjoy Callas's extremely moving virtuoso performance. It is worth it for that.

Comment Comment | Permalink | Was this review helpful to you? Yes No (Report this)


Share your thoughts with other customers: Create your own review
 
 
 
Most Recent Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars Monumental (In spite of the sound)
EMI's recording of "La Traviata" with Maria Callas, Giuseppe di Stefano, and Ettore Bastianini is that of a historical production that any operaphile would want in his or her... Read more
Published 1 month ago by M. Hall

5.0 out of 5 stars Thank heavens for La Scala's opening night recordings.
Along with Armeda, Anna Bolena, here is a jewel from the past. Maria is wonderful. The supporting cast was very good for the time, but what a difference today with standards and... Read more
Published 7 months ago by C. Doughton

5.0 out of 5 stars Short review down to the point!
No one should consider doing a performance of Traviata without checking in with this recording first. Read more
Published 12 months ago by Brooklyn GV

5.0 out of 5 stars opera lover
Love opera. Sodoes mom. Perfect Mother's Day gift for her. Sent her several operas that i purchased online. This one was missing a cd. I had to return it. Read more
Published 13 months ago by John Devine

2.0 out of 5 stars Not a good first version for your library
Due to its' age this recording's quality is spotty. Sometimes the chorus may as well have been in another state. Read more
Published 20 months ago by Gary L. Thompson

4.0 out of 5 stars A historic performance
A historic performance, with Maria Callas in her best moment. Very good work in the orchestra, too. Warning: the quality of the recording is below the standard, as a label in the... Read more
Published 20 months ago by J. Domingo

5.0 out of 5 stars Verdi: Opera LaTraviata
Enjoyable recording,singers Maria Callas, DiStefano,Bastianini surperb. Clarity as if recently recorded. Orchestra and chorus fantastic.
Published on July 3, 2007 by Joan A. Jones

5.0 out of 5 stars The Sound is very listenable
Don't be put off by other reviewers' rants on the sound of this superb performance. If you're comfortable listening to some of the better Opera D'Oro sets, you'll find this more... Read more
Published on January 4, 2007 by G. Dowling

4.0 out of 5 stars Come closer to Maria Callas
This CD is a master piece of Maria Callas' performance. Together with Stefano, they created a milestone that their followers are difficult to overpass. Read more
Published on January 3, 2007 by Peng Zhou

5.0 out of 5 stars Best of La Traviata and Maria Callas
Even though this recording is not stereophonic, you can still enjoy the marvelous voice of Maria Callas. Read more
Published on November 12, 2006 by M. Sharafyan

Only search this product's reviews


Customer Discussions

 Beta (What's this?)
New! See all customer communities, and bookmark your communities to keep track of them.
This product's forum (0 discussions)
  Discussion Replies Latest Post
  No discussions yet

Ask questions, Share opinions, Gain insight
Start a new discussion
Topic:
First post:
Prompts for sign-in
  [Cancel]


Active discussions in related forums
   

SoundUnwound Says...

Learn more about Verdi: La Traviata opens new browser window by Giuseppe Verdi opens new browser window

Go explore the super-connected music universe at SoundUnwound.com opens new browser window - the new music site from IMDb and Amazon.

SoundUnwound Logo

What Do Customers Ultimately Buy After Viewing This Item?

Verdi: La Traviata (complete opera live 1955) with Maria Callas, Giuseppe di Stefano, Carlo Maria Giulini, Orchestra & Chorus of La Scala, Milan
70% buy the item featured on this page:
Verdi: La Traviata (complete opera live 1955) with Maria Callas, Giuseppe di Stefano, Carlo Maria Giulini, Orchestra & Chorus of La Scala, Milan 4.5 out of 5 stars (75)
$13.97
Verdi - La Traviata / Cotrubas · Domingo · Milnes · Bayerisches Staatsorchester · Carlos Kleiber
13% buy
Verdi - La Traviata / Cotrubas · Domingo · Milnes · Bayerisches Staatsorchester · Carlos Kleiber 4.8 out of 5 stars (33)
$21.97
Puccini: Tosca (1953) with Callas, di Stefano, Gobbi, cond. by de Sabata
6% buy
Puccini: Tosca (1953) with Callas, di Stefano, Gobbi, cond. by de Sabata 5.0 out of 5 stars (10)
$13.98
Verdi: La Traviata (Complete opera); Maria Callas; Alfredo Kraus
5% buy
Verdi: La Traviata (Complete opera); Maria Callas; Alfredo Kraus 4.3 out of 5 stars (38)
$32.98
Explore similar items

Look for Similar Items by Category

Music You Should Hear™: Artists' Picks

Music You Should Hear
Want to know what Norah Jones, Sting, and Il Divo are listening to? Find out in Music You Should Hear™, where these and other artists tell you about the music they love.
 
Music Deals
Music Deals Find over 3,500 CDs under $10--some as low as $5.99--in our Music Deals Store.
 
Music Essentials
Greats from the Greatest Explore our Music Essentials Store and find music from over 500 essential artists and composers, watch videos, and vote for the most essential artist.
 
Read Our Blog
For more about music, check out ChordStrike, a minor blog for major music lovers™.
 

 

Feedback

If you need help or have a question for Customer Service, contact us.
 Would you like to update product info or give feedback on images?
Is there any other feedback you would like to provide?

Your comments can help make our site better for everyone.


Where's My Stuff?

Shipping & Returns

Need Help?

Your Recent History

  (What's this?)
You have no recently viewed items or searches.

After viewing product detail pages or search results, look here to find an easy way to navigate back to pages you are interested in.

Look to the right column to find helpful suggestions for your shopping session.
Continue shopping: Top Sellers
Paranoia
Paranoia by Joseph Finder
4.1 out of 5 stars (197)$0.00
 My Soul to Lose
My Soul to Lose by Rachel Vincent
4.2 out of 5 stars (4)$0.00
 Glenn Beck's Common Sense
Glenn Beck's Common Sense by Glenn Beck
3.7 out of 5 stars (279)$6.59
 Glenn Beck's Common Sense
Glenn Beck's Common Sense by Glenn Beck
3.7 out of 5 stars (279)$6.59

amazon.com Amazon.com Home  |   Directory of All Stores
International Sites:  Canada  |  United Kingdom  |  Germany  |  Japan  |  France  |  China
Business Programs: Sell on Amazon  |  Build an eCommerce Site  |  Advertise With Us  |  Developer Services  |  Self-Publish with Us
Help  |  View Cart  |  Your Account  |  1-Click Settings
Investor Relations  |  Press Releases  |  Careers at Amazon  |  Join Associates  |  Join Advantage
Conditions of Use | Privacy Notice © 1996-2009, Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates