Word: traviatas
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Dates: during 1950-1959
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...soon became clear that she did not like the Met's Traviata production; moreover, Renata Tebaldi had been allowed to withdraw from it-so why not Callas? "Those lousy Traviatas he wanted to make me do!" said she. "Why give up a contract of 26 performances just for three lousy Traviatas...
Remarkably composed despite the storm that was building up (see above), Soprano Callas rehearsed new productions of Traviata and Medea for two weeks with only occasional explosions of temperament. Both performances attracted capacity crowds, and Callas endowed both of them with the kind of artistry, witchery and passion that only she can convey. The Dallas Traviata used an intriguing gimmick by presenting the story as a long flashback, starting with Violetta on her deathbed visualizing the episodes leading up to her final illness. From the first curtain, when a soft light bloomed on the reclining Violetta, to the resignation...
Callas had broken her contract, Bing explained, by backing out on her agreement (confirmed by her as recently as five weeks ago) to sing in three productions of La Traviata at the Met this season. After lengthy correspondence and, evidently, ample provocation from Callas, Bing wired her an ultimatum that if she did not agree-"by 10 a.m. Thursday"-to sing in Traviata or the substitute roles he offered her, her contract would be canceled...
...Pick on Me?" The main trouble, retorted Callas, was that Bing had signed her to sing two performances of Traviata, on Feb. 13 and 17, between two performances of Macbeth on Feb. 5 and 21. "Macbeth is a very heavy opera. I have to build back to my heavy voice, and it takes a month. My voice is not an elevator, going up and down...
...Pinkerton's thrice-called "Butterfly!" But her real failing, say her harshest critics, is not one of stagecraft but of emotional involvement. While some observers recall her on the verge of tears after a performance of Butterfly, others remember her picking herself up after the death scene in Traviata and strolling into the wings humming a pop tune...