Callas mystery solved
Callas on television, 1958.
Another reader came to the rescue: it is a still from the 17 June 1958 Chelsea at Eight program, during which Callas sang Puccini (“Vissi d’arte”) and Rossini (“Una voce poco fa”).
That said, I pilfered the image from a blog that had pilfered it in turn from a site that all Re-visioning Callas readers should know: The Maria Callas International Archive.
The welcome screen describes the scope of the collection, which is accessible by subscription.
I am not (yet) a member, but I note that the Archive officers include Giovanna Lomazzi, who was a loyal friend and companion to Callas.
Do any of my gentle readers subscribe to the Archive? What can you tell me about it?
Ciao, cara! I’m glad the ‘mystery’ became the subject of an individual post! I subscribe to it. I receive a CD with some rare photos and interviews every four months or so. The first one had a rare interview with Maria, the second I got had some di Stefano interviews and a Kabaivanska one. I think they have a lot of material, but I’m a little confused as to what is actually present in the archive, which is in Lecco. I plan to go there to find out. I think the people associated with it have more material than the website suggests. Baci xxx
Yes, I was a member for a year and received cds with some film of interviews, Callas related programmes etc and also the complete 1969 EMI recording sessions. There is a wonderful, well organised photo archive and a performance archive viewable online. It mainly seems to be a repository for Callas memorabilia, including magazines, video etc which are only available to view on site near Lake Como. They mount exhibitions regularly too.
Hello, Roy – Could you tell us where the photo archive is viewable? I’ve never been able to find it on the site. Thank you very much.
Dear Roy, Dear Sophia,
Thanks so much for all the useful information. An officer of the Archive contacted me (having received a pingback or some such because I linked to the site). He asked kindly and respectfully that we NOT “deep link” (I think that’s the correct term) to screens that are for subscribers only.
I know that neither of you would do that on purpose, but if a deep link is posted by accident I will delete it, in fairness to the Archive.
Thanks! m
Ciao Marion,
Wow – the officer’s response was quick! But that link isn’t a link only for members. You can access it without any log in! xxx
Dear Sophia: You are right; the links in my post are to the Archive’s “surface”. As I understand it, they are concerned about potential deep-linking.
Auguri e buon week-end!