La Gioconda/1959

Description

Exceptional reissue meticulously restored in 24-bit/96Hz, produced by Abbey Road Studios from the original tapes. It was in 1959 that Maria Callas recorded "La Gioconda" for the second time - six years after her last appearance on stage in the role that had symbolized her Italian debut at the Verona Arena in 1947. When this recording was made, Callas was at a turning point in her life: her relationship with Aristotle Onassis indeed led her to separate from her husband, Giovanni Battista Meneghini. Philipe Hope-Wallace wrote in Gramophone in 1960: "I simply cannot imagine a stronger performance than that of Callas today, the overall effect is captivating." Two young Italian singers, on the brink of a great career, accompany Callas here: mezzo-soprano Fiorenza Cossotto in the role of the rival Laura, and baritone Piero Cappuccilli in that of the sinister Barnaba.