MARIA CALLAS – Magic Moments of Music: Tosca 1964

A film by Holger Preusse

This film tells the story of one of the most magic moments of music—Maria Callas, one of the greatest opera singers of all time, returns to the opera stage. In 1964 when her career seems to be over, it is no longer her performances that are dominating the headlines but the scandals surrounding her affair with the billionaire Onassis. Maria Callas wants to show them all that the title of “Primadonna assoluta” is still rightfully hers. On condition that famed stage director Franco Zeffirelli takes on the production, Maria Callas is prepared to sing her Tosca. To get their hands on the sought after tickets her fans queue outside the Royal Opera House for four, even five freezing winter nights. The film tells the story of the events from today’s perspective.

with:
Antonio Pappano
Rolando Villazón
Rufus Wainwright
Kristine Opolais
Thomas Hampson
Wolfgang Joop
Jürgen Kesting
Anna Prohaska
Brian McMaster

Bonus:
- Giacomo Puccini Tosca (Second Act): The performance from 1964 at the Royal Opera House is one of the few opportunities to see Maria Callas on stage and witness her emotional dramatics and vocal competence

Picture format: NTSC 16:9
Sound format: PCM Stereo
Region code: 0 (worldwide)
Subtitles: English, German, French, Korean, Japanese (all) + Italian (bonus)
Booklet notes: English, German, French
Running time: 52 mins (film) + 45 mins (bonus)
No. of DVDs: 1 (DVD 9)