THE LADIES OF BEL CANTO: CALLAS, SUTHERLAND, CABALLE AND SCOTTO

The bel canto operas of Rossini, Bellini, and Donizetti require voices with superb technique capable of exploring the emotions of their characters while showcasing their vocal virtuosity. While some of their operas have never gone out of fashion, the arrival of Maria Callas helped spark a revival of their works, proving that they could be viable music dramas as well as vehicles for spectacular singing. Joan Sutherland, Montserrat Caballe, and Renata Scotto soon followed, and kept the bel canto operas in the repertoire. Professor Courtade will examine the lives and careers of these four major artists, paying tribute to the artistry of some of the greatest voices of the 20th Century. With plenty of audio and video clips, this course can be enjoyed by all, from novices to connoisseurs.