Maria Callas’s legendary performance of Casta Diva from Bellini’s opera Norma, recorded live on December 31, 1957, remains one of the most iconic moments in operatic history. Presented in vivid color, this rendition captures both the visual elegance and the vocal mastery of one of the 20th century’s greatest sopranos.
The aria Casta Diva is a prayer of serene beauty, where Norma, the Druid priestess, pleads for peace under the moonlit sky. It is one of the most demanding pieces in the bel canto repertoire, requiring exceptional control, purity of tone, and emotional depth. Callas’s interpretation embodies all of these qualities, as her voice glides effortlessly through the intricate phrases with grace and precision.
What sets this performance apart is Callas’s unparalleled ability to convey profound emotion. Her phrasing is exquisitely shaped, her pianissimos otherworldly, and her connection to the character utterly convincing. In this 1957 rendition, captured during her prime, the full scope of her artistry is on display—her technical prowess matched only by her dramatic intensity.
