MARIA CALLAS: Sacred Monster

by Stelios Galatopoulos

An inquiry into the life and career of one of this century's most celebrated opera singers reveals her personal thoughts and provides a view of each of her roles

Genres: Biography, Nonfiction, Music, Biography Memoir, Memoir

544 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1983

Reviews

[Ronald · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a longtime aficionado of All Things Callas, I initially found the "Monster" in the title off-putting, until I realized that the author's choice of "Sacred Monster" was meant to be ironic, and that he was in fact a lifelong friend and admirer of this uniquely gifted dramatic coloratura soprano.

Stelios was a true insider, who attended nearly all of Maria's performances, and who had an intimate knowledge of the so called scandals that unfairly burdened this fine woman throughout her professional life. He exposes the intrigue, jealousy, male chauvinism, or petty journalistic sensationalism at the root of each such incident.

Everybody wanted a piece of La Divina... the press instigated and embellished false rumors; opera house directors filched on contracts by demanding more performances than agreed or trying to pay less; adoring fans overwhelmed her, then turned on her when she was forced on one occasion to terminate a performance at the Intermezzo due to acute laryngitis.
Her erstwhile friend and "admirer" Elsa Maxwell, whose romantic overtures to Maria were spurned, turned to mean-spirited public comments that were picked up by pathetic reporters. Even Maria's husband Meneghini was skimming her earnings and secretly investing in his own ventures.

Between her grueling self-imposed work regimen and the slings & arrows of a schizophrenic adoring yet unforgiving public, Maria Callas seemed truly happy only when singing her heart out before a packed opera house. Thank goodness her exquisite voice lives on in her many fine recordings that are still available.

"I am not an angel and do not pretend to be. That is not one of my roles. But I am not a devil, either. I am a woman and a serious artist, and I would like so to be judged." Maria Callas.

[STEPHanie Collao · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book will be fascinating only to those who adore Maria Callas and opera. It's one hundred percent opera on every page - including the drama between Callas and her peers, lovers and family. I am still reading, but enjoying every musical moment...

[Madeline · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was good in terms of details. However, I became slightly bored in middle when the book was simply lisitng her performances. I guess I should have expected this her being an opera singer and all.

[Mark Hewett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very comprehensive and interesting

[James · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finally a book that focusses on the art instead of the private life. Also a great pictorial account of many of the performances. A well researched biography.

[Andrea Porter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fascinating!

[Mamma23 · Rating 3 out of 5]

I took it with a grain of salt. Some of the information was at odds with other bios I read. Juicy read.

[Scyi Norgaard · Rating 3 out of 5]

A very detailed examination of the life of Maria Callas. I found the emotional depth of understanding a little cold but enjoyed all of the analysis.