Donizetti: Poliuto complete opera live 1960 with Maria Callas, Franco Corelli, Antonino Votto, Orchestra & Chorus of La Scala, Milan

I have heard better live Callas performances, but the fidelity is pretty bad. She's in great form, though.

I was not unfamiliar with this performance. Warts and all, this is what opera is all about. Corelli is simply monumental. If not as flawless vocally, Callas gives a wonderful performance, nonetheless, more than making up for a few dubious notes with much beautiful singing, and the unique electricity and dramatic flair that have made her legendary. And then there's Bastianini, also providing a splendid exemplar of the art of singing. Even the second tenor is a standout! Finally, I believe the opera itself is among Donizetti's best, and I find its relative neglect a shame. (Anyone interested should get this EMI version, which Gramophone stated has the best sound. I have also heard the Bravissimo version, and the sound on that was a disappointment.)

If you want a recording of Poliuto, this is the edition to buy. It is a boxed set with a libretto (Italian & English) and the sound is quite good. The entire cast is exceptional. Some other editions of this recording on the market do not come with a libretto or have an Italian only libretto.

i bought this for bastianini's voice

The singing by both Callas and Corelli are outstanding. Callas could always bring nuances and highlights to a role which quite overcame any vocal weaknesses, but here there are few and the result is amazing, as is Corelli's interpretation. Each far outpaces the Ricciarelli-Carreras alternative. That one has better sound and acoustics, and does not have music drowned out by the audience, but for pure excitement this one is tremendous

difficult to make it through, but worth it for bastianini and callas

I think this is a Corelli showpiece. His high C are incredibles.The audience goes crazy many times.The entrence of Callas in the first act the audience goes crazy too. Although the sound quality is bad,if you listen this opera ,you can see the magic of the exceptional night of 7 Dec 1960 at La Scala.

Amazing performance

Only the genius of Callas could make something so beautiful of something so lightweight. OK, so the sound quality on a live recording at La Scala in 1960 is not brilliant, but the total effect is atmospheric and overwhelming. Corelli in fabulous voice (as always) is a joy to hear, and the pandemonium that breaks out in the audience to greet La Divina after a two-year absence (before she even sings a note!!!) says it all. The music may not be Donizetti's best, and some might (wrongly I think) claim that Callas' best was already past, but the set remains a wonderful testament to the glory days of Italian opera in it's most famous home.

Arrived just a few days after order date. Item is exactly as described. Audio track in perfect conditions. Will buy again.