Casta Diva - Claudia Muzio

A moving Rendition by one of the Great Sopranos of the last Century. Muzio was known for her interpretaions and her ability to produce great pathos in her singing. This recording
was made by Columbia late in her career during declining health 1935

The tenor Giacomo Lauri-Volpi wrote of Muzio: "Singing with that unique voice of hers made of tears and sighs and restrained interior fire. The years, around 1930, were probably her best, precisely the years in which she did not record! Between 1924 and 1934 there is a ten-year gap. The missing period would seem to be the very one in which her interpretations had matured while her voice was still in prime condition. The early records may lack the intensity and creativeness of her later recordings, and in the famous Columbias one is aware of some physical limitations (uneasy high notes, flatness, mannerisms in style and enunciation, vowels!), but there is a pathos, an inner committment and charm in her singing that is immensely moving and touching. Only a few sopranos equalled her in this aspect of emotional involvement."

Category:

Music

Tags:

• Casta
• Diva
• Norma
• Claudia
• Muzio
• Bellini
• Bel
• Canto
• soprano
• callas
• caballe

[Matt75003]

Technically, this is not flawless. My mind tells me this. Something else (my heart, my soul?) also tells me that the only proper response to such a performance is to thank God for making this miracle possible.

[reduxmisc]

@Matt75003 Well put.... 

[liedersanger1]

What year is this from, please?? It's fascinating,and beautiful--but I suspect it's from late in her career.

[reduxmisc]

the year was 1935.... I've just put additional notes in the more info section.

[Vendimi3]

This singer is the only I've ever heard that can live up to Maria Callas. She's unhuman.

[marioegorga]

Muzio was at her prime a great Norma, and in todays standards no one comes even close to her.She not only had a beautiful tone but her voice also possessed a pathos that made it unique.

[LacrimaLunaMortua]

Even though in the most difficult part she didn't get closer to the most wonderful interpretation made by Callas ( 3:24 ), this interpretation is a jewel, her voice is really beautiful, wondrous.

Thank you for sharing

[MadonnaImperia]

@beachblonde181 She was 46 in 1935, when this was recorded. Her breathing technique and voice production may be perfect. Her coloratura technique is not.

[diarci]

Between Muzio, Ponselle, and Callas it's simply a matter of personal preference. Ponselle was as technically perfect as Callas, but Callas had a deeper, more personal interpretation. Muzio had a warmth and humanity that no one else had. Of course, if you want to play "what might have been", do a search for Florence Quartararo and listen to her "La Mamma Morte."

[fanufanufan]

beautiful and beautifully expressed

[beachblonde181]

In her 50's, on an old recording device, Claudia Muzio out-sings all sopranos, past or present. Her natural tonal quality is exquisite. Her technique is flawless.

[Tenortalker]

Wonderful singing even with the limitations of ill health. She was very great indeed. Her Addio from Traviata moves me to tears.

[FRANKHODGES39]

I must accept the fact that finally someone equalled the immortal Callas in this aria.

[Alguienteamaahora]

Es inutil insitir... No hubo ni habra alguien como Claudia Muzio... Dios clavo en un corazon las espinas necesarias para que su martirio embelleciera aun mas su voz hecha de suspiros y lagrimas... Por eso a ella se la llama : LA UNICA ... Salve Claudia.