I bought this to find out who was "right" there have been many debates... And mind you, I'm a beauty-purist just check my nickname, but I loved this recording. To me the voice of the century might always be Gruberova but Callas definitely sang a greater variety of roles and sound stupenduos. Just magnificent!

Callas lives up to her title of "La Divina" in this CD. The arias that are compiled in it are the most beautiful ever written. Callas is at times powerful, seductive, tragic. but most of all , elegant. Simply beautiful. I especially liked the songs from "CARMEN" and "FAUST" songs that she never performed on stage but recorded them in a studio. I loved it and listen to it over and over.

I cannot think of a more soothing and pleasing voice to listen to on the road than the beautiful metallic tone of Maria Callas. There are none of those silly tricks and trying to sing well that you hear outta all the other sopranos. She doesn't have to try. Her singing is sure and confident and she has this endless range of even tone. Favorites on this album are the Dinorah Shadow Song, the Lakme Bell Song, Lucia, and Sonnambula. This is also I feel the best compilation album out there. It just offers so much! Two Cd's of brilliance for the price of one!

I assume many who are considering this recording are familiar with the artistry of Maria Callas already. This CD offers the best of Maria Callas' many legendary performances and is one of my favorite possessions.
Ms. Callas' voice was never beautiful in the classical sense. It's far too metallic to be considered "pretty". And who cares?
No performer in the world of opera has produced the passion and drama of a Callas performance. The woman single-handedly revived characterization in the world of opera, as well as reviving the Bel Canto era into modern performance.
If soothing, pretty voices provide you with all you want from the world of opera, this collection may not be for you. Go with Sutherland or ... gulp ... te Kanawa. Pretty is their thing.
However, if you appreciate drama, passion, and gut-wrenching performances in your artists, this is a must have for your collection.
In my opinion, this is the ultimate compilation album of "La Divina" -- the best of her work. The Voice of the Century.
The first CD reveals her breathtaking early soprano voice, glorious and powerful.
The second CD explores a brilliant, delicious array of her later years, predominantly Mezzo performances, with all the fire and joy and sorrow that only Mme. Callas could convey.
If you want sweet, pretty, relaxing voices...try Marilyn McCoo.
If you know and love Callas, or are pining for a more interesting, gutsy turn, this is a recording you won't regret owning.

Here we can hear some of Callas' magic..... Not the most beautiful voice of the century but the most colourful, most astonishing and most moving voice in history. After her time of technical brilliance (1949-1959) she offered some of the most shattering performances. I am not a fan of every Callas-recording but this one is GORGEOUS!