1957 Callas At Edinburgh La Sonnambula Bellini Private LP x 3 + Ardoin Interview
$
36
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Description
Up for sale is a very scarce PRIVATE RECORD, limited edition box set (3 x LP) featuring soprano Maria Callas in Bellini's opera La Sonnambula! This was recorded before a live audience on August 21, 1957 at the Edinburgh Festival. This box set is complete, including four page insert written by John Ardoin. In fact, the last side of the 3rd LP in the set contains an interview of Callas, by Ardoin.
The performance was under the direction of Antonino Votto, Conducting the Orchestra and Chorus of La Piccola Scala. In addition to Maria Callas, the operatic cast included Nicola Monti, Fiorenza Cossotto, and Nicola Zaccaria.
The labels are all marked "Private Record". They also bear the name "Limited Editions". The six sides (of the three LPs) have the following label and wax matrix numbers:
Side 1 - LERWC 104A (contains 5 scuffs of the type mentioned and photo'd above)
Side 2 - LERWC 104B (contains 5 scuffs of the type mentioned and photo'd above)
Side 3 - LERWC 104C (contains 3 scuffs of the type mentioned and photo'd above)
Side 4 - LERWC 104D
Side 5 - LERWC 104E (contains 1 scuff of the type mentioned and photo'd above)
Side 6 - LERWC 104F (contains 2 scuffs of the type mentioned and photo'd above) [This side contains the September 13, 1968 interview of Callas, by Ardoin, in Dallas, Texas.]
The cover art (on the front of the box and on the first page of the insert) is marked "Bralow" (see collar underneath Callas' chin, on the right). "Bralow" was the noted opera illustrator Gary Sandler Bralow. This image was copyrighted in 1974. John Ardoin's insert essay on "Callas and La Sonnambula" also references a book published in 1974, and I suspect that this box set was issued at about that time.
Callas' performance in the role of Amina, at the Edinburgh Festival, is part of operatic lore. To be very brief, under considerable pressure, Callas - already suffering from exhaustion and vocal strain - had reluctantly agreed to do four performances in support of the Scala company's tour. When additional performances were scheduled without her knowledge, she declined and left the festival. It was the first in a series of controversies that emerged in rapid succession over the next few years. In his insert essay, Ardoin suggests that Edinburgh was simultaneously the high point of her career and the start of its decline.
You'll notice that Ardoin interviewed Callas in Dallas, Texas. This was no accident. Callas had first performed there in late 1957 (just a few months after Edinburgh). At about the same time, Ardoin became the music critic for the Dallas Morning News, a position he would hold for 32 years, during which time he would author several books about the great soprano.
See above for complete description of condition and for photos. (PLEASE NOTE: There are some condition issues, as described and photographed.) Sold as is.
Attention US Buyers: I will ship by USPS Media Mail or by USPS Ground Advantage, your choice. Please note that if you have a Military Mail address (e.g. APO), I must ask that you pick USPS Ground Advantage as it is my understanding that USPS Media Mail is not reliable to Military Mail addresses.
Attention International Buyers: I am exclusively using e-Bay International Shipping. If you win this auction, I will ship it to an e-Bay facility in the United States. e-Bay will be responsible for sending it to your international address. Please familiarize yourself with e-Bay International Shipping before bidding. Thank you.price rating
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