Maria Callas Documentary Inspires
“Hardship does you good.”
– Maria Callas
Last year, Spotify classified me as an emotional listener.
I agree that I love riding the emotional waves of a song’s tones, rhythm, and harmony.
For instance, my heart swelled when I first heard Maria Callas's Ava Maria. The experience conjured up memories of Da Vinci’s Sistine Chapel, lantern-lit alleyways, and conoli by the seaside.
I got closer to seeing her in person when my husband and I attended the Maria Callas Hologram tour in Vancouver, BC, in 2020.
Curious to learn about her, I searched for a documentary about her life and settled on ‘Maria By Callas,’ by Director Tom Volf.
The documentary plays like one long concert, interspersed with interview snippets, interactions with the media, and bits about her personal life.
I applaud the director for his vision for this documentary. He focused on the heart of who Maria was rather than gossip and family troubles.
One could assume Maria was born a prodigy.
Instead, we learn that her Mother put her in music lessons at 8, and there, she undertook a rigorous, masterful study until she started singing publicly at 13.
Maria comments matter-of-factly that 'she missed not having much of a childhood, and as she got older, realized, “there is no greater wealth on earth than family.”
What struck me about Maria was her almost impenetrable poise despite her troubles.
Maria speaks like she knows herself intimately and has come to peace with her life: her values, struggles, and dreams.
When she experiences heartbreak and disappointment over a love affair with Aristotle Onassis, she says, “God has always been my guide—he will show me again,” and “integrity and honesty are an expensive price to pay, but she comments, “I can pay that price.”
Her calm demeanour begins to make sense after hearing the prayer that guided her life, “God, help me. Give me what you want, good or bad, but give me the strength to overcome it.”
What more can one ask for at death than peace with our decisions? To be able to say yes, we lived honestly, patiently endured hardship, did what was right, and stood for higher principles?
Rest in peace, La Divina! (“The Divine One”)
Maria Callas was an American and Greek Soprano and one of the most renowned and influential opera singers of the 20th century. Many critics praised her bel canto technique, wide-ranging voice, and dramatic interpretations. Her musical and dramatic talents led to her being hailed as La Divina ("The Divine One").
“All experiences help us.”
―Maria Callas
In appreciation for your being here,
Shana Lee
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