Magic Moments of Music - Maria Callas & Tosca 1964

MAGIC MOMENTS OF MUSIC are dedicated to stellar musical events that gripped the whole world and thanks to film & TV have remained unforgettable until today.

The beginning of 1964 held a great surprise for the music world: Maria Callas returns to the opera stage as prima donna. Her “Tosca” at the Royal Opera House becomes a sensation. Not even the Beatles received more press coverage. All this, for an artist whose glorious career was said to be over, with the singer herself passing over to legend.

It is no longer her performances, but her scandals that, are dominating the headlines. Unlucky in love with her billionaire boyfriend Aristotle Onassis, Callas wants to show them all that the title of ”Primadonna assoluta” is still rightfully hers. On condition that famed stage director Franco Zeffirelli takes on the production, the exceptional vocalist is prepared to take on the role of Tosca. Her fans queue outside the Royal Opera House for four, even five nights. To get their hands on the sought after tickets, they spend the freezing winter nights in sleeping bags and on fold up chairs.

A British broadcaster has recorded the opera’s second act. It is one of the most dramatic acts in opera history. The film recording is one of the few opportunities to see Maria Callas on stage and witness her emotional dramatics and vocal competence.

Also available: Tosca, 2nd act performance only (47'). MAGIC MOMENTS OF MUSIC, a multipart series, is dedicated to stellar musical events that have remained unforgettable till today. Including unpublished recordings from behind the scenes and present-day interviews with contemporary witnesses.

Original title Sternstunden der Musik - Maria Callas: Tosca 1964
English title Magic Moments of Music - Maria Callas & Tosca 1964
Genre Documentary
Production year 2017
Production Company sounding images, C Major Entertainment, commissioned by ZDF, in collaboration with arte
Director Holger Preusse
Duration 52 mins
Main Actor Anna Prohaska, Kristine Opolais, Rufus Wainwright, Antonio Pappano, Jürgen Kesting, Rolando Villazón, Thomas Hampson, Brian McMaster, Wolfgang Joop