Maria Callas - Lucia - The Lost Recordings - A Journey To Opera

Today we'll take a look at the beautiful new release of a treasured live performance of Donizetti's Lucia Di Lammermoor, recorded in 1955 in Berlin, with Maria Callas, De Stefano and Karajan. It was recently restored for the first time from the original master tape by The Lost Recordings, a company in France that specializes in bringing top notch unreleased recordings to life.
The tape was found in an archive, and was restored and mastered by Phoenix Mastering, with the lacquers cut by Kevin Gray.
In this video I take you on my personal journey to appreciating opera, and describe how this set won my heart.
Thank you to The Lost Recordings for providing a reviewer's copy of this set to The Pressing Matters
The Lost Recordings is offering a download of "Quando rapito in estasi" in 24bit / 176.4kHz for free.
Go to this page and scroll down:
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The Lost Recordings Website:
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Donzetti Lucia Di Lammermoor, Berlin 1955:
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[@stevenwhite3894]

A tour de force, Scott. Nicely paced, thoughtful, insightful with some lovely reminisces. . and sharp shirt to boot! I've been looking at this for some time and as usual you've helped to push me over the edge! I think you said you in a previous video had been sent another one of the LostRecording releases . . will there be a follow-on with that at some point in the future?

[@ThePressingMatters]

Hi Steven, Thank you so much for responding to this video! Being new to talking about opera, I felt the best way was to give some background, show the release in detail and simply give my reaction. I'm glad you found it engaging. Yes I have two more to cover, the Ella in Berlin and the Michelangeli Ravel Piano Concerto. They will be coming soon. Regarding Lucia, have you ever heard this performance? It's amazing, so fresh and engaging. It can be heard here, and although it's not the Lost Recordings restoration, you can hear how good it really is: kzbin.info/www/bejne/lZ7Ef32hrsd0rassi=H-dVhlAqMY4Ewl40 If you love it, you will love the Lost Recordings set.

[@stevenwhite3894]

​@@ThePressingMatters I have some experience of Opera, more live than recorded - I'm lucky to live close to Glyndebourne and close enough to London to go to an Opera a couple of times a year - but I don't know Lucia . . so I'll definitely dive in. Thank you for the link. Vera was absolutely right Callas just had that special something and she has always drawn me in. I look forward to your Ella and Michelangeli.

[@dutchcanuck7550]

Thank you for bringing this series to my attention. I can always count on you to find such treasures. Callas had the most esquisite instrument. It's live, of course, so the audience brought their own noisy throat-clearing performance in spots. But I've been to my fair share of live concerts, so it doesn't bother me.

[@ThePressingMatters]

You're welcome! What really stood out to me was how the cast seemed to thrive on the atmosphere and excitement of it being live. It's like they pushed beyond what was thought possible. There's a life to this recording that is thrilling. Thanks so much for watching!

[@David-lw4vl]

Hi Scott - I bought this when it came out but my “backlog” of new vinyl is so extensive that I haven’t had a chance to listen to it yet. The only operas that I’ve followed along with word-for-word are Carmen & La Boheme although I’ve heard many arias. I also purchased the Callas extensive CD set “La Divina” which is 131 CDs, 3 Blu-ray, & 1 DVD which includes this recording, but I haven’t had time to listen to that either. I hope to be retiring soon - I know I’ve got tons of music to listen to & books to read. Having grown up on rock, pop, R&B, Jazz, Blues, but not classical nor opera I have a lot to learn! Thanks for your reviews. David in New Canaan, CT

[@chrisgrillo579]

I'm in New canaan as well small world

[@ThePressingMatters]

Hi David, Thank you so much for your comment! I am in the same position as you, excited to retire and get the time to delve deeply into my collection. It's still a few years away for me. I think you'll really treasure this set. I don't see how it could be done any better. I'd love to hear back from you when you get to hear it. I really appreciate that you took the time to comment. It makes my day to hear from other music lovers.

[@durskoenig]

Outstanding video and commentary. I really enjoyed this.

[@ThePressingMatters]

Thank you so much for taking the time to watch this video and leave a comment! It was such a pleasure to do this video, and I had a lot of fun making it into a personal story, as well as describe the whole package and process. Really amazing performance and the restoration was so well done. Glad you enjoyed my take on it!

[@bernhardh6184]

Scott gets serious now, the white shirt fits perfectly with this milestone recording. 😎

[@ThePressingMatters]

Yes! All I was missing is the bow tie! I remember the one time I attended an opera in New York at Lincoln Center , it was La Boheme. I dressed in a tuxedo! This video deserved a little flair 😁

[@jodygoeler586]

I’m so glad you covered this extraordinary release. I’ve been living with this release for a while and felt like I was the only one enjoying it. I appreciate the wide net you cast. Thank you for your insightful comments as always.

[@ThePressingMatters]

Wonderful comment! You're the first to comment that has this release also. This really awakened a new level of appreciation in me. It made me realize I don't have to be a musician or expert in such matters, but with a bit of preparation, research and a willingness, that I too can enjoy this extraordinary art form.

[@mporentas]

I just watched a video about an opera record… I never thought I would ever do that. Fantastic Scott

[@ThePressingMatters]

Well then, my mission was accomplished! That is the first step. Now if you'd like you can get a free download of one aria chosen by The Lost Recordings as a sample of what they've done with this. Just go here thelostrecordings.store/en and scroll down! Might as well try it 😁 And next week we have Black Sabbath on review! Where else are you going to find such diversity on one channel!

[@mporentas]

@@ThePressingMatters I’ll definitely check out the download when I’m feeling my most opened-minded, hopefully that will happen soon. lol I preordered the Sabbath too, and have a sweet greenie to compare. Can’t wait for your review -playboy

[@AudiophiliaChannel]

Lovely presentation, Scott. Bravo!

[@ThePressingMatters]

Thank you Anthony!

[@Andrew_from_Oz_Vinyl_Landscape]

Thanks Scott, a charming review, with personal and historical stories , which were enjoyable, as a singer who trained in opera, and has a huge opera collection, Callas and Di Stefano were a magical duo, and HvK was often at his best as an accompaniment to great operas, and made many fine opera recordings , thanks for sharing your impressions much appreciated as always.

[@ThePressingMatters]

Thank you so much Andrew! There's so much to learn, even as a listener, to appreciate this fully. Being a musician yourself, I feel humbled that you enjoyed this review! Perhaps I could consult you on some aspects of this amazing art form in the future? At least to get pronunciations correct 😁 It's so true though, this combination was magical and I enjoyed every minute of it. What a drama!

[@Andrew_from_Oz_Vinyl_Landscape]

@@ThePressingMatters Scott if you like this surely you must have or obtain her doing Tosca with Di Stefano and Tito Gobbi a blockbuster, the monologue at end of first act is spell binding “Tre sbirri una carrozza” Also a great opera ! kzbin.info/www/bejne/eGLOnn56Yp5nr8Usi=N6UXJdzryKHxdWzL

[@ThePressingMatters]

Yes, I just doublechecked, and I do have that performance on a French EMI reissue!

[@Andrew_from_Oz_Vinyl_Landscape]

@@ThePressingMatters that’s great news Scott, Gobbi’s Scarpia was his specialty and he was an excellent stage actor to rival Callas’s Tosca , I love the orchestration of that first movement and Callas and Di Stefano were in prime of career , Victor de Sabata conducting was intensely excellent , she did a later version in 1965 with Carlo Bergonzi, who had an amazing voice ! 12 years after the other, with Petre and reunited with Gobbi, it was her final studio recording of a complete opera I believe.

[@ThePressingMatters]

I feel very fortunate I collected these sets and saved them. I just noticed I also have a copy of Norma with Serafin, and the later one shown in the video. I also have her in Carmen and a couple of others.

[@chrismckee4154]

I’ve never been able to warm up to opera. I find the voices grating. However, I’ve always trusted your assessments so I’ll give this a listen online. I also own several Lost Recordings and they are all amazing. Always open to expanding my horizons!

[@ThePressingMatters]

This was my first Lost Recordings record. What are some that you have? I know they've done some interesting jazz. I'm looking forward to reviewing the Ella in Berlin next. I think you'll find your audition of this enlightening - you may be surprised. Also, maybe check out some vocal albums - there are a few wonderful albums of art songs, sung by some of the great voices of opera. R.Strauss - Four Last Songs is beautiful, and isn't grating in the least. Also there are beautiful song recitals by Leonyne Price, Regina Crespin and others I could recommend. Recitals like these are beautiful singing and avoid the pyrotechnics of some opera performances.

[@chrismckee4154]

@@ThePressingMatters I have the Ella in East Germany which is amazing and I have an Art Blakey release which is really great too.

[@ThePressingMatters]

@@chrismckee4154 This is the Ella release I have up next. Haven't had time to immerse myself in it yet.

[@raywelsh5335]

As always Scott your love of music and the personal memoir is important. I remember as a youngster loving her voice. However, I just wasn't into Opera as much as Romantic Classic. Time moved on and like you the appreciation grows and grows. You may have cost me some more of my wages. 🤣

[@ThePressingMatters]

Hi Ray, it sounds like we made a similar progression. The performance is floating around on KZbin but is not this mastering and restoration. You should check that out first to see if you like it, and if so, you can think about which format to get this in. kzbin.info/www/bejne/lZ7Ef32hrsd0rassi=WF_ZQVLA3BnquOE7

[@raywelsh5335]

@@ThePressingMatters As always when you make a video. I go down to my local record store and low and behold there is a Decca Box Of Lucia. In perfect condition. Not Callas of course but Sutherland, Pavarotti et al. So, for $5 I thought I'd pick it up and trail run whether to invest in the Callas. Fantastic opera. I'll think about the Callas and see how this box grows on me. Off to see my first Ballet, Swan Lake tonight. V. excited. Thanks for your insights.

[@ThePressingMatters]

@raywelsh5335 ​​⁠Oh, I'm sure you'll enjoy the ballet! I went one here in Miami, got a seat way up top and could see everything from that elevated view. I loved it. Great that you found the Sutherland Lucia. I have it on London, and it's pretty well regarded. I'll have to give it a listen when I have time.

[@1Verwoert]

Nice review Scott. No technical bla bla but a man enjoying this music and appreciate the package of this nice issue Glad you enjoyed it so much Love it

[@ThePressingMatters]

Thank you! Yes, this was pretty simple and straighforward, and I was hoping that there's someone out there where I was - open minded and curious, that might feel I slight push to give opera a try. I'm sure glad I persevered! Thank you so much for watching and commenting.

[@1Verwoert]

@@ThePressingMatters yes i agree ! I am always curious about new music too , opera has always been a no go area but there is some nice work out there to be listened to!

[@ThePressingMatters]

I think recitals, art songs or arias are the easiest way in. You don't have to be up on the drama, the words or the lengthy presentation. Enjoy some beautiful singing in shorter segments really helped me.

[@1Verwoert]

@@ThePressingMatters yes i agree , to start with and later the complete performances / full operas

[@djjoeykmusic]

Wow, beautiful gorgeous box set. Great video! I am going check this out. Well done! Bravo 🙌

[@ThePressingMatters]

Thank you very much Joey. You can hear this performance (but not this restoration) on KZbin. I'd suggest that as a first step.

[@djjoeykmusic]

@@ThePressingMatters Thank you so much. Have a wonderful evening and I will see you Wednesday. Blessings

[@ThePressingMatters]

Here you go! It sounds very good here! kzbin.info/www/bejne/lZ7Ef32hrsd0rassi=1EOyUaby3r9xoMRy

[@djjoeykmusic]

@@ThePressingMatters awesome Thank you for finding the video. Awesome You are a great guy

[@ThePressingMatters]

It might be all you need 😁

[@alexandrefernandes6286]

Hi Scott, I started following all your videos. Shirt looks super smart on you. Great content, loved this video.

[@ThePressingMatters]

Awesome, thank you!

[@ThePressingMatters]

I'm really happy that this video is resonating with a few people. It was a little difficult to figure out how to approach it. Not being a musician, singer, or having much background in opera, I felt a bit over my head. But it finally dawned on me to 'just be yourself'! So that's what I did!

[@chrisgrillo579]

Nice review as always. I've been eyeing this set for some time. I believe this came out a year ago. My first introduction to Maria was when visiting my grandparents in Nice France my grandparents use to put this on the television on Saturday nights in the mid-1970s. My grandfather loved her so much. I was so bored as a child, of course. I guess it made an impression on me after all. There is a new release of Puccini Tosca Teatro alla Scala put buy Warner 3 vinyl set for under $50. It is supposed to sound much improved over previous releases. Well you have probably entice me to pick up this release. Spot on about Opera being the last style of music that people listen to.I've struggled myself. With the language barrier. Thank you again.

[@ThePressingMatters]

Yes, as a newcomer, I struggled with some pronunciation, as you might have caught. It's ok though, the story is what makes this video special.

[@ThePressingMatters]

If you've never heard the recording there is a version here that will give you an indication of how good the recording is. It's not the Lost Recordings restoration by Phoenix Mastering though. kzbin.info/www/bejne/lZ7Ef32hrsd0rassi=1rsmDFsriey1QEjb

[@chrisgrillo579]

Yes, I've listened to that recording. It sounds very nice. You ever go to Skippy whites when you lived in Boston? Great record store back in the day

[@ThePressingMatters]

@chrisgrillo579 of course! I passed by it all the time. It was in its last few years when I became aware of it. My favorite was Looney Tunes on Boylston St. It was always fun to check out the shops in Cambridge too. I miss living in a college town in the northeast. Something very special about it.

[@amosperrine1909]

Yet another nice vid. I, too, find Callas endlessly fascinating. While I had some of her recital LPs it was not until 1995 that I started getting her full operas. It was serendipity when the day after seeing "Master Class" on Broadway I was on the upper West Side when I happened upon a street fair. One individual was selling a lot of opera sets, I bought all his Callas operas, about a dozen, on English EMI for $1/disc. Avoid the US Angel pressings, ugh. BTW, I like the Decca LPs way more than the ones on EMI as Decca used tube equipment until the late 60s. Now, if they'll find the Lisbon La Traviata! BTW2, is the DL 16/44, 24/96 or 24/192? The label also sells 24/192 DL versions for a reasonable price.

[@ThePressingMatters]

Thank you for your interesting comment! We were collecting around the same time, in the same neighborhood! I lived most of my time in New York on Central Park West, so you may have scooped those sets up before I got to them! Regarding Angel, I only get them if I must have the performance and the set is immaculate. I never expect anything great as far as sound or pressing. EMI preferred and Decca London preferred for opera. Callas was only on EMI as far as I know. So glad to have read your comment today. Thank you for watching!

[@ergloo6660]

Excellent video, interesting journey, your passion shines through, classical & opera are the only genres I'm lacking, I can pick up most box sets for £3 to £5 so the work begins

[@ThePressingMatters]

Thanks for watching! I enjoyed the journey, and though it was a bit of a challenge in how to present this, I think I took the right approach. Maybe it will inspire someone else to try some opera too!

[@ThePressingMatters]

Some great bargains out there for opera sets, all mine were a dollar a disc at the thrifts. Even record stores basically give them away.

[@mgconlan]

I was curious about the title since the 1955 Callas/Karajan/Berlin "Lucia" is hardly a "lost recording." It's been continuously available in one format or another since the 1970's. One reason for the excellent sound quality (comparable to studio recordings of the time) is that it was recorded by Berlin Radio and therefore was preserved on state-of-the-art equipment, which was not true for most of the surviving Callas broadcasts!

[@ThePressingMatters]

Yes, it's true that the recording has been out there, in the pirate editions in the 70s to a later CD that finally surfaced. The Lost Recordings claim is that is is the first time its been restored (by Phoenix Mastering) from the original master tape. The recording is excellent, and your description of why makes sense. You can even sense how good the original recording sounds over KZbin.

[@robertmorgan9205]

Very polished review, Scott. Your story reminded me of someone I worked with when I started out, straight from school. He and his wife were big opera fans and he would tell me about performances and performers etc. I was intrigued but never visited them although he did record some arias onto csssettes for me to listen to. I was into Pink Floyd, Santana, Krautrock etc at the time but I liked what I heard. It’s been many decades before I started to listen to at least some , when I bought a number of Decca opera CDs and then, as another has commented, LP boxsets for almost giveaway prices. I’d say that anyone considering opera might be better buying ‘highlights’ LPs to see if they like it, before venturing into a full recording. I agree with you that the best of the boxsets are a treat to own, as an object and some rock music issued boxsets could learn a lot about presentation from them. My most recent opera recordings I’ve bought (charity shops) have been Benjamin Britten ones and I’ve really enjoyed those.

[@ThePressingMatters]

Hi Robert, Thanks so much for your comment. It's interesting how these seemingly insignificant moments from the past do plant a seed that develops an interest later. It takes time and a bit of effort to begin to grasp this glorious art form, and I know for myself as well, the recitals and highlights were the way to go. There were times when I considered letting go of the box sets as I never listened to them much, but as I'm constantly reminded, getting rid of things you are not yet into is a big mistake. I've had a few regrets there. Now I'm so glad I hung onto these and will start exploring them more. Having made this breakthrough of sorts has inspired me to clean these up and make them part of my permanent collection.

[@robertmorgan9205]

@@ThePressingMatters I intend keeping mine too, Scott as they owe me nothing and are wonderful objects to own. As a suggestion regarding female singers I would suggest you try some recordings by the French opera singer, Régine Crespin. I don’t want to appear as if I’m some kind of expert, I’m faaaaar from that, but the few recordings I have of her sound magnificent.

[@ThePressingMatters]

@robertmorgan9205 I think I do have one thing by her on London. It's the song cycle Scheherazade.. It was mentioned recently in the livestream I'm doing on classical music with Anthony at the Audiophilia channel. Thanks for reminding me, I need to clean that up and listen to it.

[@robertmorgan9205]

@@ThePressingMatters that’s one of the ones I have, Scott…I think on Ace Of Diamonds but can’t be 100% sure. My other ones are highlights, the Decca recording of highlights from Der Rosenkavalier being exceptionally good.

[@ThePressingMatters]

@@robertmorgan9205 I'll be on the lookout for the latter - not sure if I've ever seen it. Will look it up on Discogs.... no I've never seen it!

[@markpocock183]

Thanks Scott! I almost didn't watch this one, as I am "not really into Opera". Your description and enthusiasm has piqued my interest, however, so I am thinking of looking into the digital download.

[@ThePressingMatters]

You're welcome, Mark. I don't expect many of my audience to be into opera. But I'm thrilled that your curiosity was kindled a bit and you might try it out. I would suggest listening to this free stream kzbin.info/www/bejne/lZ7Ef32hrsd0rassi=Y_NDeWhuIYF4z3TR to make sure it's something you might like first. If after that you want to hear it in the best sound quality, with this specific mastering then get the download. Reading the libretto will help immensely. You might be able to download it somewhere.

[@ThePressingMatters]

Also, I suggested elsewhere in the comments, if this seems a bit too intense, you might consider starting with some of the song recitals by some of the famous voices. There are beautiful collections of art songs by Ravel, Poulenc, R Strauss and others that have a more delicate and mysterious beauty. Short collections of famous arias is a nice starting point too.

[@trevorbartram5473]

Hi Scott, so is this a different tape than that used for the EMI CD release in the late 90s? Of course, excuse me for stating the obvious, the key to opera in an unfamiliar language is to use the libretto to follow the performance. If this set didn't come with a libretto I assume it can be found online & printed out. I remember having to do that for a few CD sets 30+ years ago. Cheers!

[@ThePressingMatters]

Hi, Yes the complete libretto with translations was in the back of the big book, so it was relatively easy to follow the drama and the words being sung. Without that I would have been lost! I am aware of the EMI CD, though have not heard it. The Lost Recordings are claiming this version is the first time from the master. Perhaps EMI used a one off copy tape? One thing is certain, the restoration and mastering by Phoenix is unique to this LP set and the associated download, CD, and reel to reel tape set.

[@trevorbartram5473]

Perhaps the tapes were from different recorders or nights? The EMI is a little harsh sounding at times (climaxes etc).

[@robertkahn2417]

I’d really like to see KZbinr’s be more transparent when they’ve purchased a product with their own money or received it complimentary? Can you clarify this please? Thanks Scott… great review by the way.

[@ThePressingMatters]

Thanks for your comment, Robert, and I will clarify. Review copies being sent to me is a very rare occasion. It's happened a few times, unrequested. In this case I contacted Lost Recordings to see if a review sample could be sent. There was no way I could cover this otherwise. I will update the description about the sourcing of this copy. I'm glad you enjoyed the review and hope you found it sincere and passionate. It really is a beautiful release.

[@robertkahn2417]

@@ThePressingMatters I was sincere when I said “great review” I really do appreciate your passion and unique take on the music you cover. I also think it’s important people know when an “influencer” is being gifted a product. And the more popular (rightly so I might add) your channel becomes, the more things you’ll be sent for review. It’s only fair… I’m in the audio space and have gifted lots of my product. Thanks again for the great video… I’m likely going to order a copy now :)

[@ThePressingMatters]

@@robertkahn2417 I appreciate that Robert! ​​⁠ I absolutely agree with you and I will be clear in the videos going forward if it was a complementary copy. I'm reminded of the video I did for RSD. Elemental sent me a batch of records and I was really struggling with that review. Finally I just was honest and diplomatic as I could be. It's not a position I like to be in. Fortunately, the other times it's happened, the releases had been stellar. The last thing I'd want to come across as would be a shill for a company. I'm already sensing that on some other channels and don't care for it. I have friends that get a lot of new releases so I can tap them if I want to review something rather than tap the manufacturer. In the case of Callas, no one I knew was getting it. Anyway the subject has been on my mind a lot lately, so just sharing some thoughts on it.

[@robertkahn2417]

@@ThePressingMatters Very well said Scott and bravo (again) to you for recognizing the obvious ethical concerns. By the way, I’d much sooner trust a source/review who’s paid for the product than one that’s been comped, but let’s face it, that’s not how our world operates any longer. The lines are getting truly blurred. C’est la vie.