Patrick Bade
Singers Who Changed How We Listen: Maria Callas
Summary
Enrico Caruso (1873–1921) and Maria Callas (1923–1977) were two of the most influential opera singers of the 20th century. Each changed the way singers perform and the expectations of audiences. Listening to old recordings one can always tell if tenors had heard Caruso and if Sopranos had heard Callas. But there were minuses as well as pluses and their influence was not always benign for those who tried to imitate them. These talks will trace their careers and analyze their originality and influence.
Patrick Bade
Patrick Bade is a historian, writer, and broadcaster. He studied at UCL and the Courtauld Institute of Art. He was a senior lecturer at Christie’s Education for many years and has worked for the Art Fund, Royal Opera House, National Gallery, and V&A. He has published on 19th- and early 20th-century paintings and historical vocal recordings. His latest book is Music Wars: 1937–1945.