Rossini ‎– Armida / Maria Callas, Albanese, Filippeschi, Ziliani, Raimondi, Tullio Serafin / Teatro Comunale Firenze / Callas Live Remastered, Firenze, 26 April 1952 / Warner Classics ‎2x Audio CD 2017 Mono / 0190295844530

UPC 190295844530

Rossini is a pillar of bel canto opera, but he was less central to Callas’s art and career than Bellini and Donizetti.She performed two of his comic works –Il barbiere di SivigliaandIl turco in Italia–and in 1952, with her mentor Tullio Serafin conducting,took the title role in the dramaticArmida.The opera had not been seen for many years and even today remains a rare visitor to the world’s opera houses. It is notable both for the virtuosity and stamina required of the star soprano and for the presence of no fewer than five tenors.Callas’ achievement as the enchantress is nothing less than spectacular, particularly in the mesmerising rondo aria ‘D’amore al dolce impero’.