Rossini: The Barber of Seville / Maria Callas;

Maria Callas surprised some fans when this recording appeared in 1958 by singing some of Rosina's music in the mezzo-soprano range. Originally used by Rossini, the mezzo range helped Callas in characterizing Rosina not as a bird-brained, twittering, helpless ingenue but as a crafty, intelligent woman, smarter than any of the men around her (even the resourceful Figaro). Callas's Rosina knew exactly what she wanted and how she would get it. It is a brilliant performance, made even more enjoyable by the first-class contributions of Tito Gobbi, Luigi Alva, and Alceo Galliera. --Joe McLellan