The Decline of Maria Callas’ Voice: Causes and Timeline

Warning: This article contains SPOILERS for the film Maria!

Pablo Larrain’s highly anticipated film, Maria, has officially premiered, shedding light on the intriguing saga of Maria Callas and the decline of her remarkable voice. Widely regarded as one of the greatest opera singers of all time, Callas captivated audiences from the late 1940s until her retirement in the 1970s. This film introduces a fresh audience to the extraordinary life and artistry of Maria Callas, addressing the poignant moments of her later years, particularly her vocal deterioration.

Maria marks the third installment in Larrain’s critically lauded trilogy, which examines the lives of significant 20th-century women, following his films Jackie and Spencer. In a manner similar to his previous works, Larrain intertwines fictional narratives with historical truths, providing a deeper exploration of Callas’ life beyond her public persona. Central to the story is her struggle with vocal decline, a theme that evokes empathy and highlights one of the most heart-wrenching aspects of her journey.

The Impact of Vocal Decline on Maria Callas’ Career

The Beginning of the Decline in the Mid-1950s

Maria Callas’ vocal decline became notably apparent during the latter half of her career, profoundly affecting her standing in the opera world. Critics began to observe changes in Callas’ singing as early as 1954, although her loyal fan base continued to support her. As her vocal challenges became increasingly noticeable, this ultimately culminated in her decision to retire following her final performance on July 5, 1965.

This vocal deterioration coincided with various controversies highlighted in Maria, which adversely impacted her public image. Even as Callas maintained a remarkable singing ability, the gradual decline marred her reputation and led to her eventual withdrawal from the opera scene.

Attributing Maria Callas’ Vocal Decline

A Combination of Factors Contributing to the Decline

The reasons behind Maria Callas’ vocal decline remain a topic of considerable speculation. In his book, The Callas Legacy, John Ardoin discusses various theories, with one prominent explanation being the drastic weight loss Callas experienced in the early to mid-1950s. During this period, she shed 80 pounds, and many believe that this significant transformation may have negatively influenced her vocal capabilities.

Furthermore, Callas took on several demanding opera roles that posed great challenges to her voice, leading some analysts to speculate about the long-term effects of these endeavors. Additionally, her husband mentioned the possibility of early menopause as a contributing factor. Ultimately, Maria refrains from providing a singular explanation, instead depicting a multifaceted exploration of the circumstances that could have impacted Callas’ vocal health in her final years.

Source: The Callas Legacy

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