Maria Callas in Concert - Hamburg 1959 and 1962

If Maria Callas had been born 30 years later, there's no doubt that she would be a multimedia star. Her vocal technique continues to divide critics decades after her death, and even at the peak of her powers it was rarely a voice that pandered to ideas of conventional beauty. But visually, she was mesmerizing. Callas was the first modern opera singer to act a role rather than just sing it and she exploited this ability to the full.

Proof is to be found in the precious few filmed performances that survive from the black-and-white era when she was at her best. Three years separate these recitals, which include tantalizing snatches of Bellini and Rossini, captured at the Hamburg Musikhalle. By 1962, the voice was on the wane but the passion and commitment to the roles were triumphant, as a selection of Carmen's arias proves. Today these concerts provide the key to an enigmatic reputation that survives into the 21st century, and remain essential viewing for all opera lovers. The DVD includes further information on the concerts and Callas's career. --Piers Ford