Mitch Friedfeld <[log in to unmask]> enquired about the Callas Butterfly.

I do not think this is an area where anyone can offer any sensible advice
because there are actually no valid reasons for not owning every complete
opera recording made by this artist as well, as her numerous CD recitals.
It may sound trite but it remains true nonetheless.

After Ponselle, Callas was the outstanding soprano of the latter part of
the 20thC and much can be learned from every single one of her operas.

It is so because every new generation of opera lovers finds more of Callas'
operas than of any other artist on their *must* list, these recordings
having become well established "versions de reference".

One might have a discussion as to which are the greatest of her
extraordinary achievement - Tosca, Butterfly, Boheme, Trovatore, Rigoletto,
Puritani, 1st Lucia ..Berlin Lucia ....  but ..

John G. Deacon  http://www.holiday-rentals.co.uk/pages/doc01820.htm