Verdi: I Vespri Siciliani (complete opera remastered recorded live 1953)

I vespri siciliani, originally conceived as a grand opéra for Paris, is one of Verdi's most ambitious works, and the multi-faceted central role of Elena is one his most demanding: Callas is one of the few sopranos who have encompassed its vocal and dramatic diversity. This performance - conducted by Erich Kleiber and with Boris Christoff as the Sicilian activist Procida - took place in Florence in Spring 1951. Just over six months later, Callas opened the season at La Scala in the same opera. I vespri siciliani also served for her sole foray into directing opera, for the opening of the new Teatro Regio in Turin in 1973.