Does anyone else think that the most recent (heavily publicised) compilation of her arias is a travesty?

There is way too much focus on her voice and no sense of interplay between voice and orchestra (which is THE thing that makes her voice magic for me)

The older compilations are far better, as are copies of entire performances.

IMO, the best Arias the Callas has ever recorded are to be found on the (quite predictable) compilation "Lyric and coloratura Arias" with Tullio Serafin conducting the Philharmonia.

Even though the recording has taken place in 1955, Maria Callas still has her voice, although her means have very slightly diminished. Personally, I prefer this period, because she "screams" less than on other redordings made in 1953. EMI 7243 5 66458 2

Bernard