Lawrence Brownlee, Gautier Capucon & Anastasia Rizikov Celebrate Maria Callas

By Francisco Salazar

In honor of Maria Callas’ centennial, new Spotify Singles were released.

The pair of singles honor Callas‘ renowned career and legacy in partnership with her official label Warner Classics, and features GRAMMY-nominated opera singer Lawrence Brownlee, star cellist Gautier Capuçon, and pianist Anastasia Rizikov.

They perform two pieces from her legendary catalog “O mio babbino caro” and “Libiamo, ne’ lieti calici”.

“Libiamo, ne’ lieti calici” the famous Brindisi from “La Traviata” by Verdi, is an innovative duet that pairs Callas’ voice with Brownlee’s. The past and present unite with Callas’ original, emotive vocals at the front-and-center, while the signature tenor role features a newly imagined interpretation by Lawrence Brownlee.

Meanwhile, “O mio babbino caro” is an instrumental cover by Gautier Capuçon and Anastasia Rizikov of the aria from Giacomo Puccini’s opera “Gianni Schicchi,” famously performed by Callas.

In a statement, Brownlee said, “The great Maria Callas has always been someone I've admired for her contributions to classical music, specifically the Bel Canto genre. Someone who is about expressivity, artistry, always wanting to be in great detail with everything that she puts out. I’ve learned so much from her and she has shaped so much of what we understand are the traditions of Bel Canto practice, performance practice, and so listening to her is truly like a master class. You’re always learning, you’re always understanding and appreciating the details she gave to the music, to the text. The text was equal to the music and expressivity was always at the forefront. I have the greatest deal of respect for the great Maria Callas and all she contributed to our wonderful art form and I am honored to be part of this project.”

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