Also: “The Culture Week” – from 9:05 a.m. on ORF 2
Vienna (OTS) – The “matinee” on Sunday, December 3rd, 2023, at 9:05 a.m. on ORF 2 is all about the great opera: First of all, the portrait “Maria Callas: Tosca 1964” commemorates the 100th birthday (December 2nd) of the “ Primadonna assoluta” and her return to the opera stage in 1964 in her signature role of Floria Tosca. Afterwards, the ORF cultural morning presented by Teresa Vogl is dedicated to the last grand master of Italian opera with the film “Puccini – Magician of Passion” (10 a.m.). Finally, “The Culture Week” (10.45 a.m.) brings current reports and tips on local cultural events.
„Maria Callas: Tosca 1964“ (9.05 Uhr)
Holger Preusse’s film delves into 1964, when the music world experiences something completely unexpected: Maria Callas’ return to the opera stage. Her “Tosca” at the Royal Opera House Covent Garden in London becomes a sensation. Not even the Beatles have any press anymore. Callas’ glorious career seems to have long since ended and she herself has become a myth. It’s no longer her voice, but rather scandals that dominate the headlines. Disappointed by her love for the multi-billionaire and playboy Aristotle Onassis, Maria Callas wants to show everyone once again that she rightly bears the title “Primadonna assoluta”. Under the condition that star director Franco Zeffirelli takes over the direction, the exceptional singer agrees to interpret the role of the opera diva Tosca. Their fans line up for days at the London Opera House in Covent Garden and spend the cold winter nights in sleeping bags and on folding chairs to get one of the coveted tickets and see their star in his signature role again.
“Puccini – Magician of Passion” (10:00 a.m.)
Giacomo Puccini created a completely new style that made his name immortal during his lifetime. He brought people’s feelings to the opera stage in a more captivating and dramatic way than almost anyone else. Works such as “Manon Lescaut”, “La Bohème”, “Tosca”, “Madama Butterfly” and “Turandot” have been part of the permanent repertoire of all major opera houses since their creation. At the height of his fame, the bon vivant Puccini, who originally came from a poor background, traveled all over the world. When he died he was the richest composer of his time. His most recent annual income was the equivalent of 1.5 million euros.
Puccini himself lived as passionately and powerfully as his music. He had numerous affairs, was an enthusiastic hunter, and bought the fastest automobiles and the latest motor yachts. However, getting older caused him major problems. When health problems arose, even composing became a burden for him. He was treated for throat cancer in Belgium in 1924. But the operation failed and put a dramatic end to his life. Axel Fuhrmann designed the documentation.