Testament scores a major coup with this seminal recording by Maria Callas in its first-ever release made from newly-discovered masters. The high-quality tapes which were used as source material for this amazing transfer came from a private recording made for the EMI producer Walter Legge. Led by the great Austrian maestro Erich Kleiber, here is the legendary May, 1951 “Sicilian Vespers” - as you have never heard it before. The familiar overture (which is missing from the private recording) has been omitted, allowing the complete opera to fit on 2 CDs. Only a few months later, in December of 1951, Callas - again singing I Vespri Siciliani - made her triumphant conquest of La Scala, and changed history forever. Brava, Maria!
