Musical comment: In terms of pure musical thrill, this is my favorite Callas moment. The variation on the last verse with the staccati up to Eb and descent to Ab is magical, but what I love most is actually the part immediately after (at 2:43). Bernstein’s tempo is breathtakingly fast, but Callas dispatches the series of turns with arrogant ease. She is the only person who does the ‘con gran forza’ on the last set of sixteenth notes. It’s a pure diva move, but also exactly what Bellini has written into the score. Then, of course, she follows up with a laser-like Eb that bursts out of nowhere. It’s one of my favorite moments because it isn’t an interpolation or a cadenza, just a superhuman interpretation of Bellini’s written notes, that no one else has come even close to.
Reflection:
Even the greatest of all time realize that getting up in front of an audience, no matter what size, takes great courage. Maria Callas, the famed Greek-American opera singer, commanded stages around the world with her passionate voice. For her, courage speaks! She simply shares her mindset by acknowledging the fact that once that curtain opens, she does not give “fear” the time of day, courage speaks! for she states, “the only thing that speaks is courage.” That means, it is not fear, not her, not talent, not prowess, it is courage speaking.
Everyday life offers many opportunities for human beings to speak in front of an audience. In a way, over a lifetime, we are all actors playing many roles. Shakespeare once wrote, “All the world’s a stage, and all the men and women merely players: they have their exits and their entrances; and one man in his time plays many parts, his acts being seven ages.” This truth, combined with Callas’ understanding about being on stage, gives us a better understanding in how to approach daily living especially in regard to speaking and performing in front of an audience. When the curtain opens to life, let’s perform and overcome fear by letting courage do the talking.
Stage fright, or “life fright” can seem real to anyone. According to Psychology Today, “fear often arises when people overestimate the stakes of communicating their ideas in front of others, viewing the speaking event as a potential threat to their credibility, image, and chance to reach an audience.” Whether it be self-consciousness in front of large groups, performance anxiety, fear of appearing nervous, concern that others are judging you, past failures, or poor or insufficient preparation. Quite often, stage fright arises in the mere anticipation of a performance, coming up at a future date. What if it were all an illusion? What if we stepped back and reframed our view of life’s stage?
Courage is a state of mind and heart. Seeing life through the lens of courage is an act of love. It involves the release of illusions past and taking on the mantle of greater love of self and others.
The traditional symbol for courage is the lion. It is a strong and courageous animal, so represents that quality in our life story. Even an eagle or hawk symbolizes life power. Authors describe other symbols of courage such as that of a soldier, a single parent overcoming great trials, or a person who overcomes anything very difficult through their own strength. There are many aspects of nature that can be used as a symbol or metaphor of courage. One person’s Mount Everest that requires courage to climb, is comparable to another that rages down a wild river that requires someone at the helm. Commonly, the conquering of something that is by nature difficult, is a sign of courage, endurance, and strength.
What is involved in building courage? Courage is having strength in the face of pain or grief. Courage can involve endurance, change, hope, and overcoming life’s obstacles. What if courage begins in the soul? Would it be a lion, eagle, or butterfly that captures that deep and powerful representation of life. Many cultures associate the butterfly with our souls. Some religions see the butterfly as a symbol of resurrection. It represents transformation both within and without, so even if you haven’t undergone major life changes that require courage, one might have a full heart that needs some attention. Butterflies represent the ability to look at life in a carefree, lighthearted way.
In the end, courage is a gift in life. It is what speaks upon the stage of life. Letting go of illusions of the past allows a greater love to breathe. No matter your Everest, your spirit symbol for courage, your ability to change your life, just remember when the curtain opens, the only thing that speaks is courage.