Diagnosing Callas - What REALLY happened to the voice? 

Maria Callas' sister said that Callas didnt lose her voice, she simply lost her health. This statement was on camera in a documentary. It makes so much sense.

A voice teacher told me repeatedly that any illness, stress or fatigue negatively impacts the voice. With that catalogue of syndromes and surgeries, it's no wonder Callas's voice was unreliable. It's amazing she accomplished as much as she did. And doctors are still telling patients that it's all in our heads.

This is very sweet and shows a high level of empathy to explain her decline. Well done.

You have absolutely no idea how much this video means to me. I started classical voice training in 1995 at age 18. I began getting very sick a couple of years later, and stopped everything. Stopped my music degree. I am 45 now, and just recently picked everything up again. MARIAS symptoms are exactly like mine. ALL OF IT! dysautonomia thyroid issues fatigue .....everything. I so so want to sing opera, and won't let it stop me anymore.

Hi! I'm also an opera singer with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, just as you have, and you theorize Callas may have! Despite the fact that I've been yelling from the rooftops about opera and EDS for years, and have been actively trying to generate more discussions in operatic spaces about chronic illness and the arts through my own videos and whatnot, I have never once heard the theory that she may have had EDS... despite those very clearly hyperextended elbows! This video is so fascinating, respectful, and (to chronically, invisibly ill folks like me who struggled for years to pursue opera against an unhealthy body) extremely validating. ...I'm not crying in my living room because Callas may have been like me. Nope. (Also, I spy that zebra-print EDS awareness blouse you're wearing! It's lovely!)

*THE AMOUNT OF WORK IN THIS VIDEO! THE ACTING! THE ACCENT! BRAVA!*

I had no idea about the Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome. It sounds extremely debilitating in every aspect of daily life and wellbeing, and yet Callas was able to pursue music to the highest point even so. I only have compassion toward you and others suffering from these complex symptoms which seem to continuously remind you of its presence each and every day. Thank you for being so open and sharing this information. I will check out the links you have attached to be better informed about this. 🙏

I was listening to you tell Maria the list of symptoms and it gradually dawned on me that you were describing all of mine. I knew you were leading to EDS long before you said the words, as I too, suffer from the condition. One often hears that it is an average of ten years before diagnosis but for me it was almost 25 years from the onset of my first symptom, insomnia. It makes my blood boil that a woman as talented and accomplished as Callas was fobbed off by doctors and that the hypochondriac label was bandied about. I’m so sorry that you also suffer from this pernicious condition. I also used to sing (as an amateur) but my POTS caused me too many breathing issues to be able to continue. I hope you are not similarly affected. I’m enjoying your channel a lot. Thanks for all your creativity and research!

Please don’t stop this videos. Your channel is a fresh breeze of what opera is supposed to be 💙

I seethe with rage when I think about what she was put through over the Rome cancellation and later the Toscas at Covent Garden. She told them in advance that she was ill! So unfair! Thank you for the video. I love Maria! Sorry you are also suffering from this issue.

I'm watching this and am almost in shock. This video came to me from the almighty algorithm, due to my love of music and opera. But as I watched, I realized that I have every health issue you listed that Maria Callas struggled with, and several more on the list. I am so grateful for possibly being enlightened, finally, about a condition I've never heard of, but that could explain all of my many health issues over the years. I can't thank you enough for inspiring me to dig deeper into EDS, and seeking help. God bless you, and I hope you can find healing as well.

The first time I see a Callas impersonation ON POINT! oh my god! I got so carried by it that for the duration of the video It was Callas there for me! Totally immersed! Can only thank you for providing us this content of quality!

This video saved my life. After realizing I had a lot of the symptoms mentioned, I looked into the official diagnostic criteria and saw that I met enough of them to go see a physician. Thank you ! As a classical singer myself, I am wondering if you’d be willing to share advice on pursuing singing while having this illness ?

First, I must congratulate your acting ability. Your ability to capture the accent and mannerisms of a woman of that time was impeccable. I love that you've given a voice to a woman who was likely never listened to by doctors. Lastly, Im amazed that I've learned a great deal about a not well known disease on a Opera channel. Bravo!

I am a huge Callas fan and was worried at first when I saw this video. I have to say it was very very interesting, and you got her so well, at moments I felt I was watching her. Thank You!

I was intrigued by the title of the video but didn't think I'd watch to the end as I assumed it would lead nowhere. But I ended up watching this entire video because I could tell by the amount of effort and detail that you put into your impersonation of MC that you have the same deep affection for her that I do. You were brilliant! So respectful and nuanced. And thank you for presenting a very convincing theory about what might have happened. Your personal experience and research present a very strong case. I was saddened to learn about how many health problems she had and I was even more grateful to her for perseverance. She left us so much in her recordings. When I hear people say that she had "bad technique" I usually just laugh to myself and think "Yeah, what do you know?" Her incredible technique was what allowed her to sing and record so many different roles. Her career was not remarkably short when you consider that she made her professional debut at age 18. I hope this video will open some closed minds. Thank you for your passion about singing and for sharing your discoveries with the world!

Excellent in ever way, if just one point was not discussed: Personality I saw Callas during her ‘comeback’ at TRFH and yes the voice was not what it was but the sheer personality and carisma filled the entire Hall so much so that the voice seemed as great as it always was! Fabulously well done interpreters of La Divina! Complimenti davvero!

Wow, what an amazing presentation! As a singer myself, I just assumed that Maria Callas lost her voice from a combination of taking on roles too heavy for her, forcing the top notes instead of floating them (one can reference Natalie Dessay) and her weight loss which caused the bottom to drop out as it were, so more pressure was placed on the cords themselves. Only one or two symptoms of the above named Syndrome would be enough to make one's life miserable. Having to be high functioning in the public arena with all the snide criticism that comes with it must have been a daily torture. Meneghini probably would have taken better care of his wife had she stayed but Onassis didn't give a damn which added emotional turmoil to the mix. I am familiar with conditions that are regarded as effuse or even non-existent due to the lack of study and putting two and two together. I had colitis for many years, also regarded as figments of one's imagination. My husband was finally diagnosed with FTD, or Frontal Lobe Dementia after a brain scan in December, 2019. For decades no one could figure out his increasingly erratic behavior. It seems like in medicine and psychology, something doesn't exist until someone finally gives it a name.

That’s actually a really good impersonation of Callas’ speaking.

This was such a moving interview. You have such talent to bring to life these incredible people. I was diagnosed over 25 years ago with Systemic Connective Tissue Disease in the mid 90s before I had access to the internet and have spent most my life self-diagnosing things to help. At times I was completely bedridden. At 59 I continue to research and find things to help.

As someone who has EDS and Lipedema, thank you for spreading awareness about this! 💖

You listed everything I have... at first i thought it was a funny coincidence, but then it just kept adding on, at minute 9 I was staring at the screen with my mouth agape and trying not to cry . I just spent the last 2 hours looking into Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, and highlighting documents as I went. I need you to know I am beyond grateful that you made this, I've already made a doctors appointment, thank you. You may have saved my life. Edit: I finished the video, thank you for making this. I did end up crying, but I assure they are tears of relief and ones of hope. Bravo!

At first I thought it was in poor taste to impersonate someone on such a serious topic, literally putting words in someone’s mouth and while it is somewhat uncomfortable to watch your approach was more dignified than expected and your mimicking of her mannerisms, expressions and intonation is surprisingly accurate and quite touching.

Wow! Such amazing presentation and so touching,as I have EDS myself,only got diagnosis at 49, after many years been labelled as depressed hypochlorhydriac. Thank you!

I can't even begin to thank you enough for this phenomenal video! Phenomenal on SO many different levels! • First, because I had never previously even heard of Ehlers-Danlos Syndrom, so this was VERY educational! • Secondly because everything you said about it, and about Callas' life and career, now for the first time really fits and makes sense, about her vocal "decline"! • Thirdly, you really did an excellent job of describing the truly tragic circumstances that plagued her throughout her life, and yet in spite of it all, because of her incredible strengths she was still able to rise above that and become probably the most important influence on opera in the 20th century. • And finally, the remarkable job you did personally in portraying La Divina!! Besides the fact that you somewhat look a little like her, I was amazed at how you even had so many of her facial expressions, mannerisms, and even vocal inflections! If I believed in this kind of thing, I would say that you very successfully "channeled" the spirit of Maria Callas, and brought her to life for us! I have been a HUGE Callas fan for over 50 years, and I can honestly say that this was the BEST presentation of her life I've ever come across! It sincerely brought me to tears! THANK YOU!!!

Its the first time I see a true characterization of Callas. This is the best of all the actresses that has interpreted her. Congratulations!!!

This made me surprisingly emotional. And it made me appreciate my favorite opera singer even more!

Callas is amazing. How could she endure so much and be so successful? I am sickly as well and want to pursue classical singing and now I realize that to be able to sing- I should take care of my health no matter what people say. This is so inspiring and I love your voice it's so calming! Thank you for sharing...

My wife has EDS, decades until she was diagnosed, as you say, common denial about she had anything, and she normally knows more than the doctors who treat her. While you were numbering the different conditions I was: "that's a bit like EDS". Then, you revealed. And when you showed so much knowledge about it, I suspected you have it too. I hope yours is an "easy" one. I sent this video to her, thanks for it. All your stuff is interesting, but this one was specially touching for me. Love your channel, I'm learning a lot. Kiss from Spain.

My compliments!!! You perform a Callas alike very well. Her gestures, her breath, her voice......very good. You've studied my Queen very professional 🎉🎉🎉🎉

This was the most wonderful video about La Divina! Your work was one of the most touching homage and humanazing piece of art about the most impressive genious singer ever!!! Thank you so much for the video!

Brava, in all the sense of the word! You brought tears to my eyes, your transformation in Callas was mesmerising and I thank you for sharing this about you and your twin sister from the past. You are a fighter too, and I also feel identified of how much we women, sometimes especially, have to face to be dissed on what we really feel on our bodies. My cousin had to fight years until she was diagnosed endometriosis and the doctors could not understand how pain killers and anesthesia wouldn't work on me as much as they should, until they found out I have ligaments' hiperlaxitude and I had to show them a medical report connecting both conditions. No need to tell you to stay strong. You transmit that rare calm that comes from contemplating incandescense and being part in it.

This is excellent and the "ghost" of Maria Callas really does her justice in terms of demeanour, intellect etc.. I have read many books about Maria but in my opinion by far the most insightful is the book by her husband Giovanni Battista Meneghini who lived side by side, for 12-13 years with her during her formative years, in his book he speaks of her various health conditions also recounted by her in her numerous letters to him when they were apart during various tours etc.. much of what is discussed above is mentioned by her in several of her letters to her husband.“My Wife Maria Callas”, Giovanni Battista Meneghini, 1981

This as was an absolute pleasure to watch! Everything down to her accent and mannerisms is impeccable, amazing.

Absolutely brilliant - well done! That ending had me crying, not gonna lie. Looking forward to future videos.

Fellow spoonie here with Sjogren's. I was lucky to get diagnosed within a year, but that was only after coming close to needing a cornea transplant. I may still need one if things get worse. It's the same story - long list of seemingly random symptoms, most doctors convinced that it's rare (but it's not), and since it mostly affects women we get told that we're being hypochondriacs. Thank you for posting this story -and for sharing yours.

Fantastic! Thank you! The fact that this topic continues to be of interest only shows the deep and lasting fascination with Callas, the most electrifying performer the world has ever known.

This is my new favorite RU-vid channel. I just stumbled on here by accident via other opera content, and this is my second video of yours. I am in tears. Maybe im overtired but the applause at the end did me in. What a wonderful interview. All these spirit interviews. Thank you so much for it all. This is a health comment though. Health and art. I am a professional painter (my name isn’t Tim Mcdraw, that name was a dumb joke. B/c I also love country music. McGraw. My name is celeste) and I paint often massive oil paintings, on a schedule which can become 60 hours on, 6 hours off for months at a time. I was diagnosed with MS in 2008. But I don’t think i have it! For many reasons. I stopped treating it years ago and I am much more healthy than i was when i was being “treated”. But… Im still in so much pain. However, the trauma of trying to get doctors to listen to me and work with me…I can’t do it anymore. Id rather my bones crumble, as long as they crumble while im in my studio (my bones aren’t actually going to crumble. Just feels like it). Like Callas, I am in a lot of pain and it motivates me to work faaaar beyond my capacity. I believe in my work, it gives me something to live for, and my condition, whatever it really is, gives me a sense of urgency when i work. Im not going to let doctors who refuse to listen to or believe me ( probably because they don’t respect women, probably don’t trust queer women,) and who approach me with such visible arrogance, dismissiveness, and often disdain, throw me over the cliff in terms of my health. My symptoms have a 1 to 1 relationship with my feelings and stress levels. So, I’ll let my paintings lead me and ill lead them, and we wont think about any cliffs until i fall off. That said, I have never heard of EDS. Some local doctor from my hometown diagnosed me w MS after just one MRI and an eye exam! I was just so excited he was taking me seriously! But it makes no sense actually. No one even tried to search! MS usually takes years to diagnose. What it does sound like i have is EDS. I’m not thrilled about this, i liked thinking of it being a choice between MS and nothing at all. But i am going to chase this lead. And I will be sure to search for a doctor who is a woman. It’s my new rule for any appointments i have from teeth to cat vaccinations. Much better.

HAHA you did a very good impersonation of the greatest diva of the century. The eyes, the movement, the nuance. Amazing hahaha

This is my review of the, ‘Cast a diva’ book you mentioned: If you really want to know about Callas read, ‘ The Unknown Callas: The Greek Years’, Hardcover - Illustrated, April 15, 2001 by Nicholas Petsalis-Diomidis (Author) it is the missing link in the oeuvre of Callas biographies. This book is similar but puts to much importance in all the day to day mundane trivialities said and done .If any of us were subjected to such scrutiny we would all look just as bad just as mundane but minus the genius drive and inspiration. Most Callas Biographies end in the dumps. The last 12 years of her life a downward spiral. People forget most opera singers live well past there glory years. It comes with the territory. It can’t be easy for any especially a myth . She fell victim to ever increasing ill health and opportunists whom in her best years she was able to spot right away. This book left a sour taste in my mouth. Obviously well researched the copious quotes always lack quotation marks. The music is sacrificed for gossip and seems incidental to her life. There is something macabre and ungrateful about this whole business. Nadia Stankoff , is hardly mentioned, yet her book on her friendship with Callas during the later years remains for me the most honest and sympathetic. The 2 stars in Callas’ later life, the 2 people who remained totally loyal to her were her servants Feruccio and Bruna. Their respect and silence speaks volumes . They are basically never mentioned . Callas was arguably the 1st modern media superstar. That fact collided with an artistic phenomena and physical transformation of mythical proportions ; hard to grasp and never equaled. Anyone familiar with the artist is left flummoxed by this chronicle. It’s tawdry details fascinate and repelled . All of it makes one wonder how did this conduit of divine energies manage to survive as long as she did. This page 6 treatment of one of the greatest artists of the 20th century is a sad reflection on what we have become … lewd and ungrateful… She remains a mystery hovering above this self justifying pseudo-intellectualism . She is the Oracle we return to again and again for answers and succor … the wonder she instills in us is nothing short of a miracle … she is a Divine gift that refreshes our souls.

I feel sorry for her having to live through all of that! A singer's body is their own instrument - so when they are sick their voice is affected. The quality of the voice box goes down when ligament and cartilage growth/ repair is affected. Sorry my dear to hear you also have this problem!

Your personification of Maria Callas is impeccable. Your acting and voice over are outstanding as well !

I broke my neck and jaw in the Army, and I’ve struggled for 20 years to sing properly. It’s so scary to be onstage and to not know when your jaw is just gonna lock up or if you’ll get a charlie horse in your neck or tongue. I’ve cried so many nights in pain never being able to sleep. Poor Maria. She’s so talented and sang so well despite her injuries.

Totally brilliant in every way ! Well researched and very cleverly presented. Such a video can only assist in the furtherance of understanding of Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome. Thank you so much for new thoughts and insights into the health, physical difficulties and challenges of one of the greatest sopranos of all time.

I just discovered your channel today. And there’s more videos to go in the inspiration bin. Once again, I have no excuse. If Callas and other opera singers with health issues could do it, who’s to say that we can’t.

My NYC Voice Teacher Louise Caselotti/Bagsrozy is credited with introducing Callas to the Met Opera’s Johnson and served as her Coach during 1946 & 1947. She is credited in Callas’ Book and when Dixie Carter was doing Master Class on Broadway she wanted to meet Louise but she had just passed away.

Your acting is phenomenal. This is a very inquisitive and studious channel. Thank you for this.

I'm not knowledgeable whatsoever about the disease but you do provide very good evidence that she could have been suffering from this. I am familiar with the fact that Callas did suffer quite a lot physically and psychologically throughout her career and life and have always felt that the two were very much related. She pushed herself and pushed herself and broke down so many conceptions of what opera is and I do believe the public held her strictly accountable for each and every success she made and frequently punished her out of resentment for daring to be as great as she was. They began to nitpick and only focus on the so called problems with her performances to the point that she was ridiculously labeled as merely a great actress without much singing chops. Imo she didn't really give any "bad" performances until 1959/1960 at which the frequency of her performances severely dropped in any case. Yes she absolutely is a symbol of hope. She knew how great she could become and she became that which she sought despite the personal suffering it caused her. Yet she did it for love of music and drama and the importance of its value.

Very respectfully done. Bravo! And truly touching when you shared your own EDS diagnosis.

That's so well done. You, dear lady, are a true artist. Only those blessed souls can pull something like this off and come out victorious. No joke. The question remains, how come do you know so much about this? Yeah... Wasn't easy, was it? We can only imagine. I wish you all the best. We need people like you. Edit: Oh, you did the "ta, da" at the end. Now I feel stupid for guessing at the mystery which was plainly revealed. No biggie, I hope. The comment stays. Let the algorithms bless your body. The soul seems to do fine on her own. ;-)

Oh my, what a long list of illnesses for a person with such a delicate frame! My first singing professor was of the opinion that Callas finally succumbed to a combination of a very strenuous lifestyle and a private life in great turmoil. Some of the most electric performances I've ever heard were recordings of La Callas - may she rest in peace!

Brilliant. Moving. Entertaining. Informative. Extremely well done!

This video deserves more views. Very creative work. ❤️🎶

Wow, this just popped up as a link when I was celebrating Callas' 100th birthday yesterday. It's very moving and meaningful. Thank you so much!

Brilliant !!! It makes so much sense, it makes me appreciate Callas’ genius and willpower all the more, thank you for such a thorough, entertaining, and thoughtful account of her health and persona

Oh. My. God. I have EDS. I have so many of these other symptoms on the list, including depression, jaw pain, C-PTSD and digestive problems (& many others)!!! I didn't know so much could be influenced by this!

Just stumbled on your channel and this is only the second video I've watched but just....WOW. This is incredible and I've learned SO much. Really beautifully done.

THE BEST MARIA CALLAS IMPRESSION EVER!

Brilliant video! I always thought there was something going on with Callas! Thank you so much for the amazing work!

Such a beautifully put together video for a topic that seems to elude explanations. Thank you.

I’m an NP and years ago suggested to a friend that suffered from a smattering of issues that she had EDS. She mentioned it to one of her many doctors who said “you know, I think that probably is the case” and sent her to an EDS specialist. She was diagnosed with it, and now things are much better managed. It definitely tends to fall into the “zebra” category of differential diagnosis.

Well done!!! Lovely perspective. Very original 👏

I have been saying the same my entire life! La Callas was able to sing incredibly well many years later after her retire. Just go listen her masterclass, she sings in there many excerpts of some of the most difficult arias, and she does it remarkably well.

Your videos are so original, well researched, produced and presented. Brava Diva!

Wow what a fantastic project! Great work presenting and discussing topics, and of course acting them out! Brava👏👏👏👏👏

You are guiding us to health and ease on many levels while engaged in your own personal trauma. Like Callas, your internal strength is astonishing. You are lovely and beautiful, as well.

I knew Maria and I had a connection ever since I fell in love with her voice (and her overall fierceness), I also have EDS type 3! 🙃 Fantastic video! 💜

Great story! Thank you. Callas forever!

Well presented. Her problems in her private life, weight loss and health afflictions, all affected her. I hope she enjoyed life anyway. And what a legacy she left behind. Despite all that she left brilliant performances .

One of the first Opera singers I ever heard, thanks to a documentary aired on PBS during the early 2000's, she remains a fascinating figures of the genre that crossed over into popular music culture.

This is a wonderful video ❤️💕 Empathy is power. I don't know when I have seen anything else that similarly, beautifully combines (as it seems to me) intelligent compassion, empowering communication, operatic gestures, and camp. Integrating those things seems quite a good way of responding to life 👍👍

This is one of the most creative things I’ve ever seen. Thank you!

Their throatal performances are a Gym and physiotherapy for entire world. She is the most exemplified and exalted lady who influenced entire world. Ma'am, you are an effervescent and bubbling source of Inspiration, worthy of emulation. Request pl return to singing in new and innovative format.

Very beautiful, educational and moving. Very well done. Thank you, it was a true work of love. I had no idea of the extent of her medical problems. I did, though, have a similar experience of losing a lot of vocal power after losing 90 lbs in weight. Lots of other opera singers did too. So I do believe that this was another contributing factor. But, you as you point out, to this day, somehow Drs don't seem to take women's complaints seriously enough.

The whole list sounds incredible. This was seriously made and you deliver it as such and with scholarly knowledge

Brilliant indeed! You act her so well. Better than anyone I’ve seen. And the Ehlers Danlos theory is very interesting

MY GOD! What a twist that you experienced these syndrome........I am a big fan of Callas, this give me an inspiration theory.I LOVE this channel

This closing moments of Callas' very early recording does show a lightness of tone, almost etherial in quality, and seemingly little of the heavy chest voice that she tended to involve herself in later on. I really like that airy quality that could possibly have lengthened her career, and put pressure on that lovely quality that I for one, appreciated.

Absolutely brilliant! So well done, so well researched. Thank you.

This is such an inspiring and informative video - thank you so much for sharing this!

This was fab

This is very interesting. Both of you are so good! Thanks for your great work.

As someone who's a fellow zebra, EDS can be so terrifyingly limiting... I feel for her. It took until this year for me to be diagnosed but it's obvious that she was suffering the same disorder I do :(

What a brilliant video! ❤

This is a fantastic video. Thank you.

Beautiful and heartbreaking. I loved the video, thank you! ❤️

Just found your channel and am so enjoying! Thank you for your hard work. I shall continue to watch and I wish you all goodness and blessings. We need you!

How cleaver. Lovely presentation. You were lovely. I love Callas. I empathize with having a rare undiagnosed condition. Keep fighting!

Thank you, thank you so much for this video. I am moved. You are right, she is a simbol of hope. Only who has the same symptoms can know what it means to be sick and be an opera singer. She is my inspiration since the beginning of my love for opera, and now I feel her even more. Thank you and congratulation for making this video. From a singer to a singer I send you a big hug. Valentina Maria Cotrone

I have EDS and many of these comorbidities, including POTS and dermatomyositis. I had an agent and residency arranged in Rome; one of the reasons I didn’t go was that I fainted and had tachycardia from the heat. I then nearly died of a broken heart. Yes, it is apparent from physical indications such as the “flying bird” hand. I am grateful to this vocal historian for bringing this to light.

How did this marvelous woman manage to perform at all? She had every illness known to man! It seems that genius overcomes every obstacle.

Very ingenious and instructive video, brava!

I've just found you, and I'm so impressed with your content and video skills. Thank you for your videos!

I appreciate this video so deeply on several levels. Brava for your truly remarkable performance of Callas - and brava for your honesty and drive to question established narratives, about opera and about wider human concerns such as "rare" illness.

These are fascinating and wonderful. Thank you so very kindly for the amazing education on all sorts of subjects and artists where I didn't think there was MORE to learn. BRAVA!!!

This is super interesting, also you are such a good actress! Thanks for sharing

This is touching, and I'm sure I'll remember it on my hardest days. Wish you the best!

Every time I watch this, my eyes tear up! It is so touching!! Especially the point you make at the end! BRAVA!!

Que bonita descripcion, y que tributo a María Callas, La Divina !!!!

Amazing video!