The Changing Nature of the Prima Donna
The Prima Donna still retain great responsibility and the honor that comes with it. But how has the role of the Prima Donna changed lately?
The role of the prima donna in opera has undergone a profound transformation, evolving alongside broader cultural shifts in media, fashion, and societal expectations. From the grandeur and mystique of Maria Callas, amplified by mid-20th-century television and tabloid culture, to the crafted authenticity of Jessye Norman, and the vulnerability expected of today's artists like Renée Fleming, the image of the prima donna reflects changing ideals of accessibility and relatability. This article explores how these shifts have impacted the portrayal of sopranos, the influence of television on formality, and the evolving demands placed on public figures to balance artistic excellence with humility and social engagement.
Television's Influence on Formality and Fashion
Television has played a significant role in changing standards of formality in attire over the last century, shaping fashion trends across different social contexts. Television’s portrayal of fashion-forward characters influenced how viewers perceived and adopted fashion styles, contributing to a broader cultural shift towards casualness.
The Golden Age of Hollywood in the 1950s exemplified sophisticated attire both on and off the screen, which was reflected in society's formal standards at the time. Sitcoms and popular television shows further influenced the public, normalizing specific styles that eventually spread into everyday wardrobes. As television made these formal fashions relatable, it also planted the seeds for an evolution toward more casual styles, especially in later decades. Shows like “Friends” and “Sex and the City” helped shift the focus from elaborate formality to a more accessible, everyday casualness, ultimately normalizing informal looks even in traditionally formal settings, including work.
Impact on Performers: Sopranos and the Blurring of Grandeur
These changes in cultural aesthetics influenced not just everyday attire but also the way performers, like sopranos, presented themselves. Historically, sopranos embodied grandeur and elegance, which mirrored societal standards of formal dress. However, with the increasing exposure provided by television and social media, the lines between their stage personas and off-stage identities blurred. This contributed to a shift in how sopranos balanced their formality on stage with relatability off-stage. The modern soprano thus often projects a blend of the traditional "diva" grandeur with an approachable persona, aligning with cultural shifts driven by decades of television’s influence.
Maria Callas: Media, Scandal, and Shaping the Prima Donna
Maria Callas' place at the center of public attention and scandal can be understood through the cultural dynamics influenced by television and media in the mid-20th century. Callas lived in an era when television was becoming a dominant force, altering how people related to public figures. Unlike the relatively private lives of opera stars before her time, Callas’ career coincided with the rise of mass media, which sought to make celebrities both accessible and intriguing through the lens of personal drama.
Television and the growing tabloid culture brought Callas’ personal life into the spotlight like never before. Her tumultuous love affair with Aristotle Onassis and her dramatic weight loss were not merely private matters—they were widely broadcast, scrutinized, and sensationalized. As a result, Callas was seen not only as a great artist but also as a symbol of glamour, tragedy, and scandal. Media presented her as both an extraordinary talent and a flawed human being, creating a dichotomy that audiences found endlessly fascinating.
As television influenced broader standards of celebrity, expectations for public figures to display vulnerability grew. The glamorous yet tragic narrative around Callas made her even more compelling. Unlike earlier sopranos who were revered solely for their artistry, Callas became a complex cultural figure whose humanity was part of her public persona. The influence of television and changing dynamics of public attention meant that Callas couldn't simply be an artist—she had to be a personality, constantly under the scrutiny of an increasingly curious public. Thus, her prominence in public attention and scandal was deeply tied to the cultural shifts driven by television and mass media.
Redefining the Prima Donna Image
Maria Callas significantly reshaped what it meant to be a "prima donna"—not just as a vocal artist, but as a figure of dramatic presence and personal complexity. Her approach to opera roles and her public persona made her both admired and controversial, transforming how audiences and critics viewed the "diva" attitude.
Before Callas, the prima donna image was often characterized by glamour, formality, and technical excellence, with a tendency to separate the singer’s artistry from their personality. Callas, however, broke down these barriers, bringing an intensity and dramatic realism to her roles that captivated audiences and blurred the line between her on-stage and off-stage personas. Her performances were infused with raw emotion, making the characters she portrayed more human and relatable, allowing audiences to connect with opera in a deeper way.
This intensity and perfectionism also translated into her public and professional life, where she was famously demanding. Callas’ fierce dedication often led to clashes with conductors, directors, and even opera houses over artistic differences. While some celebrated this behavior as the hallmark of a committed artist, others viewed it as prima donna arrogance. Callas’ openness about her demands and emotions redefined public expectations of prima donnas. In many ways, she set a precedent for intense dedication to artistry being both admired and tolerated, but she also faced backlash, which started a conversation about the limits of acceptable behavior for artists. Her influence made the "diva" personality more complex—it was no longer just about being glamorous and larger-than-life; it also meant being an artist deeply committed to emotional truth.
Callas, Tulio Serafin, and the Power of Collaboration
Callas often spoke highly of her collaborations with conductor Tulio Serafin, crediting him as an essential influence in her development as a complete artist. Serafin, known for his work in Italian opera, helped shape Callas' understanding of her roles, not just vocally but dramatically, guiding her to approach music as something beyond just showcasing her own voice.
Under Serafin’s mentorship, Callas embraced the idea of putting her talents wholly in service to the music and the composer's intentions. He encouraged her to think of her voice as an instrument within the larger orchestral tapestry, always in dialogue with the score rather than overpowering it. This teaching helped Callas internalize the principle that opera is about more than a single show-stopping voice—it’s about storytelling, authenticity, and respecting the composer’s intent.
Rather than seeking sole credit for her approach, Callas acknowledged the many influences that shaped her artistry. Her demands were not motivated by arrogance but by a deeply rooted belief in upholding the highest artistic standards. Her willingness to share credit and acknowledge the guidance she received from mentors like Serafin contradicted the notion of a self-centered prima donna and highlighted her as a dedicated student of her craft, always striving to bring out the best in the music, regardless of her own ego.
Jessye Norman: Grandeur and Humility
Jessye Norman shared many qualities with Maria Callas—dedication, high standards, humility, and deep respect for the music. Norman’s approach was characterized by her refusal to let ego overshadow the integrity of the music. Like Callas, she viewed her voice as an instrument in service to the composer's vision.
Norman was known for her meticulous preparation, careful interpretation of scores, and her collaboration with conductors, musicians, and stage directors to create cohesive and authentic performances. She often emphasized that the meaning behind the music was more important than showcasing technical skill. This humility allowed her to delve deeply into her roles, bringing unmatched emotional and intellectual depth to her performances.
Moreover, Norman was committed to her craft while maintaining dignity in her presence and stance on social issues. Despite her fame, she was not consumed by the celebrity aspects of her career. Instead, she valued her role as an artist, seeing it as a privilege to express the beauty and depth of music. Both Callas and Norman embodied the idea that true greatness in art comes from an uncompromising commitment to the music itself.
The Prima Donna Image: Fashion, Grandeur, and Media Legacy
Both Callas and Norman embodied the concept of a "grand dame" on and off the stage. Their style, whether in formal or casual settings, was always distinguished, reflecting their understanding of the power of presence and the importance of maintaining elegance. Despite changing societal standards of formality, they upheld a timeless and regal approach, conveying dignity and respect for their art and audience.
Callas transformed herself into a style icon during her career, collaborating with designers like Dior, and her fashion choices became an extension of her artistic identity. Similarly, Norman chose clothing that emphasized her stature and elegance, opting for luxurious fabrics and dramatic silhouettes that projected an aura befitting her commanding voice.
Archival footage from television appearances provides invaluable insight into the personalities of both Callas and Norman. These televised moments revealed their eloquence, their philosophies on singing, and the challenges they faced, giving audiences an intimate look beyond their on-stage personas.
The Evolution from Grandeur to Vulnerability
There has been a noticeable trend in the role of the prima donna—shifting from the "prima donna edifice," which characterized artists like Callas with an image of unattainable grace, towards crafted authenticity, and more recently towards public vulnerability. In the mid-20th century, the prima donna was a highly controlled persona, focusing on vocal mastery and an almost mythical grandeur.
By the late 20th century, artists like Jessye Norman began bringing a sense of authenticity to their performances, allowing audiences to glimpse the real person behind the voice. This crafted authenticity was achieved without losing artistic gravitas, emphasizing the emotional depth of their roles.
Today, the expectation is for vulnerability and public engagement beyond mere performance. Modern prima donnas, like Renée Fleming, are expected to be accessible and share aspects of their personal lives. They are also seen as visible advocates for the arts, responsible for contributing to societal conversations. This shift aligns with cultural trends valuing transparency and relatability, and it has reshaped the role of the prima donna as a public figure embedded in both the art and community.
Anna Netrebko, Angela Gheorghiu, and the Challenge of the Traditional Image
While some artists have embraced the shift towards authenticity and vulnerability, others have maintained a more traditional prima donna persona, facing increasing criticism. Anna Netrebko, known for her talent and commanding presence, faced backlash for her political stances and reluctance to take a clear public stand during the Ukraine conflict. Angela Gheorghiu, meanwhile, has been perceived as challenging to work with, and her adherence to the traditional "diva" image has also faced scrutiny in a culture that increasingly values collaboration and humility.
True vs. Perceived Humility
The distinction between "true" humility and publicly perceived humility is a significant one, particularly for public figures like opera singers. True humility involves an inward, genuine recognition of one’s limitations and the value of collaboration. In contrast, publicly perceived humility often involves outward gestures that fit social expectations. For prima donnas, maintaining true humility while also demonstrating it publicly in a way that resonates with audiences is a crucial balancing act.
The Role of the Metropolitan Opera in Shaping Prima Donnas
The Metropolitan Opera has been instrumental in shaping the careers of many prima donnas, providing opportunities for international recognition while subjecting them to intense scrutiny. Singers like Renée Fleming and Leontyne Price benefited from their association with the Met, which provided them with a global platform to demonstrate their artistry. Price, in particular, helped challenge racial barriers, becoming a central figure in the Civil Rights Movement.
However, the Met also played a role in amplifying controversies, such as those faced by Maria Callas and Angela Gheorghiu. Callas' clashes with Rudolf Bing, the Met’s general manager, and Gheorghiu's perceived challenges with colleagues were magnified by the media spotlight that accompanies the Met's platform. The heightened visibility at the Met has led to evolving expectations for prima donnas to demonstrate not only artistic excellence but also accessibility and vulnerability.
Conclusion
The role of the prima donna has evolved significantly over time, reflecting broader cultural changes. From Maria Callas' grandeur and mystique, through Jessye Norman’s crafted authenticity, to Renée Fleming's public vulnerability, the prima donna has become a figure that must balance excellence with relatability. Modern audiences demand that prima donnas not only deliver outstanding performances but also actively engage with societal issues, offering a genuine connection with their audience. This evolution reflects the broader cultural shift towards valuing transparency, humility, and emotional authenticity, redefining what it means to be a prima donna in the world of opera today.
Their role has surely changed, but it hasn’t gotten any easier. We need them. We love them. Let’s not run them off from the real reason they are where they are and doing what they’re doing, which is the glorious music they sing and the characters inhabit.