The Bite Magazine - Autumn/Winter 2023 - Issue 34

bitepen shaped clip. The latest writing instrument is the Maria Callas Special Edition, paying tribute to the soprano opera singer hailed as ‘La Divina’ (the divine one). Her profoundly moving voice, elegant style and dramatic in- stinct contribute to this selection. Through her talent, passion and charisma, Maria Callas rose to critical acclaim as the ultimate operatic diva performing in major opera houses worldwide. She is deemed one of the greatest sopranos in the history of mu- sic. Born 1923 in New York to Greek parents, Callas studied music in Athens and made her professional debut in the same city. She start- ed her international career in Verona in 1947, followed by Venice and Florence, where she sang the title role of Vincenzo Bellini’s Nor- ma. In her home city, the opera singer made her much-anticipated debut at the New York Met- ropolitan Opera in 1956, gracing the cover of Time magazine to mark the occasion. New roles catapulted her career until she retired from the stage for the dazzling life of inter- national jet setting. However, she continued to appear in the occasional concerts and re- cordings over the years until she died in 1977 in Paris. Her almost three-octave vocal range, exceeding traditional soprano singing, would be remembered for years. Montblanc Muses Maria Callas Special Edi- tion’s precious turquoise cap and barrel res- in highlight one of her favourite colours. Its overall shape reflects her graceful beauty with its slender, elegant silhouette. Through her roles, Callas revived the richly ornamental repertoire of the bel canto tradition. The pen reflects a costume detail from one of her rec- ognisable bel canto roles in the laurel leaves pattern surrounding the platinum-coated cone with the embossed soprano’s signature. The laurel design references her iconic image, showcasing the druid priestess singing the famous ‘Casta Diva’ aria (a self-contained piece for one voice, with or without instrumen- tal or orchestral accompaniment) onstage from the tragic op- era in flowing white robes and a laurel wreath. The handcraft- ed, rhodium-coated soli Au 585 gold nib is embossed with the kohl-outlined cat eyes and dark brows taken from the soprano singer’s image. A lover of designer dresses and luxurious accessories, Callas appreciated all the beautiful things in life. The clip stone on the writing instrument pays homage to her love of jewellery and flowers. The stone’s petal shape recalls the leaf of a new rose named after the singer in 1965, while the stone’s deep tur- quoise shade mirrors the colour of the Aegean Sea, honouring her ancestral Greek roots. Over 45 years after her death, Callas’ legacy is in the special edition pen spotlighting her life and artistry. The Montblanc Muses Maria Callas Special Edition is available from Montblanc boutiques worldwide and online. www.montblanc.com Images courtesy of LM Communication