The cultural and technological changes of any given era, have shaped the perception of a diva. In addition, general characteristics, help to define the overall depiction of the female artist.
‘The stereotypical diva, in the classical music world, is someone of supreme talent, with great vocal facility and an ability to convey the emotional nuances of the music to her audience’ (Moohan, 2008, p. 163). Callas sang Tosca for the first time in 1942, her talent and ability to act the words is observed, during her performance of Tosca. When analysing an extract, taken from act two, notice how Maria Callas begins the passage quietly, her voice is both low in pitch and dynamic (pianissimo). During the main body of the piece, Callas reaches two great climaxes. At each climax, dynamically Callas sings very loudly (fortissimo), the orchestra doing the same, so that it may be heard. Moreover, it has been commented, ‘What Callas has -
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165). A diva is often renowned for having vocal ability. Listening to ‘Material girl’, Madonna’s voice is ‘quite thin and reedy, and lacking in power and resonance’ (Jones, 2008, p.165). Whereas, in contrast, during ‘Like a prayer’, her voice has more strength to it, complimented by a more gospel sound, with virtuoso soloists. Although this, more confident outing by Madonna, does have the usual verse-refrain structure. What is unusual, is how the verse music, differs entirely to the chorus, each having its own distinct sound. The verses being serene and spiritual, whereas in contrast, the chorus is more active and upbeat. Furthermore, the chorus lyrics, hint towards a more sexual nature, as Madonna wants to take you ‘there’. In a short amount of time, Madonna had matured as an artist, moreover, ever evolving her public image, to stay within the public