Three years after the publication of his book about great male opera singers in this series, Richard Martet latest book is devoted to great divas. Each of the 50 portraits that compose the book recounts a cantatrice’s life and career, as well as analyzing the specificity of her art. Readers will get to know the features of each diva’s repertoire and discography. Remarkably well-documented and lushly illustrated with unusual photographs, the work as a whole constitutes a precious introduction to the wisdom of classical singing. From Géraldine Farrar to Edita Gruberova for the sopranos, and from Conchita Supervia to Grace Bumbry for the mezzos, via Maria Callas, Elisabeth Schwarzkopf, Kathleen Ferrier and more, a CD with almost 8 hours of music presents an aria that is particularly representative of each woman’s art.

Portraits of the 50 most famous women's voice of the century, by the vocal-music specialist Richard Martet. The book comes with a CD containing over 8 hours of music.