* Nationality: American-Greek
* Active years: 1939-1974
* Voice type: Soprano
* Famous roles: Norma, Violetta, Tosca, Lucia di Lammermoor
Maria Callas is widely considered to be one of the greatest opera singers of all time. She was known for her powerful voice, dramatic intensity, and ability to convey complex emotions on stage. Callas' career was marked by both triumphs and tragedies, including a highly publicized rivalry with soprano Renata Tebaldi and a personal life marked by scandal and heartbreak. Despite these challenges, Callas' legacy continues to inspire and captivate audiences around the world.
2. Renata Tebaldi
* Nationality: Italian
* Active years: 1944-1976
* Voice type: Soprano
* Famous roles: Aida, Desdemona, Tosca, Madama Butterfly
Renata Tebaldi was one of the most popular and successful opera singers of the mid-20th century. She was known for her beautiful voice, elegant stage presence, and ability to connect with audiences on a deep emotional level. Tebaldi's rivalry with Maria Callas was one of the most famous and intense in opera history, and the two singers were often compared to each other in terms of their vocal prowess and stage charisma.
3. Joan Sutherland
* Nationality: Australian
* Active years: 1947-2010
* Voice type: Coloratura soprano
* Famous roles: Lucia di Lammermoor, Norma, Violetta, Gilda
Joan Sutherland was a renowned coloratura soprano who was known for her technical brilliance and soaring high notes. She was particularly admired for her performances in bel canto operas, which are known for their intricate vocal writing and florid ornamentation. Sutherland's career spanned several decades, and she performed on some of the world's most prestigious opera stages.
4. Montserrat Caballé
* Nationality: Spanish
* Active years: 1962-2019
* Voice type: Soprano
* Famous roles: Norma, Violetta, Tosca, Salome
Montserrat Caballé was a Spanish soprano who was dikenal for her powerful voice, wide vocal range, and distinctive timbre. She was particularly known for her performances in Italian and French opera, and was often compared to the great sopranos of the past, such as Maria Callas and Renata Tebaldi. Caballé's career spanned several decades, and she performed on some of the world's most prestigious opera stages.
5. Cecilia Bartoli
* Nationality: Italian
* Active years: 1986-present
* Voice type: Mezzo-soprano
* Famous roles: Rosina, Cenerentola, Cleopatra, Semiramide
Cecilia Bartoli is a contemporary Italian mezzo-soprano who has gained international recognition for her versatility, musicianship, and stage presence. She is particularly known for her performances in Baroque and Classical operas, and has been praised for her ability to bring these historical works to life with authenticity and passion. Bartoli's career has spanned several decades, and she continues to perform on some of the world's most prestigious opera stages.