To Catch A Sunbeam

(Venice 1957) "My dear Maria, You have only been gone from me for just a few hours, and already my heart is heavy. Venice is so empty without you my darling, as is my soul which longs for your presence. I look out over the city this evening and the twinkling lights seem to mock me, whispering how our magical time together here has come to an end. But I console myself with the thought that we will always have Venice. Do you feel the same way my darling? Please tell me that you do. I comfort myself in my loneliness and longing in remembering your triumphs this week, indeed, the memory of when you walked out on to the stage and looked into the audience directly at me, as if to secretly signal to me that you esteemed me above all others, will ensure that no matter when and how I die, a part of me will always die happy cherishing that moment. Oh, Maria, if only you could be here now. The memories of the ball when you entered in your emerald gown and I worshipped at your feet as if I ...

("Callas Week", Venice, 1957) "Go and see who that is, Titta!" Maria said on hearing a knock on their hotel suite door. She was sitting at her dressing table, applying her make up as they were due to have a late lunch with Elsa Maxwell before leaving Venice. Titta obediently did as he was told, and opened the door to find a bellboy standing with a man who had come to deliver a large bouquet of flowers (yellow roses and violets). "Flower delivery for Madam Maria Meninghini-Callas" the Bellboy said. Titta nodded for them to come into the suite, and directed them to put the flowers on the table. He also noticed that a bottle of Dom Perignon had also arrived with the flowers. Both the bellboy and the delivery boy looked at Titta expectantly waiting for a tip, but he simply ushered them out and shut the door in their faces. "Who was that?" Maria called. "Some flowers and some champagne have been delivered for you".  "Who from?" Tit...

(Elsa Maxwells Ball, "Callas Week", Venice, 1957) The air was thick with the cloying sweetness of tuberose and rose bouquets and the faint tang of champagne, mingling with the warm, musky sweat of the crowd as Elsa Maxwell bulldozed her way through the glamorous throng of jet setters, tycoons, film stars and socialites. Rustling in her black taffeta, and weighed down by brassy gold jewelry which clanked as she walked, she ushered Mari Meninghini-Callas, with a possessive hand on her arm, to a couple who were sitting at one of the tables. Maria's husband, Giovanni Battista "Titta" Meninghini dutifully trailed behind as Maria passed through as if a Queen presiding over a court, nodding and smiling to some, bestowing a word on others.  "My darling Maria! I have someone that you simply must meet! Now, I know you promised me a private word, and I understand that you are very busy tonight meeting your fans, but this is someone very special!" "Oh? Who is...