Tullio Serafin was an Italian conductor, one of the great opera conductors of the twentieth century. He was especially associated with La Scala, the Italian repertory and the careers of singers including Maria Callas.

In the Pristine catalogue he appears extensively in Bellini, Verdi, Puccini, Rossini, Donizetti and Cherubini, including many central Callas recordings.

Serafin’s conducting combined theatrical instinct, singer-awareness and deep knowledge of Italian style. He could make bel canto breathe and Verdi stand on granite.

His page is essential. Serafin gives the Italian opera shelf its old master at the podium, calm hands controlling volcanic forces.