The character showed all her aspects as lover, friend, mother, priestess and victim. I noted how composers such as Wagner loved it and thought of it as a great work. Then I heard a modern live recording of the work and wondered what the fuss was about. Callas brought the role to life in a manner few sopranos can hope to match. She didn't just sing the role, but acted it out as well.
Most sopranos concentrate their full resources on the vocal demands only.
Callas' final Normas were probably her most personal, because like Norma, she was losing a battle, but for her it was to keep her voice. She was reportedly very tender with the children and, it is known, she had been wishing for a child of her own. It was agreed that, although her voice was not strong, her final Normas were the most moving of her career.