When one thinks of the opera Tosca one always hears Floria's beautiful "Vissi d'Arte" or "E lucevan le stelle" sung by Mario Cavarodissi. Today's video is from the end of the 1st Act of Puccini's Tosca. It has been staged by the Arena di Verona
The work, based on Victorien Sardou's 1887 French-language dramatic play, La Tosca, is a melodramatic piece set in Rome in June 1800, with the Kingdom of Naples's control of Rome threatened by Napoleon's invasion of Italy. It contains depictions of torture, murder and suicide, yet also includes some of Puccini's best-known lyrical arias, and has inspired memorable performances from many of opera's leading singers.
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| Ruggero Raimondi as Barone Vitellio Scarpia |
Apart from the beautiful music it is set in places that lend themselves to the most beautiful set designs and costumes. The wealthy of the period were dripping in jewels and fine clothing and the cathedral of Sant'Andrea della Valle (Act I), the Palazzo Farnese (Act II) and the Castel Sant'Angelo, all in Rome are magnificent. Throw in some terrific singers and "what's not to like?"
Please enjoy the finale of Act I where the evil Baron Scarpia, chief of the Roman Police plots to have his way with the "Lady Gaga" of her day, singer Floria Tosca by imprisoning then murdering her lover Mario Cavarodossi. Tosca has just left the scene and Scarpia sets his plan in motion by ordering "tre sbirri, una carozza" (three policeman and a carriage) to wait for him at The Palazzo Farnese. This is one of the great pieces for a baritone and I hope you will enjoy it.
Arena di Verona - Tosca by Arena_di_Verona
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