Scarpia uses the fan to prove to Tosca an alleged affair between Cavaradossi and the Marchesa Attavanti, causing the betrayed diva to run off in search of her lover. Baron Scarpia soon enters the church and begins investigating his agents discover an empty basket of food, which the sacristan asserts was untouched by Cavaradossi, and a fan bearing the emblem of the Attavanti family. As Angelotti and Cavaradossi discuss their plan for the former to hide within a secret well in the painter’s villa, after having disguised himself with his sister’s clothes, they flee when the sound of a cannon announces the escape of Angelotti from prison. Tosca’s quelled jealousy is quickly reignited when she recognizes the woman Cavaradossi has been painting as the Marchesa Attavanti, but her suspicions are again soothed before Tosca departs. He assures her of his fidelity and the two sing of sharing a romantic evening that night at their villa. Tosca asks Cavaradossi who he has been conversing with, certain she has heard a woman’s footsteps and rustling dress. Cavaradossi gives Angelotti a basket of food and promises his assistance, hiding once again at the arrival of opera singer Floria Tosca. When the sacristan leaves, Angelotti reveals himself to Cavaradossi, imploring his old friend to help him escape the pursuit of Baron Scarpia, Chief of Police. The sacristan is then joined by painter Mario Cavaradossi, who is working on a painting of Mary Magdalene, having been inspired by a blonde haired woman of great beauty who has been praying fervently at the church.
As he searches for provisions left behind by his sister, the Marchesa Attavanti, the approach of the church sacristan forces him to hide in the chapel. The opera begins as Angelotti, consul of the fallen Roman Republic, escapes from prison and finds refuge within the Church of Sant’Andrea della Valle. Despite a tepid reception from critics of the time, “Tosca” has gone on to prove its worth, securing a place in history as a prominent member of the operatic canon. He would later return when composer Alberto Franchetti also stepped down from the project. Sardou himself expressed displeasure for his most cherished work being handled by a composer whom he did not particularly like, causing Puccini to depart from the project. Adapted from Victorien Sardou’s play, “La Tosca,” by Giacomo Puccini and librettist Luigi Illica, the opera has seen countless productions worldwide since its premiere. First premiering on Januat Rome’s Teatro Costanzi, “Tosca” is one of opera’s most popular works.
0 kommentar(er)
