Librettist: Giacosa and Illica
Based on a play by Sardou

Cast of Characters

• Tosca, (soprano) Celebrated singer and actress
• Mario Cavaradossi, (tenor) painter
• Baron Scarpia, (baritone) Cheif of Police
• Cesare Angelotti, (bass) a political prisoner
• Sacristan, (baritone)
• Sciarrone, (bass) a servant
• Jailor, (bass)
• Shepherd, (contralto)
• Roberti, Executioner, a Cardinal, Judge, Scribe, Officer, Soldiers and Citizens.

Setting

Rome in June 1800.

Premiere

14^th January 1900; Teatro Constanzi, Rome.

Plot

Floria Tosca and Mario Cavaradossi are in love and all they want is to be left alone. Baron Scarpia, however, wants Floria for his physical needs. He arrests Mario for aiding a fugitive and tells Tosca she can save him by giving herself to him. She agrees, but the kiss he has so longed for is the fatal kiss of a knife blade. He had promised to set up a false execution for Mario, but the treachery of Scarpia is revealed as Mario is killed. Tosca vows to meet Scarpia in front of God as she leaps over the side of the building to her death.

Memorable sections of music

Recondita armonia di bellezze
Qual' occhio al mondo
Te Deum
Act II: Torture Scene
Floria, Amore!
Vissi d'amore
E lucevan le stelle
O dolci mani

Copyright © Stephen L. Parker, 1996