Puccini’s Tosca, which was first performed in 1900, has deservedly acquired a reputation not just as one of Puccini’s best operas, but as one of the most famous in the world canon. ENO’s new staging, directed by Catherine Malfitano (herself one of the most notable and powerful Toscas of the past couple of decades) is exceptionally well sung, conceived and performed, making this a viscerally satisfying experience that can be recommended even to people who would steer clear of the opera at all costs.
The storyline, based on an obscure 19th century French play, revolves around Rome in 1800, where Italy is being torn between the all-conquering French army, led by Napoleon, and the forces of the Republic. The protagonists are Cavaradossi, a young painter, who is in love with the glamorous singer Tosca. However, the insanely corrupt and licentious chief of police Scarpia is also in love with Tosca, and, seizing an opportunity to blackmail her into exchanging her favours for the life of Cavaradossi, he attempts to right the status quo. Tragedy ensues.
As well as one of Puccini’s richest and most romantic scores (conducted subtly and effectively by ENO’s Edward Gardiner), this features one of his most gloriously hissable villains, in the form of Scarpia, who memorably declares at the end of Act 1, ‘Tosca, you have turned me away from God!’ He is ferociously sung by Anthony Michaels-Moore, whose gusto earned him both cheers and boos on the first night. Amanda Echalaz sings Tosca with both delicacy and force, most notably in her great Act II aria ‘Vissi d’arte, vissi d’amore’, in which she bemoans what appears to be her fate, and Julian Gavin is a charismatic Cavaradossi.
This is a superb production, and a must-see.
Until 10 July. www.eno.org.
