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Tosca: An Opera in Three Acts

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Published in Tosca An Opera In Three Acts: Chorus/Choral Score With Italian And English Text (Kalmus Edition)

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Tosca, An Opera in Three Acts: Chorus/Choral Score with Italian and English Text (Kalmus Edition)

by Nancy Manahan

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	6610 KB
Print length	:	32 pages
Screen Reader	:	Supported

Tosca is an opera in three acts by Giacomo Puccini to an Italian libretto by Luigi Illica and Giuseppe Giacosa. It premiered at the Teatro Costanzi in Rome on 14 January 1900. The story is set in Rome in 1800, during the Napoleonic Wars.

The Story

Tosca is set in Rome in 1800, during the Napoleonic Wars. The city is occupied by French troops, and the people are living in fear. Floria Tosca, a famous opera singer, is in love with Mario Cavaradossi, a painter. However, Cavaradossi is also wanted by the police for his political activities.

One day, Tosca discovers that Cavaradossi has been arrested. She goes to the police chief, Baron Scarpia, and begs him to release her lover. Scarpia agrees, but only if Tosca will sleep with him. Tosca is horrified, but she agrees in order to save Cavaradossi.

Scarpia then has Cavaradossi tortured. Tosca listens to the screams of her lover, and she finally agrees to Scarpia's demands. However, once Scarpia has what he wants, he changes his mind and orders Cavaradossi to be executed.

Tosca is devastated. She confronts Scarpia and stabs him to death. She then rushes to the prison where Cavaradossi is being held. She finds him on the scaffold, and she sings a final love duet with him. Cavaradossi is executed, and Tosca throws herself from the roof of the prison.

The Music

Tosca is one of Puccini's most popular operas. The music is beautiful and melodic, and the story is full of drama and suspense. The opera has been performed countless times around the world, and it remains one of the most beloved operas in the repertoire.

The Characters

Floria Tosca: A famous opera singer who is in love with Mario Cavaradossi.
Mario Cavaradossi: A painter who is wanted by the police for his political activities.
Baron Scarpia: The police chief who is in love with Tosca.

The Themes

Tosca is a complex opera that deals with a number of themes, including love, betrayal, and sacrifice. The opera also explores the themes of political oppression and the struggle for freedom.

The Impact

Tosca has had a significant impact on the world of opera. The opera has been praised for its beautiful music, its dramatic story, and its complex characters. Tosca has also been influential in shaping the development of opera as a genre.