Baltimore Opera Company

Study Guide

Tosca

The Story

ACT I

Angelotti, an escaped political prisoner, seeks refuge in Rome 's church of Sant' Andrea della Valle. The artist Mario Cavaradossi arrives at the church to continue his work on a painting. At the sound of the Angelus, the Sacristan enters to pray. He is interrupted by Mario Cavaradossi, who has come to work on his portrait of Mary Magdalene - inspired by the Marchesa Attavanti, Angelotti's sister. Mario contrasts the beauty of the blond Marchesa with that of the woman he loves, the raven-haired singer Floria Tosca ("Recondita armonia"). After the Sacristan leaves, Angelotti emerges and greets his friend Cavaradossi, but is forced to resume hiding when the prima donna Floria Tosca, Cavaradossi's lover, is heard outside. Cavaradossi's delay in unlocking the doors initially arouses Tosca's jealousy, but the two soon proclaim their love for one another (“Non la sospiri la nostra casetta”). After Tosca's departure, Angelotti reveals his plans to escape from Scarpia, the chief of the Roman police. Cavaradossi offers his villa as a refuge. When a cannon shot announces the discovery of Angelotti's escape, Cavaradossi flees with the fugitive. Suddenly the church is filled with activity and the Sacristan announces that Scarpia will stage a gala to celebrate their army's victory. But when Scarpia and his henchmen unexpectedly appear in the church to search for Angelotti, all cower in fear. Scarpia uncovers evidence which seems to implicate Cavaradossi and Tosca in Angelotti's escape. Scarpia arouses Tosca's jealousy by implying that Cavaradossi has another lover, and then orders his agents to follow her in hopes that she will unwittingly lead them to Angelotti. The cardinal enters and the “Te Deum” begins. To the counterpoint of this solemn religious procession, Scarpia sings the soliloquy known as the “Te Deum”, in which discloses his evil desires: to hang a traitor and to seduce Tosca.

ACT II

At the Palazzo Farnese, Scarpia expresses his wish to have both Angelotti and Cavaradossi executed within a day. He plans, however, to falsely promise Tosca Cavaradossi's release in exchange for her favors (“Ha più forte sapore”). Scarpia's aide Spoletta informs him that his agents couldn't find Angelotti, although they have arrested Cavaradossi for interrogation. After singing at the celebratory gala, Tosca is summoned to the Palazzo Farnese, but Cavaradossi implores her not to reveal anything. Because of Cavaradossi's repeated refusals to divulge Angelotti's whereabouts, Scarpia commands that he be tortured. His screams eventually provoke the desperate Tosca to reveal Angelotti's whereabouts. Cavaradossi is horrified to learn that Tosca has betrayed his secret. Patriotic fervor inspires him to utter an outburst against tyranny, which prompts Scarpia to condemn Cavaradossi to death. But Scarpia suggests to Tosca that she can save her lover by surrendering to his desires. Tosca pours out her anguish in the magnificent aria “Vissi d'arte”. She has always lived only for her arts and for love, harming no one, helping the poor, praying devotedly. After the desperate Tosca finally agrees to Scarpia's demands, Spoletta reveals that Angelotti has committed suicide. Scarpia consents to let Cavaradossi go free, but only after a mock execution is enacted to uphold appearances. Tosca demands a safe-conduct pass from Scarpia, and while he writes the note, she discovers a knife on his table. When Scarpia attempts to seduce her, Tosca stabs him to death.

ACT III

At the Castel Sant'Angelo just before dawn, Cavaradossi prepares for his impending execution. The jailer grants him permission to write a farewell letter (“E lucevan le stelle”). Soon Tosca arrives at the prison, shows Cavaradossi the safe-conduct pass, and informs him that she has killed Scarpia. A new life awaits them, she believes, but Cavaradossi must go through the mock execution. However, after the execution, Tosca realizes that Scarpia's promise was false – Cavaradossi has indeed been shot dead. Scarpia's murder is discovered, and the guards rush to apprehend Tosca. But she leaps to her death, crying out that she and Scarpia will meet before God.

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