Poster of Puccini's Tosca

Puccini’s Tosca, one of the most popular operas in the repertoire ever since its January 14, 1900 premiere, is a violent drama based on Victorien Sardou’s hit play La Tosca,which was written as a star vehicle for the famous French actress Sarah Bernhardt. In the translation from play to opera, the action was tightened, the characters were “Italianized,” and most of the political motivation was cut. The action of the play and the opera takes place in Rome between noon of June 17, 1800 and dawn the following day, during which time all of the major characters die violent deaths.

– Ten Things You Didn’t Know About Tosca by N.V. Nicassio (source)

Following a very uneventful day, it’s nice to unwind to Tosca over a glass of wine and the soaring spirit of the libretto.

Here I wish to impart with you a characteristically unique rendition of Puccini’s Tosca, which features the performances of the profoundly gifted Maria Callas and Giuseppe di Stefano as tenor. A note on Callas: these recordings were produced at the latter time of her career when numerous critics have slammed Callas’ for her vocal deterioration which was attributed to her mid-career weight-loss. However, I agree with her backers that this show of vulnerability in her voice is precisely what makes Maria Callas a deservingly celebrated Soprano – her vocal inconsistency has only magnified her intense internalization of the Tosca, and is an undeniable testimony of her commanding presence.

Puccini’s Tosca - Moderato Con Moto [Download]

Puccini’s Tosca - Vissi D’Arte [Download]