The Death of Scarpia

Tosca is one of my favorite operas, and the evil Baron (and Chief of Police) Scarpia (what a great name for a dark character) is one of the art-form’s most mesmerizing bad boys. This 1998 Amsterdam production is a great one – sets and costumes are minimal, but musically there is some great singing going on. Catherine Malfitano is a robust but not spoiled Foria Tosca and Bryn Terfel, from his entrance in Act 1, wearing a trenchcoat and lusting after Tosca in a church full of Te Deum chanting faithful (“Tosca, you make me forget God!“) to the opening of Act II, wherein he reclines, stroking a cat and plotting his domination and psycho-sexual conquest of the woman, to the creepy way he flicks at her body with a feather in this scene, is purely malevolent and fascinating. These are great singers who are also tremendous actors, and this particular scene grabs you and doesn’t let go.

If you’re unfamiliar with the story, here is a synopsis. In this scene we see Tosca – after some angst – reluctantly acquiescing to Baron Scarpia’s sexual demands in exchange for the freedom of her tortured and imprisoned lover, Mario Cavaradossi, and a note promising safe passage for both of them. Tosca famously escapes the evil Scarpia, stabbing him while declaring, “this is Tosca’s kiss!”

I would have loved to have seen this recent Tosca at the Royal Opera House, starring Terfel, Angela Gheorghiu and the great Marcello Alvarez. I understand it was glamorous, violent and terrifying, and I’m disappointed to learn no DVD will ever be released. Barring that – this production is pretty darn good.

For the Te Deum, in concert, go here.

And off-topic, for Bryn fans, news on his Sweeney Todd.