I have to
confess that I have a soft spot in my heart for Puccini's Tosca. It was the
first opera I have ever seen live on
stage. It was back in 2004 at New York City Opera – an event I shall never
forget. Leipzig Opera production was my
15th live production I have seen and I must say it was one of the
most beautiful on many levels.
First of all
I'd like to point out that the saying you can do so much with so little
is the proper way how to introduce Leipzig production. Warm, intellectual
staging of Act 1 takes us inside of the church where at the back of the stage
we can see dozens of lit candles while in front of the stage Mario prepares for
his work – finishing his painting of a portrait of St. Mary. When his friend and
escaped prisoner Angelotti appears on stage, Mario greets him and hides him in
the wooden box next to his working place. Tosca enters. Always suspicions diva
and Mario's lover who is trying to find why it had taken Mario so long to
unlock the door... Tosca appears in a stunning gown (all her gowns are by the
way absolutely beautiful and show a lot of resemblance of dresses Maria Callas
used to wear as Tosca). After the lovers’ scene, the man of the hour appears.
Ever hated and horrible Scarpia who wants everything he sees no matter the
price and consequences. Baron Scarpia's Te Deum is a mix of total madness and religious
power represented magnificently by angles, saints and other religious figures
appearing from below to the top of the stage while standing on massive organ.
One epic scene!
Copyright: Andreas Birkigt
Act 2 takes
us to Scarpia's residence where he first tries to convince poor Tosca to give
him information about Angelotti, escaped prisoner, and confess that her Mario is
quilty of helping him. She denies but after seeing the torture of his beloved
she confesses without of course knowing anything about it. Mario is sentence to
death but there is a way to save him. Tosca should give herself to Scarpia.
After her heartbreaking plea in aria Vissi D´Arte she agrees to do whatever
Scarpia desires. When she sees a knife on Scarpia's desk, she acts quickly.
She grabs the knife and kills Scarpia who dies in her arms. And again there is
a tremendous resemblance with Madam Callas' heroin – both in acting performance
as well as in singing.
A little
unusual moment is the payment refusal from the prison guard that I have never
witnessed before (in all production the guard would always exept Mario's ring
as a payment for pencil and paper). However, the most interesting and surprising
moment of Act 3 is the actual execution of Mario when he is shot by flying
Angels of Death. Another memorable scene cleverly done!
The
Gewandhouse orchestra conducted by maestro Tobias Engeli played beautifully
with great passion. The string section was wonderful especially in aria Vissi
D´Arte and
Mario's final scene O Dolci Mani Mansuete E Pure.
Copyright: Andreas Birkigt
Karine Babajanyan was the ultimate diva! I was very impressed with her wonderful singing
technique, her lyrical and yet powerful voice reminded me of already mentioned
young Maria Callas. I hope to hear her in other Puccini roles which I believe
she was born to sing.
Don't we all
love the opera vilans! How wonderful to see and hear such versatile
singer like Finish bass-baritone Tuomas Pursio in such amazing role! This is the first time I heard
his wonderful colorful voice and was so surprised to hear him the next day as
Vodnik in Rusalka. Totally different singing / acting, and yet in absolute
control in both characters.
Leipzig
Opera has always so much to offer. I am very much looking forward to
experiencing more performance in this wonderful house that has such special
energy.
You can find more info on other Leipzig Opera production on http://www.oper-leipzig.de/en/
