Filmed live at the Teatro Real de Madrid in 2004, Puccini's Tosca, set in Napoleonic-era Spain, is a story of political intrigue and passionate love revolving around the actress Floria Tosca, who is tricked into betraying her lover, the painter Mario Cavaradossi (to avenge his death she murders the villainous Baron Scarpia and in the famed finale, leaps to her death). Fabio Armiliato brings dashing good looks and a fine tenor voice to the role of Mario, Daniela Dessi is his match as Tosca, and Ruggero Raimondi is a crowd-pleasing menace as the treacherous Scarpia. The sound quality (presented in DTS or LCPM stereo) is excellent on this double-disc set, ably bringing out the beautifully balanced and nicely paced orchestral support of the Madrid Symphony Orchestra and Chorus conducted by Maurizio Benini. But while great care has been taken--Tosca is shot in high definition, elegantly staged, and beautifully performed--this should-have-been impeccable production falls victim to that old bugaboo of poor lighting (full-view shots of the stage are so dark that it's hard to take in the action or appreciate the details of what appears to be a very attractive set). Still, while the murky stage definitely detracts, the crisp close-ups of principals and dramatic action compensate to a large degree. If you have not savored the highly rated 2000 La Scala production (VL-9/03), this could be a good second choice. Recommended, with reservations. Aud: C, P. (J. Reed)
Tosca
(2004) 2 discs. 194 min. In Italian w/English subtitles. DVD: $39.99 (booklet included). Opus Arte (dist. by Naxos of America). Color cover. Volume 20, Issue 1
Tosca
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