Tosca

Tosca,"Puccini","Puccini’s Tosca (1900) is a political thriller set in Rome during Napoleon’s invasion. The opera follows singer Floria Tosca, her lover Cavaradossi, and the sadistic police chief Scarpia. Themes of love, torture, tyranny, and sacrifice drive the plot toward its devastating triple tragedy. Initially criticised for violence and realism, Tosca soon became a staple due to its taut drama and Puccini’s soaring melodies."

First Performance:

Tosca,"Puccini","Premiered 14 January 1900 at Teatro Costanzi, Rome. Audience enthusiastic, critics divided over violence and realism. Despite controversy, it quickly secured a permanent place in the repertoire."

Historical setting:

Tosca,"Puccini","Set in 1800 amid Napoleon’s advance, Tosca premiered in 1900 during political unrest in Italy. Puccini adapted Sardou’s melodrama, blending realism, violence, and political tension, reflecting Europe’s turn toward verismo and modern psychological drama."

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