Tosca - Puccini [1976] [DVD] [2005] [NTSC]

This Deutsche Grammophon edition comes complete with descriptive notes and photographs. There are few superlatives left to lavish upon Puccini's music, and here the excellent reproduction conveys the unadulterated drama, and unequalled romanticism in breathtaking 5.1 DTS Surround Sound. The formidable talents of Placido Domingo as painter Mario Cavaradossi, Raina Kabaivanska, as the beautiful prima donna Floria Tosca, and Sherrill Milnes as Il Barone Scarpia the cunning chief of police, make this film an insurmountable dramatic experience.The action based on a story by Victorien Sardou, takes place in June 1800, after the collapse of the temporary 'Roman Republic' set up by the French after a war with Italy when Rome was occupied. Cesare Angelotti (Giancarlo Luccardi) a consul, has escaped from the Castel Sant'Angelo, and is aided by Mario, painting a Madonna in the magnificent Church of Sant'Andrea della Valle. The diffident and amusing Sacristan (Alfredo Mariottti) is a foil to the romanticism of Mario, and the desparation of Angelotti. The punishment for Political prisoners, and their associates is death, and uncompromising Scarpia heads the secret police in the service of Queen Maria Carolina, to eradicate any Republican spirit. Floria Tosca, about to sing in a victory concert, is in love with Mario, and Scarpia also desires Tosca, so there is more to play for than the capture of a political prisoner.The New Philharmonia Orchestra conducted by Bruno Bartoletti with The Ambrosian singers render the combination of religious and dramatic music to perfection, and Directed by Gianfranco De Bosio, Scarpia sings his evil plot against the background of a Mass and a fateful death knell. Tremendous.Tosca appears first in a lovely 'Empire line' cream satin and white and lace dress, unaware of the intrigue Mario is involved with, and Scarpia makes her doubt Mario's fidelity, by producing a fan which was hidden under an altar with clothes to disguise Cesare Angelotti. In Act 2 set in the upper floor of Palazzo Farnese, she wears a sumptuous black brocade, sequinned and shimmering and pale grey satin gown with a long train, designed like the sets, by Giancarlo Pucci.Here in Scarpia's quarters, she pleads for the life of her captured loved one, and extolls her virtue and goodness, and begs for safe conduct, but stabs Scarpia, rather than be his lover in exchange.This is the ultimate film version, and not a film of a stage production.Act three opens with a rustic scene outside the Castel Sant'Angelo, and Placido Domingo Junior singing the part of a shepherd boy. A great deal of the credit for the success of this film must go to Luigi Vegra, director of photography and Giorgio Aureli, Camera; and the stunning shots of the closing scenes on the execution tower of the prison match the passion of the music. Here the final irony is delivered when Mario's mock execution is real, the safe conduct note is useless, Scarpia's murder is discovered, and Floria Tosca flings herself from the tower.

I have only seen one other performance of this opera, and it didn't fire me particularly, so I bought this to see if other performers could make a difference. Not only the performers, but the setting. This is filmed and set in a genuine centuries old castle, the setting that Verdi had in his mind when writing it. It makes all the difference, and whilst I wasn't a filmed opera fan, several of my recent purchases have fallen into this genre, and, if directed well, and this one is, I am totally converted. I will be watching this again and again.

Haven't had a chance to play it yet but will soon. I know it's good because I've seen it before.

One of my favourite operas and very enjoyable in a film format.Arrived very promptly in good condition.The two male singers at their peak. Both still alive though in their 70,s

I have little to add to otehr reviews except to say that I very much enjoyed this perfromance and aslo the production. It really added to the overall theatrical effect.

My favourite rendition of this opera

the best tosca ever kabaivanska is wonderful

Bought this as a present for my Dad as he had the original one on VHS and loved it.