Description
Giacomo Puccini's Tosca – A Captivating Live Performance from the Metropolitan Opera DVD
UPC: 013023009097
Product Details:
- Format: DVD
- Composer: Giacomo Puccini
- Title: Tosca
- Artists:Conductor: Giuseppe Sinopoli
- Floria Tosca: Hildegard Behrens
- Mario Cavaradossi: Plácido Domingo
- Baron Scarpia: Cornell MacNeil
- Sacristan: Italo Tajo
- Orchestra: Metropolitan Opera Orchestra
- Chorus: Metropolitan Opera Chorus
- Production: Franco Zeffirelli
- Recording: Live at the Metropolitan Opera, March 20 & 27, 1985
- Subtitles: English
- Aspect Ratio: 4:3 Full Screen
- Sound: Dolby Digital Stereo
- Running Time: Approximately 127 minutes
- Color: Yes
- Region Code: Not specified (assumed Region 1)
- Publisher: Pioneer Classics (1998)
Product Features
- Award-Winning Production: Recipient of the Emmy Award for Outstanding Classical Program (1984-1985).
- Legendary Cast: Features powerhouse performances by Hildegard Behrens as Tosca and Plácido Domingo as Cavaradossi.
- Iconic Direction: Directed by Franco Zeffirelli, known for his lavish and detailed productions.
- Maestro Sinopoli's Debut: Conductor Giuseppe Sinopoli's debut with the Metropolitan Opera, noted for his "remarkable intensity."
- High-Quality Recording: Captures the grandeur and passion of Puccini's masterpiece in stunning audio and visual quality.
- Bonus Material: Includes an insert with chapters and a scene-by-scene synopsis for an enhanced viewing experience.
- English Subtitles: Provides accessibility for non-Italian speakers to fully appreciate the opera's rich narrative.
Overview
Experience the fiery passion and dramatic intensity of Giacomo Puccini's Tosca with this exceptional live performance from the Metropolitan Opera. Filmed in March 1985, this production is masterfully directed by Franco Zeffirelli, whose attention to detail and grand staging bring the streets of Rome to life on the operatic stage.
The stellar cast features soprano Hildegard Behrens in the title role of Floria Tosca, delivering a performance praised for its regal presence and emotional depth. Tenor Plácido Domingo embodies Mario Cavaradossi with noble demeanor and powerful vocal expression, reaffirming his status as one of the finest interpreters of the role. Baritone Cornell MacNeil portrays the villainous Baron Scarpia with a spine-chilling suavity that captivates audiences.
Making his Metropolitan Opera debut, conductor Giuseppe Sinopoli leads the orchestra with remarkable intensity, drawing out the lush melodies and dramatic fortissimos that make Tosca one of Puccini's most beloved operas. This production earned an Emmy Award for Outstanding Classical Program, a testament to its artistic excellence.
Interesting Facts
- Historical Setting: Tosca is set in Rome in June 1800, against the backdrop of political turmoil following Napoleon's invasion of Italy.
- Zeffirelli's Vision: Franco Zeffirelli's production is renowned for its authentic and opulent sets, meticulously recreating iconic Roman locations such as the Church of Sant'Andrea della Valle and the Castel Sant'Angelo.
- Critical Acclaim: Critics praised Hildegard Behrens for her intelligent realization of Tosca's complex character and Plácido Domingo for his commanding performance.
- Sinopoli's Interpretation: Giuseppe Sinopoli's conducting was noted for making "everything heard fresh," offering a unique and powerful rendition of Puccini's score.
- Emmy Award Winner: The production received an Emmy Award, highlighting its exceptional quality and impact on audiences.
Publishers
- Produced by: The Metropolitan Opera
- Distributed by: Pioneer Classics (Pioneer Entertainment USA)
- Year of DVD Release: 1998
- Original Performance Year: 1985
- Websites:
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