Tosca – Giacomo Puccini

Tosca in the crypt of St. Peter’s Church is far from an ordinary opera experience. The unique atmosphere of the historic vaulted space gives the performance an extraordinary intensity and draws audiences right into the heart of Puccini’s most dramatic masterpiece.

Without elaborate stage machinery, but with a clear, focused production and an ideal cast, an unforgettable evening at the opera unfolds. The impressive acoustics of the crypt and the close proximity to the stage guarantee goosebumps. OPER in der KRYPTA offers authentic performances that remain as close to the original as possible. Internationally renowned artists sing and perform directly in front of and among the audience. Intense and gripping, the works are presented here in a way that reflects how the composers themselves would have wished to see them presented – with exclusive piano accompaniment. A moving and powerful experience.

The hall maintains a pleasant temperature throughout the year.

Plot:

The painter Mario Cavaradossi hides a political fugitive from the henchmen of the police chief, Baron Scarpia. When Scarpia encounters Tosca in the church while searching for the fugitive, he deliberately fuels her unfounded jealousy. She suspects that her beloved Mario is in the arms of a beautiful blonde woman. Outraged, Tosca sets off to catch the two lovers in the act. Scarpia is captivated by her temperament and beauty and has her followed.

That evening, he summons her to him with an “invitation.” The now-arrested Cavaradossi is to be tortured unless Tosca reveals where the fugitive is hiding. Mario implores Tosca to say nothing. But when the torture becomes unbearable, she can no longer withstand it and reveals the secret in order to save her beloved.

Nevertheless, Cavaradossi is sentenced to death. Tosca begs Scarpia to spare his life, and he proposes a bargain: if she submits to him, Mario will only be shot as a pretence. As proof, he issues a safe-conduct pass for the two of them and gives his henchman a meaningful signal. When Scarpia eagerly approaches Tosca, she stabs him.

Tosca finds her Mario on the roof of the Castel Sant’Angelo, where he is to be executed. Excitedly, she shows him the safe-conduct pass and explains that he will only be shot with blanks. He must fall as though he were an actor. Afterwards, they will leave Rome forever.

The soldiers soon arrive. Cavaradossi refuses the blindfold and faces the rifles. When the shots have rung out, Tosca, who has been watching everything, praises her Mario for his convincing fall. She quickly runs to him, only to realize in horror that Scarpia has deceived her: Mario Cavaradossi is dead. When Scarpia’s men move to capture the murderer, Tosca takes her own life.