The reason why the opera Tosca, which Puccini decided to compose after watching a performance of Sardou's work, is so popular stems not only from the powerful themes in the text but also from the fact that the melodic ideas in the music possess a vivid narrative. The meeting on stage of characters who stand in contrast to one another (Tosca, Cavaradossi, Scarpia) through the extraordinary variety of colors in the opera's orchestration is just a few of the factors that initially impress the audience.
The struggle on stage between heroes—who are dynamic, brave, passionate, and willing to face any danger for the sake of freedom and love—and villains leads to the occurrence of unexpected events. In this work, where a passionate love plays the leading role, historical and political ideals are the primary themes forming the background. In the opera Tosca, which is built upon deception and suspicion, the dramatic tension continues in an immersive manner without losing its impact for a single moment. As a result of the events revolving around Baron Scarpia, who uses the power in his hands for evil purposes, the painter Cavaradossi, who possesses a rebellious impulse to bring about change, and the singer Tosca, the expression of boundless love, each of them pays a heavy price.
Although the work is named after the character Tosca, one of the most striking characters in this piece is the baritone Baron Scarpia. The fact that this role is performed by the most famous artists today reveals this truth with complete clarity. One of the best-known scenes from the Tosca opera is the "Te Deum," the final scene of the first act in which Scarpia is featured. What makes this scene so exceptional is that, while Scarpia is speaking of his treacherous plans and burning for them (Va Tosca!), a sacred duty is being performed in the background. The successful simultaneous presentation of these two opposing atmospheres places the work in a privileged position within the world opera repertoire.
The opera Tosca, in which Puccini demonstrates his superior inspiration and compositional ability, is being conducted by conductor Alexandru Samoila at the Antalya State Opera and Ballet. While Kenan Korbek takes on the direction of the work, the set design belongs to Tayfun Çebi and the costume design to Sevtaç Demirer. Chorus conductor Krastin Nastev performs the role of chorus conductor, and Mustafa Eski carries out the lighting design. In the work, the character of Tosca is portrayed by Burcu Kuru and Feryal Türkoğlu, Cavaradossi by Oben Bostancı, Aykut Çınar, and Koray Damcıoğlu, Scarpia by Tamer Peker, Angelotti by Engin Suna, Sagretano by Şafak Güç, Spoletta by Cüneyt İrfan Erdoğan and Atay Ergezen, and Sciarrone by Toygarhan Atuner. The premiere of the opera Tosca will take place on Thursday, October 8, and its gala will be held on Tuesday, October 13, at the Haşim İşcan Cultural Center. Tickets can be obtained from the Haşim İşcan Cultural Center (0242 244 24 41) and Cumhuriyet Meydanı (0242 248 81 83) box offices, and online ticket sales are available at www.dobgm.gov.tr.