© In höchsten Tönen! Opera in the Crypt: Tosca
Vienna, Peterskirche — Krypta
About the Event
Tosca in the crypt of St. Peter's Church is no ordinary opera experience. The special atmosphere of the historic vaulted ceiling lends the performance an unusual intensity and draws visitors into the heart of Puccini's most dramatic masterpiece.
Without elaborate stage machinery, but with a clear, focused production and an ideal cast, the result is an unforgettable evening of opera. The impressive acoustics of the crypt and the proximity to the stage guarantee goose bumps.
OPER in der KRYPTA offers authentic performances that are as close to the original as possible. Internationally renowned artists sing and perform directly in front of and between the guests. The works are presented in an intense and captivating manner, just as the composers themselves liked to present them – with exclusive piano accompaniment. A moving, powerful experience.
The hall is pleasantly temperate in every season.
Plot:
The painter Mario Cavaradossi hides a political refugee from the henchmen of the police chief Baron Scarpia. When Scarpia encounters Tosca in the church while searching for her, he stokes her (unfounded) jealousy. She suspects her beloved Mario is in the arms of a beautiful blonde. Outraged, Tosca sets out to catch the two in the act. Scarpia is inflamed by her temperament and beauty and has her followed.
That evening, he summons her with an “invitation” to his home. Cavaradossi, who has since been arrested, is to be tortured if she does not reveal where the fugitive is hiding. Mario implores Tosca not to say anything. When the torture becomes unbearable, she can no longer hold out and reveals the secret in order to save her lover.
Nevertheless, Cavaradossi is sentenced to death. Tosca begs Scarpia to spare his life, and he proposes a deal: if she does his bidding, Mario will only be shot for show. As proof, he issues a pass for both of them and instructs his henchman with a meaningful glance. When Scarpia eagerly approaches Tosca, she stabs him to death.
Tosca seeks out her Mario on the roof of Castel Sant'Angelo, the site of his execution. Excitedly, she shows him the letter of safe conduct and explains that he will only be shot for show. He must throw himself down like an actor. Afterwards, they will leave Rome forever.
The soldiers appear. Cavaradossi refuses to be blindfolded and stands in front of the rifles. When the shots fade away, Tosca, who has been watching everything, praises her Mario, who has fallen perfectly. She quickly runs to him, only to realize with horror that Scarpia has deceived her: Mario Cavaradossi is dead. When Scarpia's henchmen try to arrest the murderer, she takes her own life.
Practical Information
The 'Opera in the Crypt' series is a unique form of presenting opera at its very essence. With piano accompaniment, talented singers in costumes perform the works in the exceptional, intimate atmosphere of the crypt under St. Peter's Church. Through the short distance between audience and musicians you can experience opera in a way you have never heard or seen it before.
Program
- Giacomo Puccini – Tosca
Cast / Production
Floria Tosca: Katharina Jing An Gebauer Mario Cavaradossi: Sergio Tallo‐Torres Baron Scarpia: Florian Pejrimovsky Mesner/Sciarrone: Stefan Tanzer Angelotti: Michael Pinsker Spoletta: Johannes Eriksson Shepherd's Song: Victoria Wolf
Chorus: In höchsten Tönen! Children's choir: In höchsten Tönen!
Musical direction: Ekaterina Nokkert
Production & lighting: Dorothee Stanglmayr
Peterskirche
The Peterskirche (St Peter’s Church) is the second-oldest church in Vienna, founded around 800AD, if legend is to be believed. The present church was built in 1732 in the Baroque style, with Vienna's first baroque dome. Inspired by St Peter's Basilica in Rome, the interior is adorned with frescoes, sculptures, golden altarpieces and carved wood. Peterskirche is one of Vienna's busiest classical music venues, featuring a diverse program that includes daily organ concerts, operas, choral concerts and performances by prominent local and international artists. In addition to performances in the elegant main sanctuary, the Peterskirche also hosts concerts in the fascinating and intimate crypt below ground level.
Giacomo Puccini
Giacomo Puccini was an Italian opera composer of the late 19th century. He was considered one of the greatest composers of the Italian Opera, second only to Verdi. His early works were characterised by features of the traditional 19th century romantic Italian opera. Later, his style developed into the realistic verismo style, which inspired him to write his most famous masterpieces and became one of the leading exponents of the style. His most renowned works La bohème (1896), Tosca (1900), Madama Butterfly (1904), and Turandot (1924), all are popular operas played in the most prestigious venues of the classical world.
Address
Peterskirche, Petersplatz, Vienna, Austria — Google Maps
