Reference Music: II - LA TOSCA by Giacomo Puccini

This Opera was first produced at Rome in January 1900. The libretto is an adaptation of Sardou’s famous tragedy. The date is 1800, and the main facts are said to have a historical basis. The story centres round the doings of Scarpia, the chief of the police in Rome, himself the perpetrator of worse crimes than those he has officially to deal with.

Mirella Freni is in my point of view an underrated singer. She brings a fire and drama to this role. She is perfect actin the famous scene in which she stabs Scarpia "Questo il bacio di Tosca! Muori Danato Muori! E Morto..or gli perdono".

The above image (Poster) impressed me since my childhood.