G Puccini's Tosca Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

G Puccinis Tosca - Essay ExampleNevertheless those musical references to objects, persons, or ideas are not substantial on a Wagnerian scale and are not certainly woven into symphonic web. Puccinis musical motives serve as a fibber and provide information a characters unexpressed thoughts, recollections, or recall. In Act 1 Tosca and Cavaradossis plan their rendezvous that evening, but Cavaradossis thoughts are revealed when Angelottis fugitive motive is heard. Likewise, Scarpias interrogation of Cavaradossi is punctuated by the motif connoting the well Cavaradossi refuses to mention the well, but the music reveals that he is thinking somewhat it (Puccini 21)Tosca begins on an imposing, quasi-tragic note, much darker than the opening pages of Puccinis earlier operas. However the composer takes care to introduce the sacristan, a basso buffo, for comic relief. Puccini was always very careful to implicate well defined minor characters. The Sacristans banter with Mario gradually lead s to the aria Recondita armonia. This piece requires vocal intensity and extension, together with depth of interpretation from the tenor, and is enriched by the Sacristans counter-melody (21).A nearly comic interlude features the sacristan and the chorus, creating an overall cheerful tone. This is immediately interrupted with the reach of Scarpia, as the orchestra once more becomes fertile and obscure, but with energy and power this time conveying the overall power held by the police chief. Every accent and work of Scarpia is underscored by Puccini to depict a character with the depth of evil comparable perhaps only to Iago in Verdis Otello.The darkness of the orchestra continues throughout the scene of the search of the church. Upon Toscas sudden arrival in the cathedral, the sinister nature of the music is toned down significantly as Scarpia acts politely towards her. However, as Scarpia plays upon Toscas jealousy, the music resumes