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You’ve probably heard the term “It ain’t over until the fat lady sings.” But actually, opera singers are more likely to be calorie-counting athletes. Believe it or not, becoming a singer is not solely about the voice. Opera singers must learn about a lot of things such as foreign languages, breath control and performance techniques. They must also understand the elements of music, how to use their voices properly, and have a strong desire to be on stage, to act, and most of all, to communicate. This can be difficult work. It takes confidence and a very positive outlook to deal with the business of singing. That is why singers must be physically “fit as a fiddle”.
An opera is much like a musical because it tells a story with music. The main difference between a musical and an opera is that, in an opera, the actors never stop singing. Even simple phrases like "Open the door" are sung in an opera. Because they combine complicated pieces of music, classic stories of heroes and heroines, and spectacular sets and costumes, operas are considered to be some of the greatest pieces of art in the world!
Tosca is one of Puccini's three most famous and most performed operas. Written in 1900, the opera takes place in Rome, Italy, in June 1800, the year Napoleon Bonaparte invaded Italy.
When Puccini began composing Tosca, he was very interested in getting the details of the opera just right so that the background atmosphere and places where the action takes place would be authentic. He made a great effort to conduct extensive research and learn about the musical customs of the times as well as the actual pitches of the bells that rang from the towers of Rome's churches.
When you look at the map of Rome, you will see that the three Tosca locations are within a fifteen minute walk. Tosca is a real thriller, filled with high drama and many surprises.
Click on each section to explore Tosca.
A synopsis of Tosca (English)
A synopsis of Tosca (Español)
An interview with Tosca conductor Anthony Barrese
A Map of Rome
Meet the characters
Pronunciations of the character's names
Who is who?
Who says this?
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