Opinion's on the Met's New "Tosca"
Posted: Mon Dec 21, 2009 3:32 am
I was able to watch the Met's new production of Tosca the other day on my area's local tv station, and honestly, I was blown away. I do not believe it should have recieved the scathing reviews it recieved. I thought the first act was the best. Alvarez sang a beautiful rendition of "Recondita", and Scarpia's entrance was utterly terrifying. The Te Deum was perfectly performed, and I particularly like Bondy's idea of having Scarpia kiss the Virgin Mary's statue to the disgust of all. The second act was good, but didn't stand up to the first. Mattila's "Vissi d'arte" was the most memorable performance of the night. The third act was also very good, with Alvarez's "Lucevan" recieving the longest ovation.
The only real problem with this production I had was with Scarpia's murder. In Bondy's, Tosca sees the knife and plans Scarpia's death. In the original, Tosca sees the knife and kills Scarpia in the heat of the moment. I prefer the original, for I believe it doesn't portray Tosca as evil and capable of murder, as I sort of thought Bondy's did.
Any opinions by those who watched it? Also, any opinions on whether it is alright for opera goers to boo someone off the stage?
The only real problem with this production I had was with Scarpia's murder. In Bondy's, Tosca sees the knife and plans Scarpia's death. In the original, Tosca sees the knife and kills Scarpia in the heat of the moment. I prefer the original, for I believe it doesn't portray Tosca as evil and capable of murder, as I sort of thought Bondy's did.
Any opinions by those who watched it? Also, any opinions on whether it is alright for opera goers to boo someone off the stage?