Giacomo Puccini

(1858-1924)

Tosca
Opera in Three Acts

Performance Presenting Sponsor:

The Hearst Corporation
Season Sponsor:
Wells Fargo Private Bank
Words by Giuseppe Giacosa (1847-1906) and Luigi Illica (1857-1919)
Based on the play La Tosca by Victorien Sardou
First performance: Rome, Teatro Costanzi, January 14, 1900
First American performance: New York, Metropolitan Opera House, February 4, 1901
Opera Carolina production of October 13, 18, 21, 2012
North Carolina Blumenthal Performing Arts Center
Belk Theater
The Characters
Floria Tosca, soprano
Mario Cavaradossi, tenor
Baron Scarpia, baritone
Cesare Angelotti, bass-baritone
Marchessa Attavanti, non-singing
Spoletta, tenor
Sciarrone, bass
The Sacristan, bass
A Jailer, bass

Famous Diva
Artist, Republican, Toscas lover
Royalist, Head of Police
Consol of the Roman Republic
His Sister
Scarpias henchman
Scarpias henchman
Steward at Santa Maria della Valle

Choir of SantAndrea della Valle, Church-goers, Soldiers

Scene. Rome June 17, 1800
The Opera Carolina production will be performed in Three Acts with two intermission

The Story
The Action takes place on June 17, 1800, the day of the battle of Marengo between
Napoleon and the Royalist general Melas. Each act of Tosca is set in an actual locale in
Rome, and each site can be visited to this day.
Act I. In the church of SantAndrea della Valle, Cesare Angelotti, consul of the fallen
Roman republic, has escaped from Castel SantAngelo. He takes refuge in the church
where his sister, Marchesa Attavanti, has hidden some clothes in their family chapel for
him. Mario Cavaradossi, a painter and a supporter of the republic, is working in the
church on a painting of Mary Magdalene. Angelotti, recognizing the painter as an old
friend and republican sympathizer, gains his help. A commanding voice announces the
arrival of Floria Tosca, a famous opera singer and Cavaradossis lover.
Tosca is suspicious of the talking she overheard from outside the church entrance -- she
accuses Cavaradossi of deceiving her with another woman. Then, when she sees the new
Magdalene he is painting, and recognizes the Marchesa Attavanti, her jealousy seems to
be confirmed. Mario tells her that he saw the Marchesa in the church praying, and her
prayerful demeanor inspired him. This appeases Tosca, and they agree to meet at his
villa that evening after she sings at the Royal Palace. Meanwhile, Angelottis escape has
been discovered and a cannon is fired to raise the alarm. Cavaradossi instructs Angelotti
to hide in the well at his villa just on the outskirts of Rome. Cavaradossi decides to go
with him to his villa, and the two men leave the church. The sacristan enters with news
of Napoleons defeat at Marengo. He tells the church choir to prepare to sing a new
cantata in celebration that evening with the famous Floria Tosca.
Just then, Baron Scarpia, chief of police, enters. The discovery of a fan belonging to
Marchesa Attavanti, and Cavaradossi disappearance persuade Scarpia that the painter
has assisted Angelotti in his escape. Tosca returns to change the evenings arrangements
with her lover and is surprised to find him no longer in the church. Scarpia uses the fan
to suggest that she has been deceived that the fan proves Cavaradossi was in the church
with the Marchesa and that they have left together. In a fit of jealousy and despair, Tosca
leaves to root out the supposed lovers and Scarpia sends his henchmen to follow her.
The church fills with worshipers who offer the Te Deum.
Act II. Scarpias office in the Farnese Palace. Through the open window Scarpia hears
the concert at which Tosca is supposed to be singing the new cantata but she is late and
the cantata is delayed. He sends a note to be delivered the moment she arrives at the
palace. Spoletta arrives to tell him they followed Tosca to Cavaradossis villa that they
did not find Angelotti but they have brought Cavaradossi in for questioning. The painter
denies he is hiding Angelotti, as the sound of the cantata, now with Tosca singing, is
heard through the open window. Following the concert she enters, responding to
Scarpias note. Cavaradossi hardly has time to tell her to keep silent before he is led into
a secret room to be tortured. Unable to stand the sound of his screams, Tosca breaks
down and reveals Angelottis hiding place. Cavaradossis outburst of anger at her, and
defiance of Scarpia is interrupted by news that the earlier report was wrong and that
Napoleon has defeated Melas at Marengo. Cavaradossi ensuing hymn of liberty ensures
his execution, and he is led away.

(Tosca synopsis. Act II continued)

Scarpia now tells Tosca that there is one way she can save her Mario and that is to
make love to him. Scarpia dangles the image of the gallows before the terrified Tosca.
She agrees to his demand but only if he first releases Cavaradossi. He says he cant
publicly release him, but that he will arrange for a simulated execution once
accomplished she and her lover can leave Rome and to prove it, he signs a passage of
safe conduct for them both. As he is writing, Tosca takes a knife and at the moment of
Scarpias embrace, she kills him. She takes the safe conduct from the dead mans fist,
places two candles beside him and a crucifx on his chest as she slowly leaves the room.
Act III. The tower of the Castel SantAngelo. Near dawn, Cavaradossi is brought from
his cell. His last thoughts are of Tosca. To his surprise, she is allowed to see him, and
she tells him that everything has been arranged all he needs to do is go through the
mock execution, and they will be free. Incredulous, Cavaradossi makes her tell him the
entire story and she reveals that she killed Scarpia in desperation. They think of their
future happiness, far from Rome, across the sea. The firing squad arrives and Tosca tells
Mario to pretend to fall down at the first shot. The shots are fired and he seemingly
complies. Once the guards have left, however, she runs to him only to discover that the
execution was real. Voices can be heard approaching the guards have discovered
Scarpias body. Cornered, Tosca runs to the parapet and jumps from the heights of the
castle with the cry, Scarpia, we will meet before God.

About Puccinis Tosca

Shortly after completing his second opera, Edgar, Puccini decided to set the French
playwright Victorien Sardous play La Tosca. Sardous drama was a novelty at the time,
made famous by Sarah Bernhardt, who had turned it into a major success at its 1887
theatrical premiere. For the next twenty-five years the play La Tosca was to be her
almost exclusive property, and she performed it on the stages of Europe and America.
Puccini probably saw Bernhardts famous portrayal in 1890 when she toured Italy; and
although he would have understood very little of the French dialogue, his enthusiasm for
the project was heightened.
For Boheme, Butterfly and Tosca Puccini would use the creative team of Luigi Illica and
Giuseppe Giacosa as his librettists, and the operatic world owes much to the creative yet
often dysfunctional relationship between Puccini, Illica and Giacosa. Several times
during the creation of these great works, disagreements and heated arguments nearly
derailed each project. For Tosca, Puccini knew what he wanted the drama reduced to
its bare essentials and charged with as much tension as possible. After many delays,
Tosca was finally premiered in Rome on January 14, 1900 ten years after Puccini saw it
on the theatrical stages of Italy. It is comical to note that the premieres of Puccinis three
most popular operas were each greeted by cool response at best by music critics, and in
the case of Butterfly, downright hostility. But each work gained such public acclaim that
the critics judgment would be meaningless; and each has been a staple of the repertoire
for more than one hundred years.

Tosca Libretto

But with these dogs who follow Voltaire,

Enemies of the most holy government,
You cant raise your voice!
They do not repent, one and all!
Instead of arguing,
We will make the sign of the cross.
(to Cavaradossi)

Loosely translated from the Italian by James Meena

The Action takes place on June 17, 1800, the day of the battle
of Marengo between Napoleon and the Royalist general
Melas. Each act of Tosca is set in an actual locale in Rome,
and each site can be visited to this day.

Your excellency, Im going.

Act I The Church of SantAndrea della Valle
Morning. At the center of the church is a large archway
opening to the main altar area. To the left, a scaffold. To the
right, the Madonna and the Attavanti family chapel.
Angelotti (entering the Church, disheveled, exhausted)
Ah! Finally !
In my foolish terror
I was seeing police everywhere. (searching)
The holy water -- the column.
At the foot of the Madonna, wrote my sister.
(going to the statue of the Madonna he finds some
clothing and the key to the family chapel)
Here is the key -- and here is the chapel.
(enters the chapel)
Sacristan (entering the scene, oblivious that anything is
amiss)
Im always washing,
Every brush is filthy.
Worse than the collar of a poor priest.
(Thinking he is addressing Cavaradossi)

Im not hungry.

Sacristan Oh! Im so sorry!

Lock the doors when you leave.
Mario

Go!

Sacristan Im going!
(exits. A noise is heard from the chapel)
Mario

Someones in there!

Angelotti (coming from the chapel, recognizing

Cavaradossi)
You! Cavaradossi! God has sent you!
You dont recognize me!
Has prison changed me that much?
Mario

Angelotti! The Consul of the

Deposed Roman Republic.

Mario

I am at your disposal.

Tosca

(heard from outside the church, at the door)

Mario!

Mario

Hide yourself! She mustnt get involved.

Ill send her away quickly.

Tosca

Mario!

Mario

Just a minute!

(enters, seeing the Sacristan at prayer)

What are you doing?

Who?

Sacristan That mysterious lady

Who has come here to pray these past few days,
So devout and pious.
Its true. She was filled with such fervent prayer
That, unobserved, I painted her lovely face.

Sacristan Out, Satan, out!

Mario

Mario

No, Im wrong. He hasnt touched his dinner.

(a chime is heard, signaling the hours. The
Sacristan begins his morning prayer)

Saints above! Its her!

Mario

Sacristan The basket is full;

Are you doing penance?

Angelotti I just escaped from the prison in SantAngelo.

Sacristan Reciting the Angelus.

(Cavaradossi mounts the scaffold and takes the
cloth away from the painting of Mary Magdalene
he has been working on)

Mario

Do as you please.

Signor painter. . .What! . . . No one.

I could have sworn he had returned,
That cavalier, Cavaradossi.
(finding a basket of food)

The angel of the Lord announced unto Mary.

And she conceived of the Holy Spirit.
Behold the handmaid of the Lord.
Be it unto me according to thy word.
And the Word was made flesh
and dwelt among us.
Mario

Mario

Hand me the paint box.

Concealed harmony of two different beauties!
Floria, my ardent love, has dark hair,
And you, unknown beauty,
Are wrapped in blond hair!
You have blue eyes -- Toscas are black.
Art, in its mystery,
Mingles these beauties together.
But, while painting this woman,
My only thought, Tosca, is of you.

Sacristan (with disapproval)

Joke with the soldiers, but leave the saints alone!

Angelotti Im exhausted and can barely stand.

Mario

Theres food and wine in this basket.

(sends Angelotti back to the chapel)

Tosca

(entering the church)

Why is the door locked?

Mario

The sacristan wants it locked.

Tosca

Who were you speaking to?

Mario

To you.

Tosca

You were whispering.

Where is she?

Mario

Who?

Tosca

The woman!
I heard footsteps and rustling clothes.

Mario

Youre dreaming!

Tosca

You deny it?

Mario

I deny it and I love you!

Tosca

Oh! In front of the Madonna?

No, Mario, my love.
Let me first pray
And offer my flowers to her.
(she goes to the Madonna, praying, she places
flowers at the foot of the statue)

Now listen -- Im singing this evening,

But its a short performance.
Wait for me at the stage door,
And well go to your villa all alone.
Mario

This evening?

Tosca

Its a full moon;

And the perfumeof the night
Intoxicates the heart.
Arent you pleased?

Mario

(distracted)
Very!

Tosca

Say it again.

Mario

Very pleased!

Tosca

You say it so harshly;

Dont you long for our little house
That waits for us, hidden by its greenery?
Our sacred nest, far from the world,
Full of love and mystery?
Together; hearing the voices of the country
Rising through the starry shadows!
From the woods and thickets,
From the burned grasses;
From the depths of broken
Tombs smelling of thyme,
The whispers of tiny lovers
Rise from the night
With teasing suggestions
That soften the heart.
Bloom, immense fields!
Excite, sea breezes!
Shimmer inthe moonlight!
Ah! You starry vaults,
Shower down loves passion!
For a mad love burns in Tosca!

Tosca

That coquette! Leave her to me!

Mario

I saw her yesterday,

But it was by pure chance.
She came to pray, and unseen, I painted her.

Tosca

You swear it!

Mario

I swear it.

Tosca

How she stares at me!

Mario

Come now.

Tosca

Laughing, mocking me.

Mario

Thats nonsense!

Tosca

Ah, those eyes . . .

Mario

Whose eyes in the whole world can compare

To your burning black eyes?
Its here that my whole being resides.
Eyes, tender in love, fiery in anger.
What others can compare to your dark eyes?

Tosca

Oh, how well you know

The art of making yourself loved.
But -- change her eyes to dark ones!

Mario

My jealous one!

Tosca

Yes, I torment you.

Im certain youll forgive me
If you look at my suffering.

Mario

My Tosca -- I worship you.

I love everything about you.

Tosca

Again -- Say the words that console me.

Mario

My life, my restless love,

I will always say:
Floria, I love you.
Ah! Calm your soul.
I will always say: I love you.
(takes her into his arms)

Mario

You capture me with your song, my siren;

Tosca

Toscas blood burns with a passionate love.

Mario

I will be there tonight!

Tosca
Mario

Oh, my love.
Now leave me to my work.

Tosca

Dear God! How you have sinned!

You have completely rumpled my hair.

Tosca

You dismiss me?

Mario

Now go, leave me.

Mario

Its urgent that I finish.

You know that!

Tosca

Tosca

Im going.
(starting to leave, she notices the portrait he has
been working on)

You can stay at work until this evening;

But promise me
Whether by chance or design,
Whether blond or brunette;
No women will come here to pray.

Mario

I promise, my love!
Now go!

Who is that blond woman in your portrait?

Mario

Mary Magdalene. Does it please you?

Tosca

How you rush me!

Tosca

Shes much too beautiful!

Mario

Once again?

Mario

Such a precious compliment.

Tosca

No, Im sorry!
(goes to embrace him)

Tosca

Youre laughing?
Ive seen those pale blue eyes before.

Mario

(jokingly) In front of the Madonna?

Mario

There are many like them in the world!

Tosca

Tosca

Wait . . . I know her;

Marchesa Attavanti!

Shes very forgiving!

(the lovers kiss. Tosca prepares to leave, but turns
to Mario at the last minute)

Mario

Brava!

Tosca

Youve been seeing her?

She loves you? You love her?

Mario

I saw her by chance.

Tosca

The footsteps, the whispering!

She was just here!

Mario

Come now!

But -- change her eyes to dark ones.

(exit. Reenter Angelotti)
Mario

My Tosca is a good woman,

But since she is devout and goes to confession,
I told her nothing.
Its better that way.

Angelotti Are we alone?

Mario

Yes. What is your plan?

Angelotti It depends. I can flee or stay hidden in Rome;

My sister . . .
Mario

Angelotti Yes. She has hidden womens clothes

There under the altar.
A dress, a veil, a fan.
Ill put this disguise on as soon as it gets dark.
Mario

Choir

Now it makes sense!

Her circumspect manner -And such fervent praying
In a young and beautiful woman,
Made me think she was
Praying for a secret love.
Now I understand . . .
It was the love of a sister!

Sacristan Its true! The official news will arrive soon!

The victory will be celebrated!
This evening theres a big torchlight parade,
And a festive party at Farnese Palace,
With a new cantata starring Floria Tosca!
And in all the churches, hymns to the Lord!
Now go finish dressing, and stop the clamor!
Off with you to the sacristy!
Choir

Double pay!
Te deum! Gloria!
Long live the King!
Let us celebrate the victory!
A big torchlight parade!
A gala evening!
Let victory be celebrated!
Long live the King!
(at that moment, Scarpia and his henchmen enter)

Scarpia

Such an uproar in church!

Show some respect!

Angelotti She has risked everything

To save me from Scarpia.
Mario

Scarpia. A satyr who hides his lust

And corruption in devout manners,
And uses his lascivious talent
To be confessor and executioner!
Even if it costs my life, I will save you!
But it is a mistake to wait for nightfall.

Angelotti But in broad daylight . . .

Mario

The chapel door opens onto a garden.

There is a path that leads to my country villa.

Angelotti Yes! I know it!

Mario

Here is the key.

I will join you before evening.
Take the disguise with you.

Angelotti Should I wear them?

Mario

Sacristan Excellency, what a pleasure. . .

Scarpia

Scarpia

(to Spoletta)
And you -- go search every corner,
Gather every clue!

Spoletta

At once!

Scarpia

Watch the doors

Without arousing suspicion!
(addressing the Sacristan)
Now, to you.
Weigh your answers carefully.
An enemy of the state has
Escaped from SantAngelo.
He has taken refuge here,
And perhaps is still here.
Where is the Attavanti chapel?

No, the path is deserted.

If danger is imminent,
Run to the well in the garden,
Half way down is an opening that leads to a cave;
Its a safe refuge.
(at that moment, a cannon shot is heard)

Angelotti The cannon from SantAngelo!

Mario

Your escape has been discovered!

Now Scarpia will unleash his henchmen!

Sacristan Over there!

Its open! Archangels in heaven!
There must have been another key!
Scarpia

Angelotti Until later!

Mario

Someones coming!
If they attack us, well fight them!
(exit together. Enter the Sacristan)

The Marchesa Attavanti -Its her family emblem.

(discovering the portait)

Sacristan Great jubilation, excellency!

Hes not here anymore.
What a disappointment!
For he who makes a non-believer sad,
Earns an indulgence for himself!
Quickly! Choir! Come here!
(enter choirboys)
Choir

Where?

Sacristan In the sacristy.

Choir

An excellent clue! Lets enter.

(enters the chapel, returning with a fan)
It was a grave mistake to fire the cannon.
The prey has taken flight.
But he left one precious clue -A fan!
What accomplice prepared his escape?
(inspecting the fan)

Ill come with you.

Angelotti We must be alert.

Mario

Get ready for the Te Deum.

(Sacristan begins to leave)
You stay here!

Sacristan I wont move.

Angelotti Farewell!
Mario

Who said so? Its a dream - madness.

Marchesa Attavanti?

Her portrait! (to the Sacristan)

Who painted that picture?
Sacristan The cavalier Cavaradossi.
Scarpia

Him!

Sacristan Gods above! The basket!

Scarpia

But what has happened?

(lost in thought)
Him! Toscas lover!
A man suspected of favoring revolution.

Sacristan You dont know?

Bonaparte -- that devil. . .

Sacristan (opening the basket)

Its empty!

Choir

Scarpia

Well? What happened?

Sacristan He has been plucked,

Crushed and sent to the devil!

What? What happened?

Sacristan This basket was found in the chapel.

Scarpia

Do you recognize it?

Falling down your lovely cheek.

Sweet lady, what distresses you?

Sacristan I do! Its the painters,

But . . . all the same . . .

Tosca

Nothing.

Scarpia

Scarpia

I would give my life to dry your tears.

Sacristan I left it filled with wonderful food,

It was thepainters dinner.

Tosca

Here I am,
Suffering while he mocks me in her arms.

Scarpia

Scarpia

(aside) The poison is biting.

Tosca

Where could they be?

If I could catch the traitor!
Oh, what suspicion!
They must have gone to his villa.
The traitor!
My lovely nest is fouled by his cheating!
I will go and surprise them!
(throwing the fan at the portrait)

Spit it out!

Its seems he has eaten!

Sacristan In the chapel?

He didnt have a key,
And wasnt interested in eating.
He said so himself.
So I put it on the scaffold.
(aside)
Deliver me, oh Lord.
Scarpia

Now its all clear;

The sacristans provisions
Were the prey of Angelotti!
(Tosca enters)
Tosca? She must not see me.
To reduce a jealous man to disaster,
Iago had a handkerchief, and I have a fan!

Tosca

Mario? Mario?

Sacristan The painter Cavaradossi?

Who knows where he is?
He vanished; slipped away by his witchcraft.
Tosca

Have I been deceived?

No, he would not betray me.

Scarpia

(approaching her)
Divine Tosca, my hand awaits your gentle hand,
Not out of gallantry, but to offer you holy water.

Tosca

Thank you, sir.

Scarpia

You set a noble example.

To heaven you pray with holy zeal.
You attain the mastery of art
That your faith enlivens!

You will not have him tonight!

I swear it!
Scarpia

Such rage In church!

Tosca

God forgives me;

For He sees me weeping! (exits)

Scarpia

(to Spoletta)
Take three spies -- go in one carriage -- quickly!
Follow her wherever she goes.
Do not be seen!

Spoletta

Yes, sir. Where will I meet you?

Scarpia

At Farnese Palace.
(Spoletta exits. Church goers begin entering,
preparing for the Te Deum)
Go, Tosca! Scarpia is nesting in your heart.
Go, Tosca! Scarpia has released
The falcon of your jealousy.
In your heart, Scarpia is nesting!
Go, Tosca!
Twin goals are the object of my desire,
And the head of that rebel
Is not the most precious.
Victorious,
I will see the flame of passion in her eyes;
Languid with spasms of love.
Yes! Languid with love in my arms.
Him on the gallows -Her in my arms!

Tosca

That is kind of you.

Scarpia

Pious women are so rare.

You work on stage, yet come to church to pray.

Tosca

What do you mean?

Scarpia

You dont behave like certain shameless women

Who have the face of Mary Magdalene
And come to church for intrigues of love.

Tosca

What? Of love? Show me the proof!

Scarpia

(handing her the fan)

Is this a painters tool?

Tosca

A fan? Where was it?

Scarpia

There on the scaffolding.

Someone certainly disturbed the lovers
And she lost her feathers as she flew away!

Act II Scarpias study in Farnese Palace. That evening

At center a large table with candelabra, wine and food. At
left, a writing desk. At right, a chaise.

Tosca

(looking at the fan)

The crown! The emblem!
Marchesa Attavanti!
Just as I thought!

Scarpia

Scarpia

(aside)
Ive achieved the desired effect.

Tosca

And I, filled with sorrow, was coming to tell him

That the sky will grow dark in vain this evening;
That his loving Tosca is a prisoner.
A prisoner of the royal feast.

Sciarrone A servant went to find her.

(aside) My poison already takes effect.

Scarpia

Scarpia

What has offended you, sweet lady?

A rebellious tear is

(the service begins. A grand procession

commences with acolytes, choir boys, deacons,
priests and the cardinal who blesses the
congregation)
Tosca, you make me forget God!
All

Te aeternum Patrem
Omnis terra veneratur.
Curtain

(lost in thought)
Tosca is a good falcon.
Certainly by now my bloodhounds have
Their fangs in their victims.
Tomorrow at dawn the scaffold
Will have Angelotti and the handsome Mario
Hanging from the noose!
(to Scaiarrone, who has just entered)
Has Tosca arrived?

Open the window.

(a gavotte is being played in the gardens)
Its getting late,

The cantata is still missing the diva,

So they play gavottes instead.
(to Sciarrone)
You will wait for Tosca.
Tell her I want to see her after the cantata.
Or better yet. . .(writes)
Give her this note.
She will come to me out of love
For her Mario!
Out of love, she will surrender to my pleasure!
From such a profound love
Comes profound misery.
A violent conquest has a stronger flavor
Than the honey of consent.
Sighs of love and milky dawns
Dont satisfy me.
I dont know how to strum a guitar.
And I wont pick the petals of a flower;
Or make longing glances,
Cooing like a turtledove!
I burn with desire!
And I pursue what I desire.
I fill myself with it,
Then look for new prey.
God created many different beauties.
And like different wines
I want to taste as much
Of Gods creation that I can!
Sciarrone Spoletta has returned.
Scarpia

Have him enter immediately!

(Spoletta enters)
My gallant fellow; how was the hunt?

Spoletta

(aside) Saint Ignatius help me!

(to Scarpia) We followed her trail .
She went to a secluded villa.
She entered, but came out alone.
I climbed the wall of the garden with my men,
And we rushed in.

You know that a prisoner . . .

Mario

Toscas voice!

Scarpia

(continuing his interrogation)

That a prisoner escaped today from SantAngelo?

Mario

I know nothing of it.

Scarpia

Yet, it is claimed that you helped him

By giving him food and clothing.

Mario

Lies!

Scarpia

And that you took him to your villa.

Mario

I deny it!
Where is your proof?

Scarpia

The word of a loyal subject.

Mario

Thats nonsense!
Your spies searched my villa in vain.

Scarpia

Just a sign that he is well hidden.

Mario

A spys suspicions!

Spoletta

He laughed at our questions.

Mario

And I laugh again!

Scarpia

This is a place for tears, not laughter!

I warn you! Enough of this!
Answer me! (slams the window closed)
Where is Angelotti?

Mario

I dont know.

Scarpia

You deny giving him food?

Mario

I deny it.

Scarpia

Bravo, Spoletta!

Scarpia

And clothes?

Spoletta

(continuing)
I looked! I rummaged! I searched!

Mario

I deny it!

Well - Angelotti?

Scarpia

Scarpia

And asylum in your villa?

And that hes hiding there?

Spoletta

He wasnt found!

Mario

I deny it!

Scarpia

You dog! traitor!

Useless baboon! Ill hang you!

Scarpia

Spoletta

The painter was there . . .

Scarpia

Cavaradossi?

Come now, cavalier, reflect:

Your obstinance is unwise.
A quick confession will save
You from great anguish!
I advise you -- tell me:
Where is Angelotti?

Spoletta

He knows where Angelotti is hiding.

His every gesture and word
Betray his mocking attitude,
So I arrested him.

Mario

I dont know.

Scarpia

For the last time, where is he?

Mario

I dont know!

Spoletta

O lovely tugs of the noose.

(Tosca enters)

Scarpia

Thats better!

Spoletta

Hes outside.

Scarpia

Show the gentleman in.

Send for Roberti and the judge.
(they drag Mario in)

Scarpia

Here she is!

Tosca

Mario, you here?

Mario

Release me!

Mario

Sarpia

Cavalier, please take a seat.

(aside)
If you tell them what you saw at my villa
Theyll kill me.

Mario

I want to know . . .

Scarpia

Scarpia

Be seated.

Mario Cavaradossi,
The judge awaits your testimony.
(to his henchmen)

Mario

Ill stand.

Scarpia

As you wish.
(at this moment, the cantata is heard from outside.
The choir with Tosca as soloist)

First, use our normal tactics, then

At my instruction.
(they take Mario to a secret room off the study)
(alone with Tosca)
And now let us speak between ourselves,

As friends. Away with that air of fear.

Tosca

No! Monster! You torture him!

You monster! Youll kill him!

Scarpia

Your silence causes him even more pain!

(laughing)

Tosca

You laugh at this horrid scene?

Scarpia

Never on the stage was Tosca more tragic!

(to Sciarrone)
Open the door so she can hear his anguish!

Mario

(from the chamber) I defy you!

Scarpia

Harder! Harder!

Really?

Mario

I defy you!

Tosca

(emphatically) Yes! Alone!

Scarpia

Tell me.

Scarpia

Such fire!
It seems you are afraid of betraying yourself.
(going to the secret chamber)

Tosca

Tell you what?

Scarpia

The truth.

Sciarrone, what does the cavalier have to say?

Tosca

Ah! I know nothing!

Must I lie to you?

Scarpia

Tell me: Where is Angelotti?

Tosca

No! No!

Scarpia

Tell me where he is hiding.

Tosca

I can stand it no more!

What horror! End this torment!
It is too much to bear.
(to the door to the secret chamber)

Tosca

I am not afraid.

Scarpia

The story of the fan?

Tosca

Was foolish jealousy.

Scarpia

Then the Marchesa wasnt there?

Tosca

No, he was alone.

Scarpia

Alone? Are you quite sure?

Tosca

Jealous lovers miss nothing.

He was alone!

Scarpia

Sciarrone Nothing!
Scarpia

Be more insistent.

Tosca

Its useless!

Scarpia

We will see, signora.

Tosca

Must one lie to satisfy you?

Scarpia

No, but the truth may shorten an hour of pain.

Tosca

An hour of pain? What are you saying?

What happens in that room?

Scarpia

The enforcement of the law.

Tosca

Oh, God! Whats happening?

Scarpia

Your lovers hands and feet are bound,

With a ring of spikes at his temples.
And with every denial,
Blood flows without mercy!

Tosca

That cant be true! You demon.

Such torture? Have mercy on him!

Scarpia

Its up to you to save him.

Tosca

All right -- But stop!

Scarpia

Sciarrone, untie him.

Sciarrone Completely?
Scarpia

Yes! And now for the truth.

Tosca

Let me see him.

Scarpia

No!

Tosca

(going to the door to the torture chamber)

Mario!

Mario

Mario, can I tell them?

Mario

No!

Tosca

Listen to me, I cant bear this!

Mario

Dont be foolish. Theres nothing to tell them!

Scarpia

Shut him up!

Tosca

What have I ever done to you?

Its me youre torturing!
Youre torturing my soul.
(a horrifying scream is heard from the torture
chamber. Tosca reacts to it immediately)
The well in the garden.

Scarpia

Angelotti is there?

Tosca

Yes.

Scarpia

Roberti, thats enough.

Sciarrone Hes fainted.

Tosca

Assassin! I want to see him.

Scarpia

Bring him in.

(they drag Mario in. He is bloodied and
exhausted from the torture)

Tosca!

Mario

Floria!

Tosca

Are they still torturing you?

Tosca

My love.

Mario

No - be strong - say nothing!

I laugh at the pain!

Mario

Is it you?

And now, Tosca, tell me.

Tosca
Scarpia

How you have suffered.

But God in His justice will punish him!

Tosca

I know nothing!

Mario

Tosca, did you tell him?

Scarpia

Wasnt that enough?

Roberti -- begin again!

Tosca

No, my love.
Really?

No! Stop!

Mario

Tosca

Tosca

No.

Scarpia

Will you talk?

Scarpia

(aloud to his henchmen)

To the well in the garden. Go, Spoletta!

Mario

(to Tosca) Youve betrayed me!

Tosca

Mario!

Tosca

O God!

Mario

I curse you!

Sarpia

This is how I want you!

Sciarrone (entering, out of breath)

Excellency, important news!

Tosca

Dont touch me, demon!

I hate you -- you wretched man!

Scarpia

Scarpia

What does that matter?

Spasms of hate, or spasms of love!
You are mine.

Tosca

Monster!
(from outside is heard a funeral drum)

Scarpia

Do you hear that? Its the drum

That escorts the condemned to their final moment.
Time is running out!
Do you know what they are working on?
Theyre putting up the gallows.
Your Marios fate is in your hands.
He has no more than an hour left to live.

Tosca

I lived for art; I lived for love.

I never harmed a living soul.
I helped those in need,
Without seeking thanks or acclaim.
My prayers were always lifted
To the holy tabernacle with sincere faith,
And always with sincere faith
I laid flowers at the altar.
Now in the moment of such sorrow,
Why, Lord, do you repay me in this way?
I gave jewels for the Madonnas crown.
And I offered my songs to the heavens.
Now in the hour of my sorrow, why, Lord,
Do you repay me like this?
(to Scarpia)

What important news?

However, you have false hope.

Your friend the Queen
Cannot grant clemency to a cadaver!
How you hate me.

Sciarrone A message of defeat!

Scarpia

What defeat? How? Where?

Sciarrone At Marengo . . .
Scarpia

Out with it!

Sciarrone Bonaparte has won . . .

Scarpia

And General Melas?

Sciarrone No! . . . Hes in retreat!

(at this news, Mario is reinvigorated)
Mario

Victory!
The avenging dawn appears
To make the wicked tremble!
Liberty rises and tyranny collapses!
Youll see me rejoice at the torture Ive endured.
Your heart trembles now,
Scarpia -- the executioner!

Scarpia

Dying man, the noose awaits you!

Tosca

Mario, be silent,have pity on me.

Have pity!

Scarpia

Take him away!

Tosca

Mario! Let me follow him!

Scarpia

No! You stay with me!

Tosca

Save him!

Scarpia

Me? You! (returning to the table)

My humble supper has been interrupted.
Why so despondent?
Come my lovely lady, sit here.
Shall we search together for a way to save him?
Well then ; sit . . . and we will talk about it.
And meanwhile, a sip of this fine Spainish wine.
A sip -- to cheer you up.

See me. . .
Begging before you with outstretched hands.
Here. . . see me waiting for one word of
Mercy from you.
Scarpia

You are too beautiful, Tosca,

And too much in love.
I concede. . .
For a meager price you ask for a life,
And I ask you only for an instant.

Tosca

Go! Get away! You disgust me!

Scarpia

(a knock is heard at the door)

Who is it?

Tosca

How much?

Spoletta

Excellency, Angelotti killed himself at our arrival.

Scarpia

What?

Scarpia

All right. Hang his corpse from the gallows.

Tosca

Your price!

Scarpia

Ah, yes; they say I can be bought.

But I would never take money
From a lovely woman.
If I must betray my oath to the King,
I have a different price in mind.
This is the hour Ive longed for!
My desire for you, diva, always consumed me;
But now I see you as never before.
Your tears have heightened my senses,
And the glances of hatred you shoot at me
Make my desire for you ferocious!
When, agile as a leopard, you clung to your lover,
Ah! In that moment I swore you would be mine!
Yes, I will have you!

And how is our other prisoner?

Spoletta

The cavalier Cavaradossi?

All is ready, Excellency!

Tosca

God help me!

Scarpia

(to Spoletta) Wait.

(to Tosca) Well?
(she nods her acceptance)
(to Spoetta) Listen . . .

Tosca

I want him freed immediately!

Scarpia

No, we need a pretense.

I cannot reprieve him openly.
Everyone must believe the cavalier is dead.
My trusted aid will see to it.

Tosca

Id rather throw myself out this window!

Scarpia

Then your Mario dies!

Tosca

What assurance do I have?

Tosca

Horrid bargain!

Scarpia

Scarpia

I will not resort to violence. You are free to go.

I will give him the order here in your presence.

Spoletta, close the door.
I have changed the sentence.

The prisoner is to be shot.

Listen carefully: as we did with Count Palmieri.
Spoletta

An execution . . .

Scarpia

Simulated! As with Palmieri.

Do you understand me?

I send you many sighs,

As many as there are leaves moved by the wind.
You scorn me, and I suffer for it.
Golden lamp of my life, you make me die!
(the church bells of Rome sound Matins)
Jailer

(approaching the prisoner, he hands him a

document)
Mario Cavaradossi? Sign here.
You have an hour.
A priest is here if you want him.

Spoletta

I understand.

Scarpia

Go!

Tosca

I want to tell him myself.

Mario

No. But I have a last request to ask of you.

Scarpia

Very well.
( to Spoletta) You will let her see him.
(to Tosca) Mind you, at four this morning .

Jailer

If I can.

Mario

I leave someone dear to me.

Allow me to write her one last letter.
The last thing of value I have is this ring.
If you promise to deliver this last farewell to her,
It is yours.

Jailer

Go ahead.

Mario

(sitting at the small table, writing)

And the stars were shining,
And the earth was fragrant.
The garden gate creaked . . .
A footstep grazed the sand.
She entered, radiant,
And she fell into my arms.
Oh! Sweet kisses, oh languid caresses.
While I, trembling,
Removed the veils from her lovely body.
My dream of love has vanished, the hour is come,
And I die in despair!
And I have never loved life so much!

Spoletta

Yes -- just like Palmieri .

Scarpia

I have kept my promise.

Tosca

Not yet.
I want a letter of safe conduct to flee Rome.

Scarpia

Then you wish to leave us?

Tosca

Yes, forever!

Scarpia

Your wish will be granted.

(sits at the desk and begins to write)
What route will you take?

Tosca

The shortest.

Scarpia

Civitavecchia?

Tosca

Yes.
(as Scarpia writes, Tosca goes to the table.
Taking a sip of wine, she notices a knife at the
placesetting. Taking it, she hides it behind her
back as Scarpia continues to write)

Scarpia

(finishing, he approaches her)

Tosca,finally youre mine!
(at the moment of his embrace, Tosca stabs
Scarpia)
Damn you!

(Tosca enters. Surprised to see her, Mario

embraces her. She shows him the letter of safe
conduct)
Together (reading) Safe conduct for Floria Tosca,
And the gentleman who accompanies her.
Tosca

Youre free!

Mario

Scarpia! .Scarpia has given in?

This is his first act of clemency.

Tosca

That is Toscas kiss!

Tosca

And his last.

Scarpia

Help me! Im dying!

Mario

What are you saying?

Tosca

Are you choking in your own blood?

Tosca

Scarpia

Killed by a woman!

Tosca

Repay me for my torture.

Can you still hear me?
Look at me! It is Tosca! O Scarpia!

Scarpia

Help me, Im dying!

Tosca

Drowning in your own blood?

Die! -- Your soul damned for your sins! Die!
(he expires)
Hes dead! Now -- I forgive him!

He wanted your blood or my love.

My tears were in vain.
In vain, mad with horror
I turned to the Madonna and the Saints.
The wicked monster said:
Already the gallows are raised
to the heavens!
The drums were rolling.
He was laughing -- that monster;
Laughing and ready to snatch his prey.
He gloated: Youre mine!
Yes, I promised to comply.
A knife gleamed on the table.
He was writing the letter that would free us.
He approached me to claim his prize.
And I plunged the blade into his heart!

Mario

You? With your own hands killed him!

You, pious one, kind one; and for me!

And before him, all Rome trembled!

Tosca

My hands were stained with blood!

(before leaving, Tosca takes two candlesticks

from the table and places them at Sarpias head
and feet. Then, taking the crucifix from the wall,
she places it on his chest, and leaves)

Mario

O sweet hands, kind and pure.

Oh hands destined for merciful
And beautiful deeds;
To caress children, to gather roses.
Hands clasped together to pray
For the worlds misfortunes.
Surely love steadied your hands,
As Justice placed its weapon in them.
You took his life.
Victorious hands!
Oh sweet hands, kind and pure.

(she turns to leave, but remembers the letter of

safe conduct. Seeing it still in Scarpias hands,
she kneels before the corpse and takes it from his
dead fingers)

Curtain
Act III The tower at Castel SantAngelo. Before dawn
Shepherd (in the distance)

Tosca

Listen; the hour is near.

Ive already gathered gold and jewels,
And a carriage is waiting.
But first -- laugh at this, my love . . .
First there is to be a fake execution. . .
Make believe; with blank weapons.
When they fire -- fall.
The soldiers will leave, and we are saved!
Then to Civitavecchia -A ship -- and away over seas.

How handsome my Mario is!

(they fire. Cavaradossi falls immediately)

Mario

Freedom!

Tosca

Over the seas.

All this sorrow left behind.
Dont you smell the fragrance of roses?
Doesnt it seem that love is waiting for the sun?

(once the guards have left, she rushes to the still

prostrate Cavaradossi)

Mario

Tosca

The thought of dying

Was only bitter because of you.
Life gathers every splendor from you.
For the joy and desire of my being
Are born from you like heat from a flame.
I see the heavens glitter in your eyes,
And the beauty of the most wondrous things
Have voice and color only from you.
Love, that helped save your life
Will be our guide on earth,
And helmsman at sea.
It will make the world lovely to gaze upon.
Until, joined to the heavens,
We will disappear like clouds,
High over the sea at sunset.
The soldiers are not here yet.
Remember
When they shoot you must fall quickly.

Mario

Dont worry. Ill fall instantly and naturally.

Tosca

But be careful not to hurt yourself!

All actors know how -- if only I could show you.

Mario

Speak to me again as you did before.

The sound of your voice is so sweet.

Tosca

United in exile,
Our love will spread its vivid colors.
The harmony of our song
Will spread over the world.

Together Triumphant and with new hope.

My soul quivers in the ardor of the heavens.
And in its harmonious flight
My soul reaches the ecstasy of love.
Tosca

I will close your eyes with a thousand kisses,

And I will call you a thousand loving names.

Jailer

Its time.

Mario

Im ready.

Tosca

Remember, at the first shot.

Mario

Yes.

Tosca

Dont move until I call you.

Mario

No, my love!

Tosca

And fall well.

Mario

Like Tosca on stage.

Tosca

Be serious.

Mario

Like this?

Tosca

Like that.
(the firing squad slowly files in)
How long this wait is! Why do they delay?
The sun is rising. Why do they delay?
Its only an act, I know. . .
But this anguish is unending!
There! Theyre readying their weapons . . .

There! Die! What an actor!

(the squad slowly files off)
(slowly approaching him)
Oh Mario,dont move . . .
Theyre leaving. . .quiet. . . Slowly . . . leaving.
Dont move yet . . .

Quickly! Get up! Mario!

Quickly! Up! Lets go!
Ah! Hes dead! Oh Mario!
Dead! Is this how it all ends?
(the guards, led by Spoletta and Sciarrone have
discovered Scarpias body and are heard
approaching the tower)
Sciarrone There she is!
Spoletta

Ah, Tosca,
You will pay dearly for his life . . .

Tosca

With my own!
(climbing to the top of the parapet)
Oh Scarpia. I go before God!
(Tosca, cornered, leaps from the parapet)
The End