PUCCINI'S TOSCA

As the velvet crimson curtain ascended, revealing the grey stone texture of an Italian churchyard and an artist on a scaffolding painting the image of Mary Magdalene, the intimately placed audience, silently and attentively basked in the gentle glow of the elegant Opera, Tosca.

Guided by passion and not reason, the main characters are ordinary individuals facing extraordinary circumstances in a historical setting. Tosca's three acts flow gracefully along, revealing an unraveling tale of jealousy, betrayal and doubt, as a loving couple are torn apart by a lustful villain whose motivations are fueled by political convictions. The end, in particular, mirrors a Shakespearian approach to drama.

Although this charming romance is sung in Italian and the Hungarian State Opera House provides Hungarian subtitles above the stage, the English-speaking audience can easily follow the plot in it's most simplified interpretation - a love-triangle intensified by a power struggle.

Beyond storytelling, the Opera's elaborate sets and lighting design inspire the imagination, while the sumptuous costumes and superb singing demand admiration.

On Saturday, November 3, the accomplished conductor of Giacomo Puccini's Tosca was Kovács János, who masterfully led the superlative orchestra through Puccini's composition that is at first tender, then harrowing, and even at times even playful.

The part of Floria Tosca, the celebrated songstress was portrayed by soprano Csavlek Etelka, whose talent for powerful projection and perfect pitch was the strength of the production, as evident by the many bravos at her bow, not always bestowed by the conservative Budapest audience. Her high-C's deliver the shivers and goose-bumps one hopes for - at times inspiring tears of sentiment, not for the romance but for the sheer beauty of her passionately sung arias.

Berkes János, the consummate tenor played the part of painter Mario Cavaradossi, with a commanding presence and composed confidence. His skill and capacity matched the music marvelously.

Although their posturing and stage direction suggested a very traditional approach to acting that at times distracts from the story, these two main actors created a more convincing romantic chemistry than most Operatic couples. As often appears to be a rule of Opera, the passion was heard more than seen.

Viewing the list of actors currently performing at the Opera House, it is impressive to discover that most of them are, in fact, Hungarian, despite their remarkable handling and pronunciation of Italian (and German on Wagner's nights).

Upcoming performances of Tosca include: November 25 and 26, December 30 and January 2 and 9, for which Hamar Zsolt will be conducting. On November 26, Floria Tosca will be portrayed by the world-renown Lukács Gyöngyi. For the November 25 performance, she will be played by Csavlek Etelka, and on November 26, December 30, and January 2 and 9, the actress will be Sümegi Eszter. On November 25, December 30, and January 2 and 9, Mario Cavaradossi will be portrayed by B. Nagy János, and on November 26, it will be Kiss B. Atilla.

Set in Rome in 1800, Puccini's Tosca was first performed on January 14, 1900 in that same dramatic capital of the country largely held to be the source of the world's most beautiful Operas. Tosca was first performed in Budapest for a Hungarian audience on December 1, 1903.

THE HUNGARIAN STATE OPERA HOUSE

After nine years of planning and construction, the grand Hungarian State Opera House was completed in 1884, and was designed by Hungarian architect Miklós Ybl. Built by Hungarian artists, masters and firms, the artistically impressive Palace - adorned with gold, marble, crystal, and Renaissance ceiling frescos - was considered, at the time, to be Europe's most modern opera house.

Theatre-lovers and music-lovers living in, or visiting, Budapest have a rare opportunity; in fact, they have no excuse not to participate in a splendid evening at the Budapest Opera House. Orchestra seats are only HUF 6000 and the HUF 500 seats in the balcony offer a much closer view than one might expect. The quality of the orchestra, actors and production is, as they claim, world-class and a variety of some of the best Operas ever composed appear on their schedule through this winter, including a Puccini Festival throughout November. For more information on upcoming performances, visit the Hungarian Opera House on the web at: http://www.opera.hu/operaeng/main.html.

November 2001
Katherine McDowell