San Francisco Opera has a new “Tosca” — and a new Tosca. In the title role of the production, which opened on Oct. 3, is Carmen Giannattasio. Singing the first Tosca of her career, the Italian soprano made a memorable company debut. Exuding glamour and moving with youthful agility, she delivered the role with a lithe, beautifully colored voice and fresh, ultra-feminine demeanor.
Giannattasio isn’t yet a great Tosca; missing at times was the depth of emotion, the dramatic authority that makes the character’s pivotal aria, “Vissi d’arte,” so wrenching. Yet if she seemed to still be feeling her way into the role, there was no mistaking her affinity for the beauty and lyricism of Puccini’s score.
Tenor Brian Jagde, in his finest company outing to date, was a big-voiced Cavaradossi, producing firm, heroic sound throughout. His impassioned performance of the Act III aria, “E lucevan le stelle,” was a highlight of the evening.
With two indelible leads, it was disappointing that the company didn’t have a stronger Scarpia. Baritone Scott Hendricks was suitably creepy as the predatory baron, but the role’s requisite vocal heft and a darker sense of menace were in short supply. Standouts in the supporting roles included Hadleigh Adams (Angelotti), Dale Travis (Sacristan), Joel Sorensen (Spoletta) and Andrew Manea (Sciarrone.) British conductor Leo Hussain conducted with urgency in the Act I “Te Deum,” and the San Francisco Opera Chorus sang with power.
This is an all-new “Tosca.” Shawna Lucey’s production features new sets and costumes by Robert Innes Hopkins and lighting by Michael James Clark. “Tosca” has always been about the devastating effects of power on individuals, and Lucey’s staging, along with Giannattasio’s embodiment of feminine resistance, gives it particular resonance for today.
Contact Georgia Rowe at growe@pacbell.net.
‘TOSCA’
San Francisco Opera presents Puccini’s opera
When: Through Oct. 30
Where: War Memorial Opera House; San Francisco
Tickets: $26-$398; 415-864-3330; sfopera.com
