TOSCA murders Scarpia - end of ACT II

From the Bel Canto Opera production of TOSCA. Rome, 1944. At the Gestapo HQ , Scarpia promises to release Tosca and her lover Mario and allow them safe passage to British-controlled Naples, on the condition that she first submit herself to his lust.

SCARPIA: And what about our friend?
KAPPLER The prisoner Cavaradossi?
The final solution is ready.
TOSCA God in Heaven!
SCARPIA One moment. (approaching Tosca) The bargain? Let's shake!
TOSCA I must be present when you release him.
SCARPIA I can't agree to that. I can't release him in public.
We must make it look as though he has faced the firing squad. It's just a simulation with blanks.
TOSCA How can I trust you?
SCARPIA I'll give the order now while you are present. Attention, Kappler! I'm changing my orders... Instead of gallows...you will shoot him. Pretending ...loading with blanks as you did with Palmieri.
KAPPLER An execution...
SCARPIA...without bullets!... ...but exactly like Palmieri. Is that quite clear now?
KAPPLER I've got the message.
SCARPIA Go.
TOSCA I want to tell him in person.
SCARPIA Why not? I've no objection. Kappler....at dawn tomorrow!
KAPPLER Yes, just like Palmieri...
SCARPIA (to Tosca) Have I fulfilled my promise?
TOSCA Not entirely. We'll need something in writing to get us both past the German control.
SCARPIA Defecting to the English?
TOSCA Yes..for safety.
SCARPIA Your every wish, I grant you. What's your destination?
TOSCA South to Naples.
SCARPIA By Autostrada?
TOSCA Yes.
(Scarpia types the document as Tosca conceals a sharp fruit knife)
SCARPIA Tosca, finally you're mine!
(She stabs him in the throat) You bitch, you!
TOSCA This is the kiss of Tosca!
SCARPIA I'm choking. Help me! I'm bleeding! Help me!
TOSCA You've caused so much bloodshed So choke on your own blood! Ah! revenge for my Mario! And the others you've tortured! I hope you suffer! Look up! Look at me! It's Tosca!...your murderer!
SCARPIA The bleeding! I'm choking. I'm dying!
TOSCA I pray you are suffering! Die in damnation! Die then!...tyrant!...die!
(he dies) His soul's with Satan! Now I must forgive him! Before this little man, all Rome trembled!

words©Tom Boyd

Category:

Music

Tags:

• bel
• canto
• opera
• tosca
• puccini
• scarpia
• black
• purcell
• boyd

[operabuff1]

Funny, I liked the kicking and spitting !

[omgsharpie]

7:08 sh never did that when i went and the tosca i went to was black