Puccini’s Tosca
Paper instructions:
Write a three-page analysis of how the plot of an opera is formulated in such aspects of the opera as the recitatives, the arias, and in the form of duets and trios. What is the plot or story line? What tragedy is central to the discourse? How is the action delineated? For example, how is the action divided between the character’s dialogue, called recitatives, and songs that reflect the character’s feelings, called arias? Now, after you have analyzed the text, discuss how the music is used to support the emotions of each character, and summarize how the music, drama, and dance all work together in a balanced way to create a compelling tragedy.