Puccini's opera "Tosca" is basically a political love story between a celebrated singer by the name of Floria Tosca and the painter; Mario Cavaradossi. It being in act one of Tosca that Floria Tosca pays her lover, Mario Cavaradossi a visit at the church where he has been commissioned to paint a portrait of Mary Magdalene. Mario Cavaradossi portraying Mary Magdalene in such a way that depicts beauty which Floria Tosca can not help but wonder if he is really being inspired by the vision of Mary Magdalene or perhaps another one of his lovers.
For my part, I always imagine it being Angela Gheorghiu and her dark mysterious beauty of black hair and brown eyes in the role of Floria Tosca. As Angela Gheorghiu seems to have been made by nature to take the part of this woman who encompasses all the qualities she herself possesses. Floria Tosca's strengths being all too apparent in her ways which include charm, cunning, sensuality, playfulness of the coquette and above all perhaps the ability in her to adore Mario Cavaradossi with jealousy and perhaps suspicion yet is willing to sacrifice for his sake.
As for the aria, it starts out with the typical exchange between lovers in which Tosca and Cavaradossi exchange expressions of affection yet after a kiss of passion; Mario makes it clear that he is rushed and asks Floria to leave him to his toil. This to Tosca's reaction who accepts Mario's request with reluctance yet does agree that it perhaps would be best if he were to be left to his duties. Tosca's words "vado, vado" (I am going) reminding me of a lady who is getting out of her lover's bed after having made love with the jealousy of one who knows that his time will no longer be hers. Tosca's eyes or those of Angela Gheorghiu, also taking on the playful charm in this scene of a child, who is being told by her father that he does not have time to play with her yet accepts his decision not in anger but with the understanding of those who are disappointed. It being a smile to decorate Angela Gheorghiu's lips as she is ever endearing in this brief moment of exquisiteness in which her face gathers even further beauty.
It is however as Tosca is about to leave that she notices the woman Cavaradossi is painting and asks with all of her suspicion "Who is that blond woman up there?". Cavaradossi seeing that Tosca's is but the ways of one who adores, answers with calm as he claims "It is Magdalena, do you like her?". Tosca at this point becomes slightly jealous as she questions Mario even further by declaring "She is too beautiful!" in what is turning out to be a perfect exchange between a tenor and a soprano in what is definitely a most dramatic role.
Mario however not wanting to quarrel simply tries to sooth Tosca's fears as he says "such a lovely compliment" with a smile of warmth. Tosca however wonders as she says "Those blue eyes I have seen them before" as if reminding her of somebody Mario knows. Mario however showing serenity claims with calm as the music suits his part and his words "there are so many like them in the world" as he tries to go back to his work of art.
It being at this point that the music centers around their dialog as Tosca stops Cavaradossi and says "aspecta" (wait) almost with the caprice of a child. Tosca suddenly violently asks if the woman in the photo is one which she knows was a former lady friend of Mario's. Mario declaring that such is not the case yet Tosca with despair insists upon certainty that he was not painting another woman. This as the melody increase in its dramatic effects with Tosca, who to me is really Angela Gheorhiu; reacting with dread that in fact all of Mario's effort might have been inspired by another woman. It almost seeming as if Tosca had discovered Mario in the act of sexuality with another woman or had seen this very act in the painting which in her imagination is taunting not only her fears but what might be reality.
Cavaradossi however seeing that Tosca is merely showing concern that she might not be the sole woman in his life, guarantees her that he has not seen the woman she is reoffering to in a long time; save when she turns up at church merely to pray and even swears to it as he claims "juro". This promise easing Tosca's fears whose worries are but of those who perhaps adore with too much passion and need to be reassured even of what they know to be true.
Tosca referring to the eyes as if they gazed upon her and with a certain jealousy or perhaps even envy mentions their beauty. Mario however is captivated by the insecurity in Tosca as he wishes to reassure her there is no other love in his life but her with words that praise not so much the beauty which is so apparent but the significance it has on to his emotions. It being Mario's voice which shows the force of a tenor with strength which does not shriek yet rises as he expresses the most tender feelings for a sentiment; he holds for a woman and how he would never wish to jeopardize it.
Tosca is moved as she hears Mario's praises with the innocence of a child who is receiving the loveliest of presents to consul and comfort her. Tosca however also realizing that Mario is well acquainted with the maneuvers of being able to find points of weakness in women that they might succumb to his affections. Tosca's words "como sai bene il arte di farte amar" (you know the art of making yourself be loved) in a way praising Mario yet also wondering if his is but a well rehearsed act which he is capable of applying with any woman he chooses. Mario however with the patience of one who adores simply humors his Tosca further in claiming "mia gelosa". This being the moment in which both cuddle with tenderness while coquette smiles put an end to all the worries which Tosca might have had concerning their romance.
This as Cavaradossi's voice soars above the harmony and though many from Alagna to Pavarotti have taken this role, I would say that it is Placido Domingo whose character and above all style of singing are ideal not only for this aria but the opera Tosca. Domingo having the power yet tenderness which does not require him to have to struggle with his voice but deliver it just right. As for myself, the opera Tosca, in fact was the first I ever saw at New York's Metropolitan Opera House yet it was with Pavarotti back in the winter of 86. I however would go on to hear Tosca performed by Placido Domingo in Central Park that very year which did allow me to see the differences between these two great tenors which included not only their vocal styles along with their personalities.
Cavaradossi repeats "mia geloso" yet wishes to be left to his work as he and Tosca express desires with their eyes though she is all too aware that he must get back to his work. Tosca however before leaving does exert a promise from Mario that he get home on time regardless of weather the woman he is painting be blond or brunette; to which Mario repeats that this he swears to as both leave the stage.
In conclusion, I would say that the aria "Mia Gelosa" is one of the most tender emotions in opera. As it is undoubtedly one of love yet there is that element which is so typical for the rest of the opera Tosca. Tosca being one of political as well as romantic intrigues that reach higher levels of intensity in acts two in three yet "Mia Gelosa" does allow us to see the sort of relationship which Tosca has with the painter; Mario Cavaradossi.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=deSeAue63_w&feature=related
My name is Gianni Truvianni, author of many an article to be found on the internet along with the book "New York's Opera Society". My works also include the books "What Should Not Matter", "Love Your Sister" and several others which still remain unpublished though I am presently looking to change this.
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