by Giacomo Puccini
Victoria State Opera, At State Theatre, Arts Centre Melbourne,
August 1, 4, 9,
17, 21, 26 1995
Reviewed by Kate Herbert on 1 August for The Melbourne Times.
Tosca was first performed in 1900 when melodrama was at
its height in the theatre. In fact, he took his scenario from Sardou's
original stage play with the title role performed by none other than the queen
of histrionics, Sarah Bernhardt.
It is Puccini's extraordinary score and its combination of
delicacy, vigour and tragedy which allows the tale of lovers lost to avoid the
schmaltz which is so un-1990's. It reverberates with themes of judgement and
danger, love and death.
The Victoria State Orchestra is conducted with subtlety by
Roderick Brydon. The set design, the lofty grandeur which echoes the
ruthlessness of Fascist architecture, serves to underscore the sense of
portentousness but, during Act One, the double proscenium allows the orchestra
to almost drown the powerful voices of the singers.
The direction was, at times, a little unimaginative and
seemed to lack the obvious passion and sex intrinsic to Tosca. However, Acts
Two and Three were dramatically most successful. The love story between Tosca
(Joan Carden) and Caravadossi (Edmund Barham) is finally palpable.
Barham's final aria was inspiring. His voice is magnificent
and his performance is more flexible and credible in Act Three. Carden's second
Act lament as she pines for her lover then offers herself to Scarpia (John
Wegner) was inspiring.
Which brings me to the star of the production for me. John
Wegner, as the villainous, lusty and majestic tyrant, Scarpia, was sinister,
sexy and dangerous. We believe him when he quips, "There are so many wines
and so many women and I want to sample them all". He combines a superb,
rich and vivid baritone with a riveting stage presence. How sad we have lost
him to German Opera these days.
By KATE HERBERT