Overture Opera Guides: Puccini - Tosca

One of Puccini's greatest and most popular operas is a supreme example of music's power to enthrall the audience.

In his introductory essay to this guide, Bernard Williams discusses the enduring quality of its appeal.

Bernard Keeffe, in his article, analyses different aspects of the score, noting Puccini's special genius for orchestration and the subtle effects that give the opera its irresistible vitality, while Stuart Woolfe's survey of the historical background reveals its political and nationalistic undertones.

Enriched by twenty-five iconic archive photographs, a detailed thematic analysis, the original libretto with the facing literal translation and a section containing up-to-date discographical and bibliographical information, this guide will prove an invaluable companion for opera-goers and anyone wanting to delve deeper into the genesis, history and significance of Puccini's work.