Tosca - Te Deum (Bryn Terfel, The Royal Opera)

Bryn Terfel as Scarpia performing 'Te Deum' from Act I of Jonathan Kent's production of Tosca (2011). The Royal Opera.

From its famous, dissonant opening chords, Tosca conjures up a world of political instability and menace. The Chief of Police, Scarpia – one of the most malevolent villains in opera – ruthlessly pursues and tortures enemies of the state. His dark, demonic music contrasts with the expansive melodies of the idealistic lovers, Tosca and Cavaradossi, who express their passion in sublime arias. Giacomo Puccini’s dramatic work was an instant hit with audiences on its 1900 premiere and it remains one of the most performed of all operas.

A candle-lit church, the darkness of a brooding study with its hidden torture chamber and the false optimism of a Roman dawn: Jonathan Kent’s naturalistic production throws into relief the ruthlessly taut drama, as the tension is wound up towards its fateful conclusion. Puccini’s score is infused with the same authentic detail, from distant canon fire during the Act I ‘Te Deum’ to tolling church bells and the sounds of a firing squad.

[RoyalBalletAndOpera]

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[Nemesi]

Puccini was a madman. This is one of the most beautiful and powerful pages of music ever. So much going on: all the themes, emotions, the disturbing so called love of Scarpia, the clash with the religious act... Amazing performance by Bryn!

[NellyBurke]

Bryn those mad eyes, that voice, the powerful religious backdrop. Absolutely mesmerising

[michaelmcauley]

The stage setting is magnificent, Puccini's genius score, the wonderful Bryn Terfel, voice rising above the ROH orchestra and chorus. Superb in every way

[ohjohnushouldnthave]

This gives me goosebumps no matter how many times I listen. Such a dynamic and intense piece. Brings me near tears

[riohenry]

Tosca was my first opera and this scene made my heart burst in my chest. I became a committed opera lover that night

[Ntrojo]

my favorite part of the whole opera...I love the way the music builds...this is a great performance!

[uliceacosta]

This aria always makes me feel like a bean!!!, I mean insignificant. Puccini was a genius when he put the music into this beautiful piece of art. Terfel was a maestro performing it. Bravo!!!

[ericwillems]

I look this video at least every month for more then 5 years and I can't get enough. Splendisimmo ! What a great singer you are, Bryn !

[specialunit]

This is quite possibly my favourite aria ever. When I first heard it, I was immediately absorbed into the score and I have never gotten bored with it.

[johnhazelgrove]

I keep coming back to this performance - absolute goosebumps !

[japeking]

How to turn into a total goosebump.
My one quibble is with Puccini .... nobody who can sing like this could possibly be as evil as Scarpia. Could they?

[FerrumIgnotus]

My most favourite performance of Scarpia :).

[joansutton]

He is certainly a Scarpia for the ages. The Te Deum is a haunting depiction of a damned soul.

[wilsonwatt]

Terfel is interesting here and makes an interesting contrast to the great Tito Gobbi. Gobbi contrasted the patrician and elegant outside of his Scarpia with the viciousness of his vocal interpretive powers. Terfel gives us a villain who is clearly beyond caring about externals and lets the world see outer evil as well as presenting the evil in the voice. Two very different but valid and fascinating Scarpias.

[leonoradelagardie]

A wonderful performer, one of the treasures of our time...

[ps]

Scarpia must be a strong and beautiful man. If he doesn't, he can't do much wrong. The contrast between the holiness echos Te Deum and the vulgar expression of desire is wonderful.

[joesantamaria]

That was the greasiest, most revolting Scarpia I’ve seen. Brilliant performance, and of course singing. bravissimo!

[wurstgitarre]

I have the whole performance of this on blu ray and I can only say: It doesn't get any better. Gheorghiu, Kaufmann and Terfel in the main roles are incredible, the singing is incredible, the acting is intense, the orchestra and the conducting are fantastic and the staging is beautiful, too. Absolutely amazing!

[MRLASTSONOFKRYPTON]

The thumbs down i am assuming are the people who have never attended an opera or have but yet do not understand its beauty and power.