July 23, 2016 - 07:30 PM:
Cincinnati Opera
Cincinnati, OH
Also on July 27, 29
Role: Baron Scarpia, Chief of police
“The entrance of Scarpia may be one of the most dramatic musical moments in all of opera. With Scarpia, Puccini allows the baritone voice to explore the fullest range of colors and timbres. Act two could stand alone as a masterpiece! Every time I perform the role of Scarpia, I can feel the music of his first entrance, and this power literally propels me across the stage.”
Tosca is a melodrama set in Rome in June 1800. Napoleons forces are threatening to overpower Rome, causing great concern in Naples.Baron Scarpia is dispatched to extinguish this insurrection and return order. Tensions and pressures grow with each passing hour, and time is of the essence.
“I’m not sure I’ve ever seen such a powerful Scarpia as that of Gordon Hawkins, who cast a formidable presence whenever he was onstage. His voice could be both mellifluous and chilling, especially when noting that he preferred ‘violent conquests over mutual consent.’”
CINCINNATI.com