Although their names and backgrounds contain historical allusions, the four main protagonists in Puccini s searing Tosca are fictional. Nevertheless, Cesare Angelotti, Mario Cavaradossi, Floria Tosca, and Baron Scarpia will be
There are only three – the strong-willed servant, Serpina; the badgered old master, Uberto; and the mute manservant, Vespone.
Ample recitative drives the bickering and narrative between Stefano de Peppo’s Uberto and Anna Mandina’s lofty-minded Serpina. The musical highlights are found in their respective arias and duets.
De Peppo captures the contrast of Uberto’s gruff complaints and submissive resignation to his servant-mistress first in “Sempre in contrasti,” where he talks a good game of standing up to Serpina’s constant arguments. Supremely confident and sure of voice, De Peppo keeps all eyes on himself with clear gestures highlighting his intent. His deeply resonant bass-baritone voice is as captivating and agile as his movement.