One of the great modern versions of Puccini’s most celebrated opera. Angela Gheorghiu embodies an incandescent Tosca of rarely seen dramatic power and vocal flawlessness, and Roberto Alagna is an ideal Mario Cavaradossi, also at the peak of his art. Supported by a great artistic complicity, the warm and ample voices of these two star singers can flourish without restraint and unleash all the fires of passion. Ruggero Raimondi, masterful, portrays the infamous Scarpia as a model of perversity and darkness. Antonio Pappano, leading the Orchestra of the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, once again proves himself one of the greatest operatic conductors of our time, preserving the slightest nuances of this multicoloured score.

This 2000 recording of Tosca served as the soundtrack to Benoît Jacquot’s film of the same name. Due to contractual reasons, it had been unavailable for many years; now, to our great delight, it’s back again.

We will celebrate Angela Gheorghiu’s 60th birthday on 7 September 2025.

‘Antonio Pappano’s conducting alone would make this a “Tosca” of distinction … Gheorghiu is a very complete Tosca indeed, and intelligently capable of bringing her own perceptions to the role … The recording is all that could be wished.’ – Gramophone

Cast:
- Floria Tosca: Angela Gheorghiu
- Mario Cavaradossi: Roberto Alagna
- Scarpia: Ruggero Raimondi
- Cesare Angelotti: Maurizio Muraro
- Spoletta: David Cangelosi
- Sacristan: Enrico Fissore
- Sciarrone: Sorin Coliban
- Jailer: Gwynne Howell
- Shepherd: James Savage-Hanford

Recorded: 16-27.VIII.2000, No.1 Studio, Abbey Road, London
Producer: David Groves
Balance engineer: Simon Rhodes