Puccini - Tosca

The most famous aria is 'Vissi d'arte,' sung by the title character, Floria Tosca, in Act II. It translates to 'I lived for art,' and serves as a desperate prayer as she faces the corrupt police chief Scarpia.

The opera is set in Rome in June 1800, amidst the political turmoil of Napoleon's invasion of Italy. The three acts specifically take place at the Church of Sant'Andrea della Valle, the Palazzo Farnese, and the Castel Sant'Angelo.

In the final scene, Tosca leaps from the ramparts of the Castel Sant'Angelo to evade capture by the police. This occurs right after she discovers that her lover Cavaradossi has actually been executed, rather than fake-executed as part of a bargain.

Tosca premiered at the Teatro Costanzi in Rome on January 14, 1900. Despite initial mixed critical reviews, it became an immediate hit with audiences.