Giacomo Puccini’s operas are largely throughcomposed. Only occasionally does the master of verismo slacken the pace to indulge himself with an aria. The undeniable highlights of his operas, these arias are often performed in concert. The Italian conductor Andreas Gies has arranged Puccini’s bestknown arias and duets for reduced wind ensemble, enabling these to be performed in smaller settings. While the string section can also be reduced in size, a sufficient number of players is needed to perform the many divisi.
In “Vissi d’arte”, Tosca faces a moral test that threatens her life and her love. In this scene from the second act, she finds herself in a desperate situation, tormented by the intrigues, dangers and challenges of her life. The heartrending aria, which touchingly reveals the protagonist’s inner turmoil and moral conflict, is full of emotional intensity and musical beauty.
For a balanced sound, we recommend a minimum string section of 54321.
- ISMN: 9790007330569 (M007330569)
