Letter: Memories of Tosca, Tanglewood and a lifetime of music shared

Published: Wednesday, July 23, 2025 at 9:30 am

A Night at the Opera: Recalling "Tosca" and a Lifetime of Musical Memories

A recent performance of Puccini's "Tosca" has sparked a wave of nostalgia for one audience member, Fran Stone, who shared reflections on the opera and its enduring impact. In a letter to the editor, Stone recounts a memorable experience from a 1980 performance of "Tosca" at Tanglewood.

The Tanglewood production featured Seiji Ozawa conducting, with Shirley Verrette in the title role and Sherrill Milne as Scarpia. Stone recalls the tenor, whose performance was described by a critic as "provincial." The performance was marked by an unexpected mishap. During the climactic scene where Tosca kills Scarpia, the actor playing Scarpia fell off the back of the stage, leaving the actress playing Tosca without the body or props.

Stone's letter also highlights the opera's setting in Rome, specifically mentioning the Castel Sant'Angelo, a location that also features prominently in the classic film "Roman Holiday."

Beyond the specific "Tosca" performances, Stone's letter underscores a lifelong appreciation for the arts. The letter also mentions a personal connection to Tanglewood, recalling a performance of "Othello" attended with his wife on their wedding day, July 26, 1969. Stone and his wife plan to return to Tanglewood this coming Saturday to celebrate their anniversary with a performance of Mahler and John Williams.

BNN's Perspective: The enduring appeal of live performances, like opera, lies not only in the artistry but also in the unpredictable nature of the experience. These shared moments, even with their imperfections, create lasting memories and a deeper appreciation for the art form. The letter serves as a reminder of the power of the arts to connect us to each other and to our own personal histories.

Keywords: Tosca, Puccini, Tanglewood, Seiji Ozawa, Shirley Verrette, Sherrill Milne, opera, Roman Holiday, Castel Sant'Angelo, Mahler, John Williams, Othello, music, performance, anniversary

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