The best possible Tosca (I)

The premiere of Jonathan Kent’s Tosca in 2006 was the most awaited performance of that season at The Royal Opera House. Starring Angela Gheorghiu, Marcelo Álvarez and Bryn Terfel, this new production was conceived to replace Franco Zeffirelli’s ancient one, premiered by Maria Callas in 1963 and sung by all major sopranos since. Masterfully conducted by Antonio Pappano, the premiere was good but not quite what was expected: Terfel was acclaimed, Álvarez had to cancel a few performances and Gheorghiu, missing most rehearsals, did a less than excellent job – she was underprepared and could not always be heard. After that round, rumours of a fall-out between her and Pappano spread; in fact, she hasn't been re-engaged at the house until this July. Small wonder I became a bit apprehensive when it was announced that Gheorghiu would come back to…