Gil Harel Presents: The Sacred and Profane in Puccini’s Tosca

Tosca (1900) is quintessential Puccini, fusing political tyranny, erotic passion, and sacred ritual into a taut narrative of resistance and doom. Centering on Floria Tosca’s descent from celebrated diva to desperate avenger, this program will consider the opera’s triangulation of art, faith, and state power under Napoleonic-era Rome, with close attention to Scarpia’s sadistic “Te Deum” and Tosca’s transcendent “Vissi d’arte.” 

Puccini’s score—driven by dissonant stingers, leitmotivic precision, and abrupt tonal shifts—amplifies the work’s cinematic urgency and its critique of authoritarian spectacle. Professor Gil Harel will conclude the discussion of Tosca by exploring its unique inclusion of topics including violence, agency, and the operatic staging of moral absolutism.

About the Presenter

Gil Harel (PhD, Brandeis University) is a musicologist and composer whose interests include styles ranging from western art music to contemporary musical theater. Previously, he served on the faculty at CUNY Baruch College (where he was awarded the prestigious "Presidential Excellence Award for Distinguished Teaching"). Currently, he is Full Professor of Music at CT State Naugatuck Valley, where he has been presented with the AFT "Merit Award for Exemplary Service to the College" on seven occasions. 

Among many accolades, he has been honored with the coveted Connecticut Board of Regents (BOR) Teaching Award. At Naugatuck Valley, Dr. Harel conducts the college chorale, a cappella ensemble, teaches music history and theory, and serves as musical director of theater productions.