Opera Report of Suor Angelica

Suor Angelica (1918) is the second installment in Puccini's triptych of one-act operas commonly known as Il trittico. The opera chronicles the fall, redemption, and final transfiguration of its central character, Sister Angelica, who has taken the veil in repentance for bearing a child out of wedlock. The libretto, by Giovacchino Forzano, was immediately appealing to the composer, whose sister Igenia was Mother Superior of the convent at Vicepelago. Though it contains some of Puccini's most adventurous writing the musical language at times even flirts with polytonality the work has not enjoyed popularity comparable to that of its companions, Il Tabarro and Gianni Schicchi, each of which has enjoyed an independent life in the repertory. However, Angelica's aria "Senza mamma" (Without your mother), one of the most poignant moments in any of Puccini's works, has remained a recital favorite, and the opera is still staged in productions of the entire trittico.

Suor Angelica” is a one-act opera composed by Puccini in 1918. It tells the melodramatic tale of a 17th Century nun whose relatives have forced her into a convent after she has disgraced them by having a baby out of wedlock. In the company of the religious, Sister Angelica blossoms as a saintly, selfless woman, a favorite of the other sisters, a healer and confidante. Her happy world is shattered, however, when her scheming aunt appears with news of her infant son's death. Angelica poisons herself, but immediately regrets her sinful action. As a sign of God's forgiveness, she dies a happy death, envisioning herself in heaven holding her beloved child.

The Tri-State Regional Opera Company's revival of “Suor Angelica” is an elegant and choice production by Renato Cesarino as directed by Ron De Fesi with his customary flair for finding local vocal talent. In the title role, Anna di Rubio Schumate is extraordinarily fine, possessing a strong dramatic soprano that bringing humanity and passion to the performance.

For the first half of the opera, Sister Angelica blends in with her community but after her aunt the Princess appears, her arias multiply while she inquires after her son, learns of his death, and plans to join him in death. Schumate imparts the tessitura of these later arias with conviction and felling. Her climactic arioso, “Senza mamma,” embodies motherly compassion and drama in a long sustained cantilena. Her dramatic declaration and smiling delivery convey a spiritual idealism that is essential ...