Ruggero Raimondi

In 19th century Seville, the lusty, tempestuous Carmen seduces a naive Army corporal, Don Jose. Jose abandons his career, his fiancee and even his dying mother for the love of this sultry gypsy. But soon she spurns him for the love of a toreador, Escamillo. Crazed with jealousy, Jose begs Carmen to reutrn to him, but her taunting declaration of independence results in tragedy.

The story centers around a young nobleman who is obsessed with amorous conquest. It follows his romantic exploits and continued encounters with Donna Anna, the woman who plots to destroy him.

Tosca is set in Rome at the end of the 18th century. Love and jealousy drive the story to its inevitable, tragic end. Tosca, an actress, kills her tormentor, Scarpia, and rushes to save her lover, Mario. All goes awry and Mario is executed. Tosca, in an act of defiance, then throws herself from the roof of Castel Sant'Angelo to her death.