The Astrolampo
With Charles III of Bourbon, in 1853, besides the remaking of the arena, the theatre was equipped with one of the most recent achievements in the pre-industrial era, developing a complex technical plan to install the gas lighting system.
View of the elliptical arena (1853) by Girolamo MagnaniTeatro Regio di Parma
Once inside the room, surrounded by the warmth of the boxes, looking up we can see the majestic Astrolampo, which dominates and illuminates everything from above.
With its warm light, the chandelier welcomes the spectators and enhances the beauty of the arena, giving space to the music when it turns off.
The Chandelier ("Astrolampo"), lowered to the stalls (1853) by Auguste Lacarrière foundryTeatro Regio di Parma
Forged in 1853, despite its apparent lightness, this gilded bronze chandelier is 4,50 meters high and wide, and 1100 kgs in weight...
...and one of the finest artifacts that the famous Parisian foundry of Auguste Lacarrière ever created together with the chandeliers of Opéra Garnier in Paris and of Opéra de Monte-Carlo.
Chandelier, details of the crystal drops held together by silver strings (1829) by Auguste Lacarrière foundryTeatro Regio di Parma
At its top stood a neoclassical bronze pedestal, adorned with three 70 cm tall statuettes, allegories of the dance, comedy, and tragedy, which were removed in 1913 to improve visibility from the gallery.
Today they are exhibited at the Parma Opera Museum at the House of Music.
Arena, ceiling, great playwrights and mythological figures arranged in a circle (1829) by G.B.BorghesiTeatro Regio di Parma
Although deprived of this precious segment, the majestic globe is still the heart of maximum light concentration in the theatre arena and shines radiantly in the centre of the vault, spreading a clear light, wonderfully refracted by the multitude of its crystal droplets.
The Chandelier ("Astrolampo"), lowered to the stalls (1853) by Auguste Lacarrière foundryTeatro Regio di Parma
A cascade of crystals collected in dome-shaped silver threads connects to the larger circle, ringed by an airy and balanced bronze composition of twelve chubby dancing cupids in expressive and natural poses, interspersed with crystal stilettos and floral motifs.
Arena - Chandelier, details of the crystal drops held together by silver strings (1853) by Auguste Lacarrière foundryTeatro Regio di Parma
The smaller circle below shows a more rhythmic and energetic but still harmonious composition, in which six performing and cheering putti strike the most varied poses, marked by loose movements and natural twists, in search of a balance with their musical instruments.
Astrolampo - Theatre's chandelier, inner circle details, a musician putto with trumpet (1853) by Auguste Lacarrière foundryTeatro Regio di Parma
Arena chandelier, details of the inner circle, a musician putto (1853) by Auguste Lacarrière foundryTeatro Regio di Parma
Astrolampo, detail of a musician putto in gilded bronze. (1853) by Auguste Lacarrière foundryTeatro Regio di Parma
The Arena, a musician putto's view from below (1853) by Girolamo MagnaniTeatro Regio di Parma
Details of the crystal decorations of the Chandelier (1853) by Auguste Lacarrière foundryTeatro Regio di Parma
Supported by two strong brass cables moved through the large hole in the ceiling by a once manual now motorized winch, the Astrolampo can reach the ground for maintenance and cleaning...
Main arena, view from the stalls, vault painted by G.B. Borghesi (1827/1829) by Giovanni Battista BorghesiTeatro Regio di Parma
...then it can go up a few meters to better illuminate the arena when transformed occasionally in a ballroom, or go up to the ceiling during the performances. From that point the gas leather pipes were laid to fuel the lamps.
