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Singing Voice > Opera > La Bohème |
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Giacomo Puccini's La Bohème premiered at the Teatro Regio in Turin on February 1, 1896 with Arturo Toscanini conducting. The role of Mimì was sung by Cesira Ferrani (who also created title role in Manon Lescaut). Tenor Evan Gorga originated the role of Rodolfo. The libretto by Luigi Illica and Giuseppe Giacosa was based on Henry Mürger's novel, Scènes de la Vie de Bohème. SYNOPSIS Place: Paris The other Bohemians go out, but Rodolfo remains
alone in order to work. Someone knocks, and Mimì, whose candle has been snuffed
out, asks Rodolfo to light it. She departs, but returns in a few minutes, saying
she has forgotten her key. Both candles are extinguished; they stumble in the
dark, and Rodolfo finds the key, which he pockets. They relate the story of
their varied experiences in the two arias. ("Che gelida manina — What a
cold little hand"; and "Sì, mi chiamano Mimì — Yes, they call me
Mimì.") The waiting friends call Rodolfo impatiently.
He wishes to remain at home with Mimì, but she decides to accompany him.
Departing, they sing of their love. (Duet, Rodolfo and Mimì: "O soave
fanciulla — Oh gentle maiden.") The friends wish to pay the bill, but to their consternation find Schaunard's riches gone; the sly Musetta has the entire bill charged to Alcindoro. The police appear, and they rush in all directions. Marcello and Colline carry Musetta out on their arms amid the applause of the spectators. When all have gone, Alcindoro arrives with the shoe seeking Musetta. The waiter hands him the bill, and horror-stricken at the amount he sinks upon a chair. Act III.At the toll gate. Clothing peddlers come to the city. Mimì, coughing violently, wishes to speak to Marcello, who resides in a little tavern near the barrier where he paints signs for the innkeeper. She tells him of her hard life with Rodolfo, who has abandoned her that night. (Mimì: "O buon Marcello, aiuto! – Oh, good Marcello, help me!") Marcello tells her that Rodolfo is sleeping at the inn. He has just awakened and is seeking Marcello, and Mimì conceals herself. Rodolfo first claims he left Mimi because of her coquettishness, but finally lets on that he fears she is consumed with a deadly illness and should be comforted by a wealthier suitor. Marcello, out of charity for Mimì, endeavours to silence him, but she has already heard all; she is discovered by her coughing. Marcello joins Musetta, Rodolfo and Mimì are about to separate (Mimì: "Donde lieta uscì – From here she happily left"), but are finally reconciled. Musetta approaches with Marcello, who is jealous. They depart after a fierce quarrel. (Quartet: Mimì, Rodolfo, Musetta, Marcello: "Addio dolce svegliare alla mattina! – Goodbye, sweet awakening in the morning!") Act IV. Back in the garret. Marcello and Rodolfo are seemingly at work, though they are primarily bemoaning the loss of their respective beloveds. (Duet: "O Mimì, tu più non torni – O Mimì, will you not return?") Schaunard and Colline arrive with a very frugal dinner. They parody a plentiful banquet, dance and sing. Musetta appears and says that Mimì is back, but she's very weakened by her illness, and all assist the dying girl. Musetta and Marcello depart to sell Musetta's earrings to get money for medicine; while Colline and Schaunard leave to pawn Colline's coat (Colline: "Vecchia zimarra – Old coat") Mimì and Rodolfo, left alone, recall their past happiness. (Duet, Mimì and Rodolfo: "Sono andati? – Have they gone?") The others return, and while Musetta prays aloud, Mimi dies. Schaunard checks on Mimì and sadly says that she's dead, Rodolfo is horrified, cries out Mimì's name and starts sobbing. SOURCE: Leo Melitz, The Opera Goer's Complete Guide (1921). Quoted in "La bohème," Wikipedia. |
Related Sites Centro
Studi Giacomo Puccini: La Bohème Items of Interest
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