Giacomo Puccini (December 22, 1858 – November 29, 1924) composed La Bohème, a four-act Italian tragic drama. Libretto was written by Giuseppe and Luigi Illica based on the novel Scènes de la Vie de Bohème by Henry Murger. It was premiered in Turin Teatro Regio, February 1, 1896. The setting is in Paris circa 1830.
Notable arias: "Che gelida manina" (Rodolfo), "Mi chiamano Mimi" (Mimi) and "Vecchia zimarra" (Colline), Musetta's aria (Musetta)
Puccini's La Bohème is one of the frequently performed opera worldwide. Although he competed with Ruggero Leoncavallo of Pagliacci fame, who at that time was also writing the story, Puccini's version of La Bohème proved more popular and lasting, with its poignant story and melodic score of a perfect marriage and true friendships.
Character Roles of La Bohème
- Marcello, A painter (baritone)
- Rodolfo, A poet (tenor)
- Mimi, Poor seamstress (soprano)
- Musetta, Marcello's mistress (soprano)
- Colline, A philosopher (bass)
- Schaunard, a musician (baritone)
- Benoit, Landlord of the artists (bass)
- Parpignol, A toy seller (tenor)
- Alcindoro, Musetta's suitor (bass)
Plot Summary / Synopses of La Bohème
Act I. A Garret, Christmas Eve
The winter cold is apparent in the garret of Rodolfo and Marcelo. Rodolfo uses his old manuscripts to make a fire. Collime joins them. The men are surprised when Schaunard, a musician arrives with food, drinks and cigar. He insists that they dine out. Benoit, the landlord, comes to collect the rent. The young artists pretend to be offended that he has a mistress and let him out. When the men head out to the Café Momus, Rodolfo stays behind briefly to finish some writing. Mimi appears. She needs her candle lit, but is weak from the exertion of climbing the stairs. She loses her key. Truth is, Rodolfo has secretly pocketed the key and persuades Mimi to stay and talk with him. The lovers kiss.
Act II. A Square in the Latin Quarter of Paris before the Café Momus
The streets are crowded with Christmas Eve fanfares. Parpignol is selling children's toys. Mimi shows off the bonnet Rodolfo has bought her. Marcelo's mistress, Musetta, appears, with her elderly suitor, Alcindoro, following. She causes a scene to attract the attention of the young men. Her behavior scandalizes Alcindoro, but Musetta sends him off on an errand. She escapes with Marcello and his friends, leaving Alcindoro to pay the bill.
Act III. The Barrier d'Enfer
Mimi asks Marcell for help. She plans to leave Rodolfo since his jealousy is making things impossible. Marcelo talks to Rodolfo, who admits he loves Mimi passionately, but realizes that his life of poverty is driving him into hopeless desperation. Mimi's cough reveals that she has been eavesdropping. Rodofo tries to comfort her. The lovers postpone their parting until spring. Marcello and Musetta have a fight.
Act IV. In the Garret
Few months pass. Marcello and Rodolfo try to forget about their loves and pretend that they have found wealthy suitors. Colline and Schaunard bring food for dinner. Musetta arrives with the dying Mimi. They put Mimi to bed. To pay for the doctor, Musetta tells Marcello to pawn her earrings and fetch a doctor. She gets Mimi a muff to warm her hands. Colline sells his previous overcoat. Rodolfo and Mimi have a last caress. Marcelo returns with medicine, and Musetta with a new Muff. Mimi dies, plunging her dear friends into despair.
Sources:
Concise Guide to Opera, Penguin, London, 2005
Opera by Alan Riding and L.D. Downer, Dorling Kindersley, London, 2006
The Da Capo Opera Manual by Nicholas Ivor Martin, 1997
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