La bohème (Leoncavallo)
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La bohème is a lyric opera in four acts by Ruggiero Leoncavallo to an Italian libretto by the composer, based on La Vie de Bohème by Henri Murger. First performance: Teatro la Fenice, Venice, May 6 1897. A better known La bohème was written by Puccini and based on the same subject.
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[edit] Characters
- Principal Roles
- Schaunard, a musician - baritone
- Marcello, a painter - tenor
- Rodolfo, a poet - baritone
- Mimì - soprano
- Musetta - mezzo-soprano
- Minor Roles
- Gaudenzio - tenor
- Loafer - tenor
- Colline, a philosopher - baritone
- Eufemia - mezzo-soprano
- Barbemuche - bass
- Durand - tenor
- Gentleman on the first floor - tenor
- Viscount Paolo - baritone
- Other
- Old woman - mezzo-soprano
- Clerk - bass
- Wife - mezzo-soprano
- Apothecary - tenor
- Two women - mezzo-sopranos
- Students, waiters, scullions, grisettes, porters - chorus
[edit] Noted Arias
- "Musette svaria sulla bocca viva" (Mimì)
- "Da quel suon soavemente" (Musette)
[edit] Synopsis
Act I. At the Café Momus. The innkeeper Gaudenzio tries in vain to eject the Bohemians, who never pay, and are always in mischief. During the conversation another piece of horseplay on their part is discovered. They sit down to dine, while Musetta gaily sings. (Canzonette: "Mimi is the name of my sweet blonde.") Naturally when they are asked to pay the score, they have no money. A comic fight ensues between them and the innkeeper, who has called his servants to assist him. It is ended by Barbemache, who offers to pay the bill.
Act II. In the court of Musetta's house. Musetta's lover has left her and refuses to pay her debts any longer. In consequence, her furniture is levied upon and carried down to the courtyard. When this has been done, she returns home; she expects guests and cannot entertain them in any other way than by receiving them in the courtyard. Here the Bohemians, who arrive in large numbers, celebrate joyously. In vain the neighbours awakened from sleep protest, and the scene ends in a general fight between the two factions.
Act III. Garret room of Marcello. Musetta, who can no longer bear the sufferings of hunger and want, desires to leave him. Mimi, during the festival in the courtyard, has allowed herself to be carried off by Count Paul, but actuated by love for Rodolfo, returns. Musetta begs her to go with her, but in vain. Marcello and Rodolfo in anger compel both to leave the apartment.
Act IV. Garret room of Rodolfo. Mimi returns to Rodolfo in a dying condition. Musetta, who accidentally meets her there, sacrifices her jewels to procure fuel to warm the room for Mimi. As the Christmas chimes are heard, Mimi expires.
[edit] References
- Opera plots taken from The Opera Goer's Complete Guide by Leo Melitz, 1921 version.
