La bohème
Music by Giacomo Puccini
Libretto by Giuseppe Giacosa and Luigi Illica
The Story of the Opera
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West Bay Opera’s 46th Season (2001-2002) La bohème Music by Giacomo Puccini Libretto by Giuseppe Giacosa and Luigi Illica The Story of the Opera |
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Rodolfo tries to keep warm while Marcello paints at his easel. Banteringly, they complain to each other about the cold until Rodolfo decides to burn his unpublished drama. As the two warm themselves at the blaze, Colline enters, followed soon by Schaunard, who appears with food, wine, cigars, firewood and a rambling tale of how he acquired this sudden wealth. He reminds his friends what day it is and says they may drink at home but must eat out, for Paris is gay and festive.
As the friends pour wine, Benoit, their landlord, comes for his rent. They ply him with wine and manage to avoid paying. Then Marcello, Colline and Schaunard leave for the Café Momus while Rodolfo, promising to meet them shortly, prepares to finish writing an article.
A knock on the door announces Mimì, who wishes to relight her candle. Momentarily faint, the girl drops both the candle and her key. Rodolfo slyly pockets the key and, touching Mimì’s hand, exclaims how cold it is. The two tell each other about themselves and then, singing of their new-found love, go to join the others at the café.
Act II: A few minutes later in a crowded, noisy square of the Latin Quarter. The Café Momus is on one side, shops and stalls are on the other.
Rodolfo buys a bonnet for Mimì. Marcello, Colline and Schaunard sit down at a table outside the café just as the toy vendor Parpignol appears, greeted by hordes of enthusiastic children. Rodolfo introduces Mimì to his friends. Marcello suddenly sees his estranged mistress Musetta at a nearby table with the elderly, dandified Alcindoro. Musetta breaks into her waltz song, obviously addressing it to Marcello, who pretends to ignore her. She then sends Alcindoro to buy her new shoes. As he trots off, she and Marcello embrace joyfully. Musetta breezily tells the waiter to present the Bohemians’ bill to Alcindoro along with her own. As a parade of soldiers marches by, the six friends follow behind it.
Act III: The following February, before dawn on a bitter cold morning, at an inn just inside one of the gates to Paris.
Musetta’s voice can be heard inside the inn as the Custom House Sergeant guards the gate to Paris. Just as workers arrive at the gates for their day’s work in Paris, Mimì appears. After a violent coughing spell, she begs a woman to fetch Marcello from the inn. When he comes, she asks for his help, explaining that Rodolfo’s jealousy is driving her to distraction. Marcello points to Rodolfo, who is asleep inside the inn. The painter advises a separation, and Mimì hides as Rodolfo comes out. Rodolfo says that despite all their differences he still loves Mimì and is worried about her increasing weakness and terrible cough. Realizing how ill she must be, Mimì weeps and coughs, revealing her presence. A loud laugh from Musetta causes Marcello to rush into the inn to investigate. In the ensuing quartet, Marcello and Musetta shout insults at each other while Rodolfo and Mimì, softened by their memories and the thought of the approaching spring, decide to stay together until the season of flowers.
Act IV: A few months later, in the same garret as Act I.
Marcello is again painting, Rodolfo attempting to write. The poet says he has seen Musetta, splendidly dressed, and Marcello has similar news about Mimì. With transparent hypocrisy, each young man pretends to be pleased. They sing a plaintive duet about their lost loves, but when Schaunard and Colline enter, a spirit of fun takes over.
As the four are clowning, Musetta rushes in, crying that Mimì is outside but too weak to climb the stairs. Rodolfo and Marcello bring in Mimì. The poet is overjoyed to see her, but his friends realize that she is dying.
Mimì’s only wish is for a muff to warm her cold hands. The others leave, and Mimì and Rodolfo reminisce. Exhausted by coughing, Mimì falls asleep. Returning, Marcello and Schaunard approach her bedside and see that she has died. Rodolfo realizes what has happened, gives a wild cry, and throws himself across Mimì’s bed.
