La bohème

La Boheme by Giacomo Puccini. Scenes from Henry Murger’s "Vie de Bohème," Libretto by Giacosa and Illica. First production, Turin, 1896.

In the late 20th century, the musical "Rent" was based on "La Boheme", with AIDS substituted for tuberculosis.

Plot

Place, Paris.

Time, about 1830.

ACT I. Garret. Marcel is painting while Rudolf gazes out of the window. As they have no fire, they use the manuscript of Rudolf’s drama for fuel. Collin enters shivering; he is followed by three young fellows with victuals, wood and cigars. Schaunard, who follows, ex-plains the source of his riches. Nobody listens, but they fall ravenously upon the food, which is removed by Schaunard, leaving only the wine. While they drink, Bernard, the landlord, arrives to collect the rent from Marcel. They flatter him and give him wine. In his drunkenness, he recites his amorous adventures, but when he also declares he is married, they thrust him from the room in comic moral indignation. The rent money is divided for a carousal in the Quartier Latin. The other Bohemians go out, but Rudolf remains alone in order to work. Some one knocks, and Mimi, whose candle has been snuffed out, asks Rudolf 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 Rudolf finds the key, which he pockets. They relate the story of their varied experiences in the two arias. (“Who am I? Then hear”; and “They call me merely Mimi.”) The waiting friends call Rudolf impatiently. He wishes to remain at home with Mimi (Rudolf: “Your tiny hand is frozen”), but she decides to accompany him. Departing they sing of their love. (Duet, Rudolf, Mimi: “Love alone.”)

ACT II. Quartier Latin. A great crowd on the street, sellers praise their wares. (Chorus: “Come buy my oranges.”). The friends repair to a café, While they eat, Musette, formerly beloved of Rudolf, arrives with her rich admirer Alcindor. She tries to attract Rudolf’s attention (Song, Musette: “As through the streets I wander”), and succeeds after many efforts. She feigns to be suffering from a tight shoe, and to get rid of him, sends Alcindor to the shoemaker. (Duet, Marcel, Musette: “Break it, tear it, I can’t bear it.”) During the ensemble, Musette and Marcel fall into each other’s arms. The friends wish to pay the bill, but to their consternation find Schaunard’s riches gone. Musette has the entire bill charged to Alcindor. The police appear, and they rush in all directions. Marcel and Collin carry Musette out on their arms amid the applause of the spectators. When all have gone, Alcindor arrives with the shoe seeking Musette. The waiter hands him the bill, and horror-stricken at the amount he sinks upon a chair.

ACT III. At the toll gate. (Chorus: “Pass the glass! Let each toast his lass!”) Clothing peddlers come to the city. Mimi, coughing violently, wishes to speak to Marcel, who resides in a little tavern near the barrier where he paints signs for the innkeeper. She tells him of her hard life with Rudolf, who has abandoned her that night. (Mimi: “O good Marcel.”) Marcel tells her that Rudolf is sleeping at the inn. He has just awakened and is seeking Marcel. Mimi conceals herself. Rudolf speaks of her deadly illness. Rudolf: “Love in my heart was dying.”) Marcel, out of charity for Mimi, endeavours to silence him, but she has already heard all. She is discovered by her coughing. Marcel joins Musette, Rudolf and Mimi are about to separate, but are finally reconciled. (Duet: “Adieu, glad awakenings.”) Musette approaches with Marcel, who is jealous. They depart after a fierce quarrel. (Duet, Musette, Marcel: “You were laughing, you were flirting.”)

ACT IV. Garret room. Marcel and Rudolf are seemingly at work. (Duet: ,,Ah Mimi, ah Musette.”) Schaunard and Collin arrive with the dinner. They parody a plentiful banquet, dance and sing. (Quartet: “Now take your partners.”) Musette and the suffering Mimi appear; all assist the dying girl. Mimi and Rudolf, left alone, re­call their past happiness. (Duet, Mimi, Rudolf: “Have they left us?”) The others return, and while Musette prays aloud, Mimi dies. (Prayer, Musette: “O virgin, save.”)

References and external links: Plot taken from The Opera Goer's Complete Guide by Leo Melitz, 1921 version.