La Bohème (Leoncavallo)

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Work data
Original title: La bohème
Original language: Italian
Literary source: Henri Murger : Scènes de la vie de bohème
Premiere: May 6, 1897
Place of premiere: La Fenice in Venice
Place and time of the action: Paris 1837/1837
people
  • Marcello, a painter ( tenor )
  • Rodolfo, a poet ( baritone )
  • Schaunard, a musician (baritone)
  • Colline, a philosopher (baritone)
  • Barbemuche, man of letters and teacher of Count Paolo ( bass )
  • Gaudenzio, owner of Café Momus (tenor)
  • Durand, a porter (tenor)
  • A gentleman from the first floor (tenor)
  • A loaf from the street (tenor)
  • Mimi, a flower stud ( soprano )
  • Musette, a seamstress ( mezzo-soprano )
  • Euphemia, a platter (mezzo-soprano)
  • Students, girls, tenants, servants, coachmen, maids, cooks, waiters in the café, kitchen boys, porters ( choir )

La Bohème is an opera in four acts by Ruggero Leoncavallo , who also wrote the libretto . Like Puccini 's opera of the same name, the plot is based on the novel Les scènes de la vie de bohème by Henri Murger . The world premiere of Leoncavallo's La Bohème took place in 1897, a year later as Puccini's La Bohème , the success of which Leoncavallo's work never achieved.

The first female singer of Mimi was the native Venetian Rosina Storchio .

action

first act

Café Momus

The landlord Gaudenzio wants to kick the bohemians out, play the pranks and never pay their bill. During the meal, Musette sings the canzonetta "Mimì Pinson la biondinetta" (Mimi Pinson, the blonde). When the bill for the meal comes, the bohemians can't pay again. A dispute breaks out, which is ended by Barbemuche, who takes over the colliery.

Second act

The courtyard of Musetta's house

Musette has been abandoned by her lover, who no longer wants to pay for her debts. As a result, her furniture has been seized and is now being carried into the courtyard. Musette is expecting guests, but can only receive them in the courtyard due to the lack of facilities. The bohemians celebrate here and wake up the neighbors. A battle ensues between the two groups. Mimi lets Count Paolo lead her away.

Third act

Marcello's attic

Musette can no longer bear hunger and hardship at the side of the breadless Marcello and decides to leave him. Mimi, on the other hand, comes back to Rodolfo out of longing. Musette storms Mimi to go with her, but Mimi refuses. Marcello and Rodolfo furiously throw both women out of the apartment.

Fourth act

Marcello's attic, in winter

Mimi returns to Rodolfo terminally ill. Musette, who happens to be passing by, gives her jewelry to buy coals for the stove. The Christmas bells are ringing; Mimi dies.

Web links

Commons : La bohème  - collection of images, videos and audio files