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› Past Seasons |
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by Giacomo Puccini
Act I
A garret in the Latin Quarter of Paris in the 1830s. On Christmas Eve, the poet Rodolfo and the painter Marcello are trying to keep warm by burning pages of one of Rodolfo’s rejected manuscripts. Their cheerless condition turns when they are joined by the philosopher Colline and the musician Schaunard, who bring food, drink and firewood. The bohemians rejoice at their sudden fortune, when their celebration is interrupted by Benoit, their landlord, who has come to collect the rent. He is distracted with wine and urged to tell stories about his ways with women, until, with feigned indignation, the bohemians thrown him out. Three of the friends depart for the Café Momus, but Rodolfo stays and promised to join them later. The young seamstress Mimì enters just as her candle has gone out. She collapses. Rodolfo helps her up and re-lights the candle. As Mimì realizes that she has dropped her key, both candles are extinguished. Searching in the dark, Rodolfo touches her hand. Together they depart to join Rodolfo’s friends at the café.
Act II
The Café Momus. Rodolfo and Mimì join the others at a table outside the café. Soon, Musetta, Marcello’s former lover, enters on the arm of the wealthy Alcindoro. Musetta sends her wealthy suitor to buy her a new pair of shoes. As soon as he has left, Musetta joins Marcello and the other bohemians. As they depart together, Musetta announces to the waiter that Alcindoro will pay the bill when he returns.
Act III
Dawn at the city gates. While farmwomen wait to be admitted to the city, sounds of revelry can still be heard from inside the tavern. Mimì approaches searching for Marcello, who is now living with Musetta above the tavern. Marcello comes to see her and she complains to him of Rodolfo’s constant jealousy. Mimì hides at Rodolfo’s arrival. He tells his friend that he must leave Mimì due to her infidelities. When Marcello questions this motive, Rodolfo admits he must leave her as her poor health will only grow worse in the poverty they share. Mimì comes out of hiding to bid Rodolfo farewell, just as Marcello and Musetta begin to argue. Rodolfo and Mimì decide to postpone their parting until spring
Act IV
The garret, later in the year. Rodolfo and Marcello lament the loss of their loves. Colline and Schaunard enter, transforming the dismal place into a happy scene. Suddenly, Musetta bursts in to tell them that Mimì has collapsed outside. Rodolfo carries her to bed. Mimì and Rodolfo recall their days as lovers but Mimì is overcome by coughing. The bohemians return as Mimì drifts into unconsciousness. Finally realizing that Mimì is dead, Rodolfo is overcome by grief.
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