La boheme

Synopsis

Puccini's most enduring opera. The story of the love of the poor poet Rodolfo for the consumptive seamstress Mimi. Set in the Latin Quarter of Paris the course of their love is constantly threatened by Rodolfo's jealousy and Mimi's illness. The painter Marcello and the provocative Musetta are the other main characters. This is where 'your tiny hand is frozen' comes from and the last few bars, as Rodolfo realises Mimi is dead, are some of opera's most moving moments.

Our Review:

Keith McDonnell - 3 May 2012

The main excitement surrounding The Royal Opera’s 25th revival of John Copley’s 1974 staging was to be have been the appearance of leading German soprano Anja Harteros in the role of Mimi. Scandalously overlooked by the company over the last decade, this former winner of Cardiff Singer of the World made her belated house debut a couple of years ago as Amelia in Simon Boccangera, and rightly caused a sensation. There was a huge sense of disappointment when she withdrew from Suor Angelica in the autumn, and an even bigger one when it was announced that she had been replaced in this run of performances as Mimi by Celine Byrne. The reason? Apparently due to a disagreement over rehearsal time. Having seen her as Mimi in Munich, London audiences really were missing out on having the chance to witness the world’s finest interpreter of the role. But there was more – Ms Byrne suddenly became ill and withdrew from all performances to be replaced by Ital...

Read more of the review

Latest User Review

Brian Easter - 16 May 2012:

Don't kill off this production! It's one of the few productions at Covent Garden worth seeing...

Read more and add your own review