La Bohème

First act

A young poet, Rodolfo, lives with a painter, Marcello, a musician, Schaunard, and a philosopher, Colline, on a floor in the center of Paris.
Because they have no money to pay for the heating, the paper on which Rodolfo wrote a play is thrown into the fire. Schaunard is lucky that day. He has a job with an English nobleman. He brings food and wine. At that moment Benoit comes to collect the rent. By getting him drunk, they manage to work him out again. The money is used to go to the fair. Only Rodolfo stays behind to work. Then Mimi knocks, because her candle has gone out. After Rodolfo lights it up again, she comes back again because she forgot her key. Rodolfo finds the key, but hides it in his coat pocket, wanting Mimi to stay a little longer. They talk about each other, who they are and their lives (Che gelida manina – What a cold hand / Mi chiamano Mimi – They call me Mimi). They fall in love and sing a love duet. (O soave fanciulla – O sweet girl). Together they leave for the fair, where they meet their friends.

Second act

The fair is in full swing in the Latin Quarter. They are in a restaurant and the children are in the shop with their parents. The friends have settled in a restaurant. Musetta, Marcello's former girlfriend, flirts with the wealthy Alcindoro to make Marcello jealous (Quando m'en vo). When Musetta complains about her shoes, she sends Alcindoro to the cobbler. Musetta and Marcello fall into each other's arms. When the food bill comes, the friends can't afford it. Musetta puts everything on Alcindoro's account and the friends run off. When Alcindoro returns and the bill is presented, he collapses on a chair.

Third act

Furiously coughing, Mimi arrives at the city gate to talk to Marcello, who works at an inn near the gate. She tells him about the difficult life with Rodolfo, who left her that night. Marcello says that Rodolfo has just arrived and is sleeping in the inn. When Rodolfo wakes up and goes looking for Marcello, Mimi hides. Rodolfo first says that he left Mimi out of jealousy, but later admits to being afraid that she has a serious illness and that she would be better off with a rich lover. When Mimi has to cough again, she is discovered by Rodolfo. They put it back after a fight.

Fourth act

Marcello and Rodolfo are back on their floor. Schaunard and Colline come with food. Then come Musetta and the dying Mimi. Musetta and Marcello will buy medicine from the proceeds of Musetta's earrings. Colline and Schaunard are going to pledge Colline's coat. Mimi and Rodolfo remember happier times. When Musetta returns, Mimi dies.

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