La Bohème: Puccini’s Timeless Masterpiece

In this seminar we continue our survey of Puccini’s operas, with La Bohème, which is set in the Latin Quarter of Paris in the 1830s. It depicts the Bohemian lifestyle, portrayed by a group of young, struggling artists, poets, and dreamers who live in poverty, in a cramped, cold garret. The opera blends humor, pathos, and music to portray love, friendship, and the fragility of life.  La Bohème is one of the most often performed operas.

We will watch the Metropolitan Opera’s 1982 performance which stars Teresa Stratas as Mimi and conducted by James Levine.

Ed Carnes holds B.S. and M.A. degrees in English and history and has taught the Russian language at the college level. He has attended many seminars in music and opera and has been a devotee for many years.