Video Review
Aiza Taylor
Professor Lee
Music Appreciation
Sept. 18, 2009
La Bohème Review
The opera starts off slow, the current scene being taken place in Rodolfo’s garret, the symphony starts ouut with light tones with that of flutes. Mimi makes her entrance, in need of a light for her blown out candle, string instruments coming in to play signals the slight change of the setting. As Rodolfo and Mimi began to converse more, the symphony stays at a piano dynamic level, supporting the two voices.
This part of the Act 1 slowly plays out, Rodolfo helping Mimi find her lost key in the darkness of the room, a fast tempo could be noted as the two try to find the key in a hurry. But with a touch to each other’s hands begins their innocent flirting, Rodolfo’s words being sweet with the light sounding notes coming from the symphony to brighten his words.
Rodolfo asks Mimi to stay so that he could tell her about himself. She does so and listens to the man’s story, holding a content smile as she listens. A note from a few wind instruments form a chord to transfer the mood as Rodolfo begins his story. He tells of who he is and how he lives just before sneaking flattery for Mimi, saying that she was the thief that stole his dreams. Again the stringed instruments set the mood for romance, a harp being heard slightly above everything as it gives an elegant innocent feel.
Mimi eventually starts her story after Rodolfo had asked. The starting few notes from the symphony as Mimi speaks gives off that mysterious vibe until she builds into talking more and being more comfortable. She speaks of not having much to say, but her story ran a bit longer than Rodolfo’s, as she speaks of things that she loves after she shares how she lives her life. The sounds of the flutes giving Mimi that soft feel as she speaks. She continues to go on and on until she ends her story with a question.
Clarinets set the starting mood for the new song, a harp going on with it’s fast runs to give it that special topping to the sounds. Mimi and Rodolfo have a duet at this time, ending it not too long by a short kiss. They talk balk and forth, the music soft and low as to not over power the voices that are having an important talk.
The scene ends as the two leave to go out, speaking of ‘I love you’ as they exit, the symphony still soft as it gives off the vibe of new romance.