The Life Bohemian

Press, Volume XCVIII, Issue 28840, 10 March 1959, Page 9

The Life Bohemian

"On Christmas Eve, the poet Rudolphe and Mimi, his neighbour, get to know each other. She is a fondling and pretty Parisian needlewoman; with a delicate health. The wind has blown out her candlestick and she comes timidly and asks her neighbour for light. And Mimi does not go back to her own little room. Then follows for a time a life full of joy. But Rudolphe is too poor and seeing Mimi becoming so frail and weak and realising that poverty is killing her, gives her back her freedom. Alas she has left him. She has taken a rich lover and has had a taste of luxury. But Rudolphe still loves her. Neither has Mimi forgotten her love for Rudolphe. She is tired of her superficial way of living. She leaves her rich lover' and comes back to Rudolphe with only one desire; to die loved and forgiven. Her wish is fulfilled. She feels better and she thinks she will never again leave her beloved one she goes to sleep and dies.”—The synopsis of the plot of “La Boheme” as given in the programme at the Opera Comique in Paris last year. It is included in the latest issue of the journal of the Christchurch Recorded Music -Society.