<<<  <<  -- 2 --  Maria Nockin    ARTFUL PHRASING  --  >>  >>>

Other composers have also set this fascinating story to music. The zarzuela, Bohemios, by Catalan composer Amadeo Vives (1871-1932) was premièred in 1904, and the operetta, Das Veilchen vom Montmartre, by Austro-Hungarian composer Emmerich Kálmán (1882-1953) was seen in 1930. In 1996, the Broadway musical, Rent, with words and music by Jonathan Larson (1960-1996), again told the tragic tale.

In keeping with the spirit of the work, Los Angeles Opera's revival of La bohème on 25 November 2007 featured young and comely singers in the leading roles. We may not see this 1993 production by filmmaker Herbert Ross (1927-2001) again, but it has always been a joy to observe. Gerard Howland's set is beginning to show signs of age, but Stanley M Greer's direction told the story in the time-honored fashion and it brought tears to many an onlooker's eyes by the last act.

Continue >>