PUCCINI La Boheme - Annotated Libretto and Translation

GIACOMO PUCCINI (1858-1924)
Act I from La Bohème (1896)
Opera in Four Acts
Based on Henri Murger’s novel Scènes de la vie de Bohème
Libretto by Guiseppe Giacosa and Luigi Illica
ANNONATED LIBRETTO & TRANSLATION
CHARACTERS
Mimi
Rodolfo, a poet
Marcello, a painter
Schaunard, a musician
Colline, a philosopher
Benoit, a landlord
soprano
tenor
baritone
baritone
bass
bass
SYNOPSIS
Marcello is painting while Rodolfo gazes out of the window. They complain of the cold. In order to keep warm, they burn the manuscript
of Rodolfo's drama. Colline, the philosopher, enters [6] shivering and disgruntled at not having been able to pawn some books. Schaunard,
the musician of the group, arrives [10] with food, wine and cigars. He explains the source of his riches: a job with an eccentric
English gentleman, who ordered him to play his violin to a parrot until it died. The others hardly listen to his tale as they set up the table to
eat and drink. Schaunard interrupts, telling them that they must save the food for the days ahead: tonight they will all celebrate his good
fortune by dining at Cafe Momus, and he will pay [16].
The friends are interrupted by Benoît, the landlord, who arrives to collect the rent [17]. They flatter him and ply him with wine. In his
drunkenness, he begins to boast of his amorous adventures, but when he also reveals that he is married, they thrust him from the room —
without the rent payment — in comic moral indignation. The rent money is divided for their evening out in the Quartier Latin.
Marcello, Schaunard and Colline go out, but Rodolfo remains alone for a moment in order to finish an article he is writing, promising to
join his friends soon [22]. There is a knock at the door [25]. It is a girl who lives in another room in the building. Her candle has blown out,
and she has no matches; she asks Rodolfo to light it. She is briefly overcome with faintness, and Rodolfo helps her to a chair and offers her
a glass of wine. She thanks him. After a few minutes, she says that she is better and must go [26]. But as she turns to leave, she realizes that
she has lost her key. Her candle goes out in the draught and Rodolfo's candle goes out too; the pair stumble in the dark. Rodolfo, eager to
spend time with the girl, to whom he is already attracted, finds the key and pockets it, feigning innocence. He takes her cold hand (Che
gelida manina – "What a cold little hand") [30] and tells her of his life as a poet, then asks her to tell him more about her life. The girl says
her name is Mimì (Sì, mi chiamano Mimì – "Yes, they call me Mimì"), and describes her simple life as an embroiderer. Impatiently, the
waiting friends call Rodolfo [35]. He answers and turns to see Mimì bathed in moonlight (duet, Rodolfo and Mimì: O soave fanciulla – "Oh
lovely girl"). They realize that they have fallen in love. Rodolfo suggests remaining at home with Mimì, but she decides to accompany him
to the Cafe Momus. As they leave, they sing of their newfound love.
Rehearsal
Number
Libretto
Stage directions in italics
English Translation
Stage directions in italics
Act I, Scene Ia: Introductions to the men: Marcello & Rodolfo
Marcello is working on a painting of The Red Sea. It is Christmas time in Paris and the two men discuss how cold they are.
They first decide to sacrifice a chair to burn in the fireplace. They consider burning the painting, but settle on Act I from the
manuscript of Rodolfo’s play.
In soffitta.
Ampia finestra dalla quale si scorge
una distesa di tetti coperti di neve.
A sinistra, un camino. Una tavola,
un letto, un armadietto, una piccola
libreria, quattro sedie, un cavalletto da
pittore con una tela sbozzata ed uno
sgabello: libri sparsi, molti fasci di carte,
due candelieri. Uscio nel mezzo, altro
a sinistra. Rodolfo guarda meditabondo
fuori della finestra. Marcello lavora al
suo quadro:"Il passaggio del Mar Rosso,"
con le mani intirizzite dal freddo.
1
PUCCINI La Boheme Libretto & Translation
In a garret.
A wide window overlooks
the roofs covered in snow.
To the left, is a fireplace, table, bed,
cabinet, a small bookcase, four chairs,
a painters easel:
scattered books, many bundles
of paper, and two candlesticks.
Rodolfo watches meditatively
out of the window.
Marcello works at his painting:
"The passage of the Red sea,"
with his hands numb from the cold.
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2
3
2
E' la notte di Natale.
It's Christmas Eve.
Marcello
(che sta cercando di dipingere)
Marcello
(trying to paint)
*Questo Mar Rosso
mi ammollisce e assidera
come se addosso
mi piovesse in stille,
Per vendicarmi,
affogo un Faraon!
This Sea of Red passage
makes me shiver,
I feel as if it were flowing right over me
droplet by droplet.
So in revenge I'll make
Pharaoh drown!
(a Rodolfo)
(to Rodolfo)
Che fai?
What are you doing?
Rodolfo
Nei cieli bigi
guardo fumar dai mille
comignoli Parigi
Rodolfo
I'm watching thick gray smoke
from a thousand Parisian chimneys,
rise up into the skies.
(additando il camino senza fuoco)
(Pointing to the fireplace without fire)
e penso a quel poltrone
di un vecchio caminetto ingannatore
che vive in ozio come un gran signore!
While our stove sits there idle,
making no moves to do its duty,
but just relaxing like some noble Lord.
Marcello
Le sue rendite oneste
da un pezzo non riceve.
Marcello
It's been a while since he
received his lawful dues.
Rodolfo
Quelle sciocche foreste
che fan sotto la neve?
Rodolfo
What are those stupid forests doing
under the snow, then?
Marcello
Rodolfo, io voglio dirti un mio
pensier profondo:
ho un freddo cane.
Marcello
Rodolfo, let me tell you what's
troubling me so deeply.
I'm really freezing cold.
Rodolfo
Ed io, Marcel, non ti nascondo
che non credo al
sudore della fronte.
Rodolfo
And I, Marcello, won't try to hide the
fact from you that I don't believe
in the sweat of the brow.
Marcello
Ho diacciate le dita quasi ancora
le tenessi immollate giù in quella
gran ghiacciaia che è il cuore di Musetta.
Marcello
My fingers are frozen, as if they
were implanted in that great ice-box,
known as Musetta's heart.
Rodolfo
L'amore è un caminetto
che sciupa troppo...
Rodolfo
Love is like a fireplace which
wastes too much...
Marcello
...e in fretta!
Marcello
...and too quickly!
Rodolfo
...dove l'uomo è fascina..
Rodolfo
...where Man serves as the kindling...
Marcello
...e la donna è l'alare.
Marcello
...and Woman is the spark...
Rodolfo
...l'una brucia in un soffio...
Rodolfo
... one is burnt in an instant.
PUCCINI La Boheme Libretto & Translation
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5
3
Marcello
...e l'altro sta a guardare.
Marcello
... and the other stands and watches.
Rodolfo
Ma intanto qui si gela...
Rodolfo
But at this moment we are freezing...
Marcello
...e si muore d'inedia!...
Marcello
...and dying from hunger!
Rodolfo
Fuoco ci vuole...
Rodolfo
We need a fire.
Marcello
(afferrando una sedia e
facendo atto di spezzarla)
Marcello
(grabbing hold of a chair and
about to break it up)
Aspetta... sacrifichiam la sedia!
Wait... we'll sacrifice the chair!
Rodolfo
(fermandolo e impadronendosi
di un voluminoso manoscritti)
Rodolfo
(stopping him, and seizing
a bulky manuscript)
Eureka!
Marcello
Trovasti?
Eureka!
Marcello
Have you found something?
Rodolfo
Sì! Aguzza l'ingegno.
L'idea vampi in fiamma.
Rodolfo
Yes! Sharpen your wits man..
Let thought burst into flame.
Marcello
(additando il suo quadro)
Bruciamo il Mar Rosso?
Marcello
(pointing to his painting)
Let's set fire to the Red Sea?
Rodolfo
No. Puzza la tela dipinta.
Il mio dramma, I'ardente
mio dramma ci scaldi.
Rodolfo
No, painted canvas stinks,
but my drama won't, its ardent
passion will warm us.
Marcello
(con comico spavento)
Marcello
(with comic fright)
Vuoi leggerlo forse?
Mi geli.
Rodolfo
No, in cener la carta si sfaldi
e l'estro rivoli ai suoi cieli.
Al secol gran danno minaccia...
E Roma in periglio!
You're going to read it?
I'll freeze while I wait.
Rodolfo
No, the paper will crackle and turn to ashes,
then the poetry will rise to Heaven.
This threatens damage to our culture!
Rome is in peril!
Marcello
Gran cor!
Marcello
Noble heart!
Rodolfo
A te l'atto primo!
Rodolfo
Act one to start with!
Marcello
Qua!
Marcello
Right!
Rodolfo
Straccia!
Rodolfo
Rip it!
Marcello
Accendi.
Marcello
Now light it.
(Rodolfo dà fuoco a parte del
(Rodolfo sets fire to part
PUCCINI La Boheme Libretto & Translation
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manoscritto, poi entrambi prendono
delle sedie e seggono, riscaldandosi
voluttuosamente)
of the manuscript, then they both
pull up their chairs, sit down and warm
themselves in the voluptuous heat)
Rodolfo
Che lieto baglior!
Rodolfo
How brightly it glows!
Marcello
Che lieto baglior!
Marcello
How brightly it glows!
(Si apre con fracasso la porta in fondo
ed entra Colline gelato, intirizzito,
battendo i piedi, gettando con ira sul
tavolo un fascio di libri)
(The door crashes open and Colline
enters: freezing cold, he stamps his
numb feet to try and warm them. Angrily
he throws a bundle of books on the table)
Act I, Scene Ib: Colline’s entrance
Colline comes in from the cold and joins them in front of the fire. The fire burns low and they toss in Act II (and then the rest)
of Rodolfo’s play. When the fire burns out quickly they jokingly blame the Author (Rodolfo).
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4
Colline
Già dell'Apocalisse appariscono
i segni. In giorno di vigilia non
si accettano pegni!
Colline
The signs of the Apocalypse are upon us
already! No one will accept pledges,
on the day of Christmas Eve!
(avvistando il fuoco: stupito)
(sighting the fire: astonished)
Una fiammata!
A blaze!
Rodolfo
Zitto, si dà il mio dramma...
Rodolfo
Quiet, my play is beginning...
Colline
..al fuoco.
Lo trovo scintillante!
Colline
...to the fire.
I find it really sparkling!
Rodolfo
Vivo!
Rodolfo
Fiery!
Colline
(mentre il fuoco si sta spegnendo)
Colline
(as the fire dies down)
Ma dura poco!
A little brief though!
Rodolfo
La brevità, gran pregio
Rodolfo
In brevity lies great esteem.
Colline
(portando via la sedia a Rodolfo)
Colline
(Carrying the chair away from Rodolfo)
Autore, a me la sedia
Author, I'll have the chair.
Marcello
Questi intermezzi fan morire d'inedia!
Presto.
Marcello
These intervals are not at all amusing!
Quick.
Rodolfo
(Prende un'altra parte
dello scartafaccio)
Rodolfo
(Seizing another part
of his notebook)
Atto secondo.
Second act.
Marcello
Non far sussurro.
Marcello
Not one whisper.
Colline
Colline
PUCCINI La Boheme Libretto & Translation
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*Pensier profondo!
Profound thought!
(Rodolfo straccia parte dello
scartafaccio e lo getta sul camino:
il fuoco si ravviva. Colline avvicina
ancora più la sedia e si riscalda le
mani: Rodolfo è in piedi, presso ai
due, col rimanente dello scartafaccio)
(Rodolfo tears part of the notebook
and throws it on the fireplace: the fire
rekindles. Colline advances forward with a
chair and warms his hands: Rodolfo is on
his feet, next to his friends, with the
remains of his notebook)
Marcello
Giusto color!
Marcello
Colourful too!
Rodolfo
In quell'azzurro - guizzo languente
Sfuma un'ardente - scena d'amor.
Rodolfo
Within that languid blue flickering
flame, an ardent tale of love fades!
Colline
Scoppietta un foglio.
Colline
A page crackles.
Marcello
Là c'eran baci!
Marcello
There are kisses in there!
Rodolfo
(Getta al fuoco il rimanente
dello scartafaccio)
Rodolfo
(tossing the rest of the
notebook on the fire)
Tre atti or voglio d'un colpo udir.
Now let's have three acts at once.
Colline
Tal degli audaci
I'idea s'integra.
Colline
Thus the bold ideas of
thought are united!
Rodolfo, Marcello, Colline
Bello in allegra
vampa svanir.
Rodolfo, Marcello, Colline
This beautiful flame vanishes
in a cheerful flash.
Marcello
Oh Dio!...
già s'abbassa la fiamma.
Marcello
Oh Lord!...
Already the flame is dying down.
Colline
Che vano, che fragile dramma!
Colline
What a vain, fragile drama!
(Applaudono entusiasticamente:
la fiamma dopo un
momento diminuisce)
(They applaud enthusiastically:
one moment later the
flame diminishes)
Marcello
Già scricchiola,
increspasi, muore.
Marcello
It's crackling and fading
down to its death already!
(il fuoco si spegne)
(the fire goes out)
Colline e Marcello
*Abbasso, abbasso l'autore!
Marcello and Colline
Down with him, down with the author!
(Dalla porta di mezzo entrano
due Garzoni,portando l'uno
provviste di cibi,bottiglie
di vino, sigari, e l'altro
un fascio di legna. Al rumore,
i treinnanzi al camino si
volgono e con grida di meraviglia
si slanciano sulle provviste
portate dal garzone e le
depongono sul tavolo.Colline
(From the door two boys appear,
one carrying food supplies,
bottles of wine and cigars, the
other a firewood bundle.
In all the clatter, the three friends go
to the front of the fireplace, they turn
and shout with amazement at the
supplies provided by the boy, who
places the provisions on the table.
Colline takes the firewood and goes
PUCCINI La Boheme Libretto & Translation
10
prende la legna e la porta presso
il caminetto: comincia a far sera)
to the door near the fireplace: evening has started)
Rodolfo
Legna!
Rodolfo
Firewood!
Marcello
Sigari!
Marcello
Cigars!
Colline
Bordò!
Colline
Bordeaux!
Rodolfo
Legna!
Rodolfo
Firewood!
Marcello
Sigari!
Marcello
Cigars!
Rodolfo, Marcello, Colline
Le dovizie d'una fiera
il destin ci destinò.
Rodolfo, Marcello, Colline
Fate has happily given us all
the abundance of the fair.
Act I, Scene Ic: Schaunard’s entrance
Schaunard enters with great excitement; he has provisions (firewood, cigars, wine) and gold coins. Schaunard tells the story of
how he was hired by an English lord to play music for his parrot. (Throughout the story the four friends set the table for a
meal.) They sit down to hear the story and feast.
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6
Schaunard
(Entra dalla porta di mezzo
con aria di trionfo, gettando
a terra alcuni scudi)
Schaunard
(He enters by the door with
an air of triumph, throwing to the
ground some coins)
La Banca di Francia
per voi si sbilancia.
Colline
(raccattando gli scudi insieme
a Rodolfo e Marcello)
For you the Bank of France
has gone into deficit yet again.
Colline
(Rodolfo and Marcello pick
them up)
Raccatta, raccatta!
Marcello-- (incredulo)
Son pezzi di latta!...
Pick them up, pick them up!
Marcello -- (disbelievingly)
They're just pieces of tin!...
Schaunard
Sei sordo?... Sei lippo?
Schaunard
Are you deaf? Are you dim-sighted?
(mostrandogli uno scudo)
Quest'uomo chi è?
(showing him one of the coins)
Look who it is?
Rodolfo -- (inchinandosi)
Luigi Filippo!
M'inchino al mio Re!
Rodolfo -- (bowing)
Louis-Philippe!
I bow to my King.
I quattro
(mettendo gli scudi sulla tavolo)
The Four
(Putting the coins on the table)
Sta Luigi Filippo ai nostri pie'
It is Louis-Philippe and he lies at our feet!
(Depongono gli scudi sul tavolo.
Schaunard vorrebbe raccontare la sua
fortuna, ma gli altri non lo ascoltano:
vanno e vengono affaccendati
disponendo ogni cosa sul tavolo)
(They place the coins on the table.
Schaunard wants to tell them about their
good fortune, but the others are not
listening: they come and go, busily
arranging the table)
Schaunard
Or vi dirò: quest'oro, o meglio
Schaunard
Now listen; these gold coins, or rather,
PUCCINI La Boheme Libretto & Translation
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7
argento, ha la sua brava storia...
silver, have their own noble history...
Marcello
(ponendo la legna nel camino)
Marcello
(placing the firewood in the fireplace)
Riscaldiamoil camino!
Let's heat up the fireplace!
Colline
Tanto freddo ha sofferto.
Colline
Much cold it has suffered!
Schaunard
...Un inglese... un signor...
lord o milordche sia,
voleva un musicista...
Schaunard
...An English Lord...Lord...
Milord, or whatever,
wanted a musician...
Marcello
(buttando via dalla
tavola il fascio di libri di Colline)
Marcello
(throwing Colline's bundle
of books off the table)
Via!
Prepariamo la tavola!
Schaunard
(continuando la sua narrazione)...
Away!
Let's set the table!
Schaunard
(continuing his narration)
...Io? volo!...
Rodolfo
L'esca dov'è?
...Me. maybe? I fly!...
Rodolfo
Where's the kindling wood?
Colline
Là.
Colline
There.
Marcello
Qua.
Marcello
Here
(Accendono un gran fuoco nel camino)
(They ignite a grand fire in the fireplace)
Schaunard
...e mi presento.
M'accetta: gli domando...
Schaunard
..to present myself.
He takes me on, I ask him...
Colline
(mettendo a posto le vivande)
Colline
(Laying out the dishes)
Arrosto freddo!
Cold roast!
Marcello
(mentre Rodolfo accende l'altra candela)
Marcello
(while Rodolfo ignites the other candle)
Pasticcio dolce!
Sweet pastry!
Schaunard
...a quando le lezioni?...
Schaunard
...when should we start our lessons?...
(visto che
nessuno attenzione)
(realising that no one
is paying any attention)
...Mi presento, m'accetta, e
gli domando: a quando
lezioni?
...I present myself, he accepts me,
and I ask him: when do we start
lessons?
Risponde: (imitando l'accento inglese.)
"Incominciam!"...
Guardare!" e un
pappagallo m'addita
al primo pian,
poi soggiunge: "Voisuonare
He answers: (imitating the English accent)
"Right now old chap!"...
"Look!" he says and he points
to a parrot
on the first floor, then adds:
"until the parrot
PUCCINI La Boheme Libretto & Translation
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8
finché quello morire!"...
dies you go on playing."...
Rodolfo
Fulgida folgori la sala splendida.
Rodolfo
Let the room shine with splendour.
Marcello
Or le candele!
Marcello
Now the candles
(Mette le due candele sul tavolo)
(Placing the two candles on the table)
Schaunard
...E fu così:
Suonai tre lunghi dì...
Allora usai l'incanto
di mia presenza bella...
Affascinai l'ancella...
Schaunard
...And that's what happened:
I played for three long days...
I'm a good looking fellow so
I exercised my charm and
won the maid's affection.
Colline
Pasticcio dolce!
Colline
Sweet pastry!
Marcello
Mangiar senza
tovaglia?
Marcello
No tablecloth, we can't eat
without a tablecloth?
Rodolfo
(levando di tasca un giornale
e spiegandolo)
Rodolfo
(taking a newspaper from his pocket
and spreading it out on the table)
Un'idea!...
An idea!...
Colline e Marcello
Il Costituzional!
Marcello and Colline
The Constitutional!
Rodolfo
...Ottima carta...
Si mangia e si divora
Schaunard
...Gli propinai prezzemolo...
Rodolfo
...Optimal paper...
We eat, and devour...
Schaunard
..I prepared a parsley mix...
Rodolfo
...un'appendice!
Rodolfo
...the feast!
Schaunard
Lorito allargò l'ali,
Lorito il becco aprì,
un pocco di prezzemolo
da Socrate morì!
Schaunard
...Lorito spread his wings out,
Lorito opened up his beak;
I fed him my parsley mix.
and then like Socrates, he died!
(Vedendo che nessuno gli bada,
afferra Colline che gli passa
vicino con un piatto)
(Seeing that nobody is paying
attention, he seizes Colline who
passes him while carrying a plate)
Colline -- (indispettito)
Chi?!...
Colline -- (with annoyance)
Who?
Schaunard
Che il diavolo vi porti tutti quanti!
Schaunard
To the devil with the lot of you!
(Poi, vedendoli in atto di mettersi
a mangiare il pasticcio freddo)
(Then, seeing that the others
are beginning to eat the cold pie)
Ed or che fate?
No! Queste cibarie sono la salmeria
pei dì futuri tenebrosi e oscuri.
What are you doing?
No! These are for later, they have to
last us through dark wintry evenings.
(mettendo tutto
(putting everything away in
PUCCINI La Boheme Libretto & Translation
16
nel piccolo armadio)
the little cupboard)
Pranzare in casa il dì
della vigilia mentre il
Quartier Latino le sue vie
addobba di salsicce
e leccornie?
Dining at home on the night
before Christmas! While all
throughout the festive Latin Quarter
is adorned with sausages
and luscious titbits?
Quando un olezzo di frittelle
imbalsama le vecchie
strade? Là le ragazze
cantano contente
I detect the aroma of fritters
which permeates its old streets?
There the young girls sing
with contentment.
Marcello, Rodolfo, Colline
(Circondano ridendo Schaunard.)
Rodolfo, Marcello, Colline
(laughing, they encircle Schaunard)
La vigilia di Natal!
Christmas Eve!
Schaunard
ed han per eco ognuna uno studente!
Un po' di religione, o miei signori:
si beva in casa, ma si pranzi fuor.
Schaunard
With each girl there's a student for an echo!
Religion had its place, gentlemen:
we'll drink at home, but we're dining out!
(Rodolfo chiude la porta a chiave,
poi tutti vanno intorno al tavolo e
versano il vino)
(Rodolfo locks the door, then
they all stand around the table
and pour the wine)
Benoît
(Si bussa alla porta:
s'arrestano stupefatti)
Benoît
(There's a knock at the door:
they stop dumbfounded)
*Si può?
May I?
Marcello
Chi è là?
Marcello
Who is there?
Act I, Scene 2d: Benoit, the landlord, comes to collect rent
Benoit, their landlord, announces himself with a knock at the door. Knowing they do not have the money to pay their rent, the
men try to distract Benoit. They offer him a glass of wine and stroke his ego. Benoit, playing into their trick, starts telling a
story about his wife and the men turn it into a joke on Benoit. Before he knows what has happened they walk him to the door
and cast him out.
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Benoît
Benoît!
Benoît
Benoît!
Marcello
Il padrone di casa!
Marcello
It's the the landlord!
Schaunard
Uscio sul muso!
Schaunard
Close the door in his face!
Colline -- (Grida)
Non c'è nessuno!.
Colline --(shouts out)
Nobody's home!
Schaunard
È chiuso.
Schaunard
The door's locked!
Benoît
Una parola.
Benoît
A word please!
Schaunard
(Dopo essersi consultato
cogli altri, va ad aprire)
Schaunard
(After he consults the others,
he opens the door)
Sola!
Only one!
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Benoît
(Entra sorridente: vede Marcello
e mostrandogli una carta dice)
Benoît
(He enters smiling: sees Marcello
and presenting a paper that says rent)
Marcello
(ricevendolo con grande cordialità)
Marcello
(receiving it with great cordiality)
Olà!
Date una sedia.
Here!
Offer him a chair.
Rodolfo
Presto.
Rodolfo
Promptly.
Benoît
Non occorre. Vorrei...
Benoît
Don't bother, I'd like to...
Schaunard
Segga!
Schaunard
Take a seat!
Marcello
Vuol bere?
Marcello
Can we get you a drink?
(Gli versa del vino)
(He pours some wine)
Benoît
Grazie!
Benoît
Thank you!
Rodolfo e Colline
Tocchiamo!
Rodolfo and Colline
Your health, Sir!
(Tutti bevono. Benoît, Rodolfo,
Marcello e Schaunard seduti, Collin
in piedi. Benoît depone il bicchiere e si rivolge
a Marcello mostrandogli la carta)
(They all drink. Seated are Benoît,
Rodolfo, Marcello and Schaunard, Colline is
on his feet. Benoît puts down the glass and
shows Marcello the paper)
Colline
Tocchiamo!
Colline
Your health, Sir!
Benoît
Questo è l'ultimo trimestre.
Benoît
It's the bill for the last quarter...
Marcello
(con ingenuità)
Marcello
(With naivety)
Ne ho piacere.
Benoît
E quindi...
I'm pleased to hear it.
Benoît
And therefore...
Schaunard
(interrompendolo)
Schaunard
(Interrupting)
Ancora un sorso.
Another drop, Sir?
(riempie i bicchieri)
(Filling up his glass)
Benoît
Grazie.
Benoît
Thank you!
I quattro
Alla sua salute!
The Four
We drink to your health, Sir!
(Si siedono e bevono. Colline
va a prendere lo sgabello presso
il cavalletto e si siede anche lui)
(They are all seated having a
drink. Colline takes the stool nearer
to the fireplace and sits down)
PUCCINI La Boheme Libretto & Translation
19
11
Benoît -- (riprendendo con Marcello)
A lei ne vengo
perché il trimestre scorso
mi promise...
Benoît -- (resuming with Marcello)
I've come to see you
about the last quarter
promised to me...
Marcello
(mostrando a Benoît gli
scudi che sono sul tavolo)
Marcello
(showing Benoît the coins
that are on the table)
Promisi ed or mantengo.
I promised and now I'll honour the promise.
Rodolfo
(con stupore, piano a Marcello)
Rodolfo
(with astonishment, quietly to Marcello)
Che fai?...
What's this you're doing?
Schaunard -- (piano a Marcello)
Sei pazzo?
Schaunard -- (quietly to Marcello)
Are you crazy?
Marcello
(a Benoît, senza
badare ai due)
Marcello
(to Benoît, without taking any
notice of the two)
Ha visto? Or via,
resti un momento in nostra compagnia.
Do you see? Come, please remain
for a moment in our company.
Dica: quant'anni ha,
caro signor Benoît?
Tell us how old are you,
dearest Monsieur Benoît?
Benoît
Gli anni?... Per carità!
Benoît
How old? You're joking!
Rodolfo
Su e giù la nostra età.
Rodolfo
Our age, more or less.
Benoît
Di più, molto di più.
Benoît
More; a lot more.
Colline
Ha detto su e giù.
Colline
He said more or less.
(essi riempiono sempre il bicchiere di Benoît)
(They refill Benoît's glass frequently)
Marcello
L'altra sera al Mabil l'han colto
in peccato d'amor!
Marcello
The other evening at the Mabille he was
caught, in the sins of love!
Benoît
Io?
Benoît
I was?
Marcello
Al Mabil L'altra sera
l'han colto.
Neghi!
Marcello
At the Mabille, though, just the other
evening he was caught making love.
Try denying it!
Benoît
Un caso.
Benoît
Yes, you have a case!
Marcello
Bella donna!
Marcello
A pretty woman!
Benoît
Ah! molto.
Benoît
Ah, yes, very!
Schaunard
Briccone!
Schaunard
You rogue!
PUCCINI La Boheme Libretto & Translation
20
21
12
Colline
Seduttore!
Colline
Seducer!
Rodolfo
Briccone!
Rodolfo
Rascal!
Marcello
Una quercia!... un cannone!
Marcello
Sturdy as an Oak! He's a cannon!
Rodolfo
L'uomo ha buon gusto.
Rodolfo
The man has good taste.
Benoît
Eh - eh!
Benoît
Ah - ah!
Marcello
il crin ricciuto e fulvo.
Marcello
Those curly auburn tresses.
Schaunard
Briccone!
Schaunard
You rogue!
Marcello
Ei gongolava arzillo,
pettoruto.
Marcello
He swaggered about,
prouder than a Peacock!
Benoît
Son vecchio, ma robusto.
Benoît
I'm old, but strong.
Colline, Schaunard, Rodolfo
Ei gongolava arzuto
e pettorillo.
Rodolfo, Schaunard, Colline
He swaggered about,
prouder than a Peacock!
Marcello
E a lui cedea la femminil virtù.
Marcello
To him female virtue yielded.
Benoît
(in piena confidenza)
Benoît
(In full confidence)
Timido in gioventù,
ora me ne ripago...
Si sa, è uno svago
qualche donnetta allegra e. un po'...
I was a shy young man,
so now I need to catch up.
Yes, just as relaxation,
having a buxom vixen is fun...
(accenna a forme
accentuate)
(Indicating and accentuating
the shape of the female form)
Non dico una balena,
o un mappamondo,
o un Viso tondo
da luna piena,
ma magra, proprio magra, no, poi no!
Le donne magre sono grattacapi
e spesso sopraccapi...
e son piene di doglie,
per esempio: mia moglie...
I don't mean a whale,
or a map of the world,
I wouldn't want one with
a round moon face or
skinny, really skinny, no, oh no!
Skinny women are hard to deal with
and rarely worth the trouble.
they are always complaining!
For example my wife...
(Marcello dà un pugno sulla
tavola e si alza: gli altri lo imitano:
Benoît li guarda sbalordito)
(Marcello makes a fist on the table
and raises it: the others imitate it:
Benoît watches them astounded)
Marcello-- (fingendo indignazione)
Quest'uomo ha moglie e sconce
voglie ha nel cor!
Marcello -- (in mock indignation)
This man has a wife, and
his heart is full of lust!
Schaunard, Colline
Schaunard, Colline
PUCCINI La Boheme Libretto & Translation
Orror!
Horror!
Rodolfo
E ammorba, e appesta
la nostra onesta magion!
Rodolfo
And it infects, our honest dwelling
with the plague!
Schaunard, Colline
Fuor!
Schaunard, Colline
Out you go!
Marcello
Si abbruci dello
zucchero.
Marcello
We need to sweeten the room,
we'd better burn some sugar!
Colline
Si discacci il reprobo.
Colline
On your way reprobate!
Schaunard
È la morale offesa...
Schaunard
It is our moral offence...
Benoît
lo di...io di...
Benoît
I'm, err!...I...
Marcello
Silenzio!
Marcello
Silence!
Schaunard
...che vi scaccia!
Schaunard
...that drives you away!
Rodolfo
Silenzio!
Rodolfo
Silence!
Benoît
Miei signori...
Benoît
My good Gentlemen, please...
Marcello, Schaunard, Colline
Silenzio! Via signore!
Marcello, Schaunard, Colline
Silence! on your way, sir!
I quattro
Via di qua!
e buona sera a Vostra signoria.
Ah! ah! ah! ah!
All Four
Out you go, away from here!
And good evening to your Lordship.
Ha! ha! ha!
(Lo cacciano via)
(they throw him out)
Marcello
Ho pagato il trimestre!
Marcello
I have paid the quarter's rent!
Act I, Scene 1e: The head off to Momus
The men decide that they will spend their windfall at the Café Momus in the Latin Quarter. Rodolfo, however, decides to stay
behind to finish an article he is writing for a literary magazine The Beaver. The men chastise Rodolfo for not joining in and
then head off, quite noisily, down the stairs. Rodolfo sits down to write.
22
13
Schaunard
Al Quartiere Latino ci
attende Momus.
Schaunard
At the Latin Quarter, Momus
awaits our attendance.
Marcello
Viva chi spende!
Marcello
Long live the spenders!
Schaunard
Dividiamo il bottino!
Schaunard
We'll divide the booty!
Rodolfo
Dividiam!
Rodolfo
Let's divide!
PUCCINI La Boheme Libretto & Translation
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Colline
Dividiam!
Colline
Let's divide!
(Si dividono il denaro che
Schaunard aveva portato)
(they divide the money
that Schaunard brought)
Marcello
(presentando uno specchio rotto a Colline)
Marcello
(presenting Colline with a broken mirror)
Là ci sono beltà scese
dal cielo - or che sei ricco,
bada alla decenza.
Orso, ravviati il pelo.
There are beauties come down
from Heaven here - now you are rich,
pay heed to decencies you Bear,
tidy up your hair.
Colline
Farò la conoscenza
la prima volta d'un barbitonsore.
Guidatemi al ridicolo
oltraggio d'un rasoio.
Andiamo!
Colline
I will make the acquaintance
of a barber for the first time.
Conduct me to the ridiculous
insult of a razor.
Let's go!
Schaunard
Andiamo!
Schaunard
Let's go!
Marcello, Schaunard, Colline
Andiamo!
Marcello, Schaunard, Colline
Let's go!
Rodolfo
*Io resto per terminar l'articolo
di fondo del 'Castoro.'
Rodolfo
I'll remain behind in order to finish
the leading article for 'The Beaver.'
Marcello
Fa presto!
Marcello
Well hurry then!
Rodolfo
Cinque minuti. Conosco il mestiere.
Rodolfo
Five minutes, I know my profession.
Colline
Ti aspetterem dabbasso
dal portiere.
Colline
We'll wait for you downstairs
in the foyer.
Marcello
Se tardi, udrai che coro!
Marcello
If you're late, you'll hear a chorus!
Rodolfo
Cinque minuti.
Rodolfo
Five minutes.
(Prende un lume ed apre
l'uscio: Marcello, Schaunard e Colline
escono e scendono la scala)
(They take a light and open
the door: Marcello, Schaunard and Colline
exit and go down the stairs)
Schaunard -- (uscendo)
Taglia corta la coda
al tuo 'Castoro'.
Schaunard -- (leaving)
See your 'Beaver's' tail
doesn't grow too long!
Marcello-- (dal di fuori)
Occhio alla scala. Tienti
alla ringhiera.
Marcello -- (from outside)
Keep your eye on the stairs,
hold on to the railings.
Rodolfo -- (chiamandoli)
Adagio!
Rodolfo -- (calling them)
Slowly!
Colline -- (dal di fuori)
È buio pesto.
Colline -- (from outside)
It's pitch-black!
Schaunard -- (dal di fuori)
Schaunard -- (from outside)
PUCCINI La Boheme Libretto & Translation
Maledetto portier!
Confound that janitor!
(si sente un tonfo)
(a thud is heard)
Colline
Accidenti!
Colline
Accident!
Rodolfo
Colline, sei morto?
Rodolfo
Colline, is that you dead?
Colline
(dal fonda della scala)
Colline
(from the bottom of the stairs)
Non ancor!
Marcello
Vien presto!
No, not quite!
Marcello
Come on hurry up!
(Rodolfo si siede alla tavolo,
e si mette scrivere.
Divenuto impaziente, distrugge
lo scritto e getta via la penna)
(Rodolfo sits at the table, and makes
the effort to write. He later becomes
impatient, and destroys what he has
written, and tosses the pen to one side)
Act I, Scene 2a: Mimi’s Entrance
There is a knock at the door and Mimi enters, saying that her candle has gone out. Rodolfo immediately notices that she looks
sick (she has tuberculosis). After giving her water, Rodolfo lights her candle and Mimi moves to leave. As she reaches the door
Mimi says she has lost the key to her apartment and the two of them look around the apartment for it. They begin to flirt.
25
15
Rodolfo
*Non sono in vena.
Rodolfo
I have no inspiration.
(Si bussa timidamente alla porta)
(A timid knock at the door is heard)
Chi è là?
Who is there?
La voce di Mimì -- (di fuori)
Scusi.
Mimì's voice -- (from outside)
Excuse me please.
Rodolfo -- (alzandosi)
Una donna!
Rodolfo -- (raising himself)
A woman!
La voce di Mimì
Di grazia, mi si è spento il lume.
Mimì's voice
Please, my candle has extinguished.
Rodolfo -- (Corre ad aprire la porta)
Ecco.
Rodolfo -- (He runs to open the door)
Here!
Mimì
(sull'uscio, con un lume spento
in mano ed una chiave)
Mimì
(On the doorstep, with an extinguished
candle in one hand and a key in the other)
Vorrebbe?
Would you?
Rodolfo
S'accomodi un momento.
Rodolfo
Do come in for a moment.
Mimì
Non occorre.
Mimì
It is not necessary.
Rodolfo -- (insistendo)
La prego, entri.
Rodolfo -- (insisting)
I beg you... come in.
(Mimì, entra, ma subito è
presa da soffocazione)
(Mimì enters, but her breathing
suddenly turns to gasps)
PUCCINI La Boheme Libretto & Translation
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16
Rodolfo -- (premuroso)
Si sente male?
Rodolfo -- (Thoughtful)
Are you unwell?
Mimì
No... nulla.
Mimì
No.. it's nothing.
Rodolfo
Impallidisce!
Rodolfo
You look so pallid!
Mimì
Il respir... Quelle scale...
Mimì
I'm breathless, it's those stairs...
(Sviene, e Rodolfo è appena
a tempo di sorreggerla ed adagiarla
su di una sedia.Mentre dalle mani di
Mimì cadono candeliere e chiave)
(She faints, and Rodolfo hardly has time
to support her. He carefully lays her down
on a chair. Meanwhile from the hands of
Mimì the candlestick and key fall)
Rodolfo -- (imbarazzato)
Ed ora come faccio?...
Rodolfo -- (embarrassed)
What do I do?
(Va a prendere dell'acqua e
ne spruzza il viso di Mimì)
(He fetches a little water and
splashes some on Mimì's face)
Così!
Che viso d'ammalata.
There!
How ill she looks.
(Mimì rinviene)
(Mimì regains consciousness)
*Si sente meglio?
Do you feel better?
Mimì
Sì.
Mimì
Yes.
Rodolfo
Qui c'è tanto freddo. Segga vicino al fuoco.
Aspetti..
un po' di vino?
Rodolfo
It's very cold in here, sit closer to the fire...
One moment.
a little wine?
Mimì
Grazie...
Mimì
Thank you.
Rodolfo
(Le dà il bicchiere e le versa da bere)
Rodolfo
(He gives the glass to her and pours her a drink)
A lei.
For you.
Mimì
Poco, poco.
Mimì
Just a little, only a little.
Rodolfo
Così?
Rodolfo
So?
Mimì
Grazie.
Mimì
Thank you.
(Beve)
(she drinks)
Rodolfo -- (fra sé)
Che bella bambina!
Rodolfo -- (to himself)
What a lovely young girl!
Mimì
Ora permetta che accenda il lume.
È tutto passato.
Mimì
Now if you wouldn't mind lighting my candle.
Its all passed now.
Rodolfo
Rodolfo
PUCCINI La Boheme Libretto & Translation
Tanta fretta?
So much haste?
Mimì
Sì.
Mimì
Yes.
(Rodolfo scorge a terra il candeliere,
lo raccoglie, accende e lo consegna
a Mimì senza far parola)
(Rodolfo notices the candlestick on
the floor, picks it up, lights the candle and
gives it to Mimì without a word)
Mimì
Grazie. Buona sera.
Mimì
Thank you and good evening.
(she leaves)
(Esce)
27
28
17
Rodolfo
(L'accompagna fino all'uscio)
Rodolfo
(he accompanies her to the door)
Buona sera.
Good evening.
(Ritorna subito al lavoro)
(Returning to his work)
Mimì -- (ritornando)
Oh! sventata, sventata!
La chiave della stanza
dove l'ho lasciata?
Mimì -- (returning)
Oh! dear, how thoughtless of me!
Where can I have left the
key to my room?
Rodolfo
Non stia sull'uscio; il
lume vacilla al vento.
Rodolfo
Don't stand in the doorway; your candle's
starting to waver in the draft.
(Il lume di Mimì si spegne di nuovo)
(Mimì's candle goes out once again)
Rodolfo
(Accorre colla sua candela, ma
avvicinandosi alla porta,
anche il suo lume si spegne)
Rodolfo
(He runs over with his candle,
but as he gets close to the
door it goes out)
Oh Dio!... Anche il mio s'è spento!
Oh Heavens! my own has gone out now!
Mimì
Ah!
E la chiave ove sarà?...
Mimì
Ah!
Where can I have lost my key?...
(Rodolfo chiude la porta)
(Rodolfo closes the door)
Rodolfo
Buio pesto!
Rodolfo
Pitch-black!
Mimì
Disgraziata!
Mimì
Oh, how unfortunate!
Rodolfo
Ove sarà?
Rodolfo
Where can it be?
Mimì -- (avanzandosi cautamente)
Importuna è la vicina...
Mimì -- (She cautiously advances)
What a nuisance you have for a neighbour...
Rodolfo
(Si volge dalla parte ove ode la voce di Mimì)
Rodolfo
(turning towards Mimì's voice)
Ma le pare?...
You're not a nuisance.
Mimì
Importuna è la vicina...
Mimì
What a nuisance you have for a neighbour...
Rodolfo
Rodolfo
PUCCINI La Boheme Libretto & Translation
29
(Cerca la chiave sul pavimento,
strisciando i piedi.)
(Searching the floor for the
key with his feet)
Cosa dice, ma le pare!
What are you saying? No not at all.
Mimì
Cerchi.
Mimì
Help me look.
Rodolfo
Cerco.
Rodolfo
I'll look.
Mimì
Ove sarà?...
Mimì
Where can it be?
Rodolfo
(trova la chiave)
Rodolfo
(finding the key)
Ah!
Ah!
(mette la chiave in tasca)
(putting the key in his pocket)
Mimì
L'ha trovata?...
Mimì
It is found?
Rodolfo
No!
Rodolfo
No!
Mimì
Mi parve...
Mimì
It seemed to me...
Rodolfo
In verità...
Rodolfo
In truth, no...
Mimì
Cerca.
Mimì
Please look.
Rodolfo
Cerco!
Rodolfo
I'm looking!
(Finge di cercare, ma guidato dalla
voce e dai passi di Mimì, tenta di avvicinarsi
ad essa che, china a terra, cerca sempre
tastoni: in questo momento Rodolfo si è
avvicinato ed abbassandosi esso pure,
la sua mano incontraquella di Mimì)
(Pretending to search and guided
by the voice and footsteps of Mimì,
Rodolfo moves towards her, head
bowed, hoping to touch her.
Suddenly he finds himself close to
Mimì, and their hands meet)
Mimì -- (sorpresa)
Ah!
Mimì -- (surprised)
Oh!
Act I, Scene 2b: Rodolfo’s Aria
Rodolfo tells Mimi about himself. He describes his life as a poet and then asks for her to tell him about herself.
30
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Rodolfo
(tenendo la mano di Mimì, con
voce piena di emozione!)
Rodolfo
(Holding Mimì's hand in a
voice that's full of emotion)
*Che gelida manina
Se la lasci riscaldar.
Cercar che giova?
Al buio non si trova.
Ma per fortuna
è una notte di luna,
e qui la luna
l'abbiamo vicina.
This little hand is frozen,
let me warm it here in mine.
What’s the use in searching?
It's far too dark to find it.
But by our good fortune,
it's a night lit by the moon,
and up here the moon
is our closest of neighbours.
PUCCINI La Boheme Libretto & Translation
31
32
33
34
(mentre Mimì cerca di ritare la mano)
(As Mimì tries to withdraw her hand)
Aspetti, signorina,
le dirò con due parole
chi son, e che faccio,
come vivo. Vuole?
One moment, mademoiselle,
let me tell you in just two words,
who I am, what I do,
and how I live. Shall I?
(Mimì tace: Rodolfo lascia la
mano di Mimì, la quale indietreggiando
trova una sedia sulla quale si lascia
quasi cadere affranta dall'emozione)
(Mimì says nothing: Rodolfo lets go
of Mimì's hand.
Full of emotion she reaches back
for a chair upon which to drop)
Chi son?
Sono un poeta.
Che cosa faccio? Scrivo.
E come vivo? Vivo!
In povertà mia lieta
scialo da gran signore
rime ed inni d'amore.
Per sogni e per chimere
e per castelli in aria,
l’anima ho milionaria.
Talor dal mio forziere
ruban tutti i gioelli
due ladri, gli occhi belli.
V’entrar con voi pur ora,
ed i miei sogni usati
e i bei sogni miei,
tosto si dileguar!
Ma il furto non m’accora,
poiché, v’ha preso stanza
la dolce speranza!
Or che mi conoscete,
parlate voi, deh! Parlate.
Chi siete? Vi piaccia dir!
Who am I?
I am a poet.
What do I do here? I Write.
And how do I live? I live
in my contented poverty,
as if a grand lord, I squander
odes and hymns of love.
In my dreams and reveries,
I build castles in the air,
where in spirit I am a millionaire.
Yet sometimes from my safe,
all my gems are stolen
by two thieves, a pair of lovely eyes!
They entered with you just now!
Now all past dreams have disappeared.
Beautiful dreams I'd cherished,
immediately vanished without a trace!
But the theft does not wound me deeply,
because, in their room they have
been replaced by sweet hope!
Now you know all about me.
Will you tell me who you are?
Will you say? Please do tell!
Act I, Scene 2c: Mimi’s Aria
Mimi describes her life: it is sweet and charming, but without much companionship. She lives alone, just one floor away from
the Rodolfo and his friends.
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36
19
Mimì
(È un po' titubante, poi si decide
a parlare; sempre seduta)
Mimì
(She is a little hesitant, then decides
to speak; sitting throughout)
*Sì, Mi chiamano Mimì,
ma il mio nome è Lucia.
La storia mia è breve:
a tela o a seta
ricamo in casa e fuori...
Son tranquilla e lieta
ed è mio svago
far gigli e rose.
Mi piaccion quelle cose
che han sì dolce malìa,
che parlano d'amor, di primavere,
di sogni e di chimere,
quelle cose che han nome poesia...
Lei m'intende?
Yes, they always called Mimi,
but my real name is Lucia.
This story of mine is brief:
To linen and silk I embroider,
at my home or away...
I have a quiet, but happy life,
and my pastime
is making lilies and roses.
I delight in these pleasures.
These things have such sweet charm,
they speak of love, of Spring,
of dreams and visions and
the things that have poetic names.
Are you understanding me?
Rodolfo
Si.
Rodolfo
Yes.
Mimì
Mi chiamano Mimì,
il perchè non so.
Mimì
They always call me Mimi,
I know not why!
PUCCINI La Boheme Libretto & Translation
37
38
Sola, mi fo
il pranzo da me stessa.
Non vado sempre a messa,
ma prego assai il Signore.
Vivo sola, soletta
là in una bianca cameretta:
guardo sui tetti e in cielo;
ma quando vien lo sgelo
il primo sole è mio
il primo bacio dell'aprile è mio!
Germoglia in un vaso una rosa...
Foglia a foglia la spio!
Cosi gentile il profumo d'un fiore!
Ma i fior ch'io faccio,
Ahimè! non hanno odore.
Altro di me non le
saprei narrare.
Sono la sua vicina
che la vien fuori
d'ora a importunare.
All alone
I make myself dinner.
I don't attend mass often,
but I pray to the Lord frequently.
I live by myself, all alone,
in my little white room.
I look upon the roofs and the sky.
But when the thaw comes,
the first warmth of the sun is mine,
the first kiss of April is mine!
In a vase a Rosebud blooms,
I watch as petal by petal unfolds,
with its delicate fragrance of a flower!
But the flowers that I sew,
alas, have no fragrance.
There's nothing more
I can tell you about myself.
I am your neighbour, who knocks
at your door so late disturbing
you at inopportune moment.
Act I, Scene 2c: The men interrupt and call Rodolfo to Café Momus
Rodolfo’s friends call up from the street that he should join them at Café Momus. Rodolfo admits that he is not alone and his
friends mock him gently as they head down the road to the café.
39
Schaunard -- (dal cortile)
*Ehi! Rodolfo!
Schaunard -- (from the courtyard)
Hey! Rodolfo!
Colline -- (dal cortile)
Rodolfo!
Colline -- (from the courtyard)
Rodolfo!
Marcello-- (dal cortile)
Olà! Non senti?
Marcello -- (from the courtyard)
Hello! Don't you hear us?
(Alle grida degli amici,
Rodolfo s'impazienta)
(At the calling of his friends,
Rodolfo starts to show impatience)
Lumaca!
Slowcoach!
Colline
Poetucolo!
Colline
Rhymester!
Schaunard
Accidenti al pigro!
Schaunard
Down with you, idle one!
(Sempre più impaziente, Rodolfo
a tentoni si avvia alla finestra el'apre
spingendosi un poco fuori per
rispondere agli amici che sono giù nel
cortile: dalla finestra aperta entrano i
raggi lunari, rischiarando così la camera)
(Getting more impatient Rodolfo
holds the window open a little in
order to answer to his friends
who are down in the courtyard:
from the open window the moon
shines into the room)
Rodolfo
Scrivo ancor tre righe a volo.
Rodolfo
I have three more lines to write, I'll be quick.
Mimì
(avvicinandosi un poco alla finestra)
Mimì
(approaches the window a little)
Who's that?
Chi sono?
20
Rodolfo -- (a Mimì)
Amici.
Rodolfo -- (to Mimì)
My friends.
Schaunard
Schaunard
PUCCINI La Boheme Libretto & Translation
40
Sentirai le tue...
You will hear......
Marcello
Che te ne fai lì solo?
Marcello
What are you doing up there all alone?
Rodolfo
Non sono solo. Siamo in due.
Andate da Momus, tenete il posto,
ci saremo tosto.
Rodolfo
No! I'm not alone. There are two of us.
Continue on to Café Momus and hold a
place for us, we won't be long.
(Rimane alla finestra, onde assicurarsi
che gli amici se ne vanno.)
(he remains at the window, waves
to his friends to assure they go)
Marcello, Schaunard e Colline
(allontanandosi)
Marcello, Schaunard and Colline
(Drifting away)
Momus, Momus, Momus,
zitti e discreti andiamocene via.
Momus, Momus, Momus,
quietly and discreetly we'll be on our way!
Schaunard e Colline
Momus, Momus!
Schaunard and Colline
Momus, Momus!
Marcello
trovò la poesia!
Marcello
He's found his poetry!
Schaunard e Colline
Momus, Momus, Momus.
Schaunard and Colline
Momus, Momus, Momus!
Act I, Scene 2d: Rodolfo & Mimi’s Duet
Left alone, Rodolfo and Mimi sing of their immediate love for each other. They depart together to join Marcello, Colline, and
Schaunard and Café Momus.
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21
Rodolfo
*O soave fanciulla,...
Rodolfo
Oh, beautiful maiden,...
Marcello
trovò la poesia.
Marcello
He's found his poetry!
Rodolfo
...o dolce viso
di mite circonfuso
alba lunar
in te, vivo ravviso
il sogno ch'io vorrei
sempre sognar!
Rodolfo
...Oh, how sweet your face looks,
its beauty softly kissed by the
gentle moonlight.
In you, sweet maiden,
I see the dreams of love I have
dreamt about forever.
(cingendo con le braccia Mimì)
(encircling Mimì in his arms)
Mimì -- (assai commossa)
Ah! tu sol comandi, amor!
Mimì -- (much affected)
Ah! Love, only you alone guide us!
Rodolfo
Fremon già nell'anima
le dolcezze estreme,
nel bacio freme amor!
Rodolfo
Such sweet love invades my soul.
I feel such joy, and love so tender.
Our kisses tremble with love.
Mimì -- (assai commossa)
Ah! tu sol comandi, amor!
Mimì -- (much affected)
Ah! Love, only you alone guide us!
(quasi abbandonandosi)
(Almost letting go)
Mimì
Oh! come dolci scendono
le sue lusinghe al core...
tu sol comandi, amore!
Mimì
His gentle sweet words delight me,
as they flatter my heart.
Love, only you alone guide us!
PUCCINI La Boheme Libretto & Translation
42
43
22
(Rodolfo bacia Mimì)
(Rodolfo kisses Mimì)
Mimì -- (svincolandosi)
No, per pietà!
Mimì -- (freeing herself)
No, I beg you!
Rodolfo
Sei mia!
Rodolfo
You're mine now.
Mimì
V'aspettan gli amici...
Mimì
Your friends are waiting.
Rodolfo
Già mi mandi via?
Rodolfo
You're sending me away so soon?
Mimì -- (titubante)
Vorrei dir... ma non oso...
Mimì -- (hesitant)
I'd like to say, but dare not.....
Rodolfo -- (con gentilezza)
Di'
Rodolfo -- (with gentility)
Speak!
Mimì -- (con graziosa furberia)
Se venissi con voi?
Mimì -- (with graceful cunning)
What if I came with you?
Rodolfo -- (sorpreso)
Che?... Mimì!
Rodolfo -- (surprised)
what?... Mimì!
(insinuante)
(insinuating)
Sarebbe così dolce restar qui.
C'è freddo fuori.
It would be nice if we could
stay here, outside its cold.
Mimì -- (con grande abbandono)
Vi starò vicina!...
Mimì -- (with great abandonment)
I'll stay close by you.
Rodolfo
E al ritorno?
Rodolfo
And when we return?
Mimì -- (maliziosa)
Curioso!
Mimì -- (mischievously)
Wait and find out!
Rodolfo
(Aiuta amorosamente Mimì
a mettersi lo scialle)
Rodolfo
(he tenderly assists Mimì
with her shawl)
Dammi il braccio, mia piccina.
Take my arm, my little one.
Mimì - (Dà il braccio a Rodolfo)
Obbedisco, signor!
Mimì -- (giving her arm to Rodolfo)
Sir, I'll do as you say.
(S'avviano sottobraccio
alla porta d'uscita)
(Arm in arm they start
towards the door)
Rodolfo
Che m'ami di'...
Rodolfo
Tell me you love me!
Mimì -- (con abbandono)
Io t'amo!
Mimì -- (with abandonment)
I love you.
(escono)
(they leave)
Mimì e Rodolfo -- (di fuori)
Amor! Amor! Amor!
Mimì and Rodolfo -- (from outside)
Sweet love! sweet love! sweet love!
PUCCINI La Boheme Libretto & Translation