La Bohème: 4 Acts

This is exactly what I was looking for and it was as it was advertised.

I found this opera guide very succinct and helpful in understanding some of the intricate details of this opera. As a novice in opera I loved how it explains historical facts about the composer and librettists; it provides the timing sequence when reading through the Libretto so that you know exactly what is happening at any distinct time period during the opera. There are also notes on each main aria to help the listener understand the underlying meaning of some of the events and phrases used. In addition, it highlights some of its famous performers over the past decades. I will definitely enjoy seeing this opera much more because there is so much more to appreciate than just the performance itself! I plan on collecting the rest of this series for other operas as well. An additional positive accolade is the price for this little treasure.

Printed in 2005, this new edition surpassed all my expectations. Hardcover, red cloth for piano and voice. High qualtiy printing, clear and bold! Note: Only in Italian text.

I bought this book and CD set a few years ago to learn the opera LA BOHEME. The beautifully illustrated book includes a history of the opera and of Puccini's career, a clearly printed libretto in Italian and English, and information on the conductor and the principal singers. The recording is a fine one, dominated by the partnership of Nicolai Gedda and Mirella Freni as Rodolfo and Mimi. Gedda has a firm, pure tenor and a delightful sense of humor too often missing from portrayals of Rodolfo. I also like his sad sigh in the last act just before Mimi dies: it's a refreshing change from the outright weeping usually heard at this point in the opera. Freni lights up the performance with her luminous, youthful lyric soprano. The supporting cast are all-Italian and make a good team, and Maestro Thomas Schippers paces the opera nicely. This book and CD set is a wonderful bargain for anyone wanting to learn LA BOHEME. Check out the other Black Dog Opera Library sets, too.

Looking for a good, moderately priced recording of "Boheme"? This is it. Schipper's conducts a delightfully theatrical performance. The young Freni is ideal: fresh and touching as Mimi should be. Gedda has a lighter, more youthful sound than Pavarotti or Bjoerling, and makes an excellent match for Freni. Good stereo sound. Excellent supporting cast: Sereni a charming, youthful Marcello. Other sets have great casts and great conductors (and you may want to augment your collection with Beecham's classic recording and Kleiber's live La Scala performance, but this one is a perfect introductory "Boheme", with its user-friendly book and libretto. Beautiful.