La Bohème

La Bohème, a classic opera composed by Giacomo Puccini, is often heralded as a masterpiece of the Romantic era. However, what many people don’t know is that the characters in the opera are actually based on Puccini’s friends from his own bohemian lifestyle.

The story revolves around a group of struggling artists living in poverty in 19th century Paris, including the poet Rodolfo, the painter Marcello, the musician Schaunard, and the philosopher Colline. They spend their days drinking cheap wine, dodging their landlord, and trying to find love.

One of the most iconic scenes from the opera is when Rodolfo meets his love interest, the seamstress Mimì, when she accidentally enters his apartment looking for a light for her candle. This scene has been immortalized in countless parodies, including a sketch on Saturday Night Live where the character Mimì is replaced by a pizza delivery person.

Another noteworthy aspect of La Bohème is the character of Musetta, Marcello’s on-again, off-again girlfriend. Musetta is known for her flamboyant personality and love of attention, which is evident in her famous aria “Quando me’n vo”. The aria has inspired many memes and TikTok videos, where users lip-sync along to the catchy tune while voguing and striking poses.

Overall, La Bohème is a timeless classic that continues to captivate audiences with its portrayal of the struggles and joys of bohemian life. Just don’t be surprised if you find yourself belting out “Che gelida manina” in the shower, or humming “Musetta’s Waltz” on your daily walk.