“Musette svaria sulla bocca viva” from La Bohème
Ruggero Leoncavallo (1857-1919)

THE STORY

     The aria "Musette svaria sulla bocca viva" is from the lesser-known of two operas by the name of La Bohème, composed at the same time at the end of the 19th century. Both were based on the play La Vie de Bohème by Henri Murger; Giacomo Puccini’s version became a standard of the repertoire while Ruggero Leoncavallo’s is rarely performed.
     The story is about a group of Bohemian friends who are never able to pay the bills; it ends tragically with the death of Mimì, a seamstress, when she is unable to afford treatment for her illness. “Musette svaria sulla bocca viva" is Mimì’s most notable aria in Leoncavallo’s version. Taking place in happier times toward the beginning of the opera, Mimì sings about her friend Musette, describing her beauty and addiction to love in a playful, lilting cabaret style. 

The text and translation for this work are available in the printed program at the concert hall or in the printable program online.

INSTRUMENTATION

Piccolo, flute, two oboes, two clarinets, two bassoons, four horns, timpani, harp, strings