An Introduction to Puccini's La bohème by Mel Cooper

Mel Cooper, Formerly of Classic FM and OperaNow Magazine is one of the leading experts in the field of Opera.
in his inimitable way he takes us through the opera scene by scene and then discusses some of the best recordings available, but essentially this is for those who want to know what it's all about before they take the plunge.
More that a bluffer's guide to opera, this allows those who are going, or thinking of going to the opera for the first time to really get a grasp of the story and setting, along with some background detail. Before you go and see La Bohème for the first time, you should watch this!
For Mel's Interview with a real Mimi, Elizabeth Llewellyn at the English National Opera, click the link below
• Mel Cooper talks to El...

[@streb6]

Beautifully explained 👍

[@thomasferguson8897]

Thank you!!! I was invited to see it tonight and your telling me the story is part of the gift. 🙏🏼

[@russellbrauer4799]

thank you so much for this wonderful easy to understand explanation of the opera mr. cooper. just great!

[@dab505279]

Great stuff. He explains it in such a professional and interesting way and you can tell that he really loves what he is talking about.

[@arnonernstgunders432]

dab505279 x

[@nadeyd9567]

Incredible explanation! I am off to see La bohème at the Met on Monday and wanted some context and this was perfect! Thank you

[@seanhallahan14]

Such a gift! Thank you, Mel.

[@joeherald7319]

Thanks sir. This was a very enjoyable explanation from someone who obviously knows opera. I am not an expert but I am trying to learn about opera in OLLI classes. We've watched and discussed a lot of operas but, "La Boheme" quickly became and remains my favorite. So many popular operas have such implausible plots with murders, suicides, torture, deadly duels, double-crossing, sorcery, dragons, be-headings, imprisonments etc. "La Boheme" is about real people, like those we all know, and the events that come into their lives are like real life.

[@sleepypoodle]

I love Mel Cooper's style & genuine enthusiasm, his interview with Elizabeth Llewellyn was an absolute pleasure to watch & he masterfully explored her somewhat troublesome 'journey' to reach where she is today. He's very adept at achieving a good rapport with his 'interviewees' & shows a great deal of respect & integrity whilst still managing to probe deeper into the psyche of his 'guest' without seeming too intrusive which is indeed a gift. This is a great synopsis of 'La Boheme'. Bravo!

[@Cicalonion]

You are perfect. Greetings from Rome.

[@peytongirl]

Thank you. This was a great beginning for me!!!

[@marcelroche1]

Brilliant explanation!

[@JD-yw2vh]

love all your explanations- please do more.

[@sleepypoodle]

I had the immense pleasure of seeing the ENO's production of Jonathan Miller's 'La Boheme' last night (25/01/2011) with Alfie Boe as Rodolfo & Elizabeth Llewellyn as Mimi. This is the first live version I've seen sung in English & although I was slightly daunted at first, I found the translation to have been masterfully done & was not disappointed. I did however think that the orchestra overwhelmed the performers at times & I had difficulties with actually hearing them sing which was a pity.