David Schneider

2 months ago | wsj.com | David Schneider |David Schneider

Among the most goose-bump-inducing moments in opera is Mimì’s entrance in the duet that concludes the first act of Giacomo Puccini’s 1896 opera “La Bohème.” Rodolfo (tenor), a struggling poet, has found his muse in the poor, tubercular seamstress-grisette Mimì (soprano); his vocal crescendo ignites her into joining him in a mutual declaration of love. The parallel singing in this climax thrills with its power and passion.