O soave fanciulla

"O soave fanciulla" ("O gentle maiden") is a romantic duet from the first act of Giacomo Puccini's 1896 opera La bohème.

It is sung as the closing number in act 1 by Rodolfo (tenor) and Mimì (soprano) where they realise they have fallen for each other.

The last bar in the orchestra is characterized by descending harp harmonics through the final C major chord.

"/"Fremon già nell'anima"), the music returns to the opera's love leitmotif from Rodolfo's aria "Che gelida manina" (talor dal mio forziere).

He told her about his life ("Che gelida manina"), and asked her to tell him about hers ("Sì, mi chiamano Mimì").

In this duet, "O soave fanciulla", they realize that they have fallen in love.

Rodolfo's friends call him to join them but he would rather stay with Mimì, but she shyly suggests they all go out together.

Rodolfo remarks how cold it is outside, but Mimì promises to stay near to him.

[3][4] Mimì si è avvicinata ancor più alla finestra per modo che i raggi lunari la illuminano: Rodolfo, volgendosi, scorge Mimì avvolta come da un nimbo di luce, e la contempla, quasi estatico.

Rodolfo: O soave fanciulla, o dolce viso di mite circonfuso alba lunar, in te, ravviso il sogno ch'io vorrei sempre sognar!

Mimì: assai commossa Tu sol comandi, amore!

Entrambi Rodolfo cingendo colle braccia Mimì R: Fremon nell'anima dolcezze estreme, fremon dolcezze estreme, M: quasi abbandonandosi Oh come dolci scendono le sue lusinghe al core...

Mimì: V'aspettan gli amici... Rodolfo: Gia mi mandi via?

Mimì: con grande abbandono Vi staro vicina!

Rodolfo: Aiuta amorosamente Mimì a mettersi lo scialle Dammi il braccio, o mia piccina... Mimì: Dà il braccio a Rodolfo Obbedisco, signor!

Rodolfo: Che m'ami...di... Mimì: con abbandono Io t'amo.

Turning, Rodolfo sees Mimì wrapped in a halo of moonlight.

Both Rodolfo putting his arms around her R: The soul trembles the heights of tenderness trembling are the heights of tenderness M: almost surrendering How sweet his flatteries enter my heart...

Rodolfo: helping lovingly Mimì to put on her shawl Take my arm, my dear young lady... Mimì: gives Rodolfo her arm I obey, my dear sir!

Sweet to my soul the magic voice of love its music chanteth