Che gelida manina (La bohème)

Rodolfo's Act I aria from La bohème, in which he introduces himself to Mimì by describing his life as a poet. The aria progresses from conversational recitative to soaring lyricism, culminating in a sustained high C that has become a hallmark test for lyric tenors. The aria captures Puccini's genius for marrying text and melody into an emotionally irresistible whole.