La Traviata

Author: Giuseppe Verdi
Libretto by Francesco Maria Piave, after the play La dame aux camélias (The Lady of the Camelias) by Alexandre Dumas.
Première: 6th March 1853, Venice (Teatro La Fenice)

La Traviata, Opera in 3 acts

Violetta Valéry, a Parisian courtesan, during a party at her house she is giving to celebrate her return to society after an attack of tuberculosis, meet Alfredo, a young man from the provinces who genuinely falls in love with her. She tries to suppress the emotions she is also beginning to feel but she has already fallen under the magic spell of love.

Violetta and Alfredo have given themselves up to their love for each other and retire in a country house near Paris.
Alfredo discovers that Violetta is selling her possessions to cover their living expenses. Ashamed he goes to Paris trying to raise money.
Germont, Alfredo's father, take advantage of the young man absence to visit Violetta. He asks her to give up Alfredo in order to avoid bringing disgrace on his family. Violetta, sadly, agrees. Alfredo is shocked.
At a masquerade given by Flora Violetta arrives with Baron Douphol. Alfredo and Baron Douphol play cards, gambling against each other. Alfredo wines but throws the money he has won at her feet accusing her of being a prostitute. The baron challenges him to a duel.

Violetta's tuberculosis is now in its final stage and she is in bed. Alfredo has wounded the baron in duel and has fled abroad. Alfredo, hearing from his father of Violetta's sacrifice, returns to Paris to ask her forgiveness. The two lovers dream of a new life together but it is too late. Violetta dies in Alfredo's arms.

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