History of "La Traviata"

Based on the play “La Dame aux Camélias” by Dumas, Verdi uncharacteristically completed the entire score in only 4 weeks, in 1853.  The first production, in Venice, was performed in the modern costume of 1850, an innovation which the audience did not appreciate.  The leading tenor was hoarse and the soprano was a fat prima donna.  When the doctor announced in the last act that the heroine was dying of consumption, the audience howled with laughter.

The opera was an immediate and complete failure.  A year later the opera was reset in 1700 and costumed and cast appropriately.  The performance was an outstanding success, and since then has been a favorite of opera lovers and novices alike.  Scenes from La Traviata appear in the movie "Pretty Woman" and inspired the similar though updated story, which ends happily, unlike the opera.

Plot Synopsis

Place: In and near Paris, France
Time: About the year 1700

Act I: The richly furnished drawing room of Violetta Valery in Paris

Violetta Valery, a famed courtesan, is having a lavish party at her Paris home to celebrate her recovery from an illness.  Gastone, a count, tells Violetta that his friend, the young nobleman Alfredo Germont loves her and that while she was ill Alfredo came to her house every day.  Alfredo joins them, admitting the truth of Gastone's remarks.

The Baron, Violetta's current lover, waits nearby to escort her to the salon where the Baron is asked to give a toast, but he refuses, and the crowd turns to Alfredo who obliges with the famous 'Libiamo' (Drinking Song,) accompanied by Violetta and the chorus of guests.

Feeling dizzy, Violetta asks her guests to go ahead into the next room to dance while she recovers.  Alfredo expresses his concern for her fragile health and declares his love for her in the popular 'Un di felice' (The day I met you.)  He is about to leave when she gives him a flower, telling him to return it when it has wilted.  She promises to meet him the next day.  After the guests leave, Violetta wonders if Alfredo could actually be the one in her life in the beautiful aria 'Ah, fors'è lui' (Perhaps he is the one.)  But she concludes that she needs freedom to live her life in the aria which follows, 'Sempre libera' (Always free.)

From off stage, Alfredo's voice is heard singing about love as he walks down the street.

Act II

Scene 1:  A country home and garden near Paris

Three months later, Alfredo and Violetta are living together in the country.  Violetta has fallen in love with Alfredo and she has completely abandoned her former life.  Alfredo sings of their happy life together in 'De miei bollenti spiriti' (Wild my dream of ecstasy.)

Annina, the maid, arrives from Paris, and tells Alfredo that she went there to sell Violetta’s possessions to support their country lifestyle.  Alfredo is shocked to learn this and leaves for Paris immediately to settle matters himself.  Violetta returns home and receives an invitation from her friend, Flora, to a party in Paris that evening.

Alfredo’s father, Giorgio Germont, is announced and demands that she break off her relationship with his son for the sake of his family, since he reveals that Violetta’s relationship with Alfredo has threatened his daughter’s engagement in 'Pura siccome un angelo' (I have a daughter as pure as an angel) because of Violetta's reputation.  She responds that she cannot end the relationship because she loves him so much.  With growing remorse, she finally agrees.

Violetta is writing a farewell letter to Alfredo when he enters.  Before rushing out and setting off for Paris, she asks her servant to give the letter Alfredo.  As soon as Alfredo has read it, Giorgio returns and attempts to comfort his son.  Alfredo suspects the Baron is behind his separation with Violetta.  He decides to confront her at Flora’s party.

Act II

Scene 2: The luxurious mansion of Flora Bervoix in Paris

At the party, the Marquis tells Flora that Violetta and Alfredo have separated.  She calls for the entertainment and the chorus performs two songs with a Spanish theme.  Violetta arrives with Baron Douphol.  Alfredo, at the gambling table, loudly proclaims that he will take Violetta home with him.  The Baron joins him in gambling.  Alfredo wins a large sum of money; Flora announces that supper is ready.

Fearing the Baron will challenge him to a duel, Violetta asks Alfredo to leave. Alfredo demands that she admit that she loves the Baron.  He humiliates and denounces Violetta in front of the guests, and then throws his winnings at her feet.  She faints.

In search of his son, Giorgio enters the hall and denounces his son's behavior.  Flora and the ladies attempt to persuade Violetta to leave the dining room, but Violetta turns to Alfredo and professes her love for him.

Act III: Violetta’s bedroom

Dr. Grenvil tells Annina that Violetta will not live long since her tuberculosis has worsened. Alone in her room, Violetta reads a letter from Alfredo’s father telling her that the Baron was only wounded in his duel with Alfredo; that he has informed Alfredo of the sacrifice she has made for him and his sister; and that he is sending his son to see her as quickly as possible to ask for her forgiveness.  Violetta voices that it is too late in the aria 'Addio del passato' (So closes my sad story.)

Annina rushes in the room to tell Violetta of Alfredo's arrival.  The lovers are reunited and Alfredo suggests that they leave Paris.   But it is too late: she knows her time is up, and they sing the duet 'Gran Dio! morir si giovane' (O, God! to die so young.)  Alfredo's father enters with the doctor, regretting what he has done.  Violetta dies in Alfredo’s arms.