Despite a troublesome opening night, La traviata has gone on to become one of the most performed operas in history. The tale of doomed romance returns to Welsh National Opera in David McVicar’s acclaimed production this Autumn, and tours across Wales and England. Based on the play by Alexandre Dumas, La Dame aux camélias, Verdi composed La traviata between 1852 and 1853, and the opera premiered in Venice’s La Fenice theatre on 6 March 1853. It received mixed acclaim from audiences during the initial performance, and Verdi revised the opera before its second performance at the Teatro San Benedetto in May 1854. This performance was a great success and paved the way for La traviata’s continued popularity today.
Our story starts at the courtesan Violetta Valéry’s party, as the viscount Gastone brings his friend, Alfredo, along. Alfredo has long admired Violetta from afar, and he admits his feelings to her. Once the party arrives at the salon, Alfredo leads the famous Brindisi, ‘Libiamo ne’ lieti calici’.
As the celebrations go on, Violetta begins to feel dizzy, and requests that the guests move onto the next room. Alfredo stays behind and expresses his concern for her fragile health and declares his love for her. Violetta rejects him at first but is touched by his feelings. Uncertain of her emotions, Violetta decides that she must always be free, as Alfredo walks home, singing of love.
At the beginning of the second act, Alfredo and Violetta live together happily outside Paris. Alfredo leaves for Paris when he hears that Violetta has been selling her possessions to fund their lifestyle, now that she has given up on her past life as a courtesan.
That night, Violetta is confronted by Alfredo’s father, Giorgio, who demands that she breaks off her relationship with his son. She initially refuses, surprising Giorgio with her nobility, but eventually acquiesces, leaving a note detailing her intentions for Alfredo. Upon reading the note, Alfredo is incensed and decides to confront Violetta about this, believing that she has returned to her former lover, the Baron.
At the party, Alfredo wins a large amount of money from the Baron at the gambling table, and Violetta fears that the Baron will challenge Alfredo to a duel, and so asks him to leave. Incensed and misunderstanding, Alfredo demands that she admit her love for his rival. She admits to this, and before leaving, Alfredo throws his winnings at her feet, as though paying her for her services, and causing her great offence.
Giorgio finally tells his son of his earlier request to Violetta and urges that he goes to her. However, Violetta’s illness has worsened, and she lies on her deathbed, suffering from tuberculosis. Alfredo rushes in, and they confess their love for one another, Alfredo sure that she will recover. Unfortunately, she passes away in his arms after they sing a tender duet together.
Experience Verdi’s heartbreaking opera with WNO this Autumn, as we visit Cardiff, Llandudno, Bristol, Plymouth, Birmingham, Milton Keynes and Southampton from 21 September to 22 November.