Famous and free courtesan Violetta Valery claims that she will never be entangled by commitment. However, she reluctantly falls in love with Alfredo as her life is ending.

La traviata, opera in three acts by Italian composer Giuseppe Verdi (libretto in Italian by Francesco Maria Piave) that premiered in Venice at La Fenice opera house on March 6, 1853. Based upon the 1852 play by Alexandre Dumas fils (La Dame aux camélias), the opera marked a large step forward for Verdi in his quest to express dramatic ideas in music. La traviata means “the fallen woman” or “the one who goes astray” and refers to the main character, Violetta Valéry, a courtesan. The opera features some of the most challenging and revered music in the entire soprano repertoire; the aria “Sempre libera” at the end of Act I is especially well known. READ MORE ON BRITTANICA

SETTING

As Sophia from the Golden Girls says “picture it” La traviata takes place in and around Paris, about 1850.

ACT 1: Violetta’s Salon in Paris

ACT 2:

Scene 1- Violetta’s country house near Paris.

Scene 2- Flora’s salon in Paris.

 ACT 3: Violetta’s bedroom in Paris.

LEGENDARY CAST- WHO YOU WILL HEAR

Due to time constraint, this opera talk features a partial cast. If you loved the program, purchase from our affiliates or borrow the above DVD’s from your local library to see the full cast.

TANISHA’S PICK

 This opera talk features Tanisha’s favorite casts from these recordings. Click the link to purchase them for your own collection.

OPERA-ALIKES

If you liked La Traviata then try these opera talks featuring passionate lovers in the midst of tragic circumstances