LA TRAVIATA

The action takes place in and around Paris in the 1840s.

ACT I
A salon in Violetta's house in August.
Violetta welcomes guests to her party, including Flora, who is accompanied by the Marquis d'Obigny. Gastone arrives with his friend, Alfredo, and tells Violetta that during her recent illness the young man came to her house everyday inquiring about her health. Violetta chides the Baron Douphol, her lover for his lack of attention during that time.

After announcing that it is time to dance, Violetta almost faints. Alfredo stays behind with her to profess his love, and Violetta gives him a flower and tells him to return when it has withered. Alone, Violetta wonders if Alfredo is the one person she could truly love.

INTERMISSION​

ACT II
Scene One - A country house near Paris in January.
Alfredo muses that Violetta now lives quietly and happily with him in the country. Their servant Annina returns, having been sent to Paris by Violetta to sell her mistress's possessions in order to raise money for unpaid bills. Shocked at this, Alfredo leaves for the city to rectify Violetta's finances.

Violetta enters, and a servant gives her a party invitation from Flora. A stranger is announced and introduces himself as Alfredo's father, Giorgio Germont. He accuses Violetta of ruining his son, but she informs him that it is she, not Alfredo, who pays for their life together. Germont explains that he is here to ask for a sacrifice: the marriage of his daughter cannot take place if Violetta and Alfredo are together. After much reluctance, Violetta agrees to abandon Alfredo.

Violetta writes a letter to Alfredo but is interrupted by his return. She expresses her deep love for him before exiting. While Alfredo waits for his father, a messenger arrives with a note from Violetta which states that she has left him. Germont enters and asks his son to return home. However, Alfredo sees the invitation from Flora and runs off to take his revenge.

ACT II
Scene Two - A gallery in Flora's house that evening.
The Marquis d'Obigny tells Flora that Violetta and Alfredo have separated. Alfredo enters and begins playing cards. Soon Violetta arrives, escorted by Baron Douphol who orders her not to speak to Alfredo. The Baron and Alfredo gamble, and Alfredo wins repeatedly.

Alone with Alfredo, Violetta says it was the Baron who forced her to abandon him. Alfredo calls in the guests and throws money at Violetta. Having followed his son to the party, Germont condemns his son's behavior. The Baron challenges Alfredo to a duel.

INTERMISSION

ACT III
Violetta's bedroom in February.
A month has passed and Violetta is gravely ill. Dr. Grenvil confides to Annina that Violetta has only a few hours to live. Alone, Violetta rereads a letter from Alfredo's father. It states that the duel has taken place: the Baron is recovering from a wound, Alfredo has gone abroad, and Germont has told his son about her sacrifice.

Annina prepares Violetta for a surprise: Alfredo has returned. The lovers embrace and dream of leaving Paris together. Germont arrives, remorseful for the harm he has caused. After feeling momentarily renewed, Violetta falls dead.

World Premiere: TEATRO LA FENICE, VENICE, MARCH 6, 1853