Written in 1853, the same year as Il Trovatore, La Traviata tells the story of the ill-fated love between Violetta, a Parisian courtesan, and Alfredo, a callow man of neither common sense nor fortune.

 

Verdi's musical interpretation of the story is quite astonishing, even 152 years after its premiere. In typical style, he juxtaposes the poignant Prelude, which depicts Violetta's illness and sadness, with an exuberant party scene in which frivolousness and vivacity are rife. This procedure is repeated throughout the opera, even in its final act: Violetta is dying, alone and poor, in her apartment, while the strains of the carnival outside are heard through the window.  Romance, however, is very much at the heart of La Traviata, as heard in the frequent waltz-like accompaniments to many of the arias.

 

Today, the opera has become immensely popular and it is a staple of the standard operatic repertoire.

 

Opera is drama set to music, and both are important. The melodies of arias (solos), the complex interweaving of contrasting melodies in duets and trios, and the rousing harmonies of choruses are the very heart and soul of opera. Emotional raptures which might seem exaggerated in the theater are brought to life by music. It is crucial not to get so wrapped up in following the plot that you don't pay attention to the music. This is, above all, one of the most glorious musical compositions produced in the Romantic era, filled with memorable melodies, duets, and choruses.

 

Friday, March 16, 2012 at 21:00 hrs

Saturday, March 17, 2012 at 20:00 hrs