The Cleveland Opera

La traviata

La traviata is the story of Violetta, a nineteenth-century Parisian courtesan who falls in love with her admirer Alfredo.

Act I

Violetta & Alfredo meet at a party of which she is the host. He confesses that he truly loves her, & she she replies by giving him a flower. When it has wilted, she tells him, he should come see her again.

When all the guests depart, Violetta remains alone, torn between the glamour of the light-hearted life she leads & premonitions of true love.

Act II, Scene 1

Violetta vows to remain true to Alfredo as they begin a new life together in the country. Unbeknown to Alfredo, his father comes & persuades Violetta to forsake his son so that the reputation of his family remains untarnished. Crushed, Violetta consents.

Act II, Scene 2

Violetta comes to Flora's party accompanied by Baron Douphol. An enraged Alfredo appears, & she bears his ignorant accusations.

Act III

Violetta, having been abandoned by Alfredo, is on her deathbed. Unexpectedly, Alfredo returns, having learned the truth of her sacrifice. Overjoyed, she forgives him, the couple reaffirms their love, & Violetta dies.

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