La Traviata

Black Dog Opera Library

by Giuseppe Verdi, Daniel S. Brink, William Berger (Commentaries by)

One of the greatest operas of all time, La Traviata opens up like never before in a charming book that includes the libretto, the storyline, and history, and much much more.

These opera books are beloved by fans and lovers of musical theater. And now they're available again, and packaged with gorgeous covers, each book in the library includes the complete opera on 2 CDs, featuring world-class performances and orchestras; the complete libretto, plus its English translation; an exciting history of the opera; a biography of the composer; a synopsis of the story, broken down by act and scene; and dozens of photographs and drawings depicting performances, singers, sets, costumes, and more.

La Traviata features Beverly Sills, Nicolai Gedda, and Rolando Panerai, with Aldo Ceccato and is conducted by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra.

Also available in the series

La Bohè featuring Nicolai Gedda and Mirella Freni, with Thomas Schippers conducting the Orchestro e Coro del Teatro dell'Opera di Roma; The Marriage of Figaro featuring Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau, Heather Harper, Judith Blegen, Geraint Evans, Teresa Berganza, and Birgit Finniläwith Daniel Barenboim conducting the English Chamber Orchestra. Carmen featuring Grace Bumbry, Jon Vickers, Mirella Freni, and Kostas Paskalis, with Rafael Fru¿beck de Burgos conducting the Orchestra of the Thére National de l'Opé.

Genres: Music, Plays, Classics, Italian Literature, Italy, School, Theatre

144 pages, Hardcover

First published October 1, 1853

About the author

Fullest artistic form of operas of Giuseppe Verdi, Italian composer, included La Traviata in 1853, Aïda in 1871, and Otello in 1887; people credit him with raising the genre.

Giuseppe Fortunino Francesco Verdi, mainly a Romantic, most influenced the 19th century. Houses frequently perform his works throughout the world, and some themes transcended the boundaries of the genre and long took root in popular culture:
* "La donna è mobile" from Rigoletto
* "Va, pensiero" (The Chorus of the Hebrew Slaves) from Nabucco , and
* "Libiamo ne' lieti calici" (The Drinking Song).

Masterworks of Giuseppe Verdi used a generally diatonic rather than a chromatic musical idiom, and people sometimes criticized tendency toward melodrama, which dominates the standard repertoire a century and a half.

Reviews

[Bine · Rating 2 out of 5]

Leicht zu lesen, ist eben nur ein libretto. Ich kann über die Oper an sich natürlich nichts sagen, bis ich sie gesehen habe, aber ich kenne ja die Romanvorlage und die Umsetzung hat mich schon etwas verwundert.
Der Fokus wurde hier viel mehr auf den Vater gelegt überhaupt wurden ja alle Namen geändert, woran ich mich erstmal gewöhnen musste.
Ein bisschen doof finde ich ee, dass sie das Ende nochmal total verändert haben, um es noch viel theatralischer zu machen. Schade, ich fand das Ende im Roman gerade so gelungen.
Nun ja, ich kann mir vorstellen, dass das libretto eben die Vorlage zu einer extrem theatralischen Oper mal wieder ist. Ich mag solche Opern ja gar nicht. Von daher werde ich bei dem Roman von Dumas bleiben, der viel mehr auf Moral und Persönlichkeit der Figuren eingeht und für mich eine schönere Atmosphäre schafft.
Dafür ist hier die Handlung sehr kurz gehalten, dadurch auch sehr kurzweilig. Ist in Ordnung, auch wenn es natürlich überhaupt nicht mein Fall ist.

[Sérgio · Rating 5 out of 5]

Libreto da ópera La Traviata, de Giuseppe Verdi, levado ao palco no Coliseu do Porto a 5 de Abril de 2013, com encenação de Eleonora Paterniti e direcção musical de José Ferreira Lobo. Encenada em comemoração do duocentenário do nascimento de Verdi, o livro contém o roteiro da obra, biografias do compositor, do libretista e dos intérpretes, bem como uma pequena história da representação da obra.

[Settare · Rating 2 out of 5]

La Traviata is almost everyone's favorite Verdi opera. Not mine. I surely do love this opera very much, I have searched around for various productions of it and I have listened to so many versions of "Parigi, O Cara" that I've lost count; however, it still isn’t my favorite. Verdi disagrees: La Traviata was very dear to Verdi on a personal level. it was written at the peak of his career (in 1852-3) and it is clear that he poured his heart and soul into it. in his earlier years, Verdi's operas circled around patriotic themes and social issues, but in the early 1850s, he decided to get personal and tell individual stories that take characters on psychological roller-coasters, and this is as personal as he ever gets. It is a typical romantic tragedy (or tragic romance?) about a frail and terminally ill French courtesan called Violetta, and his ardent (and annoying) lover Alfredo.

Long story short: They meet, (after a whole year of Alfredo stalking her), fall in love, elope together, Alfredo's dad who thinks it's a disgrace for his noble son to be courting a courtesan finds Violetta alone and begs/threatens her to break up with Alfredo for the sake of the "pride and honor" of his family, (typical controlling patriarchal dad), she finally accepts with great agony, she lies to Alfredo that she loves someone else and breaks up with him, Alfredo gets really jealous and angry (of course) and then makes a fool of himself in front of everyone at a party by humiliating and insulting her for loving someone else (typical possessive and angry dumped guy), time passes, Violetta gets so sick that she's about to die, Alfredo and dad arrive just in time to witness her death and express their remorse, they sing lots of heartbreaking love songs and Violetta dies, end of the story.

Well, I guess the plot is quite cheesy (as most old school Romantic dramas are), and the libretto follows suit. This opera's merit is neither in its characters (certainly not Alfredo who is one of the worst romantic heroes in all of opera), nor in its plot nor poetry, but only in its beautiful score. As I said, Verdi pours his heart and soul into every Aria, every bar, every note, and the result is simply beautiful. There aren't many flamboyant and dashing arias in La Traviata, but there are lots of heart-felt, calm and beautiful duets. I really didn't expect to like the libretto of La Traviata (and I didn't), but it is always nice to read again the words of the duet "Parigi, O Cara". You can listen to Parigi O Cara, by Pavarotti and Joan Sutherland in a concert here. Also here's one of my personal favorite versions of it in a very melancholy and minimal production, by Anna Netrebko and Rolando Villazon which you can watch here.

[Atakan Özkaya · Rating 5 out of 5]

libiamo

Let's drink, let's drink from the joyous chalices

that beauty blossoms.

And may the fleeting moment

be elated with voluptuousness.

 

Let's drink from the sweet thrills

that love arouses,

because that eye aims straight

to the almighty heart.

 

Let's drink,

my love: the love among chalices

will have warmer kisses.

 

Ah! Let's drink,

my love: the love among chalices

will have warmer kisses.

 

With you, with you I'll be able to share

my cheerful times.

Everything is foolish in the world

which is not pleasure.

 

Let's enjoy ourselves, for fleeting and quick

the delight of love is:

it's a flower that blooms and dies

and can no longer be enjoyed.

 

Let's enjoy ourselves, fervent

flattering voice invites us!

 

Ah! Let's enjoy the cup, the cup and the chants,

the embellished night and the laughter;

let the new day find us in this paradise.

 

Life means celebration,

 

If one hasn't known love,

 

Don't tell someone who doesn't know,

 

But this is my fate...

 

Ah, yes! Let's enjoy the cup, the cup and the chants,

the embellished night and the laughter;

let the new day find us in this paradise.

[Paul Doody · Rating 5 out of 5]

Concise and pithy guide to this perennial Verdi favourite. We have a brief overview of Verdi's life, the background to the opera's creation and its critical reception over the years since its less-than-illustrious premiere, an account of the singers heard on the CD, a full libretto in both Italian and English annotated with points to look out for. Plus, of course, the opera itself, complete across two CDs. This particular edition features a beautiful performance of the opera from Beverly Sills and Nicolai Gedda, with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by Aldo Ceccato. A wonderful package.

[✧ sarah ✧]

I read this one at work when no one showed up for my class and I really hoped no one would come in because I almost had to cry (I cry very easily)
It’s just the opera in text form but I really liked just focusing on the text for once it gives something new to it
I just wished we had just one act where one of them is happy for once but you can’t have it all I guess
I really want to read the book now the opera is based on
Mostly because the notes to the book said that it is based on real life even though the love is glamorized but I wouldn’t have expected otherwise

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Le stelle vanno all'experience: lettura, ascolto del podcast strepitoso di casa fools (https://open.spotify.com/episode/3XVG...), che genera una traboccante voglia di opera, e visione all'arena.
Nel complesso, la tisica con le migliori doti canore di sempre.

[Muhammad Kamal]

For the love of wonderful libretti!

[Marks54 · Rating 3 out of 5]

I saw La Traviata at the Lyric tonight and it was really good - classic Italian opera, with the additional drama of a lead soprano coming down with a cold and an understudy stepping in. I am having increasing difficulties in passing on the particular attitudes towards heroines in these productions but they are good shows if a bit unPC. These guidebook editions are effective in allowing one to do some of the required homework necessary to start appreciating these operas. They are quick reads and provide a good start for further digging as one has the time and inclination.

[LemontreeLime · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great series, and this is the only one i kept because... well, it's La Traviata. It's Verdi. It's Violetta singing 'Sempre Libera' and the hairs on your arms going straight up to the ceiling. I almost gave it away... and then my brain kicked in - what ARE you thinking?!? There is Always Always room for Verdi.

[gaia ★ · Rating 3 out of 5]

★★½

[Mike Van Helden · Rating 3 out of 5]

So I decided to watch an opera and read along; and what better place to start then "La Traviata" (The Fallen Woman) by Italian opera master Giuseppe Verdi.

The opera follows sickly courtisan lady Violetta, who throws a birthday party. At the party, Alfredo is invited, who is in love with Violetta and eventually declares his feelings for her. Three months later, the two are together but are forced to separate by Violetta's father.

To be honest, this is the first Italian opera I ever watched and have absolutely no prior knowledge. I can appreciate the plot and music, but this was probably not for me. The plot felt pretty basic and I rather had read "The Lady of the Camelias" by Alexandre Dumas fils on which Verdi based this opera.

Nonetheless, I give opera another try by delving into Puccini's "Madama Butterfly" next time.

[Sabrina K · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 / 5 stars

When I was young, I heard the aria Sempre Libera for the first time…
I didn’t know which opera it belonged to, nor did I really understand Italian opera music.

But I thought it was one of the most beautiful things I’d ever heard.

I guess I’m a sucker for operatic romances now (and I thought I was insufferable before…).

I can't help it - I wept with dear Alfredo - What a beautifully miserable love story!

Null’ uomo o demone, angelo mio. Mai più staccarti portà da me.

[Javier Fernandez · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love this opera, but the ending is disappointing. Is Alfredo just going to loiter around on Earth while Violetta waits in Heaven? His tolerance for temporal existence under these circumstances is unacceptable! In my eyes this puts all his previous passions in question. I'm left wondering whether it was really true love all along. For my doubts, I must deduct a star.

[★ray's bookshelf★ · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just finished this book! It was amazing! The story was very interesting and the end was really heartbreaking for me. I can totally understand Violet why she did that and it reminded me of nowadays when people don't have enough money to live and they do everything , they will even sell their own house.

[Susan Devine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read this short book in Santa Fe while at this opera. Did not listen to CD but read the dialogue again after opera. The history in first part was interesting! Learned about Italy in suppression from France

[Melanie Garcia · Rating 4 out of 5]

🌟🌟🌟🌟

The written words just don't have the same passion as when they're being performed.

A beautiful, simplified version of The Dame Aux Camelias by Dumas. I can't wait to see this brought to life in the opera next week ❤️✨🥰

[kay · Rating 3 out of 5]

I mean I’m glad it ended in tragedy

[yo JP · Rating 3 out of 5]

Moravské divadlo Olomouc. Mimo asi tuctu osobních vtípků a přepálené délky jsem se párkrát přistihl, že když Violetta držela katanu doktora Grenvilla (zvláštní asijský touch opery), v hlavě jsem měl představu, že by na pódiu skutečně spáchala seppuku, v klasicky přepálené krvavé sprše, přičemž by kamera udělala střih a CRASH ZOOM (Tarantino style) na můj obličej.

[Lucia Calero · Rating 5 out of 5]

obviamente me lo he leído por Violeta Hódar y gracias a ella he descubierto esta obra italiana tan preciosa y romántica

[Selene 🌙 · Rating 5 out of 5]

«Libiamo, amor fra i calici
Più caldi baci avrà.
[…]
Godiam, fugace e rapido
È il gaudio dell’amore;
È un fior che nasce e muore,
Nè più si può goder.»

La lirica è tanto opera in musica quanto narrazione e tragedia. Su questo profilo ho deciso di raccontarvela dal punto di vista narrativo, e così come ho fatto con Aida in precedenza, oggi porto alla vostra attenzione “La traviata” di Giuseppe Verdi.

L’opera, scritta dal librettista veneziano Francesco Maria Piave, fa parte di quella trilogia popolare a cui appartengono anche “il Rigoletto” e “il trovatore”.

Ispirata a “la signora delle Camelie” di Dumas figlio, la Traviata ha dato a Violetta, a mio parere, quella giustizia che Dumas non era riuscito a dare a Marguerite Gautier nel proprio romanzo.

Nell’opera lirica, Violetta, una mantenuta affetta da tisi, si innamora sinceramente di un giovane rampollo, Alfredo, e dopo una tormentata storia d’amore a cui è costretta a rinunciare per motivi di forza maggiore e per il decoro della stessa famiglia di Alfredo, finirà col morire comunque circondata dagli affetti.
A differenza di una morte solitaria e incompresa, che è quella della signora delle camelie di Dumas, il sacrificio di Violetta verrà universalmente riconosciuto.

Gli echi di questa singolare storia d’amore non si sono fermati a Giuseppe Verdi; anche Moulin Rouge, film di Baz Luhrmann con Nicole Kidman, ha portato l’amore dell’alter ego di Violetta e Marguerite: Satine, sul grande schermo.

Quanto all’opera di Giuseppe Verdi, la prima rappresentazione al teatro la Fenice, nel 1853, non si rivelò un grande successo, tuttavia le interpretazioni di Maria Callas e il successo che ne seguirono, hanno portato la Traviata a divenire l’opera più rappresentata al mondo.

[Carol]

Bought this book at The New York City Opera, November 9, 2002 in New York State Theatre Lincoln Center, New York City. Thank God for the touring company that allowed my husband and I to transition into my retirment after 34 looooong years in the classroom. We discovered N.Y.shows and opera and museums and gardens and mansions. It was a dream come true. Thank You, Suzanne, for being so fab!!! Came home and followed the libretto as we listened to the two accompanying CD's. I thought wow, Italian is easier than French. This is the book that sent
me back to college classes and two semesters of Italian, post retirment style. Violetta, Alfredo. Oh, quanto! Perche piangi? So much! Why are
you weeping? Oh quanto bella! So beautiful.

[Mari McR · Rating 5 out of 5]

Delightful, lyrical, a bounty of emotions all rolled up in one libretto in three Acts. This is for sure one of my favorite operas. After reading it, the reader is so utterly engulfed in the tragedy that a deep breath exited from my chest at the same time Violetta exclaimed, "Gioi!"

I cannot wait to see this performance once again. I feel so fortunate to live near a larger community of art lovers that bring in top quality of international performers!

[Marcelo Teixeira · Rating 5 out of 5]

This opera was quite amusing because it was funny and romantic. The ending was quite sad, which is to be expected from this type of literature. Verdi made this story so unique that I cried in the end and I truly want to read more of his books. To all of you I reccommend it to read and enjoy this magnificent book!

[Raúl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Podría ser la ópera, aquella que representa lo que la ópera debe ser. Un equilibrio entre lo brillante y lo íntimo, un alto nivel melódico y una gran riqueza formal, siendo siempre una música que declara, aún rompoiendo ya los moldes de la ópera del momento, por atraer al oyente y ser música de forma declarada música popular.

[Tom Schulte · Rating 3 out of 5]

Probably the nicest part of this set is the 2-CD presentation of the opera, featuring Beverly Sills and all the arias occasionally cut in live performance. Also, there are biographies of Sills, Verdi, and others along with a synopsis and full, annotated libretto.

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I will definitley listen to more of the Black Dog Library audios. A great way to understand and appreciate your favorite operas. Beverly Sills was awesome.

[Patricia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fantastic companion book to the CD complete with English translations, cast bio's and Verdi's biography. Loved it all.

[James · Rating 5 out of 5]

An example of Verdi's best work.

[mish · Rating 5 out of 5]

Found the history and analysis of the opera to be super interesting - and it was the perfect book to sum up my month (I watched it in Aus, the liberetto was in Italian, and it was set in Paris!)