La Traviata

One of her guests, Gastone, introduces her to his friend Alfredo. Together, Violetta and Alfredo sing a toast to wine and pleasure. Violetta is about to lead her guests to dance, when she feels ill, and asks them to go on. Alfredo stays behind with Violetta. He tells her that he has loved her from afar for a year, and asks Violetta to let him take care of her. Violetta teases him, and then hands him a camellia, asking him to return it when it has faded. After her guests have left, Violetta admits to herself that she is attracted to Alfredo, but decides not to give up her life of pleasure. Alfredo and Violetta have been living happily together for three months. Alfredo learns that Violetta has been selling her possessions to pay for their lifestyle, and decides to go to Paris to raise money himself. Violetta is alone, reading an invitation to her friend Flora’s party, when Alfredo’s father enters. He has come to persuade Violetta to leave Alfredo. He explains that his daughter’s engagement may be jeopardized, as her fiancé’s family are scandalized by Alfredo’s relationship with Violetta. Violetta, distraught, tells Germont how much she loves Alfredo, and about her serious illness. Eventually she agrees to leave Alfredo. Germont praises her sacrifice before departing. Violetta is writing a note to Alfredo when he returns. Imploring Alfredo to remember her love for him, she runs out. A messenger brings Alfredo Violetta’s note, and he collapses in despair. His father re-enters, and urges him to return to the family home, but Alfredo decides to follow Violetta to Paris and Flora’s party. Violetta is dying, nursed by Annina and Doctor Grenvil. Alone, she reads a letter from Germont telling her that Alfredo now knows about Violetta’s sacrifice and is coming to ask her forgiveness. Violetta suspects he will arrive too late, and prepares for death. Annina ushers in Alfredo. The lovers embrace, and plan a new life away from Paris, but Violetta cannot hide how ill she is. Germont enters, and praises Violetta’s noble nature. Violetta gives Alfredo a locket containing her picture, telling him to give it to the girl he will one day marry. Violetta suddenly feels a rush of life, and believes she is recovering, but collapses, dead, to the grief of the others.