Giuseppe Verdi

La Traviata: Act I, Valse e Duetto: Che e cio? - Un di felice, eterea - Ebben? che diamin fate?

by Alexandre Dumas fils. The opera was originally titled Violetta, after the main character. Librettist Francesco Maria Piave and composer Giuseppe Verdi (1813-1901) wanted to follow Dumas in giving the opera a contemporary setting, but the authorities at La Fenice insisted that it be set in the past, ca. 1700. It was not until the 1880's that the composer's and librettist's original wishes were carried out and "realistic" productions were staged. The story follows the doomed romance between the courtesan Violetta Valéry and the young nobleman Alfredo Germont, whose happiness is destroyed by societal pressure and personal sacrifice. Following its initially unsuccessful March 6, 1853 premiere at La Fenice in Venice, La Traviata has since become immensely popular and is among the most frequently performed of all operas. In Act 1, the waltz and duet "Che è ciò?"; "Un dì felice, eterea"; "Ebben? che diamin fate" takes place at Violetta's opening soirée, marking her first intimate encounter with Alfredo and establishing the central love story that propels the tragedy. Instrumentation: 1+ Picc.2.2.2: 4.2.3.1: Timp.Perc(1): Str (4.4.3.3.3 in set): Sop.Ten Soli: Mix Chorus (opt.) or Orch: 1.2.2.2: 4.0.0.0: Str (4.4.3.3.3 in set): Banda [1+1(Picc).2.2.2: 4.2.3.1: Timp.Perc(1): Str (1.1.1.1.1 in set)]: Sop.Ten Soli: Mix Chorus (opt.). As this scene takes place at a party, most of the music was originally orchestrated for the banda, with only a brief use of the pit orchestra. This edition includes additional parts so that all of the music may be played by the pit orchestra if needed. Reprint edition.