La Traviata is the chronicle of a tragedy foretold. It is also an account of a rise, a fall and a redemption. But above all, it is the story of a love larger than prejudice, larger than society, larger than life.
Act 1 is a party at the courtesan Violetta Valery’s apartment in Paris. Guests are still arriving. Gastone tells Violetta that the young Alfredo Germont is devoted to her. Alfredo is persuaded to lead a drinking song (‘Libiamo, ne’ lieti calici’) instead of her disgruntled lover Baron Douphol. A band announces dancing, but Violetta remains behind. Alfredo, noticing her pallor, urges her to give up her reckless life and declares his love (‘Un dì felice’). She mocks him, but is inwardly touched by his attention. Some guests return, and Alfredo is dismissed with an invitation to come back when the camellia flower she gives him has faded.The party is over, and Violetta, left alone, muses on the effect of Alfredo’s love (‘Ah, fors’ è lui’). But she decides to live for the present, despite the echo of Alfredo’s testament of love (‘Sempre libera’).
Act 2 begins three months later at Violetta’s country house. She and Alfredo are now living together. His happiness (‘De’ miei bollenti spiriti’) is jolted by the maid Annina telling him she has arranged for the sale of her mistress’s carriage. He leaves for Paris at once, to raise money on his own. Violetta comes in and refuses an invitation from her friend Flora Bervoix. A stranger is announced. It is Alfredo’s father, and his purpose is to persuade her to leave his errant son. She describes what she has given up for him. When Germont tells her the liaison threatens his daughter’s marriage, she protests that she does not have long to live. But he is adamant, and she resigns herself to the sacrifice, begging only that that the daughter be told of it, and Alfredo likewise, after her death (‘Dite alla giovine’). Alone, she writes a letter telling Alfredo that she has decided to return to Douphol. Suddenly Alfredo is there. She begs him to go on loving her (‘Amami, Alfredo’) and leaves. The servant tells him she has gone to Paris, and then he receives the letter. His father returns to console him (‘Di Provenza’), but he decides to follow her.
Later that evening, at Flora’s town house, the guests hear of Violetta and Alfredo's separation. Gastone provides entertainment. Alfredo arrives and begins gambling, then a distraught Violetta appears together with Douphol. A quarrel between the two men is prevented by the announcement of supper. Violetta has asked for a private word with Alfredo. She lies and says that she loves Douphol, and Alfredo insults her publicly by throwing his winnings at her feet. His father arrives and upbraids him for his cruelty.
Act 3 takes place six months later at Violetta’s Paris apartment, where she lays in bed dying. The doctor offers her hope, but tells Annina that the end is near. Violetta re-reads a letter from Germont promising Alfredo’s return. It is too late, and she despairs of her dreams (‘Addio del passato’). Outside there is a carnival, and it heralds Alfredo’s surprise arrival. For a short while they are reunited (‘Parigi, o cara’). Violetta now desperately wants to live, but her strength is failing. In the presence of a repentant Germont, she gives Alfredo an image of herself, and dies.
